New Delhi: Saadat Hasan Manto was one of those famous writers who courted controversy during his lifetime and even posthumously while also leaving behind an enduring legacy as an author who would be celebrated for years to come. His life, much like his fictions, was brief and interesting. He lived the life on his own terms, not caring about what others said about him, something which is reflected in his writings. Today, on his death anniversary, we take a look at some of the interesting facts of Manto’s life.
Saadat Hasan Manto: The controversial author with immortal creations
A strained relationship with his father
Born on May 11, 1912, in Ludhiana, Saadat Hassan Manto had a strained relation with his father. Maulvi Ghulam Hussain was a judge and a strict father. He had a harsh temperament which did not enable him to love Manto, the child of his second wife. Manto failed matriculation twice and later passed in third division, failing in Urdu. The strict nature of his father made Manto a rebel since childhood.
Addiction to alcohol and gambling
During his school days, Saadat Hassan Manto used to spend his time by spreading rumours and fooling people. After matriculation, he went to Aligarh but was expelled. He enrolled in the FA but used to wander all the time instead of studying. During that time, he was introduced to alcohol and gambling, and the former would become his lifelong addiction.
The meeting with Aleg Bari
Manto’s chance meeting with Aleg Bari during his youth changed his life forever. At that time, Bari was the editor of the magazine ‘Musawaat’. He recognised the intelligence of Manto and guided him to become compassionate. It was at Bari’s request that Manto translated Victor Hugo’s book “The Last Days of a Condemned”. Later, when Bari joined “Khalq”, Manto’s first story “Tamasha” was published there.
Manto and Pakistan
Over the years, Manto gained fame in India, having worked in Mumbai and Delhi, in the Hindi film industry and All India Radio. He became friends with progressive writers and a reputed author who was known for the strength of his pen. However, the Partition of India greatly changed his life. Manto intended to stay in India, but then decided to migrate to Pakistan after hearing stories of the atrocities of partition riots. After staying a few days in Karachi, he and his family finally settled in Lahore. In Pakistan, they were like refugees, like the millions of Muslims who left India for Pakistan. His financial situation in Pakistan, as can be guessed, was first bad and then it became worse.
Manto and his controversial writings
Manto had suffered public trials for writing obscene literature both in India and Pakistan. In British India, he faced trial for obscenity in his writings three times and in Pakistan also, he faced trial thrice. In India, he was charged for Dhuan’, ‘Bu’ and ‘Kali Shalwar’ while in Pakistan, his ‘Khol Do’, ‘Thanda Gosht’ and ‘Upar Neeche Darmiyaan’ faced severe backlash. In Pakistan, he was even told by a judge that Manto would be sent to jail for many years if he did not stop writing his provocative short stories, which effectively stifled his literary career.
Whiskey on his deathbed
Manto became depressed in Pakistan, and was addicted to alcoholism. As a result, he was affected by cirrhosis of the liver. On the evening of January 17,1955, Manto vomited blood at his home and his condition worsened at night. The doctor advised him to go to the hospital, but Manto refused. Instead, he asked his nephew to buy some whiskey for him. He drank whiskey and was in pain and fainted. He died on January 18, 1955, at the age of 42.
Manto and his legacy as a writer
Saadat Hasan Manto is one of the greatest names in the Indian and Pakistani short story genre. Despite his many controversies, he produced stories which reflected the true nature of the society. His writings dealt with the pains of Partition and also with the struggles of the downtrodden sections of the society. His prominent creations like Toba Tek Singh, Thanda Gosht, Khol Do, Atish Paray, Teen Auraten, and Pardey Ke Peechhey have endured the test of time and lives among the avid readers of literature, who hail him as one of the most realistic authors of the modern era in the subcontinent.
Saadat Hasan Manto, a renowned Urdu writer, led a life as tumultuous as his controversial writings. His strained relationship with his father, addiction to alcohol, and multiple obscenity trials shaped his rebellious spirit and artistic vision. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
