Formative years: School and College

 

Coming from a close knit and well off traditional Punjabi family Minu did not have to face any trials by fire in her growing years and was therefore able to hone her talents in music and sports and academics from an early age.

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Minu Bakshi attended St. Thomas' School in Delhi before graduating from the prestigious Miranda House, Delhi University. Her active participation in sports and cultural activities, especially music, made her a beloved and well-recognized figure at Delhi University festivals. Initially pursuing a B.Sc. from Miranda House, she soon realized her true passion lay in languages, for which she had a natural talent. This discovery led her to immerse herself in the study of Spanish, culminating in an M.A. and M.Phil. from Jawaharlal Nehru University. She furthered her expertise in the language by studying at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain.

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Minu Bakshi is recognised in India as a singer, poet, linguist and philanthropist and prominent socialite.

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Music career

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That she was gifted with an aureate voice was recognized at an early age. However, it was a concert by Begum Akhtar, which was one of the defining moments of her life. She knew then that if there was anything she wanted, it was to sing. Following Begam Akhtar assiduously from concert-to-concert Minu imbibed not only the fundamentals of ghazal gayaki but also began to appreciate the nuances and beauty of Urdu and Urdu poetry. This was to have a huge impact on her later.

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Committed to the preservation of Punjabi culture Minu's next and most highly successful endeavor was the launch of a music album entitled “Lao Mehndiyan". This collection of traditional Punjabi folk songs albeit in a new avatar, established her reputation as one of the foremost singers of Punjabi folk.

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A compendium of Punjabi folk music consisting of 8 Cds is Minu's most ambitious project to date. Under the Times Music banner this collection entitled "Band Baja Punjab" has become a "must have" for all lovers of Punjabi folk music worldwide. Minu Bakshi was awarded with “The Global Achiever’s Award” by the Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

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One of the most exciting moments in her music career was her collaboration with the King of music Mika Singh which culminated in the release of their mega album, DJ Waleya which crossed over five million views on YouTube in just 30 days. They are now gearing up to launch their second blockbuster album.

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Her discography across various genres of music: folk, ghazal, pop and Sufi shows her to be a singer of great talent and versatility.

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Poetry

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Possibly one of the most significant milestones in her career, and a recent one at that, is the flowering of her career as an Urdu poet. "Tishnagi: The Thirst" is Minu's first book of Urdu poetry. A work that has garnered her unstinting praise from connoisseurs of Urdu poetry and the most hardened critics as well. Among these are eminent personalities like Lt.Farooque Shaikh the prominent actor and TV personality who said "There's the fragrance of honesty in Minuji's poetry, rather than the odor of effort, which is why it engrosses you quickly and stays with you longer.”

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While Shabana Azmi the well known thespian remarked that "Minu Bakshi's poetry is felt thought...her verse is steeped in love and even more importantly in romance- a virtue fast disappearing in today's world. There is a simplicity with which she surrenders to love and makes the reader yearn for more…”

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The well-known filmmaker Muzaffar Ali remarked at the Delhi launch of the book, "Minu Bakshi's poetry has all the metaphors one finds in the classical Urdu ghazal, but with a striking balance between intensity and freshness almost always knocking innocently at the doors of mystic surrender.”

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It is no surprise than that the book was adjudged amongst the best book of Urdu poetry for 2014 by the Urdu Academy at Patna. Minu was honored with a citation and a cash award, proof indeed that she has come of age. The Husnara Foundation had  honored Minu with the Amir Khusrau award for the best book of Urdu poetry for the year 2014. This is a real honor and its probably the first time that such an award has been given to someone from a non Urdu background.

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"Mauj -e-Saraab" is Minu Bakshi's second book of Urdu poetry. It is the second volume of the quartet that she proposes to write. Mauj-e-Saraab, which translates as “The Moving Mirage”, is once again the poetry of love and surrender straight from the heart of a woman. Her poems are an expression of love, devotion, passion, longing, heartbreak, and all the emotions, which color our lives. Minu Bakshi's poetry is feminine not feminist. 

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Her Third book, "Uffuq ke Paar" was declared the best book of Urdu poetry 2018 by the Delhi Urdu Academy and was felicitated by Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Mr. Manish Sisodia.

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Abr-e-Karam, her fourth book, was launched at the Lucknow Literary Festival and received great acclaim from poetry enthusiasts.

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She writes from the realm of a woman's heart in love with the idea of love and surrenders herself completely to it. 

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Linguist

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Minu Bakshi demonstrates a natural talent and passionate commitment to excelling in languages. In addition to being self-taught in Urdu, she is a senior member of the Spanish faculty at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, where she has taught Spanish for many years.

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Minu is also an accredited interpreter for the Indian Government and has represented India at conferences involving heads of Spanish-speaking states. Specialising in simultaneous interpretation, she has served as an interpreter for the President and Prime Minister of India on various occasions for over thirty years.

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In recognition of her contributions to Spain and the Spanish language, she was awarded the “Order of Queen Isabella” – the highest honour ever given to a foreigner by the King of Spain.

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Minu's efforts to promote cultural exchange were prominently showcased during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on February 25, 2022. As part of her dedication, she presented nearly 100-year-old compositions by the renowned Spanish poet Federico García Lorca for the Embassy of Spain. Her performance of these legendary songs in full Spanish valour highlighted her commitment to fostering cultural understanding and appreciation.

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Philanthropist

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As the founding member and Chairperson of the renowned NGO 'Savera', she is dedicated to uplifting the poor and underprivileged sections of society. Minu performs globally in ticketed events to raise funds and resources for Savera, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Her efforts are truly remarkable and inspiring.

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Minu Bakshi resides in Delhi with her husband and three children.

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