Daily Times

Saadat Hassan Manto died at of 43 on 18 January, 1955 in an apartment located off Hall Road in Lahore. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest 20th century Urdu writers, Manto’s writings about human nature gone awry remain relevant in the world of today. Manto is famous for writing about the hard truths of society that no one dares to talk about and as a result faced persecution; he was tried for obscenity six times; thrice before 1947 in British India, and thrice after the creation of Pakistan, but never convicted. He produced 22 collections of short stories, a novel, five series of radio plays, three collections of essays, two collections of personal sketches. Manto’s life story became a subject of intense discussion and introspection, and sadly, even 64 years after his death -the suppression of his views continue.

While to mark his 64th death anniversary, the government issued a statement on its official Twitter account praising Manto’s courage ‘to address topics that were typically considered taboo for his time’ and writings that ‘have had a profound impact on millions of readers’, it has still not cleared the film for release

A biopic film on the writer’s life titled ‘Manto’ starring the talented Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and directed by Nandita Das was banned from releasing in Pakistan. Audiences and critics worldwide have appreciated ‘Manto’ and it is sad as well as ironic that film is banned in the late writer’s home country.

At the same time writers and activists have been protesting against the ban, prompting an overwhelmed Nandita Das to tweet: “Beyond borders, the fight for freedom of expression is the same. Thanks to all those in Pakistan who are working to #FreeManto. Thanks to everyone who has taken to the streets to protest against the ban on Manto in Pakistan. I am there with you in spirit, and so is the entire Manto team.”

Das has been an outspoken critic of the ban and a great admirer of Manto. On Friday she tweeted: “Saadat Hasan died on this day, 64 years ago, but Manto lives on. While I hope, in some small way, through the film that I have made, I have been able to capture his empathy, his spirit, his courage. It is an ode not just to the man, but to his thoughts, ideas and convictions. Through his writings Manto will continue to inspire us to be more honest, free-spirited and fearless. May the Mantoiyat spread far and wide.”

While to mark his 64th death anniversary, the government issued a statement on its official twitter account praising Manto’s courage “to address topics that were typically considered taboo for his time” and writings that “have had a profound impact on millions of readers”, it has still not cleared the film for release.

Published in Daily Times, January 19^th 2019.