KARACHI, July 18 Zeba Mohammad Ali has become even more graceful with the passage of time. One of the most popular actresses of the silver screen and the heart-throb of many in her heyday, her charisma is still very evident today. The evergreen celebrity who recently received an award for her achievements in the film industry is in Karachi these days.

To pay homage to the icon, the culture committee of the Karachi Press Club and Film and TV Journalists Association jointly held a programme at the press club.

The programme was conducted by Huma Mir who introduced the guests.

The inimitable Omar Sharif began with a joke. However, on a serious note, he said late Mohammad Ali and Zeba were so impressive that people would gather round them wherever they went. In fact, he said, Mohammad Ali always helped people in need and earned respect.

About the revival of film industry, he said “I would like to remind the government that while it has provided huge amounts to other organisations it has allocated only Rs50 million for the ailing film industry, which is not fair.”

Mustafa Qureshi said that Zeba was called Shaheen in the past. Although Mohammad Ali was sorely missed, she should continue his mission of helping children, he said.

He further said that the Ali-Zeb Productions, which made good films in the past, should also be revived. “We have to capture the international market through good productions.”

Speaking in her soft lilting voice, Zeba thanked everybody for the accolades showered on her.

Responding to Mustafa Qureshi's suggestion of reviving Ali-Zeb Productions, she said, she would revive the company if people took interest in it.

To the suggestion that Ali-Zeb Foundation should be extended to Karachi as well, Zeba explained that she wanted to go to the rural areas where there weren't many hospitals for poor people. “I left the film industry 20 years ago and I made the right decision, as even today people love me. I am asked to act in television though I want to do social work only.”

She emphasised the need for technical growth to revive the film industry. However, she said “When times are very bad it means things are going to get better, so don't lose hope for the industry and for the country.”

KPC president Imtiaz Faran and secretary A.H. Khanzada also spoke.