Rahi Masoom Raza

Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza was a famous author, play writer and novelist of Independent India. Rahi Masoom Raza was born in Ghazipur district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. He completed his early education in and around Ghazipur from where he went to Aligarh Muslim University to complete his higher studies. Masoom Raza did his doctorate in Hindustani Literature and persuaded his career in literature.

Rahi Masoom Raza is known for his intense storylines that are weaved in easy words. Most of his works are based on the themes related to village and sub-urban life-style. For example, one of his novel named ' Neem ka Ped' is based on the uneasy relationship of lower caste serfs with their landlords. This novel has been adapted in to a television series that became very popular among the masses. Another famous novel 'Katra Bi Arzoo' is based around Hindu-Muslim sibling rivalry in the city of Allahabad. In fact, Hindu-Muslim strife has been a popular theme in the writings of Raza. Another famous novel of his named ' Topi Sukla' also revolves around the same theme.

In his career spanning 35 years, Rahi Masoom Raza has written lyrics, dialogues and stories for various movies and television series. His high came with the telecast of TV series 'Mahabharata' that was based on the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Masoom Raza, a Muslim, wrote the screenplay and dialogue of the TV series that went on to become the most watched TV series in India. At one time, its TRP was staggering 86 %. This was a triumph for Raza as some Hindu zealots had criticized his inclusion in the team.