Munawwar Rana Passes Away At 71; Biography Of The Urdu Poet

Munawwar Rana

Urdu poet Munawwar Rana, known for his beautiful verses, has passed away at the PGI Hospital in Lucknow due to a heart attack. He was 71 years old and had been battling prolonged illnesses related to his heart and kidneys. Here are some key points about Munawwar Rana:

Birth and Early Life

Munawwar Rana was born on November 26, 1952, in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh.

Poetic Style

His poetry was known for its smooth blend of Hindi and Awadhi words, avoiding extensive use of Persian and Arabic.

Notable Work

One of his most famous poems was ‘Maa,’ celebrating the qualities of a mother in a traditional ghazal style.

Awards Rana

He received several awards during his career, including the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his poetry book ‘Shahdaba.’ However, due to concerns about rising intolerance in the country, he returned the award about a year later.

Other Recognitions

He was also honoured with accolades like the Amir Khusro Award, Mir Taqi Mir Award, Ghalib Award, Dr. Zakir Hussain Award, and Saraswati Samaj Award.

Multilingual Impact

Munawwar Rana’s works have been translated into various languages, extending the reach of his poetry.

Life in Kolkata

He spent a significant part of his life in Kolkata.

Public Presence

Rana actively participated in Mushairas (poetry symposiums) both in India and abroad.

Political Engagement

Apart from his literary contributions, Rana was involved in the political events of Uttar Pradesh.

Controversies

He often found himself in controversies, especially regarding his statements on the Taliban and expressing support for the murder of Samuel Paty, a teacher killed in Paris in 2020 due to a controversy about Prophet Muhammad.