FICTION
Urdu Literature / Urdu Fiction
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Stranger Things
— FLASH FICTION by
Iqbal Khurshid
(Translated from Urdu by Najam-uddin Ahmad)
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I teach Film and TV at the University. Yesterday, the last episode of Netflix series “Stranger Things” was aired. Its villain name was Vacna. And, I decided to test my students.
“I’m giving you hints of a web series’ villain. So, guess his name. Apparently, he is sensible, but in reality he is a very confused person. Although he smiles all the time, but pests every one. Appears to be simple, but a hidden danger.”
All the students wrote their answers on a piece of paper. But, when I read their answers I was stunned. Since, no one has mentioned the name of villain of the “Stranger Things”.
They all had quoted my name.
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Iqbal Khursheed
Born in a middle-class family, holds a Master’s in Mass Communication, English, and International Relations. Presently, resides in Karachi. He contributes to the literary and journalistic landscape. Also, he is renowned as an Urdu fiction writer, journalist, interviewer, columnist, vlogger, and film critic. Currently, he is associated with Geo News, Pakistan. Moreover, he was previously affiliated with reputable newspapers and media groups throughout his professional journey. Furthermore, he has conducted over 800 interviews with national and international personalities, and established himself as a prominent figure in journalism.
Work:
Iqbal’s two novels, “Tikon ki Chauthi Jeht” (Fourth Dimension of the Triangle) and “Gard Ka Tofan” (Dust Tornado), garnered attention and appreciation from critics and readers alike. Furthermore, he has also published Tikon ki Chauthi Jeht from India. Additionally, it was shortlisted for the UBL Award in the fiction category.
Also, his recent book, “Fiction Se Mukalma” (Dialogue with Fiction), features interviews with the top 16 Urdu fiction writers. And, this work has created significant ripples and garnered admiration within literary circles.
Additionally, Iqbal also serves as the editor of the prestigious Urdu literary journal Ijra and is the co-author of Sab Se Badi Jung, a notable work on the journalistic movement in Pakistan. He has also ventured into journalistic stories with his publication titled “One Minute Story”.
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More by Iqbal Khursheed:
Najam-uddin Ahamd
Born on June 02, 1971, is an Urdu novelist and short story writer. He did his masters in English Literature from Islamia University, Bahawalpur in 1996.
Work:
So far, Najam has published three novel: Mudfun (The Burials) in 2006, Khoj (The Explore) in 2016, and Saheem (The Partners) in 2019. Apart from this, he has published two collections of short stories: Aao Bhai Khelein (Brother, Let’s play) in 2013 and Fraar aur Doosray Afsanay (Flee and other short stories) in 2017. Furthermore, he has been working on his Urdu novel, Mena Jeet. And, a collection of Urdu Short Stories is also expected soon.
Translations:
Morever, he is also renowned for his translations from English to Urdu. And, he has seven books of translations on his credit. As well, among other translations he has recently translated the famous Turk epic “The Book of Dede Korkut” into Urdu, published by the Pakistan Academy of Letters. Simultaneously, he has also translated a good number of Urdu short stories into English.
Awards:
- Writers’ Guild Award, 2013 for Aao Bhai Khelein(Brother, Let’s play)
- And, UBL Excellence Award, 2017 for translation work: Nobel Inamyafta Adeebon Ki Kahanian (Short stories by Nobel Laureates in Literature).
- Also, Qoumi Adabi Award (Hassan Askari Award), 2019 from Pakistan Academy of Letters for Fasana-e-Alam — a collection of short stories by Nobel Laureates in Literature.