Urdu literature: Celebrated writers set to publish latest works

Intezar Hussain’s new book will be about his life in pre-partition India.

LAHORE:

Five noted Urdu writers are set to publish their latest works, including an autobiography, before year end.

Intezar Hussain has completed the final draft of Justajo Kia Hai, an account of his days in Bulandshahr, India. Hussain told The Express Tribune that he had handed over the draft to the publisher and expected the book to be available in markets before year end.

“I have recorded memories of my days before partition,” he said.

Hussain’s last book Chiraghon Ka Dhuan was an account of his days in Lahore.

It also narrates the events leading to his migration from Dibai in Bulandshahr following partition of India. He said he had been encouragedby Muhammad Hassan Askari, the critic, to shift to Pakistan.

Novelist Abdullah Husain is publishing a work after more than 10 years. Husain, whose last published work was a novel, Nadar Log, said he was in the process of compiling short stories he had written following the publishing of the novel.

Husain added he also planned to start work on a sequel of Nadar Log.

Novelist Nisar Aziz Butt has also completed the final draft of her new book. She said the book has two parts Qurra-tul-Aain Ki Yaad Mein and Zanbeel. However, she added, she had yet to come up with a name for the book. The book will be published by Sang-i-Meel publications.

Mustansar Husain Tarar said he expected to complete his latest novel in two to four months. He said he was pondering upon an appropriate name for the book, adding that he might settle for Aay Gazal-i-Shab. His last novel was titled Khas-o-Khashaak Zamanay Kay.

Prof Mirza Ather Baig said he was working on his latest novel Hassan ki Soorat-i-Haal. Baig’s claim to literary fame is his novel Ghulam Bagh. Later he also wrote Sifr se Aik Tak.

Mukhtar Masood too is writing another book these days. Masood said he expected the book to be available in print this year. His earlier publications include: Awaz-i-Dost, Safar Naseeb and Lohe Ayyam.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2011.