LAHORE: Famous Indian actress and social activist Shabana Azmi said the people of India and Pakistan should set their own agenda leaving out governments for peace and friendship between the two countries.
She was talking to the media at Faiz Aman Mela at Open Air Theatre Bagh-e-Jinnah on Sunday.
To a question she said the best message she was taking back to India from Pakistan was that of peace and friendship.
Emphasizing on people-to-people contact, she said the people from both sides of the border should come forward for peace between the two countries.
Earlier, addressing a huge gathering at Faiz Mela, Ms Azmi said she had come to Pakistan to spread the message of Faiz. On this occasion, she sang Faiz’s poem ‘Bol Kay Lub Azad Hain Teray’ which is composed by actor and music composer Arshad Mehmood.
Mehmood who was also present on the occasion, said he would create a new composition for Shabana Azmi which she could sing at the next Faiz Mela.
Referring to Labour Party Pakistan flags hoisted everywhere at the venue, Indian film writer Atul Tewari said he was happy to see the red flags and red colour of stage at the festival.
Singer Ila Arun said she was extremely happy that her first visit to Pakistan coincided with Faiz’s centennial. “I am so happy to see the drumming, poetry, and the enthusiasm of people at Faiz Mela”, she added.
The Open Air Theatre was packed with a huge audience that started reaching the venue well before the festival time – 12 noon.
The festival opened with a performance by a group of drum-beaters led by Sain Nasir. The folk colour was prominent at the festival. Jutt brothers presented nautanki and folk songs. Another folk singer and instrumentalist, Malik Ghulam Musatfa, sang to the tune of Chimta and flute.
Others who performed on the occasion included Sumbal Raja, Nida Faiz and Tarranum Naz. Naz sang Faiz’s Ghazal ‘Mujh Sey Pheli Si Muhabbat Merey Mehboob Na Mang’. Comedian Anyat Khan amused the audience with his funny skits.
The festival was attended by people from all walks of life and all ages.
Actress Sania Saeed, Faqir Ejazuddin, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Secretary General I A Rehman and a large number of NGO representatives were also present on the occasion.
Punjab Arts Council’s Director programmes and Punjab Institute of Language Art and Culture Director Sughra Sadaf conducted the show and welcomed the Indian delegation which reached the venue in the company of Saleema Hashmi.
Source: Dawn
Date:2/14/2011
