The Urdu Ghazal Podcast, Season 5 Episode 16: Ahmad Faraz

Ahmad Faraz (1931-2008) gained prominence for his passionate ghazals and progressive poetry. His distinctive style blended classical Urdu poetry traditions with contemporary themes. What he wrote was characterized by romantic intensity, social consciousness, and political resistance. His verse focuses on love, loss, and human dignity, while also addressing issues of social justice and political oppression. Some of his most famous poetry collections include Tanha Tanha and Dard-e-Ashob. His ghazal Ranjish Hi Sahi became particularly iconic and was popularized through Mehdi Hassan's rendition.

During General Zia-ul-Haq's military regime, Faraz faced persecution for his progressive views and spent several years in self-imposed exile in London, Canada, and Europe. His resistance poetry during this period earned him great respect among both intellectuals and the general public.

Faraz received numerous awards, including the Pride of Performance (1989) and Hilal-e-Imtiaz (2004). He passed away in Islamabad in 2008, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence Urdu literature. His poetry remains widely read and recited, particularly his verses on love and social justice, which resonate across generations.