Zahr-e-Ishq (The Poison of Love) is not just a poem; it is a heartbeat of 19th-century Lucknow. Written by Mirza Shauq Lakhnavi in 1860, this masnavi was so powerful—and so controversial—that it was once banned for its raw portrayal of tragic love and social rebellion.

In this Podcast, Babar Imam and Afeef Seraj bring to life the simple yet blood-soaked verses of Shauq’s final masterpiece. Moving away from the fairies and magic of traditional masnavis, Zahr-e-Ishq tells a human story of deprivation and regret that still resonates today.

Join us for a profound session on Radio Urdu as Afeef Seraj sits down with Iffat Shahab, the granddaughter of the renowned Allama Ijteba Hussain Rizvi. Together, they unravel the delicate threads that weave together a true artist.From the weight of words to the discipline required in artistry, this conversation explores what it means to be a creator in the world of Urdu literature and beyond.Topics Discussed:

• The Making of an Artist: What goes into molding a creative mind?
• The Adab of Artistry: The essential Do's and Don'ts every artist must know.
• The Power of Words: Understanding Lafz (words), their Ma'ani (meanings), and correct usage.
• The Role of Language: Preserving and practicing language in modern times.

In this exclusive episode of Guftugu, Afeef Seraj speaks with the granddaughter of Allama Ijtaba Husain Rizvi, as she takes us on an intimate journey through her childhood memories with the great scholar and poet.She recalls the literary and spiritual atmosphere of her ancestral home in Chhapra, Bihar, and offers rare insights into Ijtaba Rizvi’s personality, philosophy, and religious views. She also opens up about his intellectual differences with his brother, Syed Shabbir Hasan Rizvi, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of their relationship.In a heartfelt segment, she shares her personal reflections on contemporary Urdu poetry and mushairas, and discusses her own creative path as a short story writer.This episode is a treasure for lovers of Urdu literature, history, and culture, offering glimpses into a gone by era and its lasting impact on modern Urdu thought.Hosted by: Afeef SerajPresented by: Radio UrduYaad e maazi || Remembering the past || पुरानी यादें || یادِ ماضی

In this episode of Radio Urdu, hosts Babar Imam and Afeef Seraj explore the rich metaphors of "Bahaar" (Spring) and "Khizaan" (Autumn). Beyond the changing weather, these words in Urdu poetry symbolize the cycles of hope, despair, revolution, and decay.

We discuss selected couplets sent in by our listeners and draw parallels between the Eastern and Western literary traditions.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Poetic Metaphor: How Urdu poets use Spring and Autumn to describe the human condition.

• East vs. West: Comparing the treatment of seasons in Urdu verse with the works of P.B. Shelley, John Keats, and Emily Bronte.

• Literary Anecdotes: Stories from the lives of Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Inshaullah Khan Insha.

• Linguistic Nuances: The beauty of colloquialism, "meaningless words," and the various idioms surrounding the word 'Gul' (like Gul-e-naghma and Gul khaana).

Featured Couplets:We analyze verses from masters of the craft, including:

• Mirza Ghalib: Hai sabza zaar har dar o diivaar e GHamkada...

• Mir Taqi Mir: Gul sad rang chaman meN aaye...

• Majaz Lakhnavi: Ab gul se nazar milti hi nahiN...

• Majrooh Sultanpuri: Chaak e jigar muhtaaj e rafuu hai...

• Ijtaba Rizvi: PankhuRiyoN ko KHaak par dekh ke...

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What is a Simile and how it is deployed in Urdu Poetry?

What are its nuances?

Learn the intracacies of Urdu Poetry with Afeef Seraj and Babar Imam

Learn about metaphors in Urdu Poetry with Afeef Seraj and Babar Imam

Learn the basics of Urdu poetry with Afeef Seraj & Babar Imam.

Understand the basics of Urdu poetry with Afeef Seraj & Babar Imam.