Urdunama

In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed explores the meaning of the Urdu word 'aitbaar', which means faith or trust. She discusses how important it is to have trust in others, and how this can lead to stronger relationships, communities, and societies. Fabeha reads out poems by Urdu poets like Gulzar, who have beautifully captured the essence of trust. She also shares her experiences of how trust...

In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed talks about the poetry of Irshad Kamil. Kamil is one of the most popular Indian poets of recent times, and his work has been featured in many successful Hindi films. He has worked with music directors like AR Rahman, Vishal-Shekhar, Pritam, and many more. Fabeha discusses Kamil's unique style of writing, which combines simple language with complex emotions....

Raksha Bandhan is a time for sisters to express their love and concern for their brothers. It is also a time for brothers to reaffirm their commitment to protecting their sisters. The festival reminds us of the power of love to protect us from harm. The Urdu word 'hifazat' means 'protection' or 'safeguarding.' It is a sentiment that is central to the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Listen to this podc...

Join Fabeha Syed on this episode of Urdunama as we delve deep into the concept of "tamasha" or spectacle. From Imtiaz Ali's storytelling to the nuances of human behavior, Fabeha guides us through the many meanings of "tamasha". It's not just about entertainment; it's about the myriad ways we perform for the world and even for ourselves, often forgetting our true essence. Tune in!  Learn more about...

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about the magic of Urdu poetry, this episode of Urdunama is your golden ticket. Fabeha Syed and Dr. Saba Mahmood Bashir are here to blow your mind, ignite your passion for words, and leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling only poetry can deliver. From poetry challenging social norms to children's poetry about flowers blooming in 'chaddis', we're cover...

On this episode of Urdunama, we explore the poetry around badan, meaning the body and it's connection with attraction, intimacy and sensuality. Featuring nazms, songs and shayari by Nida Fazli, Rahat Indori, Jan Nisar Akhtar and more; tune into this special episode of Urdunama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Urdu word dilchasp is derived from the Persian roots dil (heart) and chasp (to please). The word literally means "heart-pleasing" or "heart-warming." Dilchasp can be used to describe anything that is pleasing or enjoyable, such as a beautiful sight, a delicious meal, or a kind gesture. The word can also be used to describe a person who is charming or witty. In Urdu poetry, dilchasp is often us...

Anand Bakshi was born on 21 July 1930. In this episode of Urdunama, host Fabeha Syed talks about the lyrical legacy of Anand Bakshi. She reads out some of her favorite songs by Bakshi, including 'Chingari Koi Bhadke' from Amar Prem, and 'Mehandi Lagake Rakhna' from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Syed also discusses Bakshi's contribution to Hindi cinema, and how his songs have touched the hearts of m...

In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed explores the intricacies of the Urdu word Fanaa. Fanaa is a complex idea with a rich history. It can mean to be annihilated, to be destroyed, or to be consumed by something else. But it can also mean to be transformed, to be liberated, or to be at peace. Fabeha discusses how the word has been used in literature, poetry, and music. Listen till the end!  Lear...

Welcome the monsoon season this year with a cup of chai or coffee, a plate of steaming hot pakoras and this episode of Urdunama on 'abr' meaning 'clouds'. Fabeha reads out some poetry, nazms and shayari by Faiz, Gulzar, Mirza Ghalib and others.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Anjaam' meaning consequences or results; is a word that you might spot in a lot of iconic shayaris, nazms and ghazals. Tune into this episode of Urdunama, where I talk about all kinds of endings- good, bad, and the unsaid. P.S. This episode also has an interesting anecdote from Sahir Ludhianvi's love life.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Urdunama, we want to trip on Hemant Kumar's legendary career. June 16 is Hemant Da's birthday. His soulful, yet intense music has had a lasting impact on Indian culture, and his songs continue to be enjoyed by people all over the world. Let us celebrate the legend with a musical medley of his biggest hits, reading some of the amazing Urdu poetry he lent his voice to. Thank you H...

All the artform is the expression of the artist behind it. And it's the way of izhaare-e-khayal or the expression of thought that paves the way to that art's success. The art that we focus on in this series is poetry. From Mirza Ghalib to Shakeel Badayuni, here is how to express when in love or distress. Tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Masla' is used to refer to a problem, an issue, or a matter that requires attention or resolution. It embodies the notion of a challenge or complication that demands careful consideration, analysis, and often, deliberation among individuals or groups. 'Masla' can encompass various aspects of life, including personal, social, political, or even spiritual matters. Tune in to this episode of Urdunam...

In today's Urdunama, we delve into the beautiful Urdu word 'Mauj,' which embodies joy, exuberance, and the undulating waves of life. Derived from Persian, 'Mauj' symbolizes the dynamic nature of existence and is often used in Urdu poetry to depict moments of bliss and celebration.  Listen till the end as I read poetry by Asghar Gondvi, Parveen Shakir, and Majrooh Sultanpuri. Learn more about your...

'Kaabil', meaning capable or deserving, is a word we tend to forget. We perhaps are overlooking the limitless possibilities that lay ahead, and to be capable and deserving means that we should embrace them. After all, if we don't try, we will never know what we are made of and what we are capable of. Tune in as Fabeha Syed reads ashaar that talk of various capabilities and inabilities of a shayar....

Through food, head massages, a fruit slyly slipped in your bag and sometimes through anger - mothers' expression of love is so special and heartwarming. In this episode of Urdunama, we are celebrating Mother's Day by exploring all the different ways in which they shower their children with unconditional love. Tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gustaakhi meaning audacity, bluntness, 'bebaaki', is a virtue that allows us to set personal boundaries. How far we must go to maintain them is a matter of personal choice. But in Urdu poetry the word 'gustaakhi' comes with its own weight.  Tune in as Fabeha Syed reads some of the gems of Urdu poetry.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They say that variety is the spice of life, but how often do we find variety to help us get rid of the monotony? Hardly.  'Zaaiqa' means taste. So, to find some respite in mundane day-to-day activities, and to add some 'taste' to an otherwise boring life, it is advised to be as innovative as one can be. Tune in and learn a tip or two from poets who tell us what 'zaiqa' stands for them.  Learn more...

'Ruswai' or the theme of 'disgrace in love' has often been the extent to which a poet can go to prove the beloved, his loyalty. Tune in as we read poets like Kafeel Azaar Amrohvi, Gulzar, Arzoo Lakhnavi, among others.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fools do rush in but that's what most of us do when hopelessly in love.  But in this episode we don't essentially look at the fools or 'ahmaqs' who fall in love, but what it is that one does to be qualified as a fool. Tune in as we read Saghar Khayyami's nazm, 'Alauddin ka Tarbooz' and Ahmad Hatib Siddiqui's nazm, 'Kaen Kaen Kawwa Ten Ten Mitthu'.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...

In this episode, we explore the significance of the Urdu word 'jawani,' meaning 'youth,' in poetry and how poets use it to emphasize the importance of cherishing and celebrating the vitality of life. The concept of jawani is often used as a metaphor for the pursuit of happiness and staying young at heart, with poets highlighting the fleeting nature of youth and how its spirit can help us overcome...

Haqeeqat means reality, or truth. It is also referred to as something's or someone's state or current condition. However, the theme of reality can be explored through the poems that lay emphasis on making peace with the displeasure that comes with knowing the haqeeqat of a beloved's heart, their eyes, or even the poet's life, itself.   Tune in as Fabeha Syed reads Ghalib among other poets like Mun...

Our dreams shape our reality. But it takes a hell lot of hard work, courage, and persistence for our dreams to become reality.  Tune in as Fabeha Syed explores through the works of Nida Fazli, Qateel Shifai, and Parveen Shakir, among others.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready to wake up early, switch off Instagram, and stock up on extra coffee packets, because exam season is approaching. While writing this episode, memories of my student life came back to haunt me. I'm glad I don't have to write any exams this year. But you know what, the 'imtihaan' of life is never-ending. In this episode of Urdunama, I talk about the preparation tactics of great professors...