KARACHI: Thespian Khalid Ahmed on Saturday presented a choicest selection of Urdu literature, reminding everyone of the magic legendary Zia Mohyeddin himself used to weave through dramatic recitations.

At the very outset of his performance at the packed auditorium of the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa), Khalid Ahmed said dramatic recitation is an art that Zia Mohyeddin had popularised globally, and that is why it was important to pay tributes to him.

He started with a narration of the last part of Krishen Chander`s novel Ghaddar, a story of the Partition. He said his choice of this text was based on the fact that not many people had written on the tragedy that the humanity suffered from during the genocides of those times.He then moved on to Akhtar ul-Iman`s poem Dasna Station ka Musafir, another literary work in the perspective of the crossmigrations of 1947.

Mr Ahmed then moved on to SahirLudhianvi`s celebrated Taj Mahal. His next two choices were from Faiz Ahmed Faiz: Mere Humdum Mere Dost and Manzar.

Breaking out of the spell of nostalgia that he had crafted, he then presented his own work, Masnui Zihanat, a piece on artificial intelligence.

Another change in mood was brought about with him reciting Ibne Insha`s Iss Basti Ke Ik Kuchay Main.

Nostalgia returned with Mr Ahmed choosing Nazeer Akbarabadi`s Alam-i-Peeri as his next recitation, followed by N. M. Rashid`s Raqs, and finishing off with Rashid`s acclaimed Hasan Kuzagar.

Throughout this recitation, he was accompanied by Rahat Ali on flute, a reminder to the audience of the way Zia Mohyeddin`s recitations were accompanied by sitar instrumentals.

A full house enjoyed themselves with his selection and unique recitation style.