Manto's Impact: Sarmad Khoosat's Artistic Odyssey
Sarmad Khoosat, the acclaimed Pakistani artist, scriptwriter, and filmmaker, shares his journey and reflections on the legendary writer Saadat Hasan Manto. Known for his work, including the film "Manto," Khoosat has faced both criticism and admiration. His connection with Manto's literature began in his pre-teens when he discovered Manto's works in his father's collection after their house caught fire.
Manto, who lived between 1912 and 1955, was a rebellious writer known for his unfiltered and often scandalous Urdu literature. Khoosat was captivated by Manto's stories, such as "Khol Do," "Thanda Ghosth," and "Toba Tek Singh," which broke stereotypes related to gender, religion, biases, and class.
Despite being brought up in a progressive household, Khoosat hadn't been introduced to Manto until that moment. The discovery left him dumbstruck, realizing the existence of such literature in Urdu. Although he received an English education in a boy's school, Manto's influence quietly stayed with him.
In his early career, Khoosat started with sitcoms and gained recognition in advertisements. However, it was his adaptation of a Manto story, "Harnaam Kaur," for television that connected him with Manto's family. The experience led to a bond with Manto's daughters, particularly Nusrat, who encouraged and supported Khoosat's work, including his portrayal of Manto.
Reflecting on the era when the state censored literature, Khoosat emphasizes the significance of progressive writers as a means of escape for people in oppressive times. He notes that reading about progressive writers became a form of liberation, allowing individuals to avoid being easily influenced by ruling powers. Manto's audacious perspectives and fearless writing were particularly astounding during such times.
Asked about the presence of "Mantoism" in his other work, Khoosat acknowledges that while he didn't consciously infuse Manto's characters into his other projects, the sensibility of freedom always lingered. He suggests that subconsciously, artists tend to absorb the sensibilities of those they admire, even if their work takes different forms.
In summary, Sarmad Khoosat's journey from discovering Manto's works in challenging circumstances to becoming a director who brings Manto's spirit to life reflects the enduring impact of Saadat Hasan Manto's life and work on the artistic landscape, transcending generations and cultural shifts.
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By- Sahiba Suri
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