Latest news with #ArtsCouncilofPakistan
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Ram met Raavan in Karachi: Ramayana takes the centre-stage in Pakistan for the first time ever
In a groundbreaking moment for South Asian theatre , Ramayana —the Hindu epic—was performed for the first time in Pakistan, premiering on July 11 at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi, reported TOI. Directed by 30-year-old Yogeshwar Karera , the production featured an all-Muslim cast (except for the director), cutting-edge use of AI, and a sold-out show of around 1,000 tickets—despite ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Finance Project Management Cybersecurity Operations Management MBA others Technology PGDM Public Policy Data Analytics Data Science MCA Management Leadership Design Thinking Artificial Intelligence Digital Marketing Degree Others Healthcare CXO healthcare Product Management Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details A Bold Debut for a Beloved Epic Karera, a finance graduate-turned-theatre director, launched the play under the banner of Mauj Collective , a Karachi-based theatre group he co-founded just a year ago. 'We didn't anticipate this level of enthusiasm,' Karera admitted, referring to the warm reception from audiences and the cross-border curiosity it generated. Rather than stir controversy, the show sparked admiration. According to the report, the team also promoted the play with a clever twist: a social media video featuring light-hearted, imaginative questions like 'If Ram could tweet from the forest, what would he say?' and 'If Raavan gave a TED Talk, what would its title be?' The video went viral, adding buzz in the lead-up to the premiere. Live Events Breaking Boundaries, Not Just With Storytelling While the Hindu epic might be seen as a religiously sensitive choice in Pakistan, the cast and crew say they encountered no resistance. 'Nobody questioned our decision—not the sponsors, not the venues,' said Raana Kazmi, who co-founded Mauj Collective and played the role of Sita. 'It only came up when the media asked. People from all walks of life came to see it—students, families, seniors. A friend even shared how a parent explained each scene to their child during the show.' Karera's childhood fascination with the Ramayana began with watching Ramanand Sagar's televised version on Doordarshan, TOI further reported. 'Even though I'm not from the religious community it's rooted in, the story always felt like mine. It's part of our subcontinental culture, and its values are universal,' he said. Faithful Storytelling Meets Karachi Culture To bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, the team modified a few Sanskrit and Hindi terms to ones more familiar to Karachi audiences. Words like prakriti became kudrat . These adjustments occasionally led to on-stage hiccups, said TOI. 'In one scene, Hanuman gives me a ring, and I know the word anguthi . But one day, Jibran (who played Hanuman) said 'mundrika,' and I just froze,' Kazmi laughed, recalling the confusion. 'I had no idea what a mundrika was supposed to be.' Ashmal Lalwany, who played Ram, echoed the belief that the story felt organically theirs to tell. 'It was never about messaging or politics. We weren't trying to say anything profound—we were just telling a story that belongs to this land.' With strong performances, modern tech, and a fearless reinterpretation of a cultural classic, Mauj Collective's Ramayana not only entertained—it made history.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
AI meets Ayodhya: How a young drama group staged Pakistan's first Ramayana
If Ram could send one tweet from the forest, what would he say? If Raavan could do a TED talk, what would it be titled? A week before the premiere of 'Ramayana' at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi on July 11, 30-year-old finance grad-turned-director Yogeshwar Karera shot off Karan Johar-style rapid-fire questions at his cast for a social media promo. This was no ordinary stage production — the Hindu epic had never been performed in Pakistan before. The cast was entirely Muslim, except for the director, and the play used AI to enhance storytelling. Despite recent Indo-Pak tensions, it sold around 1,000 tickets and generated buzz on both sides of the border. 'We weren't expecting such a response,' says Karera, surprised by the congratulatory messages pouring in for Mauj Collective, the theatre group he co-founded a year ago. He says the near-war between the two countries did not impact the play. 'The sponsors and venues had no reservations at all about staging it. Only the media has asked us these questions. In fact, it didn't even cross our minds that this might be seen as sensitive or controversial,' says Raana Kazmi, co-founder of Mauj Collective with a day job in HR. 'People from all backgrounds came, regardless of their religion. Families with kids, students, the elderly, everyone. A friend told me about how a parent explained each scene to their child,' says Kazmi, who played the role of Sita. Samhan Ghazi brought fierce intensity to the role of Raavan. Karera, a Sindhi who moved to Karachi in his teens, says his fascination for the epic tale of good triumphing over evil started young. 'I was five years old when I first watched Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan on Doordarshan. The story grabbed me from the start,' says Karera, who decided to pursue theatre full time in the middle of his finance and accounting degree. After getting a diploma at the National Academy of Performing Arts in Pakistan, Karera and two friends, Kazmi and Sana Toaha, founded Mauj Collective. The year-old theatre troupe uses tech-savvy stagecraft, social media flair and scripts that speak to a younger generation. Although some have interpreted Mauj's 'Ramayana' as a statement on religious unity, the group maintains their goal wasn't about sending a message. 'None of us ever felt like we were telling a story outside the world we inhabit. I've grown up with this story of the Ramayana. I may not belong to the community religiously, but this is a story of our subcontinent. It never felt like the story wasn't ours to tell. The values in it are universal,' says Ashmal Lalwany, who played Ram in the production. Some Sanskrit and Hindi words were adapted to terms more familiar to a Karachi audience. For instance, 'prakriti' became 'kudrat'. Sometimes, this would lead to amusing confusion. 'In one scene, Hanuman is supposed to give me a ring. Now, I know the word 'anguthi' means 'ring,' and that's it. But one day during rehearsal, Jibran Khan (who plays Hanuman) says, 'Aap is mundrika ko dekhein'. I was just standing there like, 'Where am I supposed to look? What is a mundrika?' laughs Kazmi.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
AI meets Ayodhya: Young drama group stages Pak's 1st Ramayana
Young drama group stages Pak's 1st Ramayana If Ram could send one tweet from the forest, what would he say? If Raavan could do a TED talk, what would it be titled? A week before the premiere of ' Ramayana ' at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi on July 11, 30-year-old finance grad-turned-director Yogeshwar Karera shot off Karan Johar-style rapid-fire questions at his cast for a social media promo. This was no ordinary stage production — the Hindu epic had never been performed in Pakistan before. The cast was entirely Muslim, except for the director, and the play used AI to enhance storytelling. Despite recent Indo-Pak tensions, it sold around 1,000 tickets and generated buzz on both sides of the border. 'We weren't expecting such a response,' says Karera, surprised by the congratulatory messages pouring in for Mauj Collective, the theatre group he co-founded a year ago. He says the near-war between the two countries did not impact the play. 'The sponsors and venues had no reservations at all about staging it. Only the media has asked us these questions. In fact, it didn't even cross our minds that this might be seen as sensitive or controversial,' says Raana Kazmi, co-founder of Mauj Collective with a day job in human resources. 'This is a story of universal values, a story of ours to tell' People from all backgrounds came, regardless of their religion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo Families with kids, students, the elderly, everyone. A friend told me about how a parent explained each scene to their child,' says Kazmi, who played the role of Sita. Samhan Ghazi brought fierce intensity to the role of Raavan. Karera, a Sindhi who moved to Karachi in his teens, says his fascination for the epic tale of good triumphing over evil started young. 'I was five years old when I first watched Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan on Doordarshan. The story grabbed me from the start,' says Karera, who decided to pursue theatre full time in the middle of his finance and accounting degree. After getting a diploma at the National Academy of Performing Arts in Pakistan, Karera and two friends, Kazmi and Sana Toaha, founded Mauj Collective. The year-old theatre troupe uses tech-savvy stagecraft, social media flair and scripts that speak to a younger generation. Although some have interpreted Mauj's 'Ramayana' as a statement on religious unity, the group maintains their goal wasn't about sending a message. 'None of us ever felt like we were telling a story outside the world we inhabit. I've grown up with this story of the Ramayana. I may not belong to the community religiously, but this is a story of our subcontinent. It never felt like the story wasn't ours to tell. The values in it are universal,' says Ashmal Lalwany, who played Ram in the production. Some Sanskrit and Hindi words were adapted to terms more familiar to a Karachi audience. For instance, 'prakriti' became 'kudrat'. Sometimes, this would lead to amusing confusion. 'In one scene, Hanuman is supposed to give me a ring. Now, I know the word 'anguthi' means 'ring,' and that's it. But one day during rehearsal, Jibran Khan (who plays Hanuman) says, 'Aap is mundrika ko dekhein'. I was just standing there like, 'Where am I supposed to look? What is a mundrika?' laughs Kazmi.
Express Tribune
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bunyamum Marsoos rally to be held today
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference Jammu & Kashmir, in association with the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, organised a seminar titled 'The martyr's death is the life of the nation', on the ninth death anniversary of martyred Kashmiri leader Burhan Muzaffar Wani. Speaking at the seminar, leaders of various political and Kashmiri parties said that Pakistan has highlighted the Kashmir issue at the international forum. The international community must play its role in stopping Indian atrocities in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan. The struggle and mission of martyred Burhan Muzaffar Wani for the freedom of Kashmir will continue. They announced that 'Baniyan-e-Marsous' rally will be held on Tuesday (today) from the Arts Council to the Karachi Press Club in memory of Burhan Wani and to express solidarity with the Pakistan armed forces. The rally would give a clear message to the world that 'Kashmir will become Pakistan'. The speakers said, India falsely blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident and tried to impose war, which the Pakistan Army foiled and destroyed India's defence capabilities. Modi is now willing to negotiate with Pakistan. Speakers included All Parties Hurriyat Conference Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi, PPP Karachi President and Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani, Secretary-General Syed Parvez Shah Advocate, Syed Yousuf Naseem, MQM Sindh Assembly member Taha Ahmed Khan, PML-N leader Sardar Sagheer Advocate, Central Muslim League Karachi President Nadeem Awan, PML-Functional leader Arshad Shah, PPP leader Sardar Nazakat, Kashmiri leader Iqbal Kashmiri, female Kashmiri leader Sardar Umm Kulsoom, and others.
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Veteran Pakistani actor Ayesha Khan found dead in her Karachi apartment
Senior Pakistani television actress Ayesha Khan, known for her roles in classic dramas, was found dead in her apartment in Karachi. Ayesha Khan was found dead a week after her passing.(X) The 76-year-old veteran actor was found dead a week after her passing in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 7, Karachi, Express Tribune reported. Born in 1948, Ayesha Khan was the elder sister of the late celebrated actress Khalida Riasat. Over the years, she won popularity due to her powerful and memorable performances in acclaimed dramas such as Aroosa, Afshan, Shaam Se Pehle, and Family 93. Her nuanced portrayals and dignified presence made her a household name in Pakistan and an inspiration to generations of actors. The news of her death was shared on Thursday by actor Khaled Anam through an emotional Instagram post. 'With profound sadness, we share the news of legendary Pakistani actress Ayesha Khan passing away this June 2025,' he wrote, triggering an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike. Arts Council of Pakistan President Ahmed Shah called Ayesha's passing "a profound loss" for the country's drama industry. Gentleman star Adnan Siddiqui also echoed the sentiment, taking to Instagram to pay his respects in a heartfelt post. "I met her on the set of Aroosa, my very first drama; I was a rookie then, a true greenhorn with only a few modelling assignments and commercials to my name. She was my on-screen mother but brought a compassion reminiscent of a maternal figure, a presence that soothed, grounded and made a space feel more human," continued Adnan. "In an industry that can often be brisk, brusque and bustling, Ayesha jee carried herself with a calm dignity. She was never loud, never needing to prove anything — her craft did all the talking."
