I was reflecting on manners and etiquette when the idea struck me to record another podcast episode. Today, I’ve chosen to feature a legendary poet who needs no introduction – Daagh Dehlvi. His poetry is timeless, and he was surrounded by many admirers who learned from him. We should take inspiration from his work too.
In this episode, I’m sharing a beautiful ghazal by Daagh. It’s truly one of his finest.
Have a listen, and don’t forget to share your feedback!

aamir@urdudaan.in

www.urdudaan.in

www.instagram.com/urdu.daan

Aapne chupke chupke raat din ghazal to suni hogi. It was written by Hasrat Mohani. Born Syed Fazl-ul-Hasan in 1875, he was a prominent Indian Urdu poet, freedom fighter, and journalist. He is known for coining the slogan "Inquilab Zindabad" (Long live the revolution), he was a staunch advocate for India's independence.

One of his ashaar that i often quote is -

شعر در اصل ہیں وہی حسرتؔ

سنتے ہی دل میں جو اتر جایئں

Sher darasl hain wohi Hasrat

Sunte hi dil me jo utar jaayen

We can talk - i am aamir@urdudaan.in

So i was just sifting through some poetry online, and i came across a sher

Ye qadam qadam balayen, ye sawaad e ku e jaanaa.n

Wo yahin se laut jaaye jise zindagi ho pyaari

Now i had often heard this sher being used in mushairas and other public settings, but never really knew who the author of this famous couplet was. It was Maulana Aamir Usmani. A poet that in my ignorance had never heard of before.

Turns out, he was quite the maverick. Schooled from Deoband, even sold kites for a living once, wrote for bollywood, and many such feats. Khair. I finally got to this nazm of his; and what a nazm it is. Such a morning call to everyone who thinks the world was much better before and its just gone to the dogs now. Listen for yourself.

If you want to talk, i am aamir@urdudaan.in

Happy listening :)