Arzu Center Website
habib.edu.pk/arzu
ZEHRA NIGAH In what way are the classics of Urdu poetry still relevant to us and what do they have to say about the figures of the Sheikh, the Mullah and the Zahid? What is the tradition of the mushaira and how is poetry supposed to be recited? What do we mean by tarranum and why has it become a dying art? Known for understanding of the classics, Zehra Nigah will engage in an informal conversation. She will also recite her poems. Zehra Nigah is one of the foremost Urdu poets of Pakistan. She appeared on the literary scene in the 1950s and became an instant celebrity. Coming from a well-known literary and intellectual family, she counts the writer, artist and TV personality Anwar Maqsood and playwright Fatima Suraiya Bajia among her siblings. Zehra Nigah has three collections of poetry to her credit and recently a collected edition of her poems was published from Lahore. Her poetry is remarkable for its lyricism and engagement with social issues. She has received various awards at home and abroad in recognition of her work. She is also a scriptwriter of several popular television serials and films.