Neelam Bashir
Pakistani poet and writer (born 1950)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Neelam Bashir (Urdu: نیلم بشیر; born January 17, 1950) is a Pakistani fiction writer, novelist, poet, travelogue writer, critic, and researcher who writes in both Urdu and Punjabi.[2] She is known for her candid and fearless writing on sensitive social issues, particularly those concerning the female experience in a patriarchal society.[3][4]
Neelam Bashir | |
|---|---|
| نیلم بشیر | |
| Born | Neelam Ahmad Bashir 17 January 1950 |
| Other name | Neelum Basheer |
| Education | Lahore College for Women |
| Alma mater | University of the Punjab |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1970 – present |
| Spouse |
Siraj Siddiqui (m. 1972) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) | Ahmad Bashir (father) Mehmooda Bashir (mother) |
| Relatives | Musarrat Nazir (aunt) Parveen Atif (aunt) Sumbul Shahid (sister) Bushra Ansari (sister) Asma Abbas (sister) Zara Noor Abbas (niece) |
| Honours | Pride of Performance (2023)[1] |
Early life and education
Neelam Ahmad Bashir was born in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, on January 17, 1950.[3] She is the eldest daughter of the acclaimed journalist, writer, intellectual, and filmmaker Ahmad Bashir and his wife Mehmooda Begum.[5] Her paternal aunt, Parveen Atif, was also an Urdu short story writer.[3] Her sisters are the well-known television personalities Bushra Ansari, Sumbul Shahid, and Asma Abbas.[3]
She grew up in a liberal and culturally rich household in Lahore, where her parents encouraged their children to be expressive and intellectually curious.[3] She received her early education from Lady Griffin Railway Girls High School, graduating in 1966.[3] She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lahore College for Women in 1970 and a master's degree in psychology from University of the Punjab in 1972.[3]
After her marriage to Dr. Siraj Siddiqui in 1972, she moved to the United States, where she lived for fourteen years.[3] She reportedly faced challenges pursuing her writing during this period due to her husband's disapproval.[3] Upon returning to Pakistan, she established herself in the literary scene.[3] She credits the renowned Urdu writer Mumtaz Mufti as a significant mentor who inspired her to pursue writing professionally.[6]
Career
Bashir is a prominent figure in contemporary Urdu literature. Her work is noted for its exploration of the complex issues related to the female psyche and social realities.[3] She approaches her subjects with a modern, liberal, and impartial perspective, advocating for principles of feminism and humanism.[3]
Her writing is often described as bold, honest, dynamic, and insightful, tackling controversial subjects without fear.[3] She delves deep into the inner complexities of her characters, looking beyond external markers to explore their humanity.[3] Her book Chaar Chand, a collection of autobiographical sketches about her life, family, and friends, is particularly noted for its candidness.[3]
In addition to her literary pursuits, she has also worked in the advertising industry, writing Urdu copy, and has compiled a book of her parents' memoirs.[3] Her work has been translated into other languages, including Hindi and Arabic.[3]
Personal life
Neelam Ahmad Bashir married Dr. Siraj Siddiqui in 1972 and subsequently moved to the United States with him.[3] She divides her time between Pakistan and the United States, as all three of her children, a son, Humayun Sheikh, and two daughters, reside in the US.[7][3]
Awards and recognition
- Her book Taoos Faqat Rung was awarded by the Khalid Ahmad Literary Society.[8]
- She was also a recipient of the "Katha Saman" award from the Almi Adbi Tanzeem of India for her remarkable work.[8]
- She was honoured with Pride of Performance by Government of Pakistan in 2023.[9]
Bibliography
Neelam Ahmad Bashir has authored nearly ten books, including short story collections, a novel, essays, and travelogues.[2]
- Gulaboon Wali Gali (Short stories)[10][11]
- Jugnoon Kay Qaflay (Short stories)[10]
- Lay Sans Bhi Ahista (Short stories)[10]
- Wehshat Hi Sahi (Short stories)[12]
- Nipal Nama (Travelogue)[13]
- Situmgur Setember (Travelogue)[10]
- Eik Thi Malika (Short stories)[10]
- Chaar Chand (Autobiographical sketches/essays)[3]
- Taoos Faqat Rung (Novel)[8]
- Har Gucha Zakhmaya (Collection of Punjabi short stories)
- Do Tehreerain (Main Aur Ahmed Bashir...... Khoon Ki Lakeer) (Compilation of parents' memoirs)