Urdu daan

Why Yagana Changezi? Because his poetry just feels fresh. And when I read about his life, something clicked for me. He was sharp, abrasive, and completely fearless - reshaping 20th-century Urdu poetry, questioning sacred icons, even taking shots at Ghalib when no one else would. He lived a tough life and spoke in a tough voice. Honestly, all the signs of a great poet. You should really read him. a...

Salaam. Today is Mirza Ghalib’s birthday — the OG of Urdu poetry (after Mir, of course). In this episode, I’m sharing one of my favourite ghazals by Ghalib, which has that gem of a sher - one that meditates on nature, beauty, and the impossibility of fully knowing the Creator. It sits right at the intersection of wonder and doubt, aesthetics and philosophy, and also the debate that just happened....

I was reflecting on manners and etiquette when the idea struck me to record another podcast episode. Today, I’ve chosen to feature a legendary poet who needs no introduction – Daagh Dehlvi . His poetry is timeless, and he was surrounded by many admirers who learned from him. We should take inspiration from his work too. In this episode, I’m sharing a beautiful ghazal by Daagh. It’s truly one of hi...

Aapne chupke chupke raat din ghazal to suni hogi. It was written by Hasrat Mohani. Born Syed Fazl-ul-Hasan in 1875, he was a prominent Indian Urdu poet, freedom fighter, and journalist. He is known for coining the slogan "Inquilab Zindabad" (Long live the revolution), he was a staunch advocate for India's independence. One of his ashaar that i often quote is - شعر در اصل ہیں وہی حسرتؔ سنتے ہی دل م...

So i was just sifting through some poetry online, and i came across a sher Ye qadam qadam balayen, ye sawaad e ku e jaanaa.n Wo yahin se laut jaaye jise zindagi ho pyaari Now i had often heard this sher being used in mushairas and other public settings, but never really knew who the author of this famous couplet was. It was Maulana Aamir Usmani. A poet that in my ignorance had never heard of befor...

Definitely one of my most favourite Indian Urdu poets. One of his famous couplets is - Hoshyaari dil e nadaan bohot karta hai Ranj kam sehta hai ailaan bohot karta hai If you have suggestions or criticism, write to me at aamir@urdudaan.in

Andha Kabadi paints a grim picture about dreams. How a hawker collects them, prepares them and tries to sell them. But the people around are wary. Just as they are about other things in the market. Sit and enjoy this rather abstract poem by Rashid. Let me know your thoughts at aamir@urdudaan.in

Mustafa Zaidi talks about loneliness or solitude, whichever you choose. He talks about how he's been cut off from the source, that has led him to be tanha or lonely. the nazm reaches a crescendo when he mentions Jesus, and especially his humanity that is not found in places of worship anymore. This is definitely a nazm to ponder over. Feel free to discuss it. I am aamir@urdudaan.in take care

Hey people. I and Zoya have rekindled our Urdu conversations, and we intend to make it a regular thing on the Urdu daan podcast. The conversation is divided into three parts, One - an introduction, two - Talaffuz or pronunciation and three is a special segment for those of you living in the west yet you are connected to your roots in South Asia. Let us know what you think, and please shower me wit...

The matla of this ghazal is an oft quoted one. let me know your thoughts. aamir@urdudaan.in

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Jamaal Ehsani ko maine kuch waqt pehle parhna shuru kia. Pakistan ke mumtaaz shayar the aur unke kalaam me jiddat ya nayapan bht paaya jaata hai. mazameen ka maza to hota hi hai, saath hi sath, peshkash bhi behtreen hoti hai. dekhiye unhone ek bht hi restricted radeef ke saath kya kamaal kia hai is ghazal me. pesh hai jamal ehsani ka kalaam. ps. mail me anytime at aamir@urdudaan.in

A sad ghazal for a sad time.

Eid mubarak to everyone around the world. Eid ul Azha always reminds of this sher by Iqbal - Sikhaye kis ne Ismail ko aadaab e farzandi. Here's the complete ghazal. Take care. See you soon with another episode.

Uploading after long. This one seems like an apt ghazal to start with.

I have always been fascinated by Aanis's kalaam. It has that je na sais quoi, that will keep you bound to it. Do check out more of his works, if you already haven't. Mail me at aamir@urdudaan.in Instagram - www.instagram.com/urdu.daan You can find all episodes at www.urdudaan.in

Winters! Its a whole different time isnt it. Fun, if you're a winter person like me. The jitters. The blankets. The clothes. I read this ghazal and got a real wintry feeling. Sharing it with you. Do let me know your thoughts at aamir@urdudaan.in

isn't this the quintessential Urdu ghazal. I have heard it in songs, in ads, in conversation, you name it. A soothing ghazal for a heart in need of soothing. You can talk to me at aamir@urdudaan.in happy listening

A conversation with an upcoming poet, Ayn Sheen. Her poetry is not only infused with modernism but is representative of the woman of today. you can mail me at aamir@urdudaan.in

These are indeed difficult times. Never before have i seen such a huge massacre being carried out LIVE. The world bleeds., and we watch in silence. May the Lord have mercy. mail me at aamir@urdudaan.in instagram - @urdu.daan www.urdudaan.in

I had to look twice at the already posted episodes to check if i have posted this before. That is how much i love this ghazal, and that is how likely it is for me to go on reciting it. Adeem Hashmi, no introductions needed, was an outstanding poet of recent times. This poem, the metre, the lines, the vibe it emanates - all of it, i have tried to capture in this episode. Let me know if you could fe...

Adaab everyone. کیسے مزاج. I have kept you waiting for long, but trust me, this is going to be worth your while. I bring to you the Guftugu series, where i bring you poets from the urdu world, modern day poets. The first in this series is one of my personaly favorites, Zia Mazkoor . A simple man, who can literally mesmerise you with his not so simple poetry. This is a new addition to what you have...

One of Faiz's most popular nazms. A symbol of revolution, of hope, of divine intervention. Let me know your thoughts at aamir@urdudaan.in

Are you a poet? or someone in love with a poet? If you're a poet, im sure you can relate with this beautifully penned nazm. If you're the latter, im more than sure that this might have happened to you. A wonderful story, written so poetically, it really gives you goosebumps. Suniye aur bataiye, Mesam sb ki nazm - Wo call.

What a melodious and teasing ghazal this is. I remember hearing it from Team Sukhan for the first time at Jashn e Rekhta. Not only is the internal rhythm of the ghazal amazingly chosen, but the lyrics of this piece of poetry by Bismil sb just make you click your fingers. Let me know if you share the same emotion. I am aamir@urdudaan.in also, those of you who can't access the urdu daan podcast...