Sanghar (Hasnain Ashiq Saand)
The 20st death anniversary of acclaimed Sindhi film writer and director Syed Asadullah Shah, popularly known as Shah Asad, was observed with simplicity in Tando Adam.
Family members and admirers visited his grave, laid floral wreaths, and offered collective prayers. A Quran Khwani was also held to convey Eisal-e-Sawab to the departed soul. Speaking on the occasion, his nephew Syed Hameedullah Shah and others paid glowing tributes to the late filmmaker.
Born on 15 August 1947 in an educated, literary and religious family of Tando Adam, Shah Asad emerged as one of the most influential creative figures in Sindhi cinema. He began his artistic journey as a poet under the pen name “Mahboob Tirmizi.” A highly educated man, he held a Master’s degree in Sociology as well as an LLB.
Shah Asad wrote songs for the famous Sindhi film “Rang Mahal,” marking the beginning of his contribution to the film industry. He later wrote several stage plays and founded the literary organisation “Idara Nawa-e-Adab.” He also established his own production house, “Shah Movies,” through which numerous successful Sindhi films were produced.
He wrote scripts, stories and dialogues for many notable films including Ghairat Jo Sawal, Pro Chandio, Jalal Chandio, Shaheed, Jiye Latif, Maheb Sheedi, Waada, Jaano Kapti, Shagird, Bhutto Zinda Aahey, Shaman Mirali, and Man Aashiq Tanhojo Aahe Aan. His collection of stories was published under the title “Dil ain Dharti.”
Shah Asad played a pivotal role in promoting the Sindhi language through cinema and attracted a large audience back to local theatres. His poetry was sung by renowned artists such as Mehnaz Begum, Naheed Akhtar, Runa Laila, Humaira Channa, Muhammad Yousuf, Jalal Chandio, and Imam Bakhsh Zardari.
Speakers said that Shah Asad’s demise created a vacuum in Sindhi literature and cinema “that may never be filled for generations.”
