Please join us for an unforgettable qawali evening and dinner to celebrate extraordinary artists from South Asia. To mention a few, here are the details:
Mahmood Jamal – A Pakistani-British poet, translator, and editor who played a key role in bringing Urdu poetry to wider international audiences. His translations and anthologies, such as Modern Urdu Poetry, introduced poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Ahmed Faraz to English-speaking readers. He is known for blending Eastern and Western literary traditions in his own poetry.
- Zia Sarhady – A Pakistani-born screenwriter, director, and producer who made his mark in Indian cinema during the 1940s and 1950s. He became known for films with strong social and political themes, including Footpath (1953), which dealt with issues of poverty and corruption. His work was part of the progressive wave of cinema that highlighted social justice.
- Akhlaq Ahmed – A beloved Pakistani playback singer who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, with a career spanning film, radio, and stage. Known for his soft, romantic voice, he recorded memorable songs for hit films and became one of the country’s leading playback singers alongside Ahmed Rushdi and Mehdi Hassan. Despite battling illness later in life, his music continues to be cherished by fans.
- Badiuzzaman – A Pakistani actor who appeared in both Urdu and Punjabi films, as well as on television. He was recognized for his versatility, taking on a range of supporting and character roles that added depth to the stories he was part of. While not always a leading star, he became a respected presence in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
- Saeed Jaffrey – An acclaimed Indian-British actor whose career spanned film, television, radio, and stage. He worked in both South Asian and Western productions, with memorable roles in films such as Gandhi (1982) and TV series like The Jewel in the Crown (1984). Known for his adaptability, charm, and distinct voice, Jaffrey was one of the first South Asian actors to gain international recognition in British cinema and television.
- Shamim Ara – A legendary Pakistani actress, producer, and director, often remembered as the “queen of romance” during the golden era of Pakistani cinema in the 1960s. After achieving stardom as an actress, she transitioned behind the camera and became one of the first successful female directors in Pakistan, with films like Lady Smuggler and Munda Bigra Jaye. Her influence shaped both the artistic and commercial directions of Lollywood.
