Ambreen Ahmed
Saghar Siddiqui, originally Muhammad Akhtar, was a renowned Urdu poet from Pakistan. Often referred to as a Saint poet, Siddiqui tragically passed away at the age of 46, found dead on a street corner in Lahore. His pet dog also met the same fate a year later, supposedly at the exact location where Siddiqui was discovered. His poetry is regarded as one of the best lyrical poems in the subcontinent.
Born in 1928 in Ambala, British India, Siddiqui was the only child of his parents and spent his early years in Ambala and Saharanpur. His interest in Urdu poetry was sparked by family friend Habib Hassan, under whose guidance he received his initial education. This early passion for poetry led him to compose verses during his childhood. He later moved to Amritsar in search of employment, all the while nurturing his love for Urdu poetry. He initially used the pen name Nasir Hijazi but subsequently adopted the name Saghar Siddiqui. After immigrating to Pakistan in 1947 at the age of 19, he settled in Lahore, where he gained recognition for his poetry recitals.
Throughout his life, Saghar Siddiqui faced numerous challenges, including setbacks in his literary endeavours and financial hardships, leading to depression and drug addiction. However, his love for Urdu poetry and his determination to create art never wavered. He persisted in creating poetry, often selling his work for meagre amounts to sustain himself. Siddiqui’s disillusionment grew as he witnessed the prevalence of corruption and favouritism over genuine talent, and he turned to morphine for solace. Exploited by acquaintances and strangers alike, he eventually found himself destitute, homeless, and battling despair on the streets of Lahore.
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Siddiqui’s poetry left an indelible mark on Pakistani culture, with some of his works achieving widespread acclaim. His contribution to the cultural heritage of Pakistan is significant. One such composition is the renowned dhamaal song “Laal Mori Pat Rakhio Bhala Jhoole Laalan De,” which continues to be sung at Sufi shrines across Pakistan. Despite the challenges he faced, his creative spirit endured, and he continued to pen profound verses amid his struggles.
Saghar Siddiqui’s tragic life ended in July 1974 when he was found dead on a Lahore street at the age of 46. His final resting place is the Miani Sahib graveyard, where a commemorative shrine was later erected in his memory. Julien Columeau, a French author residing in Pakistan, honoured Siddiqui’s legacy by penning a semi-fictional Urdu novel titled “Saghar,” based on the poet’s extraordinary life.
