In Singapore, it’s not very difficult to find Indian food or art. But unfortunately, the same cannot be said about Pakistan.
The disparity in the cultural footprint of the two nations has prompted Singapore-based Pakistani Azzah Waseem to establish ‘Fun Aur Funkaar’, a seven-day festival that showcases Pakistani food, art, music and fashion, reported TheStraits Times.
Azzah, 37 is the managing director of an events company by the name of Momentz by Azzah. “The positive sides of Pakistan are not presented as much as the negative. It’s high time we showcase how rich our art, culture and talent are.”
The festivities kick off on Friday with a concert by JoSH at the Magic Carpet Lounge. On Sunday, a five-day gastronomic journey through Pakistan starts at Aryaa Kitchen on Beach Road. Each day will offer different dishes from Punjab, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
Elsewhere, art lovers have the opportunity to appreciate 55 paintings of diverse styles that include abstracts, portraits and Islamic calligraphy. The exhibition takes place at the Asian Art Platform and will features works of Pakistani artists such as MA Bukhari, AS Rind, Aamir Khatri and Erum Adnan.
‘Fun Aur Funkaar’ will close with a fashion show featuring bridals and formal collections by popular Pakistani designer Rana Noman and baubles by Singapore- based jewellery designer Tanya Farooq. Pakistani actor Mikaal Zulfiqar will be present for a meet-and- greet.Azzah claims the festival is not just for Pakistanis in Singapore but for Singaporeans as well. “People know little about Pakistan here. So this festival is an opportunity for them to learn more, whether through its food, art, music or fashion,” she says. She plans to make ‘Fun Aur Funkaar’ an annual affair and eventually include Bangladesh and Sri Lanka too.
