Umer Shareef, well known actor, director, writer and comedian, held a press conference at Karachi Press Club on the evening of May 13, as he addressed many pertinent issues facing the entertainment industry.
Clad in a shalwar suit, he pulled up his sleeves and began: “The media has a big role to play, a very positive role to play, to enhance the credibility of any given institution.”
He thanked the government of Sindh for naming a park after the late Moin Akhtar. “This action of the government is laudable and serves as oxygen for us, to know that the government, too, cares about us.”
Shareef was of the view: “If such landmarks are dedicated to the artists of the county, foreigners visiting the land get a fair idea of the fact that these people are cultured and soft-hearted people.”
Shareef expounded the need for the art and culture of the country to be nurtured, so as to become a part of our national identity. “Sadly today we have no such cultural policy in the country. Look at how Indian superstars such as Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Dilip Kumar, Aishwarya Rai-Bachan and Madhuri Dixit are the cultural promoters of India. They are the true face of India, not their politicians.”
He said: “Our embassies and consulates stationed abroad must boost cultural activities by introducing artists or cultural troupes in foreign lands.”
Shareef further said: “There should be at least 10 dramas being staged in the city at a time, on regular basis. By engaging people in such activities, there will be a decline in the crime rate of the city.”
About holding more cultural activities, Shareef said: “We have a food street, why can’t we have an art street or a cultural street? This sector, too, needs to be developed. Many art activities should take place, dramas should be staged and painting exhibitions should be inaugurated.”
He was of the view: “We should not only perform for the elite of the country, but entertainment should be provided for the poor people of the country as well. I am ready to give free-of-charge services by holding two shows for the poor of this country on a monthly basis.” He said he would be more involved in charitable activities and was eager to do a benefit show for an ailing artist of Punjab.
About the Arts Council he said: “Today the Arts Council looks more like a Business Council.
Through the media I would like to highlight the fact that only artists should have the power to vote at the Arts Council. I don’t want to criticise anyone and, yes, the Arts Council is meant for everyone, and we highly appreciate the work of art lovers at the Arts Council, but the right to vote should be reserved for the artist community.”
Lastly, he prayed for the late Moin Akhtar, and said: “The government should at least honour the deceased artist’s memory by introducing a Best Entertainers Award in his name, which should be an annual event.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2011.
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