ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Artist Safdar Ali Soomro made a surprising discovery when he spotted his long-lost painting featured in the background of a popular TV drama, “Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.” He expressed his disappointment over a government inquiry that concluded his painting hadn’t “gone missing” from an exhibition, and that he had shown “no interest” in reclaiming it.
Hailing from Ghotki in Sindh province, Soomro shared that he had submitted two paintings to the Frere Hall gallery back in 2017 as part of his final-year thesis at Sindh University. After some time, he was informed that both of his paintings had “gone missing,” along with works by other artists.
Seven years later, his excitement over spotting one of his paintings in the TV drama quickly turned to frustration when the inquiry report, ordered by Sindh Culture Minister Zulfiqar Ali Shah, claimed that both paintings were safely stored in the Sadequain Gallery, where the drama was filmed. The report stated they weren’t returned because Soomro had not expressed interest in recovering them.
In an interview with Arab News, Soomro expressed his feelings of betrayal. “I clearly stated that I was told my painting had gone missing. I also mentioned in my response to the inquiry that I deserve royalties since my work has been used to generate revenue without my consent,” he said. “I expected justice—not only the return of my paintings and payment of royalties, but also accountability for those who misled me. Instead, I feel victimized and blamed, which is incredibly disappointing.”
He described his painting as precious to him, “like a child,” and criticized the inquiry for being “one-sided.” “It’s simply untrue to say I showed no interest in reclaiming my paintings,” he said. “Who wouldn’t want to recover their own property and prevent others from using it?”
Soomro’s passion for his work and the emotional weight it carries for him shine through in his words, highlighting the deep connection artists have with their creations.
