Learn with Sukhan

Understand the poetry

Short films that open up a ghazal line by line, tell the stories of the poets, explain the craft of the form and review the great books of Urdu, Hindi and Gujarati poetry.

Poet Stories10:14Sahir Ludhianvi: The People's Poetसाहिर लुधियानवी: अवाम के शायरThis video explores the life and legacy of Sahir Ludhianvi, renowned as the people's poet. From his turbulent childhood in Ludhiana to his rise as a revolutionary lyricist and poet, the episode traces his journey through literature, cinema, and personal struggles. Sahir's impact on Indian poetry and film music remains unmatched, making him a timeless voice for the masses.Sahir Ludhianvi · 6 chaptersBook Reviews7:13Shaayad: Jaun Elia's Philosophyशायद: जौन एलिया की फिलॉसफीThis explainer delves into Jaun Elia's poetry collection 'Shaayad', focusing on his philosophy of doubt. It explores how Jaun Elia questions certainty, self-identity, and the nature of desire through his verses. The video provides a critical analysis of his poetic style and the existential questions he raises.Jaun Elia · 6 chaptersBook Reviews8:57Ghalib: 100 Moods – Book Reviewग़ालिब: सौ मिज़ाजThis video reviews the book 'Ghalib: 100 Moods', an anthology that unites Mirza Ghalib's Urdu poetry, stone sculptures by Brijender Sayal, and English translations. The review explores the book's unique structure, its artistic and philosophical themes, and its value for poetry lovers and learners. The analysis highlights how the book bridges literature and visual art to deepen the experience of Ghalib's work.Mirza Ghalib · 6 chaptersBook Reviews7:22Ghalib: Text & Context – Book Reviewग़ालिब: पाठ और सन्दर्भThis video reviews Prof. M. Mujeeb's book 'Ghalib: Paath aur Sandarbh', exploring Ghalib's poetry, metaphors, and his vision of free humanity. It discusses the historical background of Ghalib's era, the complexity of his style, and the philosophical depth of his work. The review highlights how Ghalib's poetry transcends literal meanings to touch upon existential questions.Mirza Ghalib · 6 chaptersPoetry Explained6:29Gujarati Poetry's Vast Soul: Narmad, Kalapi, Meghaniગુજરાતી કવિતાનો વિશાળ આત્માThis video explores the depth and richness of classical Gujarati poetry, highlighting its evolution from devotional and mystical roots to modern introspection. Key poets like Narmad, Kalapi, and Zaverchand Meghani are discussed, along with their unique contributions to Gujarati literature and culture. The episode also touches on the living musical traditions that keep this poetic heritage alive today.Narmad · 5 chaptersPoetry Explained7:03Hijr & Virah in Poetry: Meer, Firaq, Kabirहिज्र और विरह के गीतThis video explores the timeless themes of separation and longing—Hijr and Virah—in Urdu and Hindi poetry. Through the works of poets like Meer Taqi Meer, Firaq Gorakhpuri, and Kabir, we understand how heartbreak and solitude have been expressed across centuries. The discussion reveals how these ancient verses still resonate with modern emotions.Urdu Poetry · 7 chaptersGhazal Explained10:03Sitaron Se Aage – Iqbal Ghazal Explainedसितारों से आगेThis video explores Allama Iqbal's iconic ghazal 'Sitaron Se Aage', delving into its philosophical depth and timeless message. Through a close reading of the poem, we examine Iqbal's call for relentless self-development and the pursuit of ever-expanding horizons. The analysis highlights the poem's structure, metaphors, and relevance to contemporary life.Allama Iqbal · 6 chaptersGhazal Explained8:41Wajood ka Bojh – Ghalib Ghazal Explainedवजूद का बोझThis video explores Mirza Ghalib's iconic ghazal 'Na tha kuchh to Khuda tha', delving into its philosophical depth about existence and identity. Through a close reading of key couplets, the explainer unpacks Ghalib's reflections on the burden of being and the pain of consciousness. The discussion connects Ghalib's ideas to contemporary life, offering timeless insights.Mirza Ghalib · 5 chaptersPoet Stories7:10The Voice of Empire: Mirza Ghalibसाम्राज्य की आवाज़Explore the life and legacy of Mirza Ghalib, the poet who captured the final days of the Mughal Empire. This episode traces his personal struggles, his role at the Mughal court, and his transformation of Urdu poetry and prose. Discover how Ghalib bridged classical and modern Urdu literature.Mirza Ghalib · 6 chaptersPoetry Explained9:15Ghazal Writing: Art & Scienceग़ज़ल लेखन: कला और विज्ञानThis video explores the intricate blend of art and science in ghazal writing, tracing its origins and technical foundations. It discusses the evolution of themes, the structure of a sher, and the mathematical precision of poetic meter. Through examples from masters like Ghalib and Mir, it reveals how strict rules enable emotional expression in Urdu poetry.Urdu Poetry · 7 chaptersPoetry Explained7:29Ghazal ka Safar: Urdu Ghazal Explainedग़ज़ल का सफ़रThis video explores the journey of the Urdu Ghazal, tracing its origins, structure, and evolution across centuries. It explains the technical aspects of the form, its adaptation in South Asia, and how its themes and symbols have changed over time. The video also dispels common myths about the Ghazal and highlights its enduring appeal.Urdu Poetry · 5 chaptersPoetry Explained7:31Mathematical Structure of Ghazalग़ज़ल का गणितीय ढांचाThis video explores the mathematical framework underlying the ghazal, a classical form of Urdu poetry. It breaks down the structure, including sher, misra, matla, maqta, qafiya, radif, and beher, showing how emotion and strict poetic rules combine. The episode reveals how the ghazal is more than just a love poem—it's a poetic technology shaped by centuries of evolution.Urdu Poetry · 7 chaptersPoet Stories5:42Khuda-e-Sukhan: Mir Taqi Mirख़ुदा-ए-सुख़नThis episode explores the life and poetry of Mir Taqi Mir, known as 'Khuda-e-Sukhan' or the God of Poetry. Discover how his turbulent life and unique vision shaped Urdu poetry, emphasizing universal love and emotional depth. Mir's legacy continues to inspire generations.Mir Taqi Mir · 5 chaptersPoetry Explained9:39Mir & Iqbal: The Garden and The Skyबाग़ और आसमानThis explainer explores the contrasting philosophies of Mir Taqi Mir and Allama Iqbal through their iconic poetry. Mir's verses dwell in the melancholic beauty of the ruined garden, while Iqbal's poetry soars into the infinite sky of aspiration. The video unpacks how both poets address suffering, love, and the human spirit from radically different perspectives.Mir Taqi Mir · 5 chaptersGhazal Explained9:36Patta Patta Boota Boota – Mir Taqi Mirपत्ता पत्ता बूटा बूटाThis video explores Mir Taqi Mir's iconic ghazal 'Patta Patta Boota Boota'. Through a close reading, it unpacks the poetic structure, themes of heartbreak, cosmic envy, and the city of Delhi's decline. The explainer reveals how Mir transforms personal pain into a universal voice of loss and resilience.Mir Taqi Mir · 7 chapters