Urdu daan

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! aamir@urdudaan.in www.urdudaan.in www.instagram.com/urdu.daan

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 aamir@urdudaan.in

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 aamir@urdudaan.in 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 aamir@urdudaan.in

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 aamir@urdudaan.in