ISLAMABAD: Literary circles in Pakistan on Sunday marked the 27th death anniversary of renowned poet and songwriter Sehba Akhtar who left a lasting impact on Urdu literature.
Born on 30 September 1931 in Jammu, Akhtar spent most of his life in Aligarh and Bareilly where he was brought up by his mother. Despite facing multiple challenges in his early life, Akhtar’s love for poetry never waned as he continued writing throughout his life.
Akhtar’s early years were marked by monetary hardships, which compelled him to take on a number of temporary jobs. He eventually grabbed a job as an inspector in the public food department, where he was later promoted to the position of ration collector. During that time, Akhtar began writing poetry and published his work under the pen name of Sehba Akhtar.
Akhtar’s literary career met fame after he began working with radio, entered the world of films, where he composed songs that remained both popular and enduring. He also remained associated with the Herald for a period of seven years, where his ‘Qataat’ were the highlight of Mashriq. In addition to his work in songwriting and poetry, Akhtar also experienced many other aspects of literature and composed more ‘nazms’ than ‘ghazals’. His patriotic songs and dohaas were particularly popular among the listeners and readers.
On February 19, 1996, Sehba Akhtar passed away in Karachi, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of writers and poets. He was the author of several acclaimed collections, including Iqr’aa, Samander, Sarkasheeda, and Misha’I, and was awarded the President’s Medal for his contribution to literature.
Sehba Akhtar’s life and legacy
Akhtar’s life and legacy and the ways by which he enriched the Urdu literary tradition is being remembered today as the literary community marks his 27th death anniversary. His poetry and songs continue to resonate with audiences across the globe and remind them of the power of words to comfort, inspire, and bring literature lovers together. — APP
