Title: Raaz Chhupaaye Rakhna Dilbar
Author: UMANG AGARWAL
ISBN: 9789373357829
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
About the Book
“A Peaceful Sanctuary for Restless Dreamers”
Across 4 evocative segments; Raina, Dashamlav, Jheeni, and Aagaaz; this collection weaves together 50 Shers, Nazms, Ghazals, and Poems that capture the emotional landscape of modern youth. Written with a rare blend of simplicity and depth, the pieces sit beside the reader as a gentle companion through heartbreak, longing, and hope. To ensure the beauty of the verse is accessible to all, the book features clear explanations for difficult words and thoughtful transliteration, allowing the reader to experience the poetry in the language that resonates most with them. It also features a special chapter dedicated to the author’s debut song, ‘Reshmi’; including unreleased lyrics; and a curated ‘Mood Playlist’ to set the tone for the journey. By balancing raw honesty with artistic flair, the book provides high value for both time and heart, making it a rare keepsake for any reader, an invitation to own a piece of art that understands one’s unspoken truths and transforms them into a lasting companion.
About the Author
Umang Agarwal is a 23 y/o author from Kolkata. He is a Film & Music Director, Composer, Lyricist, Vocalist and Poet. He is also the Founder-Director of Mrigtrishna Productions Pvt. Ltd., a Film & Music Production company, with song releases available on:
Streaming Platforms: Spotify | YouTube | YouTube Music | JioSaavn | Apple Music | Amazon Prime Music
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | X (Twitter)
Sameer Gudhate: Can you explain your book in simple words for new readers?
Umang Agarwal: The pieces in “Raaz Chhupaaye Rakhna Dilbar” healed my wounds. Its poetry brings smiles, and their meanings bring tears. Between the smiles and the tears, this book is an ode to love, heartbreak, friendships – and to that what makes it all possible, the heart.
Sameer Gudhate: Who should read Raaz Chhupaaye Rakhna Dilbar?
Umang Agarwal: Everyone. Especially those who miss the old times.
Sameer Gudhate: What makes your book different from other poetry books?
Umang Agarwal: ISBN code – just kidding! I wrote this book as a tribute to all the great & good poets & their creations, their legacy. I didn’t intend for the book to be similar (or different) to any other book – it was never a comparison. Although there are so many differences I can point out – I mean, when did you last see a poetry book’s foreword that is written by a stand-up comedian?
Sameer Gudhate: Your book asks a deep question about sharing feelings. What is your own answer to it?
Umang Agarwal: There cannot be an answer to a question that involves hearts. It’s always more of an escape. For me, my escape was through the silences between the lines of my poetry. It was always better for me to simply write what I was feeling, put it out there on my Instagram story and go off to sleep – while people read it as a general ‘sher’, having no idea whatsoever of what goes on behind the screen. Such were my escapes, and this book is a living product of every such escape.
Sameer Gudhate: How important are emotions and honesty in your writing?
Umang Agarwal: Paramount. Literature in any form – factual, fiction, or even fantasy – is supposed to reflect what lies within our souls. If I cannot feel it, why must I write it? If I cannot be honest, why must people read it? Words are precious, they control the faith of the audience, and faith mustn’t be meddled with.
Sameer Gudhate: What role does the mood playlist play in the reading experience?
Umang Agarwal: Like I’ve mentioned in the book as well, each of the songs in the playlist made me fall in love with music, and the world of vocals & lyricism. They inspired me to be expressive, to be magical. For me, some of my creations will be meaningless if they’re recited or read without some music, even if they make sense without it. I feel that music helps the mind navigate through chaos of any kind, and in this case, the playlist will help the readers balance the tears with some smiles – be it at Arijit’s soothing vocals in “Jaane Tu” or Sonu’s heavenly voice in “Kulfi”.
Sameer Gudhate: Do you think today’s youth will connect with your book? Why?
Umang Agarwal: Yes! The youth today is more aware. They read more, on screen if not on pages. Today’s youth is capable of loving Javed Akhtar Ji’s creations as much as Amitabh Bhattacharya’s lyrics, and they’re also able enough to successfully decipher the deep-rooted meanings in both Gulzar Ji and Irshad Kamil Ji’s works. In comparison to these stalwarts, my book will be much easier for them to spend some time reading. And from what I’ve been seeing nowadays, people are very vocal in appreciating good poetry as it actually helps them compass their lives whenever they get lost or stuck.
Sameer Gudhate: What kind of response have you received from readers so far?
Umang Agarwal: I often get texts and story mentions where people send me photos of a sher from the book, and tell me how they found that particular piece better than others, for personal or even objective reasons. What makes me happy is that none of those texts have talked about a common piece of poetry, so far. It’s fascinating to see how differently people can perceive a common text.
Sameer Gudhate: Do you believe poetry can help people express their hidden feelings?
Umang Agarwal: This has to be a rhetorical question.
Sameer Gudhate: Which emotion is most powerful in your book – love, pain, or dreams?
Umang Agarwal: Faith!
Sameer Gudhate: If your book becomes a music album or film, how would you imagine it?
Umang Agarwal: Nothing much – just a scene featuring Shah Rukh Khan, clad in army uniform, driving his motorbike through the scenic roads of Ladakh, with an A. R. Rahman orchestration playing in the background, with lyrics voiced by the love of my life, Sonu Nigam, in the signature directorial style of Yash Ji… It’s as I said, nothing much.
Sameer Gudhate: What advice would you give to young writers and poets?
Umang Agarwal: I myself am too young a poet to give advice to others. However, I do have a request for those younger than me – “read, watch, listen, & LEARN!”
Sameer Gudhate: Are you planning to write more books like this?
Umang Agarwal: Allow me to quote Ranveer Singh from the film ‘83’ – “What else we here for?”
Sameer Gudhate: What are your future goals as a writer?
Umang Agarwal: To have my books being read and my songs being sung – in every room, of every house, in every country, that ever was.
Sameer Gudhate: Any message you would like to share with your readers?
Umang Agarwal: If you read my book, do not forget to reach out to me via the Email ID given in the book, and let me know how you liked it! I’d be very happy to read your honest reviews – P.S. all feedback is welcome! Over & out.
