Ghazal Ke Shayar, a five-episode mini-series under Cine Ink’s Urdu Bagh series, explores the evolution of Urdu ghazals from the late 16th century to the present. Based on Prof. Anisur Rahman’s book Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi: The Wonderful World of Urdu Ghazals (HarperCollins India, 2019), the series features conversations between Prof. Rahman, a bilingual poet, translator, and former Jamia Millia Islamia professor, and broadcaster Pervaiz Alam.

In this episode, Prof Rahman discusses Quli Qutub Shah, Vali Deccani and Mazhar Jan-e-Janan. 

Prof. Rahman has selected ghazal poets across seven literary periods, highlighting the genre’s rich themes—love, protest, satire, and socio-political commentary. The book, which inspires the series, includes Roman transliterations and English translations of original Urdu ghazals, preserving their rhyme and rhythm. This scholarly yet accessible series offers a concise journey through the cultural and historical significance of Urdu ghazals, making it a valuable resource for poetry enthusiasts.

Presented and produced by Pervaiz Alam for London-based Cine Ink, a hub for podcasts in Hindi and Urdu, the series is also accessible on major social media platforms, including YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. On X: @pervaizalam. All Cine Ink podcasts can be found on its website, www.cineink.com.