KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi has celebrated the 100th birthday of the legendary musician Nisar Bazmi.

The event saw the participation of prominent figures including ACP President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, veteran actors Mustafa Qureshi, Mumtaz Begum, Hassan Jahangir and Ustad Nafees Khan, said a press release issued here on Tuesday.

The celebration commenced with the cutting of Bazmi’s birthday cake, followed by the launch of Tanveer Ahmed Afridi’s book titled Kon Yaadon Ko Zanjeer Pahnaayega, which offers an insightful narrative of Bazmi’s illustrious life and career.

During the event, ACP President Shah spoke about the honour of celebrating Bazmi’s life. He noted that Bazmi was a prominent figure in the Pakistani film industry, a long-time member of the Arts Council and a distinguished music director in South Asia. He started his musical journey at the age of 10 or 11. At the height of his success, he left India out of his deep love for Pakistan and returned to his homeland. The occasion was a tribute to one of the greatest musical talents of this century, he added.

Senior actor Mustafa Qureshi shared his admiration for Bazmi, stating that artists who have passed away remain alive in the hearts of people due to the efforts of individuals like Mr Shah.

He urged that just as we are remembering Bazmi today, we should also recognise all the music composers of our time. He revealed that Bazmi played a significant role in his own career, saying that if Bazmi’s music had not been a part of his first film, it would never have become a blockbuster. When the film became a hit, he too became a hit.

Afridi, the author of the book, remarked that legends never die; they live forever. He mentioned that the book and the organisation of the event were both made possible through the efforts of Mr Shah, reflecting his deep love for Bazmi.

Mumtaz Begum expressed her admiration for Bazmi, calling him a legend of the industry. She said that although Bazmi is no longer with them, it felt as though he is still watching and listening to the celebration.

The event was further enriched by musical tributes, with performances of Bazmi’s timeless songs by Ikhlaq Bashir, Mumtaz Begum, Nauman Khan, Hassan Jahangir, Tanveer Afridi, Roz Mary, Ayat Shaikh, Waheed Khayal, Uroosa Ali, Ayesha, Faisal Latif, Shabana Kausar, Sadaf Muneer, Zubair Yousafi, Salman Alvi and Arif Ansari.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2025