If you’re looking to add some romance to your life, look no further than the Urdu is a romantic language, which boasts some of the most romantic novels of all time! If you’re new to the Urdu language, don’t worry; the more popular works are often translated into English as well! Here are 10 of the most romantic Urdu novels ever written.
1) Ghazala Nadeem – Mehrunisa Aur Mehrunnisa
Written by award-winning novelist Ghazala Nadeem, Mehrunisa Aur Mehrunnisa (English: 'Mehrunisa and Mehrunnisa') is a 2013 social romantic novel that deals with the hardships of lower-middle-class Pakistani families. The story centers around two girls who are best friends and the difficult choices they have to make.
2) Amna Hasan – Agar Tum Na Hote
Amna Hasan's debut Urdu novel is Agar Tum Na Hote, which was published in 2008. It won the 2010 Pakistan Media Award for Best Book by Young Writer. The Urdu novel follows Shazia and Rahim through their teenage years. When Shazia and Rahim graduate from high school, they try to balance living on their own with figuring out what to do next in life.
3) Saira Riasat – Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mastana
All of us have had our fair share of heartbreak. This Urdu novel has protagonists who fall in love and then something happens that causes them to break up, and then they end up getting back together.
4) Farhat Ishtiaq – Zindaginama
Zindaginama is a romantic novel that was written by Farhat Ishtiaq in the late 1960s. This is an example of a romantic Urdu novel that features the idea of good and evil, but in this case, good triumphs over evil and love conquers all. Zindaginama begins with a village girl who is considered to be good for nothing.
5) Mohsin Hamid – How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia by Mohsin Hamid, It is a romantic novel in which Pakistani businessman Changez marries an American woman who moves to the US and starts out with a tiny clothing company that builds itself into a major international corporation. Eventually, both Changez and his company become symbols of globalization at its most benign and successful. The protagonist's life, spanning twenty years on two continents, is beautifully described--the seductions of first love; the ecstasy of true partnership; the melancholy of unexpected loss.
6) Rabee Jabbar – Khushboo Ki Dorian
One of the best Urdu romantic novels that I have read this novel so far is Khushboo Ki Dorian. This novel was written by Rabee Jabbar and published in 2005. It is a story about how two people find love in one another and give hope to each other’s lives after facing many heartbreaks in life.
7) Adeel Ahmed – Jungli Sher
Adeel Ahmed's first romantic novel, Jungli Sher (meaning The Wild Mountain), was published in 1967. It features the story of Bhola, a simple villager who falls for Sukanya and decides to pursue her against all odds. Sukanya's father opposes the relationship because of Bhola's low economic status, which results in him and his family being evicted from their village.
8) Tahira Naqvi – Meri Adhuri Kahani
I enjoyed this Urdu novel because it was relatable. The main character of the romantic novel is Ramsha, an average middle-class Pakistani girl trying to find her way in a world that sometimes feels like it wants to suffocate her. She struggles with guilt and self-doubt as she tries to balance love, family, and tradition.
9) Shazia Omar – Apni Jaa Ko To Jaana
I hope you'll find your next favorite Urdu novel on this list. I only included novels that are available in English, because it's not possible to read most Urdu novels. Plus, these ten novels are pure romance and will sweep you off your feet with an amazing love story. These are the top 10 romantic Urdu novels that will make your heart melt!
10) Intizar Hussain - Nazrat ki Duniya Ke Ghar Jamai
This Urdu novel is written by Intizar Hussain. Nazrat ki Duniya Ke Ghar Jamai is the story of a woman who runs away from her unhappy marriage with her young daughter to start a new life. They embark on a journey from Lahore, their hometown, to Karachi, where they have family and friends waiting for them.