Jashn-e-Rekhta

At Jashn-e-Rekhta, Gulzar and Divya Dutta come together for a moving conversation on Urdu language, Urdu culture, poetry, writing, and identity.

Gulzar shares intimate memories, thoughtful reflections on Ghalib and cinema, light humour, and soulful nazms on tenderness, memory, and time.

A beautiful listen for anyone who loves Urdu, literature, and timeless conversations.

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Some poets do not just write lyrics. They leave behind feelings that never fade.

In this deeply moving episode we celebrate the timeless genius of Shakeel Badayuni, the poet whose words turned love, longing, and heartbreak into unforgettable melodies. From “Afsaana Likh Rahi Hoon” to “Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki” and “Takra Gaya Tumse Dil Hi To Hai,” we revisit the songs that still touch hearts across generations.

Journey with us from his roots in Uttar Pradesh to his immortal place in Bollywood history, and rediscover the magic, emotion, and soul of a poet whose verses still live on in every listener’s heart.

A poet. A flame. A legacy that still burns. What makes Jigar Moradabadi one of the most unforgettable voices in Urdu poetry?

In this episode, host Ritesh journeys into the life, craft, and emotional universe of the legendary poet through the insightful writing of Hussain Ayaz and Zia Zameer.

From the fire of longing to the depth of love, spirituality, and human emotion, this episode explores the many layers of Jigar’s timeless verse.

Jigar Moradabadi invites listeners into the mesmerizing world of a poet whose words continue to burn bright across generations.

What gives Urdu poetry its unforgettable depth and emotional power?

In this episode, Isteaare Ki Talaash Mein. Metaphors in Urdu Poetry, host Ritesh is joined by writer Dheerendra Singh Faiyaz for a fascinating conversation on the beauty of isteaara, or metaphor, in Urdu shaayari.

From Ghalib and Mir to Faiz, this episode explores how great poets used metaphor to express love, longing, pain, rebellion, and the human condition in ways that still move listeners today.

Through thoughtful discussion and poetic recitation, the episode opens a window into the craft, meaning, and emotional richness that make Urdu poetry so timeless.

In this episode, Urdu Shayari Mein Holi Ke Rang, written by Himanshu Bajpai, host Ritesh explores how Urdu poetry has embraced the spirit, colour, and emotion of Holi.

From the old lanes of Lucknow to the verses of celebrated Urdu poets, this episode uncovers a lesser-known literary world where Holi becomes more than a festival. It becomes a symbol of togetherness, joy, and shared cultural memory.

Through stories, poetic references, and reflections on India’s syncretic heritage, this episode shows how Urdu shayari has long celebrated Holi beyond boundaries of religion, speaking instead of love, rang, insaniyat, and brotherhood.

Host Ritesh journeys into the world of Nasir Kazmi, one of the most beloved and haunting voices in Urdu poetry.

Written by Akash Arsh, the episode explores Kazmi’s life, his quiet genius, and the emotional power of verses shaped by love, separation, loneliness, longing, and memory.

From the unforgettable mood of Shab-e-Hijr to poetry filled with unspoken desire and tender heartbreak, Nasir Kazmi’s words continue to feel intimate, timeless, and intensely alive.

In this moving tribute, we remember Fahmida Riaz, one of the boldest and most unforgettable voices in Urdu literature.

Poet, thinker, rebel, and feminist icon, Fahmida Riaz wrote with rare honesty about love, freedom, identity, desire, injustice, and the many silences imposed by society.

Writer Hussain Ayaz revisits her life and literary journey with warmth, depth, and insight. Through poetry, reflection, and close reading, he explores what made Fahmida Riaz such a fearless presence in Urdu poetry, and why her words still feel urgent today.

What happens when we step beyond Mirza Ghalib’s Urdu and enter the deeper, more intricate world of his Persian poetry?

In this episode, host Ritesh Yadav explores Mirza Ghalib Ki Farsi Shayari, based on the brilliant work of Dayashankar Shukla Sagar, and opens a rich doorway into the poet’s lesser-known yet extraordinary literary universe.

This episode looks at Ghalib’s Farsi kalam, the language, thought, and artistic depth that shaped his poetic identity, and why Persian remained such a vital part of his creative genius.

For lovers of Mirza Ghalib, Urdu poetry, Persian poetry, and timeless literary conversations, this episode offers insight, beauty, and a fresh way to understand Ghalib’s legacy.

In this episode, host Ritesh brings listeners closer to the tender, unforgettable world of one of Urdu literature’s most beloved voices.

Written by Abdullah Zakariya Nadeem, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to Parveen Shakir, the poet whose words gave fragrance to longing, grace to heartbreak, and softness to feminine expression in Urdu poetry.

With beautifully expressive recitation and singing by Radhika Chopra, the episode captures the emotional beauty, romance, vulnerability, and quiet strength that define Parveen Shakir’s poetry.

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