KARACHI, June 17: A film festival to pay tribute to one of the top actors of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali, formally started at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, on Sunday.

Speakers at the inaugural function held at the Arts Council’s gardens spoke about the art and persona of Mohammad Ali, who is one of the three greats of the Pakistani film industry, with legends Waheed Murad and Nadeem being the other two.

Ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan presided over the function.

In his keynote speech as chief guest, Nadeem termed the late Ali as a great ambassador of Pakistani culture who earned laurels for himself and the country at large wherever he went.

“He was innocent and humane, yet handsome and debonair and belonged to a rare breed of artistes in our country,” said Nadeem.Referring to Ali’s first film, Chiragh Jalta Raha, he said the lamp (chiragh) that the late star had lit decades ago was still burning and encouraging others.

Poet Himayat Ali Shair said that Mohammad Ali earned fame and honour across the border in India and the rest of the world as well. Others who spoke included Salamat Ali Khan, Amin Yousuf, Pervez Mazhar and Syed Ahmed Shah.

Later, Mohammad Ali’s film Baazi was screened, which also features Nadeem.—HM