“Very few people are familiar with Urdu literature, even through poetry. There were forms such as the qasida — used to praise someone or a marsiya, a song of sorrow that have faded out,” he says.

We have lost a legend. Urdu poet Rahat Indori is no more, but these lines will live for eternity. Here’s a look at some of his memorable works – poetry and shayari.

Javed Akhtar, whose participation delighted the audience, said, “Poetry is not about big words or difficult ideas. It’s about saying something simple that touches people deeply. Tonight ...