World Theatre Day: Iftikhar Thakur urges reviving family entertainment on stage

MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Mar, 2026) Prominent figures from Pakistan’s performing arts community have called for renewed attention to theatre as a powerful medium of cultural expression, social reform, and wholesome family entertainment.

Internationally acclaimed artist and veteran stand-up comedian Iftikhar Thakur, speaking to APP by phone from Islamabad on Friday, highlighted the urgent need to revive family-oriented stage dramas across the country. He observed that theatre in Pakistan has increasingly shifted toward commercialised content, often sidelining meaningful storytelling suitable for families.

“Stage drama should be a source of healthy entertainment that families can enjoy together,” Thakur said. “We must bring back quality scripts, strong narratives, and performances that reflect our social values and cultural heritage.”

He also made a passionate appeal to the government to take concrete steps for the welfare of artists. Highlighting the financial struggles faced by many performers, particularly in their later years, Thakur called for the establishment of dedicated welfare funds. “Artists dedicate their lives to entertaining society, yet many are left unsupported in times of hardship. There should be institutional mechanisms to assist them, especially during illness and old age,” he demanded.

Veteran actor, writer, and director Mohsin Gillani offered a historical perspective on the evolution of theatre. He traced the roots of drama back to ancient Greek civilisation, where theatre emerged as a vital cultural and religious activity, blending storytelling with moral and philosophical themes. He noted that during the middle Ages, drama came under strong Church influence, with religious narratives dominating theatrical performances across Europe.

Turning to South Asia, Gillani explained how theatre in the Subcontinent evolved through classical traditions, folk performances, and later, colonial influences. He described Agha Hashr Kashmiri as one of the greatest writers of urdu drama, adding that he had the honour of performing in Kashmiri’s play ‘Naik Parveen’ in Karachi in 1984 alongside renowned actors Saqi, Nirala, and others.

He also acknowledged celebrated stage and screen artists such as Prithviraj Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Nana Patekar, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui as towering figures in theatre.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s journey, Gillani said that after the country’s creation in 1947, theatre became an important medium for cultural identity and artistic expression. However, over time, it faced challenges including limited institutional support, shifting audience preferences, and competition from electronic media.

“Despite these challenges, theatre remains a living art,” Gillani remarked. “It has the power to educate, inspire, and connect communities. What we need is sustained support, policy attention, and a commitment to preserving this invaluable cultural heritage.”

He recalled that artists such as Subhani Ba Younis, Mehmood Ali, and Qazi Wajid staged ‘Mirza Ghalib Bander Road Par’ across Pakistan, in which he performed in Gujranwala and Lahore.

Gillani also paid tribute to Karachi’s iconic performers including Moeen Akhtar, Umar Sharif, Rauf Lala, and Shakeel Siddiqui, who left a lasting mark on the country’s drama scene.

He noted that when theatre became increasingly commercialised, leading figures such as Amanullah, Waseem Abbas, Mastana, Shouki Khan, Babbu Baral, and Sohail Ahmad carried forward the legacy, alongside others including Naseem Vicky, Nawaz Anjum, and Safdar Abbas.

He praised the Punjab government’s initiatives aimed at reviving family theatre, adding that arts councils should actively organise stage dramas rather than focusing solely on official functions.

As World Theatre Day is observed globally, voices from Pakistan’s artistic community serve as a reminder of theatre’s enduring significance — and the urgent need to protect both the art form and the artists behind it.

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