Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon calls Lyari a symbol of culture and resilience
What is happening
The Sindh government has announced the release of ‘Mera Lyari’, a Sindhi-language film aimed at countering the narrative presented in the Indian movie ‘Dhurandhar’. The announcement came from Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, who emphasized that Lyari represents culture, peace, talent, and resilience, rather than violence.
The film is scheduled for release next month and intends to present the “true face” of Lyari, highlighting prosperity, social harmony, and the rich cultural heritage of the neighborhood.
Why the film was made
‘Dhurandhar’, released on December 5, has faced criticism in both India and Pakistan for its portrayal of Lyari as a war zone. According to Memon, the Bollywood movie is part of a broader propaganda campaign aimed at misrepresenting Pakistan and tarnishing Lyari’s image.
In Pakistan, audiences have voiced frustration with the entertainment industry for failing to depict authentic stories that reflect local realities. Journalists and social media users have pointed out stark contrasts between the chaos shown in ‘Dhurandhar’ and the vibrant daily life, music, and culinary culture of Karachi’s neighborhoods.
How the government is responding
Memon, who also serves as Sindh’s Information Minister, has taken a multi-pronged approach:
- Announcing a culturally authentic film that celebrates Lyari
- Emphasizing Lyari as a hub of talent and social harmony
- Highlighting legal avenues: a constitutional petition has been filed in Karachi’s District and Sessions Court (South) against the makers of ‘Dhurandhar’ for allegedly using images of the late Benazir Bhutto, PPP flags, and rally footage without authorization.
The petition names prominent Bollywood personalities, including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and key production staff as proposed accused.
Critical analysis
The release of ‘Mera Lyari’ reflects a broader trend in Pakistan to reclaim narrative control amid international media portrayals that are perceived as negative or misleading. Cultural diplomacy through film is increasingly seen as a tool to counter misinformation and influence public perception abroad.
The legal challenge against ‘Dhurandhar’ also highlights concerns over intellectual property and political imagery, showing that media conflicts now carry both cultural and political dimensions.
Conclusion
With ‘Mera Lyari’, Sindh aims to showcase Lyari’s true identity, countering a narrative of violence while promoting cultural pride. The upcoming release is expected to resonate with local audiences and offer an alternative perspective for international viewers.