'Void he left can't be filled': Prasoon Joshi mourns Bashir Badr, recites poem for late poet
New Delhi, May 29
Noted lyricist-writer Prasoon Joshi on Thursday expressed deep grief over the passing of renowned poet Bashir Badr, saying the void left by him is unlikely to be filled.
"I am deeply saddened by Bashir Sahib's passing. We are all very sad. It is unlikely that anyone will be able to fill the void he left," Joshi said in a self-made video.
Praising Badr's unique style, Joshi noted, "The way he connected everyday life with poetry was something only Bashir Sahib could do. His couplets became so much a part of life that we would find them written on the backs of trucks. This happens very rarely."
Joshi said he had written a poem to remember Badr, though he admitted, "writing like him was only possible for him. Because that saffron-colored pullover is part of him, if anyone else wears it, it looks different."
Reciting his tribute, Joshi said:
Renowned Hindi and Urdu poet and celebrated literary figure Bashir Badr passed away at his residence in Bhopal on Thursday afternoon at around 12:15 pm, his son Taiyeb Badr confirmed.
He was 91.
According to his family sources, Badr had been battling a prolonged illness for several years, and his health had deteriorated significantly in recent months. He also lost his memory and was unable to recognise people.
For some time, the veteran poet's condition had been steadily declining.
One of the most influential voices in modern Urdu poetry, Bashir Badr, earned immense respect and admiration across generations of readers and poetry lovers.
His passing has already wave of grief across his admirers and the fraternity. Condolences have been pouring in across social media platforms.
Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar also paid his tributes, remembering Badr's rich legacy.
"Today, our language Urdu, has become a little poorer. Bashir Badr, an extremely melodious poet, has departed from our gathering forever. This poet and his poetry will live on in our memories forever," Akhtar wrote on X.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also offered homage to the late poet.
"A humble tribute to the renowned poet Dr. Bashir Badr ji, honoured with the 'Padma Shri', on his passing! My condolences are with the bereaved family. Through his compositions, he conveyed the message of living life with sensitivity, warmth, and humanity. Through his poetry, he provided formulas to make life immensely simple. May God grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family and admirers to bear this sorrow," he tweeted.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The way Joshi described Bashir sahab's poetry appearing on truck backs - that's the real measure of a poet. Not awards or ceremonies, but becoming part of common people's lives. A great loss indeed. 😔
Honestly, while I respect Bashir Badr's legacy, I wish more attention was paid to living poets who struggle to make ends meet. We eulogize them only after they're gone. But still, his contribution to Urdu poetry is undeniable. Rest in peace, sir.
"Mein ne us se nahi dekha, us ne mujh se nahi dekha" - this couplet of his still echoes in my mind. Poetry that touches the common heart is immortal. Bashir sahab, you will live on through your words. 🕊️
His poetry transcended religious and linguistic boundaries. In an India often divided, his words united us through shared emotions. CM Mohan Yadav's tribute was fitting - he truly gave us formulas for simple living. A sad day for Indian literature.
The poetic world has lost a gem. His ability to weave everyday struggles into beautiful verses was unmatched. Javed Akhtar's words resonate - Urdu has indeed become poorer today. But his poetry will keep enriching generations to come.
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