Pakistani Cinema’s Love Letter to the Palestinian Cause

Words by Komal Salman

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This is a rare vintage poster for the National Dance Ensemble from Pakistan when they made their grand debut performance in New York City in 1973 at the Hulu Theatre in Madison Square Garden. The show featured celebrated Kathak dancer Nahid Siddiqui who rose to fame in the 70s but in the late 70s, martial law was declared in Pakistan and dancing was banned. She left Pakistan and relocated to London but was told she couldn't dance anywhere in the world without the permission from the government of Pakistan. Siddiqui defied these rules though and continued to dance. "How can you ban beauty?" asked Siddiqui. (Available now as print)

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Pakistani Cinema’s Love Letter to the Palestinian Cause

Zarqa Film Poster

Around five decades ago, in 1969, amidst the fervor of Palestinian liberation during the Arab-Israeli wars and the echoes of resistance, a cinematic masterpiece emerged from Pakistan – 'Zarqa,' a timeless tale that weaves the fervent spirit of a young girl into the fabric of the Palestinian struggle for freedom.