urdunama

'Ruswai' or the theme of 'disgrace in love' has often been the extent to which a poet can go to prove the beloved, his loyalty. Tune in as we read poets like Kafeel Azaar Amrohvi, Gulzar, Arzoo Lakhnavi, among others. 

Haqeeqat means reality, or truth. It is also referred to as something's or someone's state or current condition. However, the theme of reality can be explored through the poems that lay emphasis on making peace with the displeasure that comes with knowing the haqeeqat of a beloved's heart, their eyes, or even the poet's life, itself.  

Tune in as Fabeha Syed reads Ghalib among other poets like Muneer Niyazi, Mohsin Naqvi, and Javed Akhtar.

Get ready to wake up early, switch off Instagram, and stock up on extra coffee packets, because exam season is approaching. While writing this episode, memories of my student life came back to haunt me. I'm glad I don't have to write any exams this year.

But you know what, the 'imtihaan' of life is never-ending. In this episode of Urdunama, I talk about the preparation tactics of great professors like Jaun Elia, Allama Iqbal, and Javed Akhtar. Tune in!

The word 'Kashish' means attraction. The world of Urdu poetry looks at the art of attraction in different ways, from Wasim Barelvi to Sahir Ludhianvi to modern lyricists like Sameer, everyone has a unique way of understanding attraction. 

February is considered to be the month of love. So, we decided to look at different stages of love in this 4-part series. In the previous episode about 'Nazar', the Shayar set his eyes on their beloved. Listen to this episode of Urdunama, where Fabeha talks about the feeling of being charmed by someone, and find out if this Kashish will fulfill itself.

'Nazar ke saame, jigar ke paas...'

'Pehli Nazar mei, aisa jaadu kar diya...'

'Akele na bazaar jaaya karo, Nazar lag jaaegi...'

The idea of 'Nazar' is one of the most extensively used concepts in Bollywood songs. Nazar can mean vision, but it can also represent an opinion or an evil eye. February is considered to be the month of love. So, we decided to look at the different stages of love in a four-part series.

Tune in to this episode of Urdunama, where Fabeha talks about 'Nazar' and decodes Kaifi Azmi, Sahir Ludhianvi, and Mirza Ghalib. 

Watan, meaning a country, also means home, a place of residence. In Urdu poetry, nazms like 'Bachhe ki dua', and 'Parinde ki Fariyad', beautifully capture 'Watan' as an emotion.

Tune in as Fabeha Syed reads Allama Iqbal and Bismil Azeemabadi who fondly write about what Watan stands for them.  

New year parties have always been a thing, and they should be so. In this new year special episode we try to figure out the degree of 'khumaar' that can hurt, and how much of that intoxication won't.

Tune in as Fabeha Syed explores the 'khumaar' of Urdu poetry and some of its forms that are needed in matters of love and life. Enjoy and have safe fun. 

Veteran actor Tabassum Govil passed away in Mumbai on 18th November at the age of 78. In this episode of Urdunama, we decided to give tribute to the legend by celebrating what she will always be remembered for - Tabassum meaning smile.

Tune in as Fabeha Syed reads Sahir Ludhianvi and Josh Malihabadi among others. 

Halloween is around the corner. So we thought, let's get spooky on this week's Urdunama. Fabeha talks about how evil spirits and the paranormal found its way in Urdu poetry. Listen till the end, warna bhoot aa jaaega!

Every single death by suicide is a public health concern. So, to create awareness,10th September is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day. In this episode, we explore the theme of 'zindagi' meaning life through Urdu poetry.

Tune in. 

There is no pleasure without pain, anxiety, uncertainties, insecurities, sadness, grief, and a whole bunch of other emotions. It's only when we are stricken with one or more of these unpleasant feelings that we long for emotions that are happy and can bring joy to our hearts.

Once we are able to achieve these most cherished feelings is when we can experience pleasure.

In Urdu, the word 'lutf' denotes pleasure, joy, enjoyment, and excitement. Tune in as we read some of the poetry that show us ways poets have sought 'lutf' in their lives.

From detecting evidence of clouds on a planet for the first time to being able to see Jupiter with its moon in a 'new light', the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope is hailed as the most powerful space science telescope ever built. This will enable the scientists to study even the distant galaxies with the help of not only the images but also the detailed data. The telescope is engineered for ground breaking discoveries, thereby changing the future of astronomy. 

To celebrate this historic moment, we take a look at 'kahkashan' meaning the universe, and how it continues to inspire poets. Tune in.