A tribute to an icon
LAHORE: An exclusive art show titled `Icon` that encompasses the film career of distinguished actress Rani (1946-1993) through paintings opened at Alhamra Art Gallery on The Mall on Friday.
Dedicated to Rani and Hassan Tariq, the parents of Rabia Anwar, a 90s graduate of National College of Arts and the moving spirit behind the activity, the exhibition was organised by Rohtas 2 Gallery in collaboration with the Lahore Arts Council. Film actor Shahid inaugurated the exhibition.
The art show was a tribute to Rani on her 18th death anniversary. She died on May 27, 1993, at the age of 46.
Some 21 or so artists have depicted various phases of actress`s career and life, showing Rani`s immense talent and versatility. The artists are: Rabia Anwar, Asim Akhtar, Abdul Jabbar Gul, Adeel Ahmed, Adeel uz Zafar, Ahsan Jamal, Ali Azmat, Amber Hammad, Asad Hayee, Arif Khan, Hassan Mujtaba, Madhia Sikander, Mohammad Ahmed, Muhammad Ashraf, Risham Syed, Sadaf Naeem, Saeed Akhtar, Saira Dar, Sheraz Faisal and Zeeshan Memon.
Popular songs filmed on Rani like `Katay na katay` and `Izhar bhi mushkil hai` are being shown to the visitors on an LCD placed in a corner of the gallery. The entrance to the gallery is tastefully decorated with flowers. One can feel an air of excitement since the theme of the exhibition is different – to acknowledge the services of versatile actress who graced films like Umaro Jan Ada, Tehzeeb, Begum Jan, Ik Gunah Aur Sahi and a number of other worth-watching movies.
“It`s a great moment for me”, said Rani`s daughter Rabia with a cheerful smile. “This exhibition will travel to other cities as well, I would rather wish to exhibit it internationally,” she added. The exhibition had a good turnout. There were a number of art lovers from all walks of life including actor Shan.
“Rani was an asset for Pakistan`s film industry; there should have been more people from the industry on this occasion,” commented Shan while talking to Dawn. He said more and more people should visit the exhibition for the show was based on a unique idea.
“I have paired with many actresses but I enjoyed working with Rani because she was a versatile actress,” said Shahid while talking to the media. Shahid said he was pleased that Rabia had invited him to open the exhibition. “It`s an honour for me,” he added.
Like Shan, Shahid also regretted that a few film industry people had turned up.
To art critic Qudus Mirza the idea of holding such an exhibition was praiseworthy. “Some works are extremely good and some are average, however, overall it`s a good show,” Mirza added.
“The unique aspect of the art show is that it is an amalgamation of two forms of art; the performing and fine arts to pay tribute to the icon,” Alhamra Art Gallery director Taniya Sohail said.
Almost all the visitors liked the idea behind the show. The charity collected by the exhibition through sale of paintings would go to the noble cause of facilitating a free ambulance service of Rani Rafiqun Memorial Hospital. The exhibition will conclude on June 4.
Source: Dawn
Date:5/28/2011
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