Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 2: A 27-year-old writer from the Pampore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has released her first book titled ‘Malaal’.
Shabrose Mehak, daughter of Sheikh Abdul Ahad and a resident of Khrew in Pampore, has published her first novel in the Kashmiri language after completing her master’s in English and a B.Ed.
Mehak said that she began writing a diary at a young age, around 10, where she expressed her emotions and daily experiences. “I have always had an interest in literature. I wanted to learn the basics of story writing, which led me to shift my focus from BSc to English literature for my post-graduation,” she explained.
Mehak said that while she wrote poems and short stories in English and Urdu, she was never satisfied with her work. “I was captivated by the sensitivity and flow of English literature. It made me realise that being a native speaker enhances free expression,” she said. “I took the pen and page and decided to write in my own language, Kashmiri, but initially struggled to start my story.”
Despite her challenges in crafting a narrative in Kashmiri, Mehak felt a strong desire to succeed. “There were times I considered abandoning the idea and writing in English instead, but I prayed for guidance to make this step easier for me,” she recalled. “If I had chosen English, I might have completed the novel in six months, but I dedicated one and a half years to creating a Kashmiri novel that the current generation would enjoy.”
‘Malaal’ is a romantic novel that explores themes of love, loss and liberation. “Set against the lush valleys of Kashmir, it tells the poignant story of Mehrosh, Posha and Aadan—the mysterious figure—navigating the complexities of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood,” she said.
The narrative unveils the darker aspects of a society shaped by patriarchal and matriarchal influences. “Amid Kashmir’s breathtaking beauty, ‘Malaal’ brings to light the silenced voices of women and marginalised communities through the intertwined lives of the main characters,” she added.
The story reveals the fears, pretensions and vulnerabilities that define the characters’ journeys. “Will Mehrosh, Posha and Aadan find the courage to break free from societal expectations, or will tradition silence their voices forever?” Mehak posed.
She said that ‘Malaal’ is a powerful exploration of the human condition, a testament to resilience and a tribute to the enduring power of love and resistance, even when it leads to chaos.
Mehak’s primary goal is to promote the Kashmiri language, enrich its content and encourage others to write. “I urge everyone to keep their pens alive and write unapologetically about what they observe and experience in our society,” she said. “My inspiration comes from the loving language my parents introduced me to from birth—Kashmiri.”
