Shayar-e-Inquilab: Josh Malihabadi’s Poems Spoke to Those in Power

Urdunama: In this episode, The Quint’s Fabeha Syed explains Josh’s nazm, ‘Shikast e Zindan Ka Khwab’

In this episode, The Quint’s Fabeha Syed explains Josh’s nazm, ‘Shikast e Zindan Ka Khwab’

(Photo: Shruti Mathur/The Quint)

(This podcast was first published on 21 February 2021 and has been republished from The Quint's archives to mark the birth anniversary of Josh Malihabadi on 5 December.)

Host, Writer, and Sound Designer: Fabeha Syed
Editor: Shelly Walia
Music: Big Bang Fuzz

Kaam hai mera taghayyur, Naam hai mera shabaab

Mera naara: inquilab-o-inquilab-o-inquilab

Author of the slogan that echoes in every protest, Josh Malihabadi was a poet who challenged the British in his fierce style of writing. The poet par excellence, Josh Malihabadi was also close to India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who he considered his ideal. Josh was conferred Padma Bhushan in 1954.

His fiery poetry was anti-establishment, anti-religiosity, and spoke directly to those in power. It is considered the blueprint for most resistance writing.

In this episode, meet Josh, the fearless poet, who never compromised on his principles. Also, in the podcast, The Quint's Fabeha Syed explains Josh's iconic nazm, 'Shikast e Zindan Ka Khwab'. Tune in.