Book on satirist Kamal Ahmed Rizvi unveiled

Widow shares life and time of man who exposed dark side of society in comical manner

KARACHI:

The biography of iconic satirist Kamal Ahmed Rizvi penned by his widow was unveiled at an event organised by Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi. Ishrat Jahan Rizvi named the book "Khoya huwa Admi" or the lost man.

"Very few women get along with a man like Rizvi, I am honoured to have him for a husband," she said at the unveiling of her book at Arts Council Hasina Moin Hall. "While writing the book, I alwas felt he was at my side, correcting me pointing out my mistakes in his peculiar manner," she said in a voice cracking with emotions.

Rizvi is still remembered as the creator of Alif Noon, a satire on the cheats, counterfeits and con men in daily life of Pakistan, besides his out-ofbox TV show, Mr Shaitaan, showed the dark face of the society, and scores of television and stage dramas. ACP President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Dr Alia Imam, Bakhtiar Ahmed, Samina Ahmed, Shehzad Roy, Dr Raza Kazmi and SM Shahid spoke on the occasion while Huma Mir was moderator.

Ahmad Shah said that Kamal Ahmad Rizvi was a man of many facets. There are few people in the world whose work is their identity and is one of such names. Writers of earlier times, when writing plays, they also kept classical music and painting in their views. When Kamal performed on stage, his energy was visible. Ishrat Rizvi is very surprised to write a biography.

He said that he was fortunate that Kamal Ahmed Rizvi was also a member of the governing body of Arts Council and chairman of theater committee for many years. Expressing his views, Bakhtiar Ahmed said that there should be such work on life of Kamal Rizvi so that future generations can benefit from it.

He said that he knew Kamal Rizvi very well but there was no precedent for what Ishrat Jahan did. Dr Alia Imam said that Ishrat Jahan Rizvi is a writer with a strong vision. Kamal Ahmad Rizvi's whole personality is like a diamond which has hundreds of facets and in every facet there is eternal freshness and radiance. Speaking on the occasion, Samina Ahmed said that after reading the book, respect of Kamal Ahmed Rizvi has increased in her heart. Kamal Sahib really was a great personality. He said that Kamal Rizvi laid the foundation of theater in Lahore.

"I have learned a lot from them," she said. Acting as moderator of the event, Dr Huma Mir said that she worked with Kamal Rizvi in Intezar Hussain's great drama "Khuwabon K Musafir" where she had the opportunity to learn a lot from Kamal Rizvi.