September 1, 2005

There is a need to promote and encourage genuine artists

As 2005 is the year of the woman, a programme was recently held at the Arts Council to give awards to outstanding women. In his introductory address, Zaigham Zaidi head of Bisaat-e-Yaraan, pointed out that as this was the year of the woman, awards would be given to outstanding young females belonging to the different fields of arts.

Zaidi stated that there was a dire need to promote and encourage genuine artists as there was a dearth of artists in the country due to lack of encouragement.

Eight different categories were selected for the awards ceremony. The recipients were: Fauzia Khan — artist; Afifa Sofia Al-Hussaini — TV producer; Roohi Sanam — theatre artist; Sahar Hasan — journalist; Shehnila Ali — singer; Ishmal — TV artist, Farah Tabbassum — compere and Ambareen Hasib — poetess.

In their address both Syed Kamal, who was a leading hero of Pakistani cinema some decades back and is now a spokesman for artists and cinema and the many problems it is facing, and Mirza Ikhtiar Baig applauded the efforts of the NGO and said that a ceremony like this was the first of its kind. They said that it is rare that upcoming artists are encouraged for the hard work they put in and such awards and recognition boost the artists’ morale.

The awards were presented by prominent figures representing the different genres of arts such as Dr Anwar Sajjad, Ibrahim Nafees, Saifur Rehman Grami, Yawar Mehdi and Dr Saira Khan.

The programme which was attended by artists and members of the Arts Council was compered by Syed Javaid Hasan who is known for his oratory. A solo tabla performance was rendered by famous tabla player, Rashid Zafar, who was invited from India.n —M.N.

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