Urdunama

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, Kaif Bhopali and Muzaffar Razmi. The episode features original poetry by our listener Mohammad Adnan. You can get your poetry featured in the 'Aap ki Qalam' section of Urdunama. Or if you're a singer, send us a rendition of your favourite songs for 'Aap ki Awaaz'. We'd love to include you in the next episode.

'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 newsrooms, 'khabar' plays a pivotal role in conveying information and connecting people across diverse communities in India. Listen in as Fabeha reads poetry by Hairat Allahabadi, Mirza Ghalib and Parveen Shakir. The episode also features original poetry by Tarannum Shaikh. If you want to feature on the Urdunama podcast, DM @fabehathesyed or @novacanemusic97 on Instagram with a voice note of your original poetry or songs.

'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 of colors to the deeper themes of unity and celebration, join us as we celebrate the spirit of Holi through the lens of Urdu poetry in this episode of Urdunama. Aparupa Gupta, a long-time Urdunama listener has lent her voice for a soulful rendition of some nazms. If you too are a singer/poet, DM us to get featured on the next episode of Urdunama. We would love for you to be a part of our community.

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!

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 Raat Bheegi Bheegi'. Do you have a song rendition, or a poem you've written? We'd love to hear your voice on Urdunama! Send us a DM on our social media pages and tell us about your work. You might just be featured in a future episode!

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 captivated audiences worldwide. Prateek Lidhoo joins in to sing heartfelt renditions of his most loved songs like 'Chitthi Aayi Hai', 'Chandi Jaisa Rang', and 'Aur Ahista'. We'll witness how Pankaj Udhas breathed new life into the ghazal tradition, earning him recognition as a pioneer of the genre. If you too are a fan of this maestro, listen till the end and tell us your favourite song of his down below.

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 blossoms into a kaleidoscope of emotions within poetry.

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 emotional expression. Discover how his love poems transcended personal longing, reflecting a universal desire for freedom, beauty, and justice.

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 poignant poetry. We'll delve into iconic works like 'Hum Dekhenge' and uncover the hidden stories behind them, analyzing Faiz's masterful use of metaphors and imagery to challenge authority and ignite hope. As Prateek Lidhoo sings a rendition of 'Gulon Mein Rang Bhare', we pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of expression, where poetry becomes a weapon of resistance, and words break free even from the most fortified walls.

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 Lidhoo. Relive the magic of classics like 'Kal Chaudhvi Ki Raat Thi', 'Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho' and 'Tumko Dekha Toh Yeh Khayaal Aaya', as we celebrate the timeless legacy of Jagjit Singh.

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 explore the rich tapestry of Urdu poetry dedicated to Lord Ram, a figure revered in Hinduism. Often shrouded in the misconception that Urdu belongs solely to one religion, this episode challenges that notion by showcasing the beautiful confluence of cultures and perspectives within the language. Listen till the end as Fabeha Syed reads iconic poems about Ram's 'vanvaas,' Diwali, and Ayodhya, by poets like Altaf Hussain, Arsh Malsiyani, and Javed Akhtar.

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 journey was a testament to the power of words to transcend boundaries. His eloquent expression and poignant verses delved into the complexities of life, love, and societal issues, capturing the essence of the human experience. Explore the rich tapestry of Rana's literary contributions through iconic collections like 'Muhajirnama,' 'Shahdaba,' and 'Bagh.' His words were not mere poetry; they were a mirror to the human experience, offering solace and inspiration to generations. Rest in poetry, maestro!

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.

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.

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 sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how 'Ilzaam' manifests in our lives and takes on different forms in the world of Urdu poetry. Through the verses of renowned poets like Sahir Ludhianvi, we'll traverse the emotional landscape of 'Ilzaam'.

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 a rendition of 'Ek Adhoora Kaam' from the film 'Ram Prasad Ki Tehrvi.' This soulful rendition perfectly captures the yearning and unfulfilled desires at the heart of 'Adhoora.' Listen till the end!

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, using it as a metaphor for the human experience, capturing its beauty, its harshness, and its relentless cycle of change.

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 poetry, taking listeners on a journey through verses that express the burning desire for a glimpse of the beloved, the joy of reunion after separation, and the sorrow of unfulfilled longing.

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 different ways in which azmaish is used in Urdu poetry, and will read some of her favorite poems that feature this word. She will also explore the cultural significance of azmaish in Urdu culture, and how it has been used to express a wide range of human emotions, from fear and despair to hope and resilience.

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 Shaad, and Mohammad-Hossein Shahriar. She will also explore the cultural significance of deewana in Urdu culture, and how it has been used to express a wide range of human emotions, from love and longing to despair and madness. Listen till the end.