THE LAST MOMENTS OF THE “HOLY SINNER” SADEQUAIN – AS RECORDED BY HIS DISCIPLE ANWAR IQBAL IN “JHANG”

THE LAST MOMENTS OF THE “HOLY SINNER” SADEQUAIN
AS RECORDED BY HIS DISCIPLE ANWAR IQBAL IN “JHANG”
Roz nama Jhang Juma edition

Somebody coined the term “Holy Sinner” for Sadequain artist. It was coined to reconcile the two different aspects in the character of the artist. In a very objective way it can be understood from the fact that in the times of Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Sadequain was making so called erotic art, and there was much resentment when these works were exhibited in Lahore. Even anti riot police had to be called to quell the demonstrations. When President Zia ul Haque came into power the same Sadequain was writing Islamic calligraphy. It was the ingenuity of the artist to change complexions all the time. In the foot steps of M.A. Rahman Chughtai, Sadequain worked on Ghalib, Iqbal as well as Omar Khayyam. No problem with any of that. But the Holy Sinner made strange comment both on PTV as well at other places. Calling his art the art of the gutter which takes out the dirt of the society, he proclaimed that he was not a drawing room artist. No issue there too. All these statements are documented facts.

Last moments Sadequain
Written will of Sadequain

The last moments of Sadequain are recorded by his fan and disciple Anwar Iqbal, and in detail he lists the same. Sadequain had written his will and his desire not to be buried in Karachi or Amroha. No one heeded to that. Also not heeded was his last moment desire for the liquid of his choice and said to Anwar you will be responsible for my death, if you do not bring it in hiding to me. All this is recorded in Daily Jhang Juma Magazine and we print it for the reference to our viewers. Nothing from us, everything from him. But it is sad that addictions destroy creativity of life. At a very early age of 63, Sadequain died between the night of 9th and 10th, January, 1987. Ina lillah hai wa ina illa hai rajoon!

Sadequain as fasting Buddha
Autograph Sadequain 1971

 

8 thoughts on “THE LAST MOMENTS OF THE “HOLY SINNER” SADEQUAIN – AS RECORDED BY HIS DISCIPLE ANWAR IQBAL IN “JHANG””

  1. I met him twice myself. One in a rail car towards Rawalpindi. Second time sitting with him in old gymkhana to meet Abdul Hafeez Pirzada in connection with conversion of gymkhana into Chughtai museum. All on record. The behaviour of Sadequain was so unbecoming of an artist that I could only wonder. He was relentlessly pursuing the minister for some financial benefit like he pursued Masud Nabi Nur for same. The secretary culture. A lot to tell.

  2. Ajmal Warsi and his father were metal workers specializing in making models like Yadgar Pakistan and Sadequain sought their help in making calligraphy in metal but never admit ed their help. They used to visit our house too.

    1. A Great Article about the Legend Sadequain!
      is there any contact to Anwar Iqbal sahb?
      and Yes,
      Dear Arif Rahman Chughtai Sahb, There is no offend, as so many artists/legends, got help from skilled labourers, to finish their art pieces and never mentioned it. for example; the Great Gulgee who also got some help from stone cutters/ labourers, in his stone collage based portraits, but never mentioned their names.

  3. Thank you very much for your understanding. You are rare! It could be possible to trace Anwar Iqbal but one has to try.

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