It is said that ” a successful marriage is an edifice that must be rebuilt everyday”. We often talk about reel life couples who have made a very special place in our hearts which is irreplaceable. On screen couples like Bano and Hassan, Asher and Khirad and a few more leave a deep impression on the viewers because of the on-screen chemistry that the artists playing the characters share. There are many real life couples in our entertainment industry too who look great off screen and also on screen, whenever we get a chance to see them together. Here are the top 5 celebrity couples of our industry.

5. Hira Tareen and Ali Safina

Both of them are very cute and very talented. We do not get to see a lot of Hira or Ali on television but whenever we do they give us something to remember. Hira and Ali compliment each other beautifully. You can see the love they feel for each other just by seeing the way they look at each other. Hira looked beautiful on her engagement and her wedding.

4. Syra Yusef and Shehroz Sabzwari

They look fantastic off screen and also on screen. They rocked as the young and cute couple in the play Tanhaiyaan Nayee Silsilay. Syra’s and Shehroz’s wedding was the most talked about wedding last year because it was not just the union of two actors/models but also the union of two people who looked fabulous together.

Shehroze Sabzwari and Syra met through a mutual fiend. For Shehroze, it was love at first sight but Syra took some time falling for Shehroze. Now that they are finally together, it is plain to see that they were meant to be with each other.

3. Usman Peerzada and Samina Peerzada

These love birds have been together for almost forty years now. Both of them, like all other couples in this list are very gifted and they look wonderful together. Usman and Samina give each other the space they need to grow as individuals. This is the reason they have come so far.

“You could call our marriage unconventional,” said Samina Peerzada in an interview. “That’s because we both are unconventional people. We like to live life according to our own rules rather than conform to society’s stereotypes.” Their love story is very filmy; Samina Peerzada’s mother did not want her to get married to an actor therefore these two love birds decided to elope! “We got tired of the parental pressure and tied the knot, returning to our respective homes after the ceremony. Then, a few weeks later, on Valentine’s Day itself, we had a proper wedding with our family and friends.” confessed Usman Peerzada in an interview.

2. Aamina Sheikh and Mohib Mirza

I simply love Aamina and Mohib because one aspect of their relationship that is very obvious from their joint interviews is that they respect each other a lot and also have a lot of understanding. I always wanted to see them on screen together. They proved that they can be an unmatchable on-screen couple as well in the film Seedlings (Lamha). Mohib said in one of his interviews “it was great working together but we want to be known for our individual work rather than get typecast as an on-air couple”.

Mohib Mirza and Aamina Sheikh got closer to each other when Aamina was directing a children’s show which Mohib was hosting. It took a lot of hard work to convince Aamina’s father in particular. “Aamina’s family is not involved in the media at all and they had their reservations towards her marrying so soon and that too, to an actor. I met Aamina’s father five times before he gave us his approval,” recalls Mohib in an interview. Both of them are multitalented and excel in their respective fields.

1.Rahat Kazmi and Sahira Kazmi

These two need absolutely no introduction. Although both of them have not been seen in dramas for a long time but they have been engaged with theater and television in some way or the other. They have grown old together but theirs is a relationship which only got stronger with time. Sahira Kazmi has not been seen on screen for such a long time because she has been working on her own private production and also because she is not happy with the way things are progressing in the entertainment sector. While giving an interview she said “Unfortunately, this mushrooming of channels has resulted in an overdose of half-baked professionals who begin as actors, turn into cameramen the next day and directors a day later”.

Rahat Kazmi also said in one his interviews “My current state of mind is that I have grown old and that the creativity which used to be there is no longer there”.

Rahat Kazmi was the one who suggested Sahira’s name for her first drama, she was a news caster at that time. Rahat said in an interview ““The beginning of our romance was with an argument…. We were going to the TV station. Somebody had commented that the camera work was very conventional and she agreed. I said it suited the material; it was neither conventional nor unconventional. So we started arguing and it has continued till date”! Sahira Kazmi said in an interview “I love and respect him for what he does. He’s highly educated, and he’s done what he’s wanted to do – besides, I have brought humor into his life, which is very important!” She believes in the power of love but also accepts that it takes more than just love to keep a relationship going, ” Love is important, there’s no two ways about it, but that can fizzle out. It is important to trust and respect each other; when you live together and are friends, you figure that out.”

What do you think about the list? Who is your favorite celebrity couple?

Grease has hit the theatre and we have caught NIDA to answer some of our questions so that we can explore the nitty gritty details of the play

Lets hear something about GREASE from the one and only NIDA BUTT

Why Grease?

Everybody loves Grease. I didn’t do it earlier because I wasn’t ever sure how to go about it. About six to seven years ago, I wouldn’t have known how to actually stage something like this, but now we have figured out how to make it work.

It’s the first licensed musical play in Pakistan. How do you feel about that?

We were quite thrilled; it’s a great show of confidence by theatrical rights worldwide to have awarded the license to us. It took me weeks to find the right people to contact, but eventually, we got the rights. It’s the socially responsible and legally correct way to stage Western musicals if we are going to be using their titles.

How did you manage to translate the quintessential American nature of the story for a Pakistani stage?

Grease is a classic, so you can’t really mess with it or tweak it or localise it. It would steal the essence of what Grease is. We wouldn’t do that.

Do you think the actors are going to live up to the expected standards? John Travolta was one of the most charismatic leading men in Hollywood. Is Ahmed doing justice to the role of Danny Zuko?

The talent this time is splendid. We do understand that the characters are so well-known from the movie that we would not want to move too far away from the characterisation of those, but naturally, every actor brings their own flavour. It’s very important that you do that and make it your own, while staying true to the spirit of the character.

How did you manage the costumes and sets?

The costumes are colourful — they’re young and they’re fun. The designers have done a great job bringing back the 50s era. We have managed to create five sets and the integral part is to be able to shift from one scene to another in an instant. I started working on these sets in June last year; it’s been a real thorn in our side. We want people to pay attention to what we have done to the sets and not just the songs and dances.

Some people are complaining that Rs2,000 per ticket is too steep. What do you have to say in response to that?

If you look at theatre around the world, it is not a cheap hobby. You’re paying a couple of hundred dollars for the best shows. We’ll be putting up the best musical show that Pakistan has ever seen. I think they got off easy.

S. Rasool

Faysal Qureshi is one of the most outstanding actors of our time. He is known for his versatility, he can portray every character; whether positive, negative or grey shaded to perfection. Faysal Qureshi being in the cast of a show is enough for its publicity. He has been a part of the industry since he was a child. Faysal started his career as a child artist from PTV’s play Emergency Ward, and also appeared in the play Andhera Ujala. His major acting role as an adult was in the film Saza in 1992, and since then he has never looked back.

He is known for Television shows like Qaid-e-Tanhai, Meri Zaat Zara-e-Benishaan, Man-o-Salwa, Manay Na Yeh Dil and many more. He is an excellent morning show host and a good comedian as well. He has hosted many award ceremonies and has also judged a dance reality show. He has played characters that are old, young, deaf, blind. The 40+ actor can easily switch from a college going teenager to a father of a 20 year old son. And the best part is he easily molds himself into his characters! Playing such various types of characters does not only need good acting skills, but also a change in one’s appearance which goes with the personality of the character. He is known for experimenting with his looks for the various characters that he had played over the years.

This is how Faysal Qureshi looked more than two decade back and he has evolved not only as an actor but in terms of physical appearance too. He has changed his hair style, experimented with his facial hair, and even his weight for the different characters he had played.

Have you seen any actor in four different looks in a single show? I am not talking about turning young or old, or putting up a moustache or changing one’s clothes. I am talking about one’s physical appearance in terms of weight. Faysal Qureshi is one actor who has changed his physical appearance in terms of weight four times for the show Meri Unsuni Kahani. Here are the four looks he sported in the serial:

For almost every show, Faysal Qureshi has a different look. Here are the few looks in different drama serials:

For the drama serial Roag, cropped hair with the full beard:

The gangsters look in Ek Hatheli Pe Hinna Ek Hatheli Pe Lahoo:

The grey-shaded character in Umm-e-Kulsum:

Dressing up as a woman in Kis Din Mera Vyah Howega:

Playing a politician in Virasaat (older and younger look):

His very unique character in Jhumka Jaan:

His look in the show Mera Yaqeen:

His look in Sabz Pari Laal Kabuter:

The fisherman’s look in Aashti:

His look in the movie Aaina:

His older look in Qaid-e-Tanhai:

His two different looks in Meri Zaat-Zara-e-Benishaan:

His look in the show Adhoori Aurat:

His current look for his upcoming serial where he plays an army officer:

His various other looks for photo shoots and advertisements:

I have not seen a more versatile actor than Faysal Qureshi! Do you guys agree?

Share your opinion about his various looks in different serials and which one you admire the most.

Mariam Shafiq

Of all the forms of devotional music, Sufi music, despite being age-old, has the ability to appeal to modern sensibilities. It encapsulates a facet of Eastern spirituality that can entrance anyone with its message of love. Celebrating this unparalleled, mystical magic of Sufi kalam, Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop (RPTW) organised its 12th Annual Mystic Music Festival from January 10 till January 12.

The festival is a commendable medium to project the Sufi path that gets one in touch with the soul. The three-day event is perhaps one of the most widely attended events organised by RPTW. The platform makes Sufi music accessible for the genre’s enthusiasts.
But other than the gripping kalam, what attracts a following for Sufi music are the artistes themselves, whose history and traditions are worth knowing. In a backstage conversation with some of the musicians performing at the festival, We explore the various aspects of their lives as Sufi singers.

The family of musicians, called Shah Jo Raag, who sing at the shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai have maintained their 400 year long tradition and kept close to their roots. There is nothing commercial about their craft and there is potent spirituality in their music.

Muhammed Ismail Mirjat, who is a direct descendent of Shah Jamal, says that every Thursday, the singers gather after the Isha prayer and sing for the rest of the night and on the event of an Urs, they sing consecutively for three days.
“This has been going on since three hundred years. We have never missed a day at the shrine and we perform without any money/salary to sustain ourselves; it is pure devotion and no night has been empty,” says Mirjat.

Saeein Ghulam Abbas of the Madhu Lal Group adds that although the musicians hail from different backgrounds, they all wish to enter the dervish mode while performing, through the song, the sound of the dhol or dance. Having travelled around the globe, he says that it is praiseworthy that the festival pays homage to the complete devotion and purity of the centuries-old Sufi poetry and songs.

“I think if a hundred people came to any of our shows, they will develop faith in the Sufi way because it’s the way of peace and calm,” says Abbas. “There is a fear that we may become extinct, but let me say that whenever the Sufi message is discussed, people do gather.”

The festival brought together some of the most renowned Sufi artistes this week, including Sanam Marvi, Saeein Zahoor, Pappu Saeein, Akhtar Chinar and Arieb Azhar. Each day had its own charm, and with its greatly designed set-up and impeccable sound system, the event had a high entertainment quotient.

On its last day, the show started with an act by Mehboob Mian Miri qawwal and was reminiscent of the days when the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan could captivate any crowd with his live performances. On the recommendation of Saidaan Peerzada of RPTW, the qawwal tried a first-off fusion performance with Rafaqat Ali Khan, for which he harmonised his traditional qawwali with Khan’s contemporary classical music.

Krishnan Lal Bheel from Cholistan, who performed primarily in his local Marvai language, sees the festival as an institution that has, in modern times, given a platform to Sufi artistes both locally and internationally.

While Sufi and folk music continues to embark upon its aim of touching the soul of the masses, Bheel says that the government must do more to preserve the art. “If the government would give us some support, it would help make [Sufi and folk] music thrive again. Many of our elders are leaving slowly because they cannot sustain themselves and don’t receive much emphasis or protocol,” says Bheel.

It is fitting to see Sufi artistes, who rarely get the opportunity to display their art in the mainstream, being offered a prestigious channel to do so in the form of the RPTW Mystic Music Festival.

S. Rasool

We get to see countless number of OST’s of dramas every year. OST’s are an integral part of any show as it serves as a source of marketing strategy for the show. Producers invest heavily in OSTs and a show is considered incomplete without one. Even if the cast is average and fails to catch the audience’s attention, then a melodious OST can definitely be useful to attract viewers.

Here are the top 10 OSTs that certainly got my attention last year:

1) Dil-e-Muzter:

Dil-e-Muzter’s OST tops my list because it not only has the melodious voice of Alycia Dias, but also the beautiful lyrics written by Imdad Hussain. The song was composed by the very famous Waqar Ali who has given us the most popular OSTs over the years.

2) Kankar:

I was a bit confused about which OST to put on the first place because my two favorite OSTs of this year are of Kankar and Dil-e-Muzter, but Dil-e-Muzter gained extra brownie points for the beautiful poetry in it. Kankar’s OST ‘Yeh Sheesha dil maskan tera’ is once again sung by Alycia Dias and composed by Waqar Ali.

3) Zindagi Gulzar Hai:

Every aspect of this show was brilliant; the story, cast, direction, and production. Then how is it possible that its OST would not match up to the viewer’s expectation? The OST had two version; male and female. The male version was sung by Ali Zafar while the female version was sung by Hadiqa Kayani. Both versions were superb in their own place. The female version had a slower tune while the male version was more upbeat. The song was composed by Shani Haider and lyrics were done by Naseer Turabi. I must say, this song was a beautiful composition!

4) Aasmanon Pay Likha:

This show and its OST generated interest amongst many viewers when its promos went on air. The show did not live up to the expectations of many, but its OST definitely did. The OST is sung by Sohail Haider who has given us countless hit OSTs in the past of shows like Dastaan, Mastana Mahi, and many more.

5) Shukk:

When Shukk’s promos went on air, they did not interest me at all because the show seemed to have a very typical story. However, its OST is what captured my interest and I was hooked to it. Then after watching an episode or two by fluke, I had to change my perception about the show too. It’s a typical story portrayed in a very different way! The OST is sung by Nabeel Shaukat Ali (Surkshetra’s winner). He has a brilliant voice which just makes you want to hear the song again and again.

6) Numm:

This show might have hugely disappointed us all, but it OST is definitely a winner. If I had to point out three things good in the show, then it would be Fawad Khan, Sania Saeed and its OST. Its OST ‘Mumkin Hai Chashm-e-Numm’ was written by Ahsan Talish (the director of serial), and composed by Muhammad Agha. The song is sung by the talented Faiza Mujahid who rose to fame by the song Bandya Ho from the 2006 film, Khuda Kay Liyeah.

7) Meri Zindagi Hai Tu:

The next OST in my list is of the show ‘Meri Zindagi Hai Tu’. The show might have not gained popularity but its OST definitely has. It is sung by Nouman Javaid and Shabnam Majeed. A beautiful OST which leaves one spell bound! The lyrics and composition both are absolutely brilliant!

8) Darmiyaan:

‘Khalish aur khushi ke darmiyaan’ is another beautiful OST sung by Nabeel Shaukat Ali who has once again weaved magic with his voice. The song is composed by Sahir Ali Bagga and the lyrics are penned down by Mubashir Hassan.

9) Pyaray Afzal:

What I really like about Pyaray Azal’s OST is its beautiful lyrics! ‘Jane woh kaise log thay…’ is a very well composed and written song which instantly caught my attention when it was played during its promos. The song is sung by the popular composer and writer, Waqar Ali. He has proved that he is not only a good composer, but also a great singer.

10) Kabhi Kabhi:

The uniqueness in the OST of Kabhi Kabhi lies in its different tune. The song ‘Kabhi kabhi wafa mili…’ is very well composed by Waqar Ali and it is sung by Alycia Dias. The simple but unique lyrics are written by Khalil Ur Rehman.

Other than the 10 OSTs above, there have been a few others that have captured our interest like the OSTs of shows like Ranjish Hee Sahi, Pachtawa, Ek Kasak Reh Gaee, Talkhiyaan, Adhoori Aurat, Khoya Khoya Chand, Mujhe Khuda Pe Yaqeen Hai, and Mere Humrahi.

Feel free to add to the list!

Mariam Shafiq

The business of buying and selling artwork is a fascinating one. The dynamics of the art world have been dictated by the market, and this market constitutes a number of significant art collectors. Just like an accessory sported by an established celebrity becomes popular, items collected by art-loving heavyweights add to their value.

It all depends on where a piece of art finds its home. Throughout the course of time, collectors have lent impetus to the art market and played a major role in the success of many artists.

Nour Aslam, head of South Asian and Contemporary Art at privately-owned British auction house, Bonhams, talks us about how Pakistani art is trending in the international market.

“The Indians are a factor in driving up the Pakistani art market,” says Aslam. “They find Pakistani art aesthetically pleasing and cheaper than Indian artwork.”

Aslam, who is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College Bronxville, New York, has been working at Bonhams in London for four and a half years. She deals with modern and contemporary art from Turkey and Bangladesh, among other places.

Commenting on the inextricable link between art collectors and an artist’s success trajectory, she says, “In some instances, a major collector can change the fate of an artist, and the two go hand in hand. If there was no Gertrude Stein, there would be no [Pablo] Picasso, and if there was no Picasso, there would be no Gertrude Stein.” Not only was the success of these artists contingent on how talented they were and how good their work was, but also on the basis of who liked and bought their creations.

Aslam shares that one of the most imperative factors that contributes to an artist’s success is international collectors. “[Abdur Rahman] Chughtai spent time in Austria, Bashir Mirza in Holland, and Sadequain in Paris, and this exposure was crucial for their success because their work was collected by people abroad.”

Interestingly, another determinant of the success of artists is how accessible their work is. In some cases, the more available an artist is, the less the worth is of his/her work. In most instances, it takes years before an artist’s work becomes worthy of being a collectable. “Most of the famous Pakistani artists gifted their work to their friends and it is after their lifetime that they became collectors’ items,” Aslam says.

Having studied studio art, Aslam plays a crucial role in the prestigious auction house that was founded in 1793 and has 66 locations worldwide. “Once a piece of art is asked to be auctioned off, we have to authenticate it, catalogue it, research the artist and the origins of the work, value the piece and then sell it.” Size, medium and condition of the piece, along with who the artists are and what their background is, are all factors that are considered when a certain piece is being evaluated.

Contemporary artists, such as Imran Qureshi, Aisha Khalid, Rashid Rana, Faiza Butt, Mohammad Ali Talpur, Ali Kazim and Khadim Ali are gaining ground internationally. Aslam talks about the impact that their work is making in the Western markets. “Pakistani contemporaries are being showcased at the Venice Biennale and are getting the Western exposure they need,” she states. “When international art fairs, museums and galleries pick up an artist, they ensure that the right people see the work.” Just like any industry, even the art market depends on both where you showcase your work and who sees it.

With an ever-evolving art market, and certain forms of art and artists going in and out of fashion, Aslam urges people to not hesitate to buy what they personally like. “You have to live with the work; hence, you should love it,” she says.

S. Rasool

Actor Veena Malik’s life has always been chock full of controversies. Hence, her decision to not settle down before 2015 seemed quite apt at the time she released a statement regarding her plans to get married. However, staying true to her spontaneous self, Veena took everyone by surprise when she tied the knot with Dubai-based businessman Asad Bashir Khan Khattak

“It all just happened as destiny would have it. We met at the US Consulate in Dubai, where he had come for some paperwork and I was there for an interview. Later, as I walked out he followed me and introduced himself,” shares Veena. “The conversation landed on the fact that both of our fathers were from the Army. Eventually, when our parents were introduced, we found out that our fathers were in fact friends from their time in the Army.”

While it surely seems to be a case of ‘accidental love’, what is more astounding is that they got hitched within 10 days of meeting. “He proposed to me within just five days of our introduction and I was taken aback. I asked him ‘when’ and he just said, ‘tomorrow’,” says Veena.

Following the sudden proposal was a whirlwind nikkah ceremony and an intimate lunch for friends and family. The sheer speed with which Veena’s life has taken a turn is potentially a testament to the widespread romantic notion, ‘when it’s right, you just know’. “He is the man of my dreams. He loves and he adores me. I have found him to be a very interesting, loving and caring person. He is the man I want to spend my entire life with,” says Veena, who is clearly smitten with Khattak.

However, it was only in November last year that the media was abuzz with reports of her getting married to businessman Umar Farooq because they were reportedly in love. “Umar and I clicked as friends; there was nothing more between us but the media created a lot of hype!” asserts Veena.

For now, Veena is looking forward to new beginnings and busy planning her wedding ceremonies; one each in US and Dubai and two in Pakistan. The one in the US is expected to be a grand white wedding, just the way she wants, whereas the two functions in Pakistan will be held at Rawalpindi and Kohat.

While Veena seems to have made up her mind on letting bygones be bygones, news of her marriage wasn’t welcomed pleasantly and was overshadowed by her past. Rumours about her ex digital manager Prashant Pratap Singh, hacking into the privacy of her account and accusing her of fraud and betrayal were rampant soon after her marriage. But Veena says she is unbothered and considers it to be unimportant.

“Oh, that is now a thing of the past. Yes, the account was hacked, but now we will sort it out via a court battle. I have already planned to take legal action against him,” she clarifies. “I was at the peak of my career. [But as] always, I listened to my heart and life is amazing now. I have been blessed with the most loving husband and the most amazing in-laws. In showbiz, you do face rumours and people are still in shock about my nikkah, but this is reality.”

Having remained in B-town for quite a while, Veena is now planning to move to Washington with her newfound love. “India was only meant for work. I knew that from the beginning and hence, I never invested in a house or a car. I will be living in Washington now but I will still continue working as well as singing,” she says.

Luckily for Veena, her husband also seems to be in complete awe of her. “Veena is a complete package. She is a wife and a friend to me,” says Khattak. In the wake of recent controversies, Khattak was quick to support his wife, asking her fans to follow her new Twitter account and he remains firm on protecting her in future, as well. “I am a Pathan and I know how to protect my wife. She will be my wife forever,” says Khattak.

S. Rasool

QMobile’s new Tvc created quite a buzz on social media right from the moment when Kareena was signed for it. It is the biggest budget ad ever made in the advertising history of Pakistan, most of it clearly went into Kareena Kapoor’s pocket and rest was wasted on her attire and styling. This biggest budget Tvc however is a disappointed in every regard. I will not comment on the cell phone, it is purely about the advertisement, its budget and outcome.

It’s not that I’m against Kareena Kapoor but honestly any leading Pakistani model or actress could have done way better job than her. Kareena charges quite a sum for international brand ads, for this advertisement she had to travels abroad since it was shot in Thailand for which there were additional charges. All in all Kareena charged 14 million INR roughly equal to more than 2 crore PKR. On the other hand production team for the advertisement was called from New York.

I understand Q-Mobile is not a Pakistani company and for them its not mandatory to take Pakistani models but still… There are few reasons why a Pakistani celeb could have been more suitable:

1- She obviously got the biggest chunk out of the budget and any Pakistani celeb would’ve cost trifle as compared to her.

2- Pakistani beauties like Mahira Khan, Mehreen Raheel or Ayyan are not only regal beauties they are equally stylish and trendy and would have carried any of the styles gracefully and elegantly, their record of working in Tvcs speaks itself.

3- Kareena Kapoor seems like she is overacting a bit in the ad, even the expressions are mismatched at some places. Pakistani Showbiz have countless actresses could have worked better with genuine expressions.

Apart from that none of her clothes or hairstyles is appealing or maybe my aesthetic sense starts hibernating when this ad comes on air. The black/purple gown and the white/green/black blazer or whatever it is are particularly hideous. She looks comparatively better in the last part attired in black with fairly better hairstyle too but who can carry red lipstick than our very own MK?? And the way Kareena utters “I Noir, do you?” is out and out annoying. The CEO of Qmobile stated the reason behind her casting was her huge fan following in Pakistan. Taking in account the budget, international model and production team, this ad is a disappointment.

Faiza Cheema

If you are music freak or a reality show lover, a housewife or a student, in short any one, you have one thing common with every other person here and that is the busy slots which you have reserved for Pakistan Idol. It is certainly a moment of proud to have our own reality show with so much of talent representing Pakistan. Now that we have our 24 contestants finalized, it is really important to rethink about the selection of the judges for Pakistan Idol. I, personally, am ok with Hadiqa  Kiyani and Bushra Ansari and their judging capabilities but as for Pakistan Idol, we had some better music icons who could have done a real better job.

Here are 5 of my favorite judges whom I wanted to see as judges. Let us see how many of you agree this time.

1)      Abida Parveen

Abida Parveen would have been a perfect match for a show as big as Pakistan Idol. She was invited as judge in Voice of India preciously and also judged the joint venture of Pakistan and India.  

2)      Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

It was extremely a shock not to see him judging it in the first place. After watching ‘Rishtay Kuch Adhooray se’, I started assuming that Rahat Fateh Ali Khan would be judging Pakistan Idol for sure but his absence has not only disappointed me a lot but has also raised questions on the selection committee of  Pakistan Idol.

3)      Sajad Ali

Sajad Ali was previously considered for this judging but somehow things didn’t work and he was dropped out of the choices. Sajad Ali’s presence would have added more charm to this reality show.

4)      Shafqat Amanat Ali

Not even Shafqat? I mean we have some great musical icons and none of them have actually been offered this huge responsibility?

5)      Waqar Ali

Waqar Ali is the most popular composer here in Pakistan and could have been a good option for judging the show.  Not to mention, Anu Malik in Indian Idol has had been the only consistent judge as it is important to have a composer in the judging panel.

All from my side! Are you satisfied with the judging capabilities of the selected judges? Please Share.

Blessings,

Nida Zaidi

There are some of our celebrities who are found to have a firm believe on a famous saying ‘Badnaam Gar Hongay To Kya Naam Na Hoga?’ and for that they are unanimously  hated by Pakistanis all over the world.  Let us now see how far you agree with this list!

1)      Zardari

The former president of Pakistan, the husband of Benazir, the father of Bilawal, stands first on the list. He has had been in the politics soon after his marriage with Benazir Bhutto. He took the lead of one of the most influential political parties of Pakistan and was soon elected as the President of Pakistan after the death in an assassination attempt on Benazir. Throughout his govern, Pakistan’s economy kept suffering and he stayed unbothered about the recessions which forced his own countrymen hate him.

2)      Mathira

Everyone in the showbiz desires to earn fame and popularity and for that, some of them choose the way to win the hearts with their hard work and talent, while some of them win screens by selling their morality. Mathira started her career as a late night live TV host where her boldness and controversial dialogues got her some recognition. She tried to launch herself as a singer with her soundtrack ‘Jadugar’ which too failed badly. The actress is now looking towards India and will now also be seen in some Indian movies.

3)      Veena Malik

Veena, despite of all her talents in the field of acting, comedy and mimicry, has lost her respect in the eye of Pakistani audience after her FHM magazine controversy. It seems like India will now be her major target as there is hardly an open vacancy for Veena within the country. People love to hate her for all her melodramas and cheapness that are increasing day by day.

4)      Aamir Liaqaut

He seemed to be a sober man initially when he was first seen hosting AalimOnline. People, including me, started respecting him as a person but wonders to this, his other side was soon reflected in a leaked video where he was seen using abusive language during the show in the breaks. He on screen image was severely destroyed but after fixing his issues with the channel, Aamir was again given the limelight on the same channel.

 No matter how far the channel now highlights him, the impression his leaked video has placed on him, is hard to get rid of.

5)      Waqar Zaka

Probably for his bluntness or for his daring attitude, Waqar Zaka took his reality show ‘Living on the edge’ to a level of prominence. However, he taken as an irritating soul by majority of the sober audience, hence, is found in this list.

6)      Sahir Lodhi

I still remember how much I used to follow his live show on FM 103 seven year back. He, for his resembling voice with Shahrukh Khan has done some great work on radio but just like Aamir Liaqaut, he too fell for quick. Sahir Lodhi becomes unbearable at times for his overacting.

7)      Meera

Lollywood and Meera are two of those entities which want to be in news. Meera has now lost her charm which she had been enjoying for her work in Lollywood. Her latest video controversy has further forced the audience to reconsider their thoughts about Meera.

8)      Malala Yousafzai

Though this young girl has taken a bullet for her love towards education and the support she had been showing for the promotion of education in Pakistan, many citizens suspect her truthfulness and suspect her for playing a role written by foreign authorities. While the world respects her for her bravery, Pakistanis still have second thoughts about her.

9)      Hamid Mir

These days if you are blunt, batameez and frustrated, congratulations, you have all the qualities to become a host. Hamid Mir, again a character launched by GEO TV, is hated by many of the viewers for his wrong analysis when it comes to India. Many of the viewers also started considering him as a RAW agent on the basis of his controversial statements.

These were the people who are hated by majority of the people here in Pakistan, I could think of. It is now your turn to add more to the list.

Wishes,

Nida Zaidi 

Here is a list of celebrity brothers who are a part of Pakistani media. Do add if you remember any other set of celeb brothers.

Javed Sheikh and Saleem Sheikh

Javed Sheikh and Saleem Sheikh are perhaps the oldest brothers in Pakistani Showbiz. Both of them are good actors but somehow Saleem Sheikh failed to achieve the stardom Javed Sheikh has achieved.

Yasir Nawaz and Danish Nawaz

This multitalented duo is quite famous for their comedy shows though Yasir Nawaz initially appeared in some very serious and good roles. Danish Nawaz on the other hand rarely appears in a serious role.

Sami Khan and Taifoor Khan

Sami Khan is one the most talented actors of Pakistan and has given outstanding performances in many dramas. Taifoor Khan who appears in side roles is also a singer but initially he was guitarist in a band (I cannot recall the band name neither can find it on net, if anyone remembers please do share).

Ali Tahir and Faran Tahir

Ali Tahir rose to fame after Teen Bata Teen and has been a part of it ever since. Faran Tahir on the other hand mostly works in Hollywood however he recently appeared in Samjhota Express, written by his father Naeem Tahir and directed by brother Ali Tahir.

Adnan Jillani and Kamran Jillani

Both of them started their career from PTV and saw the apex of there too.

Agha Ali and Ali Sikandar

Agha Ali rose to prominence right in the beginning of his career however Ali Sikandar hasn’t been able to grab other than side roles.

Yasir Jaswal, Umair Jaswal and Uzair Jaswal

Yasir Jaswal was former vocalist of Irtaash Band but I became acquainted with him from the Fasi Zaka Show of which he used to be a regularly guest few years ago, Umair and Uzair Jaswal though well known in Islamabad gained nationwide fame though Coke Studio. Every one of them is playing a part in altering the fabric of Pakistani music industry in their own exceptional way.

Hamad Farooqi and Faraz Farooqi

The twin brothers became part of showbiz through the dance show Nachley and have performed in many dramas since then.

Faiza Cheema

This time around, we were lucky enough to get hold of pretty and tall Nadia Hussain – a model who matches the international standard. A dentist by profession, and a mother of two, Nadia is a perfect combination of model-cum-mum. When on ramp she stirs the crowd with her electrifying presence. She has even tried hosting for a show on TV. Let’s take a look at her likes and dislikes…

My biggest asset:
My height

I wish I could:
Travel all over the world

One person I would love to dine out with:
Madonna

My worst nightmare:
Getting dependent on someone

One thing I hate about myself:
I love to eat

Something I would like to remember:
My past

My strength:
My patience and endurance

My weakness:
Brownies

I regret:
Nothing

I feel over cloud nine when:
People compliment my kids

The most embarrassing moment of my life:
When my mother-in-law, who is a doctor by profession, gave me a tetanus injection

Something that I am strongly possessive about:
My space

I get turned on by:
Good smell and intelligence

When feeling low I prefer:
To be pampered

The most unforgettable moment of my life was:
My 25th birthday which I celebrated on my honeymoon

What touches me the most:
Poverty

If I could be another person I would like to be:
Angelina Jolie

What bores me the most:
Small talks

Which one will you prefer: music videos, fashion shows or TV hosting:
Fashion shows, then music videos and then hosting

My message:
Live and let others live too!

S. Rasool