Houston (Web Desk): Bapsi Sidhwa, the distinguished Pakistani author, passed away at the age of 86 in Houston, Texas on Wednesday.
Renowned for her influential novel Ice Candy Man, Sidhwa's work captured the harrowing aftermath of the 1947 partition of India, a personal experience that left a profound mark on her writing.
Her vivid portrayal of the chaos and human suffering during that tumultuous time resonated with readers worldwide, earning Ice Candy Man a place on the BBC’s list of 100 most influential novels.
Born in Karachi on August 11, 1938, to a respected Parsi family, Sidhwa relocated with her family to Lahore when she was just a few months old, where she would spend much of her life.
Her writings, especially Ice Candy Man, offered a poignant lens into the trauma of partition, a subject she personally encountered as a child who had also been affected by polio.
The novel’s impact extended beyond literature, inspiring the 1998 film Earth, directed by Deepa Mehta, which brought the emotional depth of Sidhwa’s story to the silver screen.
Sidhwa’s literary journey began with her debut novel, The Crow Eaters, which also garnered critical acclaim, establishing her as a leading figure in modern literature.
Over the years, her contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards.
Her passing is a significant loss to the literary world, as Sidhwa’s work not only highlighted the personal and collective scars of the partition but also provided a powerful voice for those whose stories had long been overlooked.
According to her brother, Feroze Bhandara, memorial services will be held in Houston for three days before her final rites are carried out.