Ismat Chughtai, fondly known as ‘Ismat apa’, is regarded as one of Indian subcontinent’s foremost feminist Urdu writers.
Chughtai was way ahead of her times, writing about female sexuality, femininity, and class conflict. Many celebrate her works for their brutal honesty.
On her 107th birth anniversary, Google paid tribute to the ‘subcontinent’s original bad girl’ with its Google Doodle.
“Ismat Chughtai’s writings lifted veils off old traditions. On her birth anniversary, we celebrate the revolutionist, educationist, and an icon of women empowerment,” wrote Google India on Twitter.
Chughtai was awarded the Padma Shri by Government of India in 1976.
Tweeple Celebrate Ismat Chughtai’s Birth Anniversary
Many took to Twitter to celebrate their favourite writer’s birth anniversary.
Netizens also shared the ways in which Chughtai’s stories had impacted them.
However, there was some debate around the correct date of birth of the author. While some sources quote Chughtai’s date of birth as 21 August 1915, Google Doodle celebrated her 107th birth anniversary, marking her birth year as 1911.
Among Ismat Chughtai’s most well-regarded works is the short story Lihaaf (The Quilt). Set in Lucknow, Lihaaf revolves around lonely Begum Jaan, who turns to her masseuse Rabbo seeking comfort and companionship.
Abhishek Chaubey’s Dedh Ishqiya (2014), produced by Vishal Bharadwaj, roughly adopted the short story’s plot. Rahat Kazmi’s film adaptation of the short story was released at 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
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