Aashiq Banarasi is a poet, lyricist, and writer from the culturally rich city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. His journey into the realm of poetry began at the tender age of 12 in 2013, when he penned his first poem, Pravachan Dete Phirte Hain, Gyaan Koi Nahi Deta!. Since then, he has been driven by a passion to explore the depths of human emotions and the beauty of language.
Aashiq's poetry is a blend of Hindi, Urdu, and Persian, reflecting the rich linguistic heritage of his homeland. Over the years, he has written over a hundred Ghazals and more than a thousand Shayaris—each one a reflection of his thoughts, experiences, and dreams. One of his most notable works is a poem about COVID-19, which was published on May 21, 2020, in a renowned newspaper in Moradabad. This piece captured the resilience and hope of humanity during challenging times and showcased his ability to use poetry as a medium for social commentary.
Born and raised in Varanasi, a city steeped in history and spirituality, Aashiq draws inspiration from its vibrant culture and timeless traditions. His academic journey has further enriched his literary pursuits. He began his education at Government Queen's Inter College in Varanasi before progressing through Besant Theosophical Higher Secondary School and Bengali Tola Inter College. His passion for literature led him to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature at the University of Calcutta. Currently, he is deepening his understanding of literary studies with a Master's Degree in Comparative Literature at the Centre for Comparative Literature, University of Hyderabad.
Beyond poetry, Aashiq has made significant contributions to literary scholarship. He transliterated Ismat Chughtai’s iconic work Lihaaf into Hindi—a project presented for NAAC accreditation at the University of Calcutta. This transliteration has earned academic recognition and is now taught as a reference at Vivekananda College in Kolkata. Through this endeavor, Aashiq demonstrates his dedication to preserving literary heritage while making it accessible to new audiences.
Aashiq's work is characterized by its ability to bridge traditional forms with contemporary themes. He believes that poetry is not just a form of expression but a way to connect with others, to share in the joys and sorrows that make us human. Whether through Ghazals that explore the depths of love or Shayaris that capture fleeting moments of beauty, his poetry invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.