ABDUL WAHEED CHUGHTAI ALIAS VIDOO ALIAS “PA DODAY”;
A NEPHEW OF M.A. RAHMAN CHUGHTAI, ARTIST IN LONDON.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 11TH SEPT, 2025, REACHING 92 YEARS AGE.

Four Chughtai brothers lived together in Mohalla Chabuk Sawaran Lahore. Muhammed Hussain occupied a full house, half of the residence. The other three lived in the rest of the place. Many stories high, each storey belonged to one brother. In one storey lived Abdur Raheem Chughtai, with his wife Mumtaz Begum, and children. Two sons Abdul Wahid Chughtai and younger son Abdul Waheed Chughtai. The girls were Askari Begum, Famida Begum and Sarwar Begum. This is a narration about Abdul Waheed Chughtai.

Abdul Waheed Chughtai was born on 11th September, 1933, but the birth certificate shows his birth registration on 22nnd September, 1933. Obviously some days later. For his education he was sent to Rang Mahal Mission High School, founded by Dr R.C. Forman, and Head master, the famous Rallia Ram. From there the movement was easier. It ended in a B.A. degree from Government College Lahore. One of his friends and classfellow was Mian Basheer, who later became Principal of Government College, Baghanpura. He had other friends, and all middle class families, moving about on their bicycles in the city.

Mind you simple cycles, there was no room for motorcycles at that time. Hardly anybody had a car. But one of his dear friends Farooq Billa went into various businesses and made it rich. Became owner of a Cinema, and a shop dealing with Arms and Ammunition. He would move around in his blue Toyota car OK 1 in great style. Others were not so lucky.

Obsession to move out was there, and after his graduation moved to London, with his parents unhappy about his decision. In his time the grand play was ability to migrate abroad. The desire of his family, father and uncle was set aside. Many friends went abroad for training in printing. Abdur Raheem Chughtai had made a Press namely Print Printo Press, and wanted his son to help him print Art books of Chughtai Sahib. His friend Nawazish Ali had come back and picked up the reins of Nisar Art Press, while others like Ifftikhar also joined Printing Industry. German machinery of Frontax printer LetterPress and German Klimsch camera, all were there. But no Abdul Waheed Chughtai. The result the press got sold, and machinery was bought by Nisar art Press. Success certain for others.

The desire of parents for his ability to develop his talents as an artist was in limbo. He did painting many times and even held exhibitions in Alhamra, as well as in Islamabad. But the phase fizzled out. Punjab Bank or so did take out a book on his illustrations of the verses of Mirza Ghalib, in footsteps of Chughtai Sahib himself. But he discarded the lengthy technique of his uncle, and opted for an easy technique. He signed his works as Vidoo.

Handsome Abdul Waheed Chughtai could charm lot of lady friends, mostly platonic. Ladies like Mercedes Cornet, Petra C. Kuess, and Tineke van Jaarsveld.

The father yearned for his son to get married and have children. His marriage life is one big secret. No one  really knows. But in the end he actually got married and lives in London, but without any children. In fact he  loved children and was very kind to all those who came in his life from other families. His cousin claimed that he had children. But it is an unknown chapter of his life. 

His uncle Abdur Rahman Chughtai was very fond of him and once when he got electrocuted , he risked his own life to save him. The results are even visible today on his burnt hands. But reflection of love that he got from his uncle. He too served the house on normal missions of grocery etc. Fond of bringing fruits and sweetmeats for the family. Specialized in searching the best eatables.

His cousin Mussarat Chughtai had given him the name of Friction. They are still on good terms.

Fond of kite flying like the rest. His hero was Rudolph Valentino and singers like K L Saigol. He was fond of school of painting like Impressionism.

Abdul Waheed Chughtai was always very fond of his hair and kept them in full health with regular care. That is why even today at 92 the same are as perfect as possible.

I pray for him to live a life of good and virtue and may the end be as pleasant as possible!. Prayers with him.