Discover Lahore's 'Mad House', a unique space where art defies boundaries

Dawn.com, under the project #PakistanIs, is highlighting stories that define the real meaning of Pakistan.
Published April 6, 2019

Did you know that there is a unique space in Lahore where talented musicians, a kathak dancer, a theatre artist, two filmmakers and a UN-award-winning entrepreneur follow their passions under one roof?

The 'Mad House' is an exciting place full of dreams and aspirations in Lahore, where every room is a story in itself.

In one corner Uzma practices her next kathak performance, while in the other room Hasham is planning how to market his upcoming feature film.

There's a studio where two musicians are in the process of recording their next single, while mechanical engineer and entrepreneur Basit prepares for a pitch for his custom designed electric bike at the other corner of the house.

Most important, however, is the contagious energy that every member brings to this place; everyone's a critic, a well-wisher and a collaborator for each other’s endeavours.


Directed by Abdul Basit and Fazal Ahmed (Thinair Films)

Camera A: Muhammad Atif

Camera B: Sabeeh Qureshi

Sound Recordist: Fareed

Assistant Director: Nauman Khan


This film was produced under the #PakistanIs project, an initiative of Dawn.com and DW Urdu to highlight and showcase stories that define the real meaning of Pakistan.

The project comprises of eight different films, and one film will be released every week on our social channels.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more details, photos and behind-the-scenes action from these films.