HYDERABAD: Noted television and theatre artist Zeba Shahnaz has said that coronavirus-driven lockdown has affected lives of artists as all cultural activities have stood suspended since March.

Speaking to the media at the local press club on Friday, she pointed out that art and artists made people smile. Therefore, she added, the fees for spaces where such activities were held should be waived.

Shahnaz said she always loved to perform in theatres but these days vulgarity and dance alone were being promoted instead of real entertainment like stage dramas that used to be hallmark of art and culture. This, she said, kept her at safe distance from stage.

She said she approached many organisations for real and purpose-oriented dramas to be held but they appeared not interested.

She said she enjoyed sharing stage with artists like Behroz Sabzwari, Javed Khan and others. She said theatre reflected social issues and many families got attracted to it.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2020