According to Brandsynario, Pakistani documentary, Flight of the Falcons has been shortlisted among the top 10 documentaries for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award for Television. The 45-minute-long documentary focuses on the educational struggle faced by girls in Pakistan.

It follows the journey of Sister Zeph, a Pakistani schoolteacher and her three students – 14-year-old Saira, 15-year-old Ayesha and 19-year-old Reena – as they tackle issues of grave concern such as child marriage, physical punishment and societal pressures to help women acquire education and eradicate illiteracy.

Conceived and directed by Shehzad Hameed, the documentary is produced by Infocus Asia and broadcasted by Channel News Asia.

The documentary won a gold medal at the New York Festivals in the category of ‘community portraits’. More power to them!

In the world of cricket, Wasim Akram is a legend. On his 50th birthday, he collaborated with Junaid Jamshed’s lifestyle brand, J. Fragrances to launch a perfume named 414 (the number of test wickets he has taken in 104 matches).

Mohammed Ali Mufti, the head of sales and marketing at J. Fragrances, raved about the legend, ”Wasim Akram is the the highest wicket taker in test cricket for Pakistan, having taken 414 wickets in 104 matches; We thought it would make for the perfect name for the perfume. He is a legend in all aspects — He’s a great sportsman but has also maintained the image of a responsible family man and that’s why we decided to pay tribute to him in this way.”

Many cricket stars including Imran Khan, Shahid Afridi, Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Jacques Kallis sent their kind wishes to Wasim Akram.

The grand launch was a star-studded event held in Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi on 4th June 2016. Bushra Ansari was the host.

Have a look at the pictures:

Jumping on the bandwagon, Yasir Hussain who just wrapped up the shooting of his upcoming film, Lahore Say Agay, will be seen making his Bollywood debut.

Talking to Express Tribune, Yasir Hussain revealed, ‘‘The director of this Indian film is a Pakistani guy Rizwan. I can’t disclose the title just yet, but for now I can tell you that it is being produced by an Indian chap called Gulraiz. The cast is essentially a ‘mixed plate’, which consists both, Pakistani as well as Indian actors. The shoot will take place in Mumbai and I will be flying off to India in about three days’ time for almost a week.”
This will a romantic comedy flick and some parts will be shot in Europe.

Yasir Hussain will continue to work in Pakistani films though. He has signed Yasra Rizvi’s Senti aur Mental, about which he says, “It’s a different kind of a rom-com, more like Zindagi Na Milay Gi Dobara. It is not entirely a romantic film. Bits and parts of it explore two individual lives at length in a very interesting manner.”

Best of luck!

Fawad Khan took the Indian audiences by storm. Both his films, Khubsurat and Kapoor and Sons have been well-received. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, he shared how he feels about Pakistani actors working in Bollywood.

“I am happy, but I might just be a bit insecure, because I have been a mediocre representation of Pakistani talent. There is a wealth of talent back home. Seeing other Pakistani actors entering this market is a great feeling, and I wish them the very best in life. I think they will do much better than me.”

About Mahira and Saba Qamar stepping into the Bollywood industry, “I will be selfish to say, it is not an exciting time for me. I don’t differentiate between sexes. So, I feel they are as much of a competition to me [as any male actors].”

Fawad Khan admits that he is very selective about his projects. ”Honestly speaking, I am choosy. It’s (the process of film-making) time consuming, and I get tired very easily. I guess it’s the middle-class person in me who gets a little scared of all the flashlights and stardom. I am not in a hurry to reach anywhere; I am just enjoying the moment. If I was in hurry, I wouldn’t wait till 35. My policy is to work little, and to enjoy life.”

There have been rumours about Fawad Khan being a part of Salman Khan’s film, Jugalbandi. Fawad Khan doesn’t give a definite reply. ”I really can’t comment on that right now. Let’s just say that we have been in talks with a lot of people, maybe Jugalbandi is one of them. Nothing is concrete right now. Besides, I don’t like talking about anything until I haven’t penned it down on a piece of paper. When we are ready to make a public announcement, we will. As of now, we aren’t associated with anything.”

Oops. Seems like Ahmed Ali Butt is not the only one having an issue with the nominations of Lux Style Awards 2016. Ahmed Ali Butt wanted his nomination to be moved from Best Actor to the category of Best Supporting Actor.

Now, Ali Safina was nominated in the category of Best Supporting Actor for his work in film, Jalaibee. Through a Facebook post, Ali Safina expresses his gratitude to the people at LSA, but says that for him, the appreciation he gets from his fans is the biggest achievement and he wishes for nothing more. He also goes to highlight that he did not play a supporting character in Jalaibee and that his character was the main protagonist. LSA doesn’t get it right.

Here is his post:

With requests like these, it is becoming increasingly difficult to take LSA seriously. Such a shame. I don’t know what you are thinking, but what I am wondering is: who is next? :P

PEMRA is taking its work very seriously by taking action against channels and shows which violate its rules in any way. This time PEMRA issued a notice to Urdu1 after it got many complaints from viewers on twitter. The notice was issued because an Indian serial “Yeh Hein Mohabatein” which is airing on Urdu1 showed a scene which showed too much intimacy between the actors.

According to the notice the objectionable scene was shown in the episode which aired on June 1. The viewers who complained about these scenes showed their concerns because they watch dramas with their families and such scenes are inappropriate because they cannot be watched with family. The notice also mentioned that Urdu1 also was given a warning before when inappropriate scenes were shown in the drama “Aashiyana Meri Mohabbat Ka” which is a Turkish play.

Lahore Say Aagay (the spin off of Karachi Say Lahore)’s shooting successfully came to a close and it will be released across Pakistani cinemas in November 2016.

In an interview with Dawn Images, Yasir Hussain shared a bit about his experience and spoke highly of his co-star, Saba Qamar . “It was a great experience working with Saba Qamar because she is such a thorough professional. There’s so much I learned from her. She’s undoubtedly a brilliant actress but she is miles ahead of everyone else in professionalism.”

“I’d get tired on a outdoors shoot (which was 80% of the time) or while travelling between Lahore and Swat and Lahore and Islamabad. It was quite grueling and hectic. We were injured many times, sometime we fell and suffered cuts. But that woman didn’t budge.”

According to Yasir Hussain, this movie is even better than the first one. ”This film is better than the first one, especially the script.”

The talented actor shared his future plans. “Next year, I’m doing another film Senti Aur Mental with Yasra Rizvi and another in India that I can’t talk about right now. The shooting will be in Mumbai and I’ll be flying there next week. (armodexperiment.com) ”

Here are a few pictures from the wrap-up party:

Fawad Khan, the actor with the greatest fan following, is often seen in charity events and he is especially active when it comes to raising funds for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH).

Fawad Khan recently attended a fundraiser in Bahrain for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH).
He was welcomed with open arms and the response he received was delightful.

We know that Sana Javed will be making her debut with first-time director Aamir Mohiuddin’s film which is expected to release across Pakistani cinemas in August.

Sana Javed has now revealed that the other actors that will be seen in the movie are the very talented Gohar Rasheed and Bilal Ashraf. Gohar Rasheed has appeared in numerous dramas and films. On TV, we have seen him in some very popular dramas including Goya, Digest Writer, Shikwa, Aitraaz and the latest – Mann Mayal, where viewers loathe him as Mikail. On the big screen, Gohar Rasheed has appeared in Seedlings, Main Hoon Shahid Afridi, 021 and Jawani Phir Nahe Ani (cameo appearance).
I think we will be seeing a lot of Bilal Ashraf this year because he is part of many upcoming films including the much anticipated Janaan.

Talking to Dawn Images, the director of this film shared, “It is a film based on music, in which we are exploring the contrast between classical qawwali and modern pop music. A love story will join the
contrast.”

We wish the team all the best!

Zhalay Sarhadi is very well-known as a host and an actress but her fans know very little about her personal life. The trendy model and actress is not just a hardworking celebrity but she is also a very dedicated mother. Zhalay Sarhadi talked about motherhood while talking to Mag Weekly. She said that mother’s love transcends all other, this is something she realized only after she became a mother herself.

Zhalay Sarhadi daughter Anaya changed her life when she entered this world. Sharing her feelings Zhalay Sarhadi said,

“It was the most awaited change. I was always a responsible kid, but it was only after becoming a mother that I became completely organized, knowing what I exactly want from life. Now I’m very clear in my head with no confusion.”

Talking about her feelings for her daughter she said,

“She is the biggest joy I have and it’s not a cliché for she really is! She’s the most amazing child who doesn’t give me any trouble.”

Zhalay Sarhadi also said that she was a strict mother. She added,

“I’m not even the sort who is a friend to her kid. For parents who do that at such a young age, aren’t doing it right. She’s too young right now, but she’s not afraid of me.”

Here are some pictures of Zhalay Sarhadi’s photoshoot with her daughter Anaya:

Mira Sethi made her television debut with ARY’s Silvatein. She is quite a talented actress and we will be seeing her in upcoming drama serial, Gypsy, alongside Adnan Malik and Sanam Saeed. I am sure Sanam Saeed’s fans will be delighted to know that she is part of the cast.

In a recent interview with Dawn Images, Mira Sethi shared, “The most interesting thing about Gypsy is how all three characters are almost in a race to sacrifice deeply held longings for the sake of someone else’s love. In that sense, although Adnan Malik’s character is the obvious ‘gypsy’ in the story — he’s a photographer, a nomad — my character as well as Sanam’s are gypsies in their own way, in their desire to detach themselves from the people they love most.”

Mira makes no mention of Mawra so I am guessing that Mawra is no longer part of the cast.

The story involves a love triangle but since the drama is penned by Faiza Iftikhar, the viewers need not be afraid of this trope. “It is a baffling, maddening, and ultimately very sweet love triangle.”

Faiza Iftikhar’s plays always feature headstrong characters, and Gypsy is no different. “Most Pakistani dramas are centered around wailing women but Gypsy is different. It’s about three strong-willed people struggling to understand the nature of their own yearning.”

Neelam Muneer and Sanam Chaudhry are two wonderful actresses and both have a good fan following. They appeared together as sisters in drama serial, Mere Mehrbaan. Now, they were seen posing together for Ayesha Zahra’s Lawn Collection for Al Zohaib Textiles.

Have a look at the lovely pictures:

Today, Firdous Lawn launched their Eid collection and many celebrities including Aiza Khan, Bushra Ansari, Sumbul Iqbal etc were spotted.

Have a look at the lovely pictures:

The promos of Kathputli caught my eye primarily because of the real-life couple, Goher Mumtaz and Anam Ahmed. Goher Mumtaz made his debut with Tanhai and he was later seen in drama serials like Neelam Kinaray and Uff Yeh Muhabbat. His gorgeous wife, Anam Ahmed will be making her debut with HumTV’s Kathputli and the couple will be seen together.

Written by Faiza Iftikhar, directed by Fahim Burney, produced by Momina Duraid under MD Productions, drama serial Kathputli is expected to go on air on 11 June 2016.
According to Brandsynario, Anum plays the role of an innocent girl who falls in love with Gohar but no points for guessing that their relationship faces some obstacles.
The rest of the cast includes Sanam Chaudhry, Farhan Ahmed Malhi, Samina Ahmad, Farah Nadeem and Shaheen Khan.

Anam is excited about her debut. “MD Production -Fahim Burney’s production house has been insisting that I act for them in the past year. But I had different priorities at the time. I was completing my studies and waiting for the right time to make my debut. Of course, working with Gohar felt like the most natural and comfortable way to begin.”

Speaking to Dawn Images, Anam said that this drama was a huge learning experience. She also spoke highly of the entire team. “I’m blessed to work with lovely co-actors, director and production team who treated me like their very own. At the end of it, we became more like a family than anything else.”

Ahmad Ali Butt is one of the most talented comedians and actors out there. Any award ceremony is incomplete without Ahmad Ali Butt’s presence and perfect comedic timing.

In the LSA Nominee Reveal 2016, Ahmad Ali Butt was nominated in the category of Best Actor for his performance in Jawani Phir Nahe Ani, but listen to this: Ahmad Ali Butt has asked LSA jury to remove his nomination. Talking to Express Tribune, Ahmad said, ”I am truly honoured and thankful to be nominated in the Best Actor category for my film Jawani Phir Nahi Aani. However, I believe that my role in the movie was of a supporting actor and not the main lead, where I have currently been nominated and therefore I have officially requested the team and the respected jury members at Lux Style Awards to look into this matter and move my nomination in the appropriate category of Best Supporting Actor.”

Ahmad Ali Butt has sent an email and Fareshteh Aslam who is in charge of LSA’s media management, spoke to Express Tribune about this, “I haven’t seen the email but I have heard that he has approached the jury. A committee reviews all the nominations after they have been announced anyway. So, if there has been any mistake, it will be rectified.”

Ali Zafar is one of those multi-talented people that received a lot of praise in both Pakistan and India. Recently, in an interview with Hindustan Times, Ali Zafar shared his views about both Pakistani and Indian film industries.

“I feel that just like Indian films release in Pakistan, Pakistani movies should also release in India. I am sure people here will like them.Over the past few years, many movies have been made in Pakistan. And with the growing competition, the quality is bound to improve. I have met many talented directors and writers with some great ideas, and I want to work with them.”

According to Ali Zafar, Bollywood has an edge over Pakistani film industry. “India has an edge when it comes to the infrastructure here, because this industry has been growing for decades. I am sure the Pakistani film industry will also become more systematic in the next few years.”

He is a singer, actor, producer but now he wants to try his luck as a director, too. “Multitasking is challenging, but I enjoy it. I would love to direct a movie in the future. Film direction has always fascinated me.”

Fawad Khan is a Pakistani who has gained a lot of popularity in India. He is always trying to find ways to bring Indian and Pakistanis together. He also believes that art has nothing to do with boundaries. He also wants people on both side of the border to be more tolerant of each other. While talking to the media Fawad Khan said,

“In the world that we live today, news thrives on disaster and catastrophe. We don’t see as many good things being reported… I guess people just like to see tragedy and drama. I think films expose you to a lot more, which is good.”

Fawad Khan also thinks that travelling is about much more than just taking a break and seeing other countries. He said,

” I believe that the best way to bridge the gap is to travel and expose yourself to the world. The more you see the world; the more you will become tolerant towards different ways of the world.”

Fawad Khan also wants Bollywood actors to come to Pakistan. He said that he had invited his co-stars to visit Pakistan and they said that they will if there is such an opportunity.

“I think there is that curiosity, but somehow because of our lifestyle and fast-paced work, we just don’t end up entertaining that curiosity to travel. I’ve always wanted to see India, my wife was keener, but I landed up here for the first time because of my work.”

Fawad Khan also said that he has always liked being in India. He said that he never felt like he was in a new place.

“When I came to India for the first time, I instantly fell in love with the country, and I felt it was like a home away from home. Well, I think we need to generate some work for Bollywood actors to come over to Pakistan. We will be doing that, Insha Allah.”

There is also news that Fawad Khan may star in Karan Johar’s next film “Kalank” which will be directed by Abhishek Verman. The movie will have two male leads. Arjun Kapoor is being considered for the second Male lead.

Qandeel Baloch is one of the most controversial people who has done everything she could to get attention from the public from posting pictures and videos which are obscene to saying things in talk shows which were shocking for many. She also caught plenty of limelight when she tried her best to meet the leader of PTI. Qandeel Baloch is also known for her emotional outbursts when things don’t go her way. She is known as a drama queen who is compared to the likes of Mathira and Veena who also astonished the public with their controversial pictures, videos and statements.

The latest news is that Qandeel Baloch will be part of the next season of Big Boss. Big Boss is a reality show which is also controversial most of the times just like Qandeel Baloch. Veena Malik and Ali Saleem were also part of this show many years ago. Qandeel Baloch made this announcement on facebook.

She is also claiming that she is being offered a large amount of money for being part of the show, something she is very excited about. While she is posting every news item relating to the show on her page, she is also using the hash tag #rumors with it.

The makers of the road trip/ comedy flick, Karachi Say Lahore have joined heads for the sequel, Lahore Say Agay, starring Yasir Hussain (who played quite a likable character in KSH) and Saba Qamar. Both Yasir Hussain and Saba Qamar use their instagram accounts to keep their fans posted. Have a look at the pictures:

Maya Ali takes her work very seriously and does everything passionately. No matter how busy she is, she always updates her fans about her upcoming projects. Maya Ali has been the brand Ambassador for a long time. She was the one who did the modelling for Maria B.’s lawn collection and later on she was also seen walking the ramp for the designer. Now that Maria B.’s Eid collection is out Maya Ali was very enthusiastic shooting for it. She posted pictures from the shoot when it was being done. It was something she enjoyed because all the team members were her favorites. The end result of this photo shoot is perfect. Maya Ali looks stunning in these formal dresses.

Here are some pictures from the photo shoot:

Syed Jibran is a brilliant actor who has appeared in numerous dramas, and he never fails to impress the viewers. He played the disgustingly evil Numair in Chup Raho, and we also saw him taking on the role of a doting brother and husband in Ishqparast.

Recently, he celebrated the birthday of his daughter, Eva. Here are some of the lovely pictures:

Sarmad Khoosat doesn’t cease to amaze me – we all know that he can act and direct, flawlessly, may I add, but listen to this: he can cook, too! Our favourite director will be seen on Urdu1 with his own production, ”Star Iftar”. This show will air from the first of Ramadan, everyday at 6:00 pm.

Talking to Dawn Images, Sarmad Khoosat revealed, “I am cooking and chatting with celebrity friends; it’s a recorded show. It’s the first production of my recently launched company, Khoosat Films and my sister, Kanwal Khoosat is directing it.”

We will be seeing many celebrities including Mahira Khan, Maya Ali, Junaid Khan, Reema, Mawra Hocane, Amina Sheikh. I don’t know about you, but I am excited!

Sarmad Khoosat also added, “All I can say is that I am not competing with anyone, at least not the grand, big shows. Mine is a small, cozy and personal show.”

Here are a few pictures:

Farah Hussain is known for her unique style of hosting Morning Shows. Unlike other Morning Show hosts she does not add dances to her shows and mostly her show is more informative. Farah Hussain organized another interesting show recently by asking Javeria Abbasi and Noor to come to her show and talk about their experiences as Morning Show hosts.

Javeria and Noor shared some interesting aspects of hosting Morning Shows. They said that they appreciated the fact that Farah was educating people with her shows. But Farah Hussain said,

“When I meet people they appreciate me for doing a different show, for giving them information but the fact is that the shows in which there are dances and other things get more TRPs.”

Noor said that she was more comfortable acting than hosting. Morning Show hosts and showed in a short clip what hosting Morning Shows had taught them. Sanam Baloch said,

“I think that the objective of Morning Shows shouldn’t only be entertainment but we should try to focus on social issues too and do whatever we can for the society.”

Madiha Naqvi said,

“Hosting a Morning Show has made a better person. The only negative side of doing Morning Shows is that unless you have wedding functions on your show, the show does not get ratings. I don’t like that.”

Javeria Abbasi also shared,

“When Shaista Lodhi’s Morning Show was banned, the channels and the Morning show hosts were very scared. We used to get all kinds of strange instructions like how to wear our duppata, how to sit and what not.”

Faysal Qureshi said,

“Being a Morning Show host is tough for me because I am also an actor, I am doing films and I have to go to the gym. It is not easy to manage. The biggest advantage of hosting these shows is that there are so many things in my heart which I want people should hear and these shows give me the opportunity to do that. I want people to love each other and stop hating.”

Noor said,

“Nowadays the only criteria for being a host is that you should look good, nothing else matters.”

Watch the show here:

Pakistani fashion industry is progressing with every passing year. With new designers and techniques being introduced the fashion industry is making waves not only in Pakistan but also globally. It is economically profitable for the country also if Pakistani designers get noticed by markets out of the country. Many designers have their outlets internationally too already and their products are liked by many.

Fashion Parade London was held in Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Knightsbridge in which leading designers like Faiza Samee , Saira Rizwan, HSY, Ali Xeeshan, Nomi Ansari, Hira Shah, Khushboo and Mehreen Noorani  were part of the team which came up with fresh ideas especially for this event. Ali Xeeshan paid tribute to Prince, who is considered an icon in music. Other designers also got inspiration from other countries and mixed it up with their own creativity and imagination.

Here are some pictures from Fashion Parade London:

Directed by Azfar Jafri, written by Osman Khalid Butt and co-produced by Reham Khan, Munir Hussain and Imran Kazmi under production banner IRK Films, Janaan is an upcoming romantic comedy expected to be released across cinemas on Eid ul Azha.

According to Brandsynario, ARY Films, that is handling the distribution of the movie in Pakistan has joined hands with B4U Movies, a Bollywood movie digital TV channel, for the international distribution of Janaan. It will be released in in six countries namely UAE, England, USA, New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia. The producer hopes that Janaan will be the only Pakistani movie to be released in more than six countries. The team is currently in Thailand for post-production.
The producers also promise that after they are through with this big project, they will work on other ventures, like Parchi.

I’ll admit: the trailer/teaser of the film did put me off. Khubsurat chehray and two boys falling for the same girl – nothing groundbreaking and pretty much what we keep seeing on our TV screens so if I buy a ticket to watch a film, I at least want it to offer something different. But, that’s of course my personal preference. I really want this film to prove me wrong. Best of luck to team Janaan! :)

Enjoy a few pictures:

Petite and pretty, Ainy Jaffri has appeared in numerous plays that were popular among the viewers, like Meri Behen Maya, Aseerzadi, and she made her big screen debut with Main Hoon Shahid Afridi. After her marriage to Faris Rehman, viewers are not seeing her onscreen as much as they would like. She will appear alongside Osman Khalid Butt in Haissam Hussain’s upcoming film.

Recently, Ainy Jaffry celebrated her birthday in London where she currently resides, and posted a couple of pictures on her instagram:

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The world of showbiz is all about glitz and glam but sometimes those people who are attached to this industry are not as happy as they appear to be. Their lives are not always perfect and they have been through trying times in the past. Amber Khan is very well know host who hosted one of the most liked and famous Morning Shows. She is also considered a trend setter for introducing new segments in her show which were followed by others too.

Nowadays Amber Khan is not hosting a show of her own but she is seen in every famous Morning Show. Usually she is seen as a fun and bubbly personality but this time she got emotional while talking about bitter experiences she had in her wedding. She did not say anything clearly but what she said clearly shows that her husband used to abuse her and did not fulfill his financial responsibilities too. Amber said that she is the kind of person who would get into fights because of small reasons but there came a time when she could not take it any more and she had to leave her marriage.

Amber also said that she was lucky to have the support of her family.

Watch the video clip here:

It is that time of the year when all the people attached to the entertainment industry are awarded for their work. ARY Awards and HUM Awards were held recently and now Lux Style Awards are expected soon. Lux Style Awards are all encompassing and were there long before private channels started their award shows. Mahira Khan it appears to be is nominated in every award show and we see her bagging an award every time. This time she has been nominated for the best actress category for drama serial Sadqay Tumhare and the film Bin Roye.

While Talking to Express Tribune after the nominations were announced Mahira Khan shared what it felt like to be nominated and whether winning or losing meant something huge for her. She said,

 “It always feels good to be nominated. Winning and losing I don’t really care about. It is good to know that these people are watching our work and recognizing it.”

Mahira Khan also said,

“I don’t like the term ‘revival of Pakistani cinema’ being used again and again. I think the revival period is over, Pakistan cinema has been revived now we should stop using this word. We need to say that we are going to maintain what we have achieved. We have to continue churning out good films.”

Mahira Khan said that she had no information about why Raees’ release was delayed because it was the decision of the producer.

“It is upsetting when films are delayed, same happened with Bin Roye too.”

Mahira Khan also talked about her future plans.

“Because I thought Raees was coming out in July, I stopped taking any work. I couldn’t do some amazing films that came my way. I had to let go but now I have decided that I have to work. I am going completely crazy, I need to be on a set, I need to be acting, reading a script. I am looking into a few really good things.”

Mahira Khan said that the fans will find out very soon what she is doing next.