KABUL (SW): Abdul Rasheed Sarwari; widely known as Ustabd Mashini was once at the heart of traditional Afghan music, but is now living a life of poverty and miseries.
Sarwari is credited with composing music for legendary singers like Ahmad Zahir, Naghma, Qamar Gula, Sarmast, Nangyalay and many more. Struggling with chronic diabetes, Sarwari told Salam Watandar that he cannot afford treatment for himself. Doctors at the Wazir Akbar Khan hospital in Kabul have assisted the legendary musician in this regard. He will soon be discharged from the hospital , but at home poverty awaits him.
The celebrated musician said he does not have his own house, and lives at a residence provided to him by his relatives. “I worked for more than fifty years in the Radio Television Afghanistan, but the government has paid no attention to the difficulties I am going through”, the 61 year old lamented. He went on to say that once he was occupied by famous singers who would call upon him for music composition, but everyone has turned their back on him.
Ustabd Mashini wants to live the last days of his life at peace in a home of his own.
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