Dr. Iffat Zarrin, born on October 10, 1958, is a prominent Indian poet, academic, and researcher who has carved a significant niche for herself in the world of Urdu literature. As the daughter of the celebrated poet Mushir Jhanjhanvi, she inherited a rich literary tradition, which she has not only preserved but also enriched with her own distinct voice and scholarly contributions. Her career is a testament to her deep dedication to the Urdu language, blending creative poetic expression with rigorous academic research.
Dr. Zarrin’s academic foundation is distinguished, having earned her Master’s degree from the historic Fort William College in Kolkata and her PhD from Delhi University. This strong educational background paved the way for a successful career in academia. She currently serves as a Professor of Urdu at Mata Sundari College for Women, University of Delhi, a position she ascended to after joining as an Assistant Professor in 2006. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, as she has guided numerous PhD students, overseeing research on critical topics within contemporary Urdu literature and fiction, thereby shaping the next generation of Urdu scholars.
Her literary output is both prolific and profound. Dr. Zarrin began writing poetry in 1977, and her verses often explore themes of solitude, introspection, and societal concerns. Her major poetry collections include “Be-Sahil Darya” (2000) and “Zarrin Nama” (2014), which showcase the evolution of her poetic style and the depth of her thought.
In addition to her creative work, Dr. Zarrin is a respected researcher with several critical scholarly publications to her name. Her research delves into the history and evolution of Urdu prose and poetry. Key works include “Fort William College Ki Nasri Dastanein: Ek Tahzeebi Mutala” (1992), a cultural study of the college’s prose narratives; “Lucknow Ka Dabistan-e-Nasr” (2000), focusing on the Lucknow school of prose; and “Beesvin Sadi Mein Urdu Ghazal” (2001), a comprehensive analysis of the Urdu ghazal in the 20th century. These publications have made substantial contributions to Urdu literary criticism.
Dr. Zarrin’s commitment to her literary heritage is deeply personal. Her father, Mushir Jhanjhanvi (1926-1990), was an eminent poet and an award-winning teacher. In a monumental effort to honour his legacy, Dr. Zarrin single-handedly compiled and published his complete works in a 506-page volume titled “Kulliyat-e-Musheer Jhanjhanvi” in 2016.
Her personal life has been marked by profound loss. Her husband, Shamim Siddiqui, passed away in January 2024 after a long illness, and her two daughters live elsewhere, leaving her in what she describes as a state of solitude in her Old Delhi home. Despite these challenges, she remains immersed in her literary world. She spends her evenings engaging with literary communities and reading her favourite poets: Mir, Faiz, and Nasir Kazmi. True to her poetic spirit, she keeps a diary by her bedside to instantly capture verses that come to her like “lightning” in the night.
Recognised with awards from the Urdu Academy and Sahitya Akademi, Dr. Zarrin is an active participant in literary events, including the prestigious Shankar-Shad Indo-Pak Mushaira. She stands as a vital bridge between classical Urdu traditions and modern literary discourse. Her encyclopedic knowledge, combined with her creative and scholarly contributions, solidifies her status as a significant and enduring figure in contemporary Urdu literature.