19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Sufi classic enchants audience
The timeless mystique of Sufi romance came alive on stage as the classic Punjabi folktale Saiful Malook was performed at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). The event, organised in collaboration with Dolphin Communication, celebrated Pakistan's literary and spiritual heritage through a theatrical tribute to the iconic poem by Hazrat Mian Muhammad Bakhsh.
Directed by renowned writer and Dolphin Communication CEO Asma Butt, the production paid homage to the legendary Sufi poet whose verses continue to resonate through generations with themes of divine love, sacrifice, and spiritual awakening. The play's rich narration and soulful performances transported the audience into the ethereal world of Prince Saif and Fairy Badiul Jamal.
The audience, which included artists, writers, intellectuals, and students, was immersed in a visually and emotionally moving experience that highlighted the enduring depth of Punjab and Kashmir's oral storytelling traditions.
Member of the National Assembly Shazia Farid, who attended as the chief guest, lauded the performance and praised Asma Butt's vision. "Bringing Saiful Malook to life on stage is not just storytelling — it's cultural preservation. This production reflects the emotional depth of our folklore and the artistic sensitivity of our performers," she said.
Other notable attendees included PNCA Programme Organizer Dr Waqar Azim; Judge Raheel Yousafzai; Saeen Ejaz; Naveed Kanwal; Naeem Pasha; Shakeel Awan; and Abid Abbasi. All expressed admiration for the revival of such meaningful and heritage-driven content.
The cast featured a talented ensemble of actors from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including Kaleem Khan, Nirmal Ali, Arshad Khan, Shazia Adeeb, Jhalak Ali, Raiha Yousaf, Shama Adil, Afzal Latifi, Raheel Ejaz, Shabbir Shah, Aslam Mughal, Arshad Mehmood, Mehboob Ilyas, Muhammad Ali, Mumtaz Khan, Farooq Jani, Noor, and others.
A standout moment came during Afzal Latifi's powerful recitation of Mian Muhammad Bakhsh's verses, which evoked a spiritual ambiance and drew spontaneous applause. The play's evocative direction, traditional music, and atmospheric set design combined to deliver a fully immersive theatrical experience.
In her closing remarks, director Asma Butt called the production "a labour of love." She added, "Our goal was not just to entertain but to reconnect audiences with their roots, their language, and the beauty of our folk traditions."
