Urdu poetry is well renowned for its rich past, enormous beauty, and complexity in expressions. For those willing to start to explore this poetic world, even the mention of classical poets like Mirza Ghalib and Allama Iqbal might seem overwhelming. However, new age poets have made it easier for readers of the Hindustani dialect across the subcontinent to connect with the language through simpler forms, relatable elements, and fresh sensibilities. Here are five poets whose works have the potential to make your reading of Urdu both enriching and enjoyable.
1: Munawwar Rana (1952 - 2024)
Based in Lucknow, Munawwar Rana’s work is recognised widely via the simplicity and depth of human emotions that he brings with what he writes. He is known for writing on genres such as love, nostalgia, and emotional experience, especially his connect with his mother is widely visible in the essence of the ghazals in his catalogue. His ghazals feel nothing less than stories, capturing just the correct extract from life’s constant ups and downs. What makes his work accessible to beginners is the clarity of his language, allowing us to easily connect with the straightforward emotions behind his words. His poetry blends personal experiences with universal themes, making it highly relatable.

One of his well-known couplets reads:

“Kisi ko ghar mila hisse mein ya koi dukaa’n aayi,
Main ghar mein sab se chhota tha mere hisse mein maa aayi.”

This couplet, or what we call as a “sher” beautifully captures the detail of human emotion — as to how the poet values the existence of the mother’s warmth that is incomparable to the material desires of man.
2: Javed Akhtar (1945 - Present)
The man, the myth, the legend: the one and only Javed Akhtar who has had a legacy that is untouchable across all fields where you would write in the Hindustani dialect. From stories, to songs, to nazms, to ghazals, to screenplays, dialogues and what not? In this case, to talk about his poetry — it is just the right mixture of modern thought with a traditional heart. His works usually deal with social, political, emotional, and philosophical themes, allowing him to speak to the world we live in today with his pen. His capability to deliver the message of contemporary issues while simultaneously maintaining the depth of Urdu poetry makes him a forever favourite amongst the modern readers of the Urdu language.

A popular example of Akhtar’s work is:

“Oonchi iimaarton se makaa’n mera ghir gaya,
Kuchh log mere hisse ka suraj bhi kha gaye.”

This couplet showcases the legend’s wisdom, while also maintaining simplicity of the vocabulary he uses in order to always ensure that the right message gets delivered, to the one who reads — whether professionals, or beginners. His published books include Tarkash and Lava.
3: Tehzeeb Hafi (1989 - Present) Based in Pakistan, Tehzeeb Hafi is one of the young age leaders of Urdu poetry as a result of having digitally spread on social media through the videos of his mushaira performances. His poetry is highly popular among young enthusiasts for its simplicity, relatability and the poet’s command over his delivery while he narrates his writings. His works mostly focus on the themes of love and heartbreak, topics that resonate widely with the new age modern readers of poetry. His way of writing is straightforward, with minimalistic language that captures human emotions beautifully.

One of his poignant couplets is:

“Aage seedhe haath pe ek taraai hai,
Maine pehle bhi ye rasta dekha hai.”

His couplets are as deep as what any classical Urdu poet would write, but as relatable and fresh as a beautifully written film dialogue. This blend is what makes Tehzeeb Hafi who he is.
4: Umair Najmi (1986 - Present)
Another young player of the Urdu game from Pakistan — Umair Najmi’s poetry is fresh, sharp, and often reflective of the issues faced by people on a personal level in the society, often undiscussed. He discusses genres of self-awareness, deep thought and emotion. Najmi’s language is easy to interpret, and his skill to summarise profound thoughts in brief, concise lines makes his poetry the ideal choice for beginners.

An instance of Najmi’s thought-provoking writing is:

“Nikaal laaya hu’n ek pinjre se ik parinda,
Ab is parinde ke dil se pinjra nikaalna hai.”

This couplet of Umair motivates the readers to think critically, and yet emotionally about life and personal experiences, providing a sense of modernity in the world of contemporary Urdu poetry.
5: Rahat Indori (1950-2020)
Rahat Indori’s poetry is known for its powerful rhythm and passionate delivery. He is one of the most popular poets in the contemporary Urdu scene, especially for his engaging performances at mushairas (poetry gatherings). His works often carry themes of love, rebellion, and resilience, delivered in a style that mixes traditional poetry with modern flair. What sets Indori apart is his energetic and theatrical approach to poetry, making it both captivating and accessible.

One of his famous couplets goes:

“Meri khwahish hai ki aangan mein na deewaar uthe,
Mere bhai mere hisse ki zamee’n tu rakh le”

Indori’s works are suitable for starters in Urdu poetry because they are not only easy to follow but also carry a hard emotional punch. His ghazals, recited with a lot of passion, encourage readers to introduce themselves to their own inner emotions while also appreciating the skill of performance.


These five contemporary poets: Munawwar Rana, Javed Akhtar, Tehzeeb Hafi, Umair Najmi, and Rahat Indori offer a range of themes, styles, and emotions, each of them contributing something extravagant to the world of literature in the subcontinent. Their works are widely regarded to the beginners, and are just the right set of poets if you are also the one willing to start your journey as an Urdu reader. Whether you’re drawn to the emotional simplicity of Munawwar Rana, the modern sensibilities of Javed Akhtar, or the passionate rhythm of Rahat Indori, these poets provide an engaging and enriching way to start your journey into Urdu literature.