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This episode of Urdunama delves into the depths of a single Urdu word, 'beqarar,' capturing the essence of restlessness, yearning, and disquiet. It's a word that paints not only human emotion but also the beating heart, the pangs of love, and the very pulse of life. Join Fabeha Syed as we embark on a journey exploring the various facets of 'beqarar' in Urdu poetry. We'll witness how this word blossoms into a kaleidoscope of emotions within poetry.

In the previous episode, Fabeha Syed read through some bars of Faiz Ahmed Faiz's prison poetry, witnessing the resilience of his spirit, and the power of his voice against oppression. But in this Urdunama, we venture into a gentler landscape, the blossoming gardens of Faiz's romantic poetry. Fabeha will guide you through Faiz's masterful use of metaphor and imagery, unveiling the depths of his emotional expression. Discover how his love poems transcended personal longing, reflecting a universal desire for freedom, beauty, and justice.

Join Fabeha Syed on a journey into the unyielding spirit of Faiz Ahmad Faiz, where prison walls could not confine his verses, and bars became echoes for his revolutionary voice. Faiz Ahmad Faiz was born on 13 February 1911 in Sialkot, present-day Pakistan. Dive deep into the poet's life, from his early activism to his periods of incarceration, exploring how confinement fueled his most powerful and poignant poetry. We'll delve into iconic works like 'Hum Dekhenge' and uncover the hidden stories behind them, analyzing Faiz's masterful use of metaphors and imagery to challenge authority and ignite hope. As Prateek Lidhoo sings a rendition of 'Gulon Mein Rang Bhare', we pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of expression, where poetry becomes a weapon of resistance, and words break free even from the most fortified walls. 

Jagjit Singh was born on 8 February 1941. This episode of Urdunama pays homage to the legendary ghazal singer, whose soulful voice painted a thousand emotions with every rendition. We delve into his illustrious career, exploring his unique style that captivated audiences worldwide. Join us on a musical journey through the maestro's most cherished ghazals, brought to life in a medley by Prateek Lidhoo. Relive the magic of classics like 'Kal Chaudhvi Ki Raat Thi', 'Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho' and 'Tumko Dekha Toh Yeh Khayaal Aaya', as we celebrate the timeless legacy of Jagjit Singh.

Did you know that some of the most beautiful poetry about Lord Ram has been written in Urdu?  While the Ram Temple consecration was a watershed moment for many Hindus across the country, we felt that the mainstream news coverage was limited to party politics and communal remarks. But in this episode of Urdunama, we want to use Ram as a unifying force. Let us embark on a fascinating journey to explore the rich tapestry of Urdu poetry dedicated to Lord Ram, a figure revered in Hinduism. Often shrouded in the misconception that Urdu belongs solely to one religion, this episode challenges that notion by showcasing the beautiful confluence of cultures and perspectives within the language. Listen till the end as Fabeha Syed reads iconic poems about Ram's 'vanvaas,' Diwali, and Ayodhya, by poets like Altaf Hussain, Arsh Malsiyani, and Javed Akhtar.

This Urdunama episode is a tribute to a legend, a poetic journey that will leave you mesmerized and wanting more. We lost Munawwar Rana on 14 January 2024. A luminary in the realm of Urdu literature, Rana's profound verses resonated with the depths of human emotion, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of readers and listeners alike. Born in Rae Bareli, India, in 1949, Munawwar Rana's poetic journey was a testament to the power of words to transcend boundaries. His eloquent expression and poignant verses delved into the complexities of life, love, and societal issues, capturing the essence of the human experience. Explore the rich tapestry of Rana's literary contributions through iconic collections like 'Muhajirnama,' 'Shahdaba,' and 'Bagh.' His words were not mere poetry; they were a mirror to the human experience, offering solace and inspiration to generations. Rest in poetry, maestro!

In this special episode of Urdunama, Fabeha delves into the captivating realm of 'kitaab', the very essence of knowledge and imagination. Join us as we explore the world of books as a metaphorical embodiment of knowledge, wisdom and life in general. Listen till the end as Fabeha reads poetry by Ahmad Faraz and Ejaaz Tawakkal.

In the first Urdunama of 2024, Fabeha Syed ignites a conversation about 'Aghaz,' the Urdu word for 'beginning.' 'Aghaz' is not just a starting point, but a potent spark that ignites possibilities, fuels dreams, and propels us forward into the unknown. Listen till the end as she reads poetry by Ahmad Faraz and Kafeel Aazar Amrohvi.

In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed unfurls the intricate layers of the Urdu word 'Ilzaam', meaning 'blame' or 'accusation'. It's a word that carries a weight of suspicion, hurt, and sometimes even injustice. Fabeha opens the episode with a personal anecdote, recalling a familiar scene: her mother's accusing gaze as a misplaced winter scarf sparks a flurry of 'Ilzaam'. This relatable moment sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how 'Ilzaam' manifests in our lives and takes on different forms in the world of Urdu poetry. Through the verses of renowned poets like Sahir Ludhianvi, we'll traverse the emotional landscape of 'Ilzaam'.

Fabeha Syed explores the poignant concept of 'Adhoora,' or 'unfinished,' in Urdu poetry. This evocative term captures the incompleteness and impermanence that are inherent aspects of human existence. Through the verses of renowned poets like Jan Nisar Akhtar and Javed Akhtar, we'll delve into the various shades of Adhoora. The episode is also joined by our in-house 'tuntuna' man Prateek Lidhoo for a rendition of 'Ek Adhoora Kaam' from the film 'Ram Prasad Ki Tehrvi.' This soulful rendition perfectly captures the yearning and unfulfilled desires at the heart of 'Adhoora.' Listen till the end!

In this captivating episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed embarks on a journey through the ever-changing landscapes of Mausam (weather in Urdu), exploring its profound influence on Urdu poetry. Mausam is not merely a physical phenomenon; it is a living, breathing entity that weaves itself into the very fabric of Urdu verses. Poets have long drawn inspiration from the transformative power of weather, using it as a metaphor for the human experience, capturing its beauty, its harshness, and its relentless cycle of change.

In this week's episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed delves into the depths of the Urdu word 'Deedar,' a term that signifies a profound 'sight' or 'vision' often associated with the beloved. Deedar is a word that carries immense weight and longing, representing both the physical act of seeing and the spiritual yearning for connection. Syed will explore the different ways in which Deedar is used in Urdu poetry, taking listeners on a journey through verses that express the burning desire for a glimpse of the beloved, the joy of reunion after separation, and the sorrow of unfulfilled longing.