The beloved actress Nyla Jafferi was diagnosed with cancer sometime back and is taking chemotherapy sessions for treatment. Nyla is much better now and she came on Faysal Qureshi’s show as a special guest. There she talked about hairfall due to chemotherapy and told how an affected person should cope with it. Watch video to know more:
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Junaid Khan Lookalikes
Zohran Mamdani is the newly elected Mayor of New York City. He hails from India and is of Muslim origin. At 34, he ran as a Democratic Party candidate and was elected by a strong majority of young voters in the United States, despite opposition from Donald Trump. Nowadays, Muslims across the world are quite happy and celebrating Mamdani’s victory.
The newly elected mayor of the New York City, USA is making headlines in Pakistan for his striking resemblance to Pakistani actor Junaid Khan. After his videos went viral, Pakistanis noticed an uncanny similarity between Zohran Mamdani and Junaid Khan.
Social media users believe that Zohran Mamdani looks remarkably similar to Pakistani singer and actor Junaid Khan. One wrote, “Lol, he’s a carbon copy of Junaid Khan!” Many others said he looks more like Junaid Khan than anyone else. Another commented, “He looks like Junaid Khan from the Call band,” while one wrote, “He resembles Junaid Khan aka Rohit from Case No. 9.” Another joked, “He’s a combo of Junaid Khan and Pankaj Tripathi.” Read a few comments here:
Junaid Khan also reshared a comparison post on his Instagram, saying, “Hopefully, I get the VIP treatment next time I visit the New York City.” Read his post:
Watch a few comparison pictures of Junaid Khan and newly elected young NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani:
NYC Collection By Nida Yasir | Beautiful & Simple Dresses
Famous morning show host and actress Nida Yasir has launched her clothing line. She named her collection as NYC (Nida Yasir Collection).
It was earlier in December that Nida revealed her clothing line NYC (Nida Yasir Collection) will be launching soon as the product’s social media pages are in progress.
NYC’s official Instagram page was launched on December 16. The brand kicked off things by sharing the story behind the clothing line:
In an interview, Nida Yasir talked about the specialty of her collection and said, “The brand boasts high-quality fabric and custom dyed hues which will be our trademark and every collection will speak for itself.”
Nida Yasir also shared a photo where the beginning of everything occurred.
Check out her first collection KHAAKSAR:
This flowy silhouette is NYC’s ode to the winter breeze.
There is a shade of red for every woman, this ‘lipstick red’ is for you.
NYC’s take on the power suit.
Nida Yasir believes her brand is helping her to connect with a wider audience. She is receiving positive response around the globe. She revealed, “We are already taking orders internationally and have received inquiries from all over the world.”
NYC is taking orders from around the globe. You can order through their Instagram page or Facebook page.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Emotional Moment While Singing Dulhey Ka Sehra
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a legendary Pakistani classical, Qawwali, and Ghazal singer who gained international fame for his exceptional voice and numerous timeless hit songs. He passed away in 1997 due to multiple illnesses, including heart failure. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan left behind a wife and a daughter among the mourners. His songs are still recreated by Bollywood and various Pakistani musicians, including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
Recently, renowned Indian lyricist Sameer Anjaan appeared as a guest on The Lallantop Show, where he shared an emotional anecdote about Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s dedication while recording the song Dulhe Ka Sehra.
Speaking about Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Sameer Anjaan said, “There was a time when we used to listen to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Madhan Mohan, and others before starting our music sessions to find inspiration. Luckily, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Sahab visited Mumbai, and we got the chance to meet him. Nadeem expressed his biggest wish, saying, ‘It would be an honor if you sang a song for our film.’ Nusrat Sahab replied, ‘First, I’ll listen to the song. If I like it, I’ll sing it.’ He loved the composition and lyrics agreed to record it, asking us to book a studio. He started singing it but every time he sang the line ‘Main Teri Baahon Ke Jhoolay Mein Pali, Babul’, he used to cry. He literally cried over a hundred times while recording that particular line. We asked him to take a break, but he said, ‘If I sing it today, all my emotions will be in it.’ He later told us that he was thinking of his daughter while singing those emotional lines.”
Also listen to the famous song sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan:
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s 20th Death Anniversary!
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is no doubt the king of music. The legend’s first name originally is Parvez but he later adapted Nusrat as a a singer and the world knows how the name suited his life. Nusrat Sahab sang a number of songs, qawwalis and ghazals which are to date hummed by millions and will remain alive for decades. He also contributed to Indian film industry. Even today after 20 years of his departure, his songs are remixed and sung by other singers and they still get huge love from people.
From Mere Rashk e Qamar to Tumhain Dillagi Bhool Jani Paregi whoever may sing these tunes, Khan Sahab will always remain the best and he will remain alive in the hearts of millions of his fans with the divine music he created.
Nusrat Ara aka Bil Batori Is No More!
Nusrat Ara is an actress who has been a part of everyone’s childhood. She is the famous Bil Batori from Ainak Wala Jin. Nusrat became very famous after playing that witch in the famous series. Ainak Wala Jin is indeed the most famous children’s show in the history of Pakistani entertainment.
The Sad news is Nusrat passed away today after fighting respiratory issues. She was living in Lahore for about three decades now. She has been living in really bad conditions and even had to beg at a point. After media coverage, the government announced some funds for Nusrat Ara. She was admitted to Jinnah hospital after suffering from the same respiratory illness again and she left this mortal world today. It is alarming how we treat our legends and government should set up a permanent fund to help our stars as they deserve it after entertaining us for years.
May Nusrat Jee’s soul Rest In Peace and may Allah grant her a place in Jannah!
Nusrat Ara AKA Bil Batori From Ainak Wala Jinn Needs Our Help
If you grew up in the ‘90s, then you grew up watching Ainak Wala Jinn, a comedy serial that taught an entire generation how to dream. Boasting quirky characters like Charlie Mamu, Zakoota and the wise old Nastur Jinn, the show provided the ideal respite from the pressures of school and homework.
Amongst its memorable characters was Bil Batori, played by none other than the very talented Nusrat Ara. Although Batori was a negative character, Nusrat’s way of rendering her signature line ‘Bil Batori Nasa Chauri Adhi Mithi Adhi Kauri’ made us both laugh and cry at the same time.
Unfortunately, her stardom faded away as quickly as Ainak Wala Jinn’s viewership grew up. The actor, now 65, is struggling to make ends meet in a small rental home in Lahore’s Samanabad locality.
Originally a resident of Karachi, Nusrat relocated to Lahore about 30 years ago, hoping to further her acting career. Life took a turn for the worse once Ainak Wala Jinn ended, forcing her into unemployment and poverty. Decades later, Nusrat is still struggling. To make matters worse, she has developed depression and related mental disorders over the course of time.
Sad and dejected at how destiny took an ugly turn, Nusrat sits in a dingy room and narrates the story of her life. “I am ashamed of myself. I never thought my life would come to a point where I would have to beg for a morsel of food,” Nusrat tells The Express Tribune. “When I moved to Lahore, I didn’t think I would have to beg for my life. I have given my youth to the people of Pakistan, made them laugh while barely getting by myself. But who was there to help me? Who came to wipe my tears?”
Nusrat’s life hit rock bottom about three years ago when she was left with no choice but head to the shrine of Data Ali Hajveri for food and money. The actor had been begging there since, until she was brought to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital after collapsing out of exhaustion a couple of days ago.
“For the last three years, I have been completely dependent upon the shrine for food. I have done my best to fight against fate and am proud to say that I have never sought help from anyone but myself. But now, I have grown old and tired,” says Nusrat. “Right now, I am not even in a position to move my body, let alone pay the Rs10,000 rent due at the end of the month. I want to die in peace and request the prime minister to appreciate my efforts and provide me with medical help at least.”
She feels it’s cruel how the government has failed to take notice of her struggle over the last 25 years. “Is it not cruel that after four decade of serving the Pakistani entertainment industry, I don’t have a roof over my head and the government is not even bothered about that?” she asks.
“I am a proud Pakistani and don’t want to complain. But it’s about time that the government reflects upon how it’s looking after its artists and learns from what is happening around the world.”
The Ainak Wala Jin star attributes her financial struggles to the simplicity of the entertainment industry back in the day. “We were just focused on our work; we never paid much attention to finances or fame. While Ainak Wala Jinn was being aired, I was in a position to do something to secure my future but it never crossed my mind that I would eventually have to struggle this much,” she recalls.
“Other actors like Babu Baral and Mastana passed away in worse conditions. I suppose it was just my destiny that things turned out this way.”
This article was originally published at The Express Tribune.
As the news of Nusrat Ara’s such condition and health has come to light, Pakistan Baitul Mal has reportedly pledged Rs10 lacs for her treatment. It is sad to see how we’ve forgotten the stars who were once a reason of our smiles and laughs.
Nuréh Luxury Eid Collection “RANISA” Featuring Sadaf Kanwal
Nuréh’s aim is to achieve everything iconic, everlasting, and traditional in a diverse set of fabrics and yet in one ensemble. Clothing that consists of our eastern culture fused with a modern twist to make it relatable to a larger set of audiences globally. The brand aims at adding beauty and individuality through its apparel both in Unstitch & Ready-to-Wear category that represents all of us differently and yet with unique similarity.
Nuréh’s latest festive unstitched luxury Eid Collection by the name of “RANISA” features ever-gorgeous and stunning actress and model Sadaf Kanwal. The collection defines a woman inspired by the tribal ethnicity with a blend of this new era. Crafted with schiffli to mirror work with the combination of prints, embroidery, and monotone colors – NUREH woman has a taste in cultural heritage! “She glows. She shines. She is all that is divine!”
Sadaf Kanwal looked absolutely gorgeous in the festive collection of Nuréh. Let’s have a look at the pictures:
Numm Episode 17 – Mysteries Revealed *Yawn*
This was yet another badly directed episode of Numm, so no surprises there!! Like always, I kept on waiting for the time when I will feel something for someone in this drama but I couldn’t help but get annoyed over and over and over again. The scene in which Qasim put the gun to Wali’s head was extremely unimpressive; the actor playing Qasim needs serious acting lessons. If the director tried to show Mahjabeen’s (motherly) love for Wali through this scene then this was a failed attempt at doing so. Wali sat there frozen with absolutely no reaction after Qasim walks away and Qasim handed over the gun to mommy like he was a little kid playing with a toy gun which he was not allowed to touch!
Neelam and her mother’s “emotional” scene was just plain cold. The conversation between the two was meaningless and absurd. All this time Neelam’s mother did not get the time to shop for her ladli beti’s first child…oh really? Minahil’s rants in the middle of this very emotional conversation was another pointless addition. Kanza Wyne’s dialogue delivery remained beyond hopeless. Wali and Neelam have grown apart in these past few months because Wali is very “distracted” at the moment! Can’t he focus on work, Mahjabeen and Neelam at the same time? He is definitely not good at “multitasking’! The Neelam/Wali who will make tea flashback scene was too long, the director could have easily added a few short clips with the OST playing in the background and we would have gotten the hint!
I must give credit to Mahjabeen for raising a good kid who has grown up to be a responsible young man who is looking out for her now…bravo! I am glad that the relationship between the two is that of a mother and son and nothing more than that. Wali is looking forward to going back to Neelam once all this mess is sorted out.
The way things have turned out in Numm shows that it wasn’t such a bad story but the way it was shown to us on screen was very unimpressive. The way the director kept the viewers confused about Mahjabeen’s relationship with Wali was quite unnecessary. Also, the manner in which the mysteries regarding the past were dragged till now did not help either. Too much screen time was given to conversations that did not add to the story in any way. Many of the scenes which should have been very impactful just left the audience with more questions. I have said it before and I am going to say it again that I have been unable to relate to any of the characters in the play. That, in my opinion is the biggest failure of this drama.
The good news is that according to the Numm facebook page this was the second last episode of Numm. I am glad we will not have to bear with 20 plus episodes of this play. I think we all deserve to celebrate next Saturday:)
Fatima Awan
Numm Episode 14 – And The Snoozefest Continues
This play would be much more bearable if everyone spoke faster, thought less and of course talked sense. The opening conversation between Neelam and Wali was too long and too annoying. Fawad Khan’s expressions were very misleading in many of the scenes. Did the director request him to give people dirty looks? Usually Fawad Khan is one of those actors who convey a great deal with their expressions but his performance has been very disappointing in the past few episodes. He looks bored and disinterested most of the times. Numm may not be a masterpiece but since he chose to be a part of it, he could have given it his best even if he realized he didn’t make a wise decision by choosing to be a part of the project.
I totally failed to understand Qasim’s new found confidence especially after watching him run for his life when Wali came back home. The scenes between Mahjabeen and Qasim never have anything new to offer; it is the same thing over and over again. The way these two meet is also very unbelievable. There was talk of inheritance today between the two, Mahjabeen told him loud and clear that no one was going to give him his share even if they found out who he was.
The scene in which Mahjabeen pours her heart out should have been very moving but somehow I didn’t feel for her at all in that scene. That is the worst thing about this play; I feel completely detached from the characters.
It was good to see Wali smiling after what seemed like a very long time when he managed to make the workers happy. His conversation with Bare Sahab said a great deal about how Wali felt about him. Sometimes it seems like Wali does not have any respect for him at all. Bare Sahab does not have the courage to face Amtul because for some reason he must hold himself responsible for whatever happened in the past. Fawad Khan really should stop mumbling ASAP, I am tired of trying to understand what he says in different scenes. The viewers found out more about Mahjabeen’s background today. the flashback scene went to show that she didn’t come from a very well off family.
The preview of the next episode showed that Wali and Qasim finally come face to face and for some reason Wali decides to give Mahjabeen her share of inheritance. Honestly speaking, I have totally given up on this play. I find nothing unusual or fascinating about it at all. It isn’t even one of those plays which you can continue watching out of curiosity because you know that the next episode is going to be just as dull and boring as the last one! I couldn’t care less if Wali killed Qasim or Mahjabeen committed suicide or Neelam decides to elope with Minahil’s class fellow!
Fatima Awan
Numm Episode 10 – The Way To A Man’s Heart……
I must confess that after catching up with episode 08 and 09 earlier on today, I wasn’t exactly looking forward to tonight’s episode of Numm. Episode 08 in particular was badly conceived, poorly edited and there were some parts that were unforgivably cringe worthy. Watching Wali fall for Mahjabeen after so many years wasn’t exactly delightful, in fact I thought it was rather distasteful since I am not sure if Wali and Mahjabeen’s nikkah is actually valid and also because it was in no way the kind of sweet romance that you feel comfortable watching on screen. Add to that the most appalling flashback scene when Wali comes to Mahjabeen as a child to take refuge from the storm. Yes, this particular scene could have been interpreted in many different ways had the context been different and maybe the “romance” more subtle! Okay, enough of my rants about the previous episodes, lets talk about this one. First of all this play is not about the tradition of Vanni at all, no it is not about love and relationships either but its actual focus seems to be ghardaari and how important it is for a woman to know how to run the house. I find the over emphasis on whether the nashta is being served on time or not, how well Mahjabeen is running the house and who hires and fires the servants rather off-putting.
The play is also about much more than the people we see in it; Mahjabeen’s pin is an entity in its own right, the floral tea set seems to be a vital part of the entire story and not to mention Mahjabeen’s hair! I really feel like the director is over emphasizing a few “things” which didn’t require that much attention. The pin keeps on moving from one place to another and the it is upto the viewers to make out what the “travelling pin” is signifying. Okay, sometimes you are in the mood to guess and ponder upon things but many other times you just want some thought provoking but at the same time light hearted entertainment.
Why could’t Neelam ask her mother the “weekly menu” before stepping out of the house? Neelam’s mother tells her to pay more attention the house but when she calls her she suggests that Neelam shouldn’t bother and let Mahjabeen take care of things! Neelam tried every trick in the book to win Wali over but it was quite apparent that Wali had Mahjabeen in his mind all the time. Neelam’s attempts to take over the house could actually have been innocent and cute if Kanza Wyne’s acting wasn’t over the top like always. The only time I couldn’t help but chuckle was when Neelam took out the burnt steak from the oven and asked Salima to taste it! Wali is stuck between two women who are completely opposite to each other; he has a long history with one and the other one just entered his life. Does that make an intriguing storyline? Well, maybe if the play was well directed and extremely well acted out but for now the direction and some of the performances have been very average.
Qasim’s relation with Mahjabeen is still a mystery. I was a little surprised to hear Mahjabeen saying to him “tum hamari majburi samjho”. What did she mean by hamari? Who else was she referring to? Qasim asks Mahjabeen to tell Wali about him but the viewer’s were given the impression in one of the previous episodes that Wali already knew who he was since he didn’t question Mahjabeen about him when she kept on asking for Qasim when she was sick.
Numm’s story definitely has an air of mystery about it but is it intriguing? Well, personally I don’t find it intriguing any more particularly because of the flawed direction, stagnant story and unimpressive editing. Also, this play should not have been sold as a play that focused on a social issue , “based on the unwise ritual of Vani” because there is very little of that in it. Fawad Khan has played the lover boy a million times; the guy who is stuck between two women. It is about time that he did something different.
Fatima Awan
Numm Episode 07 – Snoozefest!
This latest episode was a complete disappointment; the unnecessary screen time given to the conversations between servants in particular left me clueless. There is absolutely no need to focus so much on the workers in the haveli unless they have some major role to play in the story, which most certainly is not the case. When the maid breaks the glass, the exchange of looks between her and Wali was totally pointless. I feel like I saw more of Salima today than anyone else and I have no idea why! I think she either got as much screen time as Neelam or perhaps more.
I don’t think I can write a very serious, analytical review for tonight’s episode so here is more of a narration of events and my take on what happened.
The two drunk men who are Bare Sahab’s friends declare Wali “passed” – what else does he need to qualify as a wise young man. On the other hand all of a sudden Wali feels that he can judge Bare Sahab’s friends but turns into a lame duck soon afterwards!
Hurray! Good news for all the Mahjabeen fans. Mahjabeen is indispensable after all! She faints in the line of duty and somehow I felt that the whole scenario was very strange. Any woman who runs a house knows that a well trained maid can easily manage things without being supervised. The way Mahjabeen’s “importance” in the house was shown was very unconvincing. Meetha nahi bana, khana kum hai – seriously aur bhi dukh hei zamany mei! I couldn’t help but notice the panadol syrup bottle on Mahjabeen’s side table, no wonder she is not recovering;)
The question of the day was – How many times do Wali and Neelam talk on the phone! The answer we got was nothing short of a mystery. Do they really talk everyday, thrice a day?? We can’t be sure. Is it really an issue? I am not sure about that either! Neelam has definitely fallen for her husband and Mr. Jonti has some serious competition now, time for the poor tree to move on!
After the curly haired mystery guy in the fifth episode, in this episode we were given another puzzle to solve – who is the guy Mahjabeen mentions when she is down with a fever? Is he the same boy we saw in the fifth episode? I hope we find out soon enough because the questions are piling up.
I am wondering why there was so much focus on Mahjabeen’s illness today. Maybe she has some serious disease and it won’t be diagnosed just yet. But then it can just be the outcome of the night she spent sleeping in the garden. Guesses anyone?
Honestly speaking, I feel cheated after watching this latest episode because I waited all week to find out how things change for Wali, Mahjabeen and Neelam. Last week’s episode to me was truly magical and this week’s episode was completely opposite to that. Yes, things have most certainly changed at Neelam’s end and Wali decided to think things through too but this episode did not even pass as a good filler episode. The primary reason being that there were too many scenes that seemed extremely unnecessary and pointless. I would have liked this episode a lot better if we saw more interaction between Neelam and Wali rather than hearing about how they had been in communication on daily basis. I got the feeling that Neelam was lying and so was Wali. The good news is that Neelam has learned the art of sharing but Kanza Wyne’s acting was at its worst today; she over acted in every single scene. There are times when she comes across as cute but today her accent and the manner in which she delivered the dialogues was too OTT. Last but not the least, here is a very special screen shot of the star of the show today – where would we be without you Salima!
Tonight’s episode failed to impress me in any way at all. Everything seemed dragged and I simply failed to feel for any of the characters.
Did you watch this latest episode? please feel free to share your views.
Fatima Awan
Numm Episode 05 – The Tragedy
Zinda logon ka kya ho ga? Un ka kon khayal kare ga?
Neelam asked a very thought provoking question fom her mother. Her elders believe in going to any length to fulfill the promises made by those people who are not alive anymore. Is it more important to carry out the plans made by people who are dead or to take into consideration the happiness of those who are living? Neelam lost the only person who truly understood her and that too at a time when she needed Amo the most. It was quite apparent by Neelam’s attitude in the last episode that she wants Wali all to herself and today she told her mother and sister just that. Her biggest problem with Mahjabeen is that she is Wali’s wife, it does not matter to her that she is vani.
I really fail to understand Mahjabeen’s position in the house. Yes, she is mazloom no doubt because she was married off to a boy who was old enough to be her son, she brought him up like a mother and will never be his wife but she is considered as part of the family nevertheless. If that wasn’t so then she wouldn’t have gone to Neelam’s house for condolence. Bare Sahab also has consideration for her feelings because when in one of the previous episodes Neelam called herself the second wife, Bare Sahab did not call Mahjabeen vani in front of her. I have read that girls who are given as vani are treated like slaves because the whole purpose of the ritual is to seek revenge. In Mahjabeen’s case things are very different. Apart from that, honestly speaking I fail to see Mahjabeen and Wali as a “couple” because of the age difference. I hope that there will be more flashback scenes in the upcoming episode, that will help the viewers understand Mahjabeen’s situation better.
Neelam is finally willing to give her relationship with Wali a chance. Her conversation with her sister was written very nicely but the acting by the actress playing Neelam’s sister completely ruined that particular scene for me. Kanza Wyne portrayed Neelam’s innocence very well in some of the scenes but in others she went overboard. Sometimes it is not the dialogue delivery or the body language that is flawed but the timing of a particular expression or dialogue makes a huge difference. Sania Saeed and Fawad Khan both are brilliant actors and one can’t help but expect the rest of the cast to be at somewhat the same level. The actress playing Neelam’s mother is also doing a commendable job. I would definitely want to see more of her. Her character is not very likeable but she makes is endearing because of her expressions and overall acting.
Everything that Amo had to say to Neelam and Wali was extremely touching. She summed up the bond of marriage beautifully. Amo sees the beauty in Neelam’s personality which everyone else around her fails to see. Wali conveniently blames Mahjabeen for everything that transpired. I felt for Mahjabeen at that time, she is nothing more than the housekeeper. When Wali addresses the servants, he is actually putting the message across to Mahjabeen too.
The beauty of this play is that it has been directed very well. I really like the way the story is gradually moving ahead, it keeps the viewers looking forward to more. The flashback scenes take you to another world. When Wali tells Mahjabeen off, she is reminded of the time when he was little and she had just arrived at the haveli. Even after putting in so much effort into raising this kid, she does not get an ounce of respect from him. The soyem scene however could have been far better. The entire gathering was covered in detail but there were no family and friends at the soyem, which was very strange.
Usman Peerzada was the perfect choice for playing the role of Bare Sahab. There have been times when I haven’t liked some of his work but he totally owns this character. The last scene was very confusing. The viewers were left to wonder who the boy in that scene was. The preview of the next episode suggested that Wali may finally realize what Mahjabeen has gone through till now. The real question is that will Neelam be able to live in the same house as Mahjabeen for long? Will there be a soft corner in Wali’s heart for Mahjabeen in the future because of Neelam’s attitude?
Do share your views.
Fatima Awan
Numm Episode 04 – The Apology
Neelam’s disappearance was the highlight of tonight’s episode; it gave all the characters in the play something to ponder upon and it gave the viewer’s more of an insight into different characters. For me the most important as well as the most unexpected outcome of tonight’s happenings was that I finally saw Neelam as the sensitive girl that she actually is. Under that very tough exterior is a soft hearted sensitive young girl who doesn’t know much about the world but is kind enough to go against her own wishes to make her Amo happy and to keep the integrity of her family intact. I must confess that I didn’t warm up to Neelam’s character until today and I never felt the warmth that Neelam shares with her Amo before too.
Wali Bakht got a lot of time to think about what he had done. He went from being fully convinced that what he had done was right to being very sure that he owed Neelam an apology. The difference between Wali Bakht and Neelam is that Wali married Neelam because he couldn’t bear to part with all the wealth but Neelam married Wali solely for the happiness of her family. Neelam follows her heart but Wali Bakht follows his mind.
The Scene from Mahjabeen’s past was yet again beautifully shot and Sarmad Khoosat acted brilliantly. We found out more about the plans that both of them had for the future. I am sure everyone is eagerly waiting to find out what went wrong and how.
This episode was very slow considering that the story didn’t move forward much but I really enjoyed watching it nonetheless because it was beautifully shot and also because I think this event may prove to be the tuning point in Wali and Neelam’s relationship. The mysterious background music however seemed very inappropriate in some of the scenes. The background score is definitely not as loud as it was in the first two episodes but it is still excessive for my taste.
Neelam’s mother could not help but question her decision when Neelam goes missing but as soon as she finds Neelam, the emotional blackmail starts all over again. The last scene in which Wali finally manages to “catch” Neelam and apologizes was absolutely fantastic, mainly because of Fawad Khan. I doubt that Neelam will be able to ignore that apology. Wali’s conversation with the Nun must have helped him in changing his mind too. I agree with all those people who believe that this show wouldn’t have been what is without Fawad Khan. His presence does make a huge difference.
The preview of the next episode showed that someone passed away – I am guessing that it must be Amo. How will Neelam and Mahjabeen continue to live under one roof? Will Neelam change her ways or will she still question things? (primetimetallahassee.com) Today Neelam did succeed even if the success did not last for long – her mother was forced to question the old traditions, that to me was Neelam’s success.
I wonder how many people were able to connect with the different characters today or did most of you feel like it was a very slow episode? Do share your views.
Fatima Awan
Numm Episode 03 – Mystery Solved?
Yes, Neelam did seem to have everyone wrapped around her little finger all through tonight’s episode; the thought crossed my mind few minutes after the play started and even before Neelam said so herself. Her “adventurous” nature coupled with her my way or the highway attitude has certainly given Wali Bakht something to worry about. Everything that Neelam does goes to show that she will leave no stone unturned to make Sikandar Bakht regret the day he got his grandson married to her but Sikandar Bakht does not let Neelam’s attitude effect him in any way; he is cool and calm because he probably knows that eventually Neelam will become a part of the haveli as well as the system!
The first scene was very well directed and acted out. Kanza Wyne did very well in that scene but when she starts screaming in the scenes that followed, I really felt like she could have done better. Neelam hates the fact that she was married off to Wali Bakht solely because the elders of the family decided many years back that the two were meant to be together but at the same time her hatred for Mahjabeen goes to show that she wants Wali Bakht all to herself and that may be the primary reason for not getting closer to Wali Bakht. Yes, Neelam isn’t actually warming up to anyone in the family but her hatred for Mahjabeen is more obvious than for anyone else. The scene in which she tells the maid to seek her approval before going ahead with things also showed that she has a major issue with Mahjabeen, although Bare Sahab told her clearly that there was no comparison between her and Mahjabeen but she cannot ignore the fact that Mahjabeen is Wali Bakht’s wife and also the woman who has raised him and has been running the house for a very long time. Neelam came across as a very typical girl today because of this side if her personality.
We found out a little bit more about Mahjabeen’s past today and I am sure much more will be revealed later on. Mahjabeen like any other girl fell in love a long time back but ended up leading a life which she had never even imagined. Sarmad Khoosat’s guest appearance was a nice surprise and that particular scene was also very well directed. The location was perfect and so was the lighting and the entire atmosphere. This scene was very important because it hinted towards how Mahjbaeen ended up becoming a victim of the custom of Vaani. Mahjabeen’s brother or father must have seen them both together and one of them murdered Wali’s uncle (the man she was with). Wali Bakht’s father went to avenge his brother’s murder but he was killed too and as a result Mahjabeen was given as Vanni to Wali Bakht. This of course is just an assumption on my part, I could be wrong. Mahjabeen does not want to be a part of Wali Bakht’s life any longer for obvious reasons but Bare Sahab feels that she is still needed in the haveli because Neelam is still very young – how young is she by the way! I am waiting to find out more about her past and am also hoping that we will be seen some more flashbacks because knowing more about her past will help the viewers relate to her character and feel for her. Sania Saeed ‘s acting was simple flawless in tonight’s episode; seeing more of her definitely was a pleasure.
The conversation between Neelam and Sikandar Bakht was the highlight of tonight’s episode for me. The dialogues were very meaningful and the contrast in their personalities has been depicted wonderfully. Apart from that the tactful manner in which Sikandar Bakht “handles” Neelam is actually very amusing. On one hand Neelam thinks that she will turn the world around and on the other hand Bare Sahad is very confident that nothing like that will ever happen. Usman Peerzada is brilliant as the self assured Bare Sahab, I have never liked him better in any other character.
Wali Bakht tries his best to put up with Neelam’s attitude but when he finally decides to talk to her about the way things were, he ends up doing something which I think he will regret later on. How will Neelam react to the physical abuse, I am waiting to find out. Will she finally accept the situation or retaliate even more? The preview for the next episode showed that Neelam leaves the haveli. Will Wali Bakht apologize for his behavior? Fawad Khan portrayed Wali Bakht’s helplessness and annoyance superbly. I would really like to see Wali Bakht and Mahjabeen interact more often because we still don’t know if there is something more between them then what appears at the surface. If Mahjabeen brought Wali up surely he must have some respect in his heart for her if not love.
Tonight’s episode of Numm was actually very entertaining. It wasn’t dull and boring but the story unfolded gradually in a manner which was very enjoyable. The background score unlike the previous two episodes was not loud at all. It was a very well directed episode as well except for one scene in which Bare Sahab is addressing a gathering; that scene was stretched for too long. Honestly speaking, I thought I couldn’t sit through another episode after watching the last one but this episode proved to be very interesting.
Fatima Awan
Numm – Last Episode!
The emotional expressions I saw emerging on my face while watching the last episode: Ummm yes you guessed it right – NONE! Nothing, absolutely nothing in this whole episode was good enough to move you & no factors contributed at all. Rather the only word I was left with when the episode in fact the drama ended was CLUELESS!
The whole purpose of this episode, as it looked was just to make sure that Neelam & her equally expressionless mother do get to know the reality of Qasim & who he took the texture of his hair after – yes, Mahjabeen was guilty as charged for that. Once again I’d say that the direction failed to impress completely plus even after tuning into it after a couple of episodes, I just couldn’t see any continuity in the scenes nor anything else made sense.
When a daughter in law is giving birth to the waris, the family is the first one to know about it. It looked like when Neelam went into the labour, Baray Sahab had no idea of what was happening rather he was busy recalling what Wali said about giving Mahjabeen a chunk of their property. Even after the baby was born, I hardly saw any sign of happiness coming from Baray Sahab, rather he was busy in fixing another Vaani which Wali tried to prevent. It was shown as a family but how could they be so indifferent to one another, it was unrealistic.
I couldn’t really catch what Wali had to face the bullet for? After Baray Sahab’s statement it seemed more like someone targeted him because he got into the whole scandal of stopping Vaani but after Mahjabeen’s confession in front of Neelam, she stated that Wali took the bullet which was meant for Qasim, so who actually was after Qasim? Why did he want to kill a harmless guy who has nothing but a bush on his head? Why! I hope the avid followers of this drama do bring me out of this misapprehension if it does matter to them by the end of such a flop drama.
I didn’t really catch the look on Neelam’s mother’s face when she was at the hospital & Neelam asked her to contact Wali. No news by then had broken out about Wali’s death but the look of dismay on her face was just unnecessary in fact it was misleading. When Mahjabeen came & started speaking about how Wali died I thought it would shock everyone more but sadly his death was just another DEET they got to know of because eventually the ladies seemed more interested in knowing the reality about Qasim. It was funny seeing Neelam’s mom shed a tear after finding about Qasim in stead of crying at the misfortune that her young daughter has become a widow who just gave birth. During that whole scene I wished I could change the expressions on Neelam’s face because she looked completely annoying. Even Neelam’s anger vanished after she heard who Qasim was & it seemed she completely forgot that her husband just died.
Accha jee, what did the conversation between Neelam & Baray Sahab leave an impact on the viewers? It was nothing once again. The expressions of Mahjabeen after finding out that Baray Sahab shot himself…were just beyond my understanding. Neelam seems to have given the responsibility of her son to Mahjabeen & she goes back but why was it that she couldn’t take care of her son along with the expertise of someone who raised Neelam’s husband too? Mahjabeen was not a Vaani but the generational AYA of The Bakht Khandaan. I really want to know when Mahjabeen said MERA WALI, did she mean Mera Miyan Wali or Mera Beta Wali? What was her context? Did they ever become husband & wife or they were just another happy mother-son duo?
In the end I do sympathize with all the followers of this drama who had to endure such a pain on weekly basis. I hope there is something which can NUMB the pain that was inflicted on you guys through NUMM.
Keep Supporting,
Cheers,
Zahra Mirza.
Numm – Episode 16
The tale of Mahjabeen and Qasim’s hair is finally moving forward but I am not sure where it is going. The good thing is that the dialogues are much more audible now so watching Numm isn’t as much of an ordeal as it was before. Now if only the director would remember to show the flashback scenes in every episode so that the mystery is solved soon. Mahjabeen’s statement about her helplessness with regards to avoiding bloodshed was very unconvincing considering that she could have done a great deal so many years back too. Had she not told her brother about the identity of the father of her child, all the bloodshed could have been avoided! So much for sacrificing eh?
This episode and the last one showed that the relationship between Mahjabeen and Wali is like that of a mother and son. Qasim compared himself with Wali in the last episode and tonight too Mahjabeen was reminded of Wali’s birthday while giving Qasim a scalp massage. I wonder why the director mislead the viewers by adding some scenes in the previous episodes which suggested that Wali and Mahjabeen may be attracted to each other or that they were like husband/wife. Mahjabeen is being portrayed as the amma ji now, therefore those scenes seem very irrelevant and misleading. One would have expected someone like Wali to have a big birthday party but apparently he only had Mahjabeen by his side on his tenth birthday. I really don’t understand the change in Wali’s behaviour, there was a time when he couldn’t stand Mahjabeen and now he is full of respect for her.
Bare Sahab’s helplessness seemed rather odd to me. I am quite certain that he could have done something to avoid all that happened. Wali is giving Mahjabeen her due share and apparently there is not much that Bare Sahab can do about it. I wonder if he will be able to do much once he finds out about Qasim. I am also wondering how come he does not know that Mahjabeen has a son. Mahjabeen is a completely different person when she is with Qasim; I definitely like her more when she is with him, things could have been even better if Qasim could act!
Many months have elapsed since the last episode but we hardly got to see any interaction between Neelam and Wali. I think showing how their relationship was developing was more important than showing how Neelam was getting along with her sister! Sure, Wali has been busy with his sugar mill but it seems most unlikely that someone like Neelam would have enough patience to sit back and wait for him to come visit. Neelam needs to stop acting like a 5 year old ASAP….my seven year old seems mature compared to Neelam!
Mahjabeen feels much more confident now that she has Wali by her side and bare Sahab is very interested in finding out the reason behind her newfound confidence. All the servants in this play stand out for some reason or the other! The lawyer who got the papers signed from Mahjabeen and the man who told Bare Sahab about the transfer of property were equally “distinctive” in their own way!
I have to say that this episode was much more bearable but nothing about it moved me in any way. When you regularly watch a play for 16 weeks usually it grows on you and you end up feeling something for some of the characters but Numm has completely failed to impress in any way at all. It stays on top of my biggest disappointments of the season list.
Fatima Awan
Numm – Episode 15.
Just when Fatima asked me to cover for her, I knew what I was getting into. I knew I’d be seeing some meaningless details & I decided not to ignore them. The episode was good in a few bits & pieces but overall it could’ve been better. But there’s something I am not too sure of – was it just me or someone else also didn’t find the connection between the scenes. I found a lot of haphazardness, may be it was the editing fail.
Wali’s encounter with Qasim was done appropriately but I couldn’t understand the driver’s smile after the scene ended. It could’ve been more intense but some how Qasim’s pain didn’t come through clearly. I thought it was a dark night when Wali went to hunt for Qasim but later it was a bright morning when Wali was recalling all that Qasim had said. Mahjabeen’s predicament could’ve come across nicely if there wasn’t a background score which sounded quite happening given the situation at hand. I thought after all that had happened & the secret was out, there would be some sort of a conversation between Mahjabeen & Wali but in stead Wali came back to his normal life & Mahjabeen ended up asking for his permission. If he was silent after what happened, Mahjabeen being a wise person should’ve guessed it that Wali won’t be having any issues.
Neelam’s scenes just looked like fillers which were shown just to make sure that the viewers do not forget the existence of her character. Baray Sahab’s phone call with Neelam was also something unnecessary. I found no connection or no following up in between the scenes. Everything was treated like the bits of their own & no flow was established to make the episode progress.
The only interesting part of the whole episode was Wali’s open declaration in front of Baray Sahab about his stand & take on his relation to Mahjabeen. I think all the efforts that Mahjabeen has put in relation to Wali are now going to pay off. Baray Sahab will try to undo whatever Wali is going to do for Mahjabeen from now on, so may be another interesting chapter will open up. The dream rather nightmare scene was ohkay but what I failed to understand was that Wali woke up with a terrified look on his face as he was trying to figure out what he just saw, making him look like he won’t be able to speak but the casual comment after he received the call crushed the whole impact of the scene down.
Neelam’s scene with her mother & Minahil was another forced one with a spooky background music. I think that music suited the confrontation scene better & vice versa. I think the director could’ve done a bit better because this episode carried a lot more content than a few other episodes but the slowness ruins the essence.
Keep Supporting,
Cheers,
Zahra Mirza.
Numm – Episode 13
Numm finally seems to be getting better, this latest installment was engaging enough. The performances by some of the actors still remain unimpressive and the drama does not qualify as extraordinary but tonight’s episode along with the past two were far better than the previous few episodes. Everything that transpired in the past three episodes should have been shown after the 5th episode, that way the viewers would’ve had less to complaint about.
Bare Sahab clearly spelled out the way he wants to see Wali as a person. Haqeeqat pasandi in his eyes is a virtue, which in other words would mean having no mercy for anyone who stands in the way of your vested interests. Wali in Bare Sahab’s opinion has a long way to go since he is incapable of putting his own self above everyone else. Bare Sahab knows that he and those after him can only keep on exercising unlimited powers if the system continues to function the way it has been functioning for centuries. His thinking reflects the typical thinking of a feudal.
Wali apparently knows about Qasim but is clearly very disturbed when Mahjabeen tells him that she wants to talk about Qasim for obvious reasons. Neelam and Mahjabeen’s conversation was actually quite amusing! Mahjabeen tries to convince Neelam that she has suffered enough and Neelam tried her best to find out who that “boy” was….the “boy” bit made me laugh, it definitely sounded strange. Neelam looked like a little girl who had just discovered someone’s dirty secret and was out to make the most of it. I have to say though that the way Neelam thought things through before talking to Wali about Qasim was not in line with her character at all.
Wali and Neelam’s coversation in the hospital about whether he knew what Neelam was about to tell him or not was hilarious, I felt like I was watching a comic scene from Bulbulay where the confusion was meant to make people laugh. Fawad Khan looked bored and disinterested. In fact there was nothing impressive about his acting in this episode. Maybe because, he wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do. He did seem confused more than anything else.
Mahjabeen did not budge an inch after Bare Sahab ordered her to leave for Bakht house immediately. Her conversation with Bare Sahab had to be the only meaningful conversation in this episode. Mahjabeen and Qasim’s meetings in the house are getting more frequent and the preview of the next episode seemed alarming.
One of the primary reasons why Numm has failed to hit a home run with me is that the characters have not impressed me at all. How can you possibly enjoy a play without falling in love with the characters. I have not been able to relate to the trials and tribulations of Mahjabeen. There are times when I feel for Neelam but that is only because she comes across as a child who is stuck in a very complicated situation. There are times when I find myself so busy trying to figure out where Kanza Wyne is going wrong with her acting that I cannot concentrate on anything else. There isn’t anything that one can possibly like about Wali’s character. The play could have been better if the scenes were much shorter.
Did you watch this latest installment or have you given up on Numm? Do share your views.
Fatima Awan
Numm – Episode 12
The secret about the relationship between Mahjabeen and Qasim is “officially” out. The fact that Qasim is Mahjabeen’s and Alamgir’s illegitimate child makes me wonder if Bare Sahab knows that Mahjabeen has a son. And if he does then how come he let him live? And most importantly, if Alamgir and Mahjabeen never got married then how did she have his child in the first place? I can’t imagine Bare Sahab being a party to all this since his sons were killed by Mahjabeen’s brother so how could he let this child live? And why did Mahjabeen’s brother let her go scot free? Yes, she is vani but given the circumstances it is rather unbelievable that her brother let her live since he sounds like a very merciless person.
The viewer’s till now had seen a very soft side of Bare Sahab but in this episode we got to see the feudal in him who would not think twice before exploiting his position. He believes in giving severe punishments to others for their wrongdoings but has completely different set of rules for his own self and those who are close to him.
Mahjabeen is also quite capable of playing games in order to have things her way. She put up an act so that she could be out of the haveli. I have no idea though how she could spend more time with Qasim while she was in the hospital and how would she land in the hospital if she wasn’t even sick?? Apparently, Neelam was the only one who could actually see through Mahjabeen. Hurray, the haveli has a new maid who seems like a busy body as well.
Neelam’s immature attitude is making it difficult for Wali to cope with the situation. Everything is okay between Neelam and Wali until they are away from Mahjabeen. Neelam can’t stand Mahjabeen right from day one and her intolerance for her is just getting stronger with time. Kanza Wyne was much better in tonight’s episode, in fact she did very well in some of the scenes. This was the second time that I liked her acting. Now that we know more about Mahjabeen’s past, I definitely have more respect for Neelam now. Mahjabeen was sensible enough to make more rational choices, she really should have known better. I feel for Neelam more than Mahjabeen because Mahjabeen is in this situation because of her own wrongdoings but Neelam did not do anything to deserve this life.
The scene in which Neelam is thinking about the conversation she had with Wali in the car was a little too long. There was no point of repeating the entire conversation only a few minutes after it took place. Just in case there are people out there who are wondering what Wali said when he took the jacket from Neelam, I would like to write what he said here “Shirazi sahab ke ghur jana hai dair ho rahi hai”. I don’t want anyone fretting over it since the dialogue was quite unimportant and hardly audible. The “mysterious” conversation between Qasim and Mahjabeen before he comes to the haveli seemed completely out of place.
The story is finally moving forward and we have something to look forward to. Some of the scenes in tonight’s episode were prolonged for no reason but the good thing was that the viewers got to see a completely different side of Mahjabeen’s character tonight. Kanza Wyne and Fawad Khan looked cute in the car scene but the happy moments did not last for long. I still don’t think that Numm is the kind of play that is “soul stirring” or thought provoking but I am glad that it is getting better. The recent two episodes were definitely more engaging than the previous few.
Fatima Awan
Numm – Episode 11
This latest installment of Numm was much better than the last few episodes primarily because unlike the previous episodes, there were scenes in which I felt that connection with the characters which seemed to be completely lost before. The scene between Wali and Neelam in which they shared past memories with each other was very sweet. Sadly, the sweetness did not last for long! I find most of the romantic scenes in this play extremely nauseating; the scene between Wali and Neelam in which they are discussing their honeymoon plans was anything but cute.
I must say that until now my favorite characters in the play have to be Bare Sahab and Amtul. I find the way Bare Sahab treats Wali rather amusing. He doesn’t take anything that Wali says seriously and rightly so too. Wali may claim to be in a very unfair situation but there are times when it seems like he is making the most of it. Mahjabeen was the flavor of the month when Neelam was away and now that Neelam is back, Wali thinks it is more convenient for him if Mahjabeen minds her own business. Unfortunately, I find the leading characters of the play least likeable. There is absolutely nothing about Wali’s character that would make the viewers think that he is a good person. Mahjabeen has failed to gain my sympathy because I just can’t seem to relate to her character at all. A few more flashback scenes and a more convincing narration of events would have helped build up the character. Neelam’s character has been etched out nicely but Kanza Wyne’s acting proves to be highly “distracting”.
I must applaud Farah Shah’s brilliant performance right from the start. She has breathed life into a very difficult character and has made it stand out. The relationship between Amtul and Neelam is one of the best things about this play. Neelam and Amtul both are outcasts and victims in their own way. Also, the only time I truly like Neelam’s character is when I see her interacting with Amtul; she knows that Amtul can give her absolutely nothing in return for all the time she spends with her but she cannot help but love her anyway. This goes to show that Neelam is a good person at heart.
Amtul and Wali’s interactions today went to show that there is a tension between the two. The reason for that possibly could be that Mahjabeen is Wali’s Vani or maybe something else. I am sure we will find out in the next ten episodes or so since the mysteries don’t get solved too quickly in Numm, which basically kills the spirit of adding the mysteries to the play. The curiosity to find out what actually transpired almost dies by the time the truth is unveiled.
Wali, like a spoiled kid is looking for “hobbies” to keep him away from the politics in the house. Bare Sahab had a long list of options, non of which sounded even slightly inspiring but then Wal is not looking for inspiration!
Numm is incomplete unless someone makes some kind of a reference to Mahjabeen’s hair. In this episode as well, once again Mahjabeen sits in front of the mirror, looks at her hair and thinks of the way Wali looked at her when she dyed her hair. The fascination with the hair is beyond me!
Although, I really liked the scene between Wali and Neelam because that scene went to show how they were slowly coming closer to each other but at the same time it was a little confusing. Neelam said that Wali’s father only went to talk to Mahjabeen’s family but in one of the flashbacks we saw that he left home with the intention of killing someone. Maybe that is what Wali’s family told their relatives and friends.
The background music was very loud and ever present like always. Numm is a difficult play to review because you need to watch it several times in order to make out what is being said. Overall, a much better episode but not the sort that makes up for all the previous boring and dull ones that the viewers had to put up with. A few more episodes like this one and maybe I will have a reason to change my mind about Numm but the next episode’s preview showed more cat fights so it would probably be back to Neelam and Mahjabeen’s fights and who Wali supports *yawn* !
Fatima Awan
Numm – Episode 08
Before saying anything, I must say that I did become a fan of the ambiance, the environment, the screenplay, the photography of the drama but what didn’t convince me was the direction at all. I think it was too slow & the episode on the whole was plain boring with nothing happening.
I actually couldn’t quite understand the need of the director to show the running water from the tap, to show the plant which wasn’t being trimmed, to show the cars being parked or accelerated till they vanished from our sight, to show Wali actually lazing on his bed, to show the driver driving a car & later showing the driver ease in his seat & especially put his topi on his eyes to block the daylight. I think all those shots seemed completely unnecessary & didn’t even fit well as some sort a filler. The background score was replayed to the extent where it got annoying. I know the plain silence would’ve been harder to tolerate because there were no such dialogues to be exchanged between the family members therefore they resorted to the OST to fill in the blanks.
I think Wali’s relationship with Mahjabeen should’ve been a lot more than just an exchange of a few glances. It was absolutely pointless to show Wali hovering around like a life-less soul who watched her do the household chores, who gave her mixed signals whenever their eyes met & who had nothing in the heart for her but only her hair-clip in his hands. I believe Wali’s feelings must be growing towards Mahjabeen but what Mahjabeen reminisced about Wali’s childhood was actually disturbing. What must be going on through Mahjabeen’s mind whenever she’d see the young boy she raised & comforted, as her husband.
The only powerful scene was that moment when Mahjabeen felt a rush of emotions which made her fists fidgety. Alamgir who actually tried to talk about getting married to Mahjabeen was conveniently talked out of the idea because it came as a bad idea to be put forward to Bare Sahab. I think a little but significant revelation was about Mahjabeen’s brother who actually gave his word as a witness in a case which was filed against their property. Even though nothing mattered & his testimony didn’t cause any harm to them but that was enough of a label for Mahjabeen to be the sister of that person & for that her fate was sealed.
I found Neelam’s acting absolutely forced & she came across as some girl who definitely had some confidence issues while dialogue delivery. Even though she’s far off in a hostel, she still got an idea of what was going on between Wali & Mahjabeen which was nothing more than a doctor’s visit which Wali arranged for her & then a little apology which Neelam has yet to find out about. She was already irritated at the news of Wali caring for Mahjabeen that God only knows what she will do if she finds out Wali apologized to her & held onto Mahjabeen’s hair-pin.
I think there’s a dire need of some sort of a progress in the story. I have been reading the comments which clearly shows that the viewers are already annoyed & when characters like Salima have more dialogues than the main characters, it doesn’t help at all. I hope for the sake of the avid followers of this drama that the story moves on & the mystery of Wali & Mahjabeen’s marriage is revealed.
Keep Supporting,
Cheers,
Zahra Mirza.
PS: On a humble request of Fatima Awan, I am filling for her this week. So, dear fans of Fatima, please bear with me & let us give her some time off. :)
Numm – Episode 06
Today for the first time I felt like there was more to Mahjabeen and Wali’s relationship than what we have seen till now. Mahjabeen’s reaction to Wali’s attitude towards her indicated that there was a time when Wali used to listen to Mahjabeen and probably respected her too. Now that Wali is all grown up, he knows that he does not need to respect the woman who brought him up and Mahjabeen is finding it very hard to cope with this situation. All these years she dedicated her time to raising Wali. She seemed completely lost today which could mean that she brought Wali up with a lot of dedication. Mahjabeen leaves her hair pin in Wali’s room which would mean that this particular pin is symbolic of the relationship they once had. Despite of the fact that she is Vani she is not used to being treated like a worthless person, which is something I still find very hard to believe but then Bare Sahab seems like a very reasonable man. The only unreasonable aspect of his personality is that he believes in clinging to old traditions other than that he has never been shown as a cruel man. He is always very kind to servants and even though Mahjabeen is Vani he treats her with respect. I like the fact that Bare Sahab’s character has different shades and he tackles things head-on in his own peculiar manner.
This latest episode focused on showing the viewers how Mahjabeen is being affected by Wali’s changed disposition. Mahjabeen calls Wali numerous times, stays up tll late waiting for him to come back home and at the same time she thinks about her past life. It almost seems like these memories from the past are like an escape for Mahjabeen – a very painful escape but one nevertheless! In order to distract herself from the pain of today she is very often reminded of all the hurt that she has felt in the past. The time she spent with the person she loved cannot possibly bring happy feelings because the outcome was so agonizing. Mahjabeen realizes more than ever in this latest episode the amount of time she has given to the haveli and how she is not indispensable anymore. There was once a time when Wali used to look at her as a living and breathing human being who cared for her but things have changed enormously now.
There were times when I felt like Wali felt guilty because he married Neelam. His friend also remarks that he seemed so upset, as if he had two wives. Is that really the case? Does Wali feel that he has let Mahjabeen down? Or that he shouldn’t have done this to her? Or maybe he thinks that Mahjabeen deserves better? He cannot do anything about the situation so he feels very frustrated and upset. Technically Wali should have felt relieved because he managed to sort things out with Neelam but contrary to that he was very agitated which goes to show that he is not happy with the given situation. The preview of the next episode showed that Wali shows his dislike for the way his elders think so that could be another reason for his disturbed state of mind. He wants the car and the luxuries but he does not feel like a free man for obvious reasons.
The scene in the car when Wali drives Neelam to the Convent was actually very cute. I finally see Neelam as a young girl who is infatuated with her husband but at the same time is not willing to accept things for what they are. Kanza Wyne was very cute in this particular scene but later on when she was talking to her tree friend she got a little carried away. The girls at the hostel do not like Neelam at all so she is left with no choice but to befriend a tree in the Convent. Neelam is very lonely even more so now because Ammo is gone. Neelam is wise enough to understand that Wali and her have a lot in common but whether that is a good thing or not is another debate.
Someone please fix the audio quality of the play, the dialogues were hardly audible even today and there were times when the OST was playing so loud in the background that you had to lip read to understand what was being said. Not much happened in tonight’s episode; there was a lot of Mahjabeen in it but I still enjoyed every minute of it. Numm has a very different feel to it; you can feel the characters talking to you even when they are only thinking. One can easily interpret things sometimes because of the lines of the OST and at other times because of the expressions of the actors. I really liked Sania Saeed in tonight’s episode; she was at her best tonight and totally into Mahjabeen’s character. The viewer’s did not get to find out who the “mystery man” was and whether the scene was from the past or present. The preview of the next episode showed that Wali will finally start seeing Mahjabeen as a living person with feelings. Will Wali’s feelings for Mahjabeen be based on sympathy or something more than that? I would happily settle for Wali giving Mahjabeen the kind of respect that one would give to their caretaker or mother.
Fatima Awan
Numm – Episode 02
I have to say that I liked the first episode of Numm much more than this second installment. Tonight’s episode was too slow for my liking and the fact that there was a lot of Neelam in this episode did not help at all. Not only is Kanza Wyne overacting but sometimes it is very difficult to understand what she is saying. The only question that kept on ringing in my head was that why was Bare Sahab putting up with all the batameezi and asking Wali Bakht to do the same? Has it got something to do with acquiring more wealth or does marrying his grandson to Neelam gives him some kind of a political edge or has it got something to do with blood ties? Bare Sahab’s character is very interesting, on one hand he is very authoritative and on the other he comes across as very friendly and progressive. The girl playing Neelam’s sister cannot utter a single line properly and the scenes with her in them were definitely worth forwarding. There are many good actresses that age who could have performed this character very well. Even though the character is rather insignificant but these small details make a huge difference.
Neelam is a muun zor ghori for sure; no wonder the only person she actually gets along with and wants to be with is Amtul. Amtul just like Neelam is an outcast, not only this she is also the only person in the house who did not have anything to do with Neelam’s marriage to Wali Bakht. Besides that, we already found out in the last episode that Neelam doesn’t really get along with normal people around her which is probably the reason why she had to befriend a tree. What has Neelam’s life been till now? Why is she the way she is? I hope we find out soon because she is not just upset because of the forced marriage but she has some serious issues otherwise as well.
The only mystery that was revealed in tonight’s episode was that Mahjabeen was married to Wali Bakht based on the tradition of Vani, although usually younger girls are married to older men normally to settle disputes but Sikandar Bakht clearly told Wali Bakht that Mahjabeen was not his wife but just “Vani”. I couldn’t understand anything in the flashback scene in which the panchayat gives the judgment because of the overpowering background score. So I am very eagerly waiting to find out that what were circumstances under which Wali Bakht and Mahajbeen got married.
The only person I truly felt for after watching these two episodes was Wali Bakht but at the same time his laid-back attitude towards the entire situation and his reliance on the life of luxury was actually quite disturbing. But, it is also true that it isn’t that simple to break away from the system you have been raised in and are dependent on.
Fawad Khan’s acting was spot on as usual but he really should get rid of the brown leather jacket and also the cigarettes! Sania Saeed was brilliant in tonight’s episode; Mahjabeen is nothing like the Bari Sarkar she is playing in Aseer Zaadi but a viewer can’t help but appreciate her acting skills in both the roles. I must add though that I am not feeling for her character just yet, maybe because I need to find out more about her past. Usman Peerzada is fantastic too and Farah Shah could not have been better. In fact the only good thing about this latest episode was the performances. Everyone gave their best except for Kanza Wyne but that too is not her fault because she is a newcomer and she needs a lot of time to brush up her acting skills. It is the fault of the producer who decided to choose her for playing this very important character and completely ruined it for the viewers. The dialogues in tonight’s episode were not powerful or intense at all. I can’t help but compare this play with Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi and I have to say that the dialogues in Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi are far more intense. Having said that, I must confess that you cannot judge a play on the basis of two episodes alone especially when the first episode was quite good. So, I will reserve my judgment for now.
The main theme of the play definitely is to show the viewers how the feudal feel about women; how women are exploited at the hands of the high and mighty who are not outsiders but their near and dear ones. In my opinion, there was nothing extraordinary about this episode except for the excellent performances. The background score was very loud just like the last episode and it was very difficult to understand what was being said in many of the scenes.
Fatima Awan
Numm – Episode 01
The latest trend nowadays seems to be that the real story behind the lives of different characters is unveiled slowly as opposed to introducing the viewers to the characters in a very clear-cut manner right in the first episode. This first episode of Numm revealed few things about the central characters but there is so much more that the viewers have yet to find out. So many questions were left unanswered at the end of this episode, which I don’t mind at all personally, as long as different aspects of the story will be revealed within the first few episodes.
The description on the facebook page of the drama serial clearly stated that the story revolved around the practice of Vani. No reference to the tradition was made in this episode except for one flashback scene in the beginning in which we see Wali Bakht’s’s father (Ahson Talish) leaving home to kill his brother’s murderer, while his wife (Farah Shah) begs him to leave the matter for the police to solve.
The story revolves around Wali Bakht (Fawad Khan), a young Oxford graduate, who despite of all his education cannot break the barriers of traditions that surround him. The elders make all the decisions for reasons they believe are right and there is nothing that the younger lot can do about it. Wali Bakht is married to a woman much older than him; Mahjabeen (Sania Saeed) is a dutiful woman who looks after her husband well even if he does not want her around. Bare Sahab (Usman Peerzada) makes all the decisions in the family because without him Wali Bakht and all others will be deprived of all the luxuries they are so used to.
Neelam (Kanza Wyne) is nothing like Mahjabeen at all, she is a girl who will do anything to have things her way but at the same time she is as helpless as Wali Bakht, Mahjabeen, Wali Bakht’s’s mother and many others who are victims of the system they were born in. I must say that Neelam’s character despite of its flaws had tons of potential to be cute and adorable but there were times when she seemed more annoying than cute. Kanza Wyne did very well in some of the scenes but in others the expressions appeared to be over the top; what the character needed was slight subtleness and I would have felt more for Neelam.
The way the grand haveli that contained so many ugly secrets and unhappy people was captured in the opening scene of this episode was absolutely beautiful. The cinematography was very impressive all through the episode. Fawad Khan’s acting was very impressive from the very first scene to the last one – he had to convey more with his body language and expressions and he did that very well. In the first scene the viewer’s could easily tell that Wali Bakht was not happy to be home; there was something that was worrying him, more like something that he was dreading. The only other person who truly impressed me with her acting was Farah Shah; she played a very difficult character very well. The background music was painfully loud in some of the scenes and there were other scenes in which it seemed quite unnecessary and prolonged.
What do our writers have against women who run NGOs? They are always shown as women with double standards. Myra Sajid’s script appears to be engaging enough, Ahson Talish is a talented director so I have very high expectations from him and the play has been produced by Amjad Hashim. Many questions were left unanswered at the end of this first episode; I can’t wait to find out in particular what happened to Wali Bakht’s father and how Wali Bakht ended up getting married to Mahjabeen.
Please share your views about this first episode.
Fatima Awan
Nubia Red Magic 5g Price in Pakistan
Nubia Red Magic 5G has glass on the front and as well as on the back of the cell phone and it has also a total plastic frame. We can say that display of the mobile phone is protected with corning gorilla glass.
This smartphone is a dual SIM supported device and has an RGB light panel and the display type of the smartphone is AMOLED capacitive touch screen, which is 6.5 inches.
Price: Rs. 68,000
Key Features:
Nubia Red Magic 5G runs on the chipset of Qualcomm Snapdragon and has the octa-core processor. ZTE Nubia Red Magic 5G specs show that it has two memory options of 128 GB and 256 GB but we don’t see any card slot to enhance its memory.
There are three cameras seen in this phone so that you can enjoy the beautiful ZTE Nubia Red Magic 5G videos and images. The selfie camera is of good quality to help users to make wonderful selfies.
Now There Is A Foreigner Groom In Pakistan
Pakistanis are on a roll as far as foreigner dulhans are concerned. It all started when a Sialkoti boy married Maria Helena from the USA. Then it was a Lahori guy who got married to an American girl. With all the fuss surrounding the marriages, now it is a Pakistani girl who has gotten engaged to a Turkish groom. The groom is a Turkish DJ. His name is Ferhat Kantik and he has hosted quite a few shows in Pakistan. He posted about his engagement on his Instagram and people were surprised. Here are the pictures from the couple’s engagement shoot:
People were happy, surprised and had a lot of questions but most of all they were remembering Imran Khan’s words:
Well congratulations to the new couple and what can we say more than that for Ferhat that Welcome to the family 😂!
Novels which could be turned into dramas
Pakistani dramas especially on PTV always relied on notable Urdu writers like Dr.Enver Sajjad, Bano Qudisa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Fatima Suraiya Bajia, Haseena moin to write new dramas for them. However with the passage of times many of these writers passed away or old age sapped their energy. Also our channels started the unhealthy trend of choosing sub par scripts written by digest writers as well as immature writers who concentrate on themes like Cousin marriage, the accused woman. second marriages, extra-marital affairs, The evil westernized woman and the pious suffering wife who over looks all of her Husband’s misdeeds ( affairs, verbal and psychical abuse)etc. If our industry has to survive it must start adapting the works of our classic Urdu writers.
Here are some of my selections:
1) Des huay pardes: Written by Mustansar Husain Tarar it is a tale of a Pakistani immigrant who unintentionally leaves for England and rises to success all the while longing for his native village. Brilliantly written it also deals with a subject like racism.
2) Dakia aur Jolaha: Another novel by Mustansar Husain Tarar it has multiple story lines but the main story is the unseen romance of a girl from a Feudal environment and a writer twice her age through their letters written to one and another. There is a strong theme of Sufism running through it. It needs a talented cast and director to be aired on Television.
3) Naya Ghar: Written by Intezar Husain it describes the rootlessness of the people who immigrated to Pakistan. It also contains many sly hints to the political turmoil. One fascinating part of the novel is the old family documents in which the protagonist relives his family history.
4) The works of manto: Many of Manto’s stories can be turned into thought-provoking telefilms. I especially liked his short story ‘ Anjam bilkhair’ which describes how a former courtesan is unable to lead a clean life because of the hypocrisy of our society.
5) Works of Qurutulain Hyder: I can’t pinpoint any of them they are all my favorites. Not only can they be serialized but many can be turned into telefilms. I especially recommend ‘ Kohar ke peeche’ and ‘ Agle janam mohe bitya na kijio’
6) Foreign novels: A large number of early PTV serials were adapted from foreign novels. Why not continue this trend. Recently a ‘ God of small things’ was adapted as Talkhiyan. Not only these novels are for adults we can adapt Children’s classics like ‘ A secret garden’. Wouldn’t it be nice to see children once again watching Television at 5-6 PM time slot. Infact why doesn’t PTV take the initiative? We can also adapt the works of Sydney Sheldon, Danielle Steele and many other authors who enjoy a mass popularity and appeal. There is a whole world of possibility. Romantic. mystery, horror, detective, adventure, fantasy so many genres to choose from.
7) The works of Ibn-e-Safi: One of Urdu’s most celebrated authors who ever wrote detective stories his stories are excellent and deserve to appear on small screen.
Any additions to this list would be appreciated. Also please comment and express your views on this subject.
Talha Rizvi
Novels that should be Dramatized
Dramatization of novels is a rage since last few years; all popular-unpopular novels published in monthly digests have been dramatized. Some are in the making even now. The news is Mushaf by Nimra Ahmed and Aks by Umera Ahmed are also under consideration for dramatization. Though I am not in favor of dramatization of novels but knowing it is unavoidable, there are some novels I would like to be dramatized or ruined :P
Pardon me but it happens in most cases here as well
1. Naseem Hijaazi:
First in my list is Naseem Hijazi. His novels are highly subjective and biased but inspite of this fact reading his novels is always a treat. A few of his novels have already been adapted not only in dramas but into a movie as well. Unfortunately I haven’t watched any of them; they are Khak aur Khoon (movie), Akhari Chataan and Shaheen. Shaheen is my favorite of Hijazi’s novels and I would love to see the drama but it is not available online or on Dvds. I hope it is considered again for dramatization. Mohammad Bin Qasim is another option especially now when there are lots of controversies concerning his arrival in Sindh. Its dramatization obviously won’t be able to repel all those controversies but like Naseem Hijazi I’m also biased and would like him presented in a positive light.
2. Safar ki Sham by Farhat Ishtiaq:
It is among my favorites and definitely best among Farhat Ishtiaq’s novels as well. Majority of her novels are predictable stories yet they are sweet and at times witty. This particular is my favorite because of Maha’s character. It will be a good addition on screen if dramatized.
3. The Holy Woman by Qaisra Shahraz:
The story of an independent and strong-willed aristocrat Zarri Bano who fell for Sikandar, shortly after their engagement due to unfortunate turn of events she was forced to become Holy woman i.e. married to Quran for the obvious reasons. Further tragedy struck when her younger sister was married to Sikandar in her lieu. It will make a good drama if the storyline remains unchanged with suitable actors obviously.
These are the three novels that I would prefer to see on screen, since the chaos is inevitable then why not the way I want it. Do share the novels you want to see on screen.
Faiza Cheema
Novel-Based Dramas and Detailed Promos – Killing Half Of The Fun?
Let me start by confessing that I do not read novels but even a non reader like me knows the gist of the story of a play that is based on a novel or even one that is based on stories that get published in Urdu digests thanks to all the online discussions as well as those which I have with friends and family. I can’t help but go through all the drama discussions on daily basis even though I may not be an active part of them. There have been dramas that got me really excited, I remember when Shehr-e-Zaat was about to go on air I was really looking forward to it because the promos looked very intriguing and it was also going to be Mahira Khan’s first play after Hamsafar. But gradually by reading the discussions under the promo videos in particular and the ones I had with a few family members who read novels, I could easily make out what the story was going to be about; a girl who was not inclined towards religion to begin with goes through a complete transformation because of what life puts her through. People even mentioned the scenes they wanted to see in particular and others wondered how a novel which was very short was going to be turned into a 20 plus episodes play. When the play finally went on air it got a great response but the constant comparison with the novel was nothing short of annoying. Let me add that I do not blame the viewers for drawing such comparisons because that is bound to be their instinctive response. A non reader like me should jump to the idea of getting the opportunity of watching novels which are so renowned on screen because otherwise I would have completely missed out on them but because of some reasons that I have already mentioned and others which I am going to mention now, I think it is a good time to stop making plays based on novels and on stories taken from digests.
Firstly, people who have read these novels have very high expectations from the plays based on them. Many times the plays do not come up to the expectations and people feel more led down than they would be otherwise.
Secondly, readers like the novels the way they are and do not want to see any changes being made in them. A novel is usually very short and a play is much longer so it is essential to add additional characters and some sidetracks which people don’t often appreciate. The readers may not warm up to the new characters and the addition in the original story.
Thirdly, the constant comparisons with the novel are inevitable which result from the expectations of course, kill the fun for even those people who have not read the novel. While watching Zindagi Gulzar Hai I am constantly being reminded of what I am missing out on by those people who have read the novel and so often I am tempted to read the novel, which I am not going to of course at least not while the drama is on air. I think when you read the novel, the story unfolds gradually and so do the different shades of the characters and that is when you fall in love with the characters bit by bit and enjoy the twists and turns. Falling in love twice with characters maybe very hard and is not just the same watching the whole thing dramatized. I am not saying that no one enjoys these dramas, There are many people (who have read the novels) who enjoy these novel based dramas too and enjoy watching their favorite stars play the characters on screen.
Fourthly and most importantly for me (since I do not read novels), novel based dramas have no suspense; one can’t keep wondering what is going to happen next because most of the people already tell you what it is going to be. So you already you know the story and the characters all you have to do is to sit back and watch a plot you already know too well unfold on screen. For me most of the fun lies in sitting on the edge of my seat and speculating what the next turn of events will be.
Enough of talking about novel based dramas let’s talk about those dramas which are not based on novels or stories from digests but are especially written for television. Pakistani drama industry is blessed with very gifted writers who have tons of potential. But many of the dramas that are based on original scripts too lose half their charm when every single twist and turn is shown in the promos and even some of the OSTs tell you half of the story. What is the point of penning down an original script when the entire story will be given away in the promos? The people who are responsible for making the promos should be very careful not to give the entire story away. The promos should be short, sweet and enticing but at the same time keep the suspense alive. Who would want to watch an entire play when most of the story can be followed by watching the promos that come before the play and those that come afterwards too? I must give credit to whoever is responsible for making the promos of Bari Apa for keeping them short and sweet and even very often misleading too. The what-is-going-to-happen-next factor matters a lot to me and I really do not appreciate it when you can easily predict what is going to happen in the next episode due to detailed promos.
I was talking to a very close friend Zubeida the other day about novel based dramas and she rightly pointed out that our writers are greatly endowed and they have oodles of new ideas to share but it seems like it is the channels who want to make dramas based on novels. One of the reasons can be that these novels are already popular and automatically ensure a certain fan following so the channels do not have to work extra hard on advertising them. Do you want to see more dramas based on novels and stories that have already been published in digests? And have there been times when detailed promos ruined the drama watching experience for you? Do share your thoughts.
Fatima Awan.
Novel review- Wo Jo Qarz Rkhte The
Aspiring to be a novelist one day myself I seem to be indulged in pretty much every book that interests me. You can call me that ‘Kitabi Keera’, or, since we happen to be, existing in a ‘tech world’ label me as ‘Tablet Keera’, who is seen mostly hidden under the cover reading their favorite books at night hours, despite being aware of all the cons they might endure for not sleeping on time. Swollen eyes, hair fall, dark circle or what not! But, who cares, as these books are so much more to us than these imperfections and, besides these are the imperfections that make us human! So next time anyone makes fun of your swollen eyes, don’t let them get to your heart- roll your eyes, sit back and turn the page to know what’s going on in the lives of your favorite characters, with a smile.
Now that I’m a book worm let me just admit that I like to re-read things depending on the intensity it touched my heart with. So, while I was re-downloading ‘Wo Jo Qarz Rakhte The’ in my tablet yesterday an idea hit upon my cranium to write a review on it, just so that I might share the beautiful journey I went through while I was mused in the world of ‘Saad’ and ‘Fari.’
The story starts with Fariya, a very young aged girl weeping at the misery of her parent’s death in a car accident, while she’s been told about her maternal grandfather by her family’s beloved maid. The story progresses with her going back to Pakistan along with her grandfather, living a life of dismay with her grandparent as she still has not gotten over the fact that she wouldn’t ever get back to her homeland. However, with time, things get better as she befriends with a two years elder guy who keeps on explaining and advising her for having an optimistic outlook on life, his forthright attitude and the way he perceive things and the sincerity he shows towards her makes them the best of friend.
Over the years she gets better and better by the constant care of her grandmother and her only best friend, yet, she is still not aware of the sternness his Grandpa shows towards her. Fast forwarding, she gets to know the truth by her mother’s only best friend ‘Anjumand aunty’ who came to visit her after 10 long years. And then the story revolves around Fariya, Saad, Zufishan(Fariya’s mother), Fariya’s father and then the grumpy grandpa who’s not really grumpy and sweet as sugar Grandma.
Overall the story which might seem quite simple has charm in its simplicity. The way Farhat ishtiaq has molded her thoughts onto the piece of paper is worth being praised for. Honestly, she has become one of my go-to writers whom I can read almost all day. The writing style that she owns in which she converts the simplest of stories into something that attains a special place in our heart explains her evolved and refined writing skills. ‘Wo Jo Qarz Rkhte The’ is a story of sacrifice, forgiveness and love that stays for eternity. The way Fariya sacrifices her love just so that her grandpa might forgive her mother and how her mother missed her father even though she had everything made me realize the strong ties we have with our parent. And even if we try to scratch them out from our lives, it would be our souls that would end up being crushed into million pieces.
The touch of poetry in the latter part of the novel when Fariya is described as missing her childhood is so beautiful that even I started missing it. Lol :P and the relative utilization of the classic old aged stories were poignant, and very much in accordance with the situation.
I guess the story is quite predictable yet Farhat’s subtle approach and unique sense of writing made the novel, Hmmm, what should I call it?? A must read? Well… I guess it’s in between a guilty pleasure and a must read! Yet I wouldn’t mind recommending it to you guys, as the novel was really worth my time. And to all those who end up cursing me for wasting your money for not being happy with the ending, I recommend you to become a ‘tablet’ or a ‘smart phone Keera’ just like me, so that you wouldn’t get to spend your money on the book.
Hope you guys liked the review. Let me know if there’s any novel you’d like to be reviewed by me and do forgive me if I forgot anything special as I read it a year or two back. Don’t forget to share your thoughts, let’s rewind back to the time when we first read the novel.
Stay blessed!
Mariam Sheikh
Nour Aslam’s take on Pakistani Art
The business of buying and selling artwork is a fascinating one. The dynamics of the art world have been dictated by the market, and this market constitutes a number of significant art collectors. Just like an accessory sported by an established celebrity becomes popular, items collected by art-loving heavyweights add to their value.
It all depends on where a piece of art finds its home. Throughout the course of time, collectors have lent impetus to the art market and played a major role in the success of many artists.
Nour Aslam, head of South Asian and Contemporary Art at privately-owned British auction house, Bonhams, talks us about how Pakistani art is trending in the international market.
“The Indians are a factor in driving up the Pakistani art market,” says Aslam. “They find Pakistani art aesthetically pleasing and cheaper than Indian artwork.”
Aslam, who is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College Bronxville, New York, has been working at Bonhams in London for four and a half years. She deals with modern and contemporary art from Turkey and Bangladesh, among other places.
Commenting on the inextricable link between art collectors and an artist’s success trajectory, she says, “In some instances, a major collector can change the fate of an artist, and the two go hand in hand. If there was no Gertrude Stein, there would be no [Pablo] Picasso, and if there was no Picasso, there would be no Gertrude Stein.” Not only was the success of these artists contingent on how talented they were and how good their work was, but also on the basis of who liked and bought their creations.
Aslam shares that one of the most imperative factors that contributes to an artist’s success is international collectors. “[Abdur Rahman] Chughtai spent time in Austria, Bashir Mirza in Holland, and Sadequain in Paris, and this exposure was crucial for their success because their work was collected by people abroad.”
Interestingly, another determinant of the success of artists is how accessible their work is. In some cases, the more available an artist is, the less the worth is of his/her work. In most instances, it takes years before an artist’s work becomes worthy of being a collectable. “Most of the famous Pakistani artists gifted their work to their friends and it is after their lifetime that they became collectors’ items,” Aslam says.
Having studied studio art, Aslam plays a crucial role in the prestigious auction house that was founded in 1793 and has 66 locations worldwide. “Once a piece of art is asked to be auctioned off, we have to authenticate it, catalogue it, research the artist and the origins of the work, value the piece and then sell it.” Size, medium and condition of the piece, along with who the artists are and what their background is, are all factors that are considered when a certain piece is being evaluated.
Contemporary artists, such as Imran Qureshi, Aisha Khalid, Rashid Rana, Faiza Butt, Mohammad Ali Talpur, Ali Kazim and Khadim Ali are gaining ground internationally. Aslam talks about the impact that their work is making in the Western markets. “Pakistani contemporaries are being showcased at the Venice Biennale and are getting the Western exposure they need,” she states. “When international art fairs, museums and galleries pick up an artist, they ensure that the right people see the work.” Just like any industry, even the art market depends on both where you showcase your work and who sees it.
With an ever-evolving art market, and certain forms of art and artists going in and out of fashion, Aslam urges people to not hesitate to buy what they personally like. “You have to live with the work; hence, you should love it,” she says.
S. Rasool
Nouman Javaid Talks About His Suicide Attempt
The news of Nouman Javaid’s suicide attempt went viral when he was admitted to the hospital few weeks back. His family kept on denying that he had tried to take his own life and the admin on his facebook page too posted a message from him saying that a gas leak in his room left him unconscious. There were however sources in the hospital which revealed that he had tried to commit suicide.
Nouman Javaid and singer Fariha Pervaz got married in a secret ceremony less than a year ago but they grew apart because of some property related issues. There were speculations that Nouman tried to take his life because of his failed marriage. Nouman recently talked to Express Tribune about the incident and this time he was willing to share the real story. He shared that he had taken some 50 sleeping pills in an attempt to end his life. He said,
“I was in depression for quite some time before finally attempting suicide. I was facing issues in life but I wish to make it clear that my marriage has not ended yet…. Secondly, Fariha was not the only reason behind my depression; there were a number of other things involved.”
Nouman regrets his decision to commit suicide and wants to start over. He shared,
“Although I am not well but I feel positive about my future. I have already started practical work. I am currently busy singing for a new film project. The name of the film is yet to be decided and we are in the process of finalising the cast.”
He also said that he wanted to take steps to save his marriage.
“I am making efforts to convince her and I am hopeful that everything will turn out fine……I am grateful to my well wishers who have supported me during crucial times by showing their love on social media.”
Fariha Parvez has not talked about this incident with the media. We wish Nouman Javaid all the best for his future endeavours.
Nouman Javaid Expresses His Feelings For Saeeda to Aadi & Maira
Tamasha is an Ary Digital reality show, the show has been garnering public praise and admiration due to the engaging and interesting content along with the daily happenings in the lives of contestants in Tamasha Ghar. Well, the format of the show is based on Big Brother / Big Boss. Viewers are taking interest in the show.The Tamasha contestants are giving full content to the public. In later episodes, the contestants have been displaying their real selves and emotions for their survival.
Today, Nouman Javaid, expressed his feelings to Aadi and Maira about Saeeda, he said to Aadi that he really likes the contestant Saeeda Imtiaz, who is a pretty and a decent girl, according to Nouman. Nouman shared his feelings with Aadi and asked about her as well, he further asked if he should follow his heart or let it go, Aadi, then, said to him that he should definitely follow his heart but he must tell the other person about his feelings as well, and it should not be one sided. Nauman Javed also discussed it with Maira that he really likes Saeeda. Maira said that he should do what his heart says. Here is the video.
It is to be remembered that Nouman Javaid is currently single, since 2016, when he and Jana Malik got divorced after six months of their marriage.
Fans loved the scene between Nouman and Saeeda and they liked the way he was asking and seeking advices from friends and they were noticing his gestures when ever Saeeda is around, here are interesting comments regarding their interest scene.
Nouman Javaid and Jana Malik appeared on a Morning Show
Newly wed couple, Singer Nouman Javaid and Actress Jana Malik appeared in a morning show together as a newly married couple. The morning show Ek Nayee Subha With Farah Hussain, is one of the highly rated morning shows. The couple had some amazing time on the set and their photoshoot was simply amazing. Check out their pictures and share your views.
Nouman Ijaz Is All Set To Make Comeback In Pakistani Films
Nouman Ijaz, is associated with drama industry since years and is the soul of every drama he appears in. He continues to prove his mettle as an actor with his strong and gripping performances. The actor who’s acting at times can get you goosebumps is set to make his comeback in Pakistani cinema after almost 9 years with upcoming film ‘Maidaan’
Speaking to the Images the Khan actor, Nouman Ijaz said, “What tempted me to do Maidaan was quite honestly, the subject. It is our genre. It is a film being made out of a reason. It offers something substantial.”
“It’s an honest effort and I see great potential in the vision of its makers. All you need is a new approach and a veteran actor, the product of which is always positive [laughs]. I yet have to go through the final draft, but I have said yes to the project for now.”
Maidaan, which will also star co-producer Gohar Rasheed and Besharam-fame actress Ghana Ali in lead roles, is based on true events and Ijaz plans on taking it in his stride. “People will be able to relate to it,” he says confidently. “Sultan Rahi’s films worked because the audience at that time was able to relate to the aggression, and that is something that is ought to happen when you present real-life stories on the reel.”
When asked to share his views on the current state of local cinema, he replied:
“Films are not being made in Pakistan right now. We are just seeing television dramas releasing on the big screen,” he observes. “We are only running after everything that India does, hence, I was only being offered rom-coms. We need to understand that we have a different genre. Shah, to me has been one of the best films Pakistan has produced in recent times.”
Maidaan might not be your usual run-off- the-mill extravaganza that offers romance or comedy, and despite having an ensemble cast, Ijaz says that screen-space or box-office numbers have never bothered him and he remains clear about his priorities as an artist.
“I’m not bothered about whether the film does well at the box office or not,” the Nijaat actor expresses. “I’m not a hero; I’m a character actor, hence, screen-space is never a concern as long as my character has some sort of a turning point in the script. To me, personal satisfaction in a project is what matters the most.”
The upcoming film titled Maidaan is under the banner of Shuffler Films, co-founded by Waqas Rizvi and Gohar Rasheed. Nouman Ijaz will be seen essaying the character of a coach to 12 street children who come together for the ‘Street Child World Cup’ that took place in Brazil three years ago.