Urdu daan

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. IYKYK

What makes it even more special is that Suraiya ji has also sung this ghazal. If you haven’t heard that rendition yet, do check it out — it adds another layer of softness and longing to an already luminous text.

Thank you for listening.

I’ll be back soon with another episode. iA

Take care.

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 his finest.
Have a listen, and don’t forget to share your feedback!

aamir@urdudaan.in

www.urdudaan.in

www.instagram.com/urdu.daan

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 میں جو اتر جایئں

Sher darasl hain wohi Hasrat

Sunte hi dil me jo utar jaayen

We can talk - i am aamir@urdudaan.in

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 before.

Turns out, he was quite the maverick. Schooled from Deoband, even sold kites for a living once, wrote for bollywood, and many such feats. Khair. I finally got to this nazm of his; and what a nazm it is. Such a morning call to everyone who thinks the world was much better before and its just gone to the dogs now. Listen for yourself.

If you want to talk, i am aamir@urdudaan.in

Happy listening :)

Definitely one of my most favourite IndianUrdu 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 with your prayers that i remain consistent with this.

You can send me your feedback on aamir@urdudaan.in

Khuda Hafiz

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

aamir@urdudaan.in

www.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

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 feel and not just listen to this one.

Write to me at aamir@urdudaan.in

or drop me a DM @urdu.daan on instagram

you can also check out the dedicated Podcast website - www.urdudaan.in

Enjoy listening :)

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 been listening to, on your favourite urdu podcast. Pardon the quality, but i assure you we are working on it. Do drop in your feedback at aamir@urdudaan.in

You can also visit us on Instagram at

www.instagram.com/urdu.daan

Until next time, Stay blessed.

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 on spotify, be sure to visit our website www.urdudaan.in for the podcast and many other goodies.

Until next time.

Sometimes it really feels like the universe conspires to get your wandering attention towards something. First, when i was posting a picture on my social media, the first sher of this ghazal just came to me, like a memory or an inspiration. Soon after, i saw this sher on Rekhta. and thirdly, which actually became the push, someone messaged me on @urdu.daan, asking me to recite it. Voila, the signs were complete. I sat down to record it. What a beautifully lovelorn ghazal this is, just what our ancestors would call a ghazal.

Let me know your thoughts at aamir@urdudaan.in or you can DM me at @urdu.daan or even visit the renovated website www.urdudaan.in

Until next time

A conversation between poets Aamir Azher & Zoya Rao

So i had been thinking about adding a new genre to the Urdu daan podcast for a long time. Enter Zoya, who had been wanting to work on a podcast too. Voila, where two like minded people meet, an idea is born.

In this first episode, we do introductions, speak about a general idea of things, our opinions, alike and differing; we talk about how poetry seeps into our lives without us knowing, and then we finally share some poetry.

We would love to have your feedback on this theme setting episode, which is as a first for us as it is for you.

you can mail me at aamir@urdudaan.in and Zoya at zoyaraowafa@yahoo.com

So i had been getting a lot of feedback saying you guys want a longer episode - this is one way of doing it, where i have done 3 ghazals for your listening pleasure. Will be working on more ideas.

Share yours at aamir@urdudaan.in

This ghazal is one of those things that on the surface just pass you by like a breeze, but slowly, as you delve deeper, it seeps into your breath, your very blood. So beautifully written, with such touching aspects of life covered, i haven't been able to overcome its magic, and its been a month now. Do share  your thoughts if feel the same. 

Write to me at aamir@urdudaan.in

is ghazal ka ek pasandeeda sher - 

hai rah o rasm e zamana parda e begaangi

darmiyan rahta hoon main sab ke magar sab se alag

To part with your beloved is one grief too many. But to be reminded of it, on a slow journey, when you happen to pass the very place you saw her last. Akhtar ul Iman has woven tragedy with poison - it gets under your skin so fast. 

Mail me at aamir@urdudaan.in

www.urdudaan.in

I am yet to find a better consolation than the one found in this nazm. Made famous by Jagjit Singh.

Write to me at aamir@urdudaan.in

I am @urdu.daan on instagram.

Send in requests or feedback if you have any :)

On the occasion of Faiz sb's death anniversary, Here's a beautifully poignant yet full of hope nazm, in his inimitable style.

Drop me your feedback @urdu.daan on instagram or you can mail me at aamir@urdudaan.in

If life's a journey, are we able to keep track of the things passing us by? Listen to this beautiful Ghazal by Meeraji, to learn the answer.

check us out on www.urdudaan.in

Mail us your requests/feedback at urdudaanmail@gmail.com

Representative kalaam of one of Lucknow School's most famous and skilled poets, Haider Ali Atish.

I personally love this ghazal, especially the misra -tamaam umr rafugar rahe rafu karte

Let me know your favourites, or poetry requests if you have any at urdudaanmail@gmail.com

Now also on youtube - www.youtube.com/urdudaanpodcast

Peace

You must have surely heard of this one. Probably in Amitabh Bachan's voice. But that was only half the deal. This here is the complete nazm by Sahir, the ultimate post - scatter !

The podcast is also available on youtube as the Urdu Daan Podcast, check it out -

www.youtube.com/urdudaanpodcast

Melocholia and Poetry are the perfect pair aren't they? But not everyone can make sadness sing. Presenting a beautiful ghazal by Adeem sb.

The Urdu daan podcast can also be found on Youtube now - www.youtube.com/urdudaanpodcast

Ps. We hit the Top 200 charts in India. Mubarakbaad to all.

Famous Ghazal, also the representative ghazal of Saleem Kausar sb, a writer who deserves attention beyond this one piece.

drop your comments at

urdudaanmail@gmail.com

www.urdudaan.in

www.instagram.com/urdu.daan

Also available on youtube

www.youtube.com/urdudaanpodcast

 “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”
― Charlotte Brontë,Jane Eyre

Thanks to an Urdu Daan Podcast listener, I was reminded of this brilliant nazm. If you find it difficult to understand entirely, you can always msg/mail me to discuss it.

do share your views with me @ urdudaanmail@gmail.com or visit me @urdu.daan on instagram.

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" - Voltaire

Mail me your thoughts aturdudaanmail@gmail.comor go tourdudaan.in

I think of you, because the entire world brings you to me.

Wonderfully melancholy Ghazal by Liyaqat sb. Do share your thoughts too.

When a poet wants to say no to a girl, but can't, so this is what i imagine he'll go with!

(write to me at www.urdudaan.in)

In the midst of the war that the world is looking at in horror, i was reminded of this beautiful poem by Faiz.

This ghazal that was featured on the tv series Parizaad made it very popular, and very well deservedly so.

A powerfully delivered Ghazal with a very clear and hard hitting style!

Do you know that sher by Jaun, 

Aaj bohot din baad main apne kamre tak aa nikla tha

Jyoon hi darwaza khola hai, uski khushboo aai hai

I would say this is a longer version of this sher by Mustafa sb with his own unique details and imagery. Let me know how you like it.

A hallmark of simplicity and emotion, this ghazal by Mir Asar, Khwaja Mir Dard's brother, is love at first sight.

A beautiful poem about relationships, ego and how there's always doors open.

Drop me a line if you want to talk about it. its urdudaanmail@gmail.com

Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last king of Mughal India, was quite an accomplished poet. This ghazal of his has been sung widely, and I personally believe that the theme of loss, maybe even the loss of power and the throne, which is a constant theme in his works, can also be seen here. Let me know if you think so too.

Find me at urdudaanmail@gmail.com

This is a difficult nazm to bear. For someone who hasn't undergone a 'kaifiyat' such as this, it might even be hard to relate. But it is a painstakingly accurate insight into a, should i say, nihilistic night of a sensitive man.

Let me know your thoughts @ urdudaanmail@gmail.com

Jaun's poetry has a special flavour to it. It's that 80% Dark chocolate, that everybody wants to have but in the long run, is clearly not for all.

#justmidnightthoughts

Urdu daan is also available on Youtube now.

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Are you fond of reality? or being realistic? Then this Saleem Kausar's Ghazal is an insight into that longing. Saleem Kausar is famous for the Ghazal, Main khayal hoon kisi aur ka.

Would you like to buy me a chai? Please visit

www.buymeacoffee.com/urdudaan 

Momin Khan Momin, a contemporary of Ghalib, was famous for his romantic poetry. This ghazal has not only immortalised Momin, but love itself.

The singer in this track is Manjari ji. There have been many renditions of this Ghazal, and Manjari ji has added another soulful layer to it. This is a link to her track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0sYZhPe2jY 

A fellow traveller he was, but he wasn't really company. Now listen to this in Urdu.

ps. QB you are Love 

please enlist your support on - www.buymeacoffee.com/urdudaan

Love isn't a triangle, or a circle. It is shapeless and timeless. Check out Faraz's take on the return of raqeeb

If you like my work, pls support me at www.buymeacoffee.com/urdudaan

Wish you could do just one thing in life? Hear Faiz talk about it.

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I don't have the words to express the sheer brilliance of this poem. Drop me a msg if you feel like discussing it.

Also, if you'd like to support my work, go to - www.buymeacoffee.com/urdudaan

In a world of classical ideas or even revolutionary ideas, Mustafa Zaidi brought to the world of Urdu literature, a realistic man whose love is not dreamy, but real. One of my favourites, this one.

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A romantic and tasteful ghazal by the great Adam.

One of Sahir's famous nazms, where he shows that the marvel of love, the Taj Mahal, has it's dark spots.

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One of the rather underrated Indian poets, with an a voice that stands out from the rest.

Nasir Kazmi's famous ghazal, sung and immortalised by many great artists.

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A ghazal of wanderlust, immortalised by Ghulam Ali sahab.

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If this is your doorway into the world of Noon Meem Rashid, then you're in for a treat.

Popular ghazal, featured in the movie Dastak (1970). From the poet famous for "Log saath aate gaye aur kaarwaan banta gaya"

Bashir Badr has been one of the most popular poets amongst the masses. Known for his clear diction and direct-reaching style, Im sure you must have read him or listened to his ghazals. Here's one of the more famous ones.

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A famous and very motivating ghazal

Tujhe raegani ka ratti barabar andaza nahi hai - this the case that the poet puts forward, only to begin his cosmic argument about how his loss is a greater loss, indeed the greatest for humanity.

a sigh, a complaint, a prayer all woven into one by this great poet

After a really long time, i finally got to editing the 9th Ghazal - Dahr me Naqsh e wafa, wajh e tasalli na hua. Hope you enjoy it. 

The much awaited episode in the Ghalib series is now here. It is the 8th ghazal of the diwan, and what an amazingly mushkil-pasand ghazal it is. Do let us know your thoughts at urdudaanmail@gmail.com or Instagram @urdu,daan

One of Jaun Elia's most popular and poignant poems, where a lover consoles his love to let go of it all.

Ghalib here discusses many themes, chief among which are, the bravery and courage that Ishq calls for. Listen on and let us know your thoughts.

Wasim Barelvi is one of the premiere Indian poets of the modern Urdu ghazal. He is a voice that must be heard, especially in the Indian context. Here, in his inimitable and simple style, he speaks of love among other things.

A profound ghazal with a unique radeef (refrain)

Faiz in his in inimitable style recounts the beauty and the not so beautiful with the only person who shares the same experience - his rival.

When you go to see someone for the very last time - as painted by Mustafa Zaidi