Discovering Waheed Murad’s inspirations

Iconic actor paid tribute at event exploring the depth and philosophical thinking behind his productions.


Saadia Qamar November 01, 2010

KARACHI: Iconic actor Waheed Murad was paid tribute to by students of Karachi’s Greenwich University at an event that explored the depth and philosophical thinking behind his productions.

Khurrum Ali Shafiq led the interactive multimedia presentation titled “Inside the Mind of Waheed Murad - Mystery Revealed”.

Waheed Murad took the film industry by storm and was dubbed the ‘Chocolate Hero’. His acting skills and charisma made him one of the most popular actors of the 1960s and 1970s. The star acted in 114 Urdu films, eight Punjabi films and two Pashto films.

Khurrum Ali Shafiq explains that his interest in Waheed Murad revealed a new side to the icon’s perspective on filmmaking.

While explaining Murad’s life, Shafiq said, “Waheed Murad’s father was in the film distribution business. Murad had a degree in English Literature from Karachi University, and from the facts I gathered he found true inspiration in the work of Ulysses by James Joyce. So much so that when he directed Ishara, which was released in 1969, he made sure it was based on the same symbolism and unity of imagination that was once given to the audience by Joyce’s novel.”

“Waheed Murad  was more than just a reader; he was a guide through great literary work trying to bring more than just a cinematic experience to screen and audiences alike,” said Shafiq.

In terms of symbolism, Shafiq said, “Like Iqbal who symbolised his son Javed in Javednama. Waheed Murad symbolised his daughter Aliya in the movie Ishara, to an extent that the female lead of the movie was even named Aliya. The release of the film coincides with the year (1969) his daughter Aliya was born.”

Shafiq shared a few clips from the movie for the audience to appreciate what an intriguing director Waheed Murad actually was.

Salma Murad, the star’s widow told The Express Tribune, “It is so hard to believe that it has been so many years since his death and still Waheed lives on in the heart and mind of many of his fans. I have only seen his fan following increase day by day. We thank God for bestowing him with such popularity, even when he isn’t alive. I would like to thank Khurrum Ali Shafiq for doing such extensive research on him, for telling everyone what exactly went on in Waheed’s mind. Waheed had a focus, a primary concern to change the way people think for the better; to open up the hearts and minds of our nation.”

The proceeds of the tribute will be donated to the flood victims and it was announced that part of it would be given to the legendary comedian Lehri, who is currently facing financial hardships and was a good friend of Murad’s.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2010.

COMMENTS (14)

Thinking | 13 years ago | Reply hmmm...I missed the session but I had an idea about the multi-talented Waheed Murad. Who not only ruled the hearts of Pakistan-is with his style and acting but also brought forward a point of unity between the masses and the educated elite of Pakistan. It is intresting to know the facts behind the carefull selection or creation of every story of the films either made or directed by Waheed Murad. Isn't it briliant work to somehow created a story where the director or writer took the viewer to the point from just entertainment to a noble cause such as unity or faith or even discipline? The stories...or the movies which give you sense of complete entertainment and amusement are always which contain a message for humanity or world and our these Directors/Writers and Actors knew it well. I can imagine exactly how Shafique Sahib would have amuse the audiences with his discovries on Waheed Murad's working which are the result of his extreme research and hard work. I must say thanks to Shafique Sahib for his continous effort to bring the true shade of Waheed Murad on Pakistan movie viewers. And wish him good luck !
muzzammila shafique | 13 years ago | Reply I appretiate and enjoyed both the article and the comments. As I was present in the event also I also felt that the scripts as well as the visuals should be available for the students of creative writing in the universities and libraries but it could be done only when we will start looking waheed murad as more than a chocolate hero. I am happy that after attending the event, I start thinking that it would not take a long time for such a possibility. If one person, khurram, could move the audience feel like that why not others?
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