Pak drama group stages adaptation of 'Ramayana'

Karachi | A Pakistani drama group is making waves by staging an adaptation of the “Ramayana”, a powerful legend of good versus evil deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, in Karachi city of Pakistan's Sindh province.

Drama group “Mauj”, staging the “Ramayana” at the Karachi Arts Council over the weekend, has won appreciation for their efforts to bring the epic to life by using AI enhancements.

Director Yoheshwar Karera said he never felt that staging the “Ramayana” would lead to people disliking him or facing any threats.

“To me, bringing the Ramayana to life on stage is a visual treat and shows the Pakistani society is more tolerant than it is often given credit for,” he said.

Karera said the drama had been well received, with many critics appreciating the efforts put into the production and the actors' performance.

Art and film critic Omair Alavi said he was impressed by the sincerity in the storytelling, and the dynamic lighting, live music, colourful costumes, and evocative designs all added to the grandeur of the show.

“The narrative is top class as the Ramayana is a story that resonates with millions around the world.”

Producer Rana Kazmi, who plays the part of Sita, said she was intrigued by the idea of bringing the ancient tale as a living, breathing experience for audiences.

Humaira's death in Karachi 'slap on face of Pakistani drama industry,' say Pak actors

Karachi | The tragic death of a popular actress and model Humaira Aghar Ali in Karachi has exposed the dark underbelly of the flourishing Pakistani drama industry, particularly when it comes to payment.

Humaira's decomposed body was found in her apartment in Karachi’s upmarket Defence Housing Society on July 8. The initial post-mortem findings said she had died eight to 10 months ago.

The 32-year-old actress was laid to rest on Friday in Lahore, her hometown, even as police said prima facie no foul play was involved in her death but the government has formed a joint investigation committee to find out the circumstances which led to her tragic death.

If anything, her death has exposed how the Pakistani drama industry operates with many actors coming forward to talk about how actors and even light boys, technicians have to beg for their dues from production houses and still don't get paid for months on end.

Senior actor Firdous Jamal has termed Humaira's death a slap on the face of the Pakistani drama industry. “Imagine her dead body lying in her apartment for six months and no one even bothered to inquire about her, including her neighbours!”

Another actor Faizan Khawaja shared on his social media that he had quit the industry because of payment issues. “You work hard and then you don’t get payments which are a year old from production houses.”

Muhammad Ahmed, another senior stage and television actor, also said on social media that despite working long shifts, actors have to wait for months to get their money from production houses.

“From what I have heard, Humaira was in dire financial condition because of which she couldn’t pay her rent. It is sad because she was a hard working popular actor.”

Ahmed said except for one or two production houses, the others made you beg for your own money.

Acclaimed director and writer, Mahreen Jabbar has also talked about the non-professional attitude prevailing in production houses.

“You become a fakeer doing rounds of these production houses and asking for your money.”