English Literature

Diwali and Urdu in Indian Culture: A Festival of Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb

Diwali, the festival of lights, holds a special place in the heart of every Indian. This celebration transcends religious and cultural boundaries, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. As the nation comes together to celebrate this joyous occasion, the spirit of unity and cultural amalgamation, often referred to as “Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb,” becomes particularly prominent. Urdu, with its rich literary tradition, has played a significant role in shaping the cultural fabric of India, and the festival of Diwali beautifully reflects this fusion. The poetic verses provided here…

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English Literature

Ismat Chughtai: Redefining Urdu Short Stories

Ismat Chughtai: a name that resonates with courage, innovation, and unapologetic self-expression. She was not just a writer; she was a voice, a rebel, and an indomitable spirit. In a society bound by conventions, Ismat Chughtai emerged as a pioneer of modern Urdu short stories, offering a fresh perspective that challenged the norms of her time. “I have always thought of myself first as a human being and then as a woman.” In these words, Chughtai reveals her unwavering commitment to humanity. She transcended the boundaries of gender and delved…

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Mujhse pehli si mohabbat comic
Comics

Mujhse Pehli si Mohabbat mere Mehboob na maang- A tragic tale of two lovers

Not long ago, renowned Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz penned down a masterpiece titled Mujhse Pehli si Mohabbat, the nazm was later sung by Noor Jahan in her mesmerising voice. Faiz was so enthralled by Noor Jahan’s rendition of his Nazm that he gifted it to her. Faiz is the kind of poet who writes poetry from the depths of their heart, feeling every inch of every word and dipping it deep in the wells of sentiments. His poetry has the power of igniting strong emotions.  The line Mujhse pehli…

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Curated

15 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Valentine’s day is the day to spread love. It is the day to celebrate the special someone (or someones) in your life. So, what have you decided to gift this year to express your affection? Flowers, which are priced four times their usual price for this particular day or movie date, which happens once a month anyway? This year, try something different and express your love in style with romantic English, Hindi and Urdu poetry. Here we present 15 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas which are as unique and special as your relationship.…

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Urdu Literature

The Magic Of Gulzar Poetry

Simplify the complexities of life Sampooran Singh Gulzar, popularly known as Gulzar, weaves magic with his words. To be true he doesn’t pen words, but feelings. Gulzar is known to the world as a writer, lyricist, and director. But he is a poet at heart. When you read Gulzar’s poems you will understand that Gulzar doesn’t use words in the etymological sense. He uses words like an artist uses colors in his paintings. His perspective on life is unusual. His imagination is astonishing. He has understood the complexities of human life…

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Kaif Bhopali
Urdu Literature

Kaif Bhopali Poetry: An insight into the Indian Urdu poet

Kaif Bhopali was an Indian Urdu poet and lyricist. He penned lyrics for many Bollywood films including Pakeezah (1972) and Razia Sultan.  Kaif Bhopali’s style of poetry was very simple. In basic Urdu words, he could say meaningful deep things. A quick example of this style can be seen in his famous couplet: kaun aaega yahan koi na aaya hoga mera darwaza hawaon ne hilaya hoga Nawed Akhter, an independent Documentary Film-maker from Gurgaon, had the rare opportunity to spend some of his childhood days around Kaif Bhopali. Watch our exclusive conversation with where Nawed as…

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Akhtar sheerani blog
Urdu Literature

Akhtar Sheerani: Romantic Urdu Poet – By Salman Danish Khan

  Akhtar Sheerani is considered to be one of the leading romantic poets of Urdu language. Born in Tonk, Rajasthan, his best-known collections of poetry include Akhtaristan, Nigarshat-e-Akhtar, Lala-e-toor, Tayyur-e-Aawara, Naghma-e-Haram, Subh-e bahaar and Shahnaz. Read full Poem- Ae Ishq Hume Barbaad Na Kar ऐ इश्क़ न छेड़ आ आ के हमें हम भूले हुओं को याद न कर पहले ही बहुत नाशाद हैं हम तू और हमें नाशाद न कर क़िस्मत का सितम ही कम नहीं कुछ ये ताज़ा सितम ईजाद न कर यूँ ज़ुल्म न कर बे-दाद न कर ऐ…

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