Khialdas Fani

Khialdas was born on 4 April 1914 at Miyan Sahib Jo Goth, near Shikarpur, Sindh, Pakistan. His father's name was Valiram Begwani. He got early education from his native village and then further education from Shikarpur.[1]

In India, he served as Professor at Bhopal College and retired in 1973. Recognizing his service for education and literature, the Bhopal Government appointed him as a lifetime principal of the college. In Bhopal, Fani served as convener of the textbook committee, Vice President of the Provincial Academy, and member of the Central Literary Academy. He also served as Chairman of the Bhopal Kalamandal (Theater/ Stage Drama) for 35 years. He was also an approved PhD supervisor of the Bombay University.[2]

At the time of his birth, Shikarpur was a center of literary activities and gatherings. Many noted poets including Agha Ghulam Nabi Sufi, Faqir Ghulam Ali Masroor, Lutufullah Jogi and Saz Ali Saz used to participate in those gatherings. The young Fani was greatly inspired by the poetry of Agha Ghulam Nabi Sufi. He started composing poems under the guidance of Agha Ghulam Nabi Sufi. Perhaps, it was the year 1929, when Fani presented his first poem in a literary gathering in Shikarpur.

Fani is considered as one of the best Sindhi language poets of Sindh and India. He composed poetry in different forms, namely, Geet, Kafi, Baita, Panjkira, Ghazal and Rubai etc.[3] The omnipotence of the Creator, the beauty of nature,[4] tender human emotions and the reality of modern life were themes of his poetry. The poems which he composed after the partition of India reflected his sweet memories of those good old days which he spent at the place of his birth in Sindh. The beauty of Fani's poems lies not only in his deep thought but also in his appropriate choice of words and form.[5] These poems have a particular rhythm which is probably due to the fact that he himself was a good singer and musician.[6]

• ‘Radio Raag’ (Radio Songs), (ريڊيو راڳ) 1949.[7]
• ‘Samoondee Laharoon’ (Waves of Ocean) (سامونڊي لهرون), poetry, 1951.
• ‘Sik, Soz Ain Saaz’ (Longing, Grief & Musical Instrument), (سڪ، سوز ۽ ساز) poetry, 1983.[2]
• ‘Khizaan-Jee-Khushboo  Peela Pann  (Fragrance of Autum – Yellow Leaves),(خزان جي خوشبوءِ پيلا پن) Poetry, 1994[8]
• Makti Marag (مڪتي مرگ)
• Pachhtau Ja Gorha (پڇتاءُ جا ڳوڙها)[9]
• Samund Samayo Boonda Men (سمنڊ سمايو بوند ۾) [10]

Fani founded Kalakar Mandal in Bhopal. This was a theater group. Fani produced a number of stage dramas on the platform of this Mandal. He introduced a number of talented young stage actors and actresses. He particularly encouraged Sindhi speaking girls to show their talent. Some of his famous dramas are listed below:

• Qismat Jo Khel (قسمت جو کيل)
• Wirhasat (ورهاست)
• Shal Dheear Na Jaman (شل ڌيئر نه ڄمن)
• Ahsas Jo AAeenu (احساس جو آئينو)
• Karni Bharni (ڪرڻي ڀرڻي)

Fani wrote lyrics for the first Sindhi film Ekta (ايڪتا) which was released in 1942.[11]

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).[7]

Khialddas Fani died on 8 April 1995[12].