Srinagar
Madeeha Gauhar, the founder of Ajoka Theatre, playwright, actor and director of social theatre, passed away in Lahore, Pakistan on Wednesday. She fought a prolonged battle with cancer.
Sohail A Warraich, Secretary Ajoka theatre, said in a statement, “Renowned theatre personality founder and Artistic Director of Ajoka theatre, Madeeha Guahar passed away earlier this morning. Her funeral will be held on Thursday 26 April at 5:00 pm, at her residence 24 Sarwar Road, Lahore Cantt, ” said a report by the Nation.
She was married to seasoned writer and director Shahid Nadeem, a resident of Sopore town of Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir.
Madeeha Gauhar held a Masters degree in theatre direction from the University of Lahore. She had a keen interest in theatre art from her early age and she remained president of Dramatic clubs of both Kinnaird College and Government College University, Lahore.
Gauhar founded the Ajoka theatre in 1984 and directed almost three-dozen of plays which were performed at both national and international level. In 2003, Government of Pakistan conferred her with Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.
Moreover, she also received international awards for her services which significantly include Prince Clause Award from the Netherlands in 2006. Later on, in 2014, Government of Pakistan awarded her with Fatima Jinnah Award.
