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Urdunama

Urdunama

Written by: The Quint
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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!2024 The Quint Art
Episodes
  • Gheebat: Gossip, Backbiting and the Art of Gheebat

    Gheebat: Gossip, Backbiting and the Art of Gheebat
    Sep 19 2026
    We all say we hate gossip, but somehow, someone else’s business is always a little too interesting. In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed takes a closer look at gheebat, meaning the art of talking about people behind their backs. From everyday gossip and the conversations that bring us closer to poetry by Firaq Gorakhpuri and Yagana Changezi, we explore why we love to talk about other people’s lives, what it does to our relationships, and where the line between venting and backbiting really lies. Tune in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 mins
  • Tasleem: The Meaning of Acceptance, Surrender and Letting Go in Urdu Poetry

    Tasleem: The Meaning of Acceptance, Surrender and Letting Go in Urdu Poetry
    Sep 12 2026
    What does it mean to tasleem something? More than simply accepting what is, tasleem can mean shades of acknowledgement, surrender, respect and making peace with what cannot be changed. In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed explores the word through the poetry of Ghalib, Hali, Javed Akhtar, Jigar Moradabadi and Hafeez Jalandhari, and discovers how acceptance can sometimes be its own form of courage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 mins
  • Ghutan: The Meaning of Suffocation in Urdu Poetry, From Kaifi Azmi to Gulzar

    Ghutan: The Meaning of Suffocation in Urdu Poetry, From Kaifi Azmi to Gulzar
    Sep 5 2026
    What does ghutan truly mean? Is it physical suffocation, an eerie silence, or the weight of deep loneliness? Or is it that heavy feeling of being trapped inside an overwhelming wave of emotion? In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed breaks down the word through the poetry of legends like Kaifi Azmi and Gulzar, among others. She traces how ghutan evolves from a simple physical sensation to a complex emotional, social, and political struggle, and ultimately, a universal longing to breathe, speak, and laugh freely again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 mins
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All stars
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Easy listening, flowed well between hindustani, urdu and hindi. always keeps the audience engaged.

Interesting definitely

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it's sweet and beautiful. Also a place to learn a few popular Urdu words. I have been listening to it since episode 1.

Love the content, and the delivery.

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Beautiful rendition of this beautiful language.
Fabiya nicely explains difficult words with modern context. The background music gels with the poetry. The selection of poetry is also very interesting.

Beautifully presented

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