Cultural extravaganza lights up Lahore for Eid

Premieres, performances, tributes mark celebrations

LAHORE:

Eidul Azha celebrations in Lahore were marked by a series of cultural events, including the release of the highly anticipated Pakistani film "Bhediya," starring a cast of showbiz stars.

The colourful premiere of the film took place at a local cinema in Fortress Stadium, featuring prominent actors such as Sidra Noor, Durdana Rehman, director Jarrar Rizvi, and Zara Shah.

The film also showcases Shehryar Cheema, son of renowned actor Shafqat Cheema, in the role of a police officer.

The cast expressed their dedication to the project, highlighting it as a significant Eid gift for audiences.

"Bhediya," directed by Shehzad Bilal, is a gripping action-thriller about a serial killer targeting women.

Meanwhile, the long-awaited science fiction film "Amro Ayyar" also premiered in Lahore, hailed as the city's largest premiere show.

The event saw participation from the entire cast, including Fawad Khan, Saba Qamar, Faisal Qureshi, and Mawra Hussain, among other showbiz celebrities.

The team revealed that the film took four years to complete and will be screened on 500 screens worldwide, including in Pakistan.

Directed by Azfar Jafri and written by Atif Rehan Siddiqui, "Amro Ayyar" features a stellar cast including Usman Mukhtar, Sanam Saeed, Faran Tahir, and many others.

In addition to film premieres, Lahore Arts Council Alhamra hosted a two-day Eid Mela.

On the second day, renowned folk singer Arif Lohar and his team performed, captivating the audience with traditional music and dance.

The event drew large crowds, and due to its popularity, another Eid Mela is planned for Alhamra Cultural Complex.

The opening ceremony was addressed by Alhamra’s Executive Director Sara Rashid, who emphasised the council's role in connecting people with their cultural roots.

The Punjab Arts Council concluded the Lahore Division level competitions of the All Punjab Music Competition 2024.

Participants from Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Lahore districts competed, with Meesam Abbas from Lahore, Bilal from Sheikhupura, and Asif Ali from Kasur securing the top three positions.

Additional Secretary Culture Tariq Basra and Executive Directors from various cultural organisations attended the event.

The grand finale of the Punjab Music Competition 2024 is scheduled for June 28 in Lahore, where the top 27 singers will compete for the title of the best voice of Punjab.

In other news, the 40th day memorial (Chehlum) for the mother of Pride of Performance award-winning singer Shahida Mini was held at her residence in Johar Town.

The event was attended by political, social, and showbiz personalities, including international fashion designer Mahmood Bhatti, fashion designer BG, musician Altaf Hussain Tafoo Khan, director Pervez Kaleem, singer Waris Baig, and many others.The memorial included a prayer by Qari Ghulam Nabi and a performance by renowned Nauha Khawan Hassan Sadiq.

A condolence reference was held in Lahore to honor legendary Pakistani actors, singers, poets, and film directors, including Qavi Khan, Khalid Butt, Shaukat Zaidi, and many more.

The event, organized by the Asian Cultural Association of Pakistan, paid tribute to their contributions to the arts. Secretary General Syed Sohail Bukhari highlighted the importance of recognising the artistic achievements of these legends and announced plans to continue such acknowledgments in the future.