’’ٹھنڈا گوشت‘‘ سعادت حسن منٹو کے آٹھ نمائندہ افسانوں پر مشتمل ایک اہم مجموعہ ہے۔ منٹو اردو کے ان معدودے چند افسانہ نگاروں میں شمار ہوتے ہیں جن کی تخلیقات ہر دور میں یکساں دلچسپی سے پڑھی گئی ہیں اور وقت گزرنے کے ساتھ ان کے قارئین کی تعداد میں مسلسل اضافہ ہوا ہے۔ انہوں نے انسانی جبلّت، نفسیات، سماجی تضادات اور تقسیمِ ہند کے المیوں کو ایسی بے باکی اور فنّی صداقت کے ساتھ پیش کیا کہ ان پر فحش نگاری کے مقدمات بھی قائم ہوئے، مگر ان کا فن ہر اعتراض سے بلند ثابت ہوا۔ اس مجموعے میں شامل ’’ٹھنڈا گوشت‘‘، ’’شاردا‘‘، ’’گولی‘‘، ’’ساڑھے تین آنے‘‘، ’’رحمتِ خداوندی کے پھول‘‘ اور دیگر افسانے منٹو کی تخلیقی بصیرت کے مختلف پہلو آشکار کرتے ہیں۔ خصوصاً ’’ٹھنڈا گوشت‘‘ اردو کے ان شاہکار افسانوں میں شمار ہوتا ہے جس میں منٹو نے غیرمعمولی ضبط کے ساتھ انسانی سفاکی اور احساسِ جرم کا تخلیقی اظہار کیا ہے۔ ایشر سنگھ جو حیوان بن کر بھی انسانیت نہ کھو سکا، اس کہانی کا ہیرو ہے۔ یہ مجموعہ منٹو کے فن کو سمجھنے اور ان کی انفرادیت سے آشنا ہونے کے لیے ایک اہم کتاب ہے۔

‘अगर आप मेरी कहानियाँ बरदाश्त नहीं कर सकते, तो दरअसल ज़माना ही नाक़ाबिले-बरदाश्त है।’ यह कहना था मंटो का जो अपनी कहानियों में वह लिखते थे जो सब आवरणों को हटाने के बाद ज़माने के चेहरे पर नज़र आता है।

उन्होंने मज़लूमों, ग़रीब-गुरबा और उन औरतों की कहानियाँ लिखीं जिन्हें समाज ने हाशिए पर धकेलकर छोड़ दिया था। उन्होंने उन भावनाओं को लेकर भी कहानियाँ लिखीं जिन्हें सफ़ेदपोश समाज खुली रोशनी में स्वीकार नहीं कर पाता। उन्होंने ऐसे-ऐसे अहसासात को ज़बान बख़्शी जिन्हें हम कभी अपनी चालाकी और कभी अल्फ़ाज़ की कमी की वजह से यूँ ही ग़ायब हो जाने देते हैं।

इसलिए आज भी उनकी कहानियाँ हमें अपनी कहानियाँ लगती हैं; वे अपने वक़्त से इतना आगे चल रहे थे कि आज भी हमें अपने आगे ही चलते दिखाई देते हैं।

यह संकलन उनकी कुछ बहुत चर्चित और कुछ ऐसी कहानियों को लेकर बनाया गया है जिनका ज़िक्र बहुत ज़्यादा नहीं होता। संकलन किया है जानी-पहचानी सिने-अभिनेत्री और निर्देशक नंदिता दास ने। उनकी चर्चित फ़िल्म ‘मंटो’ के साथ-साथ प्रकाशित यह किताब क़िस्सागो मंटो की पूरी शख़्स‌ियत को सामने ले आती है। बकौल नंदिता : ‘उनकी कहानियों के पात्र अक्सर वे लोग होते हैं जो समाज के कोनों में रहते हैं और औरतों के लिए सहानुभूति भरी नज़र रखते हैं। यही बात उन्हें और लेखकों से अलग करती है।’

समय के साथ कितनी ही हक़ीक़तें फ़रेब बन जाती हैं और कितने ही ख़्वाब सच्चाई में ढल जाते हैं—समय न तो अँधेरों की निरन्तरता है, न इतिहास और सभ्यता के किसी अनदेखे रास्ते पर एक अंधी दौड़।

इन सबके विपरीत समय एक तलाश है, बोध है, विज़न है और एक कर्मभूमि।

समय की कोई सीमा अगर क़ायम की जा सकती है, और अगर उसे एक नाम दिया जा सकता है तो वह नाम ‘आदमी’ है।

आदमी की बुनियादी समस्या पाषाण युग से मंटो और मंटो के पात्रों तक, एक ही रही है : कोई रौशनी, कोई रौशनी...

रौशनी के लिए, नई रौशनी की ख़ातिर, नित नई रौशनी की तलाश में आदमी ने सदियों का सफ़र तै किया और आज भी सफ़र में है। इसी निरन्तर और अधूरे सफ़र का एक पड़ाव मंटो है।

मंटो की तलाश और खोज के हवाले से इस कोशिश का मुनासिब और सटीक नाम ‘दस्तावेज़’ के अलावा सोचा भी नहीं जा सकता।

‘मीना बाज़ार’ उर्दू के सुप्रसिद्ध अफ़सानानिगार सआदत हसन मंटो की बहुचर्चित संस्मरण-कृति है, जिसमें उन्होंने फ़िल्म-जगत की कुछ मशहूर हस्तियों का पारदर्शी चित्रण किया है। ऐसा करते हुए उनका लहज़ा आत्मीय होकर भी बेलौस है। इसमें उनका अपना स्वभाव और नज़रिया तो है ही, वे सामाजिक सच्चाइयाँ भी हैं, जब फ़िल्म-कलाकारों को आज के जैसी प्रतिष्ठा प्राप्त नहीं थी। मंटो ने यहाँ नर्गिस, नसीम, अशोक कुमार, कुलदीप कौर, श्याम, सितारा, बी.एच. देसाई और इस्मत चुगताई जैसी हस्तियों की विशेष रूप से चर्चा की है। इन हस्तियों को वे एक दोस्त की हैसियत से तो देखते ही हैं, कलाकार के नाते भी देखते हैं और उनके निजी तथा व्यावसायिक जीवन को एक ख़ास अदाकारी के साथ हमारे सामने खोलते हैं।

मंटो हिन्दी और उर्दू, दोनों ही भाषाओं की अदबी दुनिया के चहेते रचनाकार हैं। उनके जैसी तरल मानवीय संवेदना और जीवनानुभवों की विविधता बहुत कम लेखकों में दिखाई पड़ती है। निस्सन्देह, ‘मीना बाज़ार’ उनकी उसी संवेदना और रचनात्मक विविधता का एक महत्त्वपूर्ण हिस्सा है।

'Baghair Unwan Ke' stands out as Saadat Hasan Manto's only novel, offering a deep dive into human psychology and emotional struggles that go beyond an ordinary love story. It tracks Saeed, the main character, as he copes with feelings of emptiness and loneliness and pursues love. Manto explores themes like love, the subconscious, social pressures, and emotional complexity with notable simplicity and realism. This novel highlights a distinctive and less commonly seen aspect of Manto’s creative talent.

Introducing "Numaainda Kahaaniyaan Manto," a captivating collection of timeless Urdu stories penned by the legendary Saadat Hasan Manto. Immerse yourself in the world of Manto, one of the foremost storytellers of Urdu literature, and experience his unique style of narrative that revolutionised Urdu fiction. Born on May 11, 1912, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Saadat Hasan Manto was a literary genius who fearlessly depicted society's stark realities. This collection showcases his extraordinary ability to delve into the depths of human emotions, exploring themes of love, passion, tragedy, and social taboos. Manto's masterful storytelling transports readers to a new reality, far from the realm of imagination. Through his thought-provoking tales, he presents a mirror to society, reflecting its flaws, complexities, and the human condition in all its rawness. Within "Numaainda Kahaaniyaan Manto," you will discover over 250 unforgettable stories, including classics like "Thanda Gosht," "Toba Tek Singh," "Kali Shalwar," "Boo," "Khol Do," and "Hatak." Each story is a literary gem that explores the depths of the human psyche, leaving a lasting impact on readers. Experience the power of Manto's words as you navigate through his evocative narratives, vivid characters, and social commentary. This collection is a must-have for literature enthusiasts, Urdu language aficionados, and anyone seeking an enriching literary journey. Unlock the treasure trove of Manto's brilliance with "Numaainda Kahaaniyaan Manto" and embark on a transformative literary adventure that will captivate your mind and touch your soul.

मण्टो की अधिकांश कहानियों की प्रेरणा या उत्स, उसका यह एहसास है- अत्यन्त प्रामाणिक और सच्चा एहसास - कि इस सारे निजाम में कहीं कुछ बहुत ग़लत है- आधारभूत रूप से ग़लत और नाकाबिले बरदाश्त । वह अपनी सारी शक्ति के साथ दर्द और दुख और तकलीफ़ के सही मुकाम पर उँगली रखता है कि यही उसके निकट, लेखन का उद्देश्य है। मण्टो की यह भावना एक गहरे नैतिक उत्तरदायित्व के एहसास से उपजती है। एक ऐसी व्यवस्था में रहते हुए, जो लगातार मानवीयता को कुचलती है, मण्टो निजी तौर पर, अपने समाज और अपने साथियों के प्रति खुद को उत्तरदायी समझता है और तकलीफ़ के सही मुकाम पर उँगली रखना, उसके नजदीक, उसके मानवीय फ़र्ज़ की अदायगी है। इसीलिए वह बार-बार उन आधारभूत मसलों की तरफ़ मुड़ता है, जो सहज ज़िन्दगी के रास्ते में रुकावट बन कर खड़े हैं-राजनीति, साम्प्रदायिकता, झूठ, फ़रेब, स्वार्थ, भ्रष्टाचार, सरमायेदारी, शोषण । अपने इसी नैतिक उत्तरदायित्व को महसूस करके, मण्टो हर तरह की साम्प्रदायिकता और फ़िरकेवाराना प्रवृत्ति से ऊपर उठकर उस 'गलती' पर पूरे ज़ोर से आघात करता है, इसीलिए वह तथाकथित 'प्रगतिशील' लेखकों की जमात से कहीं ज़्यादा प्रगतिशील है। चूँकि वह किसी राजनीतिक दल या धार्मिक सम्प्रदाय से जुड़ा हुआ नहीं है इसीलिए वह चीज़ों को किसी पर्दे को आड़ से नहीं देखता और अपने अनुभवों तथा अपनी अनुभूतियों को सच के तीखेपन से खुली अभिव्यक्ति देता है।

सआदत हसन मंटो 1912 - 1955 मंटो उन लेखकों में हैं, जिन्होंने आदर्श और मर्यादा के नाम पर चलने वाले पाखण्ड को तार-तार कर दिया और | सामाजिक यथार्थ को नंगी आँखों से देखना सिखाया। इसके चलते उनपर कई बार अश्लीलता के आरोप गले। इस बाबत छः मुक़दमें चले। तीन अविभाजित भारत में और तीन पाकिस्तान में। लेकिन ये आरोप साबित नहीं हुए। टोबाटेक सिंह, बू, काली शलवार, खोल दो जैसी कहानियों ने न सिर्फ़ उर्दू बल्कि हिंदी कथा साहित्य को भी प्रभावित किया। उन्हें कहानियों के अतिरिक्त रेडियो और फिल्म पटकथा लेखन के लिए भी याद किया जाता है।

Dabistan e Lucknow: For the people of Lucknow and those who admire its culture, if there is any place they long to see, besides the holy sites, it is 'Lucknow.' The same Lucknow, where simply strolling through markets and promenades is enough to instil the values of culture and inclusiveness. The same Lucknow that was the standard of eloquence and oratory. The same Lucknow that was a beacon for language and colloquialism. The same Lucknow that was home to civilisation and sophistication. Maulana Baqar Shams is from the lineage of Khandan-e-Ijtihad, Lucknow. He was born in Jaunpur, India, on the 10th of August 1909 and passed away in Karachi, Pakistan, on the 6th of January 2007. He earned a Dabeer-e-Kamil (Master's in Writing) from Lucknow University and studied medicine at Munmba-e-Tib College, Lucknow. Maulana was proficient in Urdu, Persian, and Arabic and was also familiar with Hebrew and English.

For the people of Lucknow and those who admire its culture, if there is any place they long to see, besides the holy sites, it is 'Lucknow.' The same Lucknow where simply strolling through markets and promenades is enough to instill the values of culture and inclusivity. The same Lucknow that was the standard of eloquence and oratory. The same Lucknow that was a beacon for language and colloquialism. The same Lucknow that was home to civilization and sophistication. As one of its admirers said : “go milii jannat bhi rehne ko bajaay Lucknow chaunk uthtaa hoon main hardam keh ke haay Lucknow.” Even when I get heaven to live in instead of Lucknow, I get startled every moment, exclaiming, 'Ah, Lucknow!') If you would like to learn about Lucknowi culture, history, social life, language, and rituals, or if you are curious about the lives of its famous rulers and nobles, then the book "Dastaan-e-Lucknow," written by the distinguished scholar and intellectual Syed Mohammad Baqar Shams, is a must-read! About the Author Maulana Baqar Shams’s is from the lineage of Khandan-e-Ijtihad, Lucknow. He was born in Jaunpur, India, on the 10th of August 1909 and passed away in Karachi, Pakistan, on the 6th of January 2007. He earned a Dabeer-e-Kamil (Masters-in-Writing) from Lucknow University and studied medicine at Munmba-e-Tib College Lucknow. Maulana was proficient in Urdu, Persian, and Arabic and was also familiar with Hebrew and English. Shams Sahib Qibla started poetry in 1923 at the age of 14 and literary articles and essays in 1926 at the age of 17. For a prolonged period in India and then in Pakistan, he was engaged in research, criticism, creation, composition, compilation, and reforms in the fields of education, literature, poetry, and oration. Additionally, he also had a passion for medicine and hunting. Amongst his published literary works: History of Lucknow; Youth of Lucknow; Language of Lucknow; Poetry of Lucknow; Civilization of Lucknow; Philosophy of Khayyam; Wisdom of Poetry; History of urduLanguage; Five Methods; Writings of Color; Critical Discussions; Failure of Mirror; Versified Pearl; Selections of Diwan-e-Javed; and Signs of Sun received several accolades. His book "Philosophy of Khayyam," which was published in 1937 by Sarfaraz Press Lucknow, was included in the syllabus of the Bachelor of Arts and Dabir-e-Kamil (Masters-in-Writing) of Lucknow University for an extended period. Maulana Baqar Shams was the companion and associate of many illustrious scholars of literature, among whom Mirza Muhammad Hadi Ruswa, Mirza Muhammad Hadi Aziz, Josh Malihabadi, Professor Masood Hasan Adeeb, Mirza Jafar Ali Khan Assar, Maulana Ali Naqi (Naqan Sahib Qibla), Dr. Ahsan Farooqui, Niaz Fatehpuri, Hazrat Safi Lakhnavi, Hazrat Aziz Lakhnavi, Nadim Sitapuri, Mushfiq Khawaja, Dr. Shaukat Sabzwari, Arzoo Lakhnavi, Mirza Kazim Hussain Mehshar, Sahir Lakhnavi, and Hussain Anjum are included.

“Mor-Pankhi” is the second collection of short stories by the renowned fiction writer Javed Siddiqui, in which the many colours of life are portrayed with remarkable beauty. The stories in this book are not only engaging but also feature characters who feel vividly alive and close to reality. Set against the backdrop of a village like Chhota Syedpura, the author depicts, with great simplicity and impact, the harmony, tolerance, and unity among people of different sects and beliefs. This collection takes the reader back to beautiful memories of the past, when people from different walks of life lived together in mutual respect, sharing a spirit of love and acceptance. Javed Siddiqui’s storytelling style is captivating and graceful, holding the reader’s attention from beginning to end. “Mor-Pankhi” is a refined and valuable addition to Urdu literature, appealing not only to literary enthusiasts but also to general readers.

Ismat Chughtai’s new short story collection, “Kanyadaan: Ismat Chughtai”, published by Rekhta Publications, comprises a selection of her well-known stories along with new and previously unpublished short stories. The collection includes notable stories such as “Jaal”, “Chhui-Mui”, “Do Haath”, “Lihaaf”, “Kanyadaan”, “Zehr Ka Pyala”, “Ghoonghat”, “Charpai”, “Kaamchor”, “Kaisi Biwi Kaisa Shohar”, and “Chhoti Aapa”. These stories vividly depict women’s emotions, the suffocation of social constraints, and their defiance against them, making this collection highly worth reading. Famed for her novel “Tedhi Lakeer” and short story “Lihaaf”, Ismat Chughtai was one of Urdu literature’s most prominent fiction writers, novelists, and playwrights. She was born on August 21, 1915, in Badayun (Uttar Pradesh). Chughtai portrayed women’s lives, emotions, and societal restrictions with bold realism. Associated with the Progressive Writers’ Movement, her writings gave women in Urdu literature a new identity and voice. She passed away on October 24, 1991.

The novel tells the story of Heera, a 14-year-old girl from Bihar, who faces the threat of being forced into prostitution due to poverty and helplessness. But when she learns kung fu (martial arts), she finds the strength to fight for her life and her dreams. This book is a powerful tale of girls’ freedom, courage, and hope. Ruchira Gupta was born on January 7, 1964, in Kolkata, India. She is an international journalist, social activist, and the founder of Apne Aap Women Worldwide, an organization that works to protect women and girls from human trafficking and sexual exploitation. I Kick and I Fly is Ruchira Gupta’s debut novel, which has been translated into urduby Ahsan Ayyubi under the title “Phool Nahin Chingaari Hoon”.

This is a captivating collection of short stories that weaves together the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the intricate dance between dreams and reality. Each story offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, facing extraordinary circumstances, from fleeting moments of joy to life-changing decisions. The author takes readers on a journey through diverse settings, exploring themes of love, loss, hope, and the quiet struggles that define our existence. With vivid characters and poignant narratives, these stories delve into the heart of what it means to be human, leaving readers reflecting on their own lives and the world around them.

This is a captivating collection of short stories that weaves together the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the intricate dance between dreams and reality. Each story offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, facing extraordinary circumstances, from fleeting moments of joy to life-changing decisions. The author takes readers on a journey through diverse settings, exploring themes of love, loss, hope, and the quiet struggles that define our existence. With vivid characters and poignant narratives, these stories delve into the heart of what it means to be human, leaving readers reflecting on their own lives and the world around them.

Ek Tarha Ka Pagalpan (A Sort of Madness) is the sixth novel by Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Urdu novelist Rahman Abbas, set in the coastal region of Konkan (Maharashtra state) and covering the era from 1970 to 1990. The novel tells the tale of an illicit love story that links the turmoil and socio-political situation of the region through a curse uttered in the imaginary village of Kaamruth, in the vicinity of Mohenjo-daro, the Indus Valley Civilisation. It discusses the lives of people living in a forest near the Arabian Sea and how their lives were affected by the various emerging ideologies in the last decades of the twentieth century. Rahman Abbas (1972) is an Urdu novelist and the winner of India’s highest literary award, the Sahitya Akademi Award for the year 2018, for his fourth novel ‘Rohzin’. He has also won four State Academy Awards. He writes in Urdu and English. He is the author of 10 books, including 6 novels. He lives in Mumbai. Rahman is the author of ten books, including six novels, Nakhalistan Ki Talash (The Search of an Oasis, 2004), Ek Mamnua Muhabbat Ki Kahani (A Forbidden Love Story, 2009), Khuda Ke Saaye Mein Ankh Micholi (Hide and Seek in the Shadow of God, 2011) Rohzin (The Melancholy of the Soul, 2016), Zindeeq (The Apostate, 2021) and Ek Tarha Ka Pagalpan, (A Sort of Madness, 2023) Rohzin, has been translated into German, English, and Hindi. The German translation was discussed in Switzerland as part of ‘The Days of Indian Literature’ in February 2018, and in May-June 2018, Rahman toured various cities in Germany to discuss the novel with readers. The novel has also received the prestigious LitProm Grant managed by the Swiss and German governments. Penguin India Random House published Rohzin in English in May 2022, and the novel was shortlisted for the JCB Prize.

अहमद मुश्ताक़ की ग़ज़लों में नाजुकी, बारीकियाँ और जुनून की तीव्रता बहुलता से देखने को मिलती हैं। प्रस्तुत किताब में अहमद मुश्ताक़ की चुनिन्दा रचनाओं का संकलन है| यह किताब उर्दू लिपि में प्रकाशित हुई है और पाठकों के बीच ख़ूब पसंद की गई है|

Published by Rekhta Publications, this book tries to show the world from a child's perspective. Readers learn about the many easily accessible curiosities that arise in a child's mind through the novel's main character, 9-year-old Gibran. Often, the questions that arise in his mind and the events in his life evoke the reader's emotions, and the reader connects with that little boy. Novel Nigar Mohsin Khan has been writing fiction for many decades as a representative and accomplished writer of Urdu fiction. Along with good stories, he has also written a lot for children. Afsana Zohra: Before this novel, it was read as Shahkar Afsana of Mohsin Khan. This story was so well received that Omar Memon, satisfied with its acceptance, translated it into English. Mohsin Khan represents the verbal etiquette of Lucknow. Maintaining cleanliness and simplicity in language is their specialty. those traditions

Ghazaliyat-e-Zamin (Ghazals by Zamin) comprises works by her father, Professor S.M. Zamin Ali, which she published after his death. Professor Ali was the founder and head of the Urdu Department at Allahabad University and an illustrious poet, author, thought leader and educator. "An accomplished author, Begum Fatima Hasan (1940-1998), published six books in addition to numerous works broadcast as Urdu programming by All India Radio, Lucknow and published in popular Urdu magazines. These collected works include three books of short stories: Chauthaa Shauhar (The Fourth Husband), Awaraa Bagule (Wanderer Egrets), and Gul-o-Khar (Flowers & Thorns), as well as a book of children's stories, Qabaili Kahaniyan (Tribal Tales). Two of her books, Ghazaliyat-e-Zamin (Ghazals by Zamin) and Majmua-e-Qasaid-o-Salaam (Anthology of Odes and Blessings), consist of works by her father, Professor S.M. Zamin Ali, that she published after his death. "

This novel is a journey from the ancient to the modern, in which the lines of the new civilization are also presented along with the ever-changing traditions.