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Films releasing in September – December 2015

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The second half of 2015 has proved a promising period for Pakistani Urdu cinema. Six major films are released in July and August, and three of these have been successful still running in the cinemas.

The films released in July and August are

1- Bin Roye (Released on 18th July)
2- Wrong No. (Released on 18th July)
3- Karachi Se Lahore (Released on 31st July)
4- Moor (Released on 14th August)
5- Dekh Magar Pyar Se (Released on 14th August)
6- Shah (Released on 14th August)

Bin Roye, Wrong No. and Karachi Se Lahore are the successful films. Both Bin Roye and Wrong No. have revenue collections surpassing 10 crores PKR (100 million Pakistani Rupees), where Wrong No. is leading the race with a business of more than 14 crores. Bin Roye has collected about 11 crore. Karachi Se Lahore has so far collected more than 8 crores and is on its way to cross 10 crore benchmark.

The other three films Moor, Shah, Dekh Magar Pyar Se, though not as much successful have still managed to collect more than 1 crore, which shows the films received a satisfactory reception as majority of this amount is collected during the opening week. Especially DMPS despite being a huge disappointment collected more than 2 crores within two weeks.

The month of September has just started and a total of five major Urdu films are expected to release in this month too.

Swaarangi
Planned to be released on 28th August 2015, now the new release date is 11th September 2015. However the film is facing an uncertain future for its release as it has been denied a censor certificate by Central film censor board. The Punjab censor board has issued a censor certificate, while the position of Sindh censor board is not clear yet.

Cast: Resham, Ayub Khosa, Naveed Akbar, Waseem Manzoor, Hamza Mushtaq, Shahzaib Johar
Writer: Phida Hussain
Screenplay: Phida Hussain, Mazhar Abbas
Director: Phida Hussain
Producer: Mazhar Abbass
Studio: Flipping Images Productions, Phidahussain Productions

Manto
A much awaited film on the life of acclaimed Urdu writer Saadat Hassan Manto releasing on 11th September 2015. The film is in production for past three years. After its release a drama with the same story will also be tele-casted on Geo Tv.

Film: Manto
Cast: Sarmad Sultan, Sania Saeed, Saba Qamar, Mahira Khan, Nimra Bucha, Arjumand Raheem, Faisal Qureshi, Humayun Saeed, Hina Khawaja Bayat, Shamoon Abbasi, Nadia Afgan, Sawera Nadeem and others
Writer: Shahid Nadeem
Director: Sarmad Sultan Khoosat
Producer: Baber Javed
Distributor: Geo Films

Halla Gulla
Planned to be released on 28th August 2015, now the new release date is Eidul Azha (24th or 25th September 2015).

Starring: Javed Sheikh, Ismail Tara, Ghazala Javed, Asim Mehmood, Muneeb, Sidra Batool, Ashraf Khan ,Zara Gul Jasmeen Adil Wadia, Maryam Ansari, Hina Rizvi, Hunain Maniar, Bilal Yousufzai
Director & Screenplay: Kamran Akbar Khan
Writer: Raheela Mushtaq Shah
Producer: Hamid Mohammad
Designer: EDGE (Men)
Studio: MFN (VFX Director-1stop Studio)
& Social Media
DOP: Asif Khan
Editor: Nasir Inayat

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2wlrvy

Jawani Phirr Nahin Aani
Jawani Phirr Nahin Aani is releasing on Eidul Azha (24th or 25th September 2015)

Cast: Humayun Saeed, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ahmed Ali Butt, Vasay Ch, Aisha Khan, Sarwat Gillani, Mehwish Hayat,Sohai Ali Abro, Javed Sheikh, Bushra Ansari, Saba Hameed, ZQ, Ismail Tara
Directed by: Nadeem Baig
Producers: Salman Iqbal, Humayun Saeed, Mohammad Jerjees Seja & Shahzad Nasib

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2lacxk

Badal/Revenge of the Fallen
Scheduled to release in May, the film is now releasing on Eidul Azha (24th or 25th September 2015). The film is based on the real life events of 2009 insurgency in Swat.

Starring : Jamal Shah, Ayub Khoso, Firdaus Jamal, Shamyl Khan, Maira Khan and Emel Karakose ,Asif Shah, Asaldin Khan, Imran Tareen, Iram, Shehrbano, Abdur Raheem, Najeebullah Anjum,Tariq Jamal Arshad, Sultan, Kaleemullah, Qazi Zubair,Wafa Khan, Rafique and Marjan
Directed By: Jamal Shah
Cinematographer : Aamir Tehseen Rao
Written By: Jamal Shah
Screenplay By: Jamal Shah
Produced By: Amna Shah for Hunerkada Films

So these are the five films releasing in September 2015. No major film is scheduled to release in October 2015 as the holy month of Muharram falls in the same month and traditionally no new film is released in the first ten days of Muharram. In November 2015, few major Urdu films are also scheduled for release.

Maahe Meer
Scheduled to release on 6th November 2015. It is the first film of Iman Ali after Bol in 2011. Famous artist Sanam Saeed, Huma Nawab and few others will also make their debut.

Starring: Fahad Mustafa, Iman ali, Aly Khan, Sanam Saeed & Manzar Sehbai among others.
Directed by: Anjum Shahzad
Produced By: Khuram Rana, Sahir Rasheed, Badar Ikram

Ho Mann Jahan
Scheduled to release on Eidul Azha, now it is postponed to 27th November 2015 or 4th December 2015. The film is delayed to provide space to other films releasing on Eidul Azha.

Directed by: Asim Raza
Story by: Asim Raza
Screenplay by: Rashna Abidi, Imtisal Abbasi & Asim Raza
Dialogues by: Yasir Hussain & Asim Raza
Starring: Mahirah Hafeez Khan, Sonya Jehan, Sheheryar Munawar, Adeel Hussain, Bushra Ansari, Nimra Bucha, Arshad Mehmood and Munawar Siddiqui

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2kqqos

Yalghaar
A mega budgeted action film.No final release date is announced yet, but the trailer released clearly says that it is releasing in 2015. However in a recent statement Shan its main protagonist has told the film will now release in February 2016.

Starring: Shaan Shahid, Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, Asher Azeem Gill, Umair Jaswal, Naeem Haque, Gohar Rasheed, Bilal Ashraf, Owais Shiekh, Ahmad Taha Ghani, Wali Yousuf, Atiya Khan, Sana Bucha, Ayesha Omar, Aleeze Nasser, Armeena Rana Khan, Uzma Khan
Genre: War/Action/Thriller
Writer, Screenplay: Hassan Rana
Music by: Xulfi
Background Score : Xulfi
Directed by: Hassan Rana
Produced by: Asim Saleem Bajwa, Javeria Hassan Rana, Hassan Rana
Presented by: Mindworks Media Productions
Distributor: ARY Films

Rashid Nazir Ali

 

Farwa Ki ABC – Episode 7

I have to say that I am actually beginning to enjoy Asma Ghaznavi’s character! It is a very intelligently written character and it has been translated on screen flawlessly! It looks like Farwa and her teacher’s marriage really did take place and I am not sure how I feel about that. I was expecting the teacher’s character to be one of the more serious characters in the play who will eventually help Farwa grow up and I don’t really like the fact that he is also turning out to be another funny character in the play. Yes! I understand this is a comedy serial but like I said earlier I would’ve enjoyed this drama a lot more if there was some element of seriousness too mainly because every episode of the drama does not make me laugh the way a comic serial should therefore it would’ve been far better if this was like a light comedy drama instead of an all out comedy. I must say that the writer and the director haven’t tried hard enough to establish the nature of relationships between different characters. I would have liked to warm up to the characters and connect to them more but somehow I can’t seem to do that just now. Every episode gives me something positive to say about it and there are always characters that stand out in these episodes too but do I really feel for them, feel what they are feeling? Not always.

Asma has everyone wrapped around her little finger and Farwa seems to be the only one who can see what she is up to. For now Asma is the one who is making the decisions for everybody directly or indirectly. The only reason Farwa decided to go back home with “sir” was because of Asma. She wanted to prove that they were a couple too just like Junaid and Asma were. The whole conversation on the concept of naming the dishes was one of the most intelligent and interesting conversations in tonight’s episode. Asma has her own unique way of looking at things and she also makes sure that everyone else around her looks at things her way too!! The way she convinced Farwa’s mother than Farwa’s wedding to her teacher was actually a blessing was something out of the ordinary and the manner in which she managed to convince her mother in law that they were living in a house without a soul was brilliant too! Asma is self-absorbed to the limit but her character definitely keeps you interested.

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We found out today that Changez gave Farwa the brilliant idea of getting married to her teacher – I should have seen that coming!! It is good to know that this is not being turned into a sad love story in which Changez feels like Farwa has “betrayed” him and I am curious to find out what the plan actually is! Farwa’s parents have a tough time explaining to their relatives how the marriage took place and it is good to see that they are facing that problem because it gives a touch of reality to an otherwise unreal situation.

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Like every other episode of Farwa Ki ABC although I wasn’t completely blown away with the happenings or the way they were shown on screen but I have to say that it is good to see something different on screen. The drama is not perfect but it does not have a lot of glaring flaws as well. If it was executed more intelligently it could’ve been much more impressive. The fact that all the actors are giving wonderful performances and there are some very interesting characters in the play makes it engaging enough. I have the option of not watching or reviewing this play but I am not going to do that because I feel that this drama even with all its flaws is much better than many of the other dramas that are on air right now. It is good to see a serial which is free of clichés.

How many of you watched this latest episode of Farwa Ki ABC. Do share your thoughts about it.

Fatima Awan

Syra Shehroz’s Latest Photoshoot

Syra Shehroz is back in showbiz after the birth of her baby girl and she has made this start by a stunning photoshoot by pool side. The photo shoot was meant for an Indian jewelry brand which is launching itself in Pakistan. Syra Shehroz is seen in a different avatar in the shoot. Syra is seen wearing different dressed and different kind of jewelry in the photo shoot. She has lost a lot of weight in the past few months since her appearance at the HUM Awards.

Here are some pictures from the photoshoot.

Celebrities Attend Zara’s Salon’s Anniversary

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Zara’s Salon celebrated its first anniversary in style with all the famous models present at the event. The beauty salon is based in Karachi and even with all the competition faced by beauty salons nowadays Zara’s Salon has made a place in the hearts of the fashionistas in Karachi. The salon’s first anniversary was attended by celebrities and general public. The models displayed the work of different designers and they also promoted the bridal look of the salon.

Here are some pictures from the anniversary celebrations:

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Sangat – Episode 3

This episode just like the previous one belonged to Saba Qamar and I must appreciate the writer and the director for covering the aftermath of a very tragic incident in a very intelligent way so far. Unfortunately the people around Ayesha have managed to convince her that she must bear the burden of everything that happened alone. That is why Ayesha did not tell her mother who the culprit was because she wanted to save her mother from feeling the way she felt when she was violated by someone she knew and perhaps trusted. She cannot share her agony with her husband because he already told her how devastated he would be if anything like that ever happened to his wife therefore the only person she can turn to is her psychiatrist and that too not for advice or consolation but for shortcuts like anti-depressants and sleeping pills which are definitely not a solution to her problem.

I wanted to see Ayesha confiding in her husband but even when she couldn’t muster up the courage to do that I found the developments in tonight’s episode very convincing. She cannot share what she went through with someone who she thinks will judge her based on what happened. Ayesha told the psychiatrist that her husband was not her friend – something which she had discovered only recently and that too when she needed him as a friend in her life the most! I don’t agree with the suggestions that Dr. Fauzia gave Ayesha but since she is her mother’s student therefore she is doing what Ayesha’s mother wants her to do. She is giving Ayesha an opportunity to vent out but she is not allowing her to share her feelings with her husband.

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We found out more about Zahid Ahmed’s character in tonight’s episode; he is someone Ayesha’s mother knows and he comes from a good family that is why Ayesha’s mother trusts him. It was sad to see Ayesha’s mother making another disturbing decision in this episode too but it was good to see her consoling her daughter and asking her if she needed to know something regarding the culprit. There is a lot more which we need to know about Zahid Ahmed’s character. What was the motive behind doing something so horrendous?

The last conversation Adnan and Ayesha had was very well-written and directed. Although Mikaal Zulfiqar wasn’t at his best in tonight’s episode but the script and the brilliant acting by all the other actors made up for it. Ayesha tried to make Adnan understand that he needed to give her some time but Adnan does not understand why his wife is a completely different person now. It was good to see that they still shared the same dream and although Adnan is in denial about his wife’s condition he hasn’t given up on this relationship. The preview of the next episode however showed that Adnan too will resort to desperate measures. Farah’s character in the play has been like a breath of fresh air, she is the voice of reason and she is more like a sister to Ayesha. Kiran Haq has done complete justice to her character.

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These three episodes haven’t given me much to complain about therefore I have hope that this drama will deliver. Such issue-based dramas can get very repetitive at times but that has not been the case so far. Saba Qamar has been flawless as Ayesha right from the get-go and she remains the highlight of this drama. She is effortless in her portrayal and you can’t help but feel for her character.

How many of you watched this latest episode of Sangat. Do share your thoughts about it.

Fatima Awan

Shamoon Abbasi Reminds Hamayun Saeed He Is Old!!

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Hamayun Saeed is one of the most controversial personalities of showbiz especially when we see the kind of reputation which other male actors enjoy. Hosts who invite him to their shows always candidly talk about his lover boy personality and Hamayun also does not hide the fact that he is not that straight but he keeps on reminding people he is not a bad boy either. Hamayun Saeed is one of those very few actors who still enjoy the roles of heroes in our films although he is not exactly young. There are some people who criticize him for not accepting his age but Hamayun has always said that he tries to do age-appropriate roles.

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Hamayun Saeed is also known among his co-stars for having a very friendly personality. No one has ever taunted him about his age but this time Shamoon Abbasi shared something on his facebook page which undoubtedly shows that he is telling Hamayun that he can act as young as he wants to in his films but he is not young any more!!

Here is what Shamoon shared:

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Most of the people on facebook supported Hamayun Saeed saying that he still looked great even though he wasn’t young any more. Others said that Shamoon Ababsi was being mean.

“Script Writing Is The Toughest Job Of All” – Vasay Chaudhry

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There are very few actors in our industry who have emerged as script writers too. Vasay Chaudhry is one of those very few actors who have not just written scripts but who are responsible for giving us some very hit serials which were not only popular but also different from all the other dramas viewers get to see on television nowadays. While talking MAG Weekly about his decision to start scrip writing Vasay said, “I didn’t go for writing per se; I came into this field to become an actor but sadly, I realised very soon that it’s all about the ‘script’. I use the word ‘sadly’ because script writing is the toughest job of all. In theatre, television or film, you are only as good as your script and I have learnt that by reading Mushtaq Ahmed Yusufi and Anwar Maqsood sahib. So if you can produce a good script, acting becomes the easier part.”

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Vasay thinks that acting is much easier if the actor is working on a project which has a strong script. Talking about how he came up with the script of his upcoming film Jawani Phir Nahi Aani Vasay said, “The idea came to me long before I was hired by Humayun Saeed to write Main Hoon Shahid Afridi in 2011. During its filming, Abhi Tu Main Jawan Hoon happened and thankfully, the telefilm was shown on the big screen as part of some festival by Geo TV. It was liked by all and I was given a go-ahead by Humayun Saeed to complete the script of JPNA. I wrote the entire script in 13 months and hope the film ends up engaging you as much as it did the producer and director while working together to make a family entertainer for our audiences.”

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Vasay Chaudhry also shared that Nauman Ijaz and Saba Hameed were his favorite actors from Pakistani drama industry. When asked if he would like to work in India, he said, “Why India? [Smiles] Yes, I want to see the Taj Mahal!” Vasay Chaudhry wants to do a lot of good work in the future too.

Vasay’s fun tweets about his upcoming film have made people laugh too.

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#BanTheBoldness

I have been wondering this for quite some while now that every time the viewers come across something questionable in our Pakistani dramas, they raise their voice against it loud & clear, but have we seen anything changing in our dramas lately? I feel the drama-makers are imposing their choices on the viewers without being conscious of what they would like to see & what they wouldn’t approve of & that is why I see more & more drama-makers pushing the trend of boldness in every other drama. After constant reminders & discussions; especially these days when everyone has a chance to put forth an opinion through social media & every channel gets a feedback by a common man directly, I see the drama-makers ignoring what the viewers usually say & just focus on what they feel like doing. I really feel that gone are the days when the channels used to be conscious of people’s choices & used to make such dramas that would appease the viewers. I think the connection between the drama-makers & the viewers is lost because these days, I feel those who’re in the drama-making ‘business’ are only concerned about themselves & don’t really pay heed to what the viewers expect from them.

I think our demands have always been very simple where we have always wanted ‘decent’, ‘family oriented’ & ‘quality-ridden’ dramas, but I really think the channels have shut all the doors that give them an access to the viewers demands & honest opinions because they really don’t seem to care. I sadly feel that the channels & drama-makers are now bent on changing the perspective of people & for all the wrong reasons, that is why the dramas that we get to see these days have nothing to do with ‘decency’ & ‘quality’.

We always hear the channel owners & the drama-makers saying that they make these dramas for us, so why is it so hard for them to deliver us something that we’d like to see? Ohkay, let me pose some questions here; which one you wants to see a closeness between a husband & wife on the screen? Which one of you’d want to see a peck on the forehead in our dramas? Which one of you wants to see sensationalized rape scenes on TV? Which one of you wants to see awkward & suggestive chemistry between a couple on-screen? Which one of you wants to see a husband & wife sticking to each other as if they are the brand ambassadors of Fevicol? Ohkay, in simple words, which one of you wants to see boldness in our dramas? I know, I have recently written an article on the same subject but I feel, when the writers, producers & actors can do the same thing over & over again after ignoring what we all say, why can’t we discuss this issue time & again in a hope that someday, they will pay heed to what we have to say, in a hope that may be the things that we say will strike a chord one day, in a hope that our drama-industry will start producing quality dramas without having a need to depend on cheesy boldness in our dramas & in a hope that they would stop relying on unwanted skin-ship that serves no purpose whatsoever!!!

There was a time when every single Pakistani drama used to attract the viewers, it was a time when people had lesser time but more dramas to follow but now sadly the trends have changed where we hardly get lucky & get to watch a good drama after months. Why is it that they don’t make dramas like Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Shanakht, Digest Writer, Diyar-e-Dil every single time? Why do we see the dramas like Aahista Aahista, Dusri Biwi, Izteraab, Tumhare Siwa, Chup Raho, Khuda Dekh Raha Hai & Shert flocking on our screens with some very weird underlying themes & messages? I remember back in those days tuning to every Pakistani drama used to be a guarantee of a quality entertainment within itself but sadly, that trend has been long overruled & it’s like we have to fetch a torch & search for a good, decent & simple drama as if we’re out on a treasure hunt.

Every time these actors get awarded for their brilliant performances in award functions, their speeches are filled with gratitude towards their fans that support them, so when they can see the support, why can’t they see what the expectations of their fans as well? Our drama industry boomed because of the continuous support of people of Pakistan, so why is it that our dramas now come across as anything but Pakistani? I really think this is an alarming situation where the actors have stopped doing self-policing & they agree to do whatever they’re asked to do by the directors & the producers in a hope that these antics will bring them more ratings. I really hate to say this but looks like our drama-makers are resorting to boldness just in a hope of fishing for some TRP’s, which makes it all is very unfortunate & also unnecessary because our dramas used to gain popularity even back in those days when they used to be very decent – anyone remembers Dhoop Kinare? I am sure all of you guys do. It depicted such a pure form of love without any needless contact between Dr. Ahmed & Zoya. I really don’t understand how the actors these days bring themselves to perform such scenes that are quite objectionable. I hate to point this out but the way they have introduced the peck-ism in our dramas makes me cringe. First Ayesha Khan & Danish Taimoor did the honors in the drama Shert of APlus & recently Saba Qamar & Mikaal Zulfikaar followed their lead in Sangat of Hum TV as well. I really do understand that they try to be as ‘realistic’ in their dramas as possible but some realities are better when left untouched because no one wants them to go an extra mile in this regard. Media is an outlet that gives the rest of the world an access to any country & its society & sadly, the way women are being objectified in Pakistani dramas, as if they came to this world for this purpose only sheds a light on the mindset of a society & lets the outsiders misunderstand that these are the values & ethics, we; Pakistanis endorse. Media has a very important role to play & our dramas are more like a picture of Pakistan but sadly, the drama-makers are ruining everything.

Excuse me for saying this but I have a feeling that our drama makers are working day & night to put a dent on Pakistan’s image & Pakistani values. They are working really hard to destroy the institution of marriage by brain feeding impressionable youth that marriage is the root cause of all the problems. How many times we have come across such dramas that highlight the problems (along with the highlighted physical contact) that a newly married couple faces but we never once got to see such a drama that gave solutions to these problems too. I really hate to say this but looks like those who have no intelligence have become the writers & the directors & the producers, that is why, all of a sudden the quality of our dramas has deteriorated & the things that remain dominant are the glamorized & negatively sensationalized marital problems, objectification of women & the forced chemistry between the lead pair which is anything but decent.

To be honest, I so am waiting for the time when our dramas will regain their charm by resorting to the beauty of simplicity. Take my word on it, no one likes to see the unnecessary coziness between the actors on-screen because we’re not used to that & also because we know that our dramas can gain popularity without having these bits & bobs at all. We’re used to the chemistry that doesn’t need to be conveyed through a physical contact & we’re used to seeing the love being conveyed through expressions & words, not the actual actions. I really think the producers should stop worrying about the ratings, the directors should stop encouraging this trend, the actors themselves should say no to such scenes & they all should work together to give us clean & quality entertainment because Pakistani dramas look perfect when they open a window for the whole family to be sat, watched & enjoyed together.

Please share your thoughts on this subject; we’d love to hear your take on it too. :)

Keep Supporting,
Cheers,
Zahra Mirza.

Saif Ali Khan Says He Is Not Against The People Of Pakistan

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Saif Ali Khan’s controversial statements after his film Phantom was banned in Pakistan has aroused a lot of negative comments about him from people in Pakistan. Recently while talking to NDTV Saif Ali Khan said, “I don’t know if I should say this but I was upset with the action in Pakistan and how upset they’re getting and I seem to have become the face of ‘anti-Pakistan feeling’.”

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He also said that he has always wanted Pakistan and India to have good ties. “This, I’m a little concerned about. Because my politics is the last thing that should become the question and for sure not against the people of Pakistan, I have absolutely nothing, except goodwill and hope that we manage to fix our problems,” said the actor.

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Kabir Khan, who directed Phantom was also present for the interview in which he said, “It’s (Phantom) a mission film quite simply. If you take the India and Pakistan element out of it – I didn’t want to say this during the promotion – but it’s actually a very simplistic mission film. The political element has given it some controversial edge.”

It appears to be that Saif Ali Khan has realized that his statements were insensitive and he wants to mend fences.

Magnum Party 2015 – Pictures

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Magnum Pakistan organized a party in Karachi which was attended by all the top designers, model, hosts and actors. The party was a lively affair. It was an invite only event and it was very obvious that Magnum Pakistan made sure that every well-known celebrity of Pakistan attended this party. The party was glamorous and lively.

Here are some pictures from the event:

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Diyar-e-Dil – Episode 25! <3

Ohkay so, this episode of Diyar-e-Dil was brilliant as always & it took the story forward too because looks like where a lot of aspects got covered & few things are coming to a closure as well. I really like the way the director & the writer have taken their sweet time in revealing the story & taking things forward because it has given us a lot of time to understand each one of them properly where we now can look through them & understand what they’re going through.

I absolutely loved the opening scene between Agha Jaan, Faarah & Wali. “My handsome Agha Jaan”, it was really sweet of Faarah to share some laughter with her grandfather, this is exactly what she yearned for & this is exactly what Agha Jaan & Wali wanted too. Wali’s expression told a story of how happy he was seeing his grandfather having a good time with his granddaughter but sadly, Moeez’s entry made things worse & forced him to misunderstand Faarah. To be honest, even though the role reversal has made the story even more interesting, I really do feel for Faarah now because Wali is misunderstanding her for all the wrong reasons & she is trying to do everything Wali demanded from her but the difference is, she isn’t doing it forcefully as, she herself wants to make Agha Jaan happy now. Moeez came like a dark cloud & ruined everything for Faarah as well as Wali. Just when Wali started to see that Faarah & Agha Jaan were having a great time together, Moeez’s visit compelled Wali to think the otherwise & that is why he accused Faarah of being an actor & for playing with Agha Jaan’s feelings. I really didn’t want Faarah to hear all that, that too after she has been through so much. I really thought may be Wali’d be able to see through her transition but unfortunately that didn’t happen. I don’t blame Wali either because he has seen Faarah at her worse all these years, so it was imperative that he wouldn’t have misunderstood her. Wali knows what no one else knows; like Faarah accepting a ring from Moeez, Faarah leaving college with Moeez & Faarah receiving his phone calls, so this was enough for Wali to convince himself that Faarah was still not doing everything from her heart & it was all an act to begin with because she was eager to free herself from their Nikkah. To be honest, I really felt bad when I didn’t see Faarah retaliating in front of Wali, she didn’t say a word because she actually was quite hurt to know that her love for Agha Jaan was being understood. The way she walked with her body language embodying defeat actually made me feel for her because for once, she was at a happy place after Behroz’s death & that was being taken away from her only because of Moeez.

Any sympathies with Ruhina, people? Yes, I know the answer is still no. She is getting just exactly what she deserves for trusting wrong people all her life & for doubting her husband & his family. Ruhina could never in her wildest dream imagine that of all the people, Moeez would be the one who’d misbehave with her that too in front of his parents & they wouldn’t say a word to him. Tajjamul did try to cover up what his son did but Ruhina was too absorbed in the self-pity once again. The way she tried to convey a message of how hurt she was made me say ‘not again’ because this is exactly what she has done all her life. Ruhina needs to snap out of the ‘I’m a victim’ phase & needs to understand that the world doesn’t revolve around her anymore, at least it did when Behroz was alive because she was a center of his universe but too bad, she stepped on him & didn’t pay him back at all for being sincere to her for 20 years of his life.

I actually enjoyed the scene between Arjumand & Faarah too. Arjumand waited quite patiently for her departure but now when she saw that Faarah’s not going anywhere & she got to see the comfort zone that Agha Jaan & Faarah were sharing, she took it as her duty to remind her that she shouldn’t do anything anymore that would distress Agha Jaan. I really like the way Zarmeenay & Arjumand make sure that nothing ever happens to Agha Jaan because for them, he is everything, he’s the head of their family & he’s their father. Just when Wali got relaxed thinking Faarah has come to her senses & he didn’t need to bother about her anymore, Moeez’s entry made him & Arjumand doubtful about Faarah once again. Arjumand has her reservations when it comes to Faarah because she knows that Faarah demanded a divorce & Wali knows exactly why, that is why Faarah now has to do everything to subside their misunderstanding but before that, she has to be very cautious of the trap Moeez’s weaving around her.

The mention of General Feroze & Laila brought a smile to my face. I love how the connection with them wasn’t lost even though they were never given a lot of screen time but the relation Agha Jaan & General Feroze shared was given such a detailed coverage in the beginning that their friendship remains very special. Zarmeenay & Ebaad’s proposal will bring some good times for Agha Jaan’s family but I loved how strategically this part was introduced that too when Faarah was in the Haveli because I knew that this will lead Faarah to question Agha Jaan about the forced Nikkah between her & Wali & she will get all the answers that she was looking for. This is the only thing that needs to be cleared because then only Faarah will be able to see that just like her Wali was forced into this relation too but he accepted it gracefully & not only that, he respected his wife & gave her love too but she always doubted him & accused him for something he himself wasn’t responsible for. I loved the conversation Faarah had with Agha Jaan about her picture; it made her realize that she has once in her life met Suhaib too.

Overall, it was such a perfect episode with some amazing dialogues & conversations. I love this chirpy & happy Faarah much more than the angry bird Faarah, hehe. Also, I love how very little gestures done by these actors make every episode complete. The way Arjumand made Wali eat some fruits while he was rubbing Agha Jaan’s feet made them all look like one perfect family that overcame the tough times together & now were having some good time after the dust has settled. I must say, Ahmad Zeb has been so convincing as Moeez, that he deserves a round of applause. I think of all the villains in this drama, he has been the most interesting character & Ahmad Zeb has done justice to Moeez’s role completely. I must say, the different shots of the location makes it look all very genuine & gives this drama & it’s story a lot of depth; almost making me feel that some parallel world exists somewhere & has some people that are going through such situations that we all can relate to, massive props to the team of Diyar-e-Dil for choosing such a perfect place & making it absolutely amazing for all of us. Also, I don’t want to make this discussion all about the next episode but what Faarah said about Agha Jaan in the preview’s making me depressed already. Please don’t let anything happen to himmm, please please pleaseee!!! Anyways, please share your beautiful thoughts about this beautiful episode of Diyar-e-Dil. :)

Keep Supporting,
Cheers,
Zahra Mirza.

Muqaddas – Episode 35

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When I finally turned on the TV at 8 pm, I saw the promo of Muqaddas with no “Last episode” announcement. I was super-excited to watch the last episode today, but sadly, the website was wrong. I am just glad I opened the TV an hour earlier and didn’t face utter disappointment. Khair, wrong announcements have been done in the past so rather than being sad, I watched the episode and as usual it was interesting. Being the optimist I am, I think it’s good that they wrap the drama over a few more episodes. We all want a satisfactory ending, don’t we?

“Woh pagal horaha hai”. Ruhi is a smart woman. She knows that something is up. Of all the people in the house, she was the only one to realize that Aatir was lying about Kabir, and that something else is going on. In the initial episodes, I used to doubt Ruhi for being the kidnapper, and this character was intriguing. Somewhere in the middle of the show she turned into the typical evil mother-in-law. Now that her sane side is surfacing again, I am glad! She is still evil, but now she is actually contributing to the story instead of just threatening Muqaddas.

Maryam told Sarmad the entire story but did not tell him about her son, Aatir. I found that weird. When Sarmad finally told her the name of his friend who he always talks about, that was when she understood. I still want to know why she never met Aatir.It was one thing if she could not meet him when he was a child, but now that he is a grown up man, I wonder why she never tried to find him. How does a mother contain her love for her son for so many years?

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Jehanzeb’s end was sudden, but the most logical way to start wrapping up the show. Jehanzeb was too ashamed of what he did to Maryam to ever confess to his sin in front of Muqaddas. He knew he had to save his daughter from Aatir, and he had to let Ahmad Ali know the truth. The letter has to be the biggest twist of the drama. It was the best way to tell the truth to both, Muqaddas and Ahmed. Aatir got what he wanted. He drove Jehanzeb to his death. It’s true that Jehanzeb deserved to be punished for what he did. He ruined Maryam’s marriage, and when she came to his house for help he did not even open the door. He never bothered to tell the truth to Ahmad. However, he spent his entire life searching for Maryam, in order to ask her for forgiveness. That makes him a little bit better than Aatir. At least he tried to find her out of guilt, unlike Aatir who just fights his guilt pangs.

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“Mujhe tou ye samajh nahi araha ke koi itna sangdil kese hosakta hai.” Well, you and me both Tehreem! I might have had my doubts on Aatir, but when I finally got to know that he was the kidnapper, I was shocked. The way this character manipulated a girl into loving him, married her, kidnapped her that very night, assaulted her while unconscious and then had her returned back to the house_only to live a miserable life_and acted as her well-wisher, was inhumane. I was glad that when Muqaddas found out the truth, she had her siblings by her side to comfort her. Her world did shatter, but at least her family and best friend were there with her. I expected to Muqaddas to scream and shout and ask how could the love of her life do this to her, but she just sat there.

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Maryam’s phone call came at the right time as well, but I was surprised how she got Muqaddas’s number. I wish they had taken care of this loophole. Nonetheless, whatever Muqaddas said to Maryam was right on point. Agar aap zinda theen, tou marne ka dhong kyun rachati rahin? Apne bete ko kyun nahi bataya ke aap zinda hain? That is the question we all want the answer to, and judging by how calm Maryam was, I am sure she will give the answer to Muqaddas and us!

What did you guys think of the episode?

Areeba Mohsen

Aitraz – Episode 4

Every episode of Aitraz has more than its fair share of clichés but this episode was so full of Arsalan’s mother’s conniving ways that I found it difficult to keep myself alert even after having a cup of tea during the interval. This episode laid the foundations for what is coming ahead – a big change in Arsalan’s attitude towards Komal – but I still feel that the scenes and dialogues were way too repetitive. It is sad to see someone like Shamim Hilali being wasted playing a role which any other actress could’ve played. She is usually seen playing characters which are challenging but this one has absolutely nothing new to offer.

Watching Arsalan trying to please his mother, Arsalan’s Khala playing the very typical Khala-saas who adds fuel to the fire and the bechari bahu finally taking the fall was nothing more than a snooze-fest! Arsalan knows that there isn’t much that he can do to change his mother’s attitude and the lecture from his Khala also made him feel guilty therefore blaming Komal for everything that happened seemed like the easy thing to do! The main “twist” in this episode had to be the most unconvincing development in this drama so far. Komal has been shown as a very sensible girl till now who is also very emotional when it comes to her family. Firstly, she went against her nature and told Arsalan’s Khala something she shouldn’t have shared with her because she has been shown as a very private person. Also, Arsalan warned her that his Khala was not their well-wisher already so why did she think she would be side with her. This was the first time Komal was meeting this woman but somehow she thought she could trust her and that too regarding something that concerned her sister! Later on Komal was willing to apologize and forget everything although she is the same person who gets so emotional about family values that she is willing to let go of everything. She didn’t get married to the love of her life because she wanted him to do what his mother asked him to but she would continue living with someone who did not really care what his mother thought about Komal’s parents.

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I am very disappointed with this episode because of many reasons. The top most reason has to be the boring and done-to-death conversations between two women who really need to get a life and secondly Komal’s character was a huge led down in tonight’s episode. She is turning out to be one of those becharis we see on screen all the time. I regret wishing that we should be shown more of the present than the past because ever since the director has started focusing on the present Wajdan’s character has disappeared from the drama.

Anyone who hasn’t watched this episode yet can save themselves the trouble of watching it because it had absolutely nothing to offer. Watch the last ten minutes of this episode if you’re really curious to find out what happened!!

Fatima Awan

“Don’t force us to watch Pakistani films by banning Indian films ” – Rauf Klasra

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Rauf Klasra is a well-known journalist who has worked with the mainstream newspapers and channels of Pakistan. Currently he is working with ARY. ARY had an open discussion on the recent controversy regarding the film Phantom in which Hamza Ali Abbasi, Hafiz Saeed and Rauf Klasra were invited to talk about the issue. Rauf Klasra completely negated the idea of banning films. He said addressing Hamza Ali Abbasi and all the others who wanted the film banned because it was against Pakistan, “Some people have limited patriotism by their own definitions. Anyone who goes out of this circle which they have created he or she is termed as a traitor, agent of RAW and not a patriot. We have made Pakistan a terrified society in which people’s religion and culture is in danger whenever they do something even a little wrong. People do not live like this in any other part of the world.”

He also went on to say, “we get fatwas on daily basis, things are getting banned on daily basis. Take for example youtube which was banned in Pakistan, it isn’t even banned in Saudi Arabia; the place where Islam started but our Islam is in danger.”

He also said that films do not get banned anywhere else in the world like they get banned in Pakistan. According to him, “Indian films were banned in Pakistan for so many years, which Oscar winning movies did we make in that period? These filmmakers should compete with Indian films, the Pakistani filmmakers do not want to compete. These filmmakers and actors should be thankful that Indian films are being shown in cinemas because that gives them a chance to make better films and compete with them. Banning things is not the solution to the problem.”

He also said that Zee Zindagi is showing Pakistani dramas in India in which they have given Pakistani drama industry a chance to show their culture. He also said, “Don’t force us to watch Pakistani films by banning Indian films but try to compete with Indian films!”

Agha Ali supported everything that Rauf Klasra said by giving this status update:

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Muqaddas – Episode 34

Today’s episode of Muqaddas was very engaging and kept me glued to the screen. The next episode will be the last one since, according to Hum TV’s website a new drama is starting from 7th September. I am totally excited for the last episode and can hardly wait for what is in store for us!

Aatir’s accusation of Kabir was considered true by everyone, and that was surprising. I expected Nida to believe him, because she never trusted Kabir in the first place. She acts before she thinks and that is why her reaction was believable. It was Ruhi and Muqaddas’s reactions that surprised me. Muqaddas immediately thought that Kabir kidnapped her to avenge the rejection he faced years ago. She did not stop to think how Aatir got to know of this. Without any proof, she believed Aatir, forgetting that he arranged a fake culprit in the past as well. Ruhi had always tried to save Nida’s marriage and tried to stop her from demanding a divorce. All of a sudden, without any proof she believed that Aatir was right and that her son-in-law was capable of all this. However, she soon started to question the authenticity of Aatir’s story. Ruhi’s realization that Kabir was probably not the culprit was right on time! She finally realized that if Aatir was really telling the truth, why was he still not doubting Muqaddas’s character? After all, he was the son of Ahmed Ali, the man who threw his wife out of the house just because of a doubt, and disowned her child.

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After today I felt like there is no redemption for Aatir. When he initially heard Ruhi calling his unborn child illegitimate, he became subconsciously guilty. His visits to his mother’s grave, where he reminded himself that he did all of this for her, showed that he was feeling sorry for what he put Muqaddas through. However, he has put all those guilt pangs behind. He is no more confused about what he did and wants to do. His conversation with Sarmad showed how determined he is to keep Muqaddas oblivious of the truth. All is fair is love and war. Sarmad did what I expected him to do. Apni bacche ko maar kar tum kabhi sukoon se nahi reh paoge. He tried to remind Aatir the consequences of his actions again and again. He is playing with so many lives right now. Nida, Kabir, Muqaddas and yes, his very own child, but he fails to acknowledge that. I can hardly wait for Maryam and Aatir’s meeting. Aatir is at that point in life where he does not want to look back. Maryam’s appearance will come as a big shock to him.

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Sarmad always tried to get Maryam to tell her about his family, but she refused to. Just like some of the readers have said, Sarmad could have pre-planned his meeting with Aatir and he might already know that Aatir is his brother. The way he pushed her to tell him why his father never came to meet him showed that he had no idea. Maryam told him the entire story of how she was thrown out of her own house, but that whole scene was fast forwarded and the only part of her story the viewers got to hear was the end.

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I really felt for Kabir after his phone call to Annie. All he did was try to help Muqaddas and he suffered because of it. Aatir can have him thrown into prison and his life will be destroyed.

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So, did you guys enjoy this episode? I am sure you all are very excited for the last one. This show has been one hell of a ride. This is the most second most well-executed thriller after “Meri Jaan” (also a Hum TV drama). The entire team of Muqaddas; the writer, Adeel Razzaq, director, Ali Masud, the actors (Noor Hassan, Hina Bayat, Iqra Aziz, Furqan Qureshi, Nida Zaidi, Farhan Ali Agha, Agha Jarrar) , the cameramen, editors and all others involved have done their jobs well. I end this review with the hope that the ending will do justice to the drama. :)

Areeba Mohsen

Celebrities Tweet In Favour Of Mawra Hocane

While there are many people who are severely criticizing Mawra even after her open letter, there are many celebrities who think that Mawra did the right thing by writing the letter and there are also those who think that some people are unnecessarily pushing the issue to a point where Mawra will be banned. Meesha Shafi’s tweet shows that she is not happy with Shaan’s statement, Mahira Khan is also happy that Mawra Hocane did not hold her opinion back and Fahad Mustafa comforted Mawra Hocane by telling her she is as much of a Pakistani as anyone else living here. Adnan Malik thinks that Mawra is being targeted because she is a woman. There are also celebrities who think that Mawra’s open letter was a much more mature response than Shaan’s call to get Mawra banned. The celebrities from across the border supported Mawra too.

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Here are the tweets:

 

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Mathira Wants Shaan And Mawra To End “the fight”

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Different celebrities have given their opinions on the recent war of words between Shaan Shahid and Mawra Hocane but the only one who stepped in asking for these two celebrities to finish their fight is none other than Mathira. Mathira is most often in news because of different controversies but this time she is trying to end a controversy between two people who are colleagues. Mathira’s tweet asking both Shaan and Mawra to end the fight addressed both of them. Mathira in her tweet asked Shaan to forgive Mawra and she asked Mawra to stop listening to people who will add more fuel to the fire.

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Mathira also asked men to stop using abusive words against Mawra as recently after her open letter and tweets people have been calling her with bad names.

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Mohib Mirza And Amina Sheikh Blessed With A Baby Girl

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Mohib Mirza and Amina Sheikh are one of the most talented star couples of our industry. They have done it all from modeling to acting but they took their time taking the decision to be parents. No one knew that Amina Sheikh was expecting her first baby who arrived in the world on 11th August. The baby girl has been named Meissa Mirza.

Aamina decided to share the photograph of her baby and share the news of her arrival on her birthday.

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Mawra Hocane’s Open Letter To Shaan Shahid And All Her Fans

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Shaan Shahid who is very well-known for his patriotic stance and has rejected many offers from India because it is his aim that one day he will make Indians work in Pakistani films instead of Pakistanis going there never compromises on patriotism. This is the reason that when Shaan hears Pakistani stars supporting India especially when their support is damaging Pakistan in any way he always reacts. Shaan called actors who work in C grade films in India cheap sell outs few months back and now when Mawra supported the film Phantom he asked for a ban on Mawra Hocane. The public has greatly supported Shaan Shahid because they also feel that Mawra’s tweets were damaging to the Pakistani stance on the film.

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Mawra Hocane decided to write an open letter to “Mr. Shaan Shahid” and all her fans in which she described why she tweeted on those lines saying, “My tweets were out of utter ignorance for I had not seen the trailer neither was I aware of the sensitivity of the matter back home for I’ve been shooting out of country days and nights, unfortunately not keeping a track on what all Mr Shan had already tweeted on the matter. “

Mawra Hocane surprisingly also said that her statements had been manipulated. “However I’d also like to share that I’m extremely hurt & shocked for I don’t expect someone as wise as Shan shahid to manipulate my statements of supporting peace & love into “supporting phantom” (the words I never Used). “

She also criticized Shaan Shahid for his wrong approach towards newcomers saying, “Honestly I’m only just a kid infront of the 55 year old Shan shahid instead of taking pride in bashing kids less than half his age he should become a mentor and try and fix things for us, if we make mistakes.”

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Mawra Hocane also said that Shaan Shahid had no right to bash those Pakistanis who were working in India because they were working very hard to earn love and respect there. “We work so hard to achieve the love & respect in our people’s hearts and he always attempts to ruin it for everyone in a jiffy. Be it me, Ali Zafar , Fawad khan or Someone as legendary as Javed Shiekh . He has always bashed everyone who’s “stepped in India”. It’s about time he realise that it’s not a piece of cake for me to be working in media, to be leaving my country and going to India alone in pursuit of my dream in the age of 22. It’s at the cost of endless hard work and sleepless days and nights and it takes a big heart to take all these decisions and he certainly has no right to just sit home and bash us all publicly, be it on a social media forum or an award show,” wrote the actress.

Mawra does not blame her fans for reacting the way they did because they were according to her only reacting to the wrong information that was fed to them by Shaan Shahid. She wrote, ” I’ve no complaints to my fans as they reacted to what they were fed.”

She also went on to say that she will not let Shaan’s word stop her for working hard like she always does. “Sir, Art is subjective and boundless, however quickly coming back to the topic, Hating others cant make you more a patriot, My heart goes out for my country I do everything in my power to become a better citizen of my Pakistan and I absolutely and dearly love it, you’ve no right to judge me and make a statement about me being any less patriotic for again bashing me won’t make you anymore a patriot.
You know what Mr Shan shahid I will still rise every morning, work as hard, still pursue my dream, still go after what I’d like to achieve and still keep my head high. I don’t need to love/like people like you to be a patriot. My love for my country and my people doesn’t need your approval. “

Mawra also implied that Shaan Shahid was biased against women and Pakistani celebrities who worked in India. “If My words were (unintentionally) hurtful then yes I will apologise to my own people for they’ve loved me through my good times and bad but I will certainly not be answerable to someone like you who doesn’t work anymore and only sits home and bashes two categories of people, 1. women ofcourse because you’re a man and 2. anyone who works in India because you still didn’t get over turning down Ghajni a decade ago, it’s an old topic now and you can’t rub this in everyone’s face who wants to work in india or elsewhere. (can’t ignore the fact that you were offered a sidekick role. Things might’ve been different if it was offered otherwise)
Finally Coming to the “BAN” Mawra hashtag. Did anyone ban you when you pulled off the sleaziest of acts in Punjabi films ( I’d send in data if you’ve forgotten) which could’ve influenced kids like me in a bad way for I remember being 9 or 10 when you were really famous but now that you have retired you leave no chance to bash us youngsters??? “

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Mawra Hocane also asked Shaan Shahid to leave and everyone else alone because these celebrities were not accountable to him in any way. She wrote,

“In the end, I still don’t hate you, you know why because they say ” Love what Loves you but never hate what hates you for hate is the burden that exhausts the Stars in you” I certainly don’t want the stars in me to die for someone as unworthy as you.
I’m a brave Pakistani girl, a London graduate, a dreamer, a girl who won’t get scared of the bashing for it’s irrelevant compared to the dreams I carry in my Heart & mind everyday.

For me shooting in India is just like me shooting in Dubai, America, Cape Town or any other country so stop making a big deal about it regardless of my workplace I Love my country and I’ll always belong to it without the approval of his excellency Mr Shan shahid and every inch of my existence will do everything to do Pakistan proud. I don’t need to reject other countries work opportunities to prove my patriotism, PAKISTAN in is in my blood and soul regardless of your opinion of me sir!
Cheers sir.

(You must leave us kids alone as I’m politely asking you not to interfere in our matters and hinting that I don’t intend to continue this war of articles with you for unlike you I’ve got so many other things to do in my plate like.. work. I wouldn’t have given you a single reaction if it was not for you challenging my Love for my fans and for my country)
God bless!”

All Shaan has said in reply to Mawra is in the form of a facebook status in which he is saying that Mawra is not owning her mistake.

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From the sets of Jaanan (جاناں)

Jaanan (جاناں) is an upcoming film co-produced by famous anchor Reham Khan.

The project is being helmed by Siyaah director Azfar Jafri, and is being jointly produced by Reham and Siyaah production company IRK films. The story, which is being written by Osman Khalid Butt, will be set in Swat and other Northern Areas of Pakistan.

The film will be ready to release next year.

The film stars Armeena Rana Khan, Ali Rehman Khan and Bilal Ashraf in the lead roles. Here are few clicks from the sets.

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Rashid Nazir Ali

Momal Sheikh set to make Bollywood debut

As per English Daily Express tribune, artist Moomal Sheikh has signed a Bollywood film to be directed by Anand L. Roy.

Here is the full content courtesy of ET.

After Humaima Malick and Mahira Khan, Momal Sheikh is set to make her mark in Bollywood. The Pakistani actress will soon be seen in Tanu Weds Manu director Aanad L Rai’s next.

A source revealed that the makers of the film had discussed the script with renowned Pakistani actor and Momal’s father — Javed Sheikh when they were looking for a Pakistani actress to portray an “important” character in the upcoming film, reports Hindustan Times.

They instantly decided to cast Momal when they came to know about her.

“When Aanand and Mudassar Aziz (director) discussed the film’s script with Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh, who has acted in Bollywood films like Namastey London (2007) and Om Shanti Om (2007), they informed him that they were looking for a female actor for an important role in the movie,” the source said.

“When they came across Javed’s daughter, Momal, they offered her the film,” the source added.

One of the directors of the film, Aziz confirmed the reports saying, “When we met Javed saab, he didn’t mention Momal to us. It was a surprise to come across her during one of our meetings. We immediately decided to get her on board.”

Momal will star alongside Abhay Deol and Diana Penty.

We wish Momal all the best for her Bollywood venture and hope she makes it big across the border.

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Source: http://tribune.com.pk/story/947572/momal-sheikh-set-to-make-her-bollywood-debut/

Rashid Nazir Ali

From the sets of Doobara Phirr Se

Famous director Mehreen Jabbar is shooting her new film as director named Doobara Phirr Se (دوبارہ پھر سے) in New York City and other parts of USA.  It is the second film by Mehreen Jabbar after a gap of eight years when she directed her first film named Ramchand Pakistani.

Mehreen confirmed the news through a tweet.

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 Doobara Phirr Se stars Adeel Husain, Hareem Farooq, Sanam Saeed, Tooba Siddiqui, Ali Kazmi, Atiqa Odho, Shaz Khan, and child actor Moosa, and has been penned by Bilal Sami.

The story will revolve around love, friendships and growing up. Mehreen is known for bringing present-day issues to light through her films, and her second film will be no different.

Here are few clicks from the shooting.

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Rashid Nazir Ali

Aik Thi Misaal on Hum Tv

Aik Thee Misaal is an upcoming play on Hum Tv starring Rubab Hashim and Emaad Irfani in the lead roles. It is directed by Shaquile Khan۔. The play is based on the novel of same name written by Rukhsana Nigar

Rashid Nazir Ali

Mol – Episode 13

The dialogues are well-written, the actors are doing complete justice to their roles, the execution is simple and spot on, but as much as I didn’t want to say this, Mol is no longer as interesting or realistic as it used to be and I think this has a lot to do with what I was expecting from Emaan. I had high hopes attached to her character but I am afraid she’s no longer the woman I thought she was. And strangely enough, I wasn’t expecting Sheheryaar to wow me but that’s exactly what he’s doing!

While watching Humayun and Zareena spew venom against Emaan, I was reminded of all the times Sheheryaar used to explain to Emaan how his family doesn’t mean well for them. I can totally understand why all this time he was trying to avoid them as best as he could. Sheheryaar feared that their constant interference would spoil his relationship with Emaan and that’s exactly what’s happening. Right after that unpleasant encounter with his parents and Chalak Chachi, for a fleeting moment, Sheheryaar was forced to think about what his family was saying about Emaan. I think this was natural because after hearing such accusations, he, like any normal person, needed some time to collect himself. After Sheheryaar’s soliloquy and the awkward scene at Rohail’s house, I was beginning to think that Sheheryaar too joins the league of the shukki, judgemental husbands that grace our screens every now and then, but the conversations that followed left me with a really good feeling. I am so pleased that Sheheryaar and Emaan decided to talk to each other about what’s bothering them and where is this going because that conversation was much much needed. And I have to say that Sheheryaar said all the things my ears have been starving for! Have we ever witnessed an onscreen husband saying that he doesn’t even want to discuss the possibility of going ahead with dusri shadi because it’s way below his belt? Have we come across an onscreen husband whose faith in his wife doesn’t waver in spite of all the accusations directed at her? How many times have we seen a character apologizing to his wife for speaking to her in a harsh tone? I am so pleased and relieved that he explained to Emaan why he had reacted that way and that apology was music to my ears! Needless to say, I have tons and tons of respect for Sheheryaar. Faisal Qureshi has been phenomenal and I don’t think I can imagine anyone else playing Sheheryaar with such ease and brilliance.

Yeh bhi ek phase hai. Haina Sheheryaar? Tumhari zindagi tou mukhtalif phases mein bati hui hai. Kia pata shayad mein bhi ek phase hoon. So that’s what Sheheryaar gets for reassuring Emaan that he would never leave her? I feel for Emaan because I truly understand that the news of her not being able to become a mother is devastating and it’s only natural to feel that life has lost all its purpose and meaning, BUT what I fail to understand is that how does she expect Sheheryaar to help her out of this situation? Being with Shahnaam makes her happy and Sheheryaar told her that she can visit that boy whenever she feels like, but we found her wondering, ‘’kaash aap keh detay kay mat jao.’’ If she wants Sheheryaar to make sure that he would stay by her side, that’s exactly what he’s been doing since the last two or three episodes! Why is she bent on proving that Sheheryaar is a cold and heartless guy?

Muhabbat ek aisa jaal hai jis mein hum larkiyan apnay aap ko bohat mehnat say qaid karti hain aur phir pachtati hain kay yeh kia hua. Sajal and Emaan’s conversation involved some hard hitting dialogues and I think for the first time EVER, (I could never have imagined myself saying this) Sajal made a lot more sense than Emaan! It made me happy that Sajal actually put herself in Emaan’s shoes and wondered aloud if Zareena and Humayun would have accepted the same circumstances for her. It’s a relief that Sajal is not as insensitive as her parents, but I am keeping my expectations low because I remember how her immediate reaction to Sheheryaar’s marriage was very promising but the later events proved otherwise. Sheheryaar kisi ka nahe hosakta, Sajal. Emaan actually thinks of Sheheryaar as the cruelest man alive and I don’t seem to get why. What’s the poor guy’s fault? He didn’t say ”I love you’’? Is that it? Emaan is a dreamer and her views about love are different from Sheheryaar, I know, but I was hoping for her to sense that she does hold a significant place in Sheheryaar’s life, but Sheheryaar being Sheheryaar, is reticent about his feelings. He likes some things to be left unsaid while Emaan wants feelings and emotions to be expressed – it’s not that big an issue as she thinks it is. I was actually shocked when she said, ”Shayad Sheheryaar waqai mujhe chornay ka soch rahay hain’’, because it was only in the previous scene that Sheheryaar had comforted her that he won’t leave her or marry Sajal! I don’t seem to get what she has against the guy she ‘loves’ so much. It’s strange that she loves Sheheryaar but has no issue with him getting married to Sajal. This was the last, let me repeat, the last thing I expected from Emaan. Had Sheheryaar given her any hints that he doesn’t want to live with her anymore, I would have understood why Emaan wants to walk out, but nothing of that sort happened. I feel that more than Sheheryaar’s family, it’s Emaan who’s responsible for the rift between the two.

Emaan nay bohat bahaduri say yeh sab kuch face kia hai. Emaan ki bahauri nay mujhay hara diya hai. I don’t really agree with Sajal because I don’t think Emaan has faced this blow with courage at all. She has been hopeless and she is constantly blaming Sheheryaar for not being able to understand her feelings. The Emaan we are watching these days is nowhere near the strong headed person she used to be.

Mein aur Zareena bohat seedhi saadi gharelu aurtain hain. OK, now we really need to revisit our definition of seedhi saadi! When did Chalak Chachi make a wise decision for the well being and happiness of her daughter? Did I miss something?

Just out of morbid curiosity, what became of that adoption plan? It sounded pretty good to me and from what we’ve been shown, Sheheryaar hadn’t exactly rejected it. It really felt like Emaan was very much into the adoption thing as well so I don’t know why no one’s bringing it up. Also, remember how Emaan was so very passionate about her school work and Sheheryaar had promised her that he would talk to his friend who also happens to be the Director of a school? That actually seems like ancient history now! Emaan is dealing with a blow but is Shahnaam the last kid on earth? I don’t like Emaan’s obsession with Shahnaam not because I am narrow minded or something but because I believe that running after a married guy’s child is not a pragmatic solution to her problems.

The best thing about Mol is Sheheryaar and the way he is dealing with this tough ‘phase’ of his life. I still have faith in the drama and I hope that the story moves along in a convincing manner. How many of you are watching Mol? Voice your views!

Maryam Mehdi

Hamza Ali Abbasi & Gohar Rasheed Call Mawra Hocane Shameless & Worst Than An Animal

Mawra Hocane’s tweets about Phantom have not been taken well by Pakistani public or celebrities. After Shaan now Hamza Ali Abbasi has asked for a ban on Mawra Hocane because of her support for the film Phantom which Hamza Ali Abbasi says is, “a stupid film, they are trying to cash in on anti-Pakistan sentiment. Because Saif Ali Khan is not an A-lister, he is a flop actor whose last desperate attempt to win over people was to star in an anti-Pakistan film.”

Hamza Ali Abbasi also said, “Saif Ali Khan is not an artist, he is not a Muslim or an Indian, his religion is money. He is the kind of person who will even sell his parents for money!”

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Hamza Ali Abbasi did not take Mawra’s name but it was very clear that he was talking about her when he said, “There is a Pakistani actress who supported them so that she will get work in India. That is such a wrong thing to do. Even an animal knows that he should respect his owner who has taken care of him and given him respect, such statements and such films should be banned.”

Gohar Rasheed who is usually not vocal about these controversial happenings but this time he spoke how he felt about Mawra’s tweets openly.

Here is what he had to say:

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Manto (منٹو), first trailer is out

Manto (منٹو) is an upcoming film releasing on 11th September 2015. It covers the life of Saadat Hussain Manto, the years he spent in Pakistan after partition in 1947 till his death in 1955. The trailer of the film is now released

After its release, it will also be telecasted as a drama on Geo Tv.

Here is the trailer which is quite intense. Any avid reader of Saadat Hussain Manto can easily guess the characters of few of his famous short stories in this trailer like Khol Do, Thanda Gosht, Phaha

Cast:
Sarmad Sultan Khoosat as Saadat Hasan Manto
Sania Saeed as Safia (Manto’s wife)
Qaiser Naqvi as Mamaji
Danyal Adam Khan as Hamid (Hamid Jalal, a famous journalist and relative of manto)
Maham Aamir as Niggi (Manto’s daughter Nighat)
Neha Aamir as Nussi (Manto’s daughter Nusrat)
Abeeha Aamir as Nuchchi (Manto’s daughter Nuzhat)
Nimra Bucha as Manto’s alter ego
Saba Qamar as Noorjehan (The legendary singer of Sub continent)
Syed Yorguc as Shaukat Hussain Rizvi (First husband of Madam Noor Jehan)
Akbar Subhani as Chaudhry Mohammad Hussain
Arjumand Raheem as Nazneen
Shama Askari as madam
Ali Shaikh as Khudabakhsh
Rehan Shaikh as Mian Bashir
Hina Khwaja Bayat as Begum Bashir
Adnan Jaffer Qudratullah Shahab
Ahtsham ul Haq as Anwar Sajjad
Talha Iqbal Mufti as Nawaz
Khwaja Saleem as Basheer Hussain
Sohaib Khalid as Dina
Savera Nadeem as Neti
Faysal Qureshi as a Radio broadcaster
Shamoon Abbasi as Eeshar Singh (a character of Thanda Gosht)
Yasira Rizvi as Kalwant Kaur (a character of Thanda Gosht)
Irfan Khoosat (a character of Khol Do)
Aiman Khan (a character of Khol Do)
Mahira Khan
Humayun Saeed 

Producer: Baber Javed
Executive Producer: Asif Reza Mir
Director : Sarmad Sultan Khoosat
Screenplay & Dialogues: Shahid Nadeem
Sound, Score and Music: Jamal Rahman, True Brew Records
Lyrics: Mohammad Hanif, Majeed Amjad, Mirza Ghalib and Shiv Kumar Batalvi
Singers: Meesha Shafi, Zebunnisa Bangash, Ali Sethi and Javed Bashir

Here are the songs from this film,

 Javed Bashir sings “Kaun Hai Yeh Gustaakh” by famous Urdu poet Majeed Amjad

Ali Sethi sings “Aah Ko Chahiye” famous ghazal of Mirza Ghaalib

Ali Sethi & Zeb Bangash provided the vocals for the song “Kya Hoga” written by Muhammad Hanif

Meesha Shafi gave her voice for the song “Mehram Dilaan De Mahi”  the famous kalam of Punjabi poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi

 

About Manto

Saadat Hassan Manto is considered as the leading short story (afsana) writer of Urdu literature. He also wrote the stories and dialogues of many films in Bombay, British India before 1947. After the partition in 1947, Manto migrated to Pakistan with his wife Safiya, the couple has three daughters.

In Pakistan Manto continued writing Short Stories and also wrote an Urdu film Beli in 1950. He also wrote the sketches of famous persons whom he had met. In Pakistan, he faced many financial hardships and being addicted to alcohol he passed away in 1955 at a young age of 42. During his life he also faced the court charges of writing obscene content and portrayed as a controversial figure. His widow Safiya passed away in 1970’s. His three daughters Nusrat Jalal, Nuzhat Arshaf and Nighat Patel are alive and live in Lahore.

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Rashid Nazir Ali

Imran Abbas Is Against Sensationalizing Sensitive Issues

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Ever since private Pakistani channels have taken over the reigns of entertainment industry the viewers are getting to see many dramas based on all kinds of storylines. There was a time when Pakistani dramas were family dramas because they hardly ever touched upon tabooed topics in the society but that is not the case any more.

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There are actors, directors, writers and producers who think that everything that is happening in the society at a small or large scale should be shown in dramas but Imran Abbas does not share this point of view. Imran Abbas pointed out in order the kind of storylines which he wants the writers to avoid. He feels that television has a bigger responsibility because it is in every house and so available to everyone unlike a film to watch which you have to go to cinema house and buy a ticket.

Here is what Imran Abbas had to say:

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Meera Explains Why She Hates Mahira Khan

Meera’s tweets about Mahira Khan in the past few days have given her a lot of publicity but not in a good way. Meera tweeted a few days back that people should not watch Mahira Khan’s dramas and films because she did not know how to act. Mahira Khan’s fans came to the star’s rescue and defended her but Meera went on speaking her mind!

Express Tribune asked Meera what was the reason for this sudden dislike for Mahira Khan to which she replied, “Mahira Khan replaced me in a major project by Momina Duraid — she literally took that project away from me.”

Not only this Meera also said that Mahira Khan had been campaigning against her. She said, “Even I have met many Bollywood celebrities, including Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan and Karan Johar. In fact, SRK even offered me a film.”

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She went on to say, “But because of Mahira’s campaign against me, I lost all my projects in the Indian industry and she got one”.

Meera put some serious allegations on Mahira Kha saying, “I am still a super star and have made a number of remarkable films so it is unfair that Mahira gets all the work and I don’t…..Had she not established her own lobby in the Karachi segment, she wouldn’t have made it so far.”

She also said that Mahira did not get where she is today on the basis of her talent. She said, “If we create groups within the industry, the situation will get worse. So, I humbly request Mahira to come forward on the basis of her talent only and stop sidelining me.” 

Mawra Hocane In Trouble

Whenever there is any sort of rift between Pakistan and India everyone wants to know what those Pakistanis who are working in India think about the whole scenario. Usually either the celebrities stay quiet or they try not to give controversial statements. Unfortunately sometimes some people are not able to remain patriotic or keep a neutral stance which puts them in trouble.

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Mawra Hocane is currently in India busy shooting her first Bollywood flick. It is sad to see Mawra having a very neutral stance which makes it appear to be that she supports the unpatriotic film Phantom which created so much controversy that all of Saif Ali Khan’s films have been banned forever in Pakistan. Mawra Hocane tweeted to the effect that she did not think Phantom was anti Pakistan and she also urged people to watch the film and then decide! Saying things like she was “pro humanity” irrespective of which country she belonged to generated a lot of criticism because Pakistanis expected her to side with Pakistan and not keep such a neutral and somewhat anti Pakistan stance.

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Shaan Shahid found Mawra’s tweets very offensive and he asked people if the actress who supported an anti Pakistan film should be banned.

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The general public thought of such statements as “cheap tactics” to win the hearts of Indian people. The film has not been getting good reviews from even Indian critics. Critics think that the film is “average” and some of the critics have said that Katrina is no more than a “mannequin” . A charity organization has also filed a case against the people who made the film!

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Tumhare Siwa – Episode 02!

Awww, so nice of the writer to have told us about the main motive of this drama just in the beginning & yes, surprise surprise, it’s ‘the ultimatedusri biwi scenario’, aren’t you guys thrilled because I sure am. It has been a while since I got a sob-com to review & I so am looking forward to Tumhare Siwa for the sole purpose of having some fun with my readers here because to be honest, this drama has nothing new to offer so before it gets ugly which I’m sure it would, why don’t we have some laughter therapy every Friday. I am sure it won’t be too long before HUM would realize what a flop this drama is going to be & this star-studded downer that HUM promoted wholeheartedly would be shifted rather ditched to some 9PM slot but honestly, every time I see such dramas like Dil Ka Kya Rang Karoon, Mausam, Jugnoo, Zidd etc that get a weekend slot, I can’t help but wonder what were the admins of HUM TV thinking!

I know it might be too early to pass a verdict on Tumhare Siwa because only 2 measly episodes have gone on-air but I guess we have experienced enough of such hideous 2 biwi dramas that we exactly know what they have in store for us & also, the pairing of Ayesha & Ahsan makes it a lot easier for us to guess where we’re headed because it’s been a while since these guys got a decent drama up their sleeves, so yes, they are anything but credible when it comes to nice scripts. I must say, I commend the writer for coming up with such a typical, predictable & one-dimensional story because this is exactly what we all were looking for & missing in our drama-lives that too on the weekends eh, so thank you so much for that!!!

You know what, Tumhare Siwa has taught a lot of khud-daar Pakistani men out there another todka of how they can get involved in a dusri biwi scenario, provided the man (Aazar) in the picture is a bit established & has a decent bank balance in comparison to his friend (Arsal) because then only some random guy would come & suggest that you have to marry your friend’s wife (Samra) to save her life. Oh, the second wife-to-be in this drama is a lot more bechari which automatically makes Aazar a bigger hero than he actually is & she also is a patient suffering from some ‘unidentified disease’ which was just another detail they didn’t bother telling the viewers about because they hurried in getting the two husbands busy in arranging the whole amount of money which definitely was more important as it’s the money that gets Arsal divorced from his wife & gets a number added in the list of wives that Aazar has & will have.

Oh boy, there’s still some good news in here for those viewers who were missing the life-less duo of Ayesha’s Bhai & Bhabhi from the drama ‘Dusri Biwi’ because their seat this time has been proudly taken by the Behan Tania & Behnoi Babar of Tumhare Siwa. Make no mistake; they are just as faarigh & just as lifeless as Ayesha’s Bhai & Bhabhi were, so we exactly know what their purpose is. They are there to pass judgments on the matters where their say isn’t needed at all. They are too worried about Aazar’s daulat that Arsal & Samra are lootofying according to Tania because she only has one brother & that makes her entitled to his earnings automatically. At least Ayesha’s Bhai in Dusri Biwi was a bit dignified where he could support his sister but here Babar takes the crown for being dependent on his wife’s brother; Aazar because occasionally he asks Aazar for money too.

I found the whole money issue quite forced where Arsal was made helpless & Aazar was made the in-charge of the situation where he could support Samra’s medical bills but oh well, he gets to do that if Samra was his wife & not Arsal’s, but wait, both these guys were best friends, looks like they graduated together, stepped into their careers together, landed the same jobs too, so how come Aazar is more stable than Arsal? Point to ponder!

Looks like Rania is the naik parveen in this drama where she would happily sacrifice Aazar & allow her husband to get married to Samra to save her life & later she will be after the same ‘life’ that she herself must’ve given to her friend by handing over her husband to her LOL!

To be honest, this drama is very plain & offers nothing to look forward to. It would’ve been a tad bit tolerable ‘if’ the writer had added more depth into the script & the characters but nope! It all looks very drama-esque with no quotient of reality in it & also it looks very superficial. We really don’t know who these characters are, what are they like, what do they think & feel. It looks like they are brought together under one banner without having a proper work done on all of them before, that is why the story has just begun & they have gotten busier in conveying it without allowing us to get familiar with everything properly, you know what I am trying to say, haha! Also I think the sole purpose of this drama was to show Ahsan Khan & Noor Hassan in some uniform thinking it would be something new & different that would entice the viewers because other than that their jobs have no effect on the story itself & Tumhare Siwa could’ve progressed just the same way if they were shown to be some bankers or some managers. Share your thoughts about this masterpiece-in-the-making please. ;)

Keep Supporting,
Cheers,
Zahra Mirza.

Farwa Ki ABC – Episode 6

This episode was definitely not as funny as the last one but there was a great deal of development in the story. Asma’s ‘move’ did not come as a surprise at all and it wasn’t surprising to watch Junaid dancing to Asma’s tune too. Honestly speaking after finding out the real reason behind Junaid’s interest in Farwa I am actually happy that Farwa did not end up getting married to him. The best way to sum up how I feel about Junaid and Asma’s marriage would be to say that both of them deserve each other!! Junaid can live the rest of his life relishing the fact that he is married to Asma Ghaznavi. So what if she does not give him an ounce of respect, Junaid is obviously not looking for respect! These two actually make an interesting couple!

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Farwa and her teacher’s marriage however was rather sudden but I have a feeling that her teacher might be putting up a show in order to teach Farwa the lessons he could not teach her when he was only her teacher. Farwa’s reaction after this “marriage” went to show that she was never interested in her teacher just like she never felt anything for Changez but she only went ahead with this marriage because she did not want to spend the rest of her life with Junaid. I must say that the only comical scenes in tonight’s episodes were the ones with Farwa in them. Sonia Hussain nailed it as usual.

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Few of the scenes seemed too long like the one in which Farwa’s parents were waiting for the groom to arrive and later on when Farwa’s mother cries because she thinks her daughter is never coming back. The decor for the engagement function looked beautiful. The way Asma ‘consoled’ Farwa’s mother was pure genius! It also went to show that she did not have a high opinion about anyone else other than her teacher. She seems to enjoy finding flaws in people! The only reason Asma enjoyed getting married to Junaid was because she knew she was ‘stealing’ him from Farwa. Asma’s character is anything but positive but the actor playing the role is doing a commendable job. The make-up artist deserves full marks for making everyone look great in tonight’s episode and the director deserves due credit for dressing everyone up in a way which adds to the comic element of the play in some way.

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I missed watching Changez in tonight’s episode especially because he always gives me something to laugh about. I must admit that I was expecting much more from tonight’s episode after the humorous episode last week but even though it didn’t meet my expectations it gave me a reason to look forward to more. I am pretty sure that Farwa and her teacher are not really married or you can call it my wishful thinking! If Farwa really does end up spending the rest of her life with someone old enough to be his father then this would be the second time we will see Sonia Hussain pairing up on-screen with someone much older than her.

How many of you watched this latest episode? Do share your thoughts about it.

Fatima Awan

Swaarangi (سوارنگی) refused censor certificate?

Swaarangi (سوارنگی) is an upcoming film scheduled to release on the 28th August 2015. An independent film , it marks the comeback of Resham in a film after a long gap of nine years. Not a commercial film, it highlights the impacts of drug addiction. It is filmed in the Mianwali district of Punjab. Film star Resham is making a comeback to silver screen after a gap of more than seven years from Swaarangi.

However the film is not released as per plan, as per its official facebook page the film will be released now on 11th September 2015. But as per unconfirmed reports published in press the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused to issue censor certificate. CBFC has not stated any reason publicly, but as per press reports it has reservations on many scenes in the film, so the status of release of Swaarangi is quite uncertain.

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Swaarangi is an entwined story about life, fate, sacrifice and survival. “How long would you wait before giving up”?

Cast: Resham, Ayub Khosa, Naveed Akbar, Waseem Manzoor, Hamza Mushtaq, Shahzaib Johar
Writer: Phida Hussain
Screenplay: Phida Hussain, Mazhar Abbas
Director: Phida Hussain
Producer: Mazhar Abbass
Studio: Flipping Images Productions, Phidahussain Productions

The title track of the film So Jaa is sung by Sami Khan

Plot Outline: Salma (Resham) is not happy with her husband Jamal (Naveed Akbar) due to his drug addiction. Zaryaab (Waseem Manzoor) tries to keep Jamal in this habbit because he sets some goals for himself. Zaryaab cannot acheive his goals without the help of Saieen (Ayub Khosa).

Salma’s husband, Jamal is not the easiest man to get along with, but for the sake of their children, she stays with him. Jamal is a heroin addict, dependent on Salma’s instincts to protect her wedding vowels so he can takeadvantage of her honorability to get his daily fix. He is lost without her,desperate to change however willing to sell his soul to the devil if need be. Although Salma is powerless to change his sick ways but she has to stand against the odds and
struggle for everything she got.

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Rashid Nazir Ali

Muqaddas – Episode 30-33

Muqaddas is getting more interesting after each episode and the makers have made sure that the viewers don’t get bored any second! I really appreciate the writer for introducing the right twists at the right time. Muqaddas might have slowed down a bit after the reveal of the kidnapper but now it has picked up speed.

After Ruhi’s constant reminders to Aatir, that the child could not possibly be his, made him realize that this child would never live a normal life. Muqaddas would always face taunts.  When Muqaddas finally accepted in front of him that even she believed the child wasn’t Atir’s, he knew that he had destroyed the life of the woman he loved. Unable to face Muqaddas, Aatir ran away from the house for a few days, after telling only Ruhi. All he left Muqaddas was a text, and told Kausar to take care of Muqaddas. Now Kausar may be a kind soul, who always warns Muqaddas if Ruhi is cooking something up against her, but she is only a servant of the house. What could she possibly do to save Muqaddas from her evil MIL? Aatir should never have left his wife at the mercy of Ruhi because he knows very well how much she dislikes Muqaddas_ but he did.

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If it was any other actress playing Ruhi, this character would be intolerable. Hina Byat, on the other hand, has played many of my favourite characters in the past and she performs well in every role, even as the evil stepmother and saas. Aatir leaving the house, for Ruhi, was like hitting the jackpot. First of all, she told Zain to grab Aatir’s place as CEO of Ahmed Ali Group of Companies. She knows that Zain is not mature enough to do any such thing. She also knows how much Aatir loves his step-siblings and respects her, but her greed remains the same. Secondly, she reminded her daughter-in-law that now she would be the one giving the orders. This resulted in Muqaddas not being able to meet Ashrafi once again but none of these steps were as evil as scaring poor Muqaddas in the middle of the night! She fainted right there. Still, it was funny how quickly Annie, Kabir and Nida arrived at the scene and Ruhi could do nothing other than pass sarcastic comments. Annie came in like a boss, as of it was her house and Ruhi and Zain were outsiders. It made me laugh.

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Aatir made his way to another house of his. He desperately wanted to talk to someone and that is why he called Sarmad, the man he met at the graveyard. Even when he didn’t know much about Sarmad, he felt a connection to him and that is why he felt no issue in discussing important issues of his life. Mera dil karta hai ke mein apne dil ki saari baatein tum se share karun. He told Sarmad all about how he married Muqaddas and then kidnapped her to take revenge from Jahanzeb, how he fell in love with her after that and now that she is pregnant, his plan for revenge is in jeopardy. Sarmad proved to be a voice of reason. Jin se muhabbat karte hai unse intikaam nahi liya karte. Aatir planned his revenge for a long time, but he had no idea fate would intervene like this. Now that it has, he has no idea how to deal with it. What will Muqaddas do when she finds out about what he did to her and her father? Her entire world will shatter and she will definitely never want to see Aatir again. He wouldn’t have returned, if not for Kausar’s phone call.

 

The biggest reveal however, was that Maryam is still alive and well. She is living with Sarmad, her son. After seeing Maryam for the first time, a lot of questions popped into my head. Maryam is alive, so who did Aatir’s family bury? Why hasn’t she contacted her son? When Sarmad asked her if he had a brother, she denied. I was kind of surprised after hearing her thoughts.  “Jis baap ne tumhe najaiz keh kar tumhe gaali di, uska beta tumhara bhai kese hosakta hai?” Did she not meet Aatir all these years just because he was Ahmed Ali’s son? Whatever the matter is, I love the timing of this drama!

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For the first time, Kabir actually analysed the situation and explained it to Nida. Doubt will ruin their relationship and for the first time Nida realized that he was right. Their relationship is suffering because; Kabir has been in love with Muqaddas all this while. He could never build a strong relationship with Nida who isn’t exactly a polite and patient woman. Also, Kabir is trying to help Muqaddas realize that Aatir is her kidnapper, and Aatir is Nida’s brother. Kabir can’t tell this to Nida because she will never believe this. His attempts at helping Muqaddas are considered cheating attempts by his wife. This communication gap could result in a divorce.

Aatir found a way out of this situation_ abortion. He knows that if Muqaddas finds out that the child is actually his, she will realize that he kidnapped her and he doesn’t want to lose Muqaddas. What he doesn’t know is, that it’s not possible to abort this child, otherwise Muqaddas would have done it earlier.

Kabir and Muqaddas’s meeting seemed like a waste of time first. Even though this time Kabir was completely sure about Aatir’s involvement (since he overheard Jehanzeb and Aatir talking in the hospital)  I did not expect Muqaddas to trust him at all, but he did manage to convince her a little bit. When Muqaddas visited Jehanzeb after her conversation with Kabir, she ended up crying on her father’s shoulder and telling him about what Kabir said. Aatir doesn’t want Muqaddas to meet Kabir because he knows Kabir is on to him. Looks like Jehanzeb also doesn’t want Muqaddas to find out the truth. He is too ashamed of what he did and knows he wouldn’t be able to face her. He ended up telling Aatir about Kabir’s meeting with Muqaddas.

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Aatir drove mad after hearing this, and even threatening Kabir at the top of his lungs wasn’t enough. Woh mujh se zyada kabir pe aitbaar karti hai. Aatir’s breakdown in the washroom was wonderfully performed by Noor Hassan. I have lost count of all the moments when he was phenomenal in Muqaddas and this was definitely one of them.

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Sarmad’s phone call came at the moment when Aatir needed it. I kind of like the bond between Sarmad and Aatir. They’re brothers and they don’t know it but still have this strong connection. I wish Sarmad would make more of an effort to make Aatir realize that what he did was wrong. I really think that meeting Maryam will change Aatir and he will accept his mistakes. What made me laugh was that now there are two people entitled to the ownership of Ahmed Ali Group of Companies. Ruhi doesn’t even know it yet! ;)

 Whether Aatir will accept his mistakes is not clear, but one thing is obvious, it isn’t happening anytime soon. Aatir is up to his knees in revenge and he isn’t leaving it behind. He will do anything to keep his cover. Him blaming Kabir for the kidnapping was surprising considering how much he tried to save Nida’s marriage. This highlights Aatir’s extreme side, just like the breakdown earlier. He will do anything to stop Muqaddas from finding out the truth. Nida’s reaction did not surprise me. I was just happy that Muqaddas wasn’t in the house. She would probably be murdered by Nida!

Did you guys enjoy these episodes? Please share your opinion about them.

Areeba Mohsen

Pakistani Censor Board Bans Saif Ali Khan’s Films Forever

Saif Ali Khan’s blunt and rude remarks about Pakistan Censor Board and Pakistan in general have generated negative publicity for him in Pakistan. Saif Ali Khan passed these comments on twitter after his upcoming Indian film Phantom did not get passed by the Censor Board of Pakistan. Pakistani actors like Hamza Ali Abbasi and Shaan Shahid also answered Saif Ali Khan in a way he deserved to be answered because his comments about Pakistan were unbearable. Saif Ali Khan said that Pakistan is a country in which a terrorist can go to court to which Hamza Ali Abbasi replied, “If u think its funny how a terrorist can go to court in Pakistan, i too find it funny how a mass murderer of Muslims in Gujrat can become the Prime Minister of India. Let me now say this, because of movies like Phantom and hateful actors like Saif Ali Khan, I AM LOSING FAITH IN INDIA.”

HAA

After Saif Ali Khan said he had no faith in Pakistan Shaan Shahid gave Saif Ali Khan a fitting reply through social media in these words:

“Faithless saif
Needs to find life beyond Pakistan !
Faith doesn’t come from a country it comes from within and you have lost faith in yourself after 4 consecutive flop films
So what do you do bash Pakistan so you can hide your flops behind the combined hatred of Indians for Pakistan
Win them with your talent not by fake one liners
Remember superman can only fly in films
So dare not cross our borders with hatred in your heart
But equality and respect in your thoughts ,actions and films
You don’t need to find villains in Pakistan you have enough of them back home …. With protocol now

And the puppet khans are the symbol of the only Muslim domination wake up man nobody’s buying it anymore
Time for a new plan
India needs a Martin Luther king to free the Muslims of India
Equal rights about time !!!
Tell your khans to worry about India and stop thinking about Pakistan it is protected not by khans only but by every tribe living and breathing Pakistan
It is our home our motherland don’t bring us in your conversations go find somebody else to talk about you have seen our politicians not our people they are a different breed
We will protect Pakistan it’s
Borders and the cultural borders
And I’m sure you feel the same way about India as an Indian you have a right but you take away my right when I feel about my country
Strange !!”

shaan

As a result of the entire controversy the Censor Board has decided to put a definite ban on Saif Ali Khan’s films which will remain in place for an indefinite period of time.

Sangat – Episode 2

Anyone who has not seen this episode yet should keep a tissue box handy while watching it because the first part of the episode in particular was very emotional. It is so important for the viewers to be able to relate to the characters that are shown in dramas and I must say that Saba Qamar has managed to make me connect to her character quite easily. I felt Ayesha’s pain every step of the way in tonight’s episode. This episode had its high and low points – the lowest point being Ayesha’s mother’s reaction which unfortunately got a lot of screen time.

Ayesha’s mother’s reaction to the incident unfortunately reminded me of Rameen’s mother. While I understand that a mother would do anything to save her daughter’s marriage, I find it impossible to relate to these mothers who are so strong that we do not see them shedding tears even when they are alone and they do not feel the need to console their daughters. It would’ve been far more convincing if we were shown a scene or two of the mother and daughter bonding in which we saw the mother feeling her daughter’s pain and expressing how she really felt. A mother must go through a lot more than these on-screen mothers if their daughters are violated like this. Unfortunately these on-screen mothers are so busy covering up for the culprits and so determined to move on that they forget all about what their daughters are going through. It would’ve been much better if for a change we saw the daughter relying on the mother for some comfort and solace instead of the mother acting like she was an authoritarian with no feelings! A request to our writers please humanize these mothers or stop giving them so much screen time.

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While I am not happy with the way the mother’s reaction was covered in this episode, I must say that asking a counselor to talk to Ayesha was definitely an ‘educated’ thing to do! I am glad that unlike Chup Raho the writer highlighted the fact that girls who go through such trauma cannot just get over it automatically after a certain period of time has passed but they need professional help. The counselor’s suggestions and whatever she said to Ayesha’s mother was spot on as well. I would definitely give the writer full marks for that.

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Saba Qamar was outstanding all through tonight’s episode and Ayesha’s character has been etched-out very nicely too but it would’ve been far better if Saba Qamar compromised a little on her styling and make-up. While her acting and body language was flawless, her eye make-up and hairstyle did not go with the entire scenario. Her face should’ve reflected her mental condition just like her body language did. I think Saba Qamar is a very talented actress but I must say that she needs to understand that she has a very pretty face which will look equally good with a little foundation alone and it will make the audience connect to her character even more. Like I said Saba Qamar’s performance in tonight’s episode was picture perfect therefore her make-up could easily have been over-looked by many viewers. The first time Ayesha hugged her husband, I could understand why she would want to do that and it seemed appropriate but the second time it was shown, it seemed forced and the peck on the forehead was totally uncalled for.

Adnan clearly fell for the lie Ayesha’s mother told him. I liked the way Adnan shared his feelings in the last conversation of this episode. I am glad that he talked about how devastated he would’ve been if such a thing happened to him and did not talk about it from some other perspective. I must say though that I wasn’t impressed with Mikaal’s performance today and I felt like Saba Qamar completely over shadowed him. Will Ayesha be able to muster up the courage to tell her husband the truth? I am waiting to find out and I am really hoping that she will be the one telling him what happened and he won’t find that out from some other source.

How many of you watched this latest episode? Do share your thoughts about it.

Fatima Awan