Year 2014 is coming up with new and refreshing drama serials. This year except few serials, all shows turned out to be great disappointment.We hope that unlike this year, these dramas will be better with their story line and will be refreshing rather then turning out to be a source of tension for us. Here is a list of new attractions of 2014:

1. Tootay Huay Taaray

Written by : Dilawar
Directed by : Zahid Mehmood
Star Cast : Nauman Ejaz, Naheed Shabbir,Abid Ali,Javeria Abbasi,Rashid Farooqi Saima Qureshi  and child stars Maham,Abiha and Bilal.

Presented by Big Bang Entertainment,Tootay Huay Taaray is a story of three siblings who get in serious trouble on the demise of their parents. Their only aunt want to take over property of her brother who died. Children, being neglected by their family and friends hardly try to cope up with the situation they are trapped in. For all those who are fan of Mann k moti will definitely like this show. The show is broadcasted from Monday to Thursday at 9:30 pm only on Ary Digital.

2 .Zindagi Tere Bina

Zindage Tere Bina has replaced Halki Se Khalish,broadcasted from Hum TV on Mondays at 8pm.Story revolves around two brothers whose wives are completely opposite to each other; one is compromising and the other is always complaining. It is the siblings bond that has tied them into unbreakable bond since their childhood but whatwill  happen when one of them will have to face death suddenly? First episode aired last night and as far as my observation is concerned, we should give this show a try.

3 .Bunty I Love You

Written By: Kalil ul Rehman Qamar
Directed By:  Siraj ul Haq
Cast: Saba Qamar, Abid Ali, Noman Habib, Mehmood Akhter, Meher Bano, Raza Zaidi, Khwaja Saleem, Tariq Jameel

After Rishtey Kuch Adhoorai Se,our Sundays will be equipped with Bunty I love you. It will be broadcasted from HUM TV at 8pm. Well,this show went off my predictions as it is totally opposite to what I predicted about this show.Dania is a young,energatic girl gets married to Mr.Patel who is far more older than her.After sudden death of her husband,she falls for a young but poor boy, Bunty, who loves to flirt with girls. Lets see whether this different story will come out as a hit one or not.

4. Ru Baru

Ru Baru is replacing Khoya Khoya Chaand. As soon as I watched its first promo,this show grabbed my attention. Prime reason to watch this show is ofcourse,Syra Shehroz.After Darmyaan, Rubaru is another serial in which she is sharing screen with Adnan Siddique.How the story will turn out when she will get married to Faizan Khawaja will be the crispier part of the show.I am eagerly waiting for this show to get aired.

5. Mere Apnay

Cast: Nadeem, Bushra Ansari,Hasan Ahmed and others.

Mere Apnay will be broadcasted from Ary Digital. Story is about parents whose children give up caring for them as they are growing older. Nadeem and Bushra Ansari’s couple will be interesting to watch in this show.

6. Zara aur Mehr un Nisa

 Written By : Seema Munaf
Directed By: Sohail Javed
Cast: Moomal Sheikh, Aly Khan, Junaid khan, Mansha Pasha and others.

Zia and Zara are college mates who fall in love after being friends for so long.There is another friend of Zia at his home,Mehr un Nisa but he never felt for Mehr ever. Zia wants to get married to Zara but her mother wants him to get married to Mehr.Strong point of the show is that Mehr always take Zia as her brother. This one is another show which has been put in my most anticipated list.IDream Entertainment came up with quality dramas always and this time we are expecting same from them.

7. Bin Roye Ansoo

Written By : Farhat Ishtiaq
Directed By: Haissam Hussain,
Star Cast : Mahira Khan,Humayun Saeed,Armeena Rana,Javaid Sheikh and others.

Being made under banner of MD productions,Bin Roye Ansoo is the most awaited show of coming year. Though people came up with different point of views for Mahira and Humayun’s couple as they are no more interested to see older heroes with fresh and energetic leading actresses.According to mu ponit of view, Humayun always lived up to our expectations,no matter with what role he was assigned with. And it won’t be a surprise for me to see people admiring him after watching Bin Royee Ansoo.Show will soon be broadcasted from Hum Tv.

Do share your list of most awaited dramas. I would love to know any other attractions you know and want them to be added in the list.

Rabia Basharat.

Despite being the iconic Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s protégé, Rahat seems to almost always shy away from the spotlight. With minimal interviews to his name and an aura of mystery surrounding Rahat, We have caught up with the playback singer.

“It’s true that I have chosen to be relatively reserved with the media but it is something which is purely unintentional,” says Rahat, pointing to his busy schedule. “This is something I wish to change, and as an ambassador of my country, I believe people need to know more about the activities undertaken by their fellow countrymen.”

When it comes to creating music, the maestro admits that he needs to work in solitude. “I like to work in an environment that is secluded and allows me to concentrate on my music,” he says about his swanky farmhouse on Bedian Road (or to him, his humble abode), which has been transformed into an extensive music studio. “I am able to control the quality of the sound I record and ensure that my fans get only the best — something they expect from me.” The title song for Ishq-e-Mamnu was recorded there and he is also working on his upcoming music album, which is scheduled to release by year end.

“Bollywood gave me the chance to collaborate with the industry’s best composers,” says Rahat defending the switch he made. “And I embraced the transition well. For me, playback singing has been wonderful in terms of my own growth.” He feels the industry provides musicians with opportunities to learn as well as helps them establish a wider presence and name for themselves in the music arena.

While traditionalists didn’t hold back in making any comparisons when he ‘turned his back’ on his qawwal origins, Rahat feels it was inevitable and people were bound to talk. But the singer remains adamant on growing as an artist, experimenting and trying out different projects. “I starting singing qawwali at the age of 15 with my [uncle] Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan,” he recollects. “And as I have grown as an individual, I have also wanted to grow as a professional and diversify. I believe in good music, whatever the genre.”

Commenting on the current situation of the Pakistani film industry, Rahat feels it never reached great heights but is hopeful that things can change if investments are made. “Right now, our major hurdle is not that we lack talent but it’s that we don’t have the resources to make good quality motion pictures,” he sighs. “We need huge investments. I wish our government gives this important industry its due attention, and sets aside a sizeable budget for arts and entertainment.”

Apart from playback singing, for the local industry and Bollywood, Rahat is keen on releasing his own music album. “When I play and produce my own music, it provides me with a unique sense of fulfillment unlike any other. Artists shouldn’t just sing for others but should also produce their own music,” he says.

However, it will be released by an Indian company as he hasn’t been able to find himself a suitable distributor in Pakistan. “There was a trend when artists would launch their own albums in Pakistan instead of singing for others, but that seems to have become obsolete,” he regrets.

Commenting on the current situation of the Pakistani film industry, Rahat feels it never reached great heights but is hopeful that things can change if investments are made. “Right now, our major hurdle is not that we lack talent but it’s that we don’t have the resources to make good quality motion pictures,” he sighs. “We need huge investments. I wish our government gives this important industry its due attention, and sets aside a sizeable budget for arts and entertainment.”

Apart from playback singing, for the local industry and Bollywood, Rahat is keen on releasing his own music album. “When I play and produce my own music, it provides me with a unique sense of fulfillment unlike any other. Artists shouldn’t just sing for others but should also produce their own music,” he says.

However, it will be released by an Indian company by the end of the year as he hasn’t been able to find himself a suitable distributor in Pakistan. “There was a trend when artists would launch their own albums in Pakistan instead of singing for others, but that seems to have become obsolete,” he regrets.

Rahat is set to go on tour with his band and will be seen performing internationally

S. Rasool

Spare me if I cross the limits in my fury while targeting the writers because I am fed up with the trend of how the females are being portrayed in a negative light in all our dramas. I really actually want to know what has gone into the writers these days for which they are just scrutinizing the image of Women in our dramas. I agree that the women & females have always been targeted in a comical sense & there are a million jokes that are dedicated for this cause but now it is absolutely getting tedious to see the so-called writers bringing the females in a negative light.

I am writing this article at the year end because I want us all to re-call how many negative characters we have come across in the year 2013. From start till the end, all I have just seen is a woman treated as a commodity in our dramas which can be used & thrown. A million times an idea has been established that a woman can only be negative & nothing else. If she’s a mother-in-law she would be a woman hitler, if she is a mother herself, she is going to be biased, if she is a wife, she’s either characterless or a gold-digger, if she’s a sister most likely either she would be a husband-snatcher or would be drooling over the luxuries of your life, if she is a daughter, she would hook her father up with her young cute friends, I mean seriously!

I am literally sick of these writers who unfortunately happen to be women themselves but I am ashamed of their mentalities to conceive of such such bad characters which only emphasize that women are an insult to the society. I am amazed that the female writers had nothing, absolutely nothing good to write about women themselves, it shows how SHALLOW & how ashamed they are being a woman themselves because if they were a tinsy bit proud about the fact, they wouldn’t be coming up with such hideous characters & would never assassin females with their imaginative negativity.

I am amazed at the current trend where any guy in a drama can accuse a girl of having an intimate relation with him, any guy can come & claim that a girl who ain’t married to him is carrying his child & the whole world would support the guy in stead of a girl. I am speaking about the dramas that I have watched & it makes me wonder where is the morality of our writers gone? Maira of Aseer Zadi, Haniya of Mere Humrahi are blamed to be carrying a child of someone other than their husbands, Gaiti in Rishte Kuch Adhoore Se got preggers with a guy to whom she wasn’t technically & legally married. Mina of Kadurat absolutely was the worst character I saw this year  where she actually victimized her father & accused him of – we all know what. I mean c’mon, give me a break. All the writers who are coming up with such pathetic ideas should literally either stop writing or should be ashamed of their sick mentalities.

Ohkay, there are negative characters & we all come across some of those characters in our real lives too, which may seem relate-able in our dramas but is it really important to show that a woman would either be a satan-like human or else she would be such a weakling where anyone would come & target her or accuse her of immorality.

I wish that these writers would STOP using the gender in discussion for their stories. IF they can not come up with positive & balanced characters or if they have nothing good to write about women, they shouldn’t bother using their bird-like brains because it literally shows their sick mentalities & nothing else.

Write something positive about women you so-called writers & if you can’t so then just SHUT IT!

Keep Supporting,
Cheers,
Zahra Mirza.

Versatility is what an artist needs to show in his acting career and when it comes to doing a negative role on screen, there are a very few who justify with the needs of the given role. Though we have some veteran actors like Saba Qamar, Noman Aijaz, Humayun Saeed, Saba Hameed, Ayesha Khan and Sanam Saeed who do equally well in negative roles, but there are some actors who look better off doing negative roles.  Here are five of them in my list. Have a look!

Shamoon Abbasi

I always considered him as a good husband, a good father, a professional director and-yes, a negative character. Despite of his resemblance to Akshay Kumar, Shamoon has always managed to portray the bad man on screen pretty well. Polishing his overall persona as a villain of the industry, Waar-the movie has further contributed its share. For me, Shamoon looks better in a negative role.

Rashid Farooqi

He is a jack of all trades, for sure. Rashid has been my favorite since my childhood and the only reason for this likeness is his absolutely amazing acting. Rashid has had been proving himself as a wonderful actor by doing different roles but he can easily be personified for a negative role because he is really good at it. What do you say?

Atiqa Odho

The Sitaara or ‘Sitara aur Mehru-Nisa’ started her career as a ‘good woman’ on screen. For her eyes and acting, she earned quick prominence in the drama industry but for reasons undefined, she seemed to disappear from screen, probably to give some boost to her political career initially. Her comeback, however, was even more powerful and her negativity in Humsafar opened up new chapters in her acting career. For me, Atiqa seems better in negative roles.

Sadia Imam

Sadia Imam is one of those few actresses who started their career from PTV and succeeded in surviving in the race of private channels too. Audience love to watch her and this is what keeps her on screen. I like anything she does but her acting in drama serial Ijazat was completely flawless. I would like to see her more in negative roles because I think, we have some better actresses available for positive roles these days.

Sajid Hasan

He is a man I love to watch the most. Whether it is comedy, drama, thrill or anything, he knows every flavor of it completely. Sajid has been doing some negative roles lately, like, Thori si wafa chahie, Mera Naseeb and Manjali, and truly speaking, I have never found him this impressive ever. He is too good in the roles of strict father, disloyal husband and an unloving soul. However, there are no second thoughts that Sajid Hasan looks only good in negative roles, in fact, he can make look any character good.

So these were 5 of my favorite celebrities whom I love to watch as villains in our dramas, share yours; let us see how many of your do not agree with this list at all.

Blessings,

Nida Zaidi

And who can with-go while mentioning realities shows, without mentioning BIG BOSS. BIG BOSS 7 is no doubt the most anticipated reality shows and quite popular among Pakistani masses.

After months of entertainment, Bigg Boss 7 finally came to a grand end on Saturday (28-12-2013). Reality TV star Gauhar Khan is the winner of Colors’ reality show Bigg Boss 7. She was one of the strongest contenders in the show right from the beginning.

Gauhar, who won Rs.50 lakh in cash and a trophy, stayed in the house for 104 days.

“I thank family for support. I am big fan of the show. I did not expect to come so far…till the finale,” said Gauhar, who had won critical acclaim for her role in the film ‘Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year’ (2009).

Before the winner was announced, Gauhar’s mother Razia Zafar Khan said on the stage, “Apni bacchchi par naaz hai mujhe. Woh badi samajhdaari aur sachchai se aage badi hai”.

Tanishaa’s mother Tanuja who was also present on the occassion, she said, “Main roz dekhti thi show. Jab woh roti thi to main bhi roti thi.”

Before the winner was announced Tauja had said, ” I am very proud of my daughter. According to me the way she has conducted herself, she has won in my eyes.”

Interestingly host Salman Khan said Gauhar and Tanishaa both always stood opposite each other throughout the show. They almost become captains of two rival groups within the house.

Salman joked and said I dont have to tell you who were the vice captain of the two rival groups in the house.

Gauhar, 32, is not new to the world of reality shows having participated in shows like ‘Khan Sisters’ and ‘Jhalak Dikhla Jaa’. Tanishaa was the second runner up.

Gauhar proved to be the toughest contestant to beat during any task, Ajaz has been an entertainer to the audience throughout his stay. Tanishaa has been a loyal friend, and Sangram’s positive nature was loved by the audience.

The grand finale was held at Lonavala, a hill station near Mumbai, where the “Bigg Boss” house was put up.

This is the fourth consecutive season that a woman has been crowned the winner after Shweta Tiwari, Juhi Parmaar and Urvashi Dholakia winning the fourth, fifth and sixth seasons respectively.

The seventh season of the popular reality show went on air on September 15 on Colors. It started with 14 celebrities, and later, five additional celebrities made wild card entries at different points during its run.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about BB7

S. Rasool

First of all I have nothing against the actors mentioned below except they are actors who cannot act at all yet they are not only surviving in the industry rather thriving which consequently leaves question mark on the reasons behind their thriving.

Mahnoor Baloch– First time I became familiar with her was in Yeh Zindagi but ironically I remember the drama because of Nauman Ijaz and Qaisar Khan Nizamani instead of Mahnoor Baloch. Almost a decade and half has passed since then but she continues to be what she was without any improvement. She seems to be a pretty statue carved from stone, devoid of expressions both facial and vocal. She seems kind of disinterested and detached from surroundings, her dialogue delivery is usually impassive lacking intonation. She still manages to appear in dramas quite frequently and that too in lead roles drastically inappropriate to her age. Though she was praised a lot for Talafi, I disagree. Kabi Kabi Pyar Mein is memorable among her works but that too mainly because of Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui.

Mikaal Zulfiqar– I was an ardent fan of MZ until I saw his Bollywood flick You Are My Jaan (plagiarized version of Pretty Woman); I took great pains in downloading that movie only for MZ. Mikal hasn’t looked more handsome before; a perfectly created character from a painting but the moment he opened his mouth poof- the magic vanished. I still am his fan but not of his acting anymore obviously. The reason behind his grabbing a lot many central roles is possibly his killing looks.

Mehreen Raheel– Mehreen Raheel has bagged many important roles in her career but despite inheriting acting from her mother and despite her beauty she is a mediocre actress. Usually she is given characters where she has to fill the place of a stylish, beautifully dressed individual e.g. MMBZ, Ashk, ZGH, Mastana Mahi. She did well in Dastaan but in rest of her projects her acting has been monotonous and unimpressive. She is more suitable for ramp (despite her height) and Tvcs where she outshines others.

Sheikh Siblings- Both Momal Sheikh and Shahzad Sheikh aren’t impressive actors unlike their father. Again both of them have grabbed many lead roles in their short careers in spite of the below average acting, seriously do they even deserve side characters let alone the lead ones? They both aren’t exceptional beauties like the above mentioned celebs which make one wonder the reason behind their “success”. Oh they are the Sheikh siblings, rings more than enough bells!

Shehryar Munawar Siddiqui– The new hottie of the showbiz, his fans are going to flay me to death for including him in this list but honestly he isn’t much of an actor. All he has is good looks and a good nature. ZGH, Tanhaiyaan Naye Silsilay, Kahi Un Kahi and now Asmano Pe Likha; same expressions and dialogue delivery doesn’t show much hope for improvement.

Other than these Urwa Tul Wusqa, Sana Akari, Shehroz Sabswari, Mira Sethi and Maya Ali are clearly getting more than they deserve. What it can be if not talent, looks or intercession/cronyism, it is upon the readers to decide!

P.S. you might not agree with me, the article is after all subjective.

Faiza Cheema

It was by sheer luck that Hina landed the outstanding role of Saeeda in Burnes Road ki Nilofer written by Fasih Bari Khan, after challenging the director Mazhar Moin to find someone better than her to give depth to the character.

“I knew I could do the role well. I am grateful to Mazhar Moin for putting so much trust in me. He cast me opposite TV veteran Abid Ali which was an honour for a newcomer like me” she said.

After Burnes Road ki Nilofer went on air, Hina’s phone rang incessantly throughout the night with offers and appreciation.

“When something new and fresh goes on air and is loved by all who see it, then it gives great pleasure”

While wanting to start an acting career, Hina set off on the grueling task of visiting TV channels to look for work with no contacts but just determination and talent

“I have nothing against people who didn’t give me a break. As a newcomer, it is difficult to prove one’s talent and people here don’t have the time for evaluation. Maybe what our media lacks is the mature, seasoned eye that can spot talent a mile away.”

“We are in a race against time, and very little time is spent on looking for the right person to do the job. Even if people come up to me and say I can act very well, please get me a role, I would be too busy to find anything suitable for them. Likewise, those working for TV channels are too busy”

After Burnes Road ki Nilofer and the unprecedented success, offers and opportunities, there’s been no looking back for her. Madam Rizwana and Baby Shabana, Bichhu Phuppi and Veena, to name just a few, are just some of Hina’s best work on television. She’s accused of taking all the choicest roles

“Sometimes it worries her, feeling obsessed and nervous if she can’t do justice to the writer’s creation, No one can ever guarantee public response, even if I know that the role has a lot of potential for me as an actress. It happens with most of the roles that I get: I ask myself if I can be this person and to at least give it a try. If I feel a role is powerful then I also put in my best. I have to try and make a difference.”

“I have always wanted to live many lives in this one life; lives of the rich, the impoverished, the disabled and even the blessed. Any interesting person who catches my attention, I try and enter his or her world through my imagination, curious to know how I would feel in their situation. I have always been like this, I would get told off for what appeared to others like I was imitating them but in reality I was so deeply absorbed in a fascinating character that I would be subconsciously following mannerisms, gestures and gait. I always wanted to become the medium to deliver those feelings, sensitivities and stories to audiences”

Hina’s debut as an actress has been rather late. Why not earlier?

“I was in the UAE and it had always been my dream to make my debut and establish myself as an actress from Pakistan. I am fine working anywhere else once I am recognised as a product of Pakistan. I have no desire to acquire another passport or nationality. There is enough work to be done here”

Her initial challenge was that she didn’t fit the bill for a young attractive actress to be caste as a leading lady.

“Nobody would say haan bhai yeh bauhat khubsoorat larki hai isse leliya jaye. To convince someone that you can act without any prior experience is difficult but I was determined to impress” In that, she has also shattered the stereotype and set the ball rolling for character actresses who share the spotlight with the lead pair and are just as popular with the viewers. In a short time she has given a lot of variation by doing the juiciest characters.

Today, Hina seems to have swept over the mini-screen, filling the gap left by the late Arshe Munir, Ishrat Hashmi, Atiya Sharf and Sarwat Ateeq.

“If I feel I don’t have the capacity for a role, I won’t accept it. Recently, before I got the script somebody told me about the role, and later when I saw the script it was a word-by-word copy of an Indian sitcom. I refused although I felt a bit sorry afterwards because the director was good. At times I ask for more money to discourage bad roles but I am quite sure about one thing: I don’t want to make any compromises” she said.

Is it true that Hina Dilapzeer might have surpassed seasoned actresses Zeba Shehnaz and Bushra Ansari as a performer par excellence?

“No one can push anyone over. I feel it is a miracle of God that people like my work. Before I came, plays were being done and they will continue even when I am not there. Each and every character has to be composed, created and brought out from inside you. If your aim is to become famous, your performance will suffer as an actor. Acting is such a dangerous field and one should not enter unless (s)he is sure that this is what (s)he wants. You have to be focused, responsible and then leave the rest to destiny”

“My aim is not to capture audience, all I want to do is give life to the character I play. If I get two similar roles, I would perform them in a way that they appear different, just like each person will arrange the same bunch of flowers in a particular way.”

While living in the UAE, Hina said she also experimented with radio.

“I would love to write and perform radio plays. You can give so much variation to your voice on radio, just like when you put your hand inside a bag and a whole new world of textures opens up”

The person closest to Hina was her late father. He passed away not very long ago. “He was my friend, my biggest support, my inspiration. From him I learnt to be forthright, honest and straightforward. He would say to people upfront if he didn’t like something about them. He has left a big vacuum in my life that nobody can fill. I feel that he still supports me and he is still with me in spirit”

I hope you have enjoyed a sneak peek into her struggling career

S. Rasool

This year had it all; dramas which were true masterpieces, those you watch only to kill time because they serve the purpose, others just so that you can vent out because you had very high hopes attached to them and also those which may not be perfect but have enough to offer to make you coming back for more week after week.

This year producers banked on star power more than ever; a year that proved that great production values and a star studded serial does not ensure quality entertainment. Loyal viewers watched plays that didn’t have much to offer only to see their favorite stars on screen.

The good thing about the dramas this year was that we got to see almost all the stars on screen, even those who we rarely see on screen. Writers touched tabooed topics and some of the directors did a splendid job of tackling them. Here is the list of those plays which in my opinion stood out for some reason or the other among a long line of plays this year. All of them were not perfect but definitely the sort of plays that need to be mentioned.

The list contains those plays that ended in the year 2013.

Talkhiyaan

Writer: Bee Gul

Director: Khalid Ahmed

Channel: Express Entertainment

Talkhiyaan had to be the most powerful serial of the year 2013. There was absolutely nothing run-of-the-mill about this play; everything was brand new. Talkhiyaan took me to a world of its own every time I sat down to watch it. Every character in the play was a story in its own right. Hina Bayat shone in a very different role; nothing like the sweet mother she is playing all the time. The locations were breathtaking, the direction was phenomenal, the acting by all the actors left you mesmerized and most importantly it touched upon many tabooed issues. The drama serial aired on Express Entertainment therefore it did not get the attention it truly deserved.

Dil-e-Muztar

Writer: Aliya Bukhari

Director: Shehzad Kashmiri

Channel: Hum TV

Dil-e-Muzter was happening, engaging and definitely the sort of play that keeps you hooked right from the get-go. The direction of the play and the cast had to be the biggest reasons for its success. Sanam Jung made her debut from Dil-e-Muzter and this was the first play that was directed by Shehzad Kashmiri. The viewers saw Imran Abass in a play after a long time, did he do well? I will let the viewers answer that question. Sarwat Gillani totally owned her character. The drama had many positives that made it stand out in the crowd.

Bari Apa

Writer: Samira Fazal

Director: Saife Hassan

Channel: Hum TV

Bari Apa had a very powerful start but after 13 episodes or so the story started going around in circles. But it deserves a special mention nevertheless because of the relatable and fun conversations, the first 12 episodes or so which were very engaging, Noman Ijaz’s memorable performance and also because of the characterizations. Savera Nadeem was outstanding as Bari Apa, she made it impossible for me to hate her character. I couldn’t help but rationalize Zubeida’s selfish behavior time and again until it really got out of hand.

Tanhaiyaan Nayee Silsilay

Writer: Haseena Moin / Muhammad Ahmed

Director: Marina Khan

Channel: ARY Digital / PTV Home

Okay, I know there are many people out there who were very disappointed with this naye silsilay but personally I thought that this was a really good effort. It was a nice mixture of old and new generations and the play was light-hearted yet emotional. Watching my favorite characters on screen all over again after so many years was nothing short of a treat.

Rehaai

Writer: Farhat Ishtiaq

Director: Mehreen Jabbar

Channel: Hum TV

Rehaai was written, directed and acted out brilliantly. It was one play which also had a very good ending unlike many plays this year which were superb overall but their endings failed to impress. Rehaai did not only focus on the problems faced by women at the hands of men who are supposed to be their protectors but also provided some good solutions to their problems. The play mainly focused on the issue of child marriage and tackled it really well.

Nanhi

Writer: Mona Haseeb

Director: Haseeb Hassan

Channel: Geo TV

Nanhi was the story a young girl who dreamed dreams which were very different from those of other girls her age. The play took the viewers in the dark world of people living in downtrodden areas. The play proved to be an eye opener for many and others termed it too open and tagged it as controversial. Sajjal Ali stole the show with her impressive acting, Javed Sheikh played a very different character and so did Shahood Alvi. Nanhi was a little too real at times but definitely one of the better plays that aired this year. The ending however was shocking and in my opinion upsetting, to say the least!

Zindagi Gulzar Hai

Writer: Umera Ahmed

Director: Sultana Siddiqui

Channel: Hum TV

Zindagi Gulzar Hai deserves a mention here not because it was a masterpiece but because it was followed by many viewers, the reason being that Umera Ahmed, Fawad Khan and a Friday night play on Hum is a deadly combo! Zindagi Gulzar Hai had its ups and downs; some episodes completely blew you away and others left you clueless. The ending of the play was rather abrupt. But the fact remains that Zindagi Gulzar Hai has to be the most talked about play of the year. It instigated some very interesting discussions on gender roles and double standards. Zaroon and Kashaf’s characters gave viewers much to talk about. Overall, it was a roller coaster of a ride criticized as well as enjoyed by many.

Aik Nayee Cinderella

Writer: Faiza Iftikhar

Director: Haissam Hussain

Channel: Geo TV

Aik Nayee Cinderella was liked by the viewers because of its amazing cinematography, script and direction. It was completely different from the usual A & B productions play mainly because in this particular project it seemed like the director Haissam Hussain held the reigns rather than the production house. The viewers compared Aik Nayee Cinderella to Disney movies. Personally, I gave up on it after a couple of episodes because it was not my cup of tea but that doesn’t change the fact that it was a play that kept many viewers glued to their TV screens.

Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi

Writer: Amna Mufti

Director: Kashif Nisar

Channel: Hum TV

The play shed light on the way things work out in the feudal set up and the manner in which women are exploited at all levels by men. Nauman Ijaz, Saba Qamar, Irsa Ghazal and Sohail Ahmed especially stood out because of their performances. The play was a work of art and I couldn’t help but tune into it week after week. This was another play that served as a reality check and an eye opener. It was like leaving my cozy living room for a little while and drifting into the world of all these people who led a life very different from ours. The play did not get the attention it deserved and it was very few of the Hum TV plays which was shifted to the 9pm slot only after few of the episodes went on air.

Aunn Zara

Writer: Faiza Iftikhar

Director: Haissam Hussain

Channel: Aplus

I must admit that I went from falling in love with Aunn Zara when it began to completely losing interest after a few episodes. But for many out there Aunn Zara was a breath of fresh air which gave them something to laugh about and it gave them some characters that will stay in people’s hearts forever. The play mainly attracted people’s attention because of the writer, director and the leading cast. Even those viewers who stick to the three leading channels watched the play and liked it. Aunn Zara deserves to be in this list because it may not have hit a home run with me but it was liked by many people around me (credible sources;)

Kankar

Writer: Umera Ahmed

Director: Aabis Raza

Channel: Hum TV

Like all Umera Ahmed’s plays this year (ZGH, Mirat-ul-Uroos) Kankar too was stretched beyond limit. In an attempt to drag the play to 25 episodes the beginning was slow and the end not totally gratifying. Sikandar’s issues were not completely resolved in the end, he made yet another promise which was most likely to be forgotten just like all the previous ones. Kankar stood out because of its characterization. Kiran’s character in particular was heroic but real at the same time. Sikandar’s character was equally intriguing. Some of the dialogues will be imprinted in my mind forever.

Here is a short list of some of the plays that had a star cast and crew but failed to leave an impact.

Silvatein

It started off really well but once the story started to lose momentum, there was no rescuing it after that!

Khoya Khoya Chand

An extremely childish story which banked completely on star power and production values.

Kadoorat

Kadoorat was another play which took off well but lost its charm after a while mainly due to a weak script.

Kala Jadoo Part 2

The viewers who watched and like part 1 had high expectations from this sequel but it failed to deliver.

Numm

Yes, it still remains the biggest disappointment of the year! It was Ashk all over again just when we thought that Ashk was dead and buried Geo entertainment had Numm in store for us!

Hamnasheen and Halki Si Khalish were the only two plays this year which I watched only out of curiosity and I have to say that for some reason or the other I couldn’t help but follow them till the end. Hamnasheen’s strength lied in the acting and the chemistry between the main leads. Halki Si Khalish was entertaining because of its pace and I really enjoyed Javaid Sheikh’s character and acting.

Other notable plays which were followed by the viewers this year are as follows. I did not follow these shows or did not like them therefore I will refrain from commenting on them but the readers should feel free to comment.

Mera Pehla Pyaar

Daagh

Mohabbat Bhar Mein Jaye

Saath Pardon Mein

Sitamgar

Kahi Ankahi

Kash Aisa Ho

Qarz

Adhoori Aurat

Share your views about the dramas of 2013. Which were the ones that worked for you and which ones did not?

Fatima Awan

A lot many celebrities tied the knot in this year; it can be labelled as year of weddings. We are on verge of bidding farewell to the year but that too with celebrity weddings. A quick recap follows below.
Atif Aslam
Atif Aslam the heartthrob of Pakistan got married to Sara Bharwana earlier this year to the dismay of many girls. Atif Aslam changed more outfits then the number of functions on his wedding.

Bindiya
Bindiya who made her comeback in the industry after absence of more than a decade decided to tie the knot for the third time.

Kiran Khan
Kiran Khan the famous morning show host like most of the celebs in this list got married in a small ceremony attended by close relatives and friends only. She later appeared on Good Morning Pakistan along with her husband.

Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram who remained in news after judging an Indian reality show, he was allegedly involved with his co-host Shushmita Sen. however Wasim Akram took everyone by surprise by marring an Australian national Shaniera Thompson instead.

Wahab Riaz
Another cricketer to tie the knot this year is Wahab Riaz who unfortunately got lodged with an FIR on the grounds of violating the law (exceeding the time limit i.e. 10 pm and serving more than a dish). This might not be a good start for him but his fans wish him good luck in achieving his happily-ever-after.

Sanam Baloch
Sanam Baloch and Abdullah FarhatUllah are amongst the few couples who got married with customary celebrations and bangs this year. Their mayoon, mehndi, nikah, barat and walima pictures created hype for long over social media.

Babar Khan and Sana Khan
Babar Khan and Sana Khan; both a part of the showbiz, recently tied their fates together after a short engagement.

Hira Tareen and Ali Safina
And last but not the least we finally bid adieu to 2013 with the wedding of Hira Tareen and Ali Safina who said their nuptials the preceding weekend after an engagement of few months.

Apart from these Mehreen Syed, Jugan Kazim, Mansha Pasha and Feeha Jamshed are also among the married ones now and Sarwat Gillani and Annie Jaffery got engaged. We wish all the best to all the happy couples.

Faiza Cheema

Climbing the stairs of success, Mahira Khan is back again on the TV with her new talk-show “TUC – The Lighter side of life”. So far, she has taken part in a number of projects. From dramas to fashion shows, she has proved herself in different forms. Her popular drama serial “HUM SAFAR” on HUM TV has really added more fame to her personality. But most of her fans also do recognize her as an anchor-person. She started her career from anchoring a music show and then switched to acting and modeling.

Early Life and entrance in media industry:

Mahira Khan was born on 21 December 1982 in Karachi.  She did her ‘O’ Levels study from Foundation Public School Karachi. After completing  her early education she went to California to complete her higher education at Santa Monica College Los Angeles.

Mahira (Askari) Khan began her career when she was 16 years old as VJ at MTV Pakistan live show Most Wanted which broadcast three days a week; and Aag TV show Weekends with Mahira. After getting the great response as VJ, she hosted 10th LUX Style Awards in 2011. HUM TV drama serial Humsafar and Shehr-e-Zaat was the lucky coins for Mahira Khan. These dramas greatly recognized her in Pakistani entertainment industry. Now she has been worked with many Pakistani Television channels like Geo TV, Hum Television, ARY Digital, Aag TV, Samaa TV, MTV etc. After getting the great response from drama industry she worked with Atif Aslam in BOL movie in 2011

Let’s have a look on different sides of her versatile professional career

The desi daughter-in-law:

The desi innocent face of Pakistan as a daughter-in-law was excellently played by Mahira Khan in her famous TV serial “HUM SAFAR”. This serial got huge appreciation and popularity from the masses. It was also translated in other international languages. The character played by Mahira Khan will remain in the hearts of the people and will always be remembered in the history of Pakistani dramas

A close look !

The jubilant & energetic youngster:

SHEHR-E-ZAAT – Full of energy and spark, Mahira played the character of a young woman in SHEHR-E-ZAAT. There were different turns in this young woman’s life and Mahira khan really acted well in this drama serial

The talkative anchor person:

TUC – THE LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE– Though she started her career from anchoring, but when Mahira stepped into drama industry she took a break from anchoring. But as we all say “FIRST LOVE is NEVER FORGOTTEN”, she is now back with her first love i.e anchoring in a TUC sponsored talk-show called “The Lighter side of life”

The beautiful model:

A charming face and a sleek slender physical posture, what more is needed to become a model. Mahira has also shown herself as a model in fashion weeks as well as on the cover pages of famous magazines

PFDC FASHION WEEK

It is very important for an artist to be versatile. An artist looses her/his charm by sticking to one particular genre. Especially in such a competitive environment of today, where there are more opportunities to explore and to grow. Mahira Khan is one of such versatile faces of Pakistan. Her beautiful and charm has added to her professional skills. She is one of the most anticipated female faces of Pakistan, these days.

Let us know which side of her professional personality is liked by you. Also do comment whether you think she has been a successful drama girl or a successful anchor.

This is all from our side and it is time for you to drop in your comments and feedback. And please don’t forget to vote the article

S. Rasool

Trends of fashion have changed drastically in Pakistan in the previous few years. These changes are however greatly influenced by styles and fashion of Hollywood. Ironically Pakistani Fashion Industry (PDI) has multitudes of extraordinarily gifted designers who without any doubt have the abilities to compete and give tough competition to their competitors from all over the world. Yet all major brands in Pakistan and even designers are putting forward apparels and accessories that are highly influenced by western trends. Pakistani culture itself is very unique and highly diverse, without change everything becomes stagnant and consequently fades away but these changes should be according to our own requirements and values.

PDI has adopted many trends from Hollywood e.g. lace gown, nude color, and neon color; both in dresses and accessories, strapless or off shoulder dresses. These colors and trends don’t belong to a particular area or industry obviously but using them very frequently when they become popular in the west is copying. Any style which becomes prevalent in Hollywood becomes a rage in Pakistan after a year or two. Major Pakistani designers, brands and celebs are deliberately promoting this trend of imitation and copying. Kurtis now have been replaced by tops, shalwar and churidar by skinny jeans and frock and kameez by gowns, skirts and jumpsuits.

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We are losing our individuality and cultural heritage. PDI should burrow styles from international arena but instead of adopting those trends and styles they should be adapted in our unique and exclusive fashion. For example High low skirts and dresses that were and still are a rage in Hollywood have been taken by our designers and have been assimilated in frocks and kameez according to our culture. Adapting this style elegantly instead of copying it shows that it can be done with other trends as well.

         have been adapted as           
It is high time we should start taking pride in our culture and heritage and change it according to our needs and changing fashion trends instead of adopting foreign attire.
Faiza Cheema

Jalaibee …

It is a Pakistani feature film which will be released in 2014. After record breaking applause of “WAAR” the film lovers are awaiting this feature film which is going to rock the film industry again.

Danish Taimoor- the handsome hunk of Pakistan Drama Industry is going to make his film debut from this film. Other than him, the star cast includes actors like Ali Safina, Adnan Jaffar, Ali Rehman, Uzair Jaswal, Waqar Ali Khan and Zhalay Sarhadi. The film will be released under the banner of “ARY Films”. Directed by Yasir A Jaswal, this film is expected to make a blast.

Here are some scenes from the film:

I hope you are looking forward to it. Let us know your expectations from this film by commenting in the comment box beneath

S. Rasool

Some iconic male actors of our industry have left this world but even after their demise they are alive in the memories of their fans. They are still praised and cherished by countless viewers, not only for their acting skills but also for they memories they have left us with; memories of their characters and works on screen. Some unforgettable names are:
Moin Akhtar

Moin Akhtar; versatility in comic roles personified, he was a legend in his own right. Amongst the highly multitalented personalities of Pakistani industry Moin Akhtar was an acclaimed actor, comedian, writer, singer and host. Though his expertise lies in comic roles and mimicry, he was equally adept in serious roles as well; his character in Rozee is amalgam of both comedy and serious acting, in short a symbol of versatility. The genius of Moin Akhtar and Anwar Maqsood always brought something extraordinary and highly intellectual yet always coated with humor and social satire. In his last interview when asked about his contribution to Pakistani comedy he answered “everything I did is a part of history now. To live with history is difficult but there will be people, who will say one day, “There was a man who did it and did it so differently”.”

Shafi Mohammad Shah

Best known for his roles as feudal lord, Shafi Mohammad Shah’s personality had the aura of a feudal lord but the one who was perhaps the most soft spoken feudal. He gave us numerous unforgettable plays and performances e.g. Aanch, Marvi, Afshaan, Teesra Kinara and many more.

Jamshed Ansari

Jamshed Ansari another gem of Pakistan television was greatly admired actor and comedian; mostly known for his comic roles. Uncle Urfi, Unkahi, Tanhaiyan, Sach Much, Half Plate are among his most notable works. He has done some serious roles as well but they are always outshined by his flawless performances in comic overtones particularly Uncle Urfi and Unkahi’s characters.

Hassam Qazi

Another esteemed actor who smile and powerful voice mesmerized the audience. Marvi, Sangchoor and Pinjra are among his noteworthy plays. Though his gained fame from a negative role (Marvi) and performed it to perfection yet he appeared to be the most polite person ever. It is caliber of such actors to perform every character seamlessly.

Khayyam Sarhadi

Khayyam Sarhadi a remarkable artist who embodied the very soul of each character he performed. With countless dramas on his list, Khayyam Sarhadi kept adding jewels like Angar Wadi, Ghulam Gardish, Man Chalay ka Sauda and Meri Zaat Zara e Benishan in his crown.

Salim Nasir

Salim Nasir has the briefest career as compared to the above mentioned actors. He worked in few yet amazingly superb dramas in his short career. I have not seen him in serious roles but I’m sure he has acted flawlessly in them as he did in Angan Tehra and Unkahi; both characters had comic overtones, nonetheless these two characters have made him eternal and unforgettable.

All these artists are equally exquisite and wonderful actors, the order of mentioning is random. Every one of them is asset, a priceless treasure who has shaped Pakistani drama industry into what it is today. They are not among us today but their efforts, unsurpassed and profoundly influential acting will always be remembered and admired.

Feel free to add your deceased favorites.

Faiza Cheema