Aam Naama Cineink

Led by historian, Prof. Ali Nadeem Rezavi, the 10th episode of Cine Ink Podcast Series 'Aam Naama' discovers the first ever mango orchard of 'Qalmi Aam' in India, patronised by the 17th Century Mughal ruler, Jehangir.

Rich in literature, presented by Pervaiz Alam and Mehr e Alam Khan, this episode presents excerpts from Ghalib's Masnavi 'Dar Sifat-e-Amba' and his ‘Khutoot’, stories- 'Aam' by Manto and 'Gulab Khaas' by Abul Fazl Siddiqi- read by broadcasters Devesh Verma and Mamta Gupta.
Shephali Frost recites excerpts from Akhtar Shirani's acclaimed nazm 'O' Des Se Aane Vaale Bata'.

The 9th episode of Aam Naama focusses on Desi mangos or Tukhmi or Biju Mangos, popularly called the Tapkas. The prog. also discusses a controversial piece of religious writing in which the great Muslim educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan questioned whether it was alright for Muslims to eat mangos as per their religion. Later, Sir Syed modified his opinion. Why, presenters Pervaiz Alam and Mehr e Alam Khan explore.

Classical singer Rama Sundar Ranganathan sings a Mira Bai's bhajan, highlighting the importance of Torans, the gates made of mango leaves. Broadcaster Achala Sharma recites an excerpt from Dharmvir Bharati's poem Kanupriya, expressing love through the metaphor of mango blossom.

This 8th episode of Aam Naama, presented by Pervaiz Alam and Mehr e Alam Khan, takes you on a visit to India's unique mango town, about 100 KM from Indian capital New Delhi, where growing mangos is a way of life. Established in 1632 during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, Shahjahanpur in the district of Meerut boasts of having 95 per cent of its agricultural land occupied by mango orchards. The town is home to some of the best mangos such as Chaunsa, Langda, Dussehri, Gulab Jamun, William, Fajri, Rataul, Bambai, Ramkela, Samar Bahisht Rampur, Husn Aara, Bambai, Temuriya, Bambai Bhadainyyāñ and many others.

Broadcaster Achala Sharma reads an excerpt from Mohammed Hanif's acclaimed novel 'A Case of Exploding Mangos', long-listed for the 2008 Man Booker Prize.

Chinna Dua, a doctor by profession, sings an ode to Indian spring, a curtain raiser for the mango season.

The 7th episode of Cine Ink podcast series 'Aam Naama' takes a satirical view of the 'Mango Wars' between India and Pakistan over Rataul- a mango variety from a small town, Rataul in West UP. Listen to an excerpt from Rishta, an Urdu adaptation of Chekhov's play 'The Proposal' by Achala Sharma, using Rataul as a bone of contention between the two nations.

There's more. Once upon a time, Rataul was adjudged the best mango in the world at a mango exhibition in London in 1935. But experts say, Rataul Aam is almost on the verge of extinction and needs immediate intervention, as Pervaiz Alam and Mehr e Alam Khan devote a full episode to the origin and history of this glorious mango, The Rataul, reminding 'Ai Ehle Zamana Qadr Karo, Nayaab Na HoN, Kumyaab HaiN Hum'.

Enjoy, how Hindi songs have encompassed the metaphor of Aam (mango) since the time of Amir Khusro! Interspersed with songs, poetry of Dharmvir Bharati and Ahmad Alvi, recited by Achala Sharma and Sajid Raza Khan, and feedback from our listeners, Aam Naama 06 focusses on the trade of mangos, including exports to the USA and EU, presented by Pervaiz Alam and Mehr-e-Alam Khan.

Music Curtesy: Saregama and Pakistan Coke Studio. For feedback: post@cineink.com

Jawahar Lal Nehru was known for presenting mangos to his foreign counterparts but he also taught them how to eat mangos. Did Queen Victoria eat the Indian mango as suggested by her servant Abdul Karim? What made Bilawal Bhutto angry when he sent Pakistani mangos for the Queen Elizabeth II? What did Chairman Mao do with the mango gift sent to him from Pakistan? What led George W Bush to lift a ban on the import of Indian mangoes in the USA? This episode explores the the role of mangos in world diplomacy, presented by Pervaiz Alam and Mehr e Alam Khan.

Enjoy Jyoti Pande's singing and Achala Sharma's recitation of Dharmavir Bharati's epic poem Kanupriya, having sensual references to mangos.