Written by: Haroon Shuaib
Posted on: October 14, 2022 | 
| 中文
A glimpse of 'Ishq - The Musical' as staged in London
As the mercury has started to cool down in Islamabad, the capital’s most iconic and long-standing citizen’s club, ‘The Asian Study Group’ (ASG) decided to open its annual season of activities with a special event. ASG, created in 1973, served as a voluntary organization till 2015, when it was formally established as a Trust. As a not-for-profit organization, ASG enables the community, both foreign and Pakistani, to learn more about the culture, geography, history, religions, environment, crafts, and customs of the Asian region in general, and of Pakistan in particular. ASG organizes exclusive and curated educational and entertainment programs, lectures, discussion meetings, screenings, and book launches.
The attendees were appreciative of ASG's contributions to Islamabad's cultural scene
ASG also arranges trips to various parts of Pakistan throughout the year. Hikes in the Margallas and walks in various regions provide an opportunity to observe local plants and wildlife. Different subgroups catering to special interests meet at least once a month for enthusiasts of adventure, anthropology, archeology, arts and crafts, carpets and textiles, cuisines, comparative cultures, cycling, films, gardening, geology and natural history, hiking, literature, performing arts, photography, wildlife and environment. What started as a small gathering of diplomat’s wives has now become an activity hub for anyone in pursuit of healthy recreation in Islamabad. The dynamic force behind ASG is Mrs. Parveen Malik, leading a management council of 17 subgroups and a core team of 30 volunteer members, responsible for over 60 programs per season.
The well-attended event this time had the who’s who of Islamabad in attendance, with Dr. Christian Turner, the British High Commissioner in Pakistan and his wife, as the guests of honor. Dr. Turner is also the ASG Chief Patron for 2022-23. He expressed his support for ASG and complimented Mrs. Parveen Malik and her team for their relentless efforts to promote Pakistan, its culture, its rich heritage and natural topography.
Dr Christian Turner, the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, introducing Huma Beg and Dr. Farooq Beg
The opening event of the season was a special behind-the-scene presentation of the production, backstage video clips, interviews of cast and crew, and reactions of the audience of ‘Ishq – The Musical’. It is based on the classic love story of ‘Heer Ranjha’, part of Punjab’s folklore which was staged at the prestigious Sadler’s Wells theatre, London, considered one of the world’s premier venues dedicated to international dance. ‘Ishq – The Musical’ was staged at Sadler’s Wells by the dynamic husband-wife duo of Islamabad’s very own Serendip Productions. Huma Mustafa Beg and Dr. Farooq Beg adapted the story of the lovers from Punjab as the first ever Anglo Punjabi Sufi musical. Serendip is well known as a premier producer of documentaries, sound and light shows, and cultural activities.
Dr Farooq Beg, Parveen Malik and Huma Mustafa Beg
Serendip’s ‘Ishq – The Musical’ explores a new dimension in Heer Ranjha, as a story of a woman challenging a patriarchal society to claim control on her own life. Seen through the lens of a woman’s rebellion against the lack of agency on her own future, it gives a new meaning to the classic story. The most famous lyrical account of Heer Ranjha was originally penned by the immortal Sufi poet of the Jhang region of Punjab, ‘Waris Shah’. Serendip commissioned artists from Pakistan and the UK for the project with Owen Smith and Suhaee Ali Abro responsible for the choreography, and Ian Brandon and Emu (of Fuzon Band) for music. Serendip’s Heer was played by Rashida, a beautiful young actor of Welsh-Pakistani descent, and Ranjha’s role was essayed by Pakistan’s leading man of film and television, Ahsan Khan. The role of Kiadoo, the antagonist, was played by the brilliant Adnan Jaffar, videos of who’s behind the scene antics were entertaining and showcased how actors immerse themselves in their roles.
A glimpse of 'Ishq - The Musical'
In Waris Shah’s version, Ranjha left his home because his brothers’ toxic wives refused to give him food. Eventually, he arrived in Heer’s village and fell in love with her at first sight. Heer offered Ranjha a job as a caretaker of her father’s buffalos. Soon, mesmerized by the charming ways of Ranjha and the way he played his flute, Heer began to reciprocate his love for her. They meet each other discreetly until Heer’s jealous uncle finds out and conspires to tear the lovers apart. Heer is forced by her family and the local priest to marry a wealthy old man from another village. A heartbroken Ranjha leaves to roam in the wilderness till he meets a jogi, an ascetic, and decides to become a jogi himself, piercing his ears and renouncing all worldly pleasures. He eventually comes to a village where Heer has been forced to live with a husband she didn’t love. The pain of the lost love was perfectly captured by Waris Shah when he wrote for Heer, ‘Ranjha Ranjha kardi ni mein aapay Ranjha hoi, Ranjha mein no har koi aakho, Heer na aakho koi’ (I kept calling Ranjha’s name in a trance till I myself became Ranjha; now everyone should call me by the name of Ranjha, instead of Heer). The two lovers decide to finally take their fate into their own hands and return to Heer’s village, where her parents agree to their union. However, Heer’s jealous uncle poisons her and on hearing the news of Heer’s death, a heartbroken Ranjha finishes off the remaining poison to die by her side.
The tragic love story of 'Heer Ranjha' adapted for stage by Serendip
While the presentation of ‘Ishq’ at the ASG event, which was the Director and Producer’s take on the making of a cinematic epic was extensive and insightful, a poignant monologue of Heer performed on the stage by Iqra Nadeem, and a dance performance on a Sufi musical piece by Asfandyar Khattak, were welcome breaks.
The glimpses of the theatrical production shared at the event showed an ensemble cast of over 2 dozen actors and dancers of various ethnic backgrounds, representing the multicultural demography of London. It was interesting to see the creative ways in which the makers had attempted to amalgamate Punjabi backdrops, props, costumes, and mannerisms with English sensibilities. The script for the theatrical presentation had been penned by Mushfiq Murshed, a challenging job of writing a lyrical adaptation of the story in English, while keeping the colloquial and musical essence of the Punjabi folk tale intact. The sets, lighting and choreography of the play visible through short video glimpses were enough to leave the audience wishing that they had witnessed the actual play. One can only hope that this English adaption of the cult classic is someday staged in Pakistan, and is able to present the same melodrama, intensity, and charm that is a hallmark of Punjabi culture. Till then, full marks to ASG for bringing the experience as close to home as possible.
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