176 episodes

Bollywood songs turn us all into Grammy award-winning bathroom singers! But wait, do you know the meaning of every word you sing? Especially the ones in Urdu? On Urdunama, our host Fabeha Syed takes one word at a time and breaks it down for you.

Be it the protest poetry of Faiz, or Sameer's 90s nostalgia, we have it all. If you like Urdu and poetry, this podcast is for you!

Urdunama The Quint

    • Arts
    • 4.9 • 51 Ratings

Bollywood songs turn us all into Grammy award-winning bathroom singers! But wait, do you know the meaning of every word you sing? Especially the ones in Urdu? On Urdunama, our host Fabeha Syed takes one word at a time and breaks it down for you.

Be it the protest poetry of Faiz, or Sameer's 90s nostalgia, we have it all. If you like Urdu and poetry, this podcast is for you!

    Behind Every 'Mayoosi', Lies a New Hope

    Behind Every 'Mayoosi', Lies a New Hope

    This episode of Urdunama gets real. Our host, Fabeha Syed dives into a feeling we all know too well: 'mayoosi', or despair. If you've ever felt that things are not going your way, this episode is for you. 

    Taking shade under the wisdom of poets like Sahir Ludhianvi, Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Firaq Gorakhpuri, let us heal together. Tune in!

    • 15 min
    Being 'Khuddar' is not the Same as Being Selfish

    Being 'Khuddar' is not the Same as Being Selfish

    Apologies are in order! Urdunama is making a comeback after a two-week hiatus as Fabeha was busy with mommy duties. In this episode, we delve into the concept of the self. We explore how the Urdu language evokes notions of freedom and self-worth, and discuss the subtle distinction between being firm in one's principles and being 'khuddar'.

    Listen till the end as Fabeha reads poetry by Javed Akhtar, Kaif Bhopali and Muzaffar Razmi. The episode features original poetry by our listener Mohammad Adnan. You can get your poetry featured in the 'Aap ki Qalam' section of Urdunama. Or if you're a singer, send us a rendition of your favourite songs for 'Aap ki Awaaz'. We'd love to include you in the next episode.

    • 18 min
    Sometimes, Being Be-'Khabar' is the Best Way to Know Yourself

    Sometimes, Being Be-'Khabar' is the Best Way to Know Yourself

    'Hoshwalon ko khabar kya, bekhudi kya cheez hai'. This ghazal by Nida Fazli has been a constant in many 90s kids' playlists. Sung by the great Jagjit Singh, the song was picturised on Aamir Khan for the 1999 film 'Sarfarosh'.

    In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed discusses the everyday, yet essential Urdu word 'khabar' and its significance in the Indian context. From street conversations to newsrooms, 'khabar' plays a pivotal role in conveying information and connecting people across diverse communities in India.

    Listen in as Fabeha reads poetry by Hairat Allahabadi, Mirza Ghalib and Parveen Shakir. The episode also features original poetry by Tarannum Shaikh. If you want to feature on the Urdunama podcast, DM @fabehathesyed or @novacanemusic97 on Instagram with a voice note of your original poetry or songs.

    • 15 min
    Nazeer Akbarabadi's Poetry on Holi: Celebrating Unity & Colors

    Nazeer Akbarabadi's Poetry on Holi: Celebrating Unity & Colors

    'Mere hazrat ne Madine mei manaayi Holi'. This line by Gauhar Jaan perfectly encapsulates the spirit of 'Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb', which is entrenched in the Urdu language.

    Welcome to this special episode of Urdunama, where Fabeha Syed delves into the vibrant world of Nazeer Akbarabadi's poetry, particularly focusing on his evocative verses celebrating the festival of Holi. From the joyous splashes of colors to the deeper themes of unity and celebration, join us as we celebrate the spirit of Holi through the lens of Urdu poetry in this episode of Urdunama.

    Aparupa Gupta, a long-time Urdunama listener has lent her voice for a soulful rendition of some nazms. If you too are a singer/poet, DM us to get featured on the next episode of Urdunama. We would love for you to be a part of our community.

    • 17 min
    This Podcast Won't Let You Stay 'Khafa' for Long!

    This Podcast Won't Let You Stay 'Khafa' for Long!

    In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed discusses the word 'khafa', with a smile on her face, of course! The Urdu word means 'displeased', 'upset', and 'offended'. As she reads poetry by Javed Akhtar, Bashir Badr and Anwar Shuoor, we unpack the complexities of releationships, and understand how 'naraazi' can help us heal.

    Listen till the end!

    • 16 min
    Shoot for the 'Chaand', You'll Hit the Stars Even if You Miss

    Shoot for the 'Chaand', You'll Hit the Stars Even if You Miss

    This week on Urdunama, Fabeha Syed delves into the magic of the word 'chaand' (moon) in Urdu poetry and literature. We'll explore how this celestial body has inspired countless verses and metaphors, capturing the essence of love, longing, and beauty.

    The episode features a special musical segment by a listener Prakhar Kaushik, who serenades us with a soulful rendition of the classic ghazal 'Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi'.

    Do you have a song rendition, or a poem you've written? We'd love to hear your voice on Urdunama! Send us a DM on our social media pages and tell us about your work. You might just be featured in a future episode!

    • 18 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
51 Ratings

51 Ratings

To cook or not to cook ,

Most Enjoyed

Urdu poetry made easy to understand with great anecdotes and advice . Fabhia is a great host with a wonder voice and a great understanding of how to express the emotions of the poems but also how to give excitement and love to her own stories . Well written and wonderful.

Gharlak ,

Great Job

With love from the U.S.A.

Captain Faraz ,

Fabeha and her work are a National Treasure!

I was overjoyed to find this podcast several months ago, and now eagerly wait for the newest episode to drop.

Fabeha’s thoughtful and insightful and artistic commentary is perfectly suited for an exploration of the Urdu language and culture.

100000% recommend you subscribe right away!

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