Rehman goes to alHamra Hall on Sundays to perform in the play Jin and Jadugar. PHOTOS: Adnan Lodhi
If you’ve grown up in the 1990s then your childhood is incomplete without the memories associated with Ainak Wala Jin. Be it Charlie Mamu’s obsession with bananas, Nastur Jin’s wisdom or the hilariously haunting yelling of ‘Zaimeeena’ by Zakoota, they all made for a perfect deviation from homework. Today, the kids who watched this show have their own kids but they will not feel so happy to know about what Zakoota and his kids are going through in real life.
Mujhe kam batao, mae kia karoon, mae kisko khaaon is the dialogue that once became Matloobur Rehman’s [Munna Lahori] claim to fame and now defines the irony of his situation. The 62-year-old actor lives in the outskirts of Lahore in a small house with no basic utilities.
“I spent 40 years of my life spreading happiness among the people of my country. But now, in old age, I am living without electricity and gas,” Rehman told The Express Tribune.
Since the last two years, the actor is suffering from partial paralysis. He continues his struggle without substantial governmental support. “Our neighbouring country’s government considers artist as an asset. It is a tragedy that artists in our country are not given due respect. They are not even paid for basic facilities of life,” said Rehman.
He says that Pakistan is the only place where artists die in miserable conditions only due to lack of interest and financial support from the government.
Financial crisis has forced the legend to reside in a deprived locality of Rachna Town, in the outskirts of Lahore. Due to paralysis, he is unable to move his arm and also faces speech problems, but his eyes still shine bright with an incessant smile on his face.
Rehman gets a bi-monthly allowance of Rs30,000 but finds it very little to feed his family, that includes a wife and four children.”
“I am also taking medicines that are expensive,” he added. Apart from this, colleagues from the showbiz industry support him in whatever way they can.
However, despite critical health, he goes to alHamra Hall on Sundays to perform in the play Jin and Jadugar for which he gets an actor’s fee of Rs3,000 per show. He performs while sitting on a chair and cannot deliver dialogues correctly, but is thankful to the people who appreciate him in spite of all the handicaps.
“My fans have given me a lot of respect, but I think the government should give me the Pride of Performance award because I deserve it,” he added.
PHOTO: ADNAN LODHIRehman spends the whole day, sitting on the street by his house, waiting for people to interact with him, but due to deteriorating health and age not many recognise him anymore.
“Even my colleagues, especially team members of Ainak Wala Jin are not bothered to inquire about my health. But I admire Haseeb Pasha (Hamoun Jadugar), who calls me regularly and inquires about my health. He is my only friend during these crucial times,” Rehman stated.
Recalling the golden days of his hit series, he said, “In my childhood, I felt that I am like a Jin. So, I performed Zakoota Jin’s character. The dialogue ‘Main Kya Karoon, Main Kisko Khaon’ was also my own creation and still in loneliness, I often repeat it.”
Rehman has performed in almost 3,500 stage and TV dramas, not only in Pakistan but also in the US, Canada, Norway and Belgium. Requesting the government, his wife, Rukhsana bibi said, “At least, give us a house and basic facilities as it is our right to provide education and a good life to our children. Is it fair that we dedicate our lives for the happiness of society and today, our children are searching for their own happiness?” she questioned.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 4th, 2015.
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