Over the last decade and a half, Abhishek Shukla has emerged as a distinctive voice in contemporary Urdu poetry – his name now resonating larger than the man himself. His deep love for Urdu and its eloquence has allowed him to carve out a literary space uniquely his own. For Abhishek, poetry is not just an art form but an outpouring of everything he absorbs from life and language.

Celebrated for his sharp eye for nuance, rhythm, and prosody, Abhishek has become a favourite among critics and a role model for emerging writers. A natural wordsmith, he balances lyrical expression with wit and satire so effortlessly that he even made a well-received cameo in a popular stand-up comedy act. A true Lucknowi at heart, he embodies the cultural richness of Awadhi heritage, both in his persona and in his verse.

His debut collection, Harf-e-Awara, published by Rajkamal Prakashan in 2020, struck a deep chord with readers and critics alike, earning him recognition as one of the brightest stars on the horizon of modern Urdu poetry. The Urdu version of Harf-e-Awara is set to release soon in India and Pakistan, followed by a forthcoming collection dedicated to satire.

Abhishek began his poetic journey in 2008 and, in a relatively short time, has developed a voice marked by heartfelt emotion, refined expression, and a mastery of classical form blended with contemporary resonance. His work has been featured in some of the most prestigious literary magazines across India and Pakistan, earning him acclaim not just from established critics but also from new generations of Urdu enthusiasts worldwide.

Carrying forward Lucknow’s timeless cultural and literary legacy, Abhishek Shukla continues to enrich modern Urdu poetry with his words, his wit, and his unwavering passion for the language.