Madeeha Gauhar

Madeeha Gauhar was a famous Pakistani TV and stage actress, playwright, director, and women’s rights activist. She is also a founder of Ajoka Theater. Madeeha Gauhar was born on the 21st of September 1956 in Karachi, Pakistan. She obtained a master’s degree for studying Theater Science after getting a Master's degree in English Literature. In 1983, Madeeha returned to her native country after her studies and settled in Lahore. She was a part of the Women’s March on 12 February.

Madeeha Gauhar directed almost 36 plays which were performed in many Asian countries. Some of her major plays are Toba Tek Singh (based on Saadat Hasan Manto’s short story), Ek Thi Nahi, Bulha on Bulleh Shah’s life, Letters to Uncle Sam, Hotel Mohenjodaro, Lo Phir Basant Ayee and many more. She also worked in various television series, such as Dhoop Dewar (1982), Alif Noon Alif Noon is a Pakistani comedy drama serial aired >> Read More... (1982), Sohni Mahiwal The show aired on DD National (DD1) AKA Doordarsha >> Read More... (1984), Apnay Log Story soon >> Read More... (1985), Ali Baba Aor Qasim Bhai (1985), Neelay Hath (1989) and many more series.

Madeeha Gauhar was nominated for Best Actress Drama Serial in a supporting role at the first iteration of the 1st Indus Drama Awards in 2005. In 2005, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2006, she was awarded with the Netherlands Price Claus Award. She was awarded by the President of Pakistan in 2003 with Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Medal of Distinction) for her efforts in improving Pakistani theater.

She was awarded the Fatima Jinnah Award in 2014 by the Government of Pakistan. Madeeha Gauhar died on the 25th of April 2018 at 61 in Lahore after three years of illness with cancer. She tried to promote peace between India and Pakistan and organized various campaigns. She was active between 1973 and 2018.