Syed Mahmood Khundmiri born on 14th February in the year 1938 was popularly known as takhallus Talib. He was an Indian Urdu language poet, humorist, architect, artist, orator, and one of the leading Urdu poets of the 20th and 21st centuries. Mahmood concentrated on humorous poetry, and was considered among the elite of Urdu humour.

Mahmood was born in Donegal Bidar, in the Indian state of Karnataka. In addition to his own writing career, he was also involved in many organizations. He was one of the senior most members of Zinda Dalaan-E Hyderabad (a grass-roots arts and humour group) and served on its executive board from 1963 to 2011. For more than 40 years he also served on the executive board of Shugoofa, an Urdu periodical, for more than 40 years. Talib, a pseudonym given to him by his peers, combined poetry with both sarcasm and humour. Known for his elevated style and tone in the world of Urdu literature, Syed Mahmood Khundmiri combined life experiences with his artistic gifts as a versatile poet and architect.

Early Life of Syed Mahmood Khundmiri
Mahmood`s grandfather, Syed Miran, was his mentor and the most ardent supporter. Mahmood spent most of his childhood with his grandfather who was an accomplished home builder. Mira sahab inspired Mahmood to become an architect and in the year 1963 Mahmood earned his Architectural degree. He recited his first poem about his grandfather when he was 12 years old and upon his grandfather`s encouragement started writing poems. He was a talented man just like his grandfather. He participated in many competitions during his school and college days and won many awards. Education

Mr.Mahmood attended school in Musheerabad where he lived for 16 years before moving to Chanchalguda on May 31, 1963. He was a versatile man and participated in many extra-curricular activities during his academic career.

Career of Syed Mahmood Khundmiri
Mahmood`s poetry and writing career started when he was 12 years. In his college days he and his few friends started a magazine and organization called Bazm-E-Urdu and won Basheerunnissa basher memorial ruling trophy. He was a gifted writer and a poet. He has written many articles in Urdu daily newspaper weekly column called Turfa tamasha. He has also written a book called Sukhan Ke Parde Mein and now this book is used as a curriculum in Shimoga university of Karnataka. When Talib was seventeen, one of his close relatives Alam Khundmiri, (an important intellectual figure and a dynamic writer of his time) has correctly anticipated that he will be an amazing poet and a writer in future.

Poetry Written by Syed Mahmood Khundmiri
Classical poetry, at that time was entirely in Persian. Eager to learn Farsi, Mahmood assisted with household chores for an elderly Farsi teacher in return for lessons. Many of his poetries were published in newspapers of Hyderabad such as Munsif, Saisat, Deccan Chronicle and Times of India. In 1970`s and 80`s, he was also invited in many Urdu mushairas and Sham-e-qhazals on Doordarshan. As he grew older, Mr. Mahmood started participating in Urdu poetry competitions and forums and quickly rose to be one of the most acclaimed poets of Zinda Dalaan-E Hyderabad. Many celebrities such as, Zail Singh, Dileep Kumar, Ajit Kumar, Kaifi Azmi and many other celebrities have attended his Mushairas.

As a poet, Mahmood was recognized on the international level, attending and receiving recognition at several mushairas.

Career as Architect for Syed Mahmood Khundmiri
Mr. Mahmood began his career as an architect in BHEL from 1964 to 1976. He also started his own firm called S.M Associates at King Kothi, in the Indian city of Hyderabad in 1976 and designed over 500 masjids around the world. Many people believe that he is the first person to build that many mosques around the world and could be in Guinness book of world records for his work. Since he was a modest and genuine man he never showed off his work. .

He never profited from his designs as he considered this to be religious philanthropy. He never advertised his work or put any kind of holding with his name on it, on any project. Apart from religious designs, he designed high rises, commercial buildings, hospitals and family homes. His architectural marvels have been compared to that of Mimar Sinan.

Syed Mahmood Khundmiri as an Artist
Parvez Yadullah Mehdi`s book cover designed by Mr. Talib Khundmiri. His artistic talent combined architectural abilities with his ability to connect with people through his poetry. He has made hundreds of paintings and calligraphies through his life. Many of his artworks were bought by Muslim families when they were exhibited in Chicago.

Syed Mahmood Khundmiri died of cardiac arrest on 16 January 2011, in the Indian city Pune in the Indian state of Maharashtra.