Welcome. Khushaamdeed. Let's change how you see poetry. Orbit on a loop and in wavelengths. It's your favourite Urdu podcast. Visit www.urdudaan.in Contact me at aamir@urdudaan.in
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…