Arzu Center Website
habib.edu.pk/arzu
How does a literary tradition determine the new poetry and fiction being created in the present times? What is the influence of Urdu’s classical tradition on the new poetry, and hwo it has changed overtime? How does this co-exist with the complex demands of the contemporary sensibility? Does literary criticism have a well-defined role in the era of post-truth? These questions form a backdrop to Urdu literature in the modern age. Citing the examples of Manto and Miraji, Nasir Kazmi and Intizar Husain to writers practising their craft these days, Shamim Hanfi will describe and discuss how Urdu literature is unfolding in this period.
Speaker Profile
One of the foremost critics of Urdu literature and Indian culture, Shamim Hanfi is a highly respected literary critic, playwright, and writer from India. He is the recipient of numerous literary awards and lectured widely the world over. He has remained associated with the Aligarh Muslim University and the Department of Urdu at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi, and he has the editor of its prestigious magazine, Jamia. He has authored a number of books in literary criticism, including books on Ghalib, Firaq, Miraji and Manto. His books include Jadidiyat ki Falsafiyana Asaas; Nayi Sheri Riwayat; Tareekh, Tehzeeb aur Takhleequi Tajurba; Urdu Culture Aur Taqseem ki Riwayat; Khayal ki Musaafat; and Qari Say Mukalma. He has also written plays, translations and books for younger readers. Hanfi has also published a poetry collection Aakhiri Pehar ki Dastak in 2015. He is an avid follower of new developments in Hindi and other languages of South Asia. He maintains a keen interest in painting, pottery and the performing arts.
