LAHORE, Nov 18: As she has seen the golden days of the Pakistani silver screen, the golden girl of those yesteryears, Sabiha Khanum, still has the urge to revive the Pakistani film industry.

Amid a thundering applause at a function ‘A tribute to Sabiha Khanum’, she said she would love to act again “if I am offered some meaty role”.

The event was organised by the Pakistan National Council of Arts.

Ms Khanum who is settled in the US is visiting the country after 17 years.

She is in the town to attend some family weddings.

“I’m really feeling great being in Pakistan. The film industry is my second home,” she said.

PNCA Director General Tauqeer Nasir said Khanum is the asset of the country. He said PNCA would hold a series of programmes on legends from performing arts. He announced that next evening would be held with Bahar Begum.

Former PNCA director general Naeem Tahir said Khanum was a matchless artiste. He said that in 1984 Khanum and he had performed in play ‘Anarkali’ at Alhamra.

Film actress Bahar and Nisho also paid rich tribute to Sabiha Khanum. She was presented bouquets by many artistes and her fans.

Many performances were done on the occasion to pay tribute to the artist. Haider danced to the song, Hip Hip Hurray, while singer Shabnam sang ‘Na Chura Sako Gay Daman’ and ‘Lat Uljhi Sulja ja ray Balam’. Khanum’s nephew Usman Butt sang ‘Jab Teray Shehr say Guzarata Hoon’.