This is a radio adaptation of legendary Urdu writer Ismat Chughtai's controversial story "Lihaaf". Directed by Prof. Pervaiz Alam, Lihaaf was a part of the radio production class of the students of School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC), Apeejay Stya University, Gurgaon, India, in 2017. The lead role is performed by Pankhuri Singh, a student of MA Journalism, SJMC.

Why is Lihaaf Controversial? Lihaaf (The Quilt), a short story by Ismat Chughtai published in 1942, is narrated by a young girl who observes the life of Begum Jaan, the neglected wife of a Nawab. The story subtly explores themes of female sexuality, repression, and same-sex desire. Set in a traditional Indian Muslim household, Lihaaf depicts Begum Jaan’s loneliness and her intimate relationship with her maid, Rabbo, implied through suggestive imagery, particularly the metaphor of the “quilt.” Court Cases:

The story was deemed obscene by the British colonial authorities, leading to Ismat Chughtai being charged with obscenity under Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code in 1944. The trial took place in Lahore, where Ismat Chughtai and her contemporary Saadat Hasan Manto, also charged for his story Bu, defended their works. Manto discussed the controversy surrounding Lihaaf in detail in his sketch of Ismat Chughtai, available as a podcast on Cine Ink. Ismat Chughtai won the case. The controversy solidified her reputation as a bold feminist writer who addressed marginalised voices and societal hypocrisy, while also highlighting the era’s discomfort with discussions of female sexuality.

Bhupesh Shrivastav at SJMC recorded, edited and mixed Lihaaf. Malvika Kaul, Associate Professor, Mili Agarwal, Assistant Professor, and Swapnil Kumar, Coordinator, SJMC, assisted in the project. Courtesy: SJMC, Apeejay Stya University, India Lihaaf published by Rajkamal is available on Amazon. #Lihaaf #ismatchughtai #SJMC #ApeejayStyaUniversity #UrduStory #PankhuriSingh #cineink #cineinkpodcast #Rajkamal