Bajoo ki gali
18th January 1995 was Manto’s 40th death anniversary. Editor of Canadian Times of India Editor had, a few weeks earlier, asked me to write for his paper about Manto.
So this is what happened when I sat down at the table pen in hand and a blank paper staring at me. Suddenly behind me I felt or heard that someone was peeking at what I had already written. It was this title Baajoo ki Gali.;a phrase which Manto was fond of
uttering to express how he with stealth ran away to Pakistan.
He just did not have the courage to face his best friends and tell them about his decision.
This is the article that got published in Canadian Times of India of
January 1995.
********************************************PART ONE.
Baajoo Kee Gulley (The Side Lane)
********************************************
Manto:
“what is this rubbish?—I say,what is this rubbish?
amir jafri
Pardon me? what do you mean?
Manto:
I mean what the hell are you up to?
amir jafri
Well It’s just that I was about to write a short introduction of yourself.
Manto
Are you telling me that I really need an introduction?Don’t people already know me?What is this tamashaa (game-play).It has been precisely 40 years to this date that I was transferred to this abode—–remember? January 18,1955
amir jafri
Sure I do.But sir,look,it is precisely for this reason that I feel you need a re-introduction.The fault is not entirely yours!
Manto
What nerve!You chughad (big owl)–Explain.Elaborate.I think you forgot the inscription on my epitaph.
amir jafri
How can I?–I recall you composed it yourself five months prior to your er,er,–transfer! and that is exactly how it was inscribed.
Manto
Afraid? you wimp–say it loud.What is it?
amir jafri
Ahem,lets see—-[Hear lies SAADAT HASAN MANTO,In his breast are buried all the secrets and nuances of the art of short story writing.Even now,weighed down by earth,he is wondering if he is the great storyteller or God]
Manto
(cheerfully) you seem to be a friend.
amir jafri
(mischievously) Well,you who studied people all your life should not have a problem in spotting one.
Manto
Hey!that’s not as simple as it sounds.Besides.lets not broach the subject anymore—-some painful memories still linger on.So what else is new?
amir jafri
Well listen,I do not have too much time for a fast playback of the last forty years.I have to write this brief introduction about you.Now I don,t mind you taking a peek at it over my shoulder,but please don’t shy away to interject,if necessary.
Manto
You seem like my kind of guy—I hate phonies,I sincerely do.
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