Musavvir

Musavvir Sabzwari, born as Zafar Husain in 1932 in Sambhal, grew into a respected figure in modern Urdu poetry. He became known for his contemplative, modernist style, crafting ghazals and nazms that blended classical form with contemporary feeling. His work includes over sixty ghazals, a handful of nazms, and several memorable couplets. He also published multiple e-books and recordings, making his poetry widely accessible.

His poetry often explores themes of self-awareness and emotional depth. One of his poignant couplets reflects on self-realization through the pain of loss:

“apne hone ka kuchh ehsas na hone se hua

khud se milna mera ek shakhs ke khone se hua”

These lines touch on how one’s sense of being emerges only after the experience of separation.

Another powerful image from his writings brings to life the memory of a beloved:

“sajni ki ankhon mein chhup kar jab jhaanka

bin holi khele hi sajan bheeg gaya”

Here, the beloved’s gaze drenches the lover even without the festival of colours playing out—an intimate moment described with elegance.

His poetic journey unfolded through both print and digital media. He released collections such as Khazeena-e-Sukhan, Barg-e-Aatish Sawar, Dahleez Par Utarti Sham, Patjhad Ke Musafir, Rishte Tutne Ka Mausam, and others, eleven notable publications in all. His poetry reached many readers via audio recitations and e-book formats.

Musavvir Sabzwari passed away in 2002 in Gurgaon. Though detailed aspects of his personal life remain largely private, his thoughtful verses and modern sensibility continue to resonate. Through his writing, he crafted a lasting bridge between tradition and contemporary expression in Urdu poetry.