Born in a Cutchi Memon family on 23rd April 1945 in Kochi, Kerala, is the youngest, fourth child of his parents, Ismail Sait and Asma Beevi.
He did schooling in Kochi; joined Madras Christian College; took his Bachelor’s Degree in Maharaja's college, Kochi.
After graduation he had to join his brother to look after the affairs of large estates of his family. But Iqbal's mind used to wander; he tried to find meanings in the wonders that Nature provides. He started writing poems around 2018; adopting the 'Pseudonym' as GHALIB SULTAN.
Then, after few years, his book of poems containing 38 poems titled 'Inner Rustlings' was released by Prof. Sanu Master, a widely renowned literary personality. Dr. Sebastin Paul, a well-known orator and writer and Father Anil, Director Chavera Cultural Centre spoke on the occasion, appreciating and admiring several poems in the book in the presence of an elite audience at that Cultural Centre, Kochi.
Iqbal was chosen from among thousands of applicants to be part of the World Poetry Project 2025. His poems were subsequently published in Across Latitude & Language, a global anthology showcasing the works of all participants of WPP 2025.