“Diving into the realms of ‘Eik Tarah Ka Pagal Pan’ (A Kind of Madness) by Rahman Abbas, one is immediately transported into a narrative that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of love-themed novels. Published recently in both Pakistan and India, this Mumbai-based fiction writer’s novel has sparked significant discussions since its release in late December 2023.
The novel’s unveiling at Café Khanabadoosh, Hyderabad, during the ‘Ayaz Melo’ commemorating Sheikh Ayaz Sindhi, was an event that set the stage for an insightful exploration of love in Urdu literature. As the moderator of this event, I had the privilege of engaging in a conversation with Professor Amar Sindhu and the author himself, Rahman Abbas. What ensued was a discussion that not only probed the depths of the novel but also raised questions about the treatment of love in Urdu literature.
Abbas, known for his candid critiques, boldly asserts that Urdu novels often fall short of doing justice to the theme of love. In a conversation we had later, he shared, “Questions were very tough, but they provided me with a chance to talk about my style, art, and the theme of the novel. I enjoyed it immensely.” This joy emanates from his endeavor to challenge the norms and carve a niche for himself in a literary landscape often criticized for its timidity in exploring the complexities of love.
Questions were very tough, but they provided me with a chance to talk about my style, art, and the theme of the novel. I enjoyed it immensely – Rahman Abbas
The novel’s central claim, as articulated by Abbas, is that Urdu literature lacks works comparable to global classics like ‘Madame Bovary,’ ‘Anna Karenina,’ or ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ when it comes to portraying love. To understand this perspective, I delved into the novel, posing questions that emerged from the substantial criticism Abbas faced after the novel’s announcement in both Pakistan and India.
I have made an effort to do justice with the love theme in my novel – Rahman Abbas
Abbas contends that his novel, ‘Eik Tarah Ka Pagal Pan,’ is an attempt to rectify this gap. In our discussion, he emphasized, “I have made an effort to do justice with the love theme in my novel.” The novel, exploring the extremities of love, challenges nonplatonic clichés and pushes the boundaries of romantic and sexual aspects, focusing on a spiritual connection as the final and extreme stage—what Abbas refers to as real love.
I have made an effort to do justice with the love theme in my novel -Rahman Abbas
In his critique of Urdu fiction under the banner of Modernism, Abbas opposes the absolute abstraction and departure from ‘Kahani pan’ by fiction writers. He sees his own work as a rebuttal to formulaic modernism in Urdu fiction. This conflict between realism and experimentation unfolds fascinatingly in the novel, providing readers with a unique perspective on the evolution of Urdu literature.
My fiction is a rebuttal to formulaic modernism in Urdu fiction- Rahman Abbas
As a reader, my primary pursuit is literary pleasure, and it’s heartening that Rahman Abbas values readers seeking such enjoyment. In my three readings of the novel, the first was not just for literary pleasure but also an examination of the effects and emotions evoked when celebrated authors reconstruct their published works. Comparing this approach with global examples such as Orson Scott’s “Ender’s Game” or Margaret Atwood’s “The Testaments,” Abbas’s “Forbidden Love Story” stands out as a testament to the transformative power of rewriting.
For they lived long enough to know that the love was always love any time, any place, but it was more solid the closer it came to the death- Gabriel García Márquez
Moving through time, from 2009 to 2023, Abbas takes readers on a journey through the shifting landscapes of Indian society, Konkani society, and Maharashtra. While exploring the fate of Abdul Aziz in the novel, echoes of real-world incidents like the murders of poets and writers, the rise of fundamentalism, and societal changes resonated, offering readers a thought-provoking reflection on contemporary issues.
The novel’s multilayered narrative unfolds in Sural, a village in Konkan, where the story navigates the challenges posed by global Islamic missionary sensuality and modern fundamentalism. These layers extend beyond the central theme of love, presenting readers with a captivating array of sub-themes. One character that stands out is ‘Sharifa Paosakar,’ whose development sparks an interest in world literature in the protagonist, Abdul Aziz, adding yet another layer to the narrative.
Abbas’s incorporation of ‘Magic Realism’ draws inspiration from Gabriel García Márquez, enhancing the novel’s beauty. Some may identify cinematic techniques in his storytelling, which, instead of being considered a flaw, contribute to the acceptance and enrichment of his novels.
The scenery in Rahman Abbas’s novels is something that some have called the use of ‘cinematic techniques’ in satire – but to me, it is not a flaw in Rahman Abbas’s novels, and this technique also plays a role in the acceptance of his novels.
Beyond the pages, Abbas sees the novel as a potent force, more influential than politics in its impact and scope. At a time when right-wing radicalism threatens to sow hatred, Abbas believes that presenting ‘serious and interesting forms of love madness’ through novels can counteract such efforts. This sentiment aligns with the broader literary landscape in Pakistan and India, where fiction is challenging taboos and reshaping societal discourses in various languages, including Urdu, Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, Telugu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Saraiki, Balochi, Bengali.
The novel is more powerful than politics in terms of its impact and scope.
As we traverse this literary odyssey with Rahman Abbas, his novel emerges not only as a love-infused masterpiece but also a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary issues and a challenge to the norms of Urdu literature. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of fiction in shaping societal narratives and challenging retrogressive paths.
In conclusion, “A Kind of Madness” invites readers into a world where love is not merely a romantic notion but a force that challenges, transforms, and transcends. Rahman Abbas, with his nuanced storytelling, has crafted a novel that adds vibrancy to the literary landscape, inspiring conversations that extend beyond its pages.
