Quick Info
| Profession | Poet |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Date of Birth | 26/11/1952 |
| Age | 71 years (died on 14, Jan, 2024) |
| Birthplace | Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Hometown | Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Date of Death | 14/01/2024 |
Do you like Munawwar Rana?
You can vote only once.
Bio/Wiki
| Munawwar Rana was one of India's most beloved and influential contemporary Urdu poets, renowned for his emotionally charged ghazals and nazms. | |
| He deliberately moved away from heavy Persian-Arabic vocabulary common in classical Urdu poetry, opting instead for accessible, colloquial language that resonated with ordinary audiences. | |
| His commanding stage presence and witty repartee made him immensely popular at mushairas across India and internationally, earning him the title of a true 'people's poet.' | |
| He wrote in Hindi, Urdu, and Awadhi, bridging the gap between classical Urdu poetry and contemporary expression. |
Physical Stats & More
| Height | 168 cm (1.68 m or 5' 6") |
|---|---|
| Weight | 90 kg (198 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Grey |
Educational Qualification(s)
| Studied at Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi |
Personal Life
| Place of Death | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Death Cause | Throat Cancer |
| Religion | Islam |
| Hobbies | Flying Kites, Listening to Classical Indian Music |
| School | A School in Kolkata |
Relationships & More
| Marital Status | Married |
|---|---|
| Wife/Spouse | Name |
| Mentors | Abbas Ali Khan Bekhud, Wali Aasi |
Family
| Father | Name |
|---|---|
| Mother | Name |
| Brother | Not Known |
| Sister | Not Known |
| Children |
|
Career
| Worked as a journalist and editor after graduating from Jamia Millia Islamia | |
| Published first poetry collection 'Aaina' (Mirror) in 1974 | |
| Published over 20 collections of poetry, several novels, short stories, and essays | |
| Wrote songs for prominent Indian music artists including Jagjit Singh, Ghulam Ali, and Abida Parveen | |
| Prominent figure in Mushaira circles in India and abroad | |
| Wrote lyrics for the film Maatr (2017) |
Favourites
| Favourite Shayar(s) | Wali Aasi, Rahat Indori |
|---|---|
| Favourite City | Lucknow |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Munawwar Rana (1952-2024) was an Indian poet who wrote poetry in Hindi, Urdu, and Awadhi. | |
| 2. He was born in a Muslim family in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, and moved to Kolkata for schooling as a child. | |
| 3. After India's partition, his father chose to stay in India instead of migrating to Pakistan with most of their relatives. | |
| 4. The family faced financial struggles after losing their land-ownership due to the partition. | |
| 5. Munawwar Rana showed interest in Naxalism during his youth in Kolkata and was eventually expelled from home by his father because of his association with Naxalites. | |
| 6. During this time, he gained valuable insights into human values and life experiences. | |
| 7. He had a deep connection with his mother, which often reflected in his poetry and interviews. | |
| 8. Lucknow became his favorite city after visiting, where he met and learned poetry from mentor Wali Aasi. | |
| 9. He recited his poetry for the first time in a 'Mushaira' in Delhi. | |
| 10. In 2015, he returned the Sahitya Akademi Award, citing concerns about communal harmony in India. | |
| 11. Munawwar Rana was known for addressing sensitive topics in his poetry using Hindi and Awadhi words. | |
| 12. His poetry frequently celebrated the figure of 'Mother.' | |
| 13. Munawwar Rana smoked cigarettes occasionally. | |
| 14. He consumed alcohol on various occasions. | |
| 15. Born as Sayed Munawwar Ali in a Muslim family in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh | |
| 16. Moved to Kolkata for schooling as a child after his family relocated there | |
| 17. Occasionally smoked cigarettes and consumed alcohol | |
| 18. His pen name 'Munawwar Rana' was suggested by mentor Wali Asi Sahib, inspired by his family's Rana Transport Company |