How a tragic romance became the definitive milestone of Urdu drama
In short: Imtiaz Ali Taj transformed a quasi-mythical legend into a cultural phenomenon with his 1922 play Anarkali. By framing the story as a clash between patriarchal authority and forbidden love, Taj captured the imagination of millions, influencing generations of cinema and cementing his legacy as a titan of Urdu literature.
Born in Lahore in 1900, Syed Imtiaz Ali Taj emerged as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Urdu drama. His most celebrated work, Anarkali, reimagined the legend of a courtesan whose romance with Prince Salim—the future Emperor Jahangir—allegedly led to her being buried alive by Emperor Akbar in 1599. While historical records from the period, including Jahangir’s own autobiography, remain silent on this affair, the story persisted as a potent folktale. Taj utilized this narrative not merely for romance, but to explore the suffocating dynamics of power, portraying the relationship between Akbar and his son as a complex struggle of filial love and hate.
Taj’s influence extended far beyond the stage. He was a versatile intellectual who translated Shakespeare into Urdu, edited literary journals, and directed radio programs following the independence of Pakistan in 1947. His comedic creation, Chacha Chakkan, remains the funniest character in Urdu literature, often compared to Jerome K. Jerome’s Uncle Podger. Throughout his career, Taj acted as a bridge between the early pioneers of Indian theatre and the contemporary playwrights of his time, earning him the Pride of Performance Award in 1965.
The legacy of his work is perhaps best seen in the cinematic adaptations of Anarkali. While Taj’s original play maintained a tragic ending, later films like the 1960 epic Mughal-e-Azam introduced creative twists, including a more merciful conclusion. Despite his own skepticism regarding the historical authenticity of the legend, Taj’s writing turned a local myth into a national touchstone. His life ended abruptly in 1970 when he was assassinated in his home, an event that also saw his wife, Hijab Imtiaz Ali—a pioneering pilot and writer—bravely attempt to intervene. Today, his contributions are remembered through his vast body of work, estimated at over 100 books, and his enduring impact on the cultural landscape of South Asia.
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