"BULHA"

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2001 (Lahore)


Written bY: Shahid Nadeem
Directed by: Madeeha Gauhar

"Bulleh Shah" (1680-1758) lived in the times of the downfall of the Mughal Empire, Characterised by internecine conficts, rebellions, civil and religious strife and total ideological and political chaos, times essentially not much different for the present day South Asia. Bullah Shah was a beacon of hope and humanism, His powerful voive called for tolerance and love, while there was bigotism and hatred all around. He promted a relationship With dog which was non oppressive and enabled poople to be religious and yet respect other people's beliefe. He wrote about Comon People,their sufferings, their hopes. He did not see any conflict between his mystic beliefs and his devotion to music and dance. His condemnation of the misuse of religion by clerics and opportunists was total and attracted"fatwas" of "kufr" on several occasions. When he dies, the mullahs of Kasur refused to allow him be buried in the city graveyard. He was buried outside the city but today his grave is the centre of the city of Kasur. The city has moved to where Bulleh Shah Was Buried. That is the verdict of history and the living proof of the power of the mystics who preached love and sided with the people. The play "Bullah" is a tribute to the great mystic. It is broadly based on the events of his life, as communicated through his poetry, historical records and popular myths. And there is no dearth of dramatic episodes in the life of Bulleh Shah. His search for truth, his devotion to his mentor Shah Inayat, his conflict with the intolerant clergy and corrupt Nawabs, his opposition to the wars and bloodshed in the name of religion-all are incorporated as powerful scenes in the play. The play is also about the times of Bulleh Shah and has some lessons for the present-day Pakistan. It is a strong plea for love and peace, and an indictment against intolerance, violence and hatred.

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