Barkat Virani

Barkat Virani Biography

Barkat Virani was a Gujarati author and poet, who penned many ghazals. His full name is Barkatali Gulamhussain Virani, and was best known by his pen name Befaam. He also authored novels and short stories, and his noted works include - Ghata (1970) and Pyas (1980). He also penned lyrics for Gujarati films. He is the son-in-law of Harji Lavji Damani, a well-known Gujarati writer. Virani was involved with Quit India Movement during his teens when he was a matriculation student. He lived during the period, November 25, 1923 - January 2, 1994, and lived till 70.

Barkatali Gulamhusen Virani was born on November 25, 1923 in Ghanghli, near Sihor, Bhavnagar. The place now belongs to Gujarat state. Since young he was interested in literature and he wrote his first ghazal at the age of 14. His early education was done at Bhavnagar. He got involved with freedom struggle movement when Quit India Movement created uproar across the nation, and he left his matriculation studies to participate in this movement.

As insisted by his future father-in-law Shayda, he moved to Mumbai in 1945. There he met Ghazal writer Mareez, and he also managed to get a job at Akashvani (AIR). He married the elder daughter of Shayda in 1952. Apart from his literal career, he had a stint with Gujarati cinema as well, and made an appearance for one movie also. He penned lyrics for many Gujarati films since 1960s. Yet he concentrated most on ghazals, novels etc. He also authored short stories, stage plays and also radio plays during his association with All India Radio. He died on 2 January 1994 in Mumbai aged 70.

Published: October 04, 2018

Updated: October 04, 2018