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Condolence meet held for playwright S M Mehdi at AMU

By TCN News,

Aligarh: The Progressive Writers’ Association and Janwadi Lekhak Sangh together held a condolence meeting at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to express a deep sense of sorrow and loss at the demise of playwright S M Mehdi – affectionately referred to as ‘Mamujan’ – on Wednesday.

The meeting was conducted by Professor Asim Siddiqui, who encouraged students and researchers to come forward and study Mehdi’s writings, AMU PRO said in a release here.

Born in 1922, Mehdi led an eventful but simple life. In his long career, he distinguished himself as a playwright, translator and chronicler of the cultural life of the nation. His contribution to the literature, theatre and cinema has been immense. Some of his most notable works include Ghalib Kaun Hai, Ghalib Ke Udenge Purze, Amir Khusro, Kafan and Dara Shikoh to name a few. He was an important presence on different committees and shared his vision on different platforms such as AIR and National School of Drama. He also distinguished himself as a journalist par excellence.

His granddaughter Taran Shah Khan expressed broad and progressive outlook with reference to the status of women in marriage. Other speakers and members shared their thoughts and memories of the departed writer on the occasion.

A brief glimpse of Mehdi’s life was shown through a video clipping titled “Mamujan Ki Diary” which brought out his personal side. Professor Namita Singh laid emphasis on the fact that writers of such stature should also be celebrated and emulated while they are living. Professor Arif Rizvi mentioned that Mehdi had an endearing personality and was affectionately referred to as ‘Mamujan’.

Professor Tasadduq Husain and Professor Iftikhar Khan too spoke on the occasion, the release added.