In memoriam: Kismat Awards to recognise excellence in regional theatre
Thespian Kismat Baig was killed in November, 2016
Kismat Baig. PHOTO: FILE
LAHORE:
In a first, an award ceremony will be organised in Lahore to recognise excellence in regional theatre.
The Kismat Awards – named after slain thespian Kismat Baig who was murdered in November last year -- will be held at Tamasil Theatre on January 26. The initiative is the brainchild of the deceased actor's sister Sitara, who chairs Kismat Foundation.
Kismat Baig murder: 'Won't settle for anything but justice'
“The history of Pakistan’s commercial theatre is very vibrant, especially in Lahore. People flock to performances as we offer a number of quality plays and work very hard to promote them,” Sitara told The Express Tribune.
"Legends such as Amanullah Khan, Mastana, Babu Baral, Nargis, Naseem Vicky, Nasir Chinioti, Hina Shaheed and my sister Kismat have been ignored for long. The Kismat Foundation is taking the initiative to honour excellence in theatre over 2016," she said.
This year, the scope of the ceremony is restricted to the Punjab. But, Sitara and her team plan on expanding its reach to encompass the nation. “We have invited Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb as the chief guest," Sitara revealed.
Kismat Baig murder: Nargis, Naseem Vicky questioned by police
The key purpose behind organising the awards is to pay tribute to Kismat and artistes of her ilk. “This year, the jury has nominated my late sister in the Best Stage Actress and Dancer category,” shared Sitara. “Also, by doing so, we hope the government takes measures to secure artistes' lives and welfare," she said.
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In a first, an award ceremony will be organised in Lahore to recognise excellence in regional theatre.
The Kismat Awards – named after slain thespian Kismat Baig who was murdered in November last year -- will be held at Tamasil Theatre on January 26. The initiative is the brainchild of the deceased actor's sister Sitara, who chairs Kismat Foundation.
Kismat Baig murder: 'Won't settle for anything but justice'
“The history of Pakistan’s commercial theatre is very vibrant, especially in Lahore. People flock to performances as we offer a number of quality plays and work very hard to promote them,” Sitara told The Express Tribune.
"Legends such as Amanullah Khan, Mastana, Babu Baral, Nargis, Naseem Vicky, Nasir Chinioti, Hina Shaheed and my sister Kismat have been ignored for long. The Kismat Foundation is taking the initiative to honour excellence in theatre over 2016," she said.
This year, the scope of the ceremony is restricted to the Punjab. But, Sitara and her team plan on expanding its reach to encompass the nation. “We have invited Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb as the chief guest," Sitara revealed.
Kismat Baig murder: Nargis, Naseem Vicky questioned by police
The key purpose behind organising the awards is to pay tribute to Kismat and artistes of her ilk. “This year, the jury has nominated my late sister in the Best Stage Actress and Dancer category,” shared Sitara. “Also, by doing so, we hope the government takes measures to secure artistes' lives and welfare," she said.
Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.