Sajjad Ali, Armaan Rahim, and Muneeb Khan Dazzle Audiences at World Culture Festival Concertnewspaper blogspot

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: The World Culture Festival continued to captivate audiences with its rich tapestry of cultural events on the 23rd day of this 39-day celebration. Notable performances by renowned singers Sajjad Ali, Armaan Rahim, and Muneeb Khan stole the show during a vibrant musical concert that brought the festival to life.

On this memorable day, the Arts Council welcomed the Portuguese Ambassador, Manuel Frederico Pinheiro da Silva, alongside his Political and Economic Officer, David Arcao, official Syed Amin Uddin Faqeer, and musician Ricardo Passos. Ambassadors exchanged tokens of appreciation, with President of the Arts Council, Mohammad Ahmad Shah, presenting the distinguished guests with a traditional Sindhi Ajrak, cap, and bouquet, symbolizing the rich culture of Sindh. In a gesture of goodwill, the Portuguese Ambassador gifted Ahmed Shah a medal chain commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Portugal.

During his visit, Ambassador Pinheiro da Silva praised the Arts Council's dedication to promoting fine arts, stating, "Ahmad Shah is doing remarkable work toward building a better world." He expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations, indicating that more Portuguese artists will grace the stage at the Arts Council going forward.

The day began with an enlightening session titled "Voices of Change: How Modernity is Affecting Art," featuring impactful discussions led by international artists including Aglaia Perraki (Greece), Erica Lauren Wise (USA), and Chaddota Idda (Kenya). They shared their experiences and perspectives on the transformative power of art.

A fine art workshop conducted by Greek artists Sofia Maria Xenaki and Aglaia Perraki allowed Arts Council students to refine their painting techniques. "Feel the work first, then create it," advised Perraki, emphasizing the importance of patience and expression in the artistic process.

Following the workshop, the film "Paray Hut Love" was screened, with director Asim Raza in attendance to discuss the challenges faced by the Pakistani film industry in the wake of COVID-19. Raza recognized the organizational feat of hosting such a vibrant festival in Karachi as a crucial step toward revitalization.

The day's festivities culminated in an unforgettable musical concert where the soulful voices of Sajjad Ali, Armaan Rahim, and Muneeb Khan left the audience enchanted. As the World Culture Festival continues until December 7 at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, it promises to showcase even more exceptional cultural experiences.

The acclaimed theatre production "The Transposed Head," directed by Khalid Anum, hosted stellar performances from Umaid Riaz, Ayesha Sheikh, Hina Riaz, and Anum himself. The play’s poignant narrative explored the complexities of love and the conflict between the mind and body.