Pakistan-born daughter of Indian tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha has fallen on hard times,grappling with psychological problems and living in solitude since her only son was murdered eight years ago. Roohi Bano,the half-sister of acclaimed musician Zakir Hussain,was back in the news recently after thieves stole Rs 1 million and some valuables from her house in Gulberg area of Lahore. A star of TV serials made in the 1970s and 1980s,Bano lost her only son Ali when he was shot dead in 2005 under mysterious circumstances at the age of 20. Since then,she has lived alone,battling medical and psychological problems. Trash and old furniture lie strewn outside her home,which lacks basic amenities such as gas. The furniture inside is broken and the only working appliance Bano owns is her television. According to a report in The Express Tribune,Banos mental state has deteriorated as she is unable to speak clearly or coherently. I just sit all day and watch television. I may clean up the house one day, a dishevelled Bano said. Responding to calls from artistes in Lahore,the government has pledged to provide her financial support. Screenwriter Suraj Baba is at the forefront of efforts to bring Banos plight to the knowledge of officials. He said he felt distressed after recently visiting her at her home.
