Veteran writer Anwar Maqsood has drawn criticism for his “racist” characterization of Sindhi individuals in a current episode of his web-series Anwarnama.
In Anwarnama, the author shares a “gathering of letters, works, stories and his encounters relating to topics of society, culture, legislative issues and identities in a close setting”; in his most recent play (now erased from his official page), he did a ‘meeting’ of a Sindhi man, who shared that he didn’t do anything as a profession and took different bank advances and kept away from them by faking his death.
Maqsood depicted the Sindhi character as lazy and dishonest and let’s just say, some people were not happy about the generalizations he made.
The video got reaction via web-based networking media from many, including eminent Sindhi performers, for example, Ali Gul Pir and Mooroo.
Deeply offended by the racist video made by Anwar Maqsood and his team. Comedy and satire should always be about a certain mentality, not a a ethinicity or community. Calling Sindhis lazy and corrupt is not funny, it’s spreading hate and maligning
— Ali Gul Pir (@Aligulpir) April 22, 2018
There is a thin line between racism and stereotyping for the sake of humour #AnwarMaqsood treaded the line for years, racism was funny back then, people have evolved, racism is not funny anymore.
— Mooroo (@Mooroo4) April 22, 2018
I strongly condemn Anwar Maqsood’s recent show by the name Anwarnama (Ek #Sindhi ka Interview) , he has literally showed how biased and stupid one can be! Anwar insulted #Sindhis and tried to set impression that all Sindhis are liars, cheaters and fraudulent.#PharhaLikhaJahil
— ASAD J. BADVI (@Aj_Badvi) April 21, 2018
Anwer Maqsood has apologized in a video claiming that he himself is a Sindhi and that he hasn’t left since he first came here in 1948.
Soon after his video came out, Ali Gul Pir appreciated it and here is what he tweeted:
Very grateful to Anwar Maqsood sahab for this apology. I have twice as much respect for you now. It takes great courage and humility to do what you have done. Love you! https://t.co/hCqBMq2WmG
— Ali Gul Pir (@Aligulpir) April 22, 2018
