Abstract:

Rifat Siddiqui’s article “Awaz Sayeed – Benaam Mausamon Ka Nauha” offers a critical overview of Awaz Sayeed’s literary contributions, focusing on his unique place among Hyderabadi fiction writers. The article highlights Sayeed’s evolution from early influences, such as Krishna Chandra and the progressive movement, to the development of his distinctive narrative style characterised by subtle characterisation, brevity, and psychological depth. Siddiqui emphasises Sayeed’s ability to portray ordinary characters with remarkable nuance, often using minimal yet vivid sketches that leave a lasting impression on readers.

The article discusses Sayeed’s mastery in various genres, including short stories, literary sketches (Khake), and radio plays, noting his significant role in chronicling the literary milieu of his time. Siddiqui points out that Sayeed’s sketches of literary contemporaries serve as important documentary records in Urdu literature, striking a balance between praise and a candid depiction of their flaws. The effectiveness of dialogue and the spoken word in Sayeed’s works is also explored, reflecting his skill in extracting deeper meaning from everyday language.

Sayeed’s significant works, including five collections of short stories and a volume of sketches, are listed, underscoring his prolific output. The article concludes by acknowledging Sayeed’s poetic sensibility, influenced by his association with prominent Urdu poets, which is evident in his prose poems.

Overall, Siddiqui presents Awaz Sayeed as a writer whose concise yet profound storytelling and literary sketches are essential for understanding the evolution of modern Urdu literature and the changing cultural landscape of Hyderabad.

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