Profile of Tauseef Bareilvi
Real Name : Muhammad Tauseef Khan
Born : 01 Aug 1991 | Bareilly, Uttar pradesh
Tausif Bareilvi’s name is relatively new in Urdu literature. However, after 2010, he emerged as one of the most promising and educated voices in Urdu fiction. Although he had been writing stories since his early years, it was in 2015, after joining Aligarh Muslim University for his Ph.D., that he found a more nurturing environment and developed a deeper understanding of literature.
At Aligarh, he was mentored by his supervisor, the well-known Urdu critic Professor Maula Bakhsh, along with Professor Tariq Chhatari, a prominent Urdu fiction writer post-1970, and Dr. Muid Rashidi, a renowned poet and critic of the new Urdu generation. Their guidance had a significant impact on his storytelling. During his Ph.D., Tausif edited a book titled *Nazr-e-Sir Syed* as a tribute to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the great Indian reformer and educationist. He also translated *Gokhru*, a collection of stories by Pushpita Awasthi, a well-known Hindi writer, into Urdu, retaining the same title.
In 2020, his first collection of short stories, *Zehn Zad*, was published and received wide acclaim in Urdu literary circles.
Tausif Bareilvi’s stories capture the struggles of people in the 21st century. His characters often face the harsh realities of modern life—fighting religious sectarianism, dealing with the blind adoption of modernity and Western culture, and struggling with the pressures of high-tech lifestyles. Some characters chase wealth at the cost of relationships, while others drown in materialism and lose their sense of purpose.
Many of his stories explore marriage and relationships in today’s world, delving into the psychology of couples and addressing themes like trust, love, and the importance of emotional connection. He also highlights the causes behind failed relationships, such as societal pressures to maintain family honor or love being sacrificed for financial power.
What stands out in his work is the presence of bio-critical elements, which blend seamlessly with the storytelling, making his narratives both engaging and thought-provoking.