Age | 87 (age at death) |
Birthday | 5 December, 1894 |
Birthplace | Malihabad, United Provinces, British India |
Died | 22 February, 1982 |
Place of Death | Islamabad, Pakistan |
Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
Nationality | Pakistani |
Occupation | Poet |
Josh Malihabadi (Urdu: جوش ملیح آبادی) (born as Shabbir Hasan Khan; شبیر حسن خان) (5 December 1898 – 22 February 1982) popularly known as Shayar-e-Inqalab (poet of revolution) is regarded as one of the finest Urdu poets of the era of British India. Josh always challenged the established order and stood for liberal values. He was loud, brave who never compromised on principles. He wrote over 100,000 beautiful couplets and more than 1,000 rubaiyat in his lifetime. His autobiography “Yaadon ki Barat” is considered one of the best so far in Urdu as it is written in frank and candid manner. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru held him in high esteem and hardly missed a chance to attend the mushaira at Lala Kishan Lal Kalra’s United Coffee House where Josh used to be the star attraction. He was an Indian citizen until 1956, when he emigrated to Pakistan and became a Pakistani citizen. Some of his works were translated to English like The Unity of Mankind elegies by Josh Malihabadi by Syed Akbar Pasha Tirmizi who was a Pakistani citizen and a high court advocate.