Poets and writers of some substance impact their surroundings, their close circle and the generation around them. Shohrat Bokhari is one such poets who has greatly influenced his family, friends and fans.

On Feb 16, the Pakistan Academy of Letters launched book titled “Ghubar-i-Ziaan” by Shohrat Bokhari in Iqbal Town. The launcher was attended by veteran writer Intazar Husain, rights activist IA Rehman, senior journalist Husain Naqi and writer Masood Ashar.

It was announced that Bokhari, who taught at the Islamia College, Civil Lines, for over two decades, had formed a society in the college after his name. Moreover, the college had also introduced a literary award after Shohrat Bokhari’s name. Bokhari had donated some 20,000 books to the college library. The college has also decided that the room where Bokhari used to sit, would be named after his name.

After the successful premiere of the first season of the show, HSY has begun the season two of his late night show “Tonite with HSY” from February 21 on a private TV channel.

The new season will feature leading personalities from the music, film and entertainment industry of Pakistan such as Sanam Jung, Imran Abbas, Aiza Khan, Danish Taimoor, Juggan Kazim, Moamar Rana, Sanam Saeed, Junaid Khan,Urwa, Farhan Saeed, Hadiqa Kiyani and Vasay Chaudhry.

HSY’s pioneering role has been of significant influence in the fashion industry. He is working to shape the course of the Pakistani fashion industry and to create new professional benchmarks through his fashion design. The show will air every Saturday with repeat telecast every Sunday following the live airing.

Royaat Gallery will put on display a solo show titled ‘Colours of Spring’ by renowned landscape painter Munawar Mohiuddin on Feb 26 (Thursday) at 21-Z, Defense Housing Society.

Mohiuddin who received his Masters of Fine Arts with distinction from the University of Punjab plans a vibrant show, an homage to the richness of nature in the spring. Mohiuddin recounts that his fascination with the intricacies of nature arises partly from the fact that he grew up in the rather austere desert landscape of Dera Ghazi Khan. For his inspiration, Mohiuddin turned to the botanical diversity of Lawrence Garden in Lahore, which also serves as the study for many of his canvases.

The beauty of Mohiuddin’s paintings arises both from the simplicity of his thematic work as well as the complexity of his palette.

His fascination with nature’s composition comes through to the viewer through his playful strokes and use of extravagant colours. Mohiuddin brilliantly captures the blooms ablaze in the mid-morning light. He also renders the blooms with darker contrast allowing us to appreciate the distinctive individual patterns within nature.

Mohiuddin’s previous works would draw one into a complete landscape, this show highlights the beauty of the hidden nooks in the garden -- the flower pot bursting with colour, the dappled sun on a blade of grass.

Published in Dawn February 24th , 2015

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