Musical talent competition culminates in Lahore

LAHORE:

Like fans across the country, cricket enthusiasts in Lahore were gripped by World Cup fever as Pakistan faced India in New York.

The match was broadcast live on big screens at various locations in Lahore, including Alhamra.

A large crowd of artists and citizens watched the thrilling encounter between the traditional rivals. Families also attended in large numbers, enjoying every ball of the match. However, when Pakistan's team faced defeat, the cricket fans at Alhamra were visibly upset and openly criticized Babar XI.

In a breaking story for showbiz fans, renowned film star Mumtaz Begum, along with her actor son Zeeshan Raheel Bari, has opened a tea house at the historic Bari Studio.

A grand ceremony was held at the studio, attended by celebrities including film stars Meera, Durdana Rehman, Haider Sultan, actor Mohsin Gillani, and other notable artists, singers, and citizens. The event featured a Qawwali night, with a remarkable performance by renowned Qawwal Waqar Ali Santo and his team, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

In view of the summer vacation, the Lahore Arts Council has organized a summer camp for students at Alhamra. The camp includes classes in drawing, painting, Kathak, theater, miniature art, calligraphy, and sculpture.

Alhamra's head, Sarah Rashid, stated that experienced teachers will provide one-month training to future artists during the camp. The successful completion of the camp will give children valuable insights into the arts and boost their confidence.

Alhamra has announced a two-day Eid festival titled "Let's Share Happiness" to be held on June 13 and 14.

The festival will feature performances by renowned folk singer Arif Lohar and famous singers Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan, Suraj Khan, Chand Khan, Arsh Khan, and Nader Ali Khan, among others.

The Lollywood film "Manjo Maria" will be released on Eid. Film producer Sara Ali expressed her hope that audiences will support Pakistani cinema by watching the film.

The movie stars Asad Ali, Kiran Kazmi, and Abdul Mannan in lead roles. During a press conference at Lahore Press Club, Sara Ali mentioned that 60% of the film was shot in Gilgit-Baltistan and expressed confidence that viewers will appreciate the film.

Executive Director of Punjab Arts Council, Ghulam Saghir Shahid, held an important meeting with representatives of the Cultural Journalists Foundation of Pakistan. During the meeting, the delegation was briefed on the council's initiatives and future plans to promote arts and culture in 2023-24.

Shahid emphasised the ancient heritage of Punjabi culture and the council's commitment to preserving it while fostering cultural ties with various countries. He also highlighted the support provided to deserving artists through the Artist Support Fund. The delegation congratulated Ghulam Saghir Shahid on his appointment and assured their full support for his efforts to promote arts and culture in the province.

An artist talk was held at Alhamra Art Museum, where Dr Ijaz Anwar paid tribute to the world-renowned artist Ustad Allah Bakhsh. Speakers praised Allah Bakhsh's mastery, skill, and contribution to folk art, noting that his creations have become timeless pieces of history.

The Voice of Punjab festival, organised by the Punjab Arts Council, has reached the Lahore Division.

The music competition began on April 22 in Faisalabad and has travelled through 34 districts. Over 10,000 participants aged 14 to 30 from various schools, colleges, and universities have competed.