Pakistani, Indian singers celebrate heritage online
The Lahore Arts Council Alhamra continues to thrive in its mission to promote cultural activities, regularly inviting ambassadors and internationally renowned personalities.
Recently, Bollywood star, ice hockey player, and motivational speaker Kevin Michael visited the Alhamra Arts Council.
Alhamra officials welcomed him with traditional hospitality.
During his visit, Kevin Michael met with Chairman Alhamra Razi Ahmed and Executive Director Sara Rasheed.
He was also shown around different areas of Al-Hamra by Director Asim Chaudhry.
Michael took a keen interest in the ongoing exhibition of the Artists Association of Punjab at the Alhamra Art Gallery.
He admired the artworks that reflected Pakistani literature and culture, expressing particular appreciation for the creativity of Pakistani artists. During his tour, he also visited the Alhamra studio and took photographs with statues of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal.
In another vibrant initiative, the Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts held its classes outdoors in the lush Barni Garden.
This initiative was warmly received by young artists who attended the classes with enthusiasm. Chairman Razi Ahmed expressed joy at seeing the optimism and talent in the youth, while Executive Director Sara Rasheed highlighted that hundreds of students are currently receiving education in twelve fields at the academy, benefitting from the expertise of experienced teachers.
The 36th exhibition of the Artists Association of Punjab was also a significant event at the Al-Hamra Art Gallery.
Inaugurated by Chairman Razi Ahmed alongside renowned artist Mian Ijazul Hasan, the exhibition featured 272 artworks by 190 artists.
The display received considerable appreciation from visitors and highlighted the depth of artistic talent in the region.
In a separate event, Secretary Information and Culture Punjab Ahmad Aziz Tarar visited the Punjab Arts Council.
He was warmly welcomed by Executive Director Syed Bilal Haider, who provided a comprehensive briefing on the council’s activities, including projects like Liberty Cultural Park, the Punjab Drama Act Ordinance 2023, and various annual development initiatives.
The Secretary expressed satisfaction with the council's efforts to promote art and culture and provided further directives to enhance these activities.
Meanwhile, film star Mumtaz, along with her son Zeeshan Raheel, officially entered the drama industry.
In a press conference at Bari Studio, Mumtaz announced that the drama serial "Yusuf," starring Zeeshan Raheel in the lead role, would premiere next month.
Mumtaz emphasised the current need for industry veterans and appealed to Maryam Nawaz Sharif for support in reviving the film industry.
In a heart-warming exchange on social media, famous Indian Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh expressed his admiration for Pakistani singer Shazia Manzoor by performing her song "Chan Mere Makhana".
Manzoor praised Dosanjh's rendition and thanked him for promoting Punjabi culture. In response, Dosanjh called himself Manzoor's biggest fan, to which she reciprocated the admiration, calling him the pride of Punjabis.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 21st, 2024.