New Delhi, August 7: Some events are not just recorded in history books; they leave a lasting imprint on generations. The partition of India and Pakistan is one such tragedy. The division in 1947 altered the lives of millions. Some lost their homes, others their families, and many left everything behind to step into the unknown. Bhisham Sahni was a writer who deeply captured this pain in the literary world, with his most notable work being ‘Tamas.’
Born on August 8, 1915, in Rawalpindi, undivided India, Bhisham Sahni is regarded as one of the Hindi literature writers who did not merely observe society from a distance but felt its struggles and pains up close. He was the younger brother of the famous actor Balraj Sahni. After completing his education, he worked in various fields, including teaching, journalism, translation, and theater. However, it was his writing that defined his true identity.
Sahni’s writing consistently revolved around the lives of ordinary people. For him, literature was not just a means of entertainment but a medium to showcase societal truths. He held human values in the highest regard. This is perhaps why when he wrote ‘Tamas’ about the tragedy of partition, it transcended being just a novel and became a vivid portrayal of that era.
‘Tamas’ closely depicts the communal violence that erupted during the partition. The story begins with a minor incident that quickly escalates into tension and riots throughout the city. A poor man named Natthu is forced to kill a pig, and from there, the situation deteriorates rapidly. The narrative illustrates how rumors, politics, religious fanaticism, and selfishness devastate the lives of ordinary people.
One of the most significant aspects of this story is that Sahni does not attempt to blame a single community. He shows that the greatest victims of the riots are the common people. Neighbors who were once friends suddenly become enemies. Homes burn, relationships shatter, and humanity pays the highest price.
The popularity of ‘Tamas’ led to its adaptation for television. Directed by Govind Nihalani, the series featured actors like Om Puri, Amrish Puri, Deepti Naval, Dina Pathak, A.K. Hangal, and even Bhisham Sahni himself. The film and television presentation brought to light the horrifying realities of partition, which were difficult to witness.
The broadcast of ‘Tamas’ sparked controversy. Attempts were made to ban its airing due to its portrayal of communal violence, but the court later allowed it to be shown. It is considered a significant work against communalism. Thus, ‘Tamas’ has become not just a part of literature or cinema but also a crucial element of social and historical discourse.
In 1975, Bhisham Sahni received the Sahitya Akademi Award for ‘Tamas.’ He was also honored with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan. His other notable works include novels like ‘Basanti,’ ‘Mayyadas Ki Maadi,’ ‘Jharokhe,’ ‘Kunto,’ and ‘Neelu Neelima Neelofar.’ His contributions to plays and stories were also significant.
Sahni had a profound connection with theater. He was associated with IPTA and remained active in acting and drama. He spent some time working as a translator in Moscow and translated several important Russian literary works into Hindi.
Bhisham Sahni passed away on July 11, 2003, in Delhi, but the voice of his pen remains alive today. Regardless of his ideological stance, humanity was always at the center of his writing. He openly wrote about poverty, inequality, communalism, exploitation, and political selfishness present in society. His language was simple, yet his messages were profound. This is why his writings still resonate with the common reader today.
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