Demise in Bhopal

Renowned Urdu poet Dr Bashir Badr died in Bhopal on Thursday afternoon. He was 91. The poet breathed his last around noon, on the day of Bakrid. Family sources confirmed that he had been unwell for several months.

He is survived by his wife Rahat and son Tayyab.

Struggled with Dementia

Bashir Badr had been suffering from dementia for a long time. His memory had weakened considerably over the past few years. Those close to him said he had stopped recognising many people, including sometimes family members. His health had been declining steadily, especially in the last few months.

A Voice of Simplicity

The poet was widely known for his simple yet deeply emotional poetry. Unlike many contemporaries, he stayed away from traditional, heavily ornate forms. He used everyday words that connected easily with common people. His poetry reflected themes of love, pain, loneliness and life's struggles.

One of his most famous couplets remains:

"Ujale Apni Yaadon Ke Hamare Saath Rehne Do, Na Jaane Kis Gali Mein Zindagi Ki Shaam Ho Jaaye."

Another beloved line reads:

"Log Toot Jaate Hain Ek Ghar Banane Mein, Tum Taras Nahi Khaate Bastiyan Jalane Mein."

The Golden Era

Bashir Badr completed his postgraduation from Aligarh Muslim University in 1969. He joined the Urdu department at Meerut College as a lecturer on 12 August 1974 and taught there until 1990. The period between 1974 and 1990 is considered the golden phase of his literary career.

During this time, his poetry gained popularity not only across India but also abroad. More than a dozen of his ghazal collections have been published in Hindi, while seven collections were released in Urdu. His simple language and emotional depth made him one of the most admired voices in Urdu poetry.

Global Reach

Over his lifetime, Bashir Badr participated in more than 500 mushairas. In addition to India, he also travelled to the United States, Pakistan, and Britain for poetry recitals. Several organisations are now planning to translate his poetry into Punjabi, Bengali, Nepali and Russian languages, with permission from his family.

Tributes Flow

Noted script writer and poet Javed Akhtar expressed grief over the demise. "Today, our language Urdu has become a little poorer," Akhtar said. "Bashir Badr, an extremely melodious poet, has departed from our gathering forever. This poet and his poetry will live on in our memories forever."

Aggrieved people started arriving at Bashir's home in Bhopal shortly after the news spread. Many recalled his famous interactions with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who used to attend the poet's mushairas.

Final Rites Later Today

The family has yet to announce the final timing of the funeral. However, sources indicated that the last rites are expected to take place later this evening in Bhopal.