Harivansh Rai Bachchan was born to a Hindu Saraswat Brahmin family. He completed his early education in Allahabad and later pursued higher studies in Cambridge, England. He earned his doctorate in the early 1930s.

Bachchan started his literary career at a young age. His poetry, deeply rooted in Indian cultural heritage, earned him immense recognition. He was a pioneer of the Chhayavaad movement, which marked the romantic upsurge in Hindi poetry. His notable works include collections like “Madhushala,” “Madhukalash,” and “Madhubala.” “Madhushala,” his most famous work, is a collection of 135 quatrains describing the various facets of life, using the metaphor of a wine glass and tavern.

Apart from his literary achievements, Harivansh Rai Bachchan also wrote the screenplay and dialogues for several Hindi movies in the 1940s and 1950s. He worked with prominent film directors and actors of his time, leaving a lasting impact on Indian cinema.

Harivansh Rai Bachchan married Teji Bachchan, with whom he had two sons, Amitabh Bachchan and Ajitabh Bachchan. Amitabh Bachchan, their elder son, became one of the most iconic actors in the history of Indian cinema.

In his later years, Harivansh Rai Bachchan received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Hindi literature. He was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award, India’s highest literary honor, for his autobiography, “Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon.”

Harivansh Rai Bachchan passed away on January 18, 2003, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry and literary works. His poetry continues to inspire generations of readers and remains an integral part of Hindi literature. He is remembered not only as a literary giant but also as a cultural icon whose words have resonated with people for decades.