Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Rich tribute were paid to legendary film star Mustafa Qureshi for his great contribution to Pakistani cinema.

The tribute was organized by Pakistan National Council of the Arts at its Auditorium here on Friday night. Film artists and filmmaker praised PNCA for honoring living legend in their lives.

Speaking on the occasion, TV and Radio host turned politician, member Sindh Assembly from Muslim League (F) Mehtab Akbar Rashidi, recounted her memories regarding Mustafa Qureshi and his early career at Radio Pakistan, Hyderabad from where he started his artistic career.

She said that it is usual tradition in Pakistan that artistes, actors and other services were acknowledged after their death, but it was a good tradition that PNCA was extending appreciation in their lives. There is a need to preserve and archive the golden history and art of Pakistani cinema.

At the pinnacle of the star studded evening, veteran actors and actresses applauded Mustafa Qureshi life long career of artistic craftsmanship and versatility. The evening also featured highlights consisting clips from different films and live performance by artists on his popular films and characters.

Bahar Begum, the veteran film star and heroin of Mustafa Qureshi in many films recollected her memories from their early career in Pakistan film industry. She said that Qureshi mother tongue is Sindhi but his dialogue delivery in Punjabi does not seem that he is not Punjabi. His prominent role as Noori Nat in the movie Maula Jatt became his trademark.

Samina Ahmad, senior TV artist, appreciated the versatility of Mustafa Quershi and his personal deep involvement with characters and researching and learning for it. She said that Qureshi is real legend of Pakistani film industry. She said that he always remained on fore front for the efforts for the welfare of artists.

Director-General, PNCA Jamal Shah said he was delighted to be among the artistes whom he liked. He reiterated his resolve to support and promote Pakistani Arts and Cinema. He announced that National Film Academy will be established in Islamabad and this year International Islamabad Film Festival will be organized this year too. He demanded of the government to patronize film industry and to expand the artist benevolent fund for the welfare of the artistic community.

Mustafa Qureshi expressed his gratitude to the gathering for showering so much love and honor on him. Speaking on his earlier day’s career at Radio station Hyderabad as announcer, actor, anchor and artist. He said that he did more than 650 films. He said that his first film was Pardesi, Sindhi. He gained popularity from Punjabi movies.

He appreciated the producers, cameraman and other technical staff op that despite that technology was not there but lightening, camera work was remarkable. He hoped that films once again will revive in Pakistan.

He opposed screening of Indian films in Pakistan and said that if India developed good relations with Pakistan and also allow Pakistani films in India than Pakistan allow their films here.

Speaking in the gathering wife of the Mustafa Qureshi, Rubeena Qureshi who was also famous singer said that his husband not given proper time due to his busy schedule to the children. “We work together at Hyderabad radio station, those days MB Ansari was producer there, who guides us and he was our mentor” she added.

In the end, Mustafa Qureshi was presented a shield from PNCA for his contribution to the Pakistani cinema.