Ismat Chughtai is a prominent female figure in Urdu Literature. She is the first muslim woman in India to secure both B.A and B.Ed. degrees. She is better known for her controversial short stories. She fights 4 years in Lahore court in 1944 and wins the case against obscenity, lesbianism and blasphemy arraigned on her short story- The Quilt. Feminist? I don't think so. Her female characters celebrate womanhood to the tilt. That's all.
A tribute to Ismat Chughtai
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| The Shah Affair |
Ismat Apa Ke Naam is a Hindi play directed by Naseeruddin Shah starring Shah, his wife Ratna Pathak Shah and their daughter Heeba Shah. It's one act one-man show. Each actor enacts one story. Of course, the 3 the stories are that of Ismat Chughtai ! It's been a huge success in India n abroad. Pity Begum Chughtai is not around to enjoy the show.
The Quilt and other Stories
First of my Penguin Evergreens. Wonder why Penguin cover designs are so drab n dull. Evergreens are a wee bit better than the normal editions. Any ways... There are 10 short stories including the much disputed The Quilt. I find Gainda most endearing followed by The Homemaker and Touch-Me-Not. The women in all the stories are quite feminine, strong, heady and passionate. Kudos to Ismat Chughtai. Cheers to Penguin Evergreens. And thanks to M.Asaduddin for translating the stories from Urdu to English.
2 comments:
The stories are related with an intimacy and an innocence that undercuts their often adult themes. Several stories are related by a girl who has just reached puberty, and is told in a language free of guile. The stories impress in their subtle craftsmanship, raising deep issues with a gentle touch.
yeah, true. ☯‿☯
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