Poet who fought in World War II and was associated with the Progressive Writers’ Association. Known for his distinctive style.

One of the prominent women poets is famous for the soft and lyrical tone of her poetry.

One of the leading modernist poets who broke many conventions, wrote poetry in Urdu and Gujarati. He was also a famous calligrapher and playwright.

Widely celebrated and sung Urdu poet. Rose to iconic stature through his seductively romantic and anti-establishment poetry.

One of the leading and reputed Pakistani poets, known for his neo-classical tone, equally well-known in India, lives in Houston, USA.

Most outstanding Pakistani, progressive poet. Also counted among leading fiction writers. Edited an important literary magazine, Funoon.

Aitbar Sajid first gained recognition for his poetry and went on to establish himself as a versatile writer, producing notable works in poetry, essays, travelogues, and short stories.

The greatest Urdu poet of humour and satire, who was a Sessions judge at Allahabad.

One of the pillars of modern Urdu Nazms & dialogue writer. Wrote dialogues for more than a hundred films. "Jinke apne ghar sheeshe ke hon vo doosron par patthar nahin phenka karte" - one of his dialogues made famous by Rajkumar in the film Waqt.

One of the most celebrated progressive poets, literary critics, public intellectuals, and editors. Contemporary of Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Recipient of the Gyanpeeth Award. Produced documentaries on Urdu poetry.

One of the greatest Urdu poets, the national poet of Pakistan, who penned 'Saare jahaan se achha Hindostaan hamara' and 'Lab pe aati hai dua ban ke tamanna meri'.

Eminent Urdu poet and contemporary of Dagh Dehlvi. Famous for penning the ghazal "Sarakti jaye hai rukh se naqaab aahista aahista.".

Known by the honorary title Allamah Arzoo Lakhnavi, he is an Urdu poet and lyricist who wrote in nearly every genre of Urdu poetry, including Marsiya, Qasida, Masnavi, Rubai, Naat, and chronogram inscriptions. He also wrote radio plays and scripts for several early Urdu films.

One of the most famous Progressive poets known for romantic and revolutionary poetry. He was the maternal uncle to film lyricist Jawed Akhtar.

Renowned woman poet known from Lucknow and a companion of Qurratulain Hyder.

Last Mughal Emperor and contemporary of Ghalib and Zauq.

Prominent contemporary modern poet, recognized for his simplistic yet unique diction and style, one of those who enriched modern ghazal.

Last of the classical poets who celebrated life and love. Famous for his playfulness with words (idioms/phrases).

One of the widely celebrated and popular Urdu poets, equally sung in romance and rebel, faced political repression against his revolutionary views.

A prominent poet, critic, writer, editor, and scriptwriter, Farhat Ehsas is widely acknowledged and respected across borders. He has also been associated with the BBC and All India Radio,' where he contributed insightful commentaries on current affairs.

One of the most influential pre-modern poets who paved the way for the modern Urdu ghazal. Known for his perceptive critical comments. Recipient of the Gyanpeeth Award.

Celebrated poet, novelist, song and scriptwriter. Acclaimed for directing a tele-serial on Mirza Ghalib. Recipient of Sahitya Academy and Dada Sahab Phalke awards.

Freedom fighter, member of the Constituent Assembly which drafted the Indian Constitution. He gave the slogan "Inquilab Zindabad" during the freedom movement. He was a devotee of Shri Krishna. He wrote the famous ghazal "Chupke Chupke Raat Din".

Pakistani poet known for his ghazal "Kal chaudhanvi ki raat thi, shab bhar raha charcha tera.".

One of the most prominent modern poets, famous for his neo-classical poetry.

Progressive poet & lyricist. Father of noted lyricist Jawed Akhtar.

One of the most prominent modern Urdu poets, popular among the masses for his unconventional ways.

Bollywood screenwriter, lyricist, and poet. Famous for co-writing films like 'Sholay' & 'Deewar'.

One of the most prominent pre-modern poets who enjoyed stunning popularity and fan following.

One of the most fiery progressive poets who is known as Shayar-e-Inquilab (revolutionary poet).

One of the prominent progressive poets with popular appeal. Also, a film lyricist famous for his lyrics in films like Heer Ranjha, Kaghaz Ke Phool, etc.

One of the founding fathers of modern Urdu criticism in the subcontinent.

Widely acclaimed poet and lyricist, especially admired for his melodious Tarannum. Wrote memorable songs for several films, including Shahjehan, Baradari, and Saaz Aur Awaaz, among others.

Renowned Pakistani poet known for her bold views on women and strong stand against religious fundamentalism.

One of the most lyrical of ghazal poets associated with the progressive movement. Outstanding film lyricist. Recipient of the Dada Sahab Phalke Award.

One of the important progressive poets, famous for his ghazals in Bollywood films like 'Baazaar' and 'Gaman'.

One of the greatest Urdu poets, known as Khuda-e-Sukhan (God of Poetry).

Legendary Urdu poet occupying a place of pride in worldwide literature. One of the most quotable poets, having couplets for almost all situations of life.

One of the most prominent modern poets, known for his style of layered simplicity, recipient of the Sahitya Academy Award.

One of the greatest 18th-century poets, contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir.

Contemporary of Ghalib and Zauq. Also a physician, astrologer, and chess player. Mirza Ghalib is said to have offered his complete Divan for his sher "Tum mere paas hote ho goya, Jab koi doosra nahin hota.".

Popular poet having a dominating presence in mushairas.

One of the most outstanding modern poets who wrote both in Urdu and Punjabi, also a film lyricist.

One of the founders of modern ghazal. Born at Ambala in India, he migrated to Pakistan and wrote extensively on the pain and sufferings of partition.

One of the most prominent modern poets with wide popular appeal, well-known film lyricist, and prose writer. Famous for his ghazal 'Kabhi kisi ko mukammal Jahan nahin milta…'.

Considered the father of Modernism in Urdu literature, he was associated with the Progressive Writers’ Movement and played a pioneering role in the free-verse Urdu poetry. Faiz Ahmad Faiz honored him with the title Malik-ush-Shoara (King of Poets).

One of the most popular Urdu poets who gave expression to feelings and experiences specific to women.

Pakistani poet known for the ghazals laced with social and political satire.

One of the most popular poets ever and a film lyricist. Famous for his ghazal 'Garmi-e-hasrat-e-nakaam se jal jate hain'.

Popular poet and film lyricist.