Urdu daan

Why Yagana Changezi?
Because his poetry just feels fresh. And when I read about his life, something clicked for me. He was sharp, abrasive, and completely fearless - reshaping 20th-century Urdu poetry, questioning sacred icons, even taking shots at Ghalib when no one else would. He lived a tough life and spoke in a tough voice. Honestly, all the signs of a great poet.You should really read him.

also, if you like the episode, let me know. I'm [email protected]

you could also DM me on instagram @urdu.daan

Have a great time

Salaam. Today is Mirza Ghalib’s birthday — the OG of Urdu poetry (after Mir, of course).

In this episode, I’m sharing one of my favourite ghazals by Ghalib, which has that gem of a sher - one that meditates on nature, beauty, and the impossibility of fully knowing the Creator. It sits right at the intersection of wonder and doubt, aesthetics and philosophy, and also the debate that just happened. IYKYK

What makes it even more special is that Suraiya ji has also sung this ghazal. If you haven’t heard that rendition yet, do check it out — it adds another layer of softness and longing to an already luminous text.

Thank you for listening.

I’ll be back soon with another episode. iA

Take care.

I was reflecting on manners and etiquette when the idea struck me to record another podcast episode. Today, I’ve chosen to feature a legendary poet who needs no introduction – Daagh Dehlvi. His poetry is timeless, and he was surrounded by many admirers who learned from him. We should take inspiration from his work too.
In this episode, I’m sharing a beautiful ghazal by Daagh. It’s truly one of his finest.
Have a listen, and don’t forget to share your feedback!

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Aapne chupke chupke raat din ghazal to suni hogi. It was written by Hasrat Mohani. Born Syed Fazl-ul-Hasan in 1875, he was a prominent Indian Urdu poet, freedom fighter, and journalist. He is known for coining the slogan "Inquilab Zindabad" (Long live the revolution), he was a staunch advocate for India's independence.

One of his ashaar that i often quote is -

شعر در اصل ہیں وہی حسرتؔ

سنتے ہی دل میں جو اتر جایئں

Sher darasl hain wohi Hasrat

Sunte hi dil me jo utar jaayen

We can talk - i am [email protected]

So i was just sifting through some poetry online, and i came across a sher

Ye qadam qadam balayen, ye sawaad e ku e jaanaa.n

Wo yahin se laut jaaye jise zindagi ho pyaari

Now i had often heard this sher being used in mushairas and other public settings, but never really knew who the author of this famous couplet was. It was Maulana Aamir Usmani. A poet that in my ignorance had never heard of before.

Turns out, he was quite the maverick. Schooled from Deoband, even sold kites for a living once, wrote for bollywood, and many such feats. Khair. I finally got to this nazm of his; and what a nazm it is. Such a morning call to everyone who thinks the world was much better before and its just gone to the dogs now. Listen for yourself.

If you want to talk, i am [email protected]

Happy listening :)

Definitely one of my most favourite Indian Urdu poets. One of his famous couplets is -

Hoshyaari dil e nadaan bohot karta hai

Ranj kam sehta hai ailaan bohot karta hai

If you have suggestions or criticism, write to me at [email protected]

Andha Kabadi paints a grim picture about dreams. How a hawker collects them, prepares them and tries to sell them. But the people around are wary. Just as they are about other things in the market. Sit and enjoy this rather abstract poem by Rashid.

Let me know your thoughts at [email protected]

Mustafa Zaidi talks about loneliness or solitude, whichever you choose. He talks about how he's been cut off from the source, that has led him to be tanha or lonely. the nazm reaches a crescendo when he mentions Jesus, and especially his humanity that is not found in places of worship anymore. This is definitely a nazm to ponder over. Feel free to discuss it. I am [email protected]

take care

Hey people. I and Zoya have rekindled our Urdu conversations, and we intend to make it a regular thing on the Urdu daan podcast.

The conversation is divided into three parts, One - an introduction, two - Talaffuz or pronunciation and three is a special segment for those of you living in the west yet you are connected to your roots in South Asia.

Let us know what you think, and please shower me with your prayers that i remain consistent with this.

You can send me your feedback on [email protected]

Khuda Hafiz

The matla of this ghazal is an oft quoted one. let me know your thoughts.

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