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.

Ghazal Explained10:35Kabhi Ai Haqiqat-e-Muntazar – Iqbal Ghazal Explainedकभी ऐ हक़ीक़त-ए-मुंतज़रExplore Allama Iqbal's renowned ghazal 'Kabhi Ai Haqiqat-e-Muntazar', a masterpiece of spiritual yearning and critique of hollow rituals. This video unpacks the deep symbolism, historical context, and the poet's plea for true devotion beyond material forms. Discover why this ghazal remains a timeless call for awakening the soul.Allama Iqbal · 7 chaptersGhazal Explained6:14Beyond the Stars – Iqbal Ghazal Explainedसितारों से आगे जहाँ और भी हैंExplore Allama Iqbal's iconic ghazal 'Sitaaron Se Aage Jahan Aur Bhi Hain', written during a difficult period in his life. This video delves into the poem's context, symbolism, and message of limitless ambition. Discover how Iqbal inspires us to look beyond our limits and strive for greater heights.Allama Iqbal · 7 chaptersGhazal Explained10:31Ye Na Thi Hamari Qismat – Ghalib Ghazal Explainedये न थी हमारी क़िस्मत: मुकम्मल इंतज़ार की ग़ज़लDive into Mirza Ghalib's iconic ghazal 'Ye Na Thi Hamari Qismat', a timeless expression of unfulfilled love and eternal waiting. This video unpacks the historical context, profound symbolism, and mystical layers of Ghalib's poetry. Each couplet is explained with clarity, revealing the emotional and philosophical depth of this masterpiece.Mirza Ghalib · 9 chaptersGhazal Explained9:28Patta Patta Boota Boota – Mir Taqi Mir Ghazalपत्ता पत्ता बूटा बूटाExplore the timeless ghazal 'Patta Patta Boota Boota' by Mir Taqi Mir, a poetic masterpiece capturing unrequited love and the pain of 18th-century Delhi. This video unpacks the symbolism, couplets, and enduring influence of Mir's work, from inspiring Ghalib to Bollywood melodies. Discover why Mir's words remain the ultimate voice for broken hearts.Mir Taqi Mir · 9 chaptersGhazal Explained9:35Dil-e-naadaan Explained – Mirza Ghalibदिल-ए-नादाँ तुझे हुआ क्या हैExplore Mirza Ghalib's iconic ghazal 'Dil-e-naadaan tujhe hua kya hai', written during a time of personal and societal turmoil. This video unpacks the ghazal's deep questions on love, heartbreak, and existence, revealing its Sufi symbolism and timeless relevance. Each couplet is explained with context, symbolism, and meaning.Mirza Ghalib · 8 chaptersGhazal Explained8:38Hangama Hai Kyun Barpa – Ghazal Explainedहंगामा है क्यूँ बरपाExplore the political and spiritual metaphors in Akbar Allahabadi's iconic ghazal 'Hangama Hai Kyun Barpa'. This video unpacks how the poet, a lifelong teetotaler, uses the symbol of wine to challenge critics and promote liberal thought and unity. Discover the deeper meanings behind the verses and their relevance in today's world.Akbar Allahabadi · 9 chaptersGhazal Explained7:23Ze-Hal-e-Miskin: Khusrau's Ghazal Explainedज़े-हाल-ए-मिस्कीं: ख़ुसरव का अमर गीतDiscover the story and symbolism behind Amir Khusrau's legendary ghazal 'Ze-Hal-e-Miskin'. This episode explores its Sufi roots, macaronic language, and its role in shaping the Ganga-Jamani Tehzeeb. Learn how this 700-year-old poem continues to resonate in music and culture today.Amir Khusrau · 8 chaptersGhazal Explained6:03Lagtā Nahīn Hai Dil Mirā – Zafar's Ghazal Explainedलगता नहीं है दिल मिरा उजड़े दयार मेंExplore Bahadur Shah Zafar's iconic ghazal, written in exile after the fall of Delhi in 1857. This video unpacks the historical context, symbolism, and deep sorrow behind each couplet. Discover how Zafar's poetry became the lament of a lost empire and a displaced king.Bahadur Shah Zafar · 8 chaptersGhazal Explained9:21Hazaron Khwahishen Aisi — Ghalib Ghazal Explainedहज़ारों ख़्वाहिशें ऐसीExplore Mirza Ghalib's iconic ghazal 'Hazaron Khwahishen Aisi', a profound meditation on the endless nature of human desires. This video unpacks the historical context, poetic devices, and deep symbolism of each couplet, revealing Ghalib's wit, pain, and philosophical insight. Discover why this ghazal remains a timeless reflection of human longing.Mirza Ghalib · 7 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 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 chapters