Home Blog Page 1164

Evergreen Pakistani Actresses

0

Pakistani drama industry is full of talented actors and actresses, who have won our hearts many times with their awe-inspiring performances. In this article I would like to discuss and pay tribute to some of those actresses who have been with the industry for a very long time and it is always refreshing to see them on-screen. These gifted actresses are never going out of fashion and no one can replace them. Do share how you feel about these charming and talented ladies. If your favorite actress is not in the list please feel free to add new names.

Evergreen Pakistani Actresses1. Samina Peerzada:

Samina Peerzada has mesmerized us with her flawless acting so many times that we always expect her to deliver, no matter what role she is playing. Nowadays she is the favorite naani/daadi on air but at the same time we see her in completely different roles too in telefilms etc. Samina Peerzada is beautiful, talented and charming. She started her showbiz career from films starting in 1976 and there was no stopping her after that.

 

 

 

Evergreen Pakistani ActressesSamina Peerzada is not only a brilliant actress but has also directed a few plays. Even after so many years, she has not lost her charm. Samina Peerzada says that she , “considers growing old to be a positive experience because you learn more about life and its truths. Besides, I learned early on in life to wait patiently for things or rewards to come by. Therefore patience is the key.” Samina Peerzada believes in having a positive approach and looks at the bright side of things. That has to be the reason that she got as far as she did. I found this really cute picture of Samina Peerzada, which I must share with all of you.


 

 

 

Evergreen Pakistani Actresses2. Bushra Ansari:

Bushra Ansari is Sharp, witty and versatile. She is also another actress who has been associated with the entertainment industry for a very long time now. She started appearing on-screen when she was only nine years old and has always felt very passionately about what she does. Bushra Ansari is not just an actress but also a singer, writer and a presenter. Lately she left us all spellbound with her performance as Saima Chaudhry in the Baraat Series and as Bilquees in Bilquees kaur.

Bushra Ansari is one of those very few actresses in our industry who did not limit herself to playing comedy roles only but proved that she was equally capable of giving serious performances. Bushra Ansari was asked in an interview what she would wish for if she was given three wishes, her reply was, “First, prosperity for my family, second, I’d spend my life with some dignity and third, that there should be peace in the city”. Here is wishing this incredible woman load of success.

 

Evergreen Pakistani Actresses

3. Saba Hameed:

Saba Hameed may not have been around for as long as the two actresses I mentioned above but she has done a commendable job right from the get-go and still is going strong. Saba Hameed has great potential, she has done comic roles and serious ones too but it seems like she is being typecast lately. Personally, I would like to see her in different kinds of roles so that her potential is exploited fully.

 

 

 

Evergreen Pakistani Actresses4. Savera Nadeem:

Any play which stars Savera Nadeem is a must watch for me. In fact I can watch multiple plays with her in them and not get bored, that is the power of versatility. Although, I do feel sometimes that Savera is very selective about her work and we don’t get to see her on-screen as often as we would like to. Savera Nadeem started her career at the age of fifteen from theatre and now she is not just an actor but an anchor person and a director too.

Savera Nadeem is all for bringing about a positive change in the morning shows in our country and says “Morning shows, all over the world, are primarily meant to educate people and bring some sort of change in their lives. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, morning shows only provide entertainment. Since it’s the viewers who demand entertainment, it’s very difficult to get them to accept something different.” She also wants writers to put an end to the saas bahu stories and that is probably the reason why she is so selective about her work.

 

Evergreen Pakistani Actresses5. Sania Saeed:

Sania Saeed is also one of my most favorite actresses. I have watched some of her old telefilms like “Ab Tum Ja Sakte Ho” and “Putli Ghur” and her acting even at that time was truly inspiring. And the reason for that must be that Sania Saeed started her career from theatre too when she was only ten years old but now finds it difficult to take time out for theatre. Apart from acting, Sania is also a presenter and a very active social worker as well. According to Sania Saeed, “I don’t just act but I always had some thing in my mind when I am doing any character, like there is somebody out there in real life whose character I am portraying.” No wonder her performances are so close to reality.

 

Evergreen Pakistani Actresses6. Rubina Ashraf:

Rubina Ashraf is also very selective about her work but whenever she chooses a certain character her portrayal is always perfect. I simply loved her as the authoritative Police woman in Pas-e-Aiena and the submissive roles she played in Mera Naseeb and Samdhan were equally powerful. Lately Rubina Ashraf has been playing the rigid mother on-screen in Talafi and Maseeha both; she had almost the same characters. But definitely looking forward to seeing more of her. She has an infectious smile and her acting is always flawless.

 

Evergreen Pakistani Actresses7. Samina Ahmed:

Samina Ahmed has the kind of confidence and maturity about her that truly makes her stand out in the crowd. She is not only an actor but a director and a producer too. Samina Ahmed was the first woman in Pakistan who opened her own production house and her very first venture “Family Front” was an instant hit. Samina Ahmed has done plenty of serious dramas too, although she is known more for her old comedy dramas like Akkar Bakkar, Taal Matol, Alif Noon,Such Gup and the Baraat Series recently. According to her colleagues, Samina Ahmed is very honest, fair, generous and kind hearted.

 Who says, actors have a shelf life…these exceptional actresses and many others like them have proved that talented performers always bring something new and refreshing with them. There are so many new avenues that they have yet to explore and I am not getting tired of watching them perform anytime soon. I have noticed that all these actresses are more conscious about how they perform and not about how they look on-screen and that self-confidence also has to be the key to their success. Many of the actresses nowadays put on heavy make-up even if they are going through the most tough times in plays and it is difficult for the viewers to relate to their characters because it seems too much like acting then.

What do you think about the list? Please feel free to add more names.

Fatima Awan.

Queen Of Controversy, “Veena Malik” in Trouble Again – Sued for Rs. 600Million!

0

No Artist from Pakistan ever earned so much popularity (and Hatred) in such a less time than this bold actress. Despite of several criticisms received throughout the country, it seemed that the Queen of Melodrama was way too determined, not to care about her local audience.

Veena Malik’s popularity to such an extent can be considered as revenue she got for her total out performance in the Indian Reality Show, Big Boss. Veena who claimed that she was actually representing Pakistan in India, did not hesitate in risking her image as a Muslim Actress, followed by the FHM
Magazine controversy that brought her extreme hatred within the Pakistan. However, believing on the ideology of “badnaam gar hongay to kya naam na hoga”( Won’t the bad name bring popularity?), she continued shooting vulgarly, risking her life and Pakistani Nationality. It was also heard that the Pakistani Extremist gave her a life threat, which too was neglected.

On the other hand, there is no doubt that Pakistani media is turning smart each day. Veena’s controversial existence in Pakistan was intelligently used by a local TV Channel with low ratings, which introduced Veena as the host of a Islamic Program Astaghfar, been telecasted on Hero TV. It seems that the decision was taken too wisely as the program itself, brought more than 30 Million Viewers to the channel. The show was again countered by not only the religious elements within the country, but also by the audience, ilike you and me. Veena seemed happy about this chance been given to her, as she spoke:

“It was a very great moment for me that people across the globe have appreciated me and they accepted my show. The show has touched the heart of people which is shown by TRP rating,”

However, Veena has again landed up with a serious problem that must have ended her happiness by now. A local from Lahore has sued her for Rs. 600 Million, charging her for making a fun of Islamic principles in the most sacred Month of Islam, that is, Ramadan.

Let us see how circumtances turn out to be for Veena in the upcoming days, but there is one thing for sure, Veena is undoubtedly the most unusual celebrity of the nation.Share your valuable comments about how you see Veena to come up next in her career.

Best Wishes

Nida Zaidi

Wedding bells in 2012

0

2012 has been a great year. We have gotten to see many good shows as well as new actors in the television industry. It is not new for television actors and actresses to get married to each other. We have gotten to see some great wedding of famous actors and actresses which came to us a pleasant surprise as well as a bit of a shock in some cases.

Wedding bells in 2012The first in my list is the wedding of Naveen Waqar (of Humsafar fame) and Azfar Ali (seen in the popular show Light on Hai). It came as a shock to everyone when the wedding pictures were posted on various websites. The fans all over the world were outraged when they heard the news. Apparently, Azfar Ali had divorced his wife, Salma and left his 2 kids and gotten married to Naveen Waqar. Nobody could believe that the perfect couple of Salma and Azfar were separated and the reason was none other than Naveen Waqar! Salma and Azfar had met on the sets of the show ‘Sub Set Hai’ and had gotten married later on. It was seen that the ‘The reel life home breaker had become a real life one.’ Anyways, we wish them a Happy Married Life!

Wedding bells in 2012The second in my list is the marriage of actress Syra Yousuf (of Mera Naseeb fame) and Shehroz Sabwani (seen in shows like Parsa and Mamta) who tied the knot on 21st October, 2012. The announcement was made by Behroz Sabzwani (Shehroz Sabzwani’s father) when he came to a morning show to promote his serial. The duo are currently seen together in Tanhaiyan – Naye Silsilay. Syra was also seen opposite Shehroz in a show called ‘Canteen Kahani’. Syra was also appreciated for her performance in Mera Naseeb which had become a very popular show.  I must say the couple looks really cute together. They both looked simple yet elegant, attired in white on their Nikah. We wish them best of luck for their future!

Wedding bells in 2012The third in my list is the wedding of Fatima Effendi and Kunwar Arsalan who got married recently on 17th November, 2012. They both are currently seen together in the show ‘Kaash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti’. They have also appeared together in the show ‘Larkiyan Mohalay Ki’. Fatima has established herself as an actress by her performance in Kaash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti which was critically acclaimed. Fatima and Kanwar Arsalan were looking absolutely beautiful on their wedding day. Fatima was seen in a peach dress while Kanwar was attired in a black tuxedo. We hope that they have a very bright future ahead!

 

Wedding bells in 2012The fourth in my list is Reema, who belongs to the film fraternity but has been seen hosting various talk shows on TV. Reema got married to Dr. Tariq Shahab in London this year. It was a very private affair and nobody from the film or television industry was invited. It came as a very pleasant surprise for her fans and friends alike. She looked gorgeous in a pink and maroon sharara. Well, best of luck to her too!

Marium Shafiq

Indian Dramas NO MORE a threat to Pakistani Drama Industry!

0

Indian Dramas NO MORE a threat to Pakistani Drama Industry!Unrealistic scripts, foolish concepts, absurd acting and never-ending stories have finally came to an end. This is indeed good news for me to hear that Pakistani people are now no more interested to see fatigue Indian dramas, which are usually based on unethical concepts. And for such accomplishment the big hand goes to Pakistani television Industry that not only came up as a hard-hitting challenger but also transformed the visions of Pakistani people.

I am proudly a Pakistani drama big lover. I do not miss any episode of my favorite serial and love to chat about every detail of them with my friends. I am proud of how these dramas have set free the nation of those who worshipped low quality soaps on Star Plus.

Indian drama craze went on for many years in Pakistan and set on accelerating the Indian drama fever like a dengue virus. The entire audience of Pakistan was grabbed by brainless dramas like ‘Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki’, ‘Kasauti Zindagi ki’ and the string goes on. Even that was a time when everyone knew every single thing about Indian culture and traditions but no one even bother to know who founded Pakistan. Besides this, little girls used to play ‘Kum Kum’ and ‘Kyun Ke Saas Bhi Kbi Bahu Thi’ instead of playing ‘Ghar Ghar’. Moreover, women got their food burnt while they were deeply lost in drama scenes. And almost everything seemed to be paused at the time of drama.

Nevertheless in recent times I have been displeased to see an idleness of some concepts and characters in Pakistani dramas. It has been tiring to view the same characters being repeated on screen projecting an image of this country which is overstated and doesn’t hold true to every single case. But no doubt! Pakistan made its boom and these days, Pakistani dramas have reached the peaks of success and fame.

Pakistani Drama Industry has given them a hard competition and effectively crossed the line of success that Indian Drama serials had set. Channels like, Ary, Geo, Hum tv have done a great job so as to promote Pakistani talent across the globe. Stories from intelligent writers, outstanding acting, brilliant dialogues and sound direction have set Pakistani television industry a notch above the rest. Captivating story lines like of ‘Durr-e-Shahwaar’, ‘Maat’, ‘Meri Zaat Zarra Be Nishan’, ‘Jannat Se Nikali Hui Aurat’, ‘Doraha’, ‘Humsafar’ and many more have just turned the hearts of people back to Pakistani civilized cultural values.

Well! It is a known fact that Indian Drama Industry has lost its charm in Pakistan. With powerful script, limited episodes, soulful stories and the efforts of drama makers, Pakistani drama has once again reached the height of success. Hit it Big!

Wishes,

Nida Zaidi

The Obsession With Jinaat

0

The Obsession With JinaatMornings are the most important part of the day for me because it is the beginning of a new day and every new day brings with it new hopes. When we wake up in the morning we want to do whatever we can to feel refreshed and energetic. Meeting a good friend or getting praise at work in the morning can make your whole day beautiful. So, basically there was nothing new that I said in the above lines because we all feel that way. Everyone wants their mornings to be refreshing but why are our Morning Show hosts unaware of this very common fact? First, they tortured us with wedding ceremonies in the wee hours of the morning and now we have a date with a jin or a spirit early in the morning.

Please answer this for me, who wants to meet Jinnat in the morning? I know I don’t! And I especially do not want to meet these jinnat or know about them when the sole purpose of discussing them is to create sensation and not to cause awareness of any sort. I accept the fact that supernatural spirits exist, the evidence is there in the Quran but I would like that these jinnat are not invited as guests in our morning shows. Am I the only one who feels that most of these shows with Jinnats making a guest appearance are fake? And that is probably the reason why these shows put you off even more. You know I have an idea, enough of shadis and enough of jinnat, ab kisi jin couple ki shadi karwani chahyeh. That will surely increase TRPs even more…what do you all say?

All human beings are curious to know about the supernatural beings and many people face problems relating to them but there is a limit to everything. Every other morning show seems to follow the same path and then it becomes a competition. Some go to graveyards to look for jinns and others are so lucky that the jinnat come to their shows themselves. Do these morning show hosts think that the viewers are foolish? I wish they would understand that their viewers are very intelligent people; in fact so intelligent that maybe they should ask the viewers what they want to see in a show.

Morning shows are not dramas; they are reality shows, which means that they should not be fake. But it seems like the actors hosting these shows use most of their acting talent in these shows. I remember there was a time when Nadia Khan’s shows were very balanced and had a little bit of everything. But then she also joined the rat race and now the awam is stuck with jinnats and shadis.

Share with us, how many of you want to see hosts and guests talking about Jinnats in these shows? And do you think all of it is for real? Do you feel like these Jinnat shows (not morning shows) are questioning the viewers’ intelligence?

Saud.

Ek Tamanna Lahasil Si – An Overview

0

Before the start of the drama & as seen from the promos it could be easily deduced that ETLHS focuses on a middle class family facing a roller-coaster ride of emotions such as hatred, misunderstandings, jealousy where only one person is the backbone acting as an instigator & that is Ruqaiyya (Saba Hameed)

The family of Ruqaiyya includes her husband, 2 sons Mohsin, Ahsan & a daughter Hira. As we go through the drama we see that Ruqaiyya is an uncourteous woman who only & solely respects her son Mohsin because he is the bread-winner of the family. Ruqiayya having the only daughter Hira has spoiled her to bits & Hira has a hard core materialistic approach towards life because she has been brought up that way because of her mother. The only soft-hearted members of the family are the Father & the youngest son Ahsan. Ahsan plays a role of a rational person where he always stands up against his mother when he finds her wrong. Father being a pension holder has no respect in the eyes of Ruqaiyya because of the obvious reasons. Mohsin is an obedient child where his only mistake is overlooking the irrational & unfair behaviour of his mother.

Hira on her own proposes her cousin, legally becomes his wife by having a Nikkah ceremony just because the cousin starts earning a good amount of money. She later backtracks when she meets this new neighbour Ali who buys a house in their neighbourhood. She gets attracted towards him seeing how good his lifestyle & in literal sense; his salary is. She takes divorce from her first husband & gets married to Ali with the complete support of her family especially her mother thinking she will be happy because of Ali’s salary.

Mohsin during the wedding of his sister develops an interest in his paternal cousin Nadia, who is a very simple girl & the only child of her parents. Her mother treats her life princess & she has no father. Mohsin takes a stand to get married to her whereas Ruqaiyya opposes it for the main reason that she will be sharing his salary if she becomes his wife.

We are now seeing the cruel side of Ruqaiyya after she has become a mother in law where she is treating Nadia as an unwanted person & a life-time maid. Not only she treats Nadia badly but with no respect as if she is not the daughter in law of the house but some person who doesn’t deserve respect. Mohsin, her husband can not utter a word in front of his mother & has taken a back-seat to escape all the mayhem. The drama is entering a new phase where Ruqaiyya will soon enough face the first hardship of her life because of her daughter whose husband Ali seems to have been involved in an extra marital affair.

As a viewer of this drama I find every actor doing justice to their characters. Saba Hameed may seem like someone who’s repeating her role but for sure deserves a round of applause for her commendable job in this serial too. All the other characters have their own personalities which make the drama seem more interesting. It may have a predictable plot but the way it has been executed marvels in its own. The content of the drama to many seem to have been put in a strong manner & a bit overboard but unfortunately it depicts the reality & what most of the women in our society face at one point of their lives which makes it relate-able.

It is going super for me I hope the viewers will agree to with what I will be saying about this drama from now on.
Keep supporting.
Cheers,
Zahra Mirza.

Blocked channels are back- Reality revealed!

0

Blocked channels are back- Reality revealed!Broadcasting Association (PBA) are, all over again, on the rise these days after the planned closure of popular entertainment channels by some cable operators. Country’s most popular entertainment channels, including ARY Digital, GEO Entertainment, HUM TV, Express Entertainment, TV ONE and KTN Entertainment were shut down on Friday, are back to their normal telecast now.

A good question that has clicked every viewer, was the fact that why actually these channels were blocked, and what brought the broadcast back. We discussed in detail that what made these channels go in dark. However, no appropriate reasons were highlighted for the re-telecast.

After putting all the pressure tactics in action, Cable operators had to revive the broad casting of all blocked channels. Now things are all well and good! Whether with this approach cable operators wanted to get re-open Indian channels, which were closed on Supreme Court orders, or they wanted to stop the channels from independent coverage of upcoming general elections due to some political affiliations. Keeping out-of-the-way all the intentions, we are glad that we got our favorite channels back.

Since huge financial loss has been tolerated by owners of the private TV channels in course of shutting down their channels which is itself against the licensing regulations of PEMRA, PBA took legal action against the officials of PEMRA as well as the cable operators and finally resolved their complaints by holding a joint meeting between CAPand PBA.

Undoubtedly, also the power of viewers’ affection with Pakistani dramas made up all good to bring blocked channels back as Pakistani drama has given a setback to the dramas of Star plus. With powerful script, limited episodes, soulful stories and the efforts of drama makers, Pakistani drama has once again reached at the peaks of glory and now viewers really don’t desire to watch those unrealistic, never-ending and brainless Indian dramas. This credit goes to the story writers who focused many issues of society and these stories touch the heart of many people all over the country. Now people (particularly women) don’t look as if to gossip all on Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi or Kum Kum but they are rather concerned about rising social issues of their own society.

Pakistan Cable Association wanted PEMRA to allow cable operators for on airing of Indian TV channels as it gives them benefit for their ads and some people asked them for Indian Channels. Cable operators and our public should take serious notice on this issue as on airing of Indian channels is really not in the benefit of Pakistani society. We should sense out of the box and should not chew over everything with profit or loss but one should prefer values and morals over others. Well, I am in opposition to all Indian channels. What do you want, mindless Indian dramas or moral values of society? Do Share Your Views about it.

For the time being, Enjoy your favorite Drama Channels and hope that no such week ever returns, where you have nothing to watch on TV, other than breathtaking news

Stay Safe,

Nida Zaidi

Maria Wasti Reply On Her Beach Photos | Interview to English Newspaper

0

TV actress Maria Wasti has said that it was strange to see people’s reaction on my personal photograph on beaches. She said that it was annoying and disturbing to see the commentary and captions on those photographs. Maria said this in her recent interview with a leading English newspaper of Pakistan.

“The commentary on those pictures was horrible. How do people behave on beaches? What do they wear? It saddens me to see how people twist things to fit their limited vision,” Maria said regarding those photos which become viral on social networking websites.

Maria also said that it is double standard of our society that we see extra-marital affairs or domestic violence films/dramas of Hollywood and Bollywood but when any Pakistani production house showcase these issue people started to raise their voice against them.

Many Facebook users have once again criticized Maria Wasti on her bold views and are of the view that our society, cultural does not allow these type of thinking and one should remain in limit. What are your views regarding Maria Wasti please comment.

Maria Wasti Reply On Her Beach Photos | Interview to English Newspaper

 

Maria Wasti Reply On Her Beach Photos | Interview to English Newspaper

 

Maria Wasti Reply On Her Beach Photos | Interview to English Newspaper

 

Regards,

 

Ahsan Ejaz 

 

 

Kahi Unkahi Review: Episode 3

0

For me this episode made an excellent impact to unveil the mind-set of Mr. Kamal. He did show a little consideration towards Zoya because his son Sherry wants her to attend his birthday party. Kamal at first tries to ignore but later he approaches Bashir Ahmed, gives him money telling him to buy a suitable dress for Zoya because she has been invited by Sherry. This was the first glimpse that we could see where Kamals’ ego was outbid by his sons’ innocent demand.

Bashir Ahmed takes his daughter for shopping where they are seen by Naila Pervez. She insults them openly & unnecessarily. That was the first time we could see Bashir Ahmed getting upset because he throws away the money given by his employer, till now he has smilingly taken all the humility because he does not want to set any sort of example of inferiority complex in front of his daughter. That scene was rather heart touching because he has done nothing wrong & is only earning a living by simple method. Saira Kamal later approaches him & gifts a dress for Zoya mentioning that she takes Zoya as her own daughter.

The birthday party starts & the snobbish Anum Pervez insults Zoya. Sherry being a sincere friend tries to make her realize that she is wrong but their brothers Shani & Ansar get involved in a fist fight. At that point Naila says that my daughter won’t apologize to a driver’s daughter but Saira Kamal takes the situation in her own hands saying ‘we can not let such complexes infiltrate the minds of our children’. This was exactly the dialogue I was looking for because it was made necessary to let them know where the line should be drawn.

Kamal after expressing his anger at Saira goes to Parvez’s house & apologizes for the behaviour of his sons. Naila then tries to brain feed him by saying that he should part the ways of Sherry & Zoya because they will grow up in a few years time & won’t be able to stay unrelated. Kamal talks to Sairas’ sister & on her advice he sends Sherry to London. Saira in this episode clearly expresses her feelings twice that he has become so inconsiderate & insensitive & he is not the same man she married a few years ago.

In this episode another interesting part was revealed that Zoya lost her mother because Bashir acted like a loyal servant & took Saira Kamal to the hospital when she needed whereas his own wife was suffering & couldn’t survive because of the delay in the treatment. This is another reason why we see Saira being extra attentive towards Zoya because she feels indebted towards that little child.

Now coming to the funny blunder of this episode. They showed 12 years later & still Zoya is in the same school in the same uniform & she has finished her intermediate whereas when she first joined the school she must be (to be on a safer side) in the 4th standard. LOL! It really makes me wonder why the editors do not pay attention to the detail & commit such mistakes. Anyhow it can be over-looked because the drama in it’s own is really going well.

I hope you all will agree to what I have said & share what you all feel about this drama.
Keep supporting,
Cheers,
Zahra Mirza.

Goodbye Ashk – Rest in Peace!

0

Goodbye Ashk – Rest in Peace!Let me start with summing up this final episode. There were lots of ashks in this final episode, everyone cried from Ajo to Major Mansoor. Ajo ko us ki Zebu mil gaye aur Rohail ko us ki Zebu mil gaye pur Madiha ka kiya ho ga:) Rohail has the answer “mein tu kabhi Madiha ka tha hi nahi”. In Madiha’s words, Zebu is Rohails dil and Madiha is like jism….okay I have to admit I totally did not get that! Even though Madiha explained it quite well. So, was this story about Ajo’s Zebu or Rohail’s Zebu? This finale focused as much on Ajjo as it did on Zebu and Rohail.

Enough crazy talk, let’s talk some sense now. Honestly speaking I completely gave up on Ashk a very long time ago but I could not help but watch a few minutes or so of every episode, hoping against hope that the story may change for the better. But Alas, it was not meant to be. There were a few other plays also in this season that were poorly scripted, badly edited and the acting left a lot to be desired for too  but Ashk had much more to its credit, we saw things and heard dialogues that left us baffled. Even in this last episode there were enough dil and jism dialogues to make you cringe. When Madiha summed up what Zebu’s biggest mistake was, I could not believe that she actually said that. It was just plain disgusting when she said “Us ka kasoor yeh hai keh us ne tumhei apne bedroom se nikaal ke mere bedroom tuk anay pe majboor kiya”…c’mon guys this is just not on. Did we ever think that we would get to listen to such lines in our dramas? And as if saying it once wasn’t enough, Madiha said it again just in case anyone missed it the first time!

When I sat down to watch this final episode, I had a very positive frame of mind because even the most disappointing of dramas sometimes have endings that make you relate to the happenings. But guess what I felt absolutely no happiness for any of the characters. For me this was the biggest flaw in Ashk, most of us found it impossible to feel any sympathy or love for any of the characters. No matter how many times Rohail called Zebu a bechari, I failed to feel for her. In the end when the two made up, I should have felt happy for them but the dialogues were so poor that I just breathed a sigh of relief that it was finally over! Zebu ki bhi yehi Sachai hai ke vo sirf Rohail ki hai but I can’t help but wonder Madiha ka kiya ho ga!

I am sorry if this review makes barely any sense but if you people watched this finale, you will know what I mean. Despite of all it’s flaws, Ashk will go down in history as one of those plays that was watched for no real reasons… except for Fawad Khan of course! Ashk gave us tons of “I can’t believe my eyes and ears” moments. There was hardly an episode of Ashk which did not have some “unbelievable” scenes to it’s credit. And yes there was a time when Ashk was the most talked about show also, for all the wrong reasons of course. Usually in the last review of any play we give credit to the team for putting on a great show. All I can say is that Fawad Khan, Mehreen Raheel and Seemi Raheel acted well. The writer of the play should keep our social values in mind next time he sits down to pen down a script and whoever was responsible for the editing should take half the responsibility. Goodbye Ashk…Rest in peace!

Fatima Awan.

Talkhiyan OST (Title Song)

0

Talkhiyan OST (Title Song)The song is ended but the melody lingers on! Talking about a new brand sound track that has captured the attention of millions all the way through its melody, OST of Talkhiyan has made its way to a big hit. The sound track is beautifully sung, giving all the vital sensations and soothes that in reality go well with its lyrics. This is may be the reason the OST has just rolled up the figures of its listeners in one stroke.

Mehwish Hayat, an actresses and moreover an emerging singer, has set out pipes here to sing this sound track in a really distinctive way. Whereas, the co-artist Waqar Ali, the leading superstar of his own ground, made the song laudable and striking with his music and vocals and the thrilling lyrics are done by Sahir Ludhyanvi & Bee Gul. Taken as a whole, the song has just grabbed the limelight in every juncture.

In this day and age OSTs are gaining more market than the albums. The sound tracks added up the remarkable success to drama on top. If we look back, we will jog the time when ‘Humsafar’ looted the applause of millions and billions and QB rushed the rhythm through her magical voice. Also, OST of ‘Shehre zaat’ caught the hearts of people and the classic singer, who is known as the ruler of traditional singing, Abida Perveen gave her all colors to the song. Correspondingly, Ali Zafar and Hadeeqa Kiyani rocked the floorboards by putting their enthusiastic modes and melodious voices in both the versions of ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’ sound tracks. Similarly sound tracks of ‘Meri Behen Maya’, ‘Tanhaiyan Naye Silsilay’, ‘Madiha aur Maliha’, ‘Ashk’, ‘Yahan Piyar Nahi Hai’ and the string goes on and on have made their unbeatable wins.

Well there is a never-ending list of hit sound tracks that had doubled up the spirits of listeners and are still in the hearts of music lovers. By the same token, the recent OST of ‘Talkhiyan’ has drawn together the huge applause and even so the way to go extra miles!

Nida Zaidi

Shahid Afridi to Turn into An Actor With A Movie on His Career

0

Shahid Afridi to Turn into An Actor With A Movie on His CareerAn energetic and enthusiastic man of parts and of course Boom Boom, Shahid Afridi is charged up to hit a biggest six this time by showing his acting skills in film. Amazed!! Yes, now you will see Boom Boom in a leading role of movie where he shows up his
startling performing arts in Pakistan’s first sports film.

The film is based on life and career of Shahid Afridi, giving an idea about the hurdles he might have faced during the course of his long successful trail. In so far as the concept is concerned then it spins around a boy whose inspiration and love for our Boom Boom Afridi is to a great deal that with the passage of time he discovers a Shahid Afridi within himself. Hold on fans! Let’s not unleash everything but wait for the moment when everything unveils its potential and achievement hopefully by April 2013.

The movie is directed and produced by Humayun Saeed. According to Jang Newspaper, Humayun hoped to launch the film concurrently in various countries. Promotion of the film will be started from 2013. Director excitedly said, “We want to take the movie to the global audience and would also try to organize a special screening for our audiences in India.”

The film will be starring some megastars of Pakistan including Javed Sheikh, Aisha Khan, Noman Habib, Humayon Saeed and on top Afridi himself. This is not it! Legendary Pakistani singers Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shafqat Amanat Ali have been
rope in for two songs in the movie.

Seeing that the movie entails the efforts of really big names of Pakistan as well as the charm of Boom Boom is pretty enough to make the viewers crazy about the film, I also have very high expectations, the same as most of the people are already comparing it with ‘Lagaan’, ‘Chak De India’, but I am positive it will be different and fairly as worth watching as them.

Humayun Saeed said, “if we can clap on the fact that their teams won, then why not ours.” I must say it’s a very smart yet reasonable concept to go with as a first move for a movie not only of his career but Pakistan as-well.

We wish you finest luck for such move. Hit the rock!

Nida Zaidi

Faakhir Back with New Song and Music Video ‘Kho Jaon’

0

Faakhir Back with New Song and Music Video ‘Kho Jaon’After the immense controversies, Fakhir Mehmood’s last song

Bari Aapa – An Overview.

0

Kuzey Guney Episode 85 in High Quality 28th December 2013

Mera Yaqeen – An Overview

0

Mera Yaqeen started off with a good note. This serial is directed by the one and only Sarmad Khoosat of Humsafar fame and written by Seema Munaf. It portrayed a perfect couple, Asfan and Maha played by Faisal Qureshi and Sawera Nadeem (the popular couple of Qaid-e-Tanhai), with a perfect family till disaster struck.

On their way home from Maha’s friend Naazish’s wedding (played by Nimra Bucha), they met with a serious accident which paralyzed Maha.

The character of Maha is played brilliantly by Sawera, who is shown paralyzed and almost all her scenes are on the bed. Maha is portrayed as a proud, arrogant and self-centered woman. It is this arrogance which made her force her husband to marry her friend Nazish who had by then, gotten a divorce for the second time. Maha had started feeling insecure after being paralyzed and thought that Nazish would be the best option for Asfan to marry, as he would never be able to love Nazish since she is average looking, simple and ‘nothing’ compared to her. But destiny plays its own game. Asfan got attracted to Nazish’s simplicity and fell for her. That is the main lesson in this show that one should not place themselves above anyone and that is what made me follow this serial in the first place. Maha’s character gets so selfish that one is forced to wonder how a person like Asfan can love her in the first place.

Maha, however, could not accept the fact that Asfan fell for someone like Nazish, whom she had always degraded. From then on starts the journey of Maha’s jealousy and the development of Asfan and Naazish’s beautiful relationship.

Faisal Qureshi has once again proved that he is a brilliant and a versatile actor. He portrays the character of Asfan to perfection, who succumbs unwillingly to the pressure by his wife Maha to marry again and how he struggles to treat his wives equally.

Nimra Bucha’s character Nazish is also played very well by her. However, Nimra needs to do some versatile roles as her character in most of her serials shows the same stereotypical woman of our society.

Another turn off for me in this show was the pace and the screenplay. Since the past few episodes the drama is dragged too much which basically kills the whole charm. The screenplay could also have been better as the scenes are dragged at times. The OST sung by Tina Sani and composed by Waqar Ali is also pretty catching. The lyrics “Mera yaqeen tha ya phir mera gumaan tha…” depicts the feelings of both the women. On one hand, Maha had the Yaqeen or belief that her husband would never love anyone else and on the other hand, Nazish had the Yaqeen that the dreadful phases in her life will pass and she will get happiness too.

The dialogues are also beautiful in this serial especially the ones spoken by Nazish. Another thing that I liked in the serial is the relationship between Nazish and her father, who had always been her support system though the testing phases of her life and has always given her courage.

Sarmad’s cameo in the show as a man under the influence of her sister is appreciable. The acting of the kids is also commendable. Their hate for their stepmother and gradual acceptance is a bit overrated, but acceptable.

But since it is a Sarmad Khoosat serial, viewers did expect something more. The story is good and the actors are brilliant. The direction is fine too, but the drama could have been better if the screenplay was a bit stronger and the story less dragged.

I’ll give this show a rating of 2 and a ½ stars.

Mariam Shafiq

 

Faisal Qureshi’s Brother, Imran Qureshi Became the Artist of the Air-2013

0

Faisal Qureshi’s Brother, Imran Qureshi Became the Artist of the Air-2013The famous quote says, “YOU COULD LOCK the Gasman in a padded cell with some dental floss and a bowl of Jell-O, and he’d find a way to make something to explode.” And Imran Qureshi , a Pakistani artist completely sets here whose talent and art is not valued by Pakistan but talent hits a target no one else can hit and he exactly did so!

Deutsche Bank’s art program has declared Pakistani artist Imran Qureshi as its “Artist of the Year” for 2013. The award honours promising artists who tackle social issues in an individual line of attack and who have created an exceptional opus, which ponders on the two focal points of the Deutsche Bank Collection – works on paper and photography. Following the proposal of Deutsche Bank’s Global Art Advisory Council, the award was proclaimed in Berlin, where Qureshi’s works will be shown in a foremost solo production at the Deutsche Bank Kunst Halle in spring 2013.

“The award means a lot to me,” said Imran meekly. “It’s about a whole programme, which is not only beneficial for the artist but is also a great opportunity for people all over the world to know about that artist through this exhibition. Apart from this, this is good news from Pakistan for Pakistani people and the artistic community, which will project a positive image of the country to the outer world and that is the most important
thing for me.”

Faisal Qureshi, a local comedian and the artist’s brother, expresses his bliss for winning this title. “It is a huge achievement for Pakistan — I am not only proud of him as a brother but also as a Pakistani. When Imran was exhibiting his work and won an award in Sharjah, everyone commented on the impact his work had made and the fact that he was able to tie loudness with subtlety, which allowed him to really stand out.”

Imran Qureshi is one of the mainly essential figures on the Pakistani art landscape. The artist, who was born in 1972, lives in Lahore where he coaches at the National College of Arts. His award tags on Wangechi Mutu in 2010, Yto Barradain 2011, and Roman Ondák in 2012.

Imran you made our heads go up!

Wishes

Nida Zaidi

Son of Sardar turns into a Hit in Pakistan

0

Son of Sardar turns into a Hit in PakistanWell all the gossips remain sideways, the bona fide warfare between Shahrukh Khan’s Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardar has just started! Where JTHJ is going so fine in all the single screens, Son of Sardar has twisted history in Pakistan. The film has made $42000 in the country in just one day, that too on a working day. This is the first instant yet that a bollywood movie has made so well in Pakistan.

Ashwni Dhir’s third directorial project Son of Sardar has been doing amazing business collection at the Box Office. Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt and Sonakshi Sinha starrer has outshined Rs 50 crore mark at the home collection centres in just four days. Son of Sardar, which graced 2,000+ screens on November 13, came up to a extraordinary response. The movie recorded better tenancy in single screens crosswise the country when weighed against to the footfalls in cinema complexes. The movie scraped in Rs 10.72 crore net on the first day of its release.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan is leading Son of Sardar with a giant scope as of now it has been doing actually superior at the single screen and in Mumbai and other municipal cities, but we just don’t have to mull over India for the grossing. Talking about Pakistan, the bordering country, Son of Sardar has done better than SRK’s flick.

Sonakshi Sinha tweeted with high spirits, “Good news folks! In spite of having only 2000 screens SOS has collected 10.72 crore nett on the first day of its release and is only expected to pick up more due to word of mouth and amazing response to the film. Fortunately, the film also created history in Pakistan. Recorded ‘highest ever’ opening day figure of $42,000… That too on a working day! Congratulations and a big THANK
YOU to ALL of Sona’s loyal fans.”

Gear up movie lovers for the new adventurous, humorous and action-full chartbuster!

Best Wishes

Nida Zaidi

Fawad Afzal Khan – Man of His Nature!

0

Fawad Afzal Khan - Man of His Nature!The majestic and modish young man, Fawad Khan is undeniably an apple of everyone’s eye. Fawad is our Pakistani Tom Cruise. He may not be a Scientologist and might be a thousand years younger but he’s acquired the same boy-next-door appealing individuality that Hollywood’s golden boy formerly had. Khan’s popularity makes out no age confines. Little girls, old aunties or young women want him in germane capacity. His fame does not restricted to self-styled girls world only, boys also mull over him as a style icon!

This khan has his own patterns to follow. Sometimes he is appeared as a romantic guy and at times he came into sight as a holy extremist but in any case he has done well to make room in everyone’s heart. Fawad spent his early life in Greece, the UK, and Saudi Arabia and currently settled in Lahore.

The amorous EP facade man first caught our eye when he managed to hold his own next to Shaan in ‘Khuda Ke Liye’. A model, rocker and film superstar, he’s walked on the ramp, rocked mobs and made the drama serial “Humsafar” a runway sensation. With his daintily hew features and trademark blazing gaze, Khan was made to play “Humsafar’s” littered Ashar, the man that every Pakistani woman fantasizes about. Recently, he’s been seen dressed in a beard, the perfect outwit to his boyish charm, giving him a gloomy persona which still has us swooning.

Fawad also played as Mujtaba in ‘Kuch Pyar Ka Pagalpan’ broadcasted on the ARY Digital network in Pakistan. Then this Mujtaba is appeared as Rohail in his subsequent project ‘Ashk’ on Geo Tv. On the whole, Ashk gives a dreadful name to Pakistani serials. There is not anything in it worth watching. The rating that the serial gets is for the fact that it has an astral star cast and has been shot superbly. Fahad is at this time coming up to as ‘Zaroon Junaid’ in forthcoming drama serial ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’. It seems to be a replicate of Asher, the same romancing guy in classy get up. The drama is heading to be televised on Humtv soon.

With the upcoming launch of his clothing line, Silk, Fawad has all and sundry on their toes again. So ladies take hold of garbs branded as Silk and get contented as regards of your dream boy’s fabrication!

Wishes,

Nida Zaidi

Tanhaiyan Naye Silsilay Episode 5 – Going Strong

0

You know what I like about this sequel the most till now; the fact that it is not a thought provoking drama but it still manages to stir all the right emotions in you. All these episodes of TNS have made me cry a tear or two and they have surely made me laugh as well. I think this is nothing short of an achievement. I simply love the simple but heart tugging dialogues and the perfection with which they are delivered is equally impressive. Each episode of TNS leaves me with a nice feeling and definitely makes me come back for more.

I am glad that I was wrong in assuming that there was no emotional value attached to Faran’s loss. It was Apa begum’s son who was responsible for everything that happened to Faran. Some of you may not know who Apa Begum was, she was Faran’s sister, a very strict woman with a rigid set of rules and regulations to run the house.

Even after so many years Sanya still enjoys torturing Qabacha and I absolutely loved all the scenes with Qabacha and Sanya in them. Qabacha is exceptionally cute; innocent like a grown up baby and only Behroze Sabzwari could have pulled off such a complicated character with such ease. After all how many such actors are out there who can look cute playing such a character. I am absolutely certain that the chemistry that exists between Behroze Sabzwari and Marina Khan is unparalleled, the timing, the dialogue delivery and the expressions, all are always spot-on. Muhammad Ahmed and Haseena Moin have done a superb job with writing the script as well otherwise these characters could not have come alive on-screen with such perfection after so many years. All of Qabacha’s dialogues were masterpieces, lines like “Zehn mei kuch sawalat machal rahe thay”, “tandoor wale sahib, majazi khuda, Chandni ke aba”, “alfaz ka aik samandar tha jo behta ja raha tha”…okay they don’t sound that good when you only read them but they were a delight to hear coming from the legend himself!

Must move forward, enough about Qabacha….I could go on forever though and can you blame me? He is so adorable! Some of the viewers were hoping that Zara may still be alive but Aani said it out loud today “Zara hamei chor ke chali gaye ab vo is duniya mei nahi hai”.

Zain’s helplessness regarding Zeenia’s attitude and Zeenia’s attitude towards her father raised a lot of questions in today’s episode as well. The scene where Zeenia shows Zain her passport and Sanya hugs her was wonderfully done. I got a felling that Sophia, the new character, with whom Zain was talking to on the phone has something to do with the tension between the father and daughter.

There was enough of Zarak Khan (Shehryar Munawar) in this episode and I must say that it may take me sometime to like him. I find the excessive make up that our male actors wear extremely distracting and Shehryaar Munawar was wearing a lot of it. Zarak Khan will have to try harder to win me over unlike all the other characters with whom I fell in love with almost immediately. The Zeenia/Zarak Khan confrontations seemed a little over done maybe because I am not being very fair and comparing them to Qabacha and Saniya!

Tanhaiyaan undoubtedly is going strong and gives me something to look forward to every week. I am hoping that the Zeenia/Zarak track grows on me soon!

Fatima Awan.

Cable Operators’ Strike – Who Is responsible?

0

We all know that the Cable Operators in many parts of the country have gone on strike but how many of us know the reason behind it? PEMRA asked all cable operators to stop showing Indian channels and as a protest they decided to put a self imposed ban on the Pakistani channels as well because they think that their business will suffer because of the ban on Indian channels. I think we have all discussed in detail in one of my previous articles that India has not allowed Pakistani channels access in its own country because they feel that the content is anti India. I watch many Pakistani dramas and to the best of my knowledge no Pakistani drama promotes anti Indian sentiment. It sounds like more of an excuse than anything else.

The question here is that who really is responsible for the cable operators going on strike? I think it is the viewers who are responsible, those people who despite of so much quality entertainment on our own channels cannot do without Indian channels. I personally know people myself who can’t live without watching the soaps on Sony and Star Plus. Is that bad? Most certainly not. That is their choice and they are free to watch what they want. But what is wrong is that they fail to see what is in our national interest. Is it justified that Pakistanis should drive themselves crazy watching Indian shows and channels, when the Indian government does not want to give Pakistani entertainment industry any kind of exposure on their television. I think it is a two way street and PEMRA is justified in imposing this ban and I support it wholeheartedly. If people join hands they can turn the decision of the cable operators around. I would hate to see the government succumbing to the demand of the cable operators, that to me would be like making a complete fool of ourselves and sends the wrong message. India has imposed a ban on all Pakistani channels for more than a decade now and the government has had many talks with India on the issue but they refuse to life the ban.

You can help by letting your Local cable Operator know that you will still pay his dues and use his services even if he does not promote Indian Channels. If all of us do this, there will be no reason for the strike and it will be called off soon enough. No one wants to shut down their businesses; they only do so to safeguard their own interests which are most often dependent on the viewers.

 

Saud.

Mikaal To Make His Career In India – Two More Films Signed!

0

Mikaal To Make His Career In India - Two More Films Signed!The hottie and striking guy ‘Mikaal Zulfiqar’ is figuratively cherished above others. He is a renowned British-Pakistani actor and one of the most leading models. And now for all again he has stood up for his prospect two Bollywood movies. Good news for his fans! The guy has recently signed up two Bollywood films.

By 2008, the model-cum-actor Mikaal Zulfiqar had stepped in Bollywood world. He wedged his first Bollywood smash through “Shoot on Sight” along with several precedent superstars like Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah in 2008.

He came into sight as a lead in another project named “You Are My Jaan”. Where he engaged in a character of business tycoon who fell in love with a hopeful actress but dead luck hit him this time as well! In the vein of his first film even this movie failed to obtain gratitude even in the eyes of Mikaal’s willing fans.

He might’ve tracked off his career by emerging in a cheesy Abrarul Haq video (Sano Tere Naal Pyar Ho Gaya anyone?),  but in a little while enough, Mikaal Zulfkar was walking the ramp for top designers, appearing in dramas, starring in comical Ufone advertisements and dating the Pakistani Kareena Kapoor — Zara Sheikh.

His dynamic expressions and comic timing in Ufone ads have an out of the ordinary following. Mikaal’s versatility as an actor makes us want to believe that he has uncountable sides to his personality which just makes the complete package all the more fascinating. He has been nominated for the Lux Style Award also in 2008.

Seeing as everything good is married, fattening or illegal, this superior thing is also taken. He got married to Iris and now going with a happy and joyful life.

Well we all support his recent stride to prove his talent in his next two Bollywood movies. We know this hottie can even whack the arena.

Wishing you all the best for a Bang!

Nida Zaidi

Zindagi Gulzar Hai OST to Give Competition to Humsafar Track!

0

Zindagi Gulzar Hai OST to Give Competition to Humsafar Track!Pakistani Drama industry is famous around the world for crafting true stories into the most presentable form through heart touching acting skills and Humtv is at an apex when we talk on the subject of drama. Here goes one more success in the bag at the same time as Humtv is broaching another smash hit “Zindagi Gulzar Hai”. The drama has already stockpiled tons of fame and recognition among the viewers before getting on air. Especially its original sound track draws together surfeit applause from the public.

As the name Zindagi gulzar hai put across its ample meaning of golden times, pleasure and contentment, the vocals of Ali Zafar and Hadiqa Kiyani accolade this song which simultaneously revamps the entire drama. Ali Zafar, the all time favorite soloist of Pakistan, has just sung wonderfully expressing the bona fide pleasure, sentiments and a mixture of colors of life. But this is not up to scratch! Ali yet again comes up with all his individual creation. His vocals are not only the grounds of such prolonged applause; the tribute goes to Ali again since music and lyrics are done by him. Ali’s version is as sensational as ever!

On the other hand, Hadiqa’s voice has smacked the juncture! Effective lyrics, energetic and melodious voice, and sensational music, certainly the fusion of all has won an edge over others! It’s an absolute version wrapping up all the emotions in it. Hadiqa’s version is a combination of variant talents, Shani Haider’s composition and Naseer Turabi’s lyrics are set all equivalent to its grand hit.

Zindagi Gulzar Hai is an urdu novel of a myth writer ‘Umera Ahmed’ whereas Sultana Siddiqui directed the serial and Momina Duraid is credited for its production. Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, and Mehreen are casted as a lead role in this up-and-coming bristle. The drama is going to broadcast on 30th November, Friday on Humtv!

So guys be all set yourself for another clout!

Nida Zaidi

Zindagi Gulzar Hai – Postponed!

0

Zindagi Gulzar Hai – Postponed!What a sad sad sad news and I need not mention just how upset I am after hearing it! Zindagi Gulzar Hai has been postponed till 30th November because of the strike by the cable operators. The Hum TV team must feel that all the viewers may not be able to watch this show because of the strike and they would obviously want to reach maximum people. My cable TV is working fine though (I hope I don’t sound selfish!), I was all set to watch this show today, and found myself literally counting every hour. There are so many people who watch dramas online any way *sigh*.

The excitement with which I was looking forward to this show cannot possibly be put into words and I know for a fact that I was not the only one counting weeks, days and minutes. The show may not be going on air today but I must write about it, so that all of us get a chance to share with each other how we feel about this upcoming serial. Were you looking forward to this first installment, the same way I was? What were the reasons for it?

Zindagi Gulzar Hai was the first novel written by Umera Ahmed, a writer “whose script is a winner every time and every channel wants it”, and when I say that I am quoting Momina Duraid (The producer of this drama). Momina Duraid also mentioned that Umera Ahmed basically wrote this novel in order to test her writing skills, to find out whether she really had what it took to be a writer. Later, when she sent her story to a digest, so that they might consider publishing it,it got a very positive response and there was no looking back after that. The drama has been directed by Sultana Siddiqui, a very gifted director, who gave up directing a long time back but it was only on the insistence of Umera Ahmed that she decided to direct this drama. So, this drama would also mark the comeback of one of the most talented directors in our industry. Fawad Khan failed to impress many of us with his character in Ashk and I have complete faith that Zaroon will make us forget all about Rohail, if not Asher! In fact I absolutely loved Zaroon and Kashaf both in the promos…the love and the enmity both have been captured very nicely. The Zindagi Gulzar Hai show and promos aroused even more curiosity and anticipation just seemed to grow with every passing day. The entire team looked like one big happy family in the launch show and I absolutely love the concept behind the story. The title of the play itself is simply beautiful “Zindagi Gulzar Hai”…yes life is a beautiful thing or as they say it is a beautiful struggle; it should be rejoiced and celebrated, every step of the way. I have not read the novel but have very high expectations from the play.

We have seen Hina Bayat play the mother so many times, first in Mata-e-Jaan, then In Shehr-e-Zaat and nowadays in Aik Naye Cinderella but the promos suggest that her character is going to be different from what she has done previously. She would be playing a mother and a wife whose priorities in life are completely different from those of the characters she played earlier. Javed Sheikh and Behroze Sabzwari both are all time favorites. The good news is that Samina Peerzada is not playing the Naani this time but the mother. Honestly speaking it is absolute pleasure watching her on-screen every time.

My favorite scene from all the promos I have seen so far has to be the confrontation in the library, where Kashaf shouts at Zaroon. What I liked about this particular scene was Sanam Saeed’s acting. In just those few seconds or so she managed to give away a lot about her character; a girl who is trying to be very strong but is in fact all broken up from inside (because she goes outside and cries).

So, how did you like the promos? And how do you feel about the show and how disappointed are you that it has been postponed?

Fatima Awan.

Actresses who need to switch from young Roles to the Senior ones!

0

Actresses who need to switch from young Roles to the Senior ones!Pakistani media industry is at its height of eminence and glamour in this day and age. Beauty, fame, shine, blush, allure are all the high-flying rudiments of media and Pakistani media is no more missing at the rear in this itinerary. The stunning and alluring Pakistani drama actresses are famous all over the world as of their natural acting and proficiencies as well as in their good looks. The actresses, who are getting on in years and are still performing with the juvenile and young actors as a heroine is really absurd and ridiculous!

Pakistani actresses have really impressed the viewers of entire above the world but the audiences really feel like to see some spanking new faces in place of older and fade facades. However, there are few faces that are over the hill but performing with the fresh actors in young roles is just making senseless as viewers are no more wishing to see the oldies in childish and romancing characters. The actresses like Sadia Imam, Mishi Khan, Komal Rizvi, Resham, Ayesha Khan, Mahnoor Baloch, Mona Lisa; they are a bit long in a tooth for romancing characters and babyish roles but coming in such roles is often seen as concealing their age and pretending themselves as younger than the young and fresh actresses. They really need to take retirement rather than up-and-coming in the midst of fiction roles.

It is the epoch when Pakistani media industry is continuously producing new talent for their drama serials. The extravagant Pakistani television channels are a right place for new and young faces to grow and flourish in Pakistani showbiz. The days for typical vamps have gone now! People in actuality desire to see new-fangled and dazzling faces in mesmerizing roles. These days, new charming flair has captured the screens and has turned out to be most demanding actresses everywhere. Saba Qamar, Sanam Baloch, Aiza Khan, Mahira Khan, Syra Yousaf, Alishba Yousuf, Neelam Muneer, Sajal Ali, Marwa and Urwa and many more have just confined the cameras to themselves in romancing roles with different actors which go well simultaneously.

The over-expressive, make-up loaded and super-conniving vamps of the small screen have to fade away, making space for realistic characters with blooming, girlish and fledgling faces. We are now longing to look at freshies instead of oldies!

Wishes,

Nida Zaidi

Humaima Malick Received another Award for her phenomenal performance in shoaib mansoor’s Bol

0

Humaima Malick Received another Award for her phenomenal performance in shoaib mansoor's Bol

The stupendous and outstanding Pakistani Film actress Humaima Malik, is

Pakistani actress Humaima goes glamorous in ‘Sher’

0

Pakistani actress Humaima goes glamorous in ‘Sher’

Pakistani actress Humaima Malick, for her poignant performance in the unconventional movie BOL, this star lady has won prestigious awards throughout. Gifted with natural intelligence and beauty she has touched the hearts of millions by playing a role of Zainab in Shoaib Mansoor’s BOL. Now Humaima is all set to take the lead role in an upcoming Bollywood movie “Sher” with the big names of Bollywood planet i.e. Sanjay Dutt, Paresh Rawal and Vivek Oberoi.

The film is directed by the well-known Soham Shah, who tapped the apexes of fame and success in his last two movies, Luck and Kaal. The film is to be shot in Jaipur, Gujarat and Rajasthan and sources reveal that it is undeniably a heavy budget film of Bollywood film industry. Humaima will be made out in drop dead gorgeous epitome in Shah’s Sher.

Soham Shah notified, “Humaima is playing a prominent role in the film. She is playing a Bollywood actress. It’s a period film and she has got a glamorous look in the film unlike ‘Bol’.”

Humaima Malick is born to be a star. It looks as if she is destined to achieve prominence at a very young age of her life. Victory is constantly seemed in her bag, whether it’s the Best Actress award at the 11th Lux Style Awards 2012 or Best Actor Female award at London Asian Film Festival.

While working out for the best, Humaima has passionately declared that, “I feel I’m crossing the border with a role that echoes my earlier film. Like my character in Bol, here too, my character revolts against patriarchy. I am not just the male protagonist’s wife.”

The huge talented actor Sanjay Dutt, who has done different kinds of roles from an ordinary lover boy to a mobster to comedian and has carried to life a good number of characters that could be an inspiration for the new breed of actors, Humaima is said to being mentored by Dutt. Not only he has taken her under his wing and is guiding her about work in the Soham Shah’s film “Sher”, but he’s also counseling her on how to go about her career in showbiz.

The film shooting is almost completed and it will soon be released by the end of this year. Shah verified, “We have finished the entire shooting of the film and just two songs are left. They have to be shot with Humaima. This is not an item number, but the audience will see Humaima’s dance number in one of the songs.” “We shot the entire film in July and August in Jaipur. It was a 50-day schedule,” he added.

We hope Humaima will gain an edge with a new blockbuster!

Nida Zaidi

The Most Annoying Hosts

0

Please don’t judge me after reading the title, I am not some self proclaimed critic but just an ordinary viewer like you and the reason I am writing this article is so that I can share how I feel about some of the overrated, glorified, puffed up hosts in our industry. I was just watching television (or switching channels would be more like it), the reason I could not make myself stop on one channel was because of some of these hosts. They host some very important shows on different channels and I have given them a fair shot too, somehow they just annoy me every time I try to make myself watch one of their programs. Here are the names of some of the hosts who I have no idea why people like because I can’t stand them.

Sahir Lodhi:
The Most Annoying HostsThis “gentleman” has earned this top spot. I have watched many of his shows so I know only too well why I findhim so annoying.He is so full of himself. His expressions, body language, the way he dresses up, the way he tries to convince you that he was raised in England and his Urdu is very weak, infuriates me. The interesting thing is that most often his shows deal with topics that are very engaging but he ruins it all because of his hosting. I was watching one of his shows in which he was interviewing a girl who was a rape victim, while taking a commercial break, he said “we will be back after a short break, jaye ga nahi, kahani mei abhi aur bhi twists hei”. I thought this was such an insensitive thing to say. So, let me add that this host needs to learn some manners as well.

 

Shaista Lodhi:

Shaista Lodhi is another host who is so conscious about her looks and her body language that it is impossible for a viewer to feel comfortable watching her on-screen. There is hardly ever a time when the content of her show is good. Just distributing designer clothes to your viewers does not ensure the success of your morning show; one must work harder than that. I wonder why she is hosting a morning show on one of the top Pakistani channels.

Nida Yasir:

The Most Annoying Hosts

I liked Nida Yasir before she joined the rat race and lost the charm she once had because she was so genuine. That was the one thing about her that was very appealing. Nida Yasir always finds it very difficult to find the right words to express how she feels and her morning show relies on music more than anything else. The jokes are lame and she lacks the spontaneity that is needed to host a live show.

 

 

 

 

Hira And Mani:

The Most Annoying Hosts

These two host less and argue more. Hira’s arms are all over the place and she is checking herself in the camera all the time. Her dressing is disturbing to say the least. Mani hardly ever lets his wife talk and the two are constantly in an odd competition with each other. Their show is another one which is always ill planned.

I am sorry for sounding a little harsh but these hosts really need to brush up their hosting skills. What is your opinion about these hosts? If you are one of those people who like them, please tell me why, maybe I will get convinced!

Saud.

Ali Zafar Succeeded to be the 3rd Most Googled Singer in India!

0

Ali Zafar Succeeded to be the 3rd Most Googled Singer in India!

A luminary and a Big name Ali Zafar, is not only known to Pakistan, but his unbeaten success goes the extra miles beyond the boundaries as well. He is a real star with both hands full of bonfire talents in various professions. He hit a home run in every field and now he is up with his new strike, also has become the third most Googled musician in India.

In a power list printed by an Indian Magazine “Variety Magazine”, a Google Zeitgeist ranking is quoted. Ali followed the lead of Jagjit Singh and Bhimsen Joshi. Ali is a person with a blessing in divulgence that is, his every superior flair is recognized at first that brings him up as a musician, composer, song writer, singer, actor, painter and model, and popular for his music, acting in Pakistani dramas and now movies. As his all work gets done in fullness of time, this may be the top secret behind his worldwide success and bagged honors.

Well this is not the end! We have further good news for his fans. Ali has now put his shoulders to come up with a new Bang! Currently he is working on his fourth studio album, set to be released next year. Now with a little more wait, his fans will enjoy his entirely different melodies in his up-to-the-minute album. Not only this, interestingly his fourth movie ‘Chashme Baddoor’ is all geared up to release on February 22, 2013. So fans be ready to rock out next year.

Ali Zafar has built a big fan following throughout recent years. And he has demonstrated that he is not only a good actor, model, singer and but also a music director as he had tried out his third album with Sufi music titled “JHOOM” which has topped the charts in both Pakistan and India for some weeks, the same as of his earlier two hit pop albums ‘Huqa Pani’ and ‘Masty’.

We wish him good luck to continue his success trail!

“Kambakht- My next Film Has a Market”, Says Hamza Ali Abbasi

0

Hamza Ali Abbasi, a man who has proved himself as a capable film-maker and an adorable actor, is now all set with her next film venture, Kambakht, after the considerable success of his earlier projects, namely Mudhouse and the Golden Doll. While talking about his New project, Abbasi revealed that the film holds a quality humor, making it as an special ‘edition’ of the comedy films that are produced in Pakistan.

Although Hamza Ali Abbasi, beside been an exceptional film-maker, is a an actor by nature too, despite of his good looks and sensational personality has casted Ahsan Khan and Shafqat Cheema for the lead roles.

The Story revolves around the lives of two friends, who found themselves to land up with similar circumstances, although been belonging to two different worlds. Shafqat Cheema is going to play a role of a boy who is shown as a victim of Social regression, on the contrary to which, Ahsan Khan would represent the lifestyle of a city boy of Islamabad.

As Hamza hopes, this film will target a mass audience, attracting people of all ages, of all social classes. What makes this project different from the previous ones is the fact that Hamza has invested a lot more than that he did on Mudhouse and Golden Doll. Since his debut, Abbasi has always come up with something new, as cheaply as possible. Even the last project was based on the budget of Rs. 25,000 only. How strange is that!

Kambakht, the movie has also a privilege that the story has been written by this talented hunk himself. According to Hamza, “This Film has a Market”, shows that he is hopeful for a huge success.

Let’s see how things turn out to be for Ahsan Khan as the audience is looking for something new from his side. Best Wishes to Hamza Ali Abbasi for his upcoming projects,

Nida Zaidi

Azaan Sami to direct film in Pakistan

0

Azaan Sami to direct film in PakistanTaking a deeper notice of the existing Talent in Pakistan, it would be evident that the country is overloaded with the talented and passionate people. Here comes another juvenile budding talent, the dead ringer of Adnan Sami, his son Azaan Sami. Following the footsteps of his father by coming in the music industry of India, he is now up to direct a Lollywood movie featuring multitalented Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah and actress Iman Ali will be starring this movie as a leading character.

It has turned into quite the order of the day for children to desire to follow in their celebrity parents’ footsteps. This zealous teenage guy has got down to brass tacks to open his way to Pakistan’s film industry and nowadays he is busy in preparation of his upcoming film. Azaan is in the collaboration with his mother “Zeba Bakhtiar” and the famous TV and film story writer Zafar Mairaj, who is writing the story of his imminent film, soon will appear on big screen with
his film.

As Adnan Sami and Azaan, both father and son belong to Pakistan, they are making film on the story of Pakistani society and its dynamics, views expressed by the story writer Zafar Mairaj. This movie is going to convey a great message and significance to Pakistani people and nation. In this film it will be shown that how a leader step forward to resolve the tribulations of a country. This movie will certainly hit the mindsets of Pakistani nation. Where the moral of the movie is concerned, it will present a point that if you need a change in your country, be the first one to come into real action. You will have to change yourself first, and this will absolutely come up with a huge revolution in country.

Being a son of legendary music composer Adnan Sami Khan, Azaan will compose the music of this movie himself, whilst Iman Ali and Naseeruddin Shah, Noman Ejaz, Adnan Sami Khan, Shan and other big names will be playing diverse roles in the movie.

Well we hope this young talented boy will reach the heights of success!

Ainak Wala Jin- The Sequel to Start Soon! Latest Reveal

0

After a month of Sundays, the second part of Ainak Wala Jin is going to reappear on PTV soon which had reached to the heights of popularity during 1993-1996 in thecourse of its first part. It has been noted that a new trend is coming into the limelight where the producers and directors are found to take the full advantage of the popularity that some old dramas earned. Recently, Tanhaiyaan- the sequel appeared on the screen that was taken open handedly by the audience and now the next on dial is ‘Ainak Wala Jin’, which would be given a name of ‘Nastoor Ki Wapsi’.

Shahzad Qaisar, the central character of Ainak Wala Jin in the first part, told,

“We will start the series from where its first part ended. The drama series is being started again to provide fun in a healthy atmosphere to people belonging to all age groups including children, women and men.”

He added that the viewers would be able to take pleasure from picturesque beauty of many areas of Pakistan including Azad Kashmir and also the play would have a lot more entertainment for the viewers as its writer Tariq Sahili had made a mindful endeavor to let not miss the single moment to enjoy and fun.

Qaisar articulated his bliss on the drama and stated, “When your name is associated with such a popular character, it becomes rather difficult to adjust to another [character]. I consider myself lucky — I am making a comeback in the same role.”

The drama of behind the times is now coming up with new-fangled touches. The scriptwriter Muhammad Tariq aka Tariq Sahili told the paper regarding all innovations they made in the second season, “We have added animations, graphics and have created a futuristic story by adding aliens who have come to conduct research in the world but the element of travel and adventure still remains.”

Sahili said that the series was being commenced following great demand from its fans, who had become fed up with the culture of filthy dialogues and other negative policies being used in dramas and television shows in the name of entertainment.

He further said that almost all team of the series would be the same except those actors which had to be changed because of their age. Moreover, Idrees Adil would be a director of the series and Shafqat Cheema would play role of villain.

Munna Lahori expressed his contentment to his fans who have appreciated him throughout his life and said while promoting the second season, “The drama has really been written in such a modern and scientific way, that even kids who like Harry Potter and other fantasy series, will appreciate this show.”

Let’s gear up ourselves for new adventure!

 

Nida Zaidi

Shehr-e-Zaat – Facebook Wars.

0

Shehr-e-Zaat was the most talked about show when it went on air, people talked about everything from the inspirational message it contained to whether Falak should or should not be wearing a duppatta. I have seen more comments under the Shehr-e-Zaat video thread than anywhere else and more likes for its video than for any other. Many people said that the drama changed their lives in many ways. Shehr-e-Zaat has ended but it is still the most talked about drama, not because people are still impressed by it but because of the rift it caused between the writer Umera Ahmed, the channel on which it was being aired and the director Sarmad Khoosat.

 The rift started when Umera Ahmed Official facebook page gave the status after the 16th episode that Umera Ahmed wrote the script for 16 episodes only and it was being stretched unnecessarily. Hum TV apologized for doing so and everything was settled for the time. Although there were many viewers who complained because they felt that the drama had lost it’s magic. Shehr-e-Zaat was followed by many fans nevertheless.

 The real problem started when Umera Ahmed official facebook page once again told the viewers that the lines in the play ““cheezain behaya nahin hoteen, jo kucch un say mansookh kya jata hay woh behaya hota hay” were not in the original script and were added to the script by the director without the consent of the writer and Umera Ahmed was going to take up the matter with the production house. Some people said that they liked the lines; others remarked that they never thought they could have been written by Umera Ahmed. All said and done, we thought that Umera Ahmed and the entire team had moved on and good times were going to roll in but then the day the Shehr-e-Zaat show Shehr-e-Zaat- Ek Safar was going to be aired, Sarmad Khoosat’s official Facebook page status update stated that he as the director of the serial had disowned Shehr-e-Zaat, which meant he was deeply offended by something and did not want to have anything to do with the drama he worked so hard on. That is the reason that Saramd Khoosat was totally absent from Shehr-e-Zaat- Ek safar.

 No one knows what was it that hurt Sarmad so much that he decided to disown his own work. Shehr-e-Zaat should have been remembered for reasons other than the one I mentioned but sadly due to these latest developments, everyone is talking about the controversies surrounding the play. Even if the writer had some problems with the production house or the director she should not have told everyone about it by putting it on her facebook page. And no matter how offended the director was he should have told people the reason for it and not given up completely on a project he worked so hard on. It is being said that the production house did not support Sarmad Khoosat and neither did anyone else and that is the main reason for him being so upset. Well, whatever it is I hope everyone can work out their differences and work together once again.

 Saud.

Let’s Talk About Dramas.

0

When I think of all the dramas that went on air this year, I can’t help but think that there were countless dramas which I started watching with great interest and found them engaging too but after ten episodes or so I completely lost interest in these plays and thought that I would probably catch up after the 20th episode or so. Has this ever happened with you? You started watching a play, enjoyed the story and acting and then lost interest in it after a few episodes? I would like to point out some of the reasons why this happens and how it can be avoided.

Firstly, in my opinion the producers need to stop stretching the plays to 20 episodes plus. If a play can be decently wrapped up in 15 episodes than why add five or more episodes? Obviously this is done in order to gain revenue. When a play is doing well it is extended unnecessarily in particular even if some of the episodes have to be added later on, case in point, Hamsafar and Shehr e Zaat. Durr e shehwar was one play that ended decently and was not stretched without end and therefore engaged its audience right till the end. In fact many people did not want it to end that early, is that not a better feeling than wanting the play to be finally over? Even with Hamsafar I remember feeling that the whole misunderstanding bit was being stretched without end.

When the dramas are stretched, the dialogues tend to be repetitive and the scenes too long which makes it difficult to look forward to the play week after week and catching up with it after a couple of weeks or so seems like the right thing to do.

Secondly, single track stories or a side track that is not interesting enough also makes a play less engaging. When the focus is on one person only or just one family it is nothing short of a feat to keep the interest of the audience alive. There should be multiple tracks in a play in order to make it more appealing.

Thirdly, Some of our dramas just become a little too serious and it would be a brilliant idea if there could be a comic character or a lighter side track in every play in order to break the monotony and bring a smile on people’s faces. Serious issues need to be addressed by our dramas but a lighter side track won’t hurt. In that way we can have some wholesome entertainment.

Fourthly, introducing new couples on-screen would also break the monotony. Our drama industry is blessed with some amazing actors and it is not that difficult to keep on experimenting by pairing different actors on-screen. We have enough bright directors too to create good chemistry between them, so why not.

Share with us how you feel about the points I discussed and if you would want to see these changes in our dramas.

 

Fatima Awan.

Zesty Zhalay – An Exclusive Interview

0

A list model Zhalay Sarhadi would set the ramp ablaze as soon as she would setfoot on the runway! She was the tops! She could be seen sashaying down the runway in beautiful creations of some or the other designers or gracing covers of leading glossies till a few years back – and then she disappeared. Soon we heard Zhalay had tied the knot and before we knew it, good news in the form of a beautiful baby girl was heard. After having stayed away from the limelight for quite a few years, Zhalay recently staged a comeback in showbusiness and is at it once again! Acting!

Pakistan Today caught up with the zany girl to find out what’s up her sleeve this time. Here are excerpts of the interview.

Q: Actor, wife and a mom… how do you do it all?

A: Juggling has always been my forte. I am very clear about the tasks on hand and prioritise things accordingly. I adore being a mum, wife and an actor and manage to divide time between the three successfully. But most importantly since my husband is so supportive of my work, things somehow fall into place beautifully.

Q: How do you manage to stay on top of the game?

A: Like I said, I know my priorities, I’m a hard worker and don’t shirk from going an extra mile… hence I make it work. I’m still a bit short of being top of the game though!

Q: How’s life after marriage and a kid? How does that affect your work?

A: Life is awesome after marriage career-wise… It was a setback after my baby came into our lives but now I have reached a point where I can work and be a good mom at the same time. It takes a little practice and conditioning but ‘where there’s a will there’s a way!

Q: In Pakistan the general conception is that post marriage your career as a celebrity ends. Your take on that!

A: It’s not just a conception but a fact of life and not just inPakistanbut all over the world. Having said that, I feel this is more a cause of concern for film actors rather than ones working on the small screen. From experience I have learned that in fact people relate more with married women with children than with single females. At least I have been very lucky… For me it has been the other way around. My career is going strong even post marriage, so I have no complaints really.

Q: What’s happening on the work front? What’s taking up most of your time these days?

A: Acting has been taking up my time currently. I am doing serials for various channels and I’m enjoying the variety of characters I have and will be portraying in upcoming projects. Some of the projects I am involved in are SISKIAN, KAHI UNKAHI, MADIHA MALIHA and AKS.Also, as my little one is growing up real fast, al the time not spent working is devoted and dedicated to her. I feel blessed.

Q: What are you concentrating on currently – modelling, acting or entrepreneurship?

A: Acting has been and will always be my first love – modelling is restricted to occasional print shoots and commercial films. And through my work, I have also become an entrepreneur.

 Q: You were among the A-list models before you tied the knot. And then you disappeared from the fashion scene altogether. Why so?

A: Leaving modelling was a conscious decision on my part and it had nothing to do with my marriage. I did not enjoy the peer pressures of a certain body image and of plastic looks. It was making me highly insecure with my own self and I am a confident person.Thus did not return to ramp modeling after I made a comeback in showbiz.

Q: Do you think our models have the capacity of matching the best in this business elsewhere in the world or even our neighbours India?

A: Well, yes and no! There are a lot of subdivisionings in modelling. To be on the ramp you have to be above 5ft 9”. We have very few models inPakistanwho can meet the criterion. If you move towards the looks department, we are as beautiful as anyone else. So it can safely be said that as far as print media and commercials go we are confident about ourselves. Another area where we lag behind is grooming or more appropriately, the lack of it. Our models only learn the ropes after tons of experience. At the time when we step in this field, we are not taught the art of carrying ourselves.

Q: Do you think our industry or market is big enough to give our models the opportunity to do that?

A: Definitely yes! Our industry is sufficiently big and is steadily widening its horizons. We are getting more and more professionals on board who are helping it prosper. Especially with the launch of Fashion TV inPakistanthe opportunities for people related to the fashion industry have doubled. Modelling is now being recognised as a profession, owing also to the exposure people are getting through the cable television.

Q: Is modelling a lucrative business? What’s the commercial aspect of modelling besides the fame and glamour factor?

A: Modelling does pay but not as well as it should, primarily because we have lesser fashion shows, and secondly because our media does not give models their due respect and hype which is why we have no stars. It’s the same in the showbiz circle. It is growing though, and so I think the monetary aspect would improve too. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and make a plea to all our media kings to please support our artists as we have to compete with the world as a joined force and not an embittered one.

Q: How important is a model in the marketing of a brand?

A: A model plays an important role in the presentation of a brand because we are the ones on screen. We are the link between the clientele and the product. If the link is weak and a model is unimpressive the effect of the product is lost on the people. That is exactly the reason that the larger the brand the more they emphsise on using a top class model to promote the product. Take the example of Lux, Pepsi, Coke, etc. all have notable stars as their ambassadors.

Q: What has been the contribution of models in the success of brands?

A: Lending their personalities, grace and power of conviction have been the models’ contributions in an advertisement campaign or a fashion shoot. Fashion is all about visual play of beauty and expression, with creativity brought in by designers and make-up artists. If all of this works in sync, then there is nothing but success. Most importantly, the product should be up to the mark and deliver whatever it promises.

Q: What in your opinion is the average life of a model/actor?

A: There is no fixed age limit for a model – we have models in their early forties! For an actor the lines are even more hazy.

Q: What do you feel about the latest crop of young actors. Are they serious enough about their work?

A: I feel that the latest crop of actors have entered a world of cut-throat-competition so the going is really tough – they are more dedicated, hard working and focused than our earlier lot!

Q: Your favourite model locally and internationally… 

A: Rabia Butt locally; and even though she is now ancient Emaan was regal on the catwalk!

Q: People you adore working with?

A: Imran Abbas, Zainab Qayoom and Juvaria Abassi.

Interview by Semeha Khalid for Lounge 

Faisal Qureshi Descriptive Interview

0

Faisal Qureshi is one of the most versatile actors of our country. He has marvelous acting skills that make him stand high among the crowd of many. Over the years, Faisal has carved a niche for himself with his stunning performances in many super-hit drama serials. From his rustic role in Boota from Toba Tek Singh to his critically acclaimed character of Ayaz in Roag, from his intensely moving performance in Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan to his comic character in Kis Din Mera Viyaah Howay Ga, he has proved time and again that he can portray any character with ease. This gifted actor believes he has a long way to go. Recently, MAG caught up with Faisal and talked about his passion for acting. Excerpts:

How would you describe your transition as an actor from your popular character Boota to your character in Sabz Pari Lal Kabootar?
After getting my big break from Boota from Toba Tek Singh, I had no specific plans, but by the grace of Allah, I was lucky enough that offers started pouring in. I never wanted to become a hero, what I had planned was to get into that selected list of versatile actors and to be recognised as one. That was my ultimate goal and I set my mind to work hard and achieve it. Although, I also played those run-of-the-mill kind of characters in the beginning but as I developed as an actor I started getting really good offers. Now, I am at that stage of my career, where I can choose to do whatever I want.

How has the experience of hosting a morning show been? And how is your show different from other shows?
The experience has been amazing and the best part is that I am directly connected to my fans. When I am on air, I am the way I am in real life and I do not fake anything. Similarly, my show is different in a way that I have never organised a wedding week or a supernatural show. I try my best to raise social issues and discuss those instead.

Drama serial Jahez throws light on the social custom of dowry. What is your say on Sheikhoo’s character in the serial? Do you think such characters exist in our society?
Well… they certainly do exist. They are influenced by their parents, who put pressure on them and manipulate them. I believe that guys who are being manipulated like this can play a vital role if they change their attitude. So, I really hope that people will learn a lesson from Sheikhoo’s character.

How was your experience of Nachle 4?
It was great, because there is so much talent in our country. Although, it’s true that we still have a long way to go in order to make our mark in dancing, however, 3 or 4 guys in this season of Nachle are truly spectacular. I believe they can prove themselves as great dancers.

Have you experienced any real life nightmares?
I do not think so, because I never plan things. I just work hard, do my best and leave the result on Allah. So even now, things tend to shape up on their own and opportunities keep coming. I am getting great offers, so I would say that I am truly blessed that way and I do not experience any nightmares at all.

Is there a particular role that you want to play but have never been offered?
No, it has never happened to me. However, there were a few serials which I refused but there was always a perfectly good reason behind my refusal. Sometimes, I felt that I had done something similar before that so I declined the offer. For instance, Ashar’s role in Humsafar was offered to me but I refused, because I felt that the character was a blend of the characters I depicted in Qaid-e-Tanhai and Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan. Similarly, Zard Mausam was also offered to me but I refused. I believe if I had done these serials instead, I would not have created that much of an impact which was made by Fawad or Faisal Rehman. So there are no regrets, somebody had to do it eventually.

What kind of training/education do you recommend for acting?
There are so many top-notch acting schools in the world, but I do not know of any famous actor who went to such schools to get trained for acting. It is a fact that you cannot learn acting from any institute, no matter how good it is. What these schools teach is just basic knowledge about acting that polishes the natural talent and nothing else. There are so many gifted actors in our country at the moment like Sajid Hassan, Faisal Rehman, Talat Hussain, Qavi Sahab etc. All these great actors did not learn acting from any school, yet they are the best artists that our country has.

You have achieved so much over the years. Your biggest achievement so far? 

My family is happy with me so I consider that as my greatest achievement. I am very happy that my family is content with me.

Who is your favourite female co-star?
There are quite a few, but those who wear less make-up and are thoroughly committed to their work are my most favourite co-stars.

What do you do in your leisure hours?
I spend time with my family, play cricket, watch movies and of course I absolutely love to spend time with my fans. So I do a lot of things in my spare time.

Once you said that Nadeem Sahab was your biggest inspiration.
When I watch him acting, I find his attention to detail really amazing. Moreover, he had this huge on-screen presence which no one else has even now. People often say that they see a reflection of Nadeem Sahab in my acting, which is a huge compliment for me.

It has become a trend nowadays to make dramas on bold and tabooed subjects. Do you think this should continue?
I think we should talk about these things, because by highlighting them we are trying to come up with solutions. Honestly speaking, Man-o-Salwa and Manay Na Yeh Dil have totally changed the overall picture of our drama industry.

You did a few films as well in the beginning of your career. Any plans of working in films in the near future?
Yes, offers are coming in. In fact, I got one offer just recently, but because my fans rely on me so much, I try my best not to disappoint them. I will do a movie eventually, however, on my own terms.

Where do you see yourself in a few years’ time?
I am not an astrologer, so I cannot predict anything. God knows better, because I never plan things on my own.

Please tell us about your upcoming projects.
My upcoming projects are Mera Yaqeen and Mera Pehla Pyar

Published in Mag TheWeekly 

Fawad Khan Exclusive Interview

0

Fawad Khan Exclusive Interview

Almost every other channel has a hit serial with you as a lead. How does it feel to be in the lime light?
All I can say is that I am pleasantly surprised that people are watching Pakistani television with so much interest. I’m here because of the viewers. I’m honoured to be a representative of them.

You have explored almost all genres of performing arts from singing to acting tomodeling. Which one is your favourite?
I’d have to say that I’m not a very serious worker. I still have a long way to go. I can’t decide which one is my favourite line of work. I just do what I enjoy.

How is your married life treating you?
It’s the greatest feeling in the world if you’re married to a person who means everything to you. I know it may sound clichéd but it is fantastic to be able to find such a person. Whatever good I have in me, is because of the influence of my wife, family and my son. I’m having a ball.

Is there any album coming up for your fans out there?
We are a lazy bunch; especially me.There is a lot of material but picking what we want to do out of it is a difficult task.I’ve always tried to do something different.Music may now be what it has never been.It’s something I feel I have total control over while making.But I have the habit of dwelling over it.

Pakistani satellite television channels have revived dramas in Pakistan. What do you havto say about that?
The increasing number of viewers is satisfying. If the viewers has had a good time and says something genuinely nice, it’s all the gratification one could ask for.

Your biggest aspiration?
To be a good human being and to have a good .To be called educated and responsible.

Your biggest fear?
Not being able to fulill that aspiration.

Any message to your fans out there?
You can be whatever you want to be. Don’t let discouragement take you down. I could use that advice myself as well.

Interview By Anam Saad Ghouri for The Lounge