Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Sufi adaptation of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure

TO DECLARE an interest, Ahmed (“Allu”) Jamal, who has directed a film called Rahm (Mercy), an Urdu language adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, is a long-standing friend of mine.

We worked together in 2006 on The Journalist and the Jihadi, a documentary on the kidnapping of The Wall Street Journal’s South Asia correspondent Daniel Pearl, who was probably the first Western hostage to be beheaded in recent times.


That said, he and his elder brother, Mahmood Jamal, have made one of the most engaging adaptations of a Shakespeare play. I predict it will do well in India, Pakistan and across the diaspora in Britain and else- where. And it will also be appreciated by non-Asian audiences.

The translation, which Allu describes as a “Sufi adaptation of Shakespeare”, was done by Mahmood, an author of Islamic mystical poetry who is also the film’s producer.

Rahm is a British film since the Jamalbrothers are UK residents of long standing. But it was shot in Lahore with a Pakistani cast that includes some of the finest actors in the country.

Except for changing names and setting it in contemporary times, Mahmood has stuck pretty much to Shakespeare’s original story.

In Rahm, the governor (played by Sajid Hasan) steps down after apparently suffering a heart attack, leaving a hardliner, Qazi Ahad (Sunil Shanker), in charge.

Intoxicated by his newly acquired power, Ahad unleashes a reign of terror. For example, he wrongly sentences a man to death for alleged fornication (when the couple in question have merely lost their nikkah papers). But Ahad offers a reprieve if only the condemned man’s sister will sleep with him. All the while, the governor has actually been in Lahore, disguised as a pir, a religious elder.

There is a quote from Shakespeare on the abuse of power: “Some rise by sin and some by virtue fall.” “Measure for Measure was Shakespeare’s plea for diversity and tolerance,” remarks Mahmood. Allu agrees, stressing their film is a “plea for tolerance from the heart of the Muslim world”.

The film could not have been more timely, coinciding with the killing in Karachi of Amjad Sabri, who performed Qawwali devo- tional music from the Sufi tradition, an Islamic practice opposed by extremists.

The call for tolerance is also appropriate for post Brexit Britain.

More For You

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Corbyn- Zarah Sultana

Zarah Sultana with Jeremy Corbyn during a protest outside Downing Street demanding the UK government to stop all arms sales to Israel. (Photo: X/@zarahsultana)

X/@zarahsultana

Zarah Sultana leaves Labour, plans new party with Corbyn and independents

FORMER Labour MP Zarah Sultana has announced her resignation from the party and plans to launch a new political party alongside ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and other independent MPs and activists.

Sultana, who represents Coventry South, lost the Labour whip last year for supporting the removal of the two-child benefit cap.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hasmukh Shah

The certificate was presented to Shah at the Welsh parliament by Anita Bailey, Home Office Director Windrush Unit.

Hasmukh Shah receives UK minister’s certificate of appreciation

A prominent Asian doctor has been recognised for his services to the community. Prof Hasmukh Shah has received a certificate of appreciation for his contribution and services to the United Kingdom.

The certificate was issued by Seema Malhotra MP, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, as part of the Windrush Cymru Elders and Race Council Cymru’s Windrush work in Wales.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dalai-Lama-Getty

Dalai Lama looks on as offerings presented by Buddhist followers are laid on a table during a Long Life Prayer offering ceremony at the Main Tibetan Temple in McLeod Ganj, near Dharamsala, India, on June 30, 2025.(Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

India says Dalai Lama alone can decide successor

A SENIOR Indian minister has said that only the Dalai Lama and the organisation he has established have the authority to decide his successor as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The comment runs contrary to China’s long-standing position on the matter.

The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, said on Wednesday that after his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader, and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust would be able to identify his successor. He had earlier said that the next Dalai Lama would be born outside China.

Keep ReadingShow less