Urdunama

Time to fire up your epiglottis! In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed delves into the linguistic nuances of Urdu in the much-discussed web series 'Heeramandi'. While the series has garnered attention for its bold storytelling and captivating visuals, the portrayal of Urdu within it has sparked debates and discussions. Join us as we dissect the accuracy of the Urdu dialogue, exploring its authe...

In this episode of the 'Urdunama' podcast, we delve deep into the profound word 'vajood' and its intricate significance in Urdu poetry. Join us as we unravel the layers of meaning behind this evocative term, exploring its portrayal of existence, identity, and the human experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of Urdunama gets real. Our host, Fabeha Syed dives into a feeling we all know too well: 'mayoosi', or despair. If you've ever felt that things are not going your way, this episode is for you.  Taking shade under the wisdom of poets like Sahir Ludhianvi, Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Firaq Gorakhpuri, let us heal together. Tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apologies are in order! Urdunama is making a comeback after a two-week hiatus as Fabeha was busy with mommy duties. In this episode, we delve into the concept of the self. We explore how the Urdu language evokes notions of freedom and self-worth, and discuss the subtle distinction between being firm in one's principles and being 'khuddar'. Listen till the end as Fabeha reads poetry by Javed Akhtar...

'Hoshwalon ko khabar kya, bekhudi kya cheez hai'. This ghazal by Nida Fazli has been a constant in many 90s kids' playlists. Sung by the great Jagjit Singh, the song was picturised on Aamir Khan for the 1999 film 'Sarfarosh'. In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed discusses the everyday, yet essential Urdu word 'khabar' and its significance in the Indian context. From street conversations to new...

'Mere hazrat ne Madine mei manaayi Holi'. This line by Gauhar Jaan perfectly encapsulates the spirit of 'Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb', which is entrenched in the Urdu language. Welcome to this special episode of Urdunama, where Fabeha Syed delves into the vibrant world of Nazeer Akbarabadi's poetry, particularly focusing on his evocative verses celebrating the festival of Holi. From the joyous splashes o...

In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed discusses the word 'khafa', with a smile on her face, of course! The Urdu word means 'displeased', 'upset', and 'offended'. As she reads poetry by Javed Akhtar, Bashir Badr and Anwar Shuoor, we unpack the complexities of releationships, and understand how 'naraazi' can help us heal. Listen till the end! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...

This week on Urdunama, Fabeha Syed delves into the magic of the word 'chaand' (moon) in Urdu poetry and literature. We'll explore how this celestial body has inspired countless verses and metaphors, capturing the essence of love, longing, and beauty. The episode features a special musical segment by a listener Prakhar Kaushik, who serenades us with a soulful rendition of the classic ghazal 'Yeh Ra...

This episode of Urdunama celebrates the life and work of the iconic ghazal singer and composer, Pankaj Udhas. We lost the legend on 26 February 2024 to Pancreatic Cancer. He was born on 17 May 1951 in Gujarat, and made a name for himself in both film and independent music. Fabeha Syed will delve into the captivating world of his ghazals, exploring their emotional depth and the unique style that ca...

This episode of Urdunama delves into the depths of a single Urdu word, 'beqarar,' capturing the essence of restlessness, yearning, and disquiet. It's a word that paints not only human emotion but also the beating heart, the pangs of love, and the very pulse of life. Join Fabeha Syed as we embark on a journey exploring the various facets of 'beqarar' in Urdu poetry. We'll witness how this word blos...

In the previous episode, Fabeha Syed read through some bars of Faiz Ahmed Faiz's prison poetry, witnessing the resilience of his spirit, and the power of his voice against oppression. But in this Urdunama, we venture into a gentler landscape, the blossoming gardens of Faiz's romantic poetry. Fabeha will guide you through Faiz's masterful use of metaphor and imagery, unveiling the depths of his emo...

Join Fabeha Syed on a journey into the unyielding spirit of Faiz Ahmad Faiz, where prison walls could not confine his verses, and bars became echoes for his revolutionary voice. Faiz Ahmad Faiz was born on 13 February 1911 in Sialkot, present-day Pakistan. Dive deep into the poet's life, from his early activism to his periods of incarceration, exploring how confinement fueled his most powerful and...

Jagjit Singh was born on 8 February 1941. This episode of Urdunama pays homage to the legendary ghazal singer, whose soulful voice painted a thousand emotions with every rendition. We delve into his illustrious career, exploring his unique style that captivated audiences worldwide. Join us on a musical journey through the maestro's most cherished ghazals, brought to life in a medley by Prateek Lid...

Did you know that some of the most beautiful poetry about Lord Ram has been written in Urdu?  While the Ram Temple consecration was a watershed moment for many Hindus across the country, we felt that the mainstream news coverage was limited to party politics and communal remarks. But in this episode of Urdunama, we want to use Ram as a unifying force. Let us embark on a fascinating journey to expl...

This Urdunama episode is a tribute to a legend, a poetic journey that will leave you mesmerized and wanting more. We lost Munawwar Rana on 14 January 2024. A luminary in the realm of Urdu literature, Rana's profound verses resonated with the depths of human emotion, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of readers and listeners alike. Born in Rae Bareli, India, in 1949, Munawwar Rana's poetic jo...

In this special episode of Urdunama, Fabeha delves into the captivating realm of 'kitaab', the very essence of knowledge and imagination. Join us as we explore the world of books as a metaphorical embodiment of knowledge, wisdom and life in general. Listen till the end as Fabeha reads poetry by Ahmad Faraz and Ejaaz Tawakkal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first Urdunama of 2024, Fabeha Syed ignites a conversation about 'Aghaz,' the Urdu word for 'beginning.' 'Aghaz' is not just a starting point, but a potent spark that ignites possibilities, fuels dreams, and propels us forward into the unknown. Listen till the end as she reads poetry by Ahmad Faraz and Kafeel Aazar Amrohvi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed unfurls the intricate layers of the Urdu word 'Ilzaam', meaning 'blame' or 'accusation'. It's a word that carries a weight of suspicion, hurt, and sometimes even injustice. Fabeha opens the episode with a personal anecdote, recalling a familiar scene: her mother's accusing gaze as a misplaced winter scarf sparks a flurry of 'Ilzaam'. This relatable moment s...

Fabeha Syed explores the poignant concept of 'Adhoora,' or 'unfinished,' in Urdu poetry. This evocative term captures the incompleteness and impermanence that are inherent aspects of human existence. Through the verses of renowned poets like Jan Nisar Akhtar and Javed Akhtar, we'll delve into the various shades of Adhoora. The episode is also joined by our in-house 'tuntuna' man Prateek Lidhoo for...

In this captivating episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed embarks on a journey through the ever-changing landscapes of Mausam (weather in Urdu), exploring its profound influence on Urdu poetry. Mausam is not merely a physical phenomenon; it is a living, breathing entity that weaves itself into the very fabric of Urdu verses. Poets have long drawn inspiration from the transformative power of weather, us...

In this week's episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed delves into the depths of the Urdu word 'Deedar,' a term that signifies a profound 'sight' or 'vision' often associated with the beloved. Deedar is a word that carries immense weight and longing, representing both the physical act of seeing and the spiritual yearning for connection. Syed will explore the different ways in which Deedar is used in Urdu...

In this week's episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed explores the Urdu word "azmaish," meaning "test" or "trial." Azmaish is a powerful and evocative word, with many different meanings and connotations. It can refer to a literal test, such as an exam or a challenge, but it can also be used to describe more abstract concepts such as temptation, adversity, or even spiritual growth. Syed will discuss the...

In this week's episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed explores the Urdu word 'deewana,' meaning 'mad.' Deewana is a powerful word, with a rich and complex history. It can be used to describe someone who is passionate, obsessed, or even out of their mind. Syed will discuss the different ways in which deewana is used in Urdu poetry and will read some of her favorite poems by Ahmad Faraz, Khushbir Singh Sh...

In today's Urdunama, Fabeha explores the Urdu word 'saaya,' meaning 'shadow.' Saaya is a complex and evocative word, with many different meanings and nuances. It can refer to the literal shadow of a person or object, but it can also be used to describe more abstract concepts such as protection, support, or even melancholy. Fabeha digs deep into her personal life and talks about motherhood, and par...

Your beloved show has been away for a few weeks because of a new addition to the Urdunama family. This week marks the debut of Fabeha's son Musa on the show, as she joins back to talk about a fundamental concept of 'shak', or doubt. The episode starts with "I think, therefore I am", a quote by French philosopher René Descartes, and how the fact that we can doubt and question things around us makes...