Ninth death anniversary of MA Rasheed observed

The legendary director has delivered 54 films during his career

LAHORE: The ninth death anniversary of legendary Lollywood director MA Rasheed was observed on Monday, June 1. Peers of the late director lamented his loss and reminisced about his contributions to the industry.

“MA Rasheed was our teacher in every sense of the word. I learnt a lot from him since the moment I started my career. He was extremely talented and a living, breathing institution for new comers in the industry. There is no doubt that he was one of the driving forces in the golden era of the local film industry,” veteran film director Altaf Hussain told The Express Tribune.

Senior film actor Ashi Khan also praised Rasheed for being the visionary that he was. “There are a few people like MA Rasheed who made history in local cinema. He was often referred to as ‘daddy’ and rightfully so, given his work and personality. He was a patriotic man who loved the industry to bits. His vision for films was always as per the audience’s demand. There is a reason that he was a formidable force for five decades,” Khan said.

Actor Shiba Butt expressed similar sentiments about Rasheed. “He is among those people who worked with a set focus which, in his case, was to set up a strong and sound local industry. His name alone would guarantee the success of a film. We need more directors like him,” said Butt.

According to Rasheed’s daughter, Rafia Rasheed Banti, a tribute ceremony was held on Monday in their hometown Islamabad. “Although my father is no more , his fans still miss his films and remember him for the fantastic work he did for this industry. He was a hard worker and a dedicated person who worked a lot for the country's film industry and took it to new heights.”

Through the course of his 50-year career, Rasheed directed and produced 54 super hit films, both in Urdu and Punjabi. He also served as the Chairman of Pakistan Film Producers Association. Among his famous films are Aas Paas, Moajza, Dil Mera Dharkan Teri, Aansoo Ban Gaye Moti, Sarhad Ki Goad Main, Aadmi, Panah, Sahab Jee, Milan, Khatron Kay Khilari and Meri Toba.

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