Seems like having two biggies locked for the 23rd March weekend wasn’t enough for our industry for Pakistani cinema has another reason to rejoice as some of its prominent names have been selected to be conferred with some of the country’s highest civil awards.
Earlier, artists such as Meera, Fawad Khan, Javed Sheikh, Ali Zafar and directors such as Shoaib Mansur, Syed Noor and many others have be awarded country’s various civil awards by the government.
Who all is getting the civil awards?
This year, the most notable names from the current crop of Pakistani cinema performers, on the award list, include Mehwish Hayat (Tamgha-i-Imtiaz), Reema Khan (Pride of Performance) & Babra Sharif (Sitara-i-Imtiaz) while singers Attaullah Esakhelvi (Sitara-i-Imtiaz) & Sajjad Ali (Sitara-i-Imtiaz) along with TV actors Shabbir Jan (Pride of Performance) and Iftikhar Thakur (Pride of Performance) have also made it to the coveted list for the prestigious civil awards.
Moreover, the acclaimed screenwriter – Nasir Adeeb (Pride of Performance) – of Maula Jutt fame is on the list too. He has written screen plays for over 412 films and is one of Pakistan’s most treasured veteran writers. He has also directed a few films in 90s like Aaj Ki Larki and Dekha Jayega to name a few.
Amidst all, Mehwish’s name should not come as a surprise as her presence is almost entwined to the revival of Pakistani cinema. She has starred and excelled in some of the biggest films that have paved way for our cinema’s revival.
With films like Punjab Nahi Jaungi, Load Wedding, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani and countless other critically acclaimed TV shows, Mehwish has proved her excellence as an actor multiple times.
As for Reema Khan, the woman has proved herself both as an actor and a director. Starting her career with the critical and commercial hit Bulandi, the lady went on to star in multiple blockbusters like Nikah, Munda Bigra Jaye, and Hathi Mere Sathi. Reema has also directed notable films like Koi Tujh Sa Kahan. She has represented Pakistan at various international forums thus, portraying Pakistan’s soft image.
The phenomenon that Babra Sharif is
As for Babra Sharif, the name needs no introduction to the Pakistani cinema aficionados, who grew up in late 70s and 80s.
With her bubbly persona and excellent performances in films like Mera Naam Hai Mohabbat, Mome Ki Gudiya, Mukhra and many others, Babra proved herself to be the ‘darling’ of millions of hearts. She also ruled our television screens when she took a sabbatical from films, with her hit comedy drama called Nadan Nadia, written and directed by Anwar Maqsood.
Singers Sajjad Ali & Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi have, beyond any doubt, ruled Pakistani music scenes of different mediums ranging from TV, pop, film to live concerts, all these years.
Tamgha-i-Imtiaz and Pride of Performance
Tamgha-i-Imtiaz or the Medal of Excellence, is the fourth-highest decoration given to any civilian in Pakistan, based on their achievements. It can also be given to military personnel and foreigners.
The President’s Award for Pride of Performance or the Tamgha-e Ḥusn-e Karkardagi in Urdu, which has no particular official standing in the Pakistani civil decorations’ hierarchy, is conferred by the Government of Pakistan on Pakistani civilians in recognition of their distinguished meritorious work in the fields of literature, arts, sports, medicine, and science.
This year, the federal government has selected 127 persons, including 18 foreigners, who will be conferred civil awards by President Dr. Arif Alvi, for excellence in various fields, at an investiture ceremony that is to be held on Pakistan Day, on March 23.
This year has been tremendous for our artists and we hope the list gets bigger in the years to come.
