Ali Zaryoun (علی زریون) is a prominent contemporary Pakistani poet, lyricist, writer, and thinker, widely recognized for his multilingual work and modern Urdu poetry.
His real name is Shahid Mahmood (or variations like Ch. Shahid Mehmood in some sources). He was born in 1983 in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (some references mention Multan, but Faisalabad is the most consistently cited birthplace).
He began his poetic journey around 1998–1999 (at age 14–15), initially writing under his given name “Ali” before adopting the pen name Ali Zaryoun in 1999. He has explained that this addition was coincidental and notes a naming similarity to the son of renowned poet Jaun Elia.
Ali Zaryoun is celebrated as a polyglot poet and lyricist, writing fluently in:
- Urdu
- Hindi
- Persian (Farsi)
- Punjabi
- English
His poetry often explores themes such as:
- Love, heartbreak, and human emotions
- Progressive thought
- Socio-political critique
- Inequality
- Resistance
- Social awareness
He blends classical traditions with modern perspectives, earning popularity especially among younger audiences through his unique style, powerful expressions, and social media presence.His career highlights include:
- Early encouragement from literary gatherings like Mufakkir Academy.
- Recognition in 2005 by senior poet Saleem Kausar in Karachi.
- Performances at major events such as Aouj-e-Kamal (2007) and Alami Mushaira (2008), sharing stages with legends like Waseem Barelvi and Munawwar Rana.
- Regular recitations and mushairas across Pakistan, including at cultural events, mosques, and weddings since 1999.
- Features at literature festivals, such as the Karachi Literature Festival.