LAHORE: Legendary classical dancer Zarin Panna was bestowed the “Shahkaar Against All Odds Award” for her valuable contribution to the art of dance, despite personal and social challenges.
The award was given by retired Justice Nasira Javed Iqbal, chairperson of the jury, at a graceful ceremony held at Alhamra.
Versatile theatre actor Usman Zia was awarded the “ Shahkaar Stage the Change” award for excellence in theatre.
The awards were instituted in 2020 by Ajoka Theatre to honour the memory of Ajoka’s veteran actor Arshad Durrani and sponsored by his daughter eminent artist Sumaya Durrani and Shahkaar Higher Education Hub. The awards carry shields, designed by Sumaya Durrani, and a cash award.
Justice Iqbal congratulated the awards recipients and appreciated the role of Ajoka in promoting socially meaningful theatre and grooming young talent.
Zarin Panna said she was overwhelmed by the honour.
Veteran film writer Pervez Kaleem spoke about Panna’s career while Sohail Warraich traced the growth of Usman Zia’s acting career. Jury Secretary and Ajoka chair Zara Salman talked about the selection process adopted by the jury which included Justice Nasira Iqbal, ex-VC GC University Dr Hassan Amir Shah, poet and playwright Asghar Nadeem Syed, Ajoka General Secretary Sohail Warraich and Visual artist Saira Dar.
Video documentaries on Panna and Usman Zia and Late Arshad Durrani were screened during the ceremony. Sumaya Durrani in her video message talked about the objectives of the Shahkaar projects while Ajoka Executive Director Shahid Nadeem thanked the jury and Lahore Arts Council for their support.
The highlight of the ceremony was Zarin Panna’s impromptu dance performance on audience request. Actor Usman Zia also performed scenes from his famous Ajoka plays “Dara” and “Bulha”. The event was attended by a large number of artists, film veterans and friends of Ajoka.
