A review on Pakistani Drama theatre play, Jinnay Lahore Nahin Vekhya (2019). This play was performed at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2019.
+ Crew
- Lighting, Production Design, Written (Adapted) & Directed by Anwar Jafri
- Costumes Designing & Co-Directed by Sheema Kermani
- Produced by Tehrik-e-Niswan
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+ Music Performers
- Vocalist by Daniel Wilayat
- Tabla by Zulfiqar Ali
+ Note
Jinnay Lahore Nahin Vekhya is adapted play, originally written by Dr. Asghar Wajahat. It is based on the actual incident and dialogues of Nasir Kazmi, taken from the letters and his writings.
This play is based on 1947, set in Lahore immediately after partition. The conflict arises on the partition of Hindustan, as to say that Pakistan is for Muslims whereas India is for Hindus only. This is strongly opposed by the poet, Nasir Kazmi and the Moulvi of the local mosque.
+ Main Cast
- Sheema Kermani as Maajee
- Mehmood Bhatti as Mirza Sahib
- Samaviya Asghar as Begum Mirza
- Abeera Pervaiz as Tanno
- Harris Khan as Javed
- Waheed Ali as Nasir Kazmi
- Emran Khan as Pehalwan
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+ Supporting Cast
- Adnan Haroon as Chai Wala
- Sonu Imran Bhatti as Tangay Wala
- Mohammad Anwar Uddin as Clerk / Moulvi
- Madeeha Pervaiz as Begum Hidayat
- Paro as Beti
- Umair Aslam as Chela#1
- Dawood Bhatti as Chela#2
- Kumail Bhatti as Chela#3
- Malaika Khalid as Girl#1
- Dianna Lazer as Girl#2
- Alika Kashif as Girl#3
+ Plot
An immigrant family has been allotted an abandoned haveli by the previous, Hindu family. To their dismay, they find that the haveli is already resides an old woman from the previous Hindu family. This not only irks the Muslim family but also the local residents of the neighborhood who want Pakistan for Muslims only.
+ High Points
i – Once more, a great direction by Anwar Jafri and Sheema Kermani. Last year in this festival, respected Anwar directed Manto Mera Dost which was also directed remarkably and gained much praises. In this play too, the combined efforts proved themselves as much worthy.
ii – A good adaptation, connected the audience with its emotional link while conveyed the play’s core message in the spectators’ hearts.
iii – Sheema Kermani gave a very creditable performance as the Hindu old, caring woman, Maajee. Just like in the play, the audience quickly fell in love with her character and felt her pain, the desire to meet her long, lost son on other side of the border. Thank you ma’am, it was an honor to watch you perform.
iv – Incredible performance by Emran Khan as the strong temper wrestler, Pehalwan. Due to his interesting character & solid performance, his scenes were very pleasant and amusing. It bought smiles, laughter to most of the audience. Other Honorable Mentions: Mohammad Anwar Uddin.
v – The inclusion of music & playback singer boasted the play and the performances strongly. I don’t think I would have loved this play the same way without them being part of it.
vi – The costumes were well suited, just the characters’ attire should be in.
vii – Proper usage of lighting, helped the performers presenting themselves better.
+ Low Points
i – Although the set design and props were much better than any other plays, I have watched of their production but still I believe they can further improvise it more.
ii – Having no sub plots, your concern would only be stick with one character the entire time.
+ Overall
Jinnay Lahore Nahin Vekhya is a beautifully accomplished play, for a better cast of players is difficult to imagine.
Rate: 4.25 out of 5 stars
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