Feminist Poets of Pakistan
ZEHRA NIGAH
BIOGRAPHY
Zehra Nigah was born into a literary family on 14th May 1937 in Hyderabad, India.
Her writing career began at a very young age. Although, her father was a civil servant he fostered down his strong interest in poetry to his children.
She migrated to Pakistan in 1947 and she married Majid Ali, a civil interest who was also interested in Sufi poetry.
Besides her writing, she also became known for her spellbinding rendition in mushairas.
For her immense contribution to literature she has been awarded the Pride of Performance award.
She currently resides in Karachi, Pakistan.
POETRY
Zehra Nigah, entered a male dominated literary society, in 1950 but quickly established herself as a prominent figure in the literary realm.
She has published two volumes of poetry ; "Shaam ka Pehla Taara" (The First Star of the Evening) and "Waraq".
Even though she perceives life through the eyes of a woman, her poetry apart from portraying feminist ideas also covers a wide variety of other important political topics such as the terrible civil war of 1971 (which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh), the destruction of Afghanistan and the repressive Hudood Ordinance Laws issued by President Zia-ul-Haq's regime.
Not only does her poetry cover serious issues, but it also captures the complexities of love and friendships and is a beautiful visual projection of everyday life's joys and sorrows.
Her voice and narration is highly valued and sought after in the mushaira (poetry recital events) circle in Pakistan as well as India.
Zehra Nigah with her contemporaries.
(left to right), Iftikhar Arif, Bilqees Dehlavi, Shohrat Bukhari, Gopi Chand Narang, Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Zehra Nigah.
Zehra Nigah reciting her poem "Mein Bach Gai Maa" (I Got Saved, Mother) in Urdu at a Mushaira (poetry recital gathering).
The "Wah wah" that can be heard during her recital, are typical of Mushaira gatherings and are a way of praising the poet on her poetrry.
"Mein Bach Gai Maa"