Daily Times

LAHORE: The house itself is a piece of art! Renowned and award-winning writer and columnist Mustansar Hussain Tarar’s abode in Lahore is built on cosy premises with literature, artwork, iconic décor and cultural adornments lining the walls.

There is a warm and welcoming feeling that embraces you when you step in. The legend of Mustansar Hussain Tarar is not restricted to his writings. He has, over the past, been immortalised through paintings, sculptures and other forms of artwork by reaped and accomplished artists of Pakistan. His study table is another iconic piece of memorabilia which I would suggest be placed in a museum for everyone to see, and where we could tell our children and their children, about the geniuses that were produced on this very woodwork.

Mustansar fondly recalled his journey during my in-depth tête-à-tête with him at his place. He is proud but not cocky, he is sarcastic but not offensive, he has aged but still energetic and he has achieved wonders but is humble.

He told me he has eyes for writing only and considers himself married to his work, which is more of a passion. He has over the past, said “no” to running his father’s business and of course, politics!

The acclaimed writer exudes grace, poise, dignity and elegance and carries himself with aplomb. I was one of the lucky few that witnessed the iconic art his house possesses and he showed me around proudly, telling me about each and every photograph and painting on his wall with excitement and clear enthusiasm. I asked him if I could take pictures and he was happy to oblige.

Seated in his drawing room, the word drawing room itself seemed to have been taken quite literally, as it was laden with paintings and multiple drawings of this legendary writer. The humongous shelf right behind the three-seater sofa, was decked with a litany of historic artworks and cultural adornments like ceramic vases, ancient porcelain clocks, various forms of pottery, some bilingual books and lots of clay work items.

He told me he has eyes for writing only and considers himself married to his work. Over the past, he has said ‘no’ to running his father’s business or joining politics

However, among all these unforgettable collectables, I spotted two highlights of them all. One was a black and white photograph of Mustansar himself, with that signature smile, posing in the same manner we see in the picture placed with all his columns. It would surely be a special one as it was framed beautifully and placed right at the front. Right beside it, was a wrought iron bust of Mustansar himself, which could easily have been mistaken for being that of a Greek mythological god? Handsome, suave and magnetic, Mustansar hasn’t changed at all!

I also noticed some colourful wall plates and inscribed stones that the writer had collected from all his travels – he is known as a travel enthusiast after all!

Making my way out the drawing room, he showed me a captivating painting that the acclaimed artist Saeed Akhtar had made of him. I stopped to admire it and reached for my bag to photograph it.

Once out, he led me to his study room, which was the first room you can see on your right when you make your way in from the entrance door. “This is where I pen my geniuses. The room of entertainment,” he said, laughing. The room was small but laden with paintings, more sculptures, stationery, books, rugs, ceramic and porcelain collectibles and what not!

However, the halo of Mustansar’s study room was his study table itself. It was a two-legged wooden table, with lots of papers, sheets, manuscripts and unfinished writings. There was a large black table lamp on top that was obviously switched off at that time as it was close to about 4pm. The study table indeed had produced memorable and award-winning writings and just the sight of it gave me goosebumps.

However, I couldn’t spot a mini computer, or a keyboard, a laptop or something as abysmal as a tablet or even a typewriter over there. How and where does he actually write?

“You know I never use a computer to write. I am old fashioned like that and only write with an ink pen. You will not see any laptop or a computer on me,” Mustansar said, as if reading my thoughts. “I write best when I have a pen in my hand,” he said.

He showed me more paintings that were covering the study room’s walls. Saeed Akhtar had made most of them.

I bid adieu to this amazing person and a thorough gentleman and quietly made my way outside his abode. May we never lose him, may his writings continue to inspire us. What a star!

The writer is In-charge Lifestyle at Daily Times. She tweets at @cheenaagha and can be reached at saira_a16@hotmail.com

Published in Daily Times, September 9^th 2017.