Urdu fiction discussed

LAHORE: The Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature at LUMS recently organised a thought-provoking session titled ‘Why Is Popular Urdu Fiction Reproved?’

According to a press release, this panel discussion brought together leading practitioners, senior academics, and experienced critics on one platform to analyse and assess some of the reasons behind consistent criticism directed at popular Urdu fiction from various quarters.

Dr Nasir Abbas Nayyar moderated the session, and the discussants included Asghar Nadeem Syed, Dr Khalid Fayyaz, and Dr Aurangzeb Niazi. Dr Nasir divided the discussion into two segments. The first segment aimed at understanding the what popular fiction is, while the second segment critically analysed the reasons behind the lack of acclaim from literary critics.

Dr Khalid Fayyaz shed light on the perceived unjust role of popular fiction, highlighting instances where it manipulates readers' minds and indirectly discourages constructive criticism and practical efforts against oppressive regimes. He emphasised the need for a nuanced examination of the genre's impact on various segments of society. Dr Aurangzeb Niazi provided historical context, explaining the evolution of popular fiction and its symbiotic relationship with capitalism and industrialisation. He explained the establishment of the publishing industry and its role in the widespread dissemination of popular fiction, exploring its ties to the consumer economy. Asghar Nadeem Syed discussed the adaptation of popular fiction into drama and film, emphasising its role in the genre's popularity. He underscored the conditionality of its reader community, revealing deeper connections between sociopolitical circumstances and the freedom promised by popular fiction.