Gulshan-e-Yaad marks Faiz’s death anniversary

The hour-long documentary included interviews with Faiz, his friends and contemporaries.

LAHORE: Gulshan-e-Yaad, a biographical film by Moneeza Hashmi, was screened at Faiz Ghar on Saturday on the 26th death anniversary of Faiz Ahmad Faiz.

The hour-long documentary that included interviews with Faiz, his friends and contemporaries explored various aspects of Faiz’s personality and his work.

Salima Hashmi, Faiz’s daughter and an eminent artist, told The Express Tribune that preparations for his centennial in February 2011 were in full swing. “Preparations are being carried out in Pakistan and many other countries where friends and fans of Faiz want to celebrate his centennial.

We are collaborating with the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA), Lahore University of Management Sciences (Lums) and many others in this regard. One-week long activities will take place in Lahore in February while other activities will continue across the country throughout the year,” she said.

Mrs Hashmi said that the Faiz Foundation Trust (FFT) would organise a colloquium on Faiz in collaboration with Lums in February. Some publications will also be launched in addition to the Faiz Aman Mela that will be held during the same month.

Salima Hashmi said that the FFT had handed over to the government a guest list of 27 Indians whom they wanted to invite to Lahore. “Shama Zaidi, the writer; Saeed Mriza, the filmmaker; Javed Akhter, film writer and poet; and Shabana Azami are among those we have invited to Faiz’s centennial celebrations,” she said.

Faiz Ahmad Faizpassed away on November 20, 1984 in Lahore. He was the first Asian poet to be awarded the Lenin Peace Prize in 1962. Faiz published seven collections of poetry. His work has been translated into many languages. Faiz was listed four times for the Nobel Prize for literature.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2010.