I am glued to Main Shayar Toh Nahin. Honestly initially I thought that it’s one of the poets Podcast but as I started listening regularly I realised that this show is so insightful. Every episode gives me glimpses of ancient Urdu poets, their bio and the beautiful writings. The show is segmented so apt. It flows freely. More power to such passionate literature lovers.
Poonam Bharadwaj
Podcaster Phullo Begum
“A true admirer of Urdu adab and Hindi poetry goes beyond the famous and dives into the lesser known sometimes to find the rare jewels. Abdul through his podcasts had shown such versatility. He studies his subjects in detail and brings out the best kalams of those poets, and those couplets and gazals are sometimes hidden from the ones famously circulating around. I look forward to his bi-weekly podcasts to be pleasantly surprised every-time expecting the unexpected. I hope he continues this service to the Hindustani culture for a long time to come, through his smooth vocals.”
Ali Husain
IT Director
“MSTN is an awesome podcast covering renowned Urdu poets. Sweet melting voice of the host carries listeners into the world of Urdu Shayari and Ghazal. Must for lovers of Urdu poetry. It can change a non-Udru poetry -over into one who constantly craves for it.”
Laxmi Pandey
Student
Podcast “Main Shayar Toh Nahin” Aur “Urdu.Ghazal” Ke Zariye Abdul Raoof Siddiqui Sahab Ne Apni Khubsurat Aur Munasib Aawaz Me Jo Kaam Kiya Hai, Woh Lajawab Hai. Kisi Bhi Shayar Ka Kalaam Khule Khule Alfaazon Mein Asani Se Samajh Ajata Hai. Urdu, Hindi Shayari Ke Deewano Ke Liye Ek Behtareen Jagah “Main Shayar Toh Nahin.”
Nias Deccani
YouTuber & Influencer
“Main Shayar Toh Nahin” is a beautiful dream of a poetry lover. From the selection of poetry to the art of representation Abdul Raoof is making visible progress. I respect his efforts and his Ishq-e-Urdu for this platform.”
I sincerely appreciate the thought of “Urdu Ghazal” approach of bringing the podcast Main Shayar Toh Nahin. It not only made the younger generation aware about the legacy of Urdu language but also is an innovative way of promoting the language. Looking forward to gain much knowledge in the area of Urdu language through this platform.
Ayesha Shahid
Pharmacist
“This podcast might promote Urdu literature, brother Abdul is creating such beautiful and well-arranged audios with content that is not only poetic but also a personality enhancer for new young listeners. It is also creating an awareness about Ganga jamuni tehzeeb and the most refined Indian culture.”
Faraz Khan
Singer & Music Director
“I can’t thank you enough for sharing & spreading your amazing insights on the most beautiful language, its literature & its poets. Not everyone is aware of the deep roots it hails from. Your podcasts are the perfect platform to gain knowledge about them, are not only entertaining but also extremely entertaining.”
Anam Hamda
Writer
“Having a busy schedule and hardly getting any time to read. This podcast is a bliss, just plug on the headset and listen to the magic of Urdu poetry while working. I like the way how we also get to know about the Shayar/Writers while listening to their beautiful writings.”
Madhura Shejwal
“Main shayar to nahin” is a commendable effort to promote urdu shayari and ghazal. This podcast has many episodes that includes legends of urdu shayari. It’s a must listen to everyone, specially the music students who are pursuing research work in ghazal or urdu poetry because a lot of ghazals and shayari are covered in this podcast. I also have done Ph.d in ghazal, that time I went in different libraries to search urdu shayari and ghazals for my research work but now through this podcast it is easily available to everyone. I highly appreciate this effort of Abdul Raoof Siddiqui.”
Dr. Sakshi Sharma
Musician, Vocalist
“This podcast is a great endeavour for keeping youngsters connected to Urdu poetry, culture .Its important to know the worth of words… Its a bridge built to make it easy for us to understand the complex parts and words of the poetry.”
Maha Sarjeel Khan
Have been listening to this amazing podcast since it’s inception, Abdul is extremely passionate about this & it shows in his work!!! A real treat to hear, would recommend to anyone who loves poetry & ghazals…
Ritu Kabra
Ghazal Enthusiast and Sketch Artist
I was searching for shayaris and ended up with Main Shayar Toh Nahin podcast and the instagram feed @urdu.ghazal by Abdul Siddiqui…I believe this is the “Best thing that ever happened to poetry.” He publishes a podcast once in two weeks I wish it was more often, “Ye Dil Maange More.” At least 5 times a week would have been good.
Dr. Snehal Barai
“Main Shayar Toh Nahin is an excellent, dedicated and comprehensive effort to promote Urdu, a soft, sweet and melodious language of subcontinent. Podcast covers the language of feelings, poets and their poetry belonging to the soil of Indian subcontinent.”
Khalid Bin Sattar
University of Lahore
DG Special Projects