Aam Olas Ep 291: Zarsanga’s Struggle Behind the Fame
Zarsanga is a name that resonates across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond.
She is one of the most respected voices of Pashto folklore, a singer who began her journey at a young age and went on to perform on Radio Pakistan, representing her culture on international stages.
She has performed in countries such as:
- The United Kingdom
- The United States
- Germany
- France
- And many others
Through her voice, she carried Pakistan’s cultural identity to the world.
Yet, behind this legacy lies a painful reality.
Aam Olas Ep 291
Fame Does Not Always Mean Security
In Aam Olas Episode 291, I traveled to Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after being informed about the current situation of Zarsanga.
Many believe that senior artists are protected, respected, and supported — especially those who have brought international recognition to the country. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, this is not always the case.
Despite her contributions, Zarsanga is currently living in a tent-like nomadic setup with her family.
Even more heartbreaking is the fact that just a year earlier, she performed at Coke Studio — a platform watched and celebrated by millions.
A Family Dependent on One Elderly Artist
Zarsanga’s family is not small.
It consists of approximately 200 to 250 individuals, including:
- Children
- Married sons and daughters
- Grandchildren
She has:
- Five sons
- Four daughters
All are married, with families of their own.
Many members of the family are artists themselves. However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected their livelihood, leaving them with little to no income.
At one point, the family owned one or two houses, but over time, they lost everything and were forced into a nomadic lifestyle.
Today, Zarsanga alone is trying to support the entire family, managing expenses related to:
- Food
- Clothing
- Footwear
- Healthcare
This burden is immense — especially given her age.
A Son’s Appeal for Dignity
During the episode, Shahzada, Zarsanga’s son, made a simple and dignified request.
He asked viewers to help provide at least a 5-marla house for his mother, so she can spend her remaining years with some comfort and stability.
This request is not about luxury.
It is about basic dignity for a cultural icon.
Artists Deserve Better
In the closing message of this episode, I emphasized an important point:
Yes, help Zarsanga — but do not forget her family.
They are artists.
They preserved culture.
They entertained generations.
Artists should not be forced to live a life of hardship after dedicating their lives to their art.
Zarsanga continues to endure these conditions for the sake of her family. If we admire her voice, we must also stand by her in difficult times.
How You Can Help
Those who wish to support Zarsanga and her family can contact her son directly.
📞 Donation Contact (Shahzada – Son of Zarsanga):
0334-2221006
Direct assistance ensures transparency and respect.
Aam Olas: Preserving Voices, Protecting Dignity
Aam Olas Episode 291 is not only about hardship — it is about responsibility.
A society is judged by how it treats:
- Its elders
- Its artists
- Its cultural guardians
Zarsanga gave her voice to the people.
Now, it is time for the people to give something back.