Khumar Barabankvi

Khumar Barabankvi was born on 15 September 1919 in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. He found poetic environment in his family during his childhood. His father, Dr. Ghulam Haider, wrote salaams and marsiyas under pen name ‘Bahar’. His uncle Qaraar Barabnkvi was a well-known poet of Barabanki who guided Khumar in his young age and did Islah (corrections) to his poetry. His brother Kazim Haider ‘Nigar’, who died in early age, was also a poet. Khumar completed his high school from Government College, Barabanki. He then moved to Lucknow for his Intermediate classes where a romantic turn in his life made him quit education and start writing poetry of love. Khumar Barabankvi had a melodious voice and soon became popular in Mushairas (poetry reading live events). He also became acquainted with the poet Jigar Moradabadi and remained in association with him for a long period. His ghazals and voice made him a favorite in Mushairas. Jigar Muradabadi and Khumar Barabankvi were known to guarantee for the success of any mushaira with their poetry as well as their melodious voice and style of recitation. Khumar was an ardent supporter of classical ghazal like Jigar Moradabadi. Khumar has written some famous songs for Hindi films such as Shahjehan (1946 film), Bara Dari (1955), 'Saaz aur Awaaz', and Love And God (1986) directed by K. Asif. He collaborated with noted composers like Naushad and Nashad among others. He wrote all the songs for the film 'Saaz Aur Awaaz' produced by Naushad in 1966 and wrote some songs again for the film Love and God (1986 film) for which Naushad again composed music.

Khumār Barabankvi died on 19 February 1999 at the age of 80.