Electricity bills, inflation take toll on artistes

Community calls for relief as financial burdens mount

LAHORE:

The ongoing surge in inflation and electricity bills has significantly impacted the general public, including the artistic community.

Presidential award-winning actor Rashid Mahmood, disheartened by his electricity bill, expressed his despair to the extent of praying for death.

He revealed that his electricity bill exceeded Rs45,000, exacerbating his existing health issues, including four heart attacks and a stroke.

Mahmood lamented, “I have dedicated my life to serving the nation through my art, yet there is no work in Lahore. If the authorities cannot support us, why are they making our lives more difficult?”

Renowned film star Nisho Begum is also enraged by her Rs100,000 electricity bill.

Similarly, actress and director Sangeeta was shocked to receive a bill of Rs60,000 despite using minimal electricity.

“I only use one AC and have kept the others unplugged,” she stated.

Comedian Ghafar Lehri, who lives in a rented small house and uses only a fan, was appalled to receive a Rs20,000 bill, much higher than the expected PKR 3,000. Despite visiting the LESCO office, he was told he must pay the bill in full.

Prominent singer Shazia Manzoor offered advice to the public on reducing electricity bills: “Use oil lamps and turn off the lights.”

She referenced her famous song “Batiyan Bujhai Rakh Di, Diwa Balay Saari Raat” and noted that following this advice helps keep her bill low. She encouraged Pakistanis to listen to her song repeatedly and learn from its message.

In other news, actress Meera has returned to showbiz, playing the lead role in the drama serial “Umrao Jan Ada,” currently being recorded in Lahore.

The cast includes Jia Ali, Moammar Rana, Ali Anjum, Hassan Murad, Fariha Jabeen, Tabassum Khan, and others.