Salik Lucknawi

Salik Lucknawi Biography

Salik Lucknawi was an Urdu poet and journalist from Lucknow, who lived during the period, 16 December 1913 – 4 January 2013. His real name is Shaukat Riaz Kapoor. Azra Aur Deegar Afsane and Be-Sar-O-Pa are among his published works. For his overall contributions towards the field of Urdu literature, Government of India honoured him with the fourth highest civilian honour - Padma Shri posthumously in 2013. The award was announced just a few days after his death aged 99. He spent most of his time in Kolkata associated with Progressive Writers Movement, where he was a founding member and passed away on 4 January 2013, a few days after he celebrated his 99^th birthday.

Salik Lucknawi was born on 16 December 1913 in Lucknow, British India. He was born into a Hindu family. His father’s real name is Tulsi Ram Kapoor who got converted to Islam and changed his name as Tareq Riaz Kapoor, four years before his birth. Though born in Lucknow, later he moved to Kolkata where he spent most of his life time. In fact his college studies were also completed in St. Xavier's College and City College at Kolkata. He also studied Persian at Lucknow University. Since 1930s he got permanently settled in West Bengal, and also became a part of Progressive Writers Movement in West Bengal started in 1938. He was one among its founding members.

Azra Aur Deegar Afsane in 1941 was his first published book, and it was a collection of short stories. The following year he participated in Quit India Movement and got arrested as well. He spent 13 months in jail. In 1956 he started Abshaar, and served as its chief editor till his death. He was posthumously given Padma Shri in 2013 under West Bengal. Late actor Rajesh Khanna was also honoured with Padmabhushan the same year, along with his popular co-star Sharmila Tagore.

Published: February 19, 2019

Updated: February 19, 2019