ISLAMABAD, Friday, July 18, 2025 : The mystical aura of Punjabi folklore swept through the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) Friday night as the timeless tale of Saif-ul-Mulook was brought to life in a soul-stirring theatrical performance, captivating an audience drawn from all walks of life.
Organized in collaboration with Dolphin Communication, the event transcended conventional theatre — emerging as a powerful homage to the spiritual and poetic legacy of Hazrat Mian Muhammad Bakhsh. Directed by acclaimed writer and CEO of Dolphin Communication, Asma Butt, the play masterfully fused lyrical narration, traditional music, and expressive acting to retell the classic Sufi romance of Prince Saif and Fairy Badi-ul-Jamal.
“This is not just a performance; it’s a cultural revival,” said Member of the National Assembly Shazia Farid, who attended as chief guest. “Saif-ul-Mulook on stage is a celebration of our spiritual identity and the emotional depth embedded in our folklore.”
A large and diverse audience — including artists, intellectuals, students, writers, and theatre enthusiasts — watched in awe as the narrative unfolded themes of divine love, sacrifice, and spiritual awakening. The production highlighted how folk tales like Saif-ul-Mulook continue to resonate in the modern age, preserving the essence of Sufi thought and cultural storytelling.
The cast featured a dynamic ensemble of Rawalpindi and Islamabad-based performers, including Kaleem Khan, Nirmal Ali, Arshad Khan, Shazia Adeeb, Jhalak Ali, Raiha Yousaf, and many more. A standout moment came when actor Afzal Latifi delivered a soul-stirring rendition of Mian Muhammad Bakhsh’s verses — a performance that earned spontaneous applause and left many visibly moved.
Among other notable attendees were PNCA Program Organizer Dr Waqar Azim, Judge Raheel Yousafzai, Saeen Ejaz, Naveed Kanwal, Naeem Pasha, Shakeel Awan, Abid Abbasi, and several cultural advocates who commended the production’s artistic integrity and spiritual depth.
The immersive stage design, infused with traditional music and poetic rhythm, transported the audience deep into the folklore landscapes of Punjab and Kashmir, rekindling a connection with their linguistic and cultural roots.
Speaking at the conclusion, director Asma Butt shared, “This production was a labor of love. It’s about more than entertainment — it’s about reconnecting people with their identity, their heritage, and the language of their soul.”
The evening concluded with a prolonged standing ovation, echoing the audience’s emotional and spiritual engagement — a poignant reminder that the enduring power of Pakistan’s cultural stories lies not only in their beauty, but in their ability to touch hearts across generations.
