ISLAMABAD: An informal event to launch a book about the golden era of state-run television and stars it produced was held at Islamabad Club on Wednesday.

Stars from Another Sky is a story of over 35 years’ journey in the broadcasting world of a man considered as a star maker and creator of the most dazzling shows ever produced for television.

Unlike the capital’s mundane cultural events, it was informal, lively and interactive interspersed with beautiful music and Faiz Ahmed Faiz’ poetry sung by an emerging singer, Rose Mary, from Karachi.

PTV World’s Faisal Rahman hosted the star-studded event which was attended by prominent personalities from the broadcasting world including Uxi Mufti, Dr Fauzia Saeed, Kanwal Naseer, Nayyar Kamal, Muneeza Hashmi, Nawab Kaifi, Ghazala Kaifi, Laila Zuberi, Shamoon Hashmi and Mishi Khan.

Khwaja Najamul Hassan is one of the pioneers of television, and a talented producer and director PTV has ever produced. He has been decorated with many awards including best TV producer for Moods and Melodies in Singapore and Pride of Performance.

Talking to Dawn about his book, Najamul Hassan said it was a condensed version of a personal diary and anecdotes of his 35-year journey in television.

The book has been written for the reader to enjoy, and gain insight into the world of Pakistani Showbiz, said noted writer and playwright Haseena Moeen in the forward of the book.

While paying tributes to Khawaja Najmul Hassan, singer Tina Sani said: “I owe a lot to Khawaja sb for making my career. We would feel protected and perform live with ease in his presence. He would not allow anything to go on air that could damage the career or image of the artist.”

Sharing her anecdotes, Dr Fauzia Saeed said Najamul Hassan was an inspirational figure for budding artists.

He is an institution who discovered many talented stars and groomed them, she added.

She suggested that his experiences should be documented and passed on to the younger generation.

Muneeza Hashmi, a long-time colleague of Mr Hassan at PTV Lahore, said he was a responsible and trustworthy person.

“He would always deliver his tasks on time and with quality. His line of imagination and direction were clear and amazing. I enjoyed working with him as he would respect seniors and was affectionate with younger artists,” Ms Hashmi said.

He has an emotional and spiritual association with Faiz Ahmed Faiz’ vision, philosophy and family till today, she added.

“Najamul Hassan has to his credit many firsts,” Shamoon Hashmi said, adding that he was a passionate and caring person, who always remained in search of talent and groomed them.

Khawaja Najmul Hassan worked with legendary artists including Malka Pukhraj, Roshan Ara Begum, Iqbal Bano, Mehdi Hassan, Farida Khanum and Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

He produced unforgettable dramas and musical shows for PTV including Taansen, Tal Matol, Dastan Go, Taranum series with Melody Queen Noorjehan, Sur Ka Safar with Malika Pukhraj and Tahira Syed and wedding songs with Mussarat Nazeer.

Acknowledging his pioneering contribution, Uxi Mufti suggested that his work needs to be preserved to pass on to the younger generation.

Irfan Urfi, Huma Khawar, Shahid and Dr Maliha Hussain lauded Najamul Hassan’s contribution and called for preserving his pioneering work.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2019