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Urdunama

Arts & Culture Podcasts

Bollywood songs turn us all into Grammy award-winning bathroom singers! But wait, do you know the meaning of every word you sing? Especially the ones in Urdu? On Urdunama, our host Fabeha Syed takes one word at a time and breaks it down for you. Be it the protest poetry of Faiz, or Sameer's 90s nostalgia, we have it all. If you like Urdu and poetry, this podcast is for you!

Location:

India

Description:

Bollywood songs turn us all into Grammy award-winning bathroom singers! But wait, do you know the meaning of every word you sing? Especially the ones in Urdu? On Urdunama, our host Fabeha Syed takes one word at a time and breaks it down for you. Be it the protest poetry of Faiz, or Sameer's 90s nostalgia, we have it all. If you like Urdu and poetry, this podcast is for you!

Language:

Hindi


Episodes
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Waking Up To The Glow Of 'Naseem'

3/14/2025
Naseem meaning a gentle breeze, fresh air that feels like a quiet promise, soft and full of hope. In this episode of Urdunama, we talk about how poets have captured this gentle wind as a sign of new beginnings, whispered dreams, and moments that breathe life back into us. Join us as we explore the beauty of Naseem through Urdu poetry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:17:55

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'Bahaar' Whispers Of A New Beginning

3/8/2025
Bahaar is an Urdu and Persian word that means spring, symbolizing renewal, beauty, and blossoming. It arrives like a quiet promise, painting the world in fresh hues of renewal. The cold retreats, and in its place, warmth seeps into the earth, into our bones, into our hearts. It is relief, a deep breath after the long, harsh silence of winter—a season of beginnings, of stories waiting to unfold. This month, in Urdunama, we will be talking about spring, quoting various Urdu poets and their poetry, as we celebrate the spirit of renewal and beauty in their words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:17:37

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Lost In 'Guftgu', Time Stood Still

2/28/2025
'Guftgu' is an Urdu word that means conversation, talk, or dialogue. In this episode of Urdunama, we talk about how it often has a soft, poetic feeling, especially in romantic or deep moments, and suggests a meaningful exchange of words or emotions. Come join us to celebrate this beautiful idea with Urdu poetry and stories, exploring its deep meaning in literature and life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:13:57

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Urdunama Archives: From Ghalib to Badayuni, Here Are Some Gems on the Beauty of 'Izhaar'

2/21/2025
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:20:19

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Mohabbat Part 2 : Their 'Sadgi' melts your heart

2/14/2025
'Sadgi' means simplicity, modesty, and grace without extravagance. In this episode of Urdunama, we talk about how a simple way of life reflects elegance and purity in thoughts, actions, and appearance. From minimalism to the quiet strength of a humble heart, we explore how simplicity holds power in a world chasing excess. Join us as we celebrate this beautiful idea through Urdu poetry and stories, discovering its deep meaning in literature and life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:14:44

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Mohabbat Part 1: When Their 'Zulf' Makes You Fall in Love

2/1/2025
Throughout February, Urdunama will explore themes of love and romance in Urdu poetry. Each episode will focus on a different word that captures the essence of love, delving into its poetic significance and the emotions it conveys. Join us as we celebrate the language of love through the rich tapestry of Urdu literature. 'Zulf'—the Urdu word for 'tresses' or 'locks of hair'—and its significance in expressing love and beauty in Urdu poetry. Join us as we unravel the poetic charm of 'zulf' through timeless couplets and stories, celebrating the romantic essence of Urdu literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:14:45

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Musalsal: Zindagi Ke Jari Lamhe

1/26/2025
'Musalsal'—continuity, persistence, and unbroken flow. In this episode of 'Urdunama,' we dive into the essence of what it means to keep going, to move forward despite challenges, and to embrace the endless cycle of life. Through poetry, stories, and reflections, we'll explore how the concept of musalsal shapes our understanding of resilience, time, and change. Tune in for a poetic journey that celebrates the beauty of what stays in motion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:16:44

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Some Decisions are More 'Mustaqil' Than Others

1/17/2025
Everything in life changes—friends, feelings, relationships, even time itself. But have you ever wondered what truly stays the same? In this episode, Fabeha Syed talks about the Urdu word 'mustaqil'. It’s not just about being permanent; it’s about resolve, determination, and the things that anchor us. Through poetry and stories, we’ll explore how some emotions and memories stay mustaqil, no matter how much time moves on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:13:55

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'Mustaqbil' is a Reflection of Your Choices Today

1/12/2025
What does the future hold? The Urdu word 'mustaqbil' invites us to dream, plan, and ponder the paths ahead. In this episode of 'Urdunama', we explore poetry and stories that envision the future, delve into the philosophical reflections on time, and celebrate the human spirit that dares to dream. From Ghalib’s timeless verses to contemporary musings, join us as we navigate the bridge between today and tomorrow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:14:35

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How Our 'Guzishta' Shapes Decisions in Our Future

1/4/2025
What does it mean to reflect on the guzishta—the past? In this episode of Urdunama, hosted by Fabeha Syed, we delve into the Urdu word guzishta, which carries with it memories, lessons, and a touch of nostalgia. Through evocative poetry and timeless stories, we explore how the past shapes our present and how poets and philosophers have grappled with its enduring presence. Join us for a poetic journey into what it means to look back and find meaning in all that’s passed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:15:39

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Sahaafat: The 4th Pillar of Democracy

12/28/2024
In the realm of sahaafat (journalism), the truth is both the foundation and the fight. This episode of Urdunama, hosted by Fabeha Syed, dives into the Urdu word sahaafat, exploring its poetic essence and the challenges faced by modern journalists. Help sustain the voice of truth by becoming a member of The Quint, where every story is a testament to courage and authenticity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:16:16

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'Ghar' is Where the Heart Is

12/20/2024
What makes a house a home? Is it the walls that shelter us, or the emotions that bind us? In this episode of Urdunama Fabeha Syed unpacks the soul of 'ghar', a word that means so much more than just a home. Through timeless Urdu poetry and heartfelt stories, we explore how poets have captured the longing for ghar, the warmth it offers, and the solace it brings. From the nostalgia of childhood homes to the yearning for a place to call one’s own, discover why 'ghar' is a feeling that transcends time and space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:23:14

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You Need to Navigate ‘Gham’ to Find Healing

12/14/2024
'Gham' a word that carries the weight of sorrow yet inspires some of the most profound poetry. In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed explores how this emotion has shaped Urdu poetry and literature. From heartbreak to resilience, discover why poets find solace and strength in expressing gham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:20:29

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'Brain Rot: How to Survive This 'Zavaal'

12/7/2024
The Oxford Word of the Year, 'Brain Rot,' captures a world consumed by endless scrolling, digital fatigue, and mental burnout. In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed connects the Urdu word 'Zavaal'—meaning decline or downfall—to this modern malaise. Through the poetic imagery of setting suns and philosophical insights on life’s inevitable cycles, 'Zavaal' helps us make sense of the cultural and personal effects of our collective 'Brain Rot.' With timeless poetry and contemporary parallels, we delve into how every decline carries the promise of renewal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:17:04

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The World is Full of Paper, Write a 'Khat' to Me

11/29/2024
In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed dives into the world of khat—letters that carry the weight of love, longing, and tradition. Through the timeless poetry of legends like Ghalib and Gulzar, these written words go beyond mere communication, becoming windows into emotions and stories that linger in our hearts forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:12:07

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Eternal 'Dhoop' of the Spotless Mind

11/22/2024
'Dhoop' is more than just sunlight—it's a metaphor for hope, resilience, and warmth. In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed explores how 'dhoop' finds its way into poetry, philosophy, and everyday life. Discover the beauty of dhoop as both a literal and symbolic force that illuminates our hearts and stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:15:55

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Life is the 'Aks' of Our Choices and Actions

11/16/2024
What does it mean to see yourself in a mirror, and how often do we see beyond the surface? In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed unravels the poetic and philosophical layers of the word 'aks', exploring its presence in literature, art, and the human soul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:13:17

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May this Diwali Bring 'Ujala' to Your Life

11/1/2024
This Diwali, let's explore the beautiful Urdu word 'Ujala'—a word that brings to life the brilliance and warmth of light. In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed dives into the word, drawing connections to other poetic expressions of illumination like 'Noor', 'Zia', 'Tabaan', and 'Tajalli'. From festivals to personal revelations, each word sheds light on how brightness symbolizes hope, purity, and joy in our lives. Join us as we celebrate light in all its forms, and discover how Urdu captures its radiant spirit, especially during the festive season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:16:05

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Nida Fazli: Timeless Verses that Resonate Across Generations

10/11/2024
Nida Fazli was an eminent Indian poet and lyricist, popularly admired for his simple yet profound writing style that captures the hearts of all ages. In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed delves into Fazli's view of life, while exploring his timeless traditional and modern poetry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:19:48

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Wafa: The Essence of Loyalty and Devotion

10/5/2024
'Wafa' or 'vafaa' is an Urdu word which translates to faithfulness, loyalty and fidelity. In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed delves into the depth of wafa, covering all aspects of it's meaning. As Fabeha navigates life in a new city, she brings a fresh episode from the oven about being committed to something or someone. Listen till the end! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:16:04