SMIU Hosts Celebrated Artist Bushra Ansari for “My Experiences and Encounters” Lecture
Imran
Karachi
Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) organized an engaging session with Pakistan’s distinguished artist, singer, writer, and playwright Ms. Bushra Ansari on the subject of “My Experiences and Encounters” under the “Popular Lecture Series” on Thursday at SMIU’s auditorium.
In his welcome address, the vice chancellor of SMIU, Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, expressed gratitude to Ms. Bushra Ansari for her lecture to SMIU students and said that she was among those eminent personalities who were invited to share their experiences and encounters with the youth of SMIU so they could learn from their experiences and be inspired to pursue excellence. He also thanked Maj. (R) Aftab Lodhi for his help, support, and contribution to SMIU, and other guests.
Noting background of the popular lecture series the vice chancellor said that when he had joined SMIU as a vice chancellor in 2020, he had decided that besides improving the academic side of the university, providing modern facilities to students, and strengthening research culture, successful personalities would be invited from all sections of society, including education, economics, banks, government, policymaking, research, social science, art, and literature, under the “popular lecture series” to share their success stories as well as failures with SMIU students. Dr. Sahrai said in this respect Senator Javed Jabbar, Senator Nisar Memon, Mr. Arif Hassan, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, and Excellency Abdullah Hussain Haroon have delivered lectures. Ms. Bushra Ansari’s lecture is a part of the said series.
Introducing Mrs. Bushra Ansari, Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai said that she is a legendary actress, accomplished writer, playwright, television host, and cultural commentator whose extraordinary career spans over four decades. He further said she stands among the most versatile and influential figures in Pakistan’s media and arts landscape, having contributed with distinction to television and performing arts. Dr. Sahrai further said that Ms. Bushra Ansari’s performances are widely admired for their depth, emotional authenticity, and social relevance.
In her talk Ms. Bushra Ansari shared memories of her childhood, describing her upbringing in a literary household led by her father, journalist and writer Ahmed Bashir. Surrounded by books, intellectual discussions, and progressive political ideas, she said her early environment shaped her thinking and confidence.
She humorously recalled being a “tomboy” who climbed trees, played freely, and enjoyed an unfiltered, active childhood. Despite struggling in academics, she credited her teachers and father’s discipline for ensuring she completed her studies alongside her early start in acting at age nine.
Speaking emotionally about her father, she described him as a principled man—fearless in journalism, politically conscious, and uncompromising in integrity.
“If I have inherited anything, it is courage and wisdom from my father,” she remarked and added that there were days when she was the driver, the cook, the cleaner, and the actor. But commitment and focus make everything possible.
Talking on balancing a demanding profession with family life, she acknowledged the difficulties, sharing that she simultaneously managed her acting career, domestic responsibilities, and her daughters’ upbringing: She encouraged young people to stay committed to their goals, rise after every setback, and never lose confidence. “People will step over you if you don’t stand again. Hard work has no substitute,” she said.
she expressed concern over misuse of social media and said that it pains her to see youth moving toward sensationalism instead of talent and education. She urged students to pursue fields that contribute to society—science, engineering, arts, and research, rather than seeking shortcuts to success.
The event concluded with a lively question–answer session and presentation of souvenirs to Ms. Bushra Ansari by the vice chancellor. Dr. Sumera Memon, Assistant Professor at SMIU, conducted the session, while Maj. (R) Aftab Lodhi and Ms. Zonaira Jalali, Manager of Student Affairs, shared their views. A question and answer session was also held. Deans, chairpersons, faculty members, officers, students, and guests attended the session.
