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Pakistan Independence Day function delights audience

DUBAI — Popular writer, intellectual and anchor, Anwar Maqsood, comedian, Moin Akhtar, and actor Behroze Sabzwari entertained the audience at the Iranian Club in Dubai on Thursday as part of Pakistan Independence Day celebrations organised by Pakistan Association Dubai.

The comedy show titled, 'Chalo Phir Muskurain', performed mainly by Maqsood and Moin, dealt with problems and social issues in Pakistan that are also common in India. These included the new generation forgetting their freedom fighters; the bad affects of cable TV; the havoc caused by rain; promises made by political parties but not fulfilled; friction between husband and wife; and the hazards of being a businessman.

Behroze played compere of the show rather than acting. Most of the 100-minute presentation, which was scheduled to last for 200 minutes, was a selection of the best from the Loose Talk show telecast by ARY TV for the last four and a half years.

The audience expected something original and not a repeat of the show that is widely viewed in the Gulf. Forget about make-up, Moin did not even change his dress to match the role he was playing. Maqsood and Moin did not practise the script well, so they had to read from papers placed on an old table that was partly wrapped with white paper.

Pakistan Association officials explained that the show had to be abruptly discontinued midway because Moin fell sick due to acidity and could not perform any more. That is also why most of the original skits, in which Behroze was to act, could not be staged, they said. In his concluding remarks, Maqsood advised the Pakistanis living here to do their bit to complete the construction of the community hall at the Pakistan Sports and Recreation Club by contributing at least a small amount of money on a daily basis. 'Shouldn't Maqsood practice what he is preaching? He did not do the show free for the love of his country. He should start by giving, if not all, a part of his fees for the show. He did not announce that,'' was the feeling expressed by a section of the audience.

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