Mohammad Kazim

Professor Mohammad Kazim: A Scholar of Stage and Spirit

Professor Mohammad Kazim stands as one of the eminent figures in contemporary Urdu scholarship, a dramatist whose creative fire blends seamlessly with academic depth. Born in Kolkata—a city of rich cultural ferment—Kazim’s journey through literature and theatre has illuminated the Urdu intellectual landscape with rare brilliance.

Kazim began his studies at the University of Calcutta, graduating in 1992. The search for greater horizons brought him to Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, where he completed his postgraduate, M.Phil., and doctoral degrees between 1994 and 2001. His academic curiosity was not confined to literature alone; a Diploma in Mass Media from JNU in 1995 further enriched his outlook, enabling him to weave the threads of literature, communication, and performance into an integrated vision of art and education.

His professional life found its true home at the University of Delhi. Since joining the Department of Urdu in 2002, Kazim has journeyed from Lecturer to Reader, Assistant Professor, and later Associate Professor, before being appointed Professor in 2017. Prior to his academic tenure, he served as a Sub Editor with Ajkal Urdu in the Publication Division of India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (1998–2002), where he honed his editorial insight and sensitivity to the evolving voice of Urdu writing in public discourse.

Drama, theatre, mass media, and research methodology define Kazim’s core disciplines. His teaching and research reflect an enduring commitment to inquiry and creativity. He has guided numerous M.Phil. and doctoral students, nurturing fresh scholarship in Urdu drama and interdisciplinary studies.

Kazim’s literary oeuvre is both rich and purposeful. His books—Urdu Drama: Fan, Taareekh aur Tajziya (2021), Nasar Ghazali Hayaat-o-Fan (2014), Hindustani Nukkad Natak aur uski Samaji Maanawiyat (2006, 2013), and Mashriqi Hind mein Urdu Nukkad Natak (2001)—mark milestones in Urdu theatre research. His translations of Henrik Ibsen’s plays have opened new horizons for readers of Urdu, while his co-authored and edited volumes continue to strengthen the field’s scholarly foundation. With over sixty research papers published in refereed journals, Kazim’s writings contribute to both academic rigour and cultural awareness.

Beyond classrooms and publications, Professor Kazim has been a guiding presence in cultural and academic organizations. At Delhi University, he serves as Warden of VKRV Rao Hostel. He is also President of the Sufi Jamil Akhter Literary Society in Kolkata and Vice Chairperson of the World Urdu Association in New Delhi. His leadership extends to numerous research boards and advisory councils, where he plays an active role in shaping the future of Urdu studies.

As a cultural organizer, Kazim’s energy found expression in initiatives like Bazm-e-Adab and Bahroop Arts Group—platforms that brought literature and performance to vibrant public life.

Recognition has steadily followed his contributions. The Niyaz Ahmad Khan Award (2021), the Hum Sab Ghalib Award (2017), and several honours from state Urdu academies testify to his multifaceted achievements. Earlier, in 2003, the All Bengal Theatre Award acknowledged his pioneering efforts in promoting Urdu drama. His academic excellence was also supported by Junior and Senior Research Fellowships from the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Kazim’s engagement with theatre goes far beyond scholarship. He is a performer, director, playwright, and mentor, participating in prestigious festivals such as Bharat Rang Mahotsav and Bhartendu Natya Mahotsav. His creative influence extends to television, with contributions to DD Urdu’s documentary productions. Every performance, whether on stage or screen, bears the hallmark of a director deeply rooted in cultural sensibility and aesthetic balance.

Committed to the advancement of Urdu, Kazim has served on editorial boards of major Urdu journals and national committees for Urdu promotion. His editorial vision reflects both academic precision and cultural empathy.

From Kolkata’s literary corridors to Delhi’s academic forums, Professor Mohammad Kazim’s career embodies dedication, innovation, and cultural continuity. As a teacher, writer, dramatist, and cultural leader, he has nurtured generations of students and readers, instilling in them not just an appreciation for Urdu drama, but also a reverence for its humanistic spirit. His legacy continues to echo across classrooms, theatres, and literary circles—affirming his place among the distinguished voices of modern Urdu scholarship.

List of Publications

Authored Books (Monographs)

• Urdu Drama: Fan, Taareekh aur Tajziya (National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, 2021)
• Ishariya Urdu Science Mahnama (Educational Publishing House, Delhi, 2017)
• Nasar Ghazali Hayaat-o-Fan (West Bengal Urdu Academy, Kolkata, 2014)
• Hindustani Nukkad Natak aur uski samaji maanawiyat (Educational Publishing House, New Delhi, 2006; 2nd enlarged edition, 2013)
• Mashriqi Hind mein Urdu Nukkad Natak (Takhleeqkar Publishers, New Delhi, 2001)

Co-Authored Books

• Dastaangoi (Rajkamal Prakashan, New Delhi, 2012)
• Dastaangoi (Arshia Publications, New Delhi, 2011)

Edited Books

• Fahim Akhtar Ke Afsaney (Kitab Publications, Mumbai, 2019)
• Daastaangoi 2 (Rajkamal Prakashan, New Delhi, 2019)
• Watan Ka Qarz (Society for the Promotion of Urdu, Mauritius, 2017)
• Mohammad Mujeeb Ke Drame (National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, 2016)
• Yograj ki Kahaniyan (Kitabi Duniya Publications, New Delhi, 2011)
• Mujtaba Hussain fun aur shakhsiyat (Maktaba Jamia Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 2004)
• Aajkal aur Urdu Sahafat (Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 2000)
• Ajkal aur Ghubar-e-Karwan (Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 2000)
• Aajkal ki Kahaniyan (Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 2000)
• Aajkal aur Drama (Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 1999)
• Aajkal ke Mazameen (Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 1999)

Translated Books

• Sitam Ki Inteha Kya Hai (Arshia Publications, New Delhi, 2020)
• Henrik Ibsen Ke Teen Dramey (Arshia Publications, New Delhi, 2016)
• Mere Bistar Ke Neeche (Pratham Books, Bengaluru, 2015)
• Ghat Wali Billi (Pratham Books, Bengaluru, 2014)
• Meri Pardadi aur Parnani (Pratham Books, Bengaluru, 2014)

Research Papers and Other Publications

• Over 60 research papers published in refereed/peer-reviewed journals
• 10 research papers in refereed/peer-reviewed conferences
• 15 research papers in other conferences/seminars
• 60 other publications (edited works, book reviews, festschrift volumes, etc.)
• 42 chapters in books

List of Awards and Distinctions

• Niyaz Ahmad Khan Award for Excellence in Drama and Theatre (The Muslim Institute, Kolkata, 2021)
• Hum Sab Ghalib Award for contribution in Urdu Drama and Theatre (Ghalib Institute, New Delhi, 2017)
• Literary Award (Bihar Urdu Academy, 2008) for “Hindustani Nukkad Natak aur uski samaaji maanawiyat”
• Literary Award (Delhi Urdu Academy, 2006) for “Hindustani Nukkad Natak aur uski samaaji maanawiyat”
• All India Literary Award (West Bengal Urdu Academy, 2002) for “Mashriqi Hind mein Urdu Nukkad Natak”
• All India Literary Award (Rajasthan Urdu Academy, 2001-2002) for “Mashriqi Hind mein Urdu Nukkad Natak”
• All Bengal Theatre Award for promotion of Urdu Drama and Theatre (The Muslim Institute, Kolkata, 2003)
• Senior Research Fellowship (UGC, New Delhi, 1996)
• Junior Research Fellowship & National Eligibility Test (UGC, New Delhi, 1994)

Dr. Mohammad Kazim

Last modified: November 24, 2025