Renowned Pakistani novelist Bapsi Sidhwa breathes her last at 86

Renowned Pakistani writer and novelist, Bapsi Sidhwa, known for her landmark novel, 'Ice Candy Man', passed away at the age of 86 of in Houston, Texas in the United States, Geo News reported on Thursday.

According to her brother, Feroze Bhandara, the famous writer's last rites will be held in Houston following three days of memorial ceremonies.

Sidhwa was born to a prominent Parsi family in Karachi on August 11, 1938. However, only three months after her birth, she moved to Lahore with her parents where she spent much of her life.

Sidhwa's novel, 'Ice Candy Man', went on to become one of the most celebrated novels worldwide and significantly shaped international perceptions of Pakistani literature.

This novel features her vivid depiction of the chaos and suffering during the traumatic events of the partition of the Indian sub-continent in 1947, which she had witnessed and experienced firsthand as a child in Lahore.

The novel was included in the BBC's 100 most influential novels.

Later, Indian-Canadian film director and screenwriter, Deepa Mehta, made a film called 'Earth' based on this novel which features a young girl affected by polio, witnessing he horrors of the riots during the partition, just like Sidhwa who was also affected by polio in her childhood.

After the partition, Sidhwa's family decided to stay on this side of the border.

Sidhwa's first novel, 'The Crow Eaters', also brought her to the heights of fame.

She was also awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the government of Pakistan in recognition of her services.

The showbiz world mourned the loss of Sidhwa's death as they offered their condolences by remembering her work.

Condolences pour in

Actor Nadia Jamil share a post on her Instagram account, saying there will only ever be one legendary Bapsi Sidhwa. 

"RIP Bapsi Khala. You are a legend. A beautiful writer, woman, human becoming, a mentor, a friend, a loving soul. Be in eternal bliss and peace. And Thank you. We are so grateful for everything you have been, for everything you have written, for the books, films, stories, laughter and tears. Thank you so very very much. I will cherish this note in which you announced I was your adopted daughter till my dying day. You will live on in your stories. Forever," she wrote. 

Pakistani film director and writer Abu Aleeha also mourned the death of the famous writer. 

Actor Ali Rehman Khan, on his Instagram Story, wrote: "Another legend gone. RIP Bapsi."