February 23, 2006	Thursday	Muharram 24, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 22: Indian film icons Shabana Azmi and Farooque Shaikh mesmerized an elite gathering in the federal capital late Tuesday night with their acclaimed play, Tumhari Amrita.

The function was organized by the Young President’s Organization (YPO) to raise funds for The Citizen’s Foundation (TCF) to set up schools in earthquake-stricken areas.

President Musharraf’s mother Ms Zareen Musharrafuddin was among the distinguished audience the two artistes made to laugh and cry. Ms Zareen was deeply moved by the play’s setting in Lucknow where she once lived.

The evening began with an introduction of the host organisation, by Ayaz Karim, whose mission is to create “better leaders through education and exchange of ideas. Funds were generously donated to build TCF schools in earthquake-hit areas.

TCF chairman Ehsan Salim told the audience about his NGO and the work being carried out in many villages TCF has adopted.

Tumhari Amrita, based on A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters, has been adapted for theatre by Javed Siddiqui and directed by Feroz Khan. It is a unique play that defies usual theatre norms, with only two characters, two tables and two chairs and a pile of letters.

Shabana Azmi and Farooque Shaikh put their hearts and souls into the play by playing the roles of two protagonists — Amrita Nigam and Zulfiqar Haider — respectively.

The audience was transfixed with this unusual piece and gave the two actors standing ovations for their emotional, humorous and honest dialogue, conveying the events of 55 years.

The generosity of the two artists, to come to Pakistan as volunteers was much appreciated by all, breaking down the barriers between these two nations that have been in place for more than 50 years. After the show, Shabana and Farooque mingled with the audience, signing autographs and having pictures taken with inspired viewers.