Simerg is an independent initiative dedicated to Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan — their Hereditary Imam — and the Ismaili Imamat, and Islam in general through literary readings, photo essays and artistic expressions
Calgary’s Olympic Park is a mere 14 km from downtown, making it a convenient and accessible destination for both tourists and locals. This unique venue hosted many winter events during the XV Olympic Games held in 1988, including bobsleigh, luge, Nordic combined, ski jumping, and freestyle skiing. On the first day of winter in Calgary, December 21, 2024, the weather was surprisingly mild, with a temperature of around 4°C (39 °F).
I was again at the Farmer’s Market West, packed with Christmas shoppers. Driving to the market, I could see the Olympic Park in all its glory as skiers descended the slopes. Everyone was at the Market to enjoy the Christmas ambiance with music, decorated shops, and fabulous food. The atmosphere was lovely as I grabbed a bag of large pomegranates and enjoyed a Montreal-style sesame seed vegetarian bagel. Sharing a large table in the market with others, one lady observed: “You don’t have to go to Banff or Lake Louise to ski; you can enjoy the Olympic Park just as much, especially when you have a family.”
As I stepped out of the Market, I once again saw the Olympic Park, and I could not help but drive to its base to take a few photographs and pick one as the photo of the day! Calgarians and visitors, please enjoy the Olympic Park during winter. Its facilities make it remarkable and an excellent spot for a day of thrilling winter activities that will excite you and your entire family. It is a great training ground for beginner skiers before they head to the slopes in Banff and Lake Louise, and it’s a perfect family outing.
The boy tells the horse, “I can’t see a way through.” The horse asks: “Can you see your next step?” The boy replies, “Yes.” The horse responds, “Just take that.” — Read More
As a visitor to Jasper in the autumn of 2022, Malik Merchant was in an excellent position to compare scenes of the town then and his visit two years later, following the July 2024 Wildfire. His profoundly moving story and poignant photographs will captivate and inspire you. He relates tales of individuals he met in Jasper. The emotional impact of a young boy’s story, expressed through a drawing and a short dialogue with a horse, will surely touch your heart. Please click HERE or on the image below to learn Malik’s story and photographs.
I am a self-taught artist from Tanzania based in Vancouver/Burnaby, Canada. I am retired and work from home in my studio. My art is inspired by vibrant landscapes and diverse wildlife. I try and capture them in my paintings. I also enjoy exploring abstraction and the human figure in my work. I like using vibrant colours in my art because I want to engage the viewer in a brighter way of seeing and experiencing life. I view these images through the artistic lens, looking at every angle, shape, and ray of light as a direct receptacle for creation.
Canadian Ismaili artist Mehboob Rajwani
I have exhibited works at the Roundhouse Community Centre organized by the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for Canada and various local exhibitions, including the Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival and Ismaili Center Vancouver. Recently, my artwork was accepted for display in Dubai for the Global Encounters 2025. My art piece, “Baobab Buffaloes,” was published in a book by Taslim Samji, “Kampala to Canada.” My work has also been published in the Artany Magazine, U.K.
I am enrolled at Emily Carr University of Arts and Design to demonstrate my commitment to art. I am glad to share a few of my art pieces through this forum in Simerg, which highlights the work of Ismaili Muslim artists worldwide.
Dadimaa
Dadimaa, Acrylic on Canvas,30″ x 30″, July 2017, painting by Mehboob Rajwani
This portrays the ever-knowing grandmother. Though she may be shrouded in elegant brocade, her face shows what lies beneath. Her eyes carry the weight from years of life. Guile imbues her profile as wisdom unravels itself from a loom of knowledge. The intricacies of her wins and losses, light and darkness, defeats and accomplishments, are captured in this still singular moment. She has been left and loved, witnessed wars, and seen the world shift like a handful of sand slipping between her fingers. Where there is pain, one finds Allah giving her strength and His compassion to forge ahead into the present, no longer lost but found. This painting was inspired by a photograph of Sultan Bhaloo’s grandmother.
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Vanishing Paradise
Vanishing Paradise, Oil, 48″ x 60″, January 2024, painting by Mehboob Rajwani.
All of us have an opportunity to save the natural world in one way or another. They say we fall in love with nature in different ways. For some, it is beholding orcas leaping out of the ocean, a heron silently stalking fish in a lagoon at dawn, the tragic joy of a salmon run. Thus, representing all of nature in its fragility. As such, I have created an underwater ocean floor to bring awareness for the beauty and splendour of the diverse species and coral that are unfortunately facing extinction.
I used oil paints to create an imaginative multi-coloured reef in an aquamarine background with a swimming turtle, exotic fish, and other colourful species. This work also depicts the gradual extinction of coral as it becomes dead and bleached, thus reducing the number of inhabitants.
My goal is to show the ocean’s importance as our home and the need to care for it as such. “In the existential quest to save the future, we need loving, persuasive leaders to save Earth,” says environmentalist Calvin Sandborn.
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Let Me Protect You
Let Me Protect You, Acrylic on Canvas, 26″ x 26″, 2023, painting by Mehboob Rajwani.
This piece depicts a loyal grandmother and child embracing in a moment of shared love.
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Elephants in Mud
Elephants in Mud, Oil, 30″ x 60″, 1977, by Mehboob Rajwani
This piece is sentimental to me as it is the first one of my works done in Canada. It reminds me of the wildlife memories I left behind in Africa. It took me some time as I painted it slowly, creating each elephant at a time. It displays the mother and calves enjoying playing in the mud, washing each other’s backs with their long trunks and being protective and caring. Their proximity to the water hole offers sustenance and a desirable cooling effect. Their unique ability to remember is poignant and touching, as they remain with their herd for years. Elephant mothers are fiercely nurturing and protective. As a result, nature has so much to teach us about family, love and caring for one another. At a time when poachers are prevalent, it is important to celebrate and protect these beautiful creatures. This piece has been selected by Global Encounters 2025 for exhibition in Dubai.
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Dreamscape
Dreamscape, Oil, series of two paintings, 33” X 47″ and 33” x 70”, paintings by Mehboob Rajwani,
This painting represents The Okanagan Desert and is the common name for a semi-arid shrubland located in the southern region of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. It is centered around the city of Osoyoos and is the only semi-arid shrubland in Canada. Part of this ecosystem is called the Nk’mip Desert by the Osoyoos Indian Band. It is one of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada.
The artistic vision of this work is to show the dry arid hills’ breadth and the land’s scope, which still maintain their beauty despite their fragility. The hills are dream-like to me, representing waves that could go on for miles and miles, yet looking stark and even lost because of their lack of vegetation. I have added robust colours to this imaginary scape to bring out the vividness of the land as it may have been at one time in the past. I have used six-panel canvases to bring the segments in unison. When placed together as one painting, they symbolically mark the fragmented nature of this piece and the possibility of wholeness in nature.
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Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, Acrylic on Canvas, 30″ x 66″, painting by Mehboob Rajwani.
Mardi Gras is celebrated with faces depicting masks of love, hate, despair, and hope. The intricacies of bright colours and festivities demonstrate my representation of humanity. By bringing all cultures together and blending them into one another, Mardi Gras creates a peaceful symbol of unification and celebration. Here, difference is encouraged and complementary to the final vision.
Date posted: October 22, 2024. Last updated: October 23, 2024.
Corrections: (1) Taslim Samji was misspelled as Talim, and (2) it was incorrectly mentioned that Sultan Bhaloo took photographs of the paintings displayed here. A portrait of Bhaloo’s grandmother inspired Mehboob Rajwani’s painting Dadimaa. The corrections are reflected in our latest update.
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We welcome feedback/letters from our readers. Please click Leave a comment. Your feedback may be edited for length and brevity and is subject to moderation. We are unable to acknowledge unpublished letters.
The editor invites Ismaili artists to submit a selection of their paintings and other works of art for publication in Simerg. Please submit images of no more than 8 objects in Jpeg (1200 x 900) and your profile to the editor, Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.
The Jamatkhana Dome, Ismaili Centre Toronto, 49 Wynford Drive. Photograph: The Ismaili.Please click on the image for the Centre’s 10th anniversary pictorial essay.
Since their inauguration by former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and His Highness the Aga Khan in mid-September 2014, the Ismaili Centre Toronto and the Aga Khan Museum have become among the most beloved buildings explored by the public during the Doors Open Toronto held every May. The buildings, with their mission to promote cultural understanding, have consistently attracted thousands of visitors for their incredible artistic and architectural features and the rich collection of artifacts housed in the Museum. The Ismaili Centre’s domed Jamatkhana, a unique architectural marvel, is a sight to behold. Its remarkable features, under which Ismaili Muslims congregate for prayers daily, make it one of the most distinctive buildings in the country. Watching the building from the Don Valley Parkway when the dome is lit at night is a truly breathtaking experience.
As the buildings celebrate their 10th anniversary, we present two posts that will give our readers a glimpse of these fascinating projects. Please click on THE ISMAILI CENTRE and THE AGA KHAN MUSEUM.
Did you know that you can book a one-hour free tour of the Ismaili Centre (77 Wynford Drive, Toronto) online? This is a fantastic opportunity to delve into the architectural and cultural wonders of this unique building. Please click HERE to get more details about an Ismaili Centre tour. If a window is not available, please send an email to tours.toronto@iicanada.net. For information on visiting the Aga Khan Museum (77 Wynford Drive, Toronto), please go to http://agakhanmuseum.org.
Plan your visit today and experience these iconic buildings’ cultural and architectural wonders.
The Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Please click on the image for the Museum’s 10th anniversary pictorial essay.
It was heartening to read Kef Noorani’s table tennis success story, which is currently featured as the main story on The Ismaili, the official website of the Ismaili Muslim community. It immediately brought back fond memories of another fantastic Ismaili table tennis player, Faazil Kassam, who qualified to represent Canada in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. While Kef’s introduction to the game began in his parent’s car garage, with his father coaching him, Faazil’s introduction took place in the social hall of the previous Ottawa Jamatkhana on 991 Carling Avenue, with his father Nashir coaching him. The community’s recognition of Faazil’s Olympic qualification, which I initiated with the Ismaili leadership, was a significant milestone. Ottawa’s then Mukhisaheb Nazib Charania was highly supportive, ensuring that an announcement was made in the Jamatkhana, followed by a fantastic send-off for Faazil in the Jamatkhana social hall.
Upon his return from the Athens games, where Faazil and his doubles player lost to former Swedish champions, his parents, Nashir and mother Shaida (now deceased), organized a fantastic homecoming event at their Ottawa home. We watched his doubles match with great excitement and, of course, disappointment that he did not proceed further. We were each given a souvenir table tennis bat signed by Faazil. He then pursued a medical career in ophthalmology.
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I was introduced to the game in the mid 1960s in the home of our ground-floor neighbour, Abdulbhai, at Islamabad Flats on United Nations Road. He owned the famous Vega Radio store on Morogoro Road in Dar es Salaam. One day, while visiting his home, I saw his children, Alnoor and Shanawaz, playing table tennis on their large dining room table. I took up the game and was beating both of them within weeks at their own game. My subsequent success in Dar es Salaam was when I shockingly upset the top two seeds in the semi-final and final of the Aga Khan Table Tennis Junior Under 17 championship. It was inspired by the training I received from (Late) Mohammed Amersi (Kanji), who was the best table tennis player in Tanzania. Also a great badminton player, Mohammed would first come to my table at the Aga Khan Club in Dar es Salaam, located behind my secondary school, Shaaban Robert, and intentionally allow me to win games against him to encourage me. His coaching to me and his younger brother, Salim Kanji, who is now in Toronto, nearly led us to a shocking win in a men’s doubles match against top seeds Priyakant Patel and Subash Bharadia in the Dar es Salaam Open held at the Indian Gymkhana. I remember I had forgotten my mandatory coloured polo shirt at home and wore my regular white shirt for the game, to which Subash fiercely objected — and wanted a default win — before Priyakant stepped in and asked his partner to calm down!
Malik Merchant, with his doubles partner Salim Kanji, smashes a forehand return in a double’s match against Priyakant Patel and Subash Baradia, at the Indian Gymkhana’s 1969 open table tennis tournament in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Photograph: Malik Merchant collection.
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Malik Merchant’s current collection of table tennis bats that he uses in Calgary (Stiga, left, and two Palio bats, Master, centre, and Legend). Photograph: Malik Merchant collection.
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Malik Merchant proudly collects his trophy from “Mama” at the Indian Gymkhana for winning the Aga Khan Club Juniors Singles under 17 Table Tennis tournament a few months earlier. The tournament took place at the Aga Khan Gymkhana in Dar es Slaam in 1969. Photograph: Malik Merchant collection.
In the early 1970s in London, UK, I represented my North London Polytechnic in the inter college/university league.
With table tennis, my cricket batting improved dramatically. Bowlers were quick to note my fast reaction times. I saw the ball like a football, after leaving the bowler’s arms. However, no one could have excited me in London more than my friend Aziz Jetha, who defeated seeded players in the earlier rounds of the Fulham Broadway tournament before knocking out a strongly favoured and top-seeded Nigerian player. Jetha’s incredible defensive game, with sudden bursts of attacking play, was genuinely frustrating to the Nigerian and others he played earlier. As one my best table tennis friends, I lost 70% of all the matches I played with Aziz, whether at 5 Palace Gate or at the Imperial College’s table tennis room, where we would meet after Jamatkhana. In between my time in the UK and Canada, I was in Salt Lake City, Utah, where my doubles partner and I lost very narrowly in the city’s open finals in 1980.
Coming to Canada, Habiba Thawer and I won the mixed double for Ottawa in the Ismaili Games in the mid-1980s. My drawback over the decades I played the game was a weak backhand due to the wrong grip of the bat, which no one noted and corrected since my teenage years. I knew about this all along but only recently corrected my grip in Calgary. I have seen a significant improvement in my backhand game, even at my current retirement age! COVID-19 prevented my regular participation at the local CUSTTA table tennis club. The club has some fantastic players, but no one could match Faazil Kassam when he was at the top.
Table tennis is a quick-paced game, and the Chinese won all 5 individual and team gold medals at the recent Paris Olympics. Some of the rallies I watched were absolutely incredible. Homes with basements should have table tennis tables where children can start this beautiful sport, which will help them in other sports, including skiing, ice hockey, basketball and baseball, which require fast reactions and responses. I remember being frustrated with the Blue Jays batters some years ago. I even wrote a letter to the club asking their batters to play table tennis regularly to improve their batting. That’s not a joke! It had helped me in my cricket batting.
Ismaili boy Kef Noorani of California has dreams of making the US Men’s National Team and competing in the Olympics. Photograph: The Ismaili.
Kef Noorani’s inspiring story in The Ismaili reflects his keen interest and recent achievements, and offers a glimpse into his promising future. As he continues to develop and participate on the world stage at the Junior Level, I sincerely hope that he will qualify to represent the USA in the World Table Tennis Championships and the next Olympic Games, which will be held in his home state, California, in Los Angeles, in 2028. The members of the Ismaili community across North America and worldwide can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement for what’s to come for Kef Noorani.
Date posted: August 27, 2024. Last updated: August 28, 2024 (typos.)
Ismaili leaders, representing the united Ismaili Muslim community worldwide, presented Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan (see photo at the top of post), with a Monumental Basin from the 18th Century on the auspicious 67th anniversary as their 49th Hereditary Imam. The stunning object includes inscriptions from a poem by 12th-century Ismaili philosopher, missionary and traveller, Nasir Khusraw. Read more of this story HERE.
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As an ardent defender of peace and pluralism, the Aga Khan is the driving force behind various Ismaili centres including the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. His Highness has also been an honorary Canadian citizen since 2010 — Minister Kamal Khera
His Highness the Aga Khan delivers a historic address to a joint session of the Parliament of Canada on January 27, 2014, at the invitation of the then Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Meanwhile, Canadian leaders issued statements on July 11, 2024, congratulating His Highness on completing 67 years as the Ismaili Imam. Prime Minister Trudeau said, “Today we celebrate the rich heritage, remarkable achievements, and ongoing contributions of Ismailis to our country. Through their unwavering dedication to service and helping those in need, the Ismaili Muslim community exemplifies the best of what it means to be Canadian.” At the same time, BC Premier David Ebby added, “For more than half a century, the Aga Khan has built a legacy dedicated to advancing pluralism, peace and human rights. His humanitarian work has made life better for millions of people by reducing poverty and improving access to education and health care.” Read more of the story HERE.
Our climate is changing. Humans are primarily responsible for harmful emissions and the destruction of ecosystems as we indiscriminately pollute our air, water, and soil.
The main driver is primarily the burning of fossil fuels (coal, gas, and oil), which produce heat and trap heat between the ozone layer. This process significantly contributes to global warming, as evidenced by the record-breaking year in 2023. If concerted efforts are made soon to reduce the carbon footprint, it may be possible to turn the clock back.
The northern hemisphere is responsible for seventy percent of the catastrophe and damage caused by climate change, and the people most affected by the adverse conditions live in the global south. They are the least responsible for this phenomenon and, unfortunately, the least able to endure nature’s wrath.
Here are some things we can do individually to reduce our carbon footprint.
Reducing the use of fossil fuels would improve air quality and protect human and animal health.
Stop the wars which contribute to further destruction of the ozone layer besides unnecessary deaths.
Stop idling engines. Carpool, bicycle, or walk if possible, and also get exercise and reduce expenses.
Stop illegal campfires. Even one tiny spark can start a wildfire that can burn for days and destroy hectares of land.
Stop using fireworks. Consider light shows which are less damaging to the environment and noise pollution.
Stop polluting our water system and recycle properly — stop using single-use plastics, and pull tabs off masks so marine life and wildlife don’t get tangled in them. Recycling reduces waste sent to landfills and prevents pollution. It conserves natural resources and energy.
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Mobina Marani pictured in front of her exhibit at the Red Ribbon Event in Fort Erie, Ontario, in November 2023. Photograph: Mobina Marani Collection.
With regard to the worldwide use of plastics, The Philippines, the United States of America, India, Malaysia, and China are among the most prominent plastic polluters worldwide.
Rwanda, Kenya, Sweden, Tanzania, Norway, and Germany are the least. A 2019 Tanzanian government declaration states that “plastic carrier bags regardless of their thickness will be prohibited from being imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied and used in Mainland Tanzania.” According to the New York Times, anyone in the country found producing or importing plastics faces a fine of 426,000 dollars, or a jail term of up to two years. Rwanda has banned the manufacturing, usage, import or sale of plastic bags since 2008.
Canada recycles only 9% of its waste, whereas the rest goes into landfills. However, it wants to eradicate the use of plastic by 2030.
Cigarette butts contain tiny plastic fibres and “microplastic “ from synthetic clothing through washing. Fourteen million tons in our oceans yearly, particularly in the North Pacific Ocean — “The Pacific Patch.” Plastic can take up to 20-500 years to decompose, and even then, it never fully disappears.
In our small Ismaili community in Niagara-on-the-Lake, we recycle and reduce our garbage as best we can, and we are proud that our youth and Jamati members are involved and working hard at it. It may be noted that several steps have been taken in Jamatkhanas around Canada to reduce the use of plastic. Prince Hussain Aga Khan and his wife, Princess Fareen, have completely eliminated the use of plastics in their homes. As someone who deeply cares about the ocean and its creatures, the Prince laments: “Before, you didn’t see plastic in the sea. Now, it is everywhere. I see plastic each and every time I go on an expedition. In Egypt, in the Philippines, in Indonesia, in the Bahamas, in Sardinia…Wherever I go, I always find plastic.”
I invite readers to view the following paintings I completed in 2023 out of my concern about climate change and ocean pollution. Each image has an accompanying statement and can be clicked for enlargement.
1. “Global Pollution” (16″ x 20″) Acrylic on canvas
Global Pollution, April 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 16 X 20 inches. Artist: Mobina Marani.
Artist statement: It is gut-wrenching to witness the effects of humanity’s complacency in protecting and preserving our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Dumping undesirable waste products and harmful toxic materials has caused the demise of marine life and coral reefs, which provide excellent habitat and nourishment for many creatures that depend upon an enabling environment for their survival. In “Ocean Pollution,” she attempts to depict the types of pollutants found in the sea bed and their potential effects on marine life.
The artist, through this work seeks to emphasize the urgent need for responsible waste management, and hopes that it will inspire hope and action in our audience, showing them that we can still protect and restore these precious marine ecosystems.
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2. “Force of Nature” (16″ x 20″) Acrylic on canvas
Force of Nature, Acrylic on canvas, 16 X 20 inches. Artist: Mobina Marani.
Artist statement: In December 2022, the ice storm Elliott hit the shores of Lake Erie with devastating consequences. A lot of the homes along the waterfront got pounded with 20 feet to 30 feet waves, and because of the frigid temperature and high winds, the water instantly froze on the roof to the base of the homes, completely covering them with ice and causing significant external and internal damage to the affected properties. Her rendering illustrates the impact on her neighbouring homes. The different ice formations and using minimal paint colours were a big challenge.
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3. “Nature’s Fury” (16″ x 20″) Acrylic on canvas
Nature’s Fury, Acrylic on canvas, 16 X 20 inches. Artist: Mobina Marani.
Artist statement: The rising global temperatures have had an insurmountable and lasting impact on Mother Earth, demanding urgent action. Some parts of the worldwide community, like Pakistan in 2022, where 35 million people were displaced, have had to deal with devastating rainfall and flooding. In parts of Africa, global warming has manifested itself in extreme dry conditions, causing hunger, famine, and the displacement of the masses. Our country, Canada, has lost thousands of hectares to forest fires. Her rendering, Nature’s Fury, is a stark reminder of the ferocity and fury of such intense fire on our landscape. This is a call to action, a plea for us to act now to protect our planet.
Date posted: June 18, 2024.
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About the author: Mobina Marani, a woman with a passion for art, hails from Uganda. After completing her art education in England, she embarked on a new chapter in Canada in 1974. Settling in the picturesque Ridgeway/Crystal Beach area, she found herself managing a family business. It was here, amidst the joys of her first grandchild, Amarah, that she felt the urge to pick up the paintbrush again after a hiatus of 40 years. She created freehand renderings of her close family members and Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims.
Mobina has also taken the pressing issue of climate change and the disregard of Mother Earth to heart. Her series of paintings shown above depict the catastrophic consequences of our actions. Each stroke of her brush is a plea for change, a call to action. Mobina’s dedication to her cause is evident in her process. She does her portrait paintings by hand, without tracing or enhancing devices, referring only to a picture. She meticulously applies layer upon layer of acrylic paint until she is satisfied with the degree of perfection.
The preview night of Zahida Rahemtulla’s play The Wrong Bashir at Toronto’s renowned Crow’s Theatre on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, was a sell-out event. Crow’s Theatre picked up the play for its bold, ambitious and imaginative 2024-2025 season following The Wrong Bashir’s successful Vancouver showing in May 2023. The Wrong Bashir is Burnaby-born Ismaili playwright Zahida Rahemtulla’s debut play. The play runs until June 16.
Special Discounts to See The Wrong Bashir
For tickets for all shows from May 21 to June 16, 2024, please click Buy Tickets for The Wrong Bashir and use the following promotion codes, as applicable:
May 21 to May 26, 2024: General Admission Adult and Senior Tickets can be purchased 2-FOR-1. Please use promotion code WRONG241;
May 21 to June 1, 2024: General Admission Adult and Senior tickets will be discounted 25%. Please use promotion code BASHIR25; and
Throughout the entire run (May 21st-June 9th), there is also a 20% discount for groups of 8+ anytime, which can be obtained by contacting the Crow’s Theatre box office at boxoffice@crowstheatre.com or calling (647) 341-7390.
The performance on June 16 is Pay-What-You-Can.
With its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of an intergenerational, transitional moment in the life of a family and community, the play is a must-see for all Ismaili community members. The Wrong Bashir affectionately shows much humour within the worldwide Ismaili community. The play elicited ample laughs and resonated widely with Ismaili and broader audiences in Vancouver and on its debut night in Toronto.
We are truly gratified by the magnificent success new Ismaili artists and filmmakers such as Zahida Rahemtulla and Kiana Rawji, whom we featured in 2023, are achieving in the early days of their careers. Simerg values their inspiring accomplishments and extends a warm invitation to other talented Ismaili youth. This is your chance to seize the opportunity and share your original stories of success and recognition in your respective areas of endeavour with national and/or international impact. Remember, your stories are not just personal triumphs, but also an integral part of the Ismaili Muslim community’s narrative, shaping our collective identity and inspiring future generations.
Date posted: May 23, 2024. Last updated: June 4, 2024 (links added to reviews of the play, see update notice at the top of post, and play extended by a week to June 16).
Correction: In an earlier version, we had incorrectly stated May 21, 2024, as the opening night of “The Wrong Bashir.” May 21 was the preview night. The official opening took place on Friday, May 24.
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PLAYWRIGHT ZAHIDA RAHEMTULLA AND DIRECTOR PAOLO SANTALUCIA
Zahida Rahemtulla
Zahida Rahemtulla is a playwright and short story writer. Her debut play, The Wrong Bashir, premiered with Touchstone Theatre in Vancouver in May 2023 and makes its Toronto premiere on May 21, 2024, at the Crow’s Theatre, which has been a leading force in new play creation in the Canadian theatre landscape. Zahida currently facilitates Paragon Theatre’s East of Tarragon Project in Scarborough and is passionate about education and working on new playswith new playwrights.
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Paolo Santalucia
Paolo Santalucia is an award-winning actor, director and writer. He is a Soulpepper Academy graduate and has been a member of Soulpepper’s ensemble for the past ten seasons. Paolo is a co-founder and Artistic Leader of the award-winning Howland Company. Paolo also teaches classical performance with the University of Toronto’s Theatre and Drama Studies Program, and is the recipient of two Dora Mavor Moore Awards in acting, one nomination for direction, and has been shortlisted for the John Hirsch Award for Directing.
“Much like Kim’s Convenience, The Wrong Bashir offers characters familiar to and loved by their communities…and a laugh-yourself-silly evening.” — JoLedingham.ca
Zahida Rahemtulla’s play The Wrong Bashir, which ran to packed houses when it was launched a year ago in Vancouver, is premiering at Toronto’s renowned Crow’s Theatre on May 21, 2024. It will run until June 9, 2024. The Theatre picked up Zahida’s new play as part of its bold, ambitious and imaginative 2024-2025 season following The Wrong Bashir’s successful Vancouver showing. It then issued a special call for Ismaili actors based in Eastern Canada to audition for some roles. Crow’s Theatre has been home to groundbreaking and award-winning productions.
The Wrong Bashir is Burnaby-born Ismaili playwright Zahida Rahemtulla’s debut play.
The play delves into the life of Bashir Ladha, a young philosophy major who has strayed from his Ismaili Muslim roots. The story takes a hilarious turn whenBashir’s parents receive a call that their unconventional podcaster son has been chosen as the student’s Mukhisaheb, a significant role in Ismaili Jamatkhanas. They dutifully accept the role on behalf of their son. Before Bashir can argue, two official committee representatives arrive at the Ladha household. The representatives soon realize a mistake in selection, adding to the comedic chaos. The doorbell rings, and Bashir’s excited grandparents and family friend make a surprise visit, having caught wind of the news at their Jamatkhana.
With its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of an intergenerational, transitional moment in the life of a family and community, the play is a must-see for all Ismaili community members. The Wrong Bashir affectionately shows much humour within the worldwide Ismaili community. The play elicited ample laughs and resonated widely with Ismaili and broader audiences in Vancouver.
Vancouver’s world premiere featured Ismaili actors Sabrina Vellani, Shera Haji, Salim Rahemtulla, and Hussein Janmohamed. The Toronto premiere will feature Ismailis Nimet Kanji, Zaitun Esmail, and Salim Rahemtulla alongside a large cast (click The Team link on the page). Supporting sponsors for the production are Shabin and Nader Mohamed and Tazmin Merali and Nasir Noormohamed.
A scene from Zahida Rahemtulla’s The Wrong Bashir.
“The Wrong Bashir found the right audience on opening night if gales of laughter are any indication. From the curtain opener to the surprise at curtain fall, the sold-out crowd at the Firehall had a grand time. The Wrong Bashir is going to be a big hit; for some, it will be a laugh-yourself-silly evening” — Jo Ledingham, Vancouver Theatre Review.
The play is directed by award-winning Toronto director Paolo Santalucia. Crow’s Artistic Director, Chris Abraham, who was already familiar with the Ismaili community in Toronto, championed its inclusion in the 2024 season and brought it to the theatre.
Playwright Zahida says she is excited to see it premiere in Toronto, where the story has shifted from its original Vancouver setting to Toronto’s Don Mills.
Special Discounts: Purchase Tickets for The Wrong Bashir
For tickets for all shows from May 21 to June 9, 2024, please click Buy Tickets for The Wrong Bashir and use the following promotion codes, as applicable:
May 21 to May 26, 2024: General Admission Adult and Senior Tickets can be purchased 2-FOR-1. Please use promotion code WRONG241;
May 21 to June 1, 2024: General Admission Adult and Senior tickets will be discounted 25%. Please use promotion code BASHIR25; and
Throughout the entire run (May 21st-June 9th), there is also a 20% discount for groups of 8+ anytime, which can be obtained by contacting the Crow’s Theatre box office at boxoffice@crowstheatre.com or calling (647) 341-7390.
Date posted: May 13, 2024. Date updated: May 14, 2024 (added promotion codes for discounted tickets).
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PLAYWRIGHT ZAHIDA RAHEMTULLA AND DIRECTOR PAOLO SANTALUCIA
Zahida Rahemtulla
Zahida Rahemtulla is a playwright and short story writer. Her debut play, The Wrong Bashir, premiered with Touchstone Theatre in Vancouver in May 2023 and makes its Toronto premiere on May 21, 2024, at the Crow’s Theatre, which has been a leading force in new play creation in the Canadian theatre landscape. Zahida currently facilitates Parragon Theatre’s East of Tarragon Project in Scarborough and is passionate about education and working on new plays and with new playwrights.
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Paolo Santalucia
Paolo Santalucia is an award-winning actor, director and writer. He is a graduate of the Soulpepper Academy, and has been a member of Soulpepper’s ensemble for the past ten seasons. Paolo is a co-founder and Artistic Leader of the award-winning Howland Company. Paolo also teaches classical performance with the University of Toronto’s Theatre and Drama Studies Program, and is the recipient of two Dora Mavor Moore Awards in acting, one nomination for direction, and has been shortlisted for the John Hirsch Award for Directing.
“As mayor, Nenshi embraced innovative solutions to urban issues like public transit, affordable housing, and sustainable development. He proved his leadership abilities during the devastating 2013 Calgary floods, rallying the city through the crisis with compassion and resolve. Now, Nenshi wants to bring that same progressive, consensus-building approach to the provincial level as leader of the NDP. His vision is an Alberta that works for everyone — not just a few.”
For over a decade, Naheed Nenshi has been a trailblazer in Canadian politics. Now, he’s setting his sights beyond Calgary on an even more significant challenge — leading Alberta’s New Democratic Party (NDP) and charting a new course for the province.
To do that, Nenshi’s team is reminding residents across Alberta to purchase an NDP membership on nenshi.ca by April 22nd — for just $10. This will allow them to vote for Naheed Nenshi as the party’s next leader in June and have their voices heard.
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Naheed Nenshi offers guidance and reflections to members of the Ismaili community gathered at the Ismaili Centre Toronto, 2017. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.
Nenshi’s rise has been an inspiring underdog story. After initially trailing far behind in the polls during Calgary’s 2010 mayoral race, his campaign of bold ideas and grassroots engagement struck a chord. He defied the odds to become the first Muslim mayor of a major North American city. Nenshi’s journey has been one of resilience, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to public service rooted in the importance of family and community values.
The son of immigrants from Mwanza, Tanzania, he grew up witnessing his parents’ struggles to build a better life. This instilled in him that opportunity shouldn’t be taken for granted.
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Naheed Nenshi with parents Kurban and Noorjah Nenshi after Mayoral swearing-in ceremony, 2010. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.
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The Ismaili community of Mwanza, Tanzania, celebrates Naheed Nenshi, 2015. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.
As mayor, Nenshi embraced innovative solutions to urban issues like public transit, affordable housing, and sustainable development. He proved his leadership abilities during the devastating 2013 Calgary floods, rallying the city through the crisis with compassion and resolve.
Now, Nenshi wants to bring that same progressive, consensus-building approach to the provincial level as leader of the NDP. His vision is an Alberta that works for everyone — not just a few.
Story continues below
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, Alberta Premier Alison Redford and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper review plans with emergency management personnel during Calgary 2013 floods. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.
Nenshi believes the NDP can rally widespread support by promoting pro-business and pro-worker policies focused on diversifying the provincial economy beyond oil and gas. His entrepreneurial approach aims to drive collaboration between industry, government, and communities to secure Alberta’s future.
At his core, Nenshi is driven by a passionate belief in service, equality, and doing what’s right — regardless of political convenience. He champions initiatives that bring the public directly into governance through participatory budgeting. He advocates bold climate action rooted in environmental science. He understands that prosperity must be sustainable and inclusive to all cultures and communities. He also embraces Alberta’s place as part of a pluralistic Canada united in its diversity.
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Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley presents Naheed Nenshi with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, 2023. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.
With his unique perspective forged from lived experiences, Nenshi could be the dynamic leader to reinvigorate the NDP’s vision for a fairer, greener, and more innovative Alberta. But he needs the grassroots support of Albertans who share that vision.
Alberta stands at a crossroads. By choosing Nenshi, the province can embrace a leader who sees its boundless potential and will fight to uplift all of its people. The path ahead won’t be easy — but few leaders are better prepared to forge it than Naheed Nenshi.
Date posted: April 20, 2024.
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Shameela Karmali-Rawji
Dr. Shameela Karmali-Rawji, MS MD CCFP FCFP, is a global health consultant, entrepreneur and family physician. She has established multiple medical clinics and telemedicine platforms and oversaw several retirement and assisted living facilities in Ontario and Alberta. She launched the first Urgent Care Clinic in a public-private partnership in primary care with Calgary Health Services in 2006. She has worked as a policy advisor and consultant with WHO, UNICEF, and AKDN, and she led the development of a groundbreaking, collaborative health agenda in the First Nations community of T’suu Tina, which resulted in the establishment and expansion of health services, including a medical centre. She has also planned several medical centres and hospitals in East Africa and community-based primary and secondary healthcare systems in Northern Pakistan serving over 1 million people.
Dr. Karmali-Rawji had served as a member of the His Highness the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Canada, where she established its first Women’s Portfolio, and as Chairman of the Aga Khan Health Board for Canada. She co-convened the International Ismaili Women’s Forum in Toronto with Princess Zahra Aga Khan. She was Vice Chairman of the commissioning Board of Generations Calgary, an assisted living and long term care facility. Dr. Karmali-Rawji obtained her MD at McMaster University and her MS in International Health at Harvard University.
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