The Soul Traveller Podcast ft. Nazar Bijnori

Hosted by: Bhupendra Pratap Singh

Series: The Soul Traveller Podcast

Episode Overview

In this soul-stirring episode of The Soul Traveller, we are joined by the renowned poet and visionary, Nazar Bijnori. His life is a bridge between the rustic soil of Bijnor and the glittering, high-stakes streets of Mumbai. More than just a journey of miles, this is a journey of words, resilience, and an unwavering devotion to the legendary actor Dilip Kumar.

Through a deeply personal conversation, Nazar Ji reveals how a "jabbar" fan transformed his obsession into a professional identity, carving out a unique space in the world of Hindustani literature. We explore the power of the written word to heal, to challenge, and to unite a society often divided by language.

About the Guest — Nazar Bijnori

Nazar Bijnori is a celebrated shayar (poet) whose work resonates with the depth of traditional Urdu poetry while addressing the nuances of contemporary life. Known for his principled stance on the dignity of literature, he has become a guardian of "shabdon ki maryada" (the sanctity of words).

Beyond his own poetry, Nazar Ji is the architect of the HUM Initiative, a cultural movement born out of the pandemic to harmonize the voices of Hindi, Urdu, and Marathi poets. His life story is a testament to the fact that with enough passion, even an outsider can make the "City of Dreams" listen to his voice.

Language as a Bridge: The HUM Initiative

In a segment that is particularly relevant to today's multicultural landscape, Nazar Ji discusses the birth of the HUM (Hindi, Urdu, Marathi) Initiative. He speaks about the necessity of bringing these three linguistic streams together on a single platform to foster collective healing and creative synergy. He also shares his candid—and often provocative—views on the current state of poetry, advocating for art that uplifts the soul rather than succumbing to vulgarity.

Key Themes Discussed in This Episode

• The Bijnor to Mumbai Odyssey: The struggle and success of a poet finding his footing in a new city.

• The Dilip Kumar Influence: How a lifelong admiration for the "Tragedy King" shaped Nazar Ji's personality and creative discipline.

• The HUM Initiative: The vision behind uniting Hindi, Urdu, and Marathi poets on one stage post-pandemic.

• Ethics in Art: A critical look at modern shayari—addressing the rise of profanity versus the preservation of classical beauty.

• Literature as Social Change: How positive vocabulary and a connection to nature can shift the consciousness of society.

• Advice for Young Poets: Guidance on finding an authentic voice in an era of social media noise.

Campaigns & Impact

• HUM Fest: A landmark initiative that celebrates linguistic diversity and builds bridges between the literary communities of Maharashtra and the Hindi-Urdu heartland.

• Literary Advocacy: Nazar Ji consistently works toward mentoring emerging poets, emphasizing the importance of substance over sensationalism.

Why This Episode Matters

This 37-minute guftagu (conversation) is a masterclass in staying true to one's roots while embracing a global life. Nazar Bijnori’s journey reminds us that literature is not just a hobby—it is a responsibility. Whether you are a lover of Urdu nazms, a student of Hindi literature, or someone looking for the courage to pursue a creative dream in a big city, this episode offers wisdom that is both timeless and timely.

About The Soul Traveller Podcast

The Soul Traveller Podcast documents conversations with changemakers, survivors, educators, travellers, and activists whose lives reflect resilience, purpose, and social responsibility. Hosted by Bhupendra Pratap Singh, the podcast captures stories that inspire reflection, action, and collective healing.