Anwar Masood is a Pakistani poet known for his comic poetry. However, his works include other genres as well. He writes in Punjabi, Urdu and Persian languages. His poetry is known for the unique use of everyday, commonplace phrases and wording that is instantly relatable for masses in the region. Numerous of his Punjabi lines and phrases have actually become a figure of speech in everyday conversations. The most prominent feature of his expression is the poignancy buried deep under the humor making his poetry one of its kind. The nuance of tragedy in his poems is a reflection of social injustice, discriminations and personal misfortunes of his characters. This is why he, himself commented: “Real laughter is one that sheds tears when squeezed”.
Early life and education
Anwar Masood was born in 1935 in Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. He received his elementary education in Gujrat and Lahore, Pakistan. His father Muhammad Azeem moved to Lahore a few years before partition in 1947. After his elementary education in Gujrat and Lahore, he attended Watan High School on Brandreth Road, Lahore. Just before partition, the family moved back to Gujrat. It was here in the Public High School, Gujrat that Masood took his matriculation examination and passed his Secondary School Examination with distinction in 1952. Conceding to the parents’ will to become a doctor, he took admission in FSc. Pre-Medical in Zamindaar College, Gujrat. However, science was not his area of interest. So two years later, he again started his FA and earned a scholarship. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958, with distinction, topping the college and earning a scholarship and winning a spot on the Roll of Honor list. His subjects in BA were History, Urdu Literature, Persian and English. Due to domestic problems, he could not start his master's degree program right away and started teaching at Government Islamia High School in Kunjah, Punjab. He finally finished his master's degree from the Oriental College, Punjab University in 1961. In fact, he became a Gold Medalist in MA Persian and topped in Punjab University,LahorePunjab, Pakistan.. He retired from the teaching profession in 1996. Anwar Masood married his former classmate Qudrat Ilahi Siddiqa in 1965. His wife also taught Persian at Government College, 6th Road Rawalpindi. Together they have 5 children; 3 sons and 2 daughters: Muhammad Aqib, Muhammad Ammar Masood, Muhammad Jawad Azfar, Adeela Rashid and Leenah Hashir.
Poetry
Masood is a multilingual poet of Urdu Persian and Punjabi. His most popular poetry is in Punjabi. His poetry gives the message of the original and pure culture of Punjab. Masood is a unique Punjabi poet who is popular among the masses. The way he has described the different aspects of life and culture in his poetry have never been described before. Some of his poems are so popular that wherever he goes in the world, people like to listen to them again and again. The most popular among them are Anar Kali Diyan Shanan, Aj Kee Pakaeay, Banyan, Juma Bazaar, Jehlum Dey Pul Tey, Hun Ki Karye, Mela Akhian Da, Ambri and many others. Anwar Masood has performed and given live recitations of his poetry among many international communities and is popular worldwide. A poem reviewer once said about him,"He is a poet that has the rare gift of being able to take a very serious subject and make it light and entertaining". He is a great command of covering all aspects of the topic or subject. Famous poems 1. چاء تے لسی 2. اج کی پکائیے 3. امبڑی 4. جہلم دا پُل Famous lines 1. قہقہ وہ ہے جسے نچوڑیں تو آنسو ٹپکیں
