LAHORE:Ajoka Theatre’s founding director, the legendary Madeeha Gauhar, was remembered on her 69th birth anniversary at a heartfelt gathering here.
The ceremony brought together Ajoka’s core team, Friends of Ajoka, and members of Madeeha Gauhar’s family to pay tribute to her enduring legacy in theatre. Veteran theatre activist and Madeeha Gauhar’s close friend, Kewal Dhaliwal, director of the Amritsar's well-known theatre group, Manch Rang Manch, participated in the event and reminisced about his decades-long personal and professional association with her.
He highlighted Madeeha Gauhar’s invaluable contributions to theatre as a medium of social change, emphasising how she effectively used the theatre to foster cross-border connections and present thought-provoking narratives. He shared that theatre-lovers in Indian Punjab hold her in high esteem and continue to cherish her remarkable contribution to the performing arts.
Ajoka Executive Director Shahid Nadeem, Chairperson Zara Salman, and General Secretary Sohail Warraich also shared their reflections, along with heartfelt tributes from her family members, including Madeeha's son and founder of Ajoka Institute Nirvaan Nadeem, her nieces Neha Gauhar, and Arzoo Gauhar. They celebrated her visionary leadership, unwavering passion, and lifelong commitment to promoting meaningful and socially relevant theatre in Pakistan and beyond. Ajoka core team members Naseem Abbas and Luke Kelwin also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier during the week Ajoka Institute’s ‘Art of Acting Batch 27 students showcased their talent for the first time with two compelling short plays based on women’s rights, entitled ‘Sharam di Gall’ and ‘Dhee Rani’ at Alhamra on February 6 under the direction of Nirvaan Nadeem. These plays, originally performed over 25 years ago, continue to resonate today, highlighting pressing social issues that remain relevant. Meanwhile, Ajoka Theatre will present its acclaimed play ‘Bala King’ today (Monday) at Ali Institute Auditorium on Ferozepur Road.