Listen with Irfan

Daira | Written by Javed Siddiqi | Voice Sher Tookhi* Curator: Irfan---Our distinguished narrator for today’s episode on Listen with Irfan - is Sher Tookhi.
Originally from Afghanistan and a Virginia resident for over four decades, Sher is a remarkable individual whose love for storytelling transcends language, geography, and time.
A warm and inspiring person, as well as a valued friend on Facebook, Sher resides in the U.S. while maintaining a deep connection to the literary and cinematic heritage of South Asia. His vibrant presence enriches our Read Aloud Collective, and we’re delighted to feature his voice tonight too.
For this episode, Sher has selected ‘Daira’, a moving story by Javed Siddiqi of Shatranj Ke Khiladi fame.
We are thrilled to have Sher bhai bring this story alive for our listeners.
Sher Tookhi is more than a reader - he’s a passionate bibliophile, filmbuff and a poet-storyteller who connects cultures, eras, and emotions. It’s a privilege to have him join our collective for this special episode.

Listen with Irfan (LwI)

A tapestry of voices and stories, spun with care

Support LwI — a soulful creation shaped by affection, thriving on the warmth of its listeners. Your contribution helps keep this free, bringing global stories, rare sound recordings, and personal music archives to all without paywalls. I curate voices, readings from literature, and cultural studies with immense care.

Through my recent initiative, Read Aloud Collective, voices from around the world are coming together in celebration of spoken word.

Grateful for your love -keep listening, keep supporting!  

Curator: Irfan

Support LwI by contributing:  https://rzp.io/rzp/Memorywala

Your comments and feedback are welcome. Write to [email protected]

Cover: Irfan

Text Courtesy: Book Saamajik Adhyayan Class VII, Madhya Pradesh Pathya Pustak Nigam* Narrator: Arti Varma*Curator: Irfan* About the Narrator-

Arti Varma, a talented voiceover artist, writer, and self-trained artist, brings a wealth of creativity and passion to our community. Based in Chandigarh, she was born in Nashik, Maharashtra, and has lived in various cities across India due to her father’s service in the Indian Air Force. This diverse exposure has enriched her perspective, which beautifully reflects in her work. Arti holds B.A., M.A., and B.Ed degrees from Delhi University, showcasing her strong academic foundation.

Her love for words and colors manifests in her evocative creations—whether through poetry and stories that grace the pages of literary magazines and newspapers or through vibrant brushstrokes on canvas that capture her emotions. Arti finds solace in transforming her restlessness into meaningful art. Her connection with voice began through her time as a casual announcer at All India Radio, Chandigarh, where she discovered that a voice is not just heard but deeply felt.

Arti’s contributions to literature and art, including published poems, stories, book covers, and paintings, make her a remarkable addition to our collective. We are excited to see how her unique voice and vision will inspire our community!

Join us in celebrating Arti Varma’s journey and become a part of the Read Aloud Collective! We invite passionate individuals—writers, artists, and storytellers—to collaborate with us and share their voices. Together, let’s create, inspire, and connect through the power of art and words. Reach out to join our vibrant community today!

Listen with Irfan (LwI)

A tapestry of voices and stories, spun with care

Support LwI — a soulful creation shaped by affection, thriving on the warmth of its listeners. Your contribution helps keep this free, bringing global stories, rare sound recordings, and personal music archives to all without paywalls. I curate voices, readings from literature, and cultural studies with immense care.

Through my recent initiative, Read Aloud Collective, voices from around the world are coming together in celebration of spoken word.

Grateful for your love -keep listening, keep supporting!  

Support LwI by contributing:  https://rzp.io/rzp/Memorywala

Your comments and feedback are welcome. Write to [email protected]

Cover: Irfan

Text Courtesy: Rahul Foundation and Janchetna, Lucknow* Curated by Irfan* Narrated by Read Aloud Collective*Sound Design, Digital Enhancement and Production: Dr Guri*Co-ordination: Aditya Agnihotri and Naresh Kaushik*Administration: Saurav Nag*

Featured Voices:00:00:01 Vibha Mahajan 00:07:25 Dr Guri 00:10:30 Aditya Agnihotri 00:15:43 Ruby Snita 00:21:57 Pragya Mishra 00:32:06 Anirudh Satyarth 00:37:06 Madhu Bhandari 00:41:32 Dr Guri 00:44:45 Ati Ullah 00:49:00 Monalisa Jha 00:53:56 Sakshi Joshi 00:58:38 Chetan Kate 01:01:32 SZA Husain Shezi 01:04:46 Ambica Sharma 01:08:06 Minakshi 01:10:18 Devraj Roshan 01:11:27 Shraddha Singh 01:14:16 Huma Askary 01:17:21 Sanjay Kumar 01:20:02 Monika 01:23:15 Jyoti 01:27:03 Shalini 01:28:46 Kashan Mustafa 01:33:18 Dr Guri 01:38:03 Anurag Shrivastava 01:47:30 Nishant 01:49:28 Prerna Shukla01:53:11 Utkarsh Shukla 01:56:51 Naresh Kaushik 02:00:01 Tapik Jaipuria 02:03:06 Pragya Mishra 02:07:25 Deepti Deepu 02:11:13 Aditya Agnihotri 02:14:28 Bushra Fatma 02:17:03 Chetan Kate 02:22:20 Sakshi Joshi 02:28:13 Mukesh Burnwal 02:34:38 Madhu Bhandari

~End~

Listen with Irfan (LwI)

A tapestry of voices and stories, spun with care

Support LwI — a soulful creation shaped by affection, thriving on the warmth of its listeners. Your contribution helps keep this free, bringing global stories, rare sound recordings, and personal music archives to all without paywalls. I curate voices, readings from literature, and cultural studies with immense care.

Through my recent initiative, Read Aloud Collective, voices from around the world are coming together in celebration of spoken word.

Grateful for your love -keep listening, keep supporting!  

Curator: Irfan

Support LwI by contributing:  https://rzp.io/rzp/Memorywala

Your comments and feedback are welcome. Write to [email protected]

Poet in his voice. Recorded and curated by Irfan

**

Asad Zaidi, a distinguished poet, journalist, and editor whose multifaceted contributions to literature and society have left an indelible mark. Born on August 31, 1954, in Karauli, the capital of the erstwhile princely state in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur Divisional Commissionerate, Asad Zaidi’s journey is one of intellectual and artistic exploration. From his roots in Karauli, his path took him through the cultural landscapes of Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur before finding a home in Delhi, where he has lived for decades, shaping the literary and intellectual discourse of contemporary India.

Asad Zaidi is celebrated as a significant voice in Hindi poetry, often mentioned alongside luminaries like Mangalesh Dabral for his profound and thought-provoking verses. His poetic journey began with his debut collection, Behne aur Anya Kavitaein (1980), which established him as a distinctive voice in contemporary Hindi literature. Subsequent works, including Kavita ka Jivan (1988) and Saman ki Talash (2008), have earned critical acclaim for their lyrical depth and engagement with socio-political themes. His anthology Sare Shaam (2014), which compiles his three poetry collections, showcases his ability to weave personal and collective experiences into a rich poetic tapestry. In 1981, he was honored with the Sanskriti Award for his contributions to Hindi literature, a testament to his early impact on the literary world.

Beyond poetry, Asad Zaidi is a versatile intellectual with a deep passion for cinema, music, and visual art. His critical writings reflect a nuanced understanding of these art forms, often exploring their intersections with culture and society. As a journalist and editor, he has been a fearless commentator, addressing complex issues with clarity and insight. His work extends to translations, bridging Hindi, Urdu, and English by rendering works of European, Latin American, and Chinese poets into Hindi and Urdu, as well as translating Urdu poetry into Hindi and Hindi poetry into English.

As the founder of Three Essays Collective, an independent publishing house based in Delhi, Asad Zaidi, alongside his wife, historian Nalini Taneja, has created a platform that tackles challenging socio-political and cultural issues through thought-provoking books. The publishing house is known for its commitment to fostering dialogue on critical topics, engaging with the complexities of our times in a meaningful way.

Asad Zaidi’s contributions are not confined to the page; they resonate in his ability to connect art, literature, and social commentary. His poetry, often described as both prophetic and reflective, challenges the conventions of the Hindi literary world while remaining deeply rooted in its linguistic and cultural heritage. His interests in education and social commentary further amplify his role as a thinker who engages with the world around him, making him a vital voice in today’s literary landscape.

I am thrilled to feature Asad Zaidi in our Guftagoo conversation, where his poetic wisdom and cultural insights will undoubtedly inspire our audience. Join us in celebrating this remarkable poet, whose words continue to illuminate and provoke thought, as we explore his journey and contributions to literature and beyond.

Listen with Irfan (LwI)

A tapestry of voices and stories, spun with care

Support LwI - a soulful creation shaped by affection, thriving on the warmth of its listeners. Your contribution helps keep this free, bringing global stories, rare sound recordings, and personal music archives to all without paywalls.

I curate voices, readings from literature, and cultural studies with immense care.

Through my recent initiative, Read Aloud Collective, voices from around the world are coming together in celebration of spoken word.

Grateful for your love -keep listening, keep supporting!  

Support LwI by contributing:  ⁠⁠https://rzp.io/rzp/Memorywala⁠

Cover: Irfan

Asad Zaidi, a distinguished poet, journalist, and editor whose multifaceted contributions to literature and society have left an indelible mark. Born on August 31, 1954, in Karauli, the capital of the erstwhile princely state in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur Divisional Commissionerate, Asad Zaidi’s journey is one of intellectual and artistic exploration. From his roots in Karauli, his path took him through the cultural landscapes of Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur before finding a home in Delhi, where he has lived for decades, shaping the literary and intellectual discourse of contemporary India.

Asad Zaidi is celebrated as a significant voice in Hindi poetry, often mentioned alongside luminaries like Mangalesh Dabral for his profound and thought-provoking verses. His poetic journey began with his debut collection, Behne aur Anya Kavitaein (1980), which established him as a distinctive voice in contemporary Hindi literature. Subsequent works, including Kavita ka Jivan (1988) and Saman ki Talash (2008), have earned critical acclaim for their lyrical depth and engagement with socio-political themes. His anthology Sare Shaam (2014), which compiles his three poetry collections, showcases his ability to weave personal and collective experiences into a rich poetic tapestry. In 1981, he was honored with the Sanskriti Award for his contributions to Hindi literature, a testament to his early impact on the literary world.

Beyond poetry, Asad Zaidi is a versatile intellectual with a deep passion for cinema, music, and visual art. His critical writings reflect a nuanced understanding of these art forms, often exploring their intersections with culture and society. As a journalist and editor, he has been a fearless commentator, addressing complex issues with clarity and insight. His work extends to translations, bridging Hindi, Urdu, and English by rendering works of European, Latin American, and Chinese poets into Hindi and Urdu, as well as translating Urdu poetry into Hindi and Hindi poetry into English.

As the founder of Three Essays Collective, an independent publishing house based in Delhi, Asad Zaidi, alongside his wife, historian Nalini Taneja, has created a platform that tackles challenging socio-political and cultural issues through thought-provoking books. The publishing house is known for its commitment to fostering dialogue on critical topics, engaging with the complexities of our times in a meaningful way.

Asad Zaidi’s contributions are not confined to the page; they resonate in his ability to connect art, literature, and social commentary. His poetry, often described as both prophetic and reflective, challenges the conventions of the Hindi literary world while remaining deeply rooted in its linguistic and cultural heritage. His interests in education and social commentary further amplify his role as a thinker who engages with the world around him, making him a vital voice in today’s literary landscape.

I am thrilled to feature Asad Zaidi in our Guftagoo conversation, where his poetic wisdom and cultural insights will undoubtedly inspire our audience. Join us in celebrating this remarkable poet, whose words continue to illuminate and provoke thought, as we explore his journey and contributions to literature and beyond.

Listen with Irfan (LwI)

A tapestry of voices and stories, spun with care

Support LwI - a soulful creation shaped by affection, thriving on the warmth of its listeners. Your contribution helps keep this free, bringing global stories, rare sound recordings, and personal music archives to all without paywalls.

I curate voices, readings from literature, and cultural studies with immense care.

Through my recent initiative, Read Aloud Collective, voices from around the world are coming together in celebration of spoken word.

Grateful for your love -keep listening, keep supporting!  

Support LwI by contributing:  ⁠https://rzp.io/rzp/Memorywala

Cover: Irfan

'उठो लाल अब आंखें खोलो' तक की पढ़ाई और क़यामत के क़िस्से

Excerpts from the memoirs Written and Narrated by Anurag Shukla/Curated by Irfan

Anurag Shukla is a talented and passionate individual who brings a wealth of experience to our community. Hailing from Barabanki district in Uttar Pradesh, Anurag completed his primary education in his hometown before earning a degree in Journalism from Allahabad University.

A professional journalist based in Lucknow, he has also made his mark in the literary world, with several of his stories published in esteemed magazines like Kathadesh and Parikatha.

Anurag’s love for storytelling and his clear voice make him a keen learner for our mission to celebrate the art of reading aloud.

Listen with Irfan (LwI)

A tapestry of voices and stories, spun with care

Support LwI — a soulful creation shaped by affection, thriving on the warmth of its listeners. Your contribution helps keep this free, bringing global stories, rare sound recordings, and personal music archives to all without paywalls. I curate voices, readings from literature, and cultural studies with immense care.

Through my recent initiative, Read Aloud Collective, voices from around the world are coming together in celebration of spoken word.

Grateful for your love -keep listening, keep supporting!  

Curator: Irfan

Support LwI by contributing:  https://rzp.io/rzp/Memorywala

Your comments and feedback are welcome. Write to [email protected]

Cover: Irfan

Aaj Mein Jeeney Ka Jaadoo | Thich Nhat Hanh | Voice Irum Sumbul/ Curator: IrfanIrum Sumbul, a vibrant and passionate addition to our community of storytellers and voice artists. Born and brought up in the heart of Banda, Uttar Pradesh, Irum now lives in Kanpur.

She holds a postgraduate degree in Political Science from Bundelkhand University. As a dedicated homemaker and proud mother of two grown children—a daughter and a son—Irum has nurtured her family with love while keeping her dreams alive.

From her school days, Irum has been fascinated by newsreading and TV anchoring. Growing up in a small town with limited opportunities, she couldn’t turn her passion into a profession, but her enthusiasm never faded. An avid reader with a deep love for literature, Irum brings an empathetic heart and a vision for a better world to our collective. Her voice carries the warmth and conviction of someone who believes in the power of words to inspire and uplift.

In her own voice, Irum shares a small quotation that reflects her philosophical strength: “In this rushing world chasing fraudulent miracles, true awareness lies in nurturing empathy and well-being for all.” This belief resonates deeply with the mission of the Read Aloud Collective to celebrate the spoken word and foster a listening culture.

We are excited to hear Irum’s voice breathe life into stories, prose, and ideas. Her presence enriches our community, and we look forward to her contributions in spreading knowledge and emotions through the art of narration. Welcome, Irum, to this journey of voices and stories!

Join us in celebrating Irum Sumbul’s arrival and stay tuned for her heartfelt narrations!

Listen with Irfan (LwI)

A tapestry of voices and stories, spun with care

Support LwI - a soulful creation shaped by affection, thriving on the warmth of its listeners. Your contribution helps keep this free, bringing global stories, rare sound recordings, and personal music archives to all without paywalls.

I curate voices, readings from literature, and cultural studies with immense care.

Through my recent initiative, Read Aloud Collective, voices from around the world are coming together in celebration of spoken word.

Grateful for your love -keep listening, keep supporting!  

Support LwI by contributing:  ⁠https://rzp.io/rzp/Memorywala⁠

Your comments and feedback are welcome. Write to ⁠[email protected]

Cover: Irfan

Bhagat Singh's Letter to Sukhdev | Narration Samyak Mishra

Book Courtesy Sardar Bhagat Singh Patra Aur Dastavez by Virendra Sandhu / Curator : Irfan

Music Pixa Bay letter gentle-journey-calm-flute-for-documentaries-3519o9

**Samyak Mishra, a 27-year-old talented and dedicated individual, is formally trained in the fields of Computers and Law.
Hailing from the Bundelkhand region of central India, Samyak is currently working with a social organization in the remote tribal areas of Chitrakoot, where he is focused on developing infrastructure for education and employment.
His deep commitment to this socially impactful work sets him apart.
Alongside his social endeavors, Samyak has a keen interest in literature- both reading and writing. The Read Aloud Collective has provided him with an excellent platform to hone his passion and learn something new, which he finds deeply satisfying.
Samyak has lent his voice to a poignant reading of a letter written by the revolutionary Bhagat Singh to his comrade Sukhdev.
This letter, penned on April 18, 1929, just before Bhagat Singh went to throw a bomb in the Assembly, carries immense historical and emotional weight.
Samyak’s narration brings this letter to life with remarkable depth and feeling.
We applaud Samyak’s contribution and wish him the very best for his future endeavors. Having passionate individuals like him in the Read Aloud Collective strengthens our community.

**

Listen with Irfan (LwI)

A tapestry of voices and stories, spun with care

Support LwI — a soulful creation shaped by affection, thriving on the warmth of its listeners. Your contribution helps keep this free, bringing global stories, rare sound recordings, and personal music archives to all without paywalls. I curate voices, readings from literature, and cultural studies with immense care.

Through my recent initiative, Read Aloud Collective, voices from around the world are coming together in celebration of spoken word.

Grateful for your love -keep listening, keep supporting!  

Curator: Irfan

Support LwI by contributing:  https://rzp.io/rzp/Memorywala

Your comments and feedback are welcome. Write to [email protected]

Cover: Irfan

Text Courtesy: Samajik Adhyayan, Class VII, Chapter 15, Madhya Pradesh Pathya Pustak Nigam

Voice: Jay Shankar Pandey, A Lucknow based actor and writer.

This podcast is a part of Read Aloud Collective.

A tapestry of voices and stories, spun with care

Support LwI — a soulful creation shaped by affection, thriving on the warmth of its listeners. Your contribution helps keep this free, bringing global stories, rare sound recordings, and personal music archives to all without paywalls. I curate voices, readings from literature, and cultural studies with immense care.

Through my recent initiative, Read Aloud Collective, voices from around the world are coming together in celebration of spoken word.

Grateful for your love -keep listening, keep supporting!  

Curator: Irfan

Support LwI by contributing:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rzp.io/rzp/Memorywala⁠⁠⁠⁠

Your comments and feedback are welcome. Write to ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Cover: Irfan

Preserved, Cleaned, Digitized, Restored, Enhanced and Curated by Listen with Irfan

Listen, 42 years ago, at a Kavi Sammelan in Jaunpur UP, when Ajay Kumar invited Ramji Rai to the stage to recite his poetry, it was a moment to remember.

Stage hosting / Compering is an art that today’s anchors wouldn’t understand.

Even after all these years, I’m amazed hearing this line. Ajay Bhai said, “Now I call upon Ramji Rai. Ramji Rai is a research scholar in Allahabad. You’ve seen how brilliant he is there. And what kind of poems he’s writing, you’ll see here…”

Ajay Bhai’s immortal presence will live on among us in this form too.

Listen with Irfan (LwI)

A tapestry of voices and stories, spun with care

Support LwI — a soulful creation shaped by affection, thriving on the warmth of its listeners. Your contribution helps keep this free, bringing global stories, rare sound recordings, and personal music archives to all without paywalls. I curate voices, readings from literature, and cultural studies with immense care.

Through my recent initiative, Read Aloud Collective, voices from around the world are coming together in celebration of spoken word.

Grateful for your love -keep listening, keep supporting!  

Curator: Irfan

Support LwI by contributing:  ⁠https://rzp.io/rzp/Memorywala⁠

Your comments and feedback are welcome. Write to ⁠[email protected]⁠

Cover: Irfan