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Loving Memory: Homage to Munawwar Rana



Remembering the Iconic Urdu Poet

In 2010, during a poetry session at Sur Sadan in Agra, I, as a reporter, had the privilege of meeting Munawwar Rana.

His rising popularity was evident as he stood alongside renowned poets like Bashir Badr and Nida Fazli. However, today, Munawwar Rana is no longer among us, and I won't share everything about him that you might have read on Wikipedia or Google.

In the early days of my journalism career, I vividly remember seeing him through my own eyes and hearing his words with my own ears. His unassuming demeanor during that event set him apart

An Unforgettable Encounter

In 2010, when Munawwar Rana graced Agra with his presence, I had the opportunity to meet him during a poetry session at the Sur Sadan.

His rising popularity was evident, standing alongside the likes of Bashir Badr, Nida Fazli, and others. Yet, his unassuming demeanor set him apart.

I recall a brief encounter; a time when internet hadn't blurred our recognition based on appearance. Munawwar Saheb's face was not widely known, a time when knowing someone by name was more common than recognizing them by face.

A Glimpse of Munawwar Rana

His stature, expressive eyes, and trademark white mustache made him more reminiscent of a leader or officer than a poet.

He handed me a sher in Urdu upon learning of my familiarity with the language. Despite promising to send me his books, the excitement faded as the books never arrived.

The Majestic Evening

However, the evening at Sur Sadan was unforgettable. Munawwar Rana enchanted the audience with poignant couplets, ranging from political commentary to personal emotions. Witnessing his powerful verses, the students were moved, and the atmosphere became charged with anticipation.

A Poetry Extravaganza

Amidst cheers and applause, Munawwar Rana recited one memorable ghazal after another.

His verses touched upon love, separation, and the nuances of life. The gathering was immersed in the world he painted with words.

Verses that Echoed: A Glimpse into the Poetry

The recitation culminated in a powerful ghazal:

kabhee khushee se khushee kee taraf nahin dekha"
"Tumhaare baad kisee kee taraf nahin dekha"
"e soch kar ki tera intizaar laazim hai" "tamaam-umr ghadee kee taraf nahin dekha"
"Bichhadate vaqt bahut mutameen the ham donon"
kisee ne mud ke kisee kee taraf nahin dekha..."

The poignant verses left an indelible mark, resonating with themes of separation, yearning, and the profound impact of love on one's perception.

"Tumhaare jism kee khushboo gulon se aatee hai
khabar tumhaaree bhee ab doosaron se aatee hai"

"Hameen akele nahin jaagate hain raaton mein
Use bhee neend badee mushkilon se aatee hai"

"Isee lie to andhere haseen lagate hain
ki raat mil ke tire gesuon se aatee hai...

Parting Words: An Evening to Remember

As the applause reverberated through the hall, Munawwar Rana concluded the evening with a ghazal:


The Final Bow

The evening concluded with Munawwar Saheb leaving the audience in awe with his parting ghazal:

"Tasveer mein ek rang abhee chhoot raha hai

Shokhee abhee rukhasaar pe pooree nahin utaree"

"Ek tere na rahane se badal jaata hai sab kuchh
Kal dhoop bhee deevaar pe pooree nahin utaree"

"Main duniya ke mear pe poora nahin utara 

Duniya mire mear pe pooree nahin utaree..."."

As the evening concluded, Munawwar Rana left an indelible mark, imprinting his words on the hearts of those present. His departure left an emptiness that only his verses could fill.

Homage to a Literary Luminary: Munawwar Rana

In the years that followed, the news of Munawwar Rana's demise in 2024 brought forth a flood of memories.

This homage serves as a reflection on that evening, a tribute to the man whose poetry ignited passions and left an enduring legacy in the world of Urdu literature.

Rest in peace, Munawwar Rana Saheb

✍️... Raghunath Singh

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