Tag: Manto

English Literature

Ismat Chughtai: Redefining Urdu Short Stories

artykite, , , , , , 1 Comment

Ismat Chughtai: a name that resonates with courage, innovation, and unapologetic self-expression. She was not just a writer; she was a voice, a rebel, and an indomitable spirit. In a society bound by conventions, Ismat Chughtai emerged as a pioneer of modern Urdu short stories, offering a fresh perspective that challenged the norms of her time. “I have always thought of myself first as a human being and then as a woman.” In these words, Chughtai reveals her unwavering commitment to humanity. She transcended the boundaries of gender and delved…

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Saadat Hasan: The man behind Manto
Urdu Literature

Saadat Hasan: The Man behind Manto

Charu Babbar, 1 Comment

Here Manto lies buried—and buried in his breast are all the secrets of the art of storytelling – Saadat Hasan Manto. This is the second part of our series on the life and works of Saadat Hasan Manto. You can read the first part here. Saadat Hasan Manto, the greatest short story writer of India and Pakistan, has always fascinated Urdu literature lovers. Some say his ability to depict the reality of society with ease was what captivated the reader, others believe it was the way he challenged and changed…

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Saadat Hasan Manto: Stories
Urdu Literature

Saadat Hasan Manto: A Portrait Through His Stories & Letters

artykite, 0 comment

This is the first part of our series on the life and works of Saadat Hasan Manto. Read the second part here. “For me, remembrance of things past has always been a waste of time, and what’s the point of tears? I don’t know. I’ve always been focused on today. Yesterday and tomorrow hold no interest for me. What had to happen, did, and what will happen, will” – Saadat Hasan Manto. Born in 1912 in the bread basket of British India, in the north-western state of Punjab, Saadat Hasan…

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Manto and Ismat Chughtai
Urdu Literature

Saadat Hasan Manto and Ismat Chughtai: A Tale of Friendship

Alena, , , 0 comment

  Any celebration of friendship would become bootless without the mention of the unrivaled friendship between Saadat Hassan Manto and Ismat Chughtai.  Ismat was always encouraging of Manto’s work and Manto often teasingly took a jibe at Ismat as any friend would.  Their friendship demonstrates a unique diversion from the strong competition that is usually present between two contemporary writers. They strived together through the grave and unfortunate criticism attracted by their realistic short stories. Manto and Ismat’s relationship of friendship was so apparent that once a gentleman from Hyderabad wrote…

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