From roasting netas to mocking society, meet hasya Kavis — the OG meme lords of Hindi poetry

Indian Express

25-05-2025

(Written by Anushka Rajvedi)
In literature, humor has never been limited to just comedy, it is a powerful tool, a tool that provokes thoughts wrapped in comedy. Hasya Kavita (comedy poems) is one such genre in Hindi literature. From ridicule to reflection, from society to consciousness, Hasya Kavis are not mere comical poets but incisive observers of society, who use satire as a tool to mock the politics, relations and human conditions of society. Adding humor to the legacy of Hindi literature, let's take a look at the five heroic Hasya Kavis (comic poets), who carved a path for the most loved genre of Hindi literature, Hasya Kavita.
Kaka Hathrasi (1906-1995)-
'बंदर क्या जाने अदरक का स्वाद?'
(What would a monkey know of ginger's taste?)
Known for the use of biting idioms, Kaka Hathrasi has given a commanding foundation to the genre of 'Hasya Kavita' in Hindi literature. From Indian society to the political scenarios, his observations were muffled in wit. Popular for the use of 'rustic hindi', Kaka's works used several kinds of regional dialects and idioms to not just make it a satirical comment but also reachable to a larger common audience. A light-hearted blend of humor and critique, his works such as 'Netaji Ki Jai Ho', 'Bandar Aur Adrak', 'Kavi Samelan Mein Kavi ', etc, are a perfect read for poetry lovers who enjoy comedy with intellect.
'नेता वो जीव है जो चुनाव के पहले ही प्रकट होता है!'
(The politician is a creature who appears only before elections.)
When poetry melts in drama, garnished with satire, Shail Chaturvedi appears. With his satire as sharp as a razor, Hasya Kavi, Shail critiqued the political scenario of India through his intellectually funny poems. From bureaucracy to hypocrisy, through his works, he takes a dig at the corruption in politics, the fake promises of politicians and the opportunism of the Indian politicians. A legend of his time, with boldness that was rare, he fearlessly condemned the political scenario through his satires, which are relevant to date. For readers who enjoy political satires, Chaturvedi's works, such as 'Netaji', 'Kursi', and 'Deshbhakti Aur Bhojan', are true examples of how humor can question the power structure through political statements.
'मैं हिंदी का वो कवी हूँ जो चेयर लाइन में निपट जाता हूँ। '
(I am that Hindi poet who finishes in just four lines)
Renowned for his 'Chaar-linaa' (four lines), Surendra Sharma has restructured the genre of 'Hasya Kavita' to short-form satires. Often using satire on himself, he is famous for his self-deprecating and slow humor; he, unlike other poets, throws his sarcasm on the life of middle-class people, their relations and struggles. Relatable to every common man, his works, such as 'Humne apni patni se kaha', 'Is desh mein raja Ravan ho ya Ram', have become like an everyday conversation for the common man. His deadpan style is an absolute treat for every reader who is driven to analyse the rhythm of comical poetry through a minimalist lens.
'बात बात में बात बनाना अच्छी बात नहीं। '
(It's not good to make an issue out of everything)
When the rhythm of entertainment meets the intellect of enlightenment, when the play of language reflects the nature of society, the genre of 'smart humor' reaches the masses. Popular for this genre, Ashok Chakradhar comments on personal issues in social settings. A blend of wit and humor, he engages on a spectrum of themes that ranges from education to nature, relations to politics and privacy to society. A must-read poet, Chakradhar is known for his lyrical style of narration, having a great impact on comic timings. His works like 'Baat Baat mein', 'Vivah Yatra' and 'Joota' are the fans' favourite, which not only takes a humorous approach to the conditions of human lives but also intellectually questions the unnecessary chaos of relations due to trivial matters.
'माँ ने खिचड़ी में प्यार मिलाया, बचपन का स्वाद लौट आया। '
(Mom blended love into lentil porridge and brought back the taste of childhood)
A perfect combination of humor and tears, Sampat Saral, unlike other Hasya Kavis, is distinguished for his amalgamation of sensitivity in wit and emotions in satire. Rather than biting humor, he works on humor that heals wounds. A modern kavi, he focuses on the simplicity of life and evokes light-hearted humor rather than thundering laughter. A poet for every generation, Samapt Saral's works like 'Maa ki Kichdi', 'Padosi', 'Nithale Bahut Busy hai!' and 'Sarkari Daftar' are a must-read for those who adore sympathy paired with humor, which brings tears of joy in the eyes of readers while they enjoy the wittiness of relations.
(The writer is an intern with the Indian Express)