LAHORE: Tributes were paid to Ajoka founder and theatre icon Madeeha Gauhar on her 6th death anniversary on Friday at a gathering at Ajoka office.

Attended by Madeeha’s family -- sister Faryal Gauhar, son Nirvaan Nadeem and husband Shahid Nadeem -- Ajoka members and theatre personalities, the programme included the revival of Ajoka’s first play “Jaloos” at the same location where it was first performed in May 1984.

The powerful play, originally directed by Madeeha, will also be performed at Ajoka’s theatre festival on May 4 at Alhamra grounds. The cast includes Madeeha Rasheed, Dara Hashmi, Anish, Saad, Anwaar, Farwa, Mahnoor, Bilal, and Ibn-i-Haneef. Musical tributes were paid by Usman Raaj, Madeeha Rasheed, Mehwish Rasheed, and Naseem Abbas. Choreographer Luke Kelvin presented a dance performance inspired by the popular heart-wrenching song “Mainoo Vida Karo” from the film Chamkeela.

Mr Nadeem, Faryal, Nirvaan and Prof Fawzia Afzal Khan spoke.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2024