ISMAT’S LOVE STORIES

Ismat's love stories, a play written by Anuradha Marwah is based on the life and writings of Ismat Chugtai, a leading literary figure from India. The play tries to recast her as an instinctively feminist writer whose work is still relevant today. It further explores her relationship with the enfant terrible of Urdu literature, Sadat Hasan Manto.

The play was first noticed, when it was shortlisted as one of three scripts for the Hindu Playwright Award 2016. Directed by Sanjay Kumar, and performed by pandies' Theatre, it has been staged multiple times since it was first presented in front of a private audience at Studio 81, New Delhi in January 2017.

Ismat's Love Stories received highly positive reviews from both the print and online media. Both the script and the direction have been credited with synchronizing and presenting a highly nuanced portrayal of the two legendary authors, the relevance of their politics today and the multifaceted relationship that developed between them.

Performance Timeline

1. Studio 81, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

2. India International Centre, New Delhi.

3. India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

4. Hansraj College, Delhi University

5. ILLL Hall. Women Studies and Development Centre, performed on 8th March,
International Women's Day

6. Gargi College, Delhi University