Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast, where we have the pleasure of interviewing Moneeza Hashmi, the daughter of one of the most celebrated poets of the Indian subcontinent, Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Today, we will be discussing the letters that Faiz wrote to his daughter Moneeza over the course of his life and her book "Conversations With My Father: Forty Years on a Daughter Responds".

Faiz Ahmed Faiz was a renowned poet, journalist, and political activist, whose work continues to inspire people around the world. He was also a devoted father, and his letters to Moneeza offer a rare glimpse into his personal life and the bond that he shared with his daughter.

In this episode, Moneeza Hashmi shares some of the most intimate and heartwarming moments from her father's letters, and discusses the themes that were close to his heart. From his thoughts on love and relationships to his experiences in prison and his political activism, Faiz's letters reveal a man who was deeply committed to his ideals and his family.

Through this conversation, we hope to honor the legacy of Faiz Ahmed Faiz and shed light on the personal side of this remarkable man. Join us for an insightful conversation with Moneeza Hashmi with Sumera Khalil as we delve into the letters of Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

In this episode of the Poem of the Week series of the Rekhta Podcast, our host Aamir Azher recites a beautiful nazm by one of the most prominent modern poets and also a critic, Ameeq Hanafi. He had deep interest in Indian philosophy and music. He was also a broadcaster associated with All India Radio.

Aata hun main zamane ki ankhon mein raat din

lekin ḳhud apni nazron se ab tak nihan hun main

For more poetry like this, stay tuned for this special series of the Rekhta Podcast.

A new episode airs every Monday.

In this episode, Kanupriya, a storyteller, hosts a special tribute to the legendary actress Meena Kumari, also known as the "Tragedy Queen". She delves into Meena Kumari's personal life, including her tumultuous relationships and struggles with alcoholism. She talks about how Meena Kumari used her personal pain and experiences to bring depth and authenticity to her performances on screen.

Throughout the episode, Rashmi Agarwal provides beautiful renditions of some of Meena Kumari's most famous poetry, such as "Aabla-pa koi is Dasht Mein Aaya Hoga" and "Allah Kare". Her soulful voice brings an emotional depth to the episode, perfectly complementing the discussion of Meena Kumari's tragic yet remarkable life.

Overall, the episode serves as a touching tribute to Meena Kumari's legacy as one of the greatest actresses in Indian cinema. It honors her impact on the industry and her enduring popularity among fans even decades after her untimely death.

In this episode of the Poem of the Week series of the Rekhta Podcast, our host Aamir Azher recites a beautiful nazm by one of the most prominent modern Pakistani poets, Jaun Eliya. He was deeply interested in the disciplines of history, philosophy, and religion. This gave a certain touch of otherness to his personality and poetry. His poetry is remarkable for its effortless expression and immediacy of appeal. 

Main bhi bahut ajiib hun itna ajiib hun ki bas

ḳhud ko tabah kar liya aur malal bhi nahin

For more poetry like this, stay tuned for this special series of the Rekhta Podcast.

A new episode airs every Monday.

In this episode, we delve into the beautiful and heart-wrenching love story of Amrita Pritam, one of the most celebrated writers of Indian literature. Pritam's personal life was as captivating as her literary works, and her relationship with Sahir Ludhianvi, a prominent poet, is the focus of this episode.

With our host Danish Iqbal we explore the background of both Pritam and Ludhianvi, how they met, and the circumstances surrounding their love affair.

Through Pritam's poem Main Tenu Phir Milangi recited by renowned actress Divya Dutta, we gain insight into the emotional turmoil she experienced as she grappled with the pain of loving someone who could never fully belong to her.

Listen to this episode as we uncover the untold story of Amrita Pritam's love affair and its enduring legacy in the world of literature and beyond.

#WorldPoetryDay

On the occasion of World Poetry Day, Rekhta Podcast has brought to you this special episode of a Masterclass of Urdu Poetry by Shakeel Jamali, one of the most prominent and popular Urdu poets.

In this episode of the Poem of the Week series of the Rekhta Podcast, our host Aamir Azher recites a beautiful nazm by one of the most famous progressive poets known for romantic & revolutionary poetry, Asrarul Haq Majaz. He rose as a phenomenon on the horizon of Urdu poetry in the fourth decade of the twentieth century and immediately touched the hearts and minds of the youth of his time due to his charming personality and unique expression.

Khoob pehchan lo asrar hun main

Jins-e-ulfat ka talabgar hun main

For more poetry like this, stay tuned for this special series of the Rekhta Podcast.

A new episode airs every Monday.

In this episode of Tanz-o-Mizah Series listen to this interesting and comical mazmoon by Shanul Haq Haqqi, a prominent scholar, linguist, translator and poet who rendered Oxford Dictionary into Urdu, recited by Zia Mohyeddin, one of the distinguished actor, producer, director and television broadcaster from Pakistan, also known for his recitations of Urdu Literature.

In this episode of the Poem of the Week series of the Rekhta Podcast, our host Aamir Azher recites a beautiful nazm by Syed Ahmad Shah (1931-2008), who acquired the pen name of Faraz, came to be known as Ahmad Faraz as a poet. He was only second to Faiz Ahmad Faiz in popularity. Rose to iconic stature powered by his seductively romantic and anti-establishment poetry.

Aur 'Faraz' chahiye kitni mohabbatein tujhe

Maaon ne tere naam par bachhon ka naam rakh diya

For more poetry like this, stay tuned for this special series of the Rekhta Podcast.

A new episode airs every Monday.

This episode of the Rekhta Podcast pays tribute to Syed Jaun Asghar (1931-2002), also known as Jaun Elia, whose poetry is notable for its unforced expressiveness and direct appeal. Listen to Zamarrud Mughal, a poet, critic, and social activist, talk with Anwar Shuoor, who is one of the best-known poets in Pakistan in this special episode of Rekhta Podcast.