Showbiz stars scale back activities for Ashura

Artists host Majlis to commemorate Karbala sacrifice

LAHORE:

In honour of Muharram, the artist community has scaled back their showbiz activities and organised religious gatherings (majlis) to commemorate the sacrifice of Imam Hussain and the incident of Karbala.

Famous stage actress Afreen Pari hosted a majlis at her home in Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore. The gathering saw the participation of prominent artists from film, TV, and stage.

The virtues of Ahl al-Bayt were highlighted, and as Zakreen recounted the events of Karbala, many attendees were moved to tears.

Renowned stage director and writer Dr Ajmal Malik also organised a Majlis at his residence. Film star Saif Ali Khan, Afreen Pari, Jarrar Rizvi, and other well-known artists attended.

The event concluded with the Ziyarat Zul-Jinah and Shabiya-e-Alam, followed by nauh khawani.

Similar gatherings were held at the homes of film star Durdana Rahman and fashion designer Timmy Roy, attended by notable artists like Madiha Shah and Nishu Begum.

Actress Resham, who organises Nazr and Niaz throughout the year, made special arrangements during Muharram. She personally prepared and distributed Niaz, demonstrating her dedication to the cause.

The artist community expressed that the incident of Karbala teaches the importance of standing against oppression. However, due to rising inflation, many artists faced difficulties this year.

The Lahore Arts Council Alhamra organised an event titled “Marsiya Tahrir: Its Symbol and Universal Appeal.” Eminent intellectuals Asghar Nadeem Syed, Tahira Naqvi, and Nayar Ali Dada shared their views.

The event featured performances by singers Hamid Ali Khan, Inam Ali Khan, and Nayab Ali Khan, who paid tribute to the martyrs of Karbala.

Chairman Al Hamra, Razi Ahmed, and Executive Director Lahore Arts Council Al Hamra, Sara Rasheed, participated in the event.

The elegies of Josh Malekhabadi and Mir Anis were recited.

Qasim Jafari introduced the speakers and discussed the history and evolution of marsiyah.

The rising cost of living and increased electricity bills have heavily burdened showbiz personalities. Renowned actor Usman Pirzada revealed that he struggles to afford his electricity bills, despite using only one air conditioner.

He, his wife, and daughter all sleep in the same room to minimise costs.

Actor Khawaja Saleem shared that he spent his earnings on medical treatment and has appealed to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for financial assistance.

He mentioned that other artists, including Rashid Mehmood, are also facing financial difficulties and need support.