Eid special: TV, CD drama artists perform live at Shahi Bagh

Artists find opportunity to earn as fans pay Rs1,000 for pictures.

PESHAWAR:

For a second consecutive year, TV artists performed on stage and gave Peshawariites a chance to see their favourite characters up close and personal, and snap memorable Eid pictures. 

As many famous telefilm actors made their way to Shahi Bagh on Thursday and Friday, hundreds of star-struck fans paid Rs300 to watch them perform live.

Jahangir Khan, one of the leading Pushto telefilm actors of his time, bearing his trademark moustache and gun, relived the scenes from his movies on stage. He made the hall stand on its feet while performing on his famous song Pekhwar kho Pekhwar de kna.

“I am performing in Peshawar after a long time. It is the love for my people that has brought me here to spend Eid with them,” said Khan before being whisked away by fans willing to pay Rs1,000 for one picture with him.

Besides movie and drama artists, the city’s renowned rabab player Shahid Malang was also present at the show, enthralling the audience with his music. Malang is considered to be the only famous rabab player left in the province.

Although a large number of children were present, foul language was used on stage as the artists performed without a script.  “We have come here to entertain people who do not have many entertainment opportunities left in the city,” said Rahim Shehzad, who is famous for his comedy roles. Shehzad played his popular characters from drama serials.

Rahim said artists these days face many financial problems and look for such opportunities to earn. “I am the only artist who refused to work in CD dramas,” said Rahim, adding these dramas have made theatre and stage obsolete.

Imran Khan, another Pushto film and CD drama artist, waved his fake gun bringing a loud gasp and cheer from the crowd. “My fans have come to see me act,” he said, adding he will perform whatever the audience wants to see.

Talking to The Express Tribune, organiser of the event Mohammad Khan said he was overwhelmed with the response from both the audience and the artists.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2013.