Key Takeaways
- The Punjab Council of the Arts and Information and Culture Department have initiated action against stage actors and theatre managements.
- Four female stage actresses, Sonia Lal, Nida Chaudhry, Khushboo Khan, and Fiza Anand, have been issued show-cause notices.
- The notices were issued for alleged vulgar dance routines and other improper conduct during performances.
The Punjab Council of the Arts and the Information and Culture Department have launched an investigation into alleged violations of government policies and standard operating procedures at commercial theatres in Lahore and Gujranwala.
PUCAR Executive Director Mahboob Alam ordered the action following reports of violations during performances at several commercial theatres.
Four female stage actresses, Sonia Lal, Nida Chaudhry, Khushboo Khan, and Fiza Anand, have been specifically targeted, with show-cause notices issued to them for alleged vulgar dance routines and obscene gestures during their performances.
The theatre managements and licence holders in both cities have also been served notices for alleged breaches, including exceeding performance time and allowing money throwing on stage.
In one case, officials accused the theatre management of failing to stop audience members from throwing money at performers, while in another, they said theatre staff turned off cameras during performances, violating monitoring rules.
The arts council emphasized the strict compliance with the Punjab Drama Act, government policies, and standard operating procedures remains mandatory for all commercial theatres.
The hearings for the notices have been set for September 16, indicating a formal process to address the alleged violations.
The council's actions are part of a broader effort to ensure that stage performances adhere to established guidelines and maintain public decency.
