A tribute to the larger than life, Habib Fida Ali

Ali Naqvi, Adil Kerai, Rehana Saigol, Irshad Abdul Kadir, Taufeeq Chinoy and Maria Aslam gathered to commemorate and pay  tribute to Habib Fida Ali.

KARACHI: A commemorative evening was organised and hosted by Architecture Design Art (ADA) to honour the larger than life, late Mr Habib Fida Ali at his residence here earlier today.

The evening kicked off with refreshments served immediately as friends, colleagues and clients of the renowned architect gathered to pay their respects and honour the great figure that was Habib Fida Ali, and share their memories of him.

Made possible because of the initiative and efforts of Maria Aslam, architect and environmental historian, and editor and publisher of ADA magazine, the formal part of the evening was opened by television host Ayesha Tammy Haq.

Close friend of Habib Fida Ali, Mr Towfiq Chinoy (one of the earlier houses that Habib did was of Mr Chinoy that forged a great friendship between the two stalwarts), chairman of I.I.N, was the first to share his memories of Habib. Rehana Saigol spoke of the wonderful memories she and her husband have of him, as he wasn’t only their close friend but also their architect who had so much in common with them.

Adil Kerai, nephew of the larger than life, Mr Habib Fida Ali shared his fond memories with the talented architect.

Marjorie Hussain, an eminent art analyst, critic and curator, then spoke on the larger than life, Habib Fida Ali. Irshad Abdul Kadir, an author, an esteemed lecturer of Law and English and a civil rights activist, who shared an unbreakable bond with Habib Fida Ali, also spoke highly and fondly of him, sharing his memories of their friendship and camaraderie.

Ali Naqvi who worked closely with Fida Ali on the master plan of the academic block of LUMS, and later launched his own architectural firm, Ali Arshad Associates, spoke on the talent and exceptional work of the late Habib Fida Ali. Adil Kerai, a senior partner with Habib Fida Ali Architects and nephew of Fida Ali, then shared his memories.

Close friend of Late  Habib Fida Ali, Mrs Rehana Saigol speaking at the tribute paid to him in Karachi at his residence.

Finally, the host of the evening, Maria Aslam paid tribute to Habib Fida Ali and thanked all those that helped make the evening possible. The floor was opened by Shanaz Ramzi to those present among the guests who also wished to record their sentiments about Fida Ali and many renowned personalities from the field of art and architecture took the opportunity to pay their tribute to the larger than life man.

This evening was the first of a series of events by ADA magazine -- that has now completed ten years of its existence and is now venturing into ADA Events. Moving beyond publications ADA will be holding events that are inclusive of our environment, culture and society and which are inextricably connected to architecture design art.

A large number of people were seen attending the tribute to Habib Fida Ali in Karachi.