Irfan Siddiqi

Irfan Siddiqi was a poet whose words carried the elegance of tradition while speaking to the present. Born in Budaun in 1939, he grew up in an atmosphere that valued scholarship and literary culture. From a young age, he was drawn towards poetry, and over time, his ghazals and nazms made him one of the most admired poets of his generation.

Alongside poetry, Siddiqui worked in the Information Department, where he held senior positions. He was also known in journalistic circles, yet despite a demanding career, he never let go of his passion for writing. His collections Canvas, Shab-e-Darmian, Ishq-Nama, and Saat Samawaat reflect a poet deeply rooted in the classical tradition, yet full of freshness in tone. His book Dariya brought together some of his most cherished works and remains a favorite among lovers of Urdu literature.

Siddiqui’s poetry often blended romance with reflection. Critics and fellow poets described him as a “poet’s poet,” someone whose verses carried both technical brilliance and emotional honesty. Readers were drawn to the way he could express longing, beauty, and truth in words that felt timeless.

His life came to a close in 2004 in Lucknow, a city long associated with Urdu’s finest voices. Thousands attended his funeral, a testament to the respect and love he had earned. Even after his passing, his legacy continued to grow. In 2023, a new collection titled Gurezpa Mausamon Ki Khushbu was launched, featuring dozens of his ghazals and nazms. This showed that his poetry still speaks, still finds new readers, and still carries the fragrance of his voice.

Irfan Siddiqi remains a poet remembered for his grace, his refinement, and his devotion to Urdu poetry. His work ensures that his name continues to be spoken with admiration wherever ghazals are recited.