Eminent Marathi Poet and Satirist Mirza Rafi Ahmad Baig Passes Away
The literary world of Maharashtra is in mourning following the passing of the supremely famous poet and emperor of humour, Dr Mirza Rafi Ahmad Baig. The renowned poet breathed his last on Friday, November 28, at 6.30 am. He was 68 years old.
Dr Baig had been suffering from a kidney ailment for the past few days and was undergoing treatment in the city of Amravati. His demise has created a significant void in the world of Marathi literature and folk poetry.
A Life Dedicated to Literature and Wit
Born on September 17, 1957, in Dhanaj-Manikwada village under Ner taluka of the present-day Yavatmal district, Dr Baig's tryst with poetry began at the remarkably young age of 11. He developed a unique, witty style of presentation that would later make him a household name across the state.
His literary career was both prolific and influential. Dr Baig authored more than 20 poetry collections and became a cultural phenomenon through his poetry recital program, Mirza Express. He performed an astounding over 6,000 shows of this program, captivating audiences throughout Maharashtra.
Beyond his stage performances, his newspaper column, ‘Mirzaji Kahin’, gained immense popularity, further cementing his status as a leading voice. He also served with distinction as the president of the Vidarbha Sahitya Sammelan and was a trustee of the renowned Sant Fakirji Maharaj Temple Trust in Vidarbha.
Condolences and Final Rites
The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief from admirers and political leaders alike. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took to social media platform X to express his condolences.
He described the loss as "extremely heartbreaking," praising Dr Baig as an "excellent, humorous folk poet and a personality endowed with profound social awareness." The Chief Minister also highlighted the poet's boundless love for Marathi and the Varhadi dialect.
Dr Mirza Rafi Ahmad Baig is survived by his wife, Fatema Mirza, his son, Ramiz, and his two daughters, Mahajabi and Huma. His final journey was undertaken on Friday afternoon, with his last rites performed at the Eidgah Qabristan in Amravati.
His father, Mirza Razzak Baig alias Bhaiji, was remembered as an influential political and social figure in the Yavatmal district, marking a family legacy of significant public contribution. The departure of Dr Baig marks the end of an era for Marathi literary and cultural circles.
