Munnu Bhai

The infectious laughter and satirical, sometimes wicked, wit of Munnu Bhai will never be heard again. Muneer Ahmed Qureshi, known to everyone by the name affectionately bestowed on him, died on Friday, January 19 as a result of cardiac disease and related kidney problems at the age of 84. Born in Wazirabad, Punjab, Munnu Bhai was known for his writing, beginning his career as a translator in an Urdu language newspaper but then moving on to playwriting and drama. His 1982 comedy series Sona Chandi is perhaps his best remembered work. Munnu Bhai, who remained an active participant on the Lahore literary, social and cultural scene till the final year of his life had led a culturally rich life. His poetry has been hailed as among the best modern works in Punjabi literature. He himself believed in the power of realism, and often spoke about the need for writers to interact with people and understand those they write about. It is perhaps not known widely that Munnu Bhai had also played a role in the movement against Field Marshal Ayub Khan in 1968-69, putting forward boldly progressive and left-leaning views. His activism drew him close to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Throughout his life, Munnu Bhai remained a keen and unapologetic student of socialism.

Munnu Bhai’s columns for Jang were read by millions and his words were always eloquent, putting forward ideas that were simple, practical but immensely important – and always reflecting the politics and society of the times. Munnu Bhai was also a strong advocate for a media that stayed committed to the truth and free from censorship and interventions From his gentle encouragement of the younger generation to his poetry against corruption and injustice in society, Munnu Bhai’s simple charm and sound politics endeared him to many. Even those who may have disagreed with him would find it difficult to actively dislike him. A gentle and simple man who lit up society in Lahore, Munnu Bhai was given the President’s Pride of Performance award in 2007. There were always few like him, and even fewer who offered a sane voice in times of increasing uncertainty and confusion. As his death is mourned across the country, it is, however, unfortunate that there has been little by way of research into Munnu Bhai’s work. Perhaps, someone will try fill the void he has left behind by studying his life and writings in detail.