LAHORE: Veteran TV actor and theatre director Shehnaz Sheikh, known for her plays such as Ankahi and Tanhaiyaan, says that the PTV usually used to finish a TV serial in 13 episodes but now the scene has changed; however, it is good that TV plays are being produced. “It is another debate whether they are qualitative or non-qualitative but you know, the show must go on.”

Ms Sheikh said that in the contemporary world of mini-screen there are a lot of changes. “Now, the multinationals are the producers of the plays and they would cast actors earlier. In our times, the PTV director used to be the producer who also would do casting, direction and fulfill all other requirements regarding the production.”

Sheikh was talking to Dawn recently at the National College of Arts (NCA) where she is putting in all efforts to come up with something unique in performing arts as she is looking after theatre, music and dance shows to be held in connection with upcoming NCA Triennale.

Shehnaz Sheikh called the era when she worked with the PTV it the golden era of television as many wonderful plays were produced during those times. She herself was the most popular actress and was one of the most successful actresses of the 1980s and 1990s. She worked in drama serials like Balila, Maray Thay Jin K Liye, Tanhaiyaan and Ankahi, as well as Uncle Sargam.

At the NCA, in consultation with Shehnaz Sheikh, the drama, music and dance societies of the college are working day and night to put up some great shows for the triennale which will be attended by a number of artists from other countries. Both Eastern and Western music will be performed during the triennale while there will be a Kathak dance performance too.

“The students are trying their best to come up with some novel shows for the triennale,” says Sheikh. She said the NCA Triennale marks the 150 years of Excellence since its inception as the Mayo School of Art in 1875. The first edition of the NCA Triennale, titled Kasb-e-Kamal Fun, is scheduled to take place in October 2025 and would continue till mid-December 2025.

The NCA is celebrating its 150 years of excellence through a series of archival, visual, performing art, design and architectural exhibitions, symposia and seminars and seminal research publications. The inaugural triennale will bring together local and international artists. There will be colours and fantastic performing art performances during the triennale in theatre, music and dance.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2025