Shauqat Thanvi

Shaukat Thanvi (1904–1963), whose real name was Mohammad Umar, was a celebrated Urdu humorist, novelist, journalist, columnist, playwright, and poet. Born in Vrindavan, Mathura, he became one of the most popular writers of Urdu humour and satire in the Indian subcontinent. Shaukat Thanvi's greatest contribution was to Urdu humorous prose and satire. His writing turned ordinary situations and everyday human behaviour into engaging and witty literary pieces. Beneath the humour, he often highlighted social hypocrisy, economic problems, human weaknesses, and the contradictions of society. His famous works include Mauj-e-Tabassum, Bahr-e-Tabassum, Sail-e-Tabassum, Toofan-e-Tabassum, Swadeshi Rail, and Munshi Ji. He was also an important journalist and broadcaster. He worked with Urdu newspapers and literary journals, served with All India Radio in Lucknow, and after Partition worked with Radio Pakistan. He later joined the newspaper Jang in Karachi, where his popular humorous column Waghaira Waghaira earned him a wide readership.