Nayab Midha, one of India’s most celebrated contemporary spoken word artists, has transformed from a reluctant software engineer into a poet whose words reach millions of hearts across the globe. Her journey from the corporate corridors of Infosys to becoming the first female spoken word artist to cross 1 million+ viewers on Instagram is a testament to the power of following one’s passion against all odds.

Early Life and Educational Background

Born on September 13, 1996, in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan—a border town between India and Pakistan—Nayab grew up in a middle-class family where education was paramount. Her grandparents had settled in Sri Ganganagar during the partition of India, and her parents, both postgraduates, instilled in her a deep respect for learning and intellectual growth.

From an early age, Nayab displayed a voracious appetite for reading. By the age of 10, she was extensively reading works by authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Indian writers like Amrita Pritam. Her love for mathematics initially pointed her toward engineering, though her father had hoped she would pursue medicine.

Educational Journey:

• Completed schooling in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan

• Moved to Delhi for higher education

• Graduated with a degree in Electronics Engineering from BPIT, IP University, Delhi

• During college, participated in numerous slam poetry competitions at prestigious colleges like Gargi College, Shahid Bhagat Singh College, and Shree Ram Center of Commerce

The Accidental Discovery of Poetry

Nayab’s poetry journey began with a serendipitous moment during her 9th grade. She wrote her first poem for her school’s creative writing competition, not out of passion but simply to stand apart from her peers. As she reflects, “It’s not you who discover art, it’s art who decides to make a home in you”.

A pivotal moment came when she missed a train while reading Chetan Bhagat’s “Revolution 2020” at a railway station. This unexpected delay became a blessing in disguise, deepening her love for literature and storytelling. “I am so grateful that I missed my train which literally made me take another direction in my career,” she recalls.

Poetry Competition Success:

• Won silver and gold at IP University’s annual festival Anugoonj

• Secured victories at multiple Delhi University colleges

• Gained recognition through performances at various slam poetry contests

The Corporate Years: A Necessary Detour

After graduation, Nayab joined Infosys in Chandigarh in 2018 as a System Engineer, where she worked until April 2020. However, the corporate world couldn’t contain her creative spirit. “I couldn’t find my calm & passion in my work then,” she admits.

During her two years at Infosys, Nayab maintained a strategic dual life:

• Weekdays: Dedicated to her engineering responsibilities in Chandigarh

• Weekends: Organizing poetry and music events in the city

• Monthly visits: Traveling to Delhi for performances, often returning late at night

The Breaking Point: Despite her efforts to balance both worlds, Nayab realized that “I only want to create art” rather than code. In 2020, she made the life-changing decision to leave her stable corporate job and pursue poetry full-time, just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit India.

Transition to Full-Time Poetry

Leaving Infosys wasn’t an impulsive decision. “I did not randomly take the bag and left the place. I worked for 2 years at the MNC and ensured that I paid my bills and simultaneously chased my slam poetry interests,” Nayab explains. This strategic approach helped her gain her parents’ support for her unconventional career choice.

Career Evolution Timeline:

• 2018-2020: System Engineer at Infosys while pursuing poetry part-time

• 2020: Full-time transition to poetry during pandemic

• December 2020: Joined FNP Media as a content creator and event organizer

• 2021 onwards: Independent artist, brand collaborator, and social media influencer

Rise to Social Media Stardom

Nayab’s breakthrough came with her poem “Khubsurat” during a particularly challenging period in Chandigarh. After delivering what she considered a mediocre performance, she promised organizers something special for her next slot. The result was “Khubsurat”, which she hoped would reach 100,000 views—instead, it garnered 300,000 views by evening and 1 million by 9 PM, eventually reaching 15 million views.

Viral Poetry Success:

• “Tum Khoobsurat Ho”: Over 14 million views on Facebook alone

• “Ishq Behisaab Ho”: Crossed 5 million views on Facebook, went viral across Instagram

• “Muskurao”: Became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless people to stay positive

• Instagram milestone: First female spoken word artist to cross 1 million+ viewers

Poetry Style and Themes

Nayab’s poetry resonates with millions because it addresses universal human experiences through a contemporary lens. Her work explores:

Core Themes:

• Love and relationships: From one-sided love to finding the perfect partner

• Women’s empowerment: Challenging societal norms and celebrating femininity

• Mental health: Addressing depression, anxiety, and self-doubt

• Family dynamics: Particularly focusing on parent-child relationships

• Self-acceptance: Embracing flaws and finding inner beauty

Notable Works:

• “Tum Khoobsurat Ho”: A powerful piece about body positivity and self-love

• “Nani Ki Kahani”: Breaking stereotypes about women through generational storytelling

• “Papa Perfectionist Hai”: A deeply personal poem about father-daughter relationships

• “Muskurao”: An anthem of resilience and optimism

• “Justuju”: Exploring the longing between separated lovers

Media Ventures and Radio Career

In August 2025, Nayab expanded her reach by launching “Nayab Nazariya” on MY FM, marking her radio debut. The show, which airs Monday to Friday at 9 PM, offers her unique perspective on life, love, and relationships.

“Nayab Nazariya is a show that can change the way people see life. Every episode will unravel layers of emotions, stories of relationships that will surely make people pause and reflect,” she explains about her radio venture.

The show received an overwhelming response from listeners on its very first night, with audiences appreciating her transition from social media poetry to radio storytelling.

International Recognition and Tours

Nayab’s influence extends far beyond India’s borders. Her upcoming international tour includes a marquee performance in Auckland, New Zealand, with “Rajkumari Chali Pyaar Pakane” scheduled for November 29, 2025, at the Dorothy Winstone Centre.

International Presence:

• Auckland, New Zealand: Major poetry and storytelling show (November 2025)

• Global social media reach: Millions of followers across platforms

• Cross-cultural themes: Poetry that resonates with diaspora communities worldwide

Through her evolution from a small-town engineering student to a internationally recognized poet and radio personality, Nayab Midha has proven that authentic storytelling and unwavering determination can transform not just individual lives, but entire communities who find hope and healing in her words.