Renowned Urdu poet and lyricist, Dr Rahat Indori, passed away recently. He was admitted to a hospital after having symptoms of coronavirus. The next day his test came positive regarding which he informed his fans on Twitter. He tweeted, “After displaying initial symptoms of COVID, I underwent a corona test yesterday and have tested positive. I am admitted to Aurobindo Hospital. Pray for me so that I can defeat this disease at the earliest. One more request, please don’t call me or my family at home. You will keep getting my updates on Facebook and Twitter.”

News of his death surfaced like wildfire the next morning. Rahat Indori, though having COVID-19, suffered from two consecutive heart attacks that led to his unfortunate demise. The doctors revealed that he, aged 70, also had 60% pneumonia. His sudden demise sent a wave of shock among his fans. People from all over the world mourned his death.

Rahat Indori, a legendary poet, was also a painter and a professor of Urdu. While teaching Urdu literature at Indore University, he got busy with mushairas and started receiving invites from all over India and abroad. Some of his popular books are ‘Do Kadam Aur Sahi’, ‘Maujood’, ‘Chand Pagal Hai’, ‘Mere Baad’ and ‘Naraz’.

Indori sahib, with a 50-year career in poetry, was that rare poet who easily connected with the young generation. Earlier this year, his poem ‘Bulati hai magar jane ka nahi’ went viral on social media, making him a sensation among the youth. He is also known for the lyrics of songs ‘M Bole Toh’ from ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ (2003), ‘Chori Chori Jab Nazrein Milin’ from ‘Qareeb’ (1998), ‘Koi Jaye To Le Aye’ from ‘Ghatak’ (1996) and ‘Neend Churai Meri’ from ‘Ishq’ (1997).

He studied at Nutan School in Indore and graduated from Islamia Karimia College. He passed his MA in Urdu Literature from Barkatullah University and was awarded a Ph.D in Urdu Literature from the Bhoj University for his thesis titled ‘Urdu Main Mushaira’.

Survived by three sons and a daughter, Indori sahib had the unique talent of transforming the mood of the nation with his poetry that was emotive, direct and political. Among Rahat Indori’s most powerful lines was the one used on posters and banners during the anti-CAA protests, pushing him to almost cult status.