K-P’s artistes continue living on a prayer

PESHAWAR:

On receiving some financial assistance from the government, celebrated artistes felt justice was only halfway done.

On Tuesday, 114 big showbiz names gathered at Nishtar Hall on the invitation of the K-P Directorate of Culture. Adviser to Chief Minister on Culture Amjad Afridi distributed cheques worth Rs5 million.

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Some artistes, who dedicated their entire lives to their respective art form, felt were not rewarded according to their stature. The directorate distributed cheques among celebrated names. The wife of the late Rafique Shinwari and wife of the late Zarshad were also provided with assistance.

The directorate said cheques were given to artistes who were struggling financially. A committee was formed to select deserving people from a list of applicants. The artistes were divided into three categories according to their services and needs.

“We should be informed about the criteria for the categories,” Iftikhar Qaiser, a senior Pashto and Hindko drama actor said. Being such a senior performer, he was not satisfied with the Rs50,000 he was given. “I have now stopped speaking up as the system will never change.”

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Samina Sahar stressed artistes should be helped on a regular basis. She added many seasoned performers and directors were in no position to lead a comfortable or dignified life.

Aman, a famous Urdu and Pashto movie star, said artistes have not been supported since the creation of Pakistan. “Now the industry is completed destroyed,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21^st, 2015.