Harivansh Rai Bachchan (27 November 1907 – 18 January 2003) was a Hindi poet and writer. He was one of the leading poets of the post-Chhayavad period of Hindi poetry. His most famous work is Madhushala . Indian film actor Amitabh Bachchan is his son. He died on 18 January 2003 in Mumbai due to respiratory illness.

He taught English at Allahabad University. Later, he served as a Hindi expert in the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India. Later, he was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha. Bachchan is considered one of the most popular Hindi poets.