Wajida Tabassum

Wajida Tabassum was one of the most daring voices in modern Urdu literature. Born in 1935 in Amravati, Maharashtra, she later moved to Hyderabad, where she built her literary career. From the beginning, her writing stood out for its unflinching honesty and fearless exploration of social taboos.

She wrote short stories that challenged conservative norms, often focusing on themes of female desire, class struggles, and social hypocrisy. Her work was considered bold for its time, as she gave space to characters and emotions that were rarely acknowledged in mainstream Urdu fiction.

Her most famous story, Utran (Hand-Me-Downs), became a cultural milestone when it was later adapted into a popular television serial. Alongside Utran, collections like Teh Khana and Nath Ka Bojh cemented her reputation as a writer who pushed boundaries and spoke openly about realities that society often preferred to keep hidden.

While she was sometimes criticized for being too provocative, Wajida never backed down from her style. Her stories balanced sharp critique with deep empathy, making her a writer who could expose injustice while still capturing the humanity of her characters. She also wrote ghazals and poetry, which carried the same spirit of fearlessness and originality.

Wajida Tabassum passed away in 2011 in Hyderabad. Though her life ended quietly, her literary contributions remain alive in Urdu literature. Today, she is remembered as a progressive writer who gave women’s experiences a strong and unapologetic voice.

Her legacy continues to inspire readers and writers who believe that literature should confront truth rather than shy away from it.