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 Mirza Mohamma Rafi Sauda, Siraj Aurangabadi, Khwaja Mir Dard and Mir Taqi Mir.
  
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.