Bhisham Sahni (8 August 1915 – 11 July 2003) was a renowned Indian writer, playwright, and actor whose most famous book, “Tamas”, was an intense portrayal of the traumatic events of the Partition. His works earned him a Padma Bhushan in 1998 and a Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2002. Bhisham Sahni made a significant mark on Hindi literature and theatre as the younger brother of the famous actor Balraj Sahni.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Bhisham Sahni was born in Rawalpindi, an undivided Punjab. He earned his master’s in English literature from Government College Lahore and a PhD from Punjab University, Chandigarh, in 1958, which started a lifelong career in literature and social justice.
Political and Theatrical Engagements
Bhisham Sahni actively participated in India’s fight for freedom as he helped refugees during partitioning. He was also an actor-director at IPTA since it was created in 1947 till the year he worked there as an artist. This period also saw his association with the Communist Party Of India through IPTA, blending his artwork and political standpoints.
Literary Contributions
Sahni’s literary legacy comprises six novels in Hindi, more than one hundred short stories, and five plays. Notable works include “Mayadas Ki Madi,” “Kadian,” and “Pali,” exploring themes of society and human psychology. His adept fusion of societal and political elements with deep insights into human nature renders his writing timeless and universally relevant.
Bhisham Sahn wrote “Tamas” in 1974, which is considered to be his most important book. The story talks about the riots that occurred during the Partition of India in 1947 with intense descriptions of the anarchy, butchery and suffering it caused. This literary work was translated into many languages and won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975. It was later adapted into a movie for TV directed by Govind Nihalani in 1987.
Cultural and Educational Impact
Bhisham Sahni’s contributions went beyond writing. They were evident in schools, too. He lectured at Delhi College before starting work as a translator in Moscow, where he translated Tostoy’s works from Russian to Hindi. Sahni became renowned for his editorial role at “Nai Kahaniyan”, a popular Hindi magazine.
As a General Secretary of the All India Progressive Writers Association and the founding member of Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust, Bhisham Sahni promoted international understanding through culture exchange activities. Literature and theatre are some of the things he did while encouraging their development.
Legacy and Recognition
Numerous prestigious awards, such as the Shiromani Writers Award, the Madhya Pradesh Kala Sahitya Parishad Award, and the Soviet Land Nehru Award, mark his remarkable legacy. In addition to these accolades, Sahni’s profound contributions were honoured with the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp by the Indian Post in 2017.
Sahni’s autobiography “Aaj Ke Ateet” and his book “Balraj My Brother,” which delves into the story of his brother Balraj, offer a profound glimpse into the inspiration behind his literary works. Renowned for his wit, gentle satire, and profound empathy, Sahni’s writings resonate with readers, offering profound insights and poignant reflections.
Conclusion
Bhisham Sahni remains an unparalleled figure in Indian literature and theatre, with an enduring impact transcending time. He captured India’s tumultuous history through his works and exemplified its unwavering spirit and compassion. As we honour Sahni’s legacy, we pay tribute to a life marked by an uncompromising commitment to truth, righteousness, and artistic brilliance.
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