he 17th death anniversary of the legendary Pashto film actor Badar Munir (1940-2008) was observed at the only theatre facility in the city, Nishtar Hall. The event, organised last Sunday to pay tribute to the legendary actor, was attended by film stars, local performers, folk singers and many diehard fans of the belated artist.

With Badar Munir, Pashto film industry scaled up and reached new heights. The uncrowned king of Pashto cinema reigned over the hearts of Pashtun cinemaegoers for several decades. The actor was known for his versatility and talent. After joining the film industry and acting in super hit movies, he earned widespread popularity, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of Pashtun cinephiles.

The event drew a large number of admirers not just from the city but also other places. Delegates from Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also turned up to share their views regarding the contribution of Badar Munir to Pashto entertainment industry.

Some of the participants said that his life story was truly inspiring. “We should all follow in the footsteps of Badar Munir. He worked hard throughout his life and achieved his dreams. He is an inspiration for us all,” one speaker said.

Badar Munir was raised in Swat. He completed his elementary school education there and then went to Karachi in search of livelihood.

Before joining the film industry, Badar Munir used to drive a rickshaw in Karachi. Then, he got a job as a lighting technician in a Karachi studio on actor Waheed Murad’s recommendation. Murad also introduced him to the film industry in 1970 as an actor. His first movie, Yousuf Khan Sher Bano, was released in December 1970, with Yasmeen Khan as the heroine. The duo became an instant hit so that the two artists starred opposite in many films.

Badar Munir was not only the first superstar of the Pashto film industry but also a symbol of hard work, dedication and artistic excellence. His name became synonymous with the golden era of Pashto cinema, inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers.

Speakers regretted the downfall of Pashto film cinema owing to several factors including cinema houses shutting down, lack of sponsorship and poor law and order situation. They said that there was a need to revive and promote the Pashto film industry to preserve and carry forward the cultural legacy of artists like Badar Munir.

Wisal Khayal, son of Khayal Mohammad, a folk singer, told the audience that Badar Munir was an exceptional man with an extraordinary story. “With his death, the Pashto cinema went into decline,” he said “There used to be many cinemas in this city, but now only two remain.”

Said Munir, son of Badar Munir, stated that his father contributed a lot to Pakistani film industry and remained a shining star due to his quality performances and genuine facial expressions. He added that young artists should learn from senior performers including Badar Munir.

In his address, Advocate Akbar Hoti said that Badar Munir was a principled and patriotic artist who promoted Pashtun culture through his films. He urged the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to establish a cultural award in Badar Munir’s name to inspire young artists to uphold his legacy.

Actor Asif Khan, a veteran of Pashto movies, said that Badar Munir had performed in around 500 top Pashto, Punjabi and Urdu movies and remained the most sought after hero till his last days.

Haji Aslam Khan, author of the book Pakhto Filmoona, shared his memories of the deceased actor. He said that even though Badar became famous soon after his debut and rose to the status of a superstar, he remained humble and was a down-to-earth person. He said that Munir used to secretly extend financial assistance to the poor and the needy around him.

“Pashto cinema has not produced another artist like Badar Munir. Perhaps no performer can replace him. Early 1970s remain the golden era in the history of Pollywood,” said the writer.

Actor Ajab Gul said that everyone working in the Pashto entertainment industry and show business should follow in the footsteps of performers like Badar Munir, Asif Khan, Yasmeen Khan and Naimat Sarhadi.

At the end of the ceremony, special prayers were offered for the late actor. The screening of a documentary on his life and artistic achievements followed. The documentary was received well by the audience.

The event was jointly organised by the All Pakistan Badar Munir Federation and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority.

The writer is a Peshawar-based journalist. He mostly writes on art, culture, education, youth and minorities. His X handle: @Shinwar-9