Ismat Chughtai (21 August 1915 – 24 October 1991) was an Indian Urdu novelist, short story writer, liberal humanist and filmmaker. She was born in Badayun, UP.

Beginning in the 1930s, she wrote extensively on themes including female sexuality and femininity, middle-class gentility, and class conflict, often from a Marxist perspective. With a style characterised by literary realism, Chughtai established herself as a significant voice in the Urdu literature of the twentieth century, and in 1976 was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India.

Ismat Chughtai, a prominent Urdu writer from India, drew inspiration from the works of Anton Chekhov and other Russian writers in her writing. Ismat Chughtai was known for her progressive and feminist themes in her stories, and she admired the literary techniques and storytelling styles of Russian writers like Chekhov.

Chekhov's emphasis on subtle character development, psychological realism, and exploration of the human condition greatly influenced Chughtai's writing. She often used nuanced character portrayals and delved into the complexities of human relationships, similar to Chekhov's approach. Chughtai's stories often explored the everyday struggles and dilemmas faced by women in Indian society, echoing the themes of social realism found in Russian literature.

Chughtai's interest in Russian literature extended beyond Chekhov. She was also influenced by other Russian writers like Leo Tolstoy and Maxim Gorky. These authors' ability to depict the intricacies of human behavior, society, and the tension between tradition and modernity resonated with Chughtai's own exploration of these themes in her stories.

While Chughtai drew inspiration from Russian literature, her work also reflects her unique cultural and social context, addressing issues specific to Indian society and the experiences of women in that setting. Her writing fused elements of Russian literary techniques with her own cultural observations, resulting in a distinctive narrative style that continues to be celebrated for its depth and authenticity.

Published on the Birth Anniversary of Ismat Chughtai