Saadat Hasan Manto was born on May 11, 1912 in Samrala, India. He was of Kashmiri descent and grew up in Amritsar, Punjab. Manto’s family was originally from Kashmir, but they moved to Amritsar when he was young. Manto was the eldest of three sons and had two sisters. His father, Ghulam Hasan Manto, was a judge in the local court.
From a young age, Manto showed an interest in literature and writing. He was often found with his nose buried in books and spent hours writing poems and stories. Manto’s early education was in Amritsar, where he excelled in his studies.
Manto’s interest in literature led him to study the works of important French and Russian writers, such as Anton Chekhov and Guy de Maupassant. These writers greatly influenced Manto’s own writing style and literary development. Manto was also inspired by the works of Urdu writers like Mirza Ghalib and Muhammad Hussain Azad.
Manto’s writing career began in the 1930s when he started working as a radio scriptwriter in Bombay. He moved to Delhi in 1941 and continued to write for radio and film. Manto’s short stories were often controversial and dealt with social issues such as the partition of India and Pakistan, prostitution, and the plight of women.
Some of Manto’s most famous works include Bu (Odor), Khol Do (Open It), Thanda Gosht (Cold Meat), and Kaali Shalwar (Black Pants). His writing was bold and fearless, tackling taboo subjects that others were too afraid to address.
Manto married Safia in 1939, and they had three daughters together. Despite his success as a writer, Manto faced financial struggles throughout his life. He dealt with alcoholism and struggled with mental health issues, which often impacted his writing.
In 1948, Manto moved to Lahore, Pakistan, where he continued to write prolifically. He faced censorship and legal troubles due to the controversial nature of his work. Manto’s writing was often criticized for its allegedly obscene content, but he remained unapologetic about pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms.
Manto’s literary style has been compared to that of D.H. Lawrence, known for his provocative and controversial writing. Manto’s work continues to be studied and celebrated for its boldness and honesty.
Saadat Hasan Manto passed away on January 18, 1955, at the age of 42. Despite his short life, Manto left behind a lasting legacy as one of the most important and influential writers in Urdu literature. His work continues to inspire writers and readers alike, challenging conventions and sparking important conversations about society and culture.