Farman Fatehpuri (born Syed Dildar Ali, 26 January 1926 – 3 August 2013) was an Urdu linguist, researcher, writer, critic and scholar of Pakistan. He is widely regarded as a leading authority on the life and work of Ghalib. He wrote many scholarly articles, book reviews, and editorials. In 1985, he received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz Award for his literary accomplishments in 1985 from the President of Pakistan.

Biography

Fatehpuri was born on 26 January 1926 in the Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. His father died in 1933 while he was still a child. He received his matriculation from Fatehpur and intermediate education (high school) from Allahabad in 1948. He graduated from Agra University in 1950. Farman migrated to Pakistan in 1950 and settled in Karachi. He completed his Master of Arts, LLB and B.T. from Karachi University. In 1965, he obtained his PhD degree. He also received a D.Litt (Doctor of Letters) degree in Urdu in 1974. He remained associated with Karachi University for nearly 30 years and taught many PhD students and researchers. He was later appointed chief editor and secretary of the Urdu Dictionary Board in 1985. In the same year, he was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz medal (Star of Excellence) by the President of Pakistan. From 1996 on, he served as a member of the Civil Services Board of the Sindh Government. He became the editor of the monthly publication, Nigar – the oldest Urdu literary journal, founded by Farman's mentor, Allama Niaz Fatehpuri.

Death

He died on 3 August 2013 (24th Ramadan). His final rites were offered on 4 August 2013, and he was buried in the Karachi University graveyard.

Personal life

He was survived by his wife. They have six children.

Literary works

Farman's works and ideas have had a strong influence on researchers investigating the poetry and prose of Ghalib and Urdu linguistics. He was the author of more than 60 titles on the Urdu poetry of Ghalib and Allama Iqbal, including linguistics, critique, and biography.

Awards and recognition