Sufi Night fosters spiritual harmony

Sitar maestro Ustad Saleem Khan wows audience at Alhamra

LAHORE:

Continuing its tradition of promoting cultural heritage, the Asian Cultural Association of Pakistan organised a Qawwali Night at Punjab Auditorium, Punjabi Complex.

Renowned qawwal Tahir Mehdi delivered a powerful performance, earning thunderous applause from the audience.

The event commenced with a recitation in praise of Allah. Notable figures, including veteran actor Rashid Mehmood, Pir Syed Suhail Bukhari, and actor Shahid Khan, graced the event, presenting floral garlands and honoring Tahir Mehdi for his contributions to qawwali music.

Meanwhile, at Alhamra Art Centre, legendary sitar player Ustad Saleem Khan, along with his ensemble, captivated a large audience.

Following the performance, Alhamra's Executive Director, Saira Rasheed, expressed her pride in the institution's ongoing role in preserving cultural values.

She emphasised that Alhamra's music concerts are evolving with fresh new elements, further enriching Pakistan's cultural landscape.

In cinema news, the much-anticipated Lollywood film Manjo Maria, full of suspense and drama, has finally been released in cinemas after delays due to censorship. The vibrant premiere in Lahore was attended by the cast and prominent industry personalities.

The film, set against the stunning backdrop of Gilgit-Baltistan, features Abdul Manan as Manjo and Kiran Kazmi as Maria, with Asad Ali in a leading role.

Directed by Ali Raj and produced by Sarah Ali, the film promises a visually stunning and emotionally gripping experience.

In another cultural event, the Federal Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Department of Culture and National Heritage, hosted a Sufi Night at Aiwan-e-Iqbal.

The event, organised by former MPA and federal cultural coordinator Farah Deeba, featured spellbinding performances by celebrated singer Shabnam Majeed and folk artist Saeen Zahoor.

During the event, Farah Deeba highlighted the role of Sufi music in spreading peace and unity across the Indian subcontinent, and reiterated the government's commitment to preserving Pakistan's cultural assets through various programs and initiatives.

At Lahore Arts Council Alhamra, a two-day stage drama Oont Patang also garnered significant attention, drawing large crowds. The play, based on a real-life incident in Sindh where a camel's leg was amputated, sheds light on the feudal system. Special guest actress Faryal Gohar attended, alongside Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture Shazia Rizwan and Alhamra Executive Director Sarah Rasheed.

At the closing ceremony, young actors were awarded honorary certificates for their performances.

In another development, the Punjab Arts Council is actively working to curb indecency and vulgarity in theatrical performances. In this regard, stage actress Khoobsurat Kaif has been recommended for a three-month ban following inappropriate gestures during a performance at the Marine Theatre in Sahiwal.

The council has formally recommended the ban to the Deputy Commissioner of Sahiwal.

Lastly, renowned Pakistani stage writer Muneer Raj has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke. The 74-year-old writer, known for his numerous successful stage plays including Rola Daj Da, Fiqa in America, and Sandal aur Scandal, is receiving treatment in a Lahore hospital.

He has been battling lung and heart disease for some time.