Biographical Essay and Commentary

Abstract With meticulous research into the media existing about Hijab Imtiaz Ali, this chapter provides a never-before seen insight into not only the art of Hijab Imtiaz, the philosophies she held dear, the literature she loved, her research methods, her creative practice, but also her personal life. Here in this chapter can also be found first-time translations from Urdu of academic articles, transcripts of video interviews in Hijab Imtiaz’s own words, and also information the author has tabulated from interviews with Hijab Imitaz’s family. Akhtar used journalistic practice, embedding herself in Hijab Imtiaz’s world by visiting the home which was to be Imtiaz’s final resting place. It is this sense of mahual that gives the essay colour and nuance. Akhtar strays away from dry theorizing alone, giving the reader the perfect field in which to cultivate a new relationship with the writing of Hijab Imtiaz.