Dil-e-Naadaan: Romance Beyond Ghalib and Ghazals

About the Book

Dil-E-Naadaan: Romance Beyond Ghalib and Ghazals is an immersive journey into the world of the Urdu nazm—a form that reaches outward to capture the diverse textures of human life. While the ghazal is often celebrated for its rhythmic beauty, this volume shines a light on its "left hand," the nazm, exploring its history, evolution, and its capacity for storytelling. Curated by Hitesh Gupta Aadil, this anthology moves from the classical gravitas of Meer Taqi Meer to the spare, modern witnessing of Zeeshan Sahil. It focuses on Roomaan (Romanticism) in its broadest sense, covering everything from intense romantic attachment to social reform and the quiet aches of everyday life. Designed for both the dedicated connoisseur and the curious newcomer, the book eliminates the need for constant glossaries by choosing accessible verses and providing clear, non-rhymed translations that preserve the poet’s original intent. Whether you are looking for the historical roots of the language or a modern reflection of the heart, Dil-E-Naadaan: Romance Beyond Ghalib and Ghazals serves as a timeless companion.

About the Author
Hitesh is a Dubai based author, blogger, and translator of Urdu literature. Having studied poetry and creative writing from the University of Oxford, he maintains an Urdu poetry blog—"Zullmat" and also contributes poems and articles (both self-authored and translations) to national and international magazines and journals. An alumnus of prestigious institutes like MITx, Johns Hopkins, ISB, and DTU, he holds multiple advanced degrees in Information Sciences & Management and in his day job, helps companies to build digital products in vernacular. Hitesh uses ‘Aadil’ as his takhallus or nom de plume for all his writings.