Rahat Indori
Dr. Rahat Indori was a famous Indian lyricist, painter, and Urdu poet. He was a dominant figure in Mushairas (poetry symposiums), known for his powerful delivery, emotional energy, and sharp political/social commentary.
A mushaira thunderclap with a lecturer's precision
Rahat Qureshi (Rahat Indori) was born in Indore in 1950. He earned a doctorate in Urdu literature and taught at Devi Ahilya University while building a career as a mushaira poet.
His forceful delivery — he would often stride, gesture and challenge the audience — made him one of the most recognisable poets on stage. He also wrote songs for Hindi films.
He died in Indore on 11 August 2020. Video clips of his performances continue to circulate widely and his couplets are often cited in political debates.
Recurring themes
- Defiance
- Secular belonging
- Political satire
- Street-smart romance
- Fearlessness
Where to start
Watch recorded mushaira performances first, then read the printed ghazals; much of the effect lives in his voice and timing.
Worth knowing
He was a trained painter and sign-writer in his youth before he became a full-time poet.
शास्त्रीय शेर — Rahat Indori
Aankh mein paani rakho, honton pe chingaari rakho,
Zinda rehna hai to tarkeebein bohot saari rakho.
Hum se bach kar jaoge kahan sahab,
Hum wahan khade hote hain jahan raaste khatam hote hain.
Dushmani jam kar karo lekin ye gunjaish rahe,
Jab kabhi hum dost ban jayein to sharminda na hon.
Main jab mar jaon to meri alag pehchan likh dena,
Lahu se meri peshani pe Hindustan likh dena.
Bohot aasan hai kisi ko raste se hata dena,
Mushkil to hai kisi ko apna humsafar bana lena.
Aapke shahr ka mausam bohot suhana lage,
Main ek shaam chura loon agar bura na lage.
Zindagi to apne hi dum pe jee jaati hai,
Dusro ke kandhe par to sirf janaze uthaye jaate hain.
Likhna hai to kuch aisa likho ke kalam rone par majboor ho jaye,
Har lafz mein wo dard ho ke dil rone par majboor ho jaye.
Hum aah bhi karte hain to ho jaate hain badnam,
Wo qatl bhi karte hain to charcha nahi hota.
Ye zaroori nahi ke har baat hi batai jaye,
Kuch baatein to aankhon se hi samajh li jaati hain.
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