Private Project

Dakhni Mizaj

The documentary delves into Dakhni language and its poetic legacy, narrated by two voices. It explores the language's roots, evolution, and blend with Dravidian languages. Highlighting syntax, vocabulary, phonetics, and literary forms, it presents poems by four eminent Dakhni poets, showcasing its lyrical charm. While acknowledging its colloquial humor, the film uncovers its profound poetry, reshaping perceptions and nurturing cultural appreciation.

The film features poems penned by notable Dakhni poets Nazeer Ahmad Dahqani, Aijaz Hussain Khatta, Sarwar Danda, and Ali Saeb Miyan, showcasing their significant role in enriching the language's literary heritage.

  • Sohaib Ahmer
    Director
  • National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
    Producer
  • Majeed Bedar
    Key Cast
    Former Head, Department of Urdu, Osmania University, Hyderabad
  • Syed Mustafa Kamal
    Key Cast
    Founder & Editor Shugoofa, Urdu Magazine, Hyderabad
  • Hitesh Chaurasia
    Guide
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    دکھنی میزاج
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Cultural, History, Linguistic, Poetry
  • Runtime:
    19 minutes 49 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 16, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    299 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Urdu
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 28-70mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
  • 4th Cultural Cinema Film Festival - C2F2
    Bengaluru
    India
    July 30, 2024
    Best Film in Literature
  • Diaspora Film Festival NewYork
    Jamaica Ave
    United States
    June 8, 2024
    North American Premiere
  • Global Independent Film Festival of India - GIFFI
    Howrah
    India
    November 22, 2024
    3rd Best Documentary Film (India)
Director Biography - Sohaib Ahmer

Sohaib Ahmer is a master's film student at NID, Ahmedabad, with a background in CSE from Hyderabad. Driven by a passion for film making, he actively explores the cinematic realm, constantly seeking to deepen his understanding and skills. Additionally, Sohaib has a strong inclination towards Urdu poetry, both in writing and recitation.

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Director Statement

Urdu, my mother tongue, has always captivated me with its poetic beauty. Growing up, I immersed myself in its rhythmic verses, feeling a profound connection to my cultural roots. However, I was unaware of the linguistic richness of the daily slang I spoke. Known as "Dakhni," derived from "dakkan" (Deccan), I only recognized it as a regional term, not as a distinct language.

Discovering that what I thought was casual Urdu was actually Dakhni was a revelation. This realization sparked a deep curiosity that led me to explore Dakhni further. My journey began with a desire to honor my love for Urdu poetry through documentary filmmaking. As I researched, I traced Dakhni's historical evolution and its blend with Dravidian languages.

The more I learned, the more connected I felt to my roots. I had been speaking Dakhni all my life without knowing its true name or cultural significance. This journey of discovery was not just linguistic but deeply personal, reclaiming a part of my identity I had overlooked.

Research uncovered Dakhni's rich syntax, vocabulary, and phonetics, along with a vibrant poetic tradition. This poetry not only captured the language's beauty but also revealed its literary depth. Discovering a wealth of Dakhni poetry added another layer of fascination to my project.

This newfound understanding inspired "Dakhni Mizaaj," a labor of love merging my passion for Urdu poetry with filmmaking.

"Dakhni Mizaaj" remains my finest work, deepening my connection to my linguistic heritage and contributing to our cultural tapestry.