Rickshaw art: ‘Jalnay walay ka mun kaala’

Rickshaw art, although a part of the Pakistani pop culture, has not received its due acclaim globally. Similar to truck art, rickshaw art is all about quotes, catchphrases, couplets and paintings, usually featured on the back.

These are usually derived from popular culture, including age old catchphrases (muhawras) and films.

A few popular examples are:

‘Jalnay walay ka mun kaala’

‘Palat tera dhyan kidher hai’

‘ Dekh! Magar pyar se’

‘Koi dekha ya na dekha…Shabbir to dekhega’

‘Dekhney mein doli, chalnay mein goli’

‘Hum kaalay hai to kya howa..dil walay hai’

‘Jis ne maa ko sataya, usney rickshaw chalaya’

Since rickshaws travel all over the city, they have also become a popular mode of marketing and advertising.

Talking to Express News, an artist said that he usually works on two rickshaws a day and charged Rs 300 per client, which includes Rs 150 as labour charges.

Besides text, these artists also paint pictures of film characters, usually from Punjabi films such as the cult classic Maula Jutt.

Rickshaw art has become a common feature of Pakistan pop culture, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of people.