Alhamra resonates with musical legacy of Noor Jehan

Prominent singers and musicians lauded for contributions

LAHORE:

The grandest cultural affair in the provincial capital unfolded at Lahore Arts Council Alhamra, where tribute was paid to the artistic legacy of Madam Noor Jehan.

The event saw the participation of esteemed figures like Nagma Begum, Zulfiqar Mana, Mustafa Qureshi, Syed Noor, Safdar Malik, Aasma Butt, Saira Naseem, Aasma Lata, Megha, Masood Butt, Ali Badr, Shaheen Dar, Faisal Hayat and numerous other artists.

Serving as the chief guest was Punjab Information and Culture Secretary Daniyal Gaillani.

The ceremony commenced with a striking portrait unveiling of Noor Jehan, followed by a captivating performance by Aasma Lata, who donned the persona of the legendary singer.

Daniyal Gaillani honoured Mumtaz Begum with a turban and presented her with the Noor Jehan Award.

Filmstar Naghama Begum received recognition from Ali Badr and Asma Butt, while film director Syed Noor and Masood Butt bestowed an award upon Mahim Rehman.

The event also featured accolades presented by senior film producer Safdar Malik, Daniyal Gaillani and others, highlighting the enduring impact of Noor Jehan's legacy on the entertainment industry.

Additionally, prominent singers and musicians of Pakistan were lauded for their stellar contributions, with renowned artistes such as Humira Channa, Ustad Tafo, and Anwar Rafi receiving prestigious awards and cash prizes.

EMI, a leading music company, distributed royalty checks to veteran musicians and singers, underscoring their invaluable contributions to the film industry.

In cinematic news, the film "Texali Gate," helmed by director Abu Aliha, has captivated audiences across cinemas.

The movie's premiere, attended by luminaries like Ayesha Umar, Yasir Hussain, and Meher Bano, was a star-studded affair that showcased the rich cultural tapestry of Lahore's inner city.

Actress Iqra Aziz made a special appearance at the premiere, adding to the glitz and glamour of the event.

Furthermore, the Lahore Literary Festival unveiled its schedule, promising an array of thought-provoking debates, music performances, seminars, and book launches over three days.

Additionally, the Punjab Arts Council has announced the dates for the Punjab Painting Competition and Punjab Theatre Competition, marking the beginning of a talent hunt aimed at nurturing creativity and artistic expression across the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25^th, 2024.