Likhtey raho

We are back with the final episode for 2021 with a very special guest. Joining us on the podcast is the multi-talented writer, poet & lyricist Puneet Sharma (the co-writer of the film 'Dhamaka' with director Ram Madhvani, on Netflix currently). We deep dive into his journey as a lyricist so far, the importance of storytelling in songs, and his views on dissent as a citizen in a democracy. Have a safe holiday season!

How do we even begin to discuss the work of a person whose name itself means 'immortal'? Poet, screenwriter, lyricist. Javed Akhtar has worn many hats. In this episode, we explore what qualities as a lyricist we adore in his work and deep-dive into some of his lesser discussed songs. Toh aaiye aur suniye, ke Javed sahab ke tarkash se kaise kaise lafzon ka lava phhoota hai. From great poets like Muztar Khairabadi to Jan Nisar Akhtar, from Sahir to Kaifi Azmi; Javed Akhtar continues to bring the tradition of classical poetry into popular hindi film songs. 

Gosh, 2020 has been a LOT! Who would've thought, when the year began that it would bring so many surprises with it? We look back at a year that honestly feels closer to a decade - the things we learnt and the things we didn't. Most importantly, how music, songs and lyrics have saved us. A very Happy New Year to all. Hope you're safe wherever you are. And don't forget to... wear a mask!

We are extremely excited to take you all to a galaxy far far away! So aaja meri spaceship mein baith jaa and come with us on this amazing journey as we speak with the extremely talented Garima Obrah, lyricist for Hindi film albums like Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (dir: Vasan Bala) and Choked (dir: Anurag Kashyap). What exactly went behind the scenes in writing a song full of pop culture references such as Rappan Rappi Rap? How are Hindi film songs changing and what does their future hold? How do you deal with imposter syndrome as a writer and a creative artist? We explore these topics and much more in this chat with Garima. 

Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam, that somehow, through some cruel twist of fate, we never got around to discussing the magic of Kaifi Azmi! But now that we're here, we shall stay awhile. Join Virat & Kulsum down memory lane as we dissect some of Kaifi sahab's most memorable songs and try to understand what set him apart from other Hindi film lyricists. 

Hope you all are safe and keeping well wherever you are in this post COVID-19 world. Coronavirus has changed all our lives forever. In this episode, we look at some of the songs that have helped get us through these social distancing, self-quarantined times. What songs give you solace in such extraordinary times?

How has love changed through the ages? And how has this changing definition of love been reflected via the language of Hindi film songs? In the first episode of 2020, we return with a new kind of experiment: reappraising a few classic love songs through a different lens. 

Episode 17 of podcast series 'Likhtey Raho', where we discuss the magic of Hindustani film music and the lyricists behind the tunes we love. This one goes out to the Badshah of Bollywood, the one and only, Shah Rukh Khan. How have songs contributed to the making of mainstream Hindi cinema's superstar? What role have songs played in crafting the image of Shah Rukh that we've come to adore on screen? Kulsum & Virat find out!

Episode 16 of 'Likhtey Raho', a podcast series where we discuss Hindustani film music and the wordsmiths that make the magic happen behind the tunes we love. In this episode, we delve into the film writing of the great poet and lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri sahab. A career spanning pre-independence to the new millennium, from writing for K.L. Saigal to Aamir, Shahrukh and Salman, few lyricists can lay claim to such longevity and eternally timeless arsenal of songs. We pay homage to Majrooh in all his forms: the poet, the revolutionary, and the film lyricist.

Episode 15 of 'Likhtey Raho', a podcast series discussing the magic of Hindustani music and the wordsmiths that make the magic happen. In this episode, we are joined by a very special guest: lyricist, singer, actor and a man of many talents, Swanand Kirkire. What inspires him to be at his creative best? Find out as Virat and Kulsum sit down with him for a chat. 

Episode 14 of 'Likhtey Raho', a podcast series discussing the magic of Hindustani music and its lyricists. In this episode, we continue our journey with Gulzar sahab - further discussing some of his other written output, be it his songs, his love for Tagore, his poetry, or just the way he sees the world. A person who has, and continues to, inspire almost three generations. 

Episode 13 of a new podcast series on the wordsmiths behind Hindustani film music. This is a two-parter. In this episode, we deep-dive into some of the reasons that make Gulzar saheb the genius that he is. What is it about the man that almost three generations of Hindi film music listeners have grown up under the shade of his pen?

Episode 12 of a new podcast series called 'Likhtey Raho' where we deep dive into the magic of Hindustani music. This episode is all about the multifaceted genius of Kishore Kumar. The man who could do almost everything - he was an actor, a music composer, a writer, a lyricist, a producer and even a director! Of course, what made him eternal, beside his many other talents, was his golden voice. Anyone who is even remotely familiar with Hindustani film music will know Kishore Kumar's voice. This is our tribute to him.

Episode 11 of a new podcast series where we discuss Hindustani music and lyricists that create the magic behind the tunes we love. This is the first episode we recorded in 2019 - extremely belated Happy New Year! We start off the year by discussing the work of one of Kulsum's favourite lyricists, Swanand Kirkire. What is it about Swanand sahab's writing that appeals to our 'bavra mann'? Find out in this episode.

Episode 10 of a new podcast series where we discuss Hindustani music and lyricists that create the magic behind the tunes we love. In the last episode that we recorded in 2018, we exchanged Christmas presents, and took a closer look at the soundtrack that has defined co-host Virat's life so far. You have already got to know co-host Kulsum through the episode 'The Window Seat Girl', now it's Virat's turn. If you had to make a mixtape with songs that defined your life, which ones would you pick? 

Episode 9 of a new podcast series where we discuss Hindustani music and lyricists that create the magic behind the tunes we love. This episode is specially dedicated to a genre of music and poetry that is close to our hearts - ghazals. Ghazals have continuously reinvented themselves to stay relevant with the changing times, from the times of Mir, Ghalib and Khusrau to present day. Podcast co-hosts Virat & Kulsum delve into some of their favourite ghazals penned by master poets such as Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ahmad Faraz, Sahir, Kaifi Azmi, Makhdoom, Nida Fazli, Javed Akhtar among others and the voices that have made them immortal. What is about this poetic form that continues to enrapture us?

Episode 8 of a new podcast series where we discuss Hindustani music and the lyricists that create the magic. We start 2019 with a spotlight on Sahir Ludhianvi, one of the greatest Urdu poets and Hindi film lyricists to have picked up the pen. Virat discusses the massive influence Sahir has had on his life and we unpack some of the unique stylistic mannerisms that have made Sahir's poetry and film songs timeless. 

Episode 7 of a new podcast series 'Likhtey Raho' where we discuss the magic of Hindustani songs and lyrics. In this episode, we go all deep and personal with podcast co-host Kulsum in uncovering the soundtrack that has defined her life thus far. If you had to make a mixtape with songs that defined your life, which ones would you pick?

Episode 6 of a new podcast series 'Likhtey Raho' where we discuss the magic of Hindustani songs and lyrics. In this episode, we pay tribute to Bengal: its rich artistic and cultural legacy and the impact the region has had on Hindustani film music. For this very special episode, we are joined by a very special guest - renowned Indian music director and composer Shantanu Moitra.

Episode 5 of a new podcast series 'Likhtey Raho' where we discuss the magic of Hindustani song lyrics and the wordsmiths who make the magic happen. We continue our nostalgic journey of growing up with 90s musical influences with our second edition of the 'Pakoda Playlist'. This one pays tribute to the king of thumkas, the one and only, Govinda. Join Kulsum and Virat in their adda on a journey of song lyrics and everything in between...

Episode 4 of a new podcast series 'Likhtey Raho' where we dwell into the magic of Hindustani song lyrics and the wordsmiths who make the magic happen. This one is all about nostalgia and growing up as 90s kids and our musical memories and influences growing up. Join Kulsum and Virat in their adda on a journey of song lyrics and everything in between...

Episode 3 of a new podcast series 'Likhtey Raho' where we celebrate the magic of Hindustani song lyrics and the wordsmiths who make the magic happen. This episode is all about the many facets of love, as we discuss the work of Irshad Kamil. Join Kulsum and Virat in their adda on a journey of song lyrics and everything in between...

Episode 2 of a new podcast series 'Likhtey Raho' where we dwell into the magic of Hindustani song lyrics and the wordsmiths who make the magic happen. In this episode, we discuss the work of Shailendra. Join Kulsum and Virat in their adda on a journey of song lyrics and everything in between...

Pilot episode of a new podcast series 'Likhtey Raho' where we dwell into the magic of Hindustani song lyrics and the wordsmiths who make the magic happen. Join Kulsum and Virat in their adda on a journey of song lyrics and everything in between...