Today marks the second death anniversary of the renowned actor Nusrat Ara, popularly known for her role as Bill Batori in Ainak Wala Jin. In loving memory of the actor, her colleague, Haseeb Pasha, also paid her a tribute on October 12 in the form of a play called Jin Or Jadugar, which was performed at the Alhamrah Hall 2.
Pasha performed the role of Hamoon Jadugar, as the play also paid a tribute to the makers of the popular 90s children’s series, inviting all the co-stars and the late Batori’s colleagues. Prior to the play, there was a detailed discussion surrounding Ara’s contributions to television and her iconic role.
In conversation with the Express Tribune, Pasha admitted that many people who worked in Ainak Wala Jinn led a lonely and tragic lives after the series ended, regardless of their contributions. “Even after two years, Nusrat Ara’s death rings a sad memory, as we spent years working together during golden era of PTV.
She was the best colleague and loved by children around the country, which brought such a huge success Ainak Wala Jinn. However, much of the serial’s crew led a sad life after it ended, which made their death even more tragic, including Munna Lahori, who played Zakuta,” he specified. “I think it is unfair that they were ignored and it is our duty to remember their services. We need to make sure such tragedies do not happen again, which is why we have organised this event.”
Ara’s career initiated from theatre, as the performer moved from Karachi to Lahore to land an acting role in the PTV comedy. She gained significant fame for her role in the 90’s, which also brought her immense viewership from youngsters of that era. However, it was not enough to unlock other doors for her, as she was shut out by the industry after. A severe illness prevented her from working, leading to poverty.
According to her family, Ara would often sit at the holy shrine of Data Darbar in Lahore, struggling her way to some form of survival. During the last year of her life, she was also admitted to different hospitals but her irrecoverable health led to her eventual death two years ago at Jinnah Hospital in Lahore, at the age of 65.
During her life, the star also admitted that she had spent three years begging at the shrine. But her self-respect did not allow her to beg from any authority figure, especially after the way she was treated. Ara also believed that it was not fitting for an actor to be needy, lest it ruin the powerful image people had of her.
Nonetheless, she would often complain about the way the government ignored her when she fell from fame.
Senior stage actor Shiba Butt said, “Bill Batori was the name of an era, not just a character, and there are thousands who watched her performance every day on their TV screens. Artists are the asset of our country and they should not be sidelined by the government. I’m sure there are still plenty of artists out there facing similar circumstances and I request the government to do something about their talent.”
Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ