Join us for a captivating episode "Tumhe Yaad Ho Ki Na Yaad Ho" as renowned poet and literary critic, Farhat Ehsas, delves into the mesmerizing world of one of Urdu literature's most revered figures, Momin Khan Momin. Step back in time as Farhat Ehsas unravels the enigmatic life and poetic genius of Momin Khan Momin, shedding light on the enduring impact he left on Urdu literature.

In this episode, listeners will embark on a journey through the life of Momin Khan Momin, a prodigious poet who emerged during the era of the Delhi Sultanate in the 19th century. Farhat Ehsas paints a vivid picture of the historical and cultural milieu in which Momin Khan Momin flourished, setting the stage for an exploration of his profound contributions to Urdu poetry.

In this episode of the Poem of the Week series of the Rekhta Podcast, our host Aqib Sabir recites a beautiful nazm by one of the most celebrated and popular poets, Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

When Faiz was residing in Sialkot, in a house opposite to that of his, there lived a girl Faiz was in love with. One unfortunate day, on his return from college, Faiz discovered that the girl had left the city. Aagha Naasir writes that years later when Faiz, having risen to popular fame and appeal, revisited Sialkot, he had a serendipitous meeting with the same girl who happened to be visiting the city at the same time. Her husband was keen to meet Faiz. She urged Faiz to take note of her husband. This became an inspiration for 'Raqib Se!'.

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

A new episode airs every Monday.

In this episode, Azra Naqvi sits down with Shamim Hanafi, one of the most prominent literary critics in South Asia, to discuss the life and work of Qurratulain Hyder, one of the most celebrated writers in Urdu literature.

Throughout the interview, Hanafi shares his insights on Hyder's contributions to Urdu literature and her role in shaping the literary landscape of the Indian subcontinent. He highlights Hyder's groundbreaking novel "Aag ka Darya" (River of Fire), which is widely considered a masterpiece of modern Urdu literature.

Hanafi also discusses Hyder's approach to storytelling, her use of multiple languages and her exploration of themes such as identity, history, and memory. He provides a detailed analysis of her writing style, and how it evolved over the course of her career.

The conversation also touches upon Hyder's personal life, including her experiences as a female writer in a patriarchal society, and her relationship with other prominent literary figures of her time.

Overall, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the life and work of one of Urdu literature's most iconic figures, as well as a glimpse into the broader cultural and historical context in which she lived and wrote.

In this episode of the Poem of the Week series of the Rekhta Podcast, our host Aamir Azher recites a beautiful nazm by Syed Mustafa Hussain Zaidi, who was also known as Tegh Allahabadi.

inhin pattharon pe chal kar agar aa sako to aao

mere ghar ke raste mein koi kahkasha nahin hai

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

A new episode airs every Monday.

In this episode, renowned Indian poet, lyricist, and screenwriter Javed Akhtar discusses the life and work of Ismat Chughtai, a legendary Urdu writer and feminist icon. Akhtar delves into Chughtai's fearless approach towards tackling taboo subjects, particularly related to women's sexuality and societal norms. Akhtar also sheds light on Chughtai's contribution to Indian cinema, as her stories have been adapted into several acclaimed films. Throughout the episode, Akhtar pays tribute to Chughtai's enduring legacy and influence on modern Indian literature and culture.

In this special episode of the Poem of the Week series of the Rekhta Podcast, renowned poet and lyricist Gulzar recites his beautiful nazm "Kitabein" in honor of World Book Day. With his signature style, Gulzar takes us on a lyrical journey through the pages of books, weaving together themes of nostalgia, curiosity, and the power of words. Tune in to experience the magic of Gulzar's poetry and celebrate the joy of reading.

In this episode of the Poem of the Week series of the Rekhta Podcast, our host Aamir Azher recites a beautiful nazm by Prominent modernist ghazal poet, Musavvir Sabzwari. 

Ankhein yun barsi pairahan bheeg gaya

Tere dhyan mein saara saavan bheeg gaya

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

A new episode airs every Monday.

In this insightful podcast episode, we are joined by Zakir Khan, a well-known Indian comedian and writer, in conversation with Saumya Kulshreshtha, a language enthusiast and researcher. Zakir shares his personal and profound relationship with Urdu language, and how it has shaped his life and career.

Zakir talks about his early years, growing up in a family where Urdu was the primary language of communication. He reminisces about his experiences of listening to ghazals, qawwalis, and shayari, and how it ignited his passion for the language. Zakir goes on to explain how Urdu has been a constant source of inspiration for him, both as a writer and performer.

Saumya, being a language enthusiast, engages in an in-depth conversation with Zakir about the nuances of Urdu language. Zakir shares his views on how Urdu has evolved over the years, and how it has adapted to the changing times.

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 celebrated and popular poets, Faiz Ahmed Faiz. He faced political repression for his revolutionary views.

Hum parvarish-e-lauh-o-qalam karte rahenge

Jo dil pe guzarti hai raqam karte rahenge

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

A new episode airs every Monday.