Our literary landscape has recently lost in a rather quick succession some of its most cheerful characters. It’s been barely a month since Afra Bukhari passed away and now comes the news of Bushra Rahman’s demise. The latest collection of Bukhari’s short stories had just come out and the novel remained incomplete, but can literary productivity ward off death?

Bushra Rahman, Bulbul-i-Pakistan to many, was remarkably popular among her contemporaries.

She was virtually born with a pen in her hand. Long before becoming the Bushra Rahman that we know now, she used to write in literary journals as Bushra Rashid. Her writing career, which began at the age of 12, went on till the very end.

Khavateen Digest, Shuaa, Kiran, Aanchal, Pakeeza and several other magazines had a healthy market in late 1970s. Together they introduced a whole generation to literature in Urdu. Most of these periodicals carried serialised novels and short stories written by Rahman. The good fortune of fame and recognition came early to her.

Newspapers and journals across the border too would eventually publish her novels Lazavaal (The everlasting), Lagan (Desire), Pyaasi (Thirsty), Ishq Ishq (Love Love) in the Devanagari script. Pyaasi and Lazavaal were adapted into TV plays and were popular not only among Pakistani viewers but also across the border. Members of an official delegation to India during the first decade of the 21^st Century said she was very warmly received particularly in Patiala, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Delhi.

Before becoming the Bushra Rahman that we know now, she used to write in literary journals as Bushra Rashid. Her writing career, which began at the age of 12, went on till the very end.

Rahman and Saira Hashmi had formed a literary organisation, Bazm-i-Hum Nafsaan, under the aegis of which Rahman would invite poets and writers to regular literary conversations at her residence. She also published a monthly magazine called Vatan Dost. Having established her credentials in fiction, she explored other genres as well. These included poetry, newspaper columns and travelogues. Kis Mor Par Milay Ho (At what stage in my life, have I met you) was remarkable for its freshness and feminine voice. Her column, Chaadar Aur Chaardivaari, ran in the Nava-i-Vaqt for years and contributed to the national narrative on current affairs.

Writing was her dominant passion. It seems that she could not live without it. During her years in politics, one would frequently hear her complain that she was not getting enough time for her writing. After retiring from electoral politics, she wrote her memoirs that was later serialised in Alhamra, the literary journal. It has since been published in a single volume as Likhi Ko Kaun Moray? (Who can prevent the destiny?). It is a great political autobiography made fascinating by her unique idiom.

As a parliamentarian, she quickly established herself and was known for great extempore speeches. Rahman lived a full life. She had made a habit of stealing the show whenever invited to talk to a gathering. Allah Mian Ji (Allah, the Respected and Loved) was one of the endearing expressions one associated with her speech.

An era in Urdu fiction comes to a close with the passing of Bushra Rahman. Critics and readers may debate her status in the literary world for years to come. She created great memories with her writings and her conversations that will keep her alive in the hearts of her admirers.

The writer is a social scientist, book critic, translator and dramatic reader based in Lahore, where he is also the president of the Progressive Writers’ Association. He can be reached at: razanaeem@hotmail.com