Khialdas Fani

Khialdas Fani (4 April 1914 – 8 April 1995) was an Indian writer, poet, stage artist, and singer renowned for his contributions to Sindhi literature. He held the position of vice-chairman at the Madhya Pradesh Sindhi Sahitya Academy.

Biography Khialdas was born on 4 April 1914 in Mian Jo Goth, near Shikarpur, Sindh (now in Pakistan). His father's name was Valiram Begwani. He attended a school in his village and later pursued further education in Shikarpur.

In India, he served as professor at Bhopal College and retired in 1973.

Literary contributions At the time of his birth, Shikarpur was a hub of literary activities and gatherings. Many renowned poets, including Agha Ghulam Nabi Sufi, Faqir Ghulam Ali Masroor, Lutufullah Jogi, and Saz Ali Saz, used to participate in these gatherings. The young Fani found great inspiration in the poetry of Agha Ghulam Nabi Sufi and began composing his own poems under Sufi's guidance. It was likely in the year 1929 when Fani presented his first poem in a literary gathering in Shikarpur.

Fani is widely regarded as one of the finest Sindhi language poets, both in Sindh, Pakistan and India. He composed verses in various forms, including Geet, Kafi, Baita, Panjkada, Ghazal and Rubai, among others. His poetry encompassed themes like the omnipotence of the Creator, the beauty of nature, tender human emotions, and the realities of modern life.

After the partition of India, the poems he composed reflected his fond memories of the cherished days spent in his birthplace in Sindh. Fani's poems not only contain profound thoughts but also showcase his adeptness in selecting appropriate words and forms. The rhythmic quality of his poems might be attributed to his skill as a skilled singer and musician.

Books Radio Raag (Radio Songs), 1949 Makti MaragPachhtau Ja Gorha Samund Samayo Boonda Men

Kalakar Mandal Fani established the Kalakar Mandal in Bhopal, a vibrant theater group. Under this platform, he produced numerous stage dramas, introducing and nurturing several talented young stage actors and actresses. He specifically encouraged Sindhi-speaking girls to showcase their talent. Some of his renowned dramas are listed below:

Qismat Jo Khel Wirhasat Shal Dheear Na Jaman Ahsas Jo Aaeenu Karni BharniFani wrote lyrics for the first Sindhi film Ekta which was released in 1942.

Awards and honours He received several awards and honors during his career. However he has not left any record behind him except the following award for his poetry collection Sik, Soz Ain Saaz'' (at New Delhi by Central Hindi Directorate, Govt. of India).

Death Khialdas Fani died on April 8, 1995, in India.