Cultural environment in Lahore remained subdued after the death of Albela, a renowned comedian of the country. During the week under review, a couple of exhibitions of paintings; the launching of a book and documentation on historical monuments and the approval of a master plan for Lahore Museum were the major highlights.
Haji Akhtar Husain alias Albela-film, stage and TV comedian-who died in Lahore on July 17, leaving behind a large number of distraught and saddened fans, was laid to rest in a local graveyard on July 18. Prominent celebrities were among those who attended the funeral of the 63-year-old veteran of the world of entertainment.
Albela was not a Lahori by birth. He came to the city at a young age from Gojra to become an actor. During his almost 50-year career he performed in numerous TV and theatre plays in addition to scores of films. He was known for his wisecracks and repartees, which created a high enough place in the hierarchy of showbiz. He created a high enough place for himself due to his acting skill, which was demonstrated in his enactment of numerous roles in the movies and TV plays. He was an expert both in comedy of dialogue and manners.

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Maqsood Ahmed Chughtai, who has already won recognition for his expertise in writing travelogues and books for the use of students wishing to study abroad and visa procedures for Canada and US, launched his new book - Chalta Phirta Encyclopaedia with some fanfare. Several literary heavyweights and a senior journalist, a retired senior judge and an Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister attended the launching ceremony, which was sponsored by Dr. Murtaza Educational Trust. In the estimation of participating speakers, the book was a good guide for those who wish to go abroad for work and higher education.
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On the occasion of the 77th death anniversary of a revered son of Lahore, the Research and Publication Centre of National College of Arts, Lahore, (RPC), launched its project for the documentation of historical monuments. The project is aimed at bringing to the notice of the people and the government the sad plight of a large number of places of historical importance, which are fast slipping into oblivion due to neglect and reckless urbanization of the city. In cooperation with a local publishing house, RPC launched the documentation. Included in the RPC project are the Samadhi of Sir Ganga Ram, Anguri Bagh, Gora Qabristaan, and the graves of Zikeria Khan and Mian Khan. Several books on the life and achievements of Sir Ganga Ram, engineer-philanthropist of pre-partition Lahore, who has left behind Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and designed and built the Hailey College of Commerce and the Lady Maclagan Girls School, and a number of educational institutions and asylums. Speakers at the function held at Shakir Ali Auditorium paid rich tributes to late Sir Ganga Ram for his charitable trust and the RPC for undertaking a project, which will perhaps motivate rich and affluent Muslims to follow the traditions of late Ganga Ram.
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On July 13, a one-day exhibition of branded Navrang Designer Swiss Voile by Saima Ali was held at a local five-star hotel. The sophisticated art of jewelry-making and the launching of Saima's screen painted Swiss Voile collection were the main features of the exhibition. Beautifully designed and reflecting Pakistani traditions, the jewelry objects engaged the attention of visitors.
An exhibition of art works by Lalarukh opened at V.M. Art Gallery last week.
The objects on display included photographs, drawings, paintings and video display executed during 1980 and 2004. An inquisitive and enlightened visitor to the exhibit succinctly commented on her talent by saying that Lalarukh "paints and draws the essence of things she perceives"
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On July 12, the planning and development board of the Lahore Museum approved an appropriation of Rs. five million for the preparation of a master plan for the extension of this internationally renowned museum. The extension will be built at the site of the historic Tollinton Market that emerged during the colonial British period. At the same time, it was learnt that the Punjab Government has directed Chief Minister's Inspection Team to hold an inquiry into the affairs of the Lahore Museum, which have been allegedly bedeviled by mismanagement, theft of artifacts and misappropriation and misuse of funds.