Mehwish Hayat, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan mourn demise of popular poet Rahat Indori

Noted Urdu poet and lyricist, Dr Rahat Indori, passed away in Indore on Tuesday afternoon after testing positive for Covid-19 on Monday night. He was 70.

Early on Tuesday morning, Indori, who was hospitalised, had tweeted: "After displaying initial symptoms of Covid, I underwent a corona test yesterday and have tested positive. I am admitted to Aurobindo hospital. Pray for me so that I can defeat this disease at the earliest. One more request, please don't call me or my family at home. You will keep getting my updates on Facebook and Twitter."

Indori was a painter, Urdu Professor and poet. He taught Urdu literature at Indore University before foraying Bollywood as a lyricist.

His popular books include Do Kadam Aur Sahi, Maujood, Chand Pagal Hai, Mere Baad, and Naraz.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Mehwish Hayat took to Twitter and mourned the loss of a legend.

Deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of the great poet Rahat Indori Sahib," the O Re Piya crooner tweeted. "May Allah bless his soul and give his family the immense strength to recover from this loss. Industry lost a gem today!"

Hayat shared an excerpt of Indori's poem and shared, "Dosti jab kisi se ki jaye, dushmanon ki bhi raaye li jaye, mere maazi ke zakham bharne lagay, aaj phir koi bhool ki jaye."

Several Bollywood celebrities took to social media to express shock and grief at Indori's demise.

Javed Akhtar shared, “Rahat Saheb’s demise is an irreparable loss for contemporary urdu poetry and our society at large . Like Habib Jalib he was from the fast disappearing tribe of poets who are never short of courage to call a spade a spade.”

Shabana Azmi wrote, “Javed Akhtar, Gulzar are deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of popular Urdu poet Rahat Indori. He was an original.His poetry was characterised by extreme passion, indomitable spirit and great courage. He will be sorely missed.”

Farhan Akhtar wrote, “RIP Rahat Indori sahab. Deepest condolences to the family.”

Nawazuddin Siddiqui shared one of the late poet’s poems on Twitter and wrote in Hindi, “Your shayari and their words will be remembered forever.”

Swara Bhasker another poem and wrote, “Your presence will be missed forever.”

Jaaved Jaaferi wrote, “One of the most powerful, prolific and inspiring poets of India passes on. Inna lillaahe wa inna elaihi raaje’oon (from God we have come and to Him is our return) Salaam and RIP Rahat Indori sahab. You will be missed. Heartfelt condolences to the family.”

Singer Adnan Sami condoled the death of the poet by sharing his picture and wrote, “Saddened to learn that legendary Urdu Poet Rahat Indori Sahib has passed away. Oh Lord! My heartfelt condolences to the family... May Allah SWT bless him in Jannat-ul-Firdaus...Ameen.”

"Janaaze par mere likh dena yaaron, mohabbat karnewala jaa raha hai, Alvida Rahat Indori," tweeted lyricist Manoj Muntashir from his verified account, quoting the late poet.

"Khuda Hafiz Rahat Indori sahab," tweeted lyricist Kausar Munir from her unverified account.

"How does one state the depth of the loss of someone like Dr Rahat indori sahab? His words were like flames of revolution contained in the muslin of language. He will not just be remembered, he will be commemorated," tweeted music composer Vishal Dadlani from his verified account.

Earlier this year, his poem Bulati hai magar jane ka nahi went viral on social media, rendering him a sensation among the youth. With a 50-year career in poetry, Indori was known for the lyrics of songs like M Bole toh from Munnabhai MBBS (2003), Chori Chori Jab Nazrein Mili from Kareeb (1998), Koi jaye to le aye from Ghatak (1996), and Neend Churai Meri from Ishq (1997).

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.