‘My real award is the appreciation and the unconditional love which I get from my millions of fans’ is the first thing Neelam Muneer says when asked about her ‘failure’ to win an award, despite being nominated on multiple occasions. She has delivered more hits than any other actress on TV in the last three years, yet the awards keep eluding her, not that she cares about that. Her reason isn’t that off-target too – she believes "By the grace of Allah Almighty the masses love me. They buy the cinema ticket just to see me, that is enough reward for me, which is bigger than any award".
The Pashtun beauty had a chat with BOLD recently after the release of her Eid flick Chakkar where she played not one but two characters and was the reason why many went to watch it in cinemas. It is her second film in three years and third since her debut Chupan Chupai (2018) but she feels that the road is unending, and she will keep on learning to stay ahead. She also talks about her TV projects, her rise as a bankable actress, and why she hasn’t done something for the digital, in this tête-àtête. Read on:
BOLD: Cinegoers all over the country were treated to two Neelams this Eid through Chakkar. How was the experience of playing a double role, and then watching people throng cinemas to watch ‘your’ film?
It was the best experience of my career, especially when I was told that people were asking for a ticket to Neelam Muneer ki film instead of Chakkar. The love of fans made me forget the difficulties faced during the movie's shoot; that during the film’s shoot we had to endure the pandemic, and most of the cast members including myself were hit.
As for the double role, well I had to play two sisters – Zara and Mehreen – and while they looked alike, they had different personalities. One was a renowned model and film actress while the other was a housewife; one was bold while the other was timid; one was selfish while the other had a husband to take care of. It was difficult to play both the characters but thanks to Allah Kareem, I was able to pull it off.
For sure the Chirya song
I was able to give a performance with the most professional and seasoned celebrities like – Faysal Qureshi, Mohib Mirza, Sheheryar Munawwar, and Hasan Shehryar Yasin (HSY). It gave me the grand feeling of working in a film and doing what I love the most. Other than that, there were the sequences where I was Zara one moment and Mehreen the next, and although it seems easier to talk about it now, it was quite a task to snap out of one character and then become the other person. I even tried to adopt a different tone for the characters which was noticed by quite a number of people. When your hard work gets appreciated, that not only makes me happy but I want to do better as well.
BOLD: And when your hard work is not appreciated? I respect everyone’s opinion but I feel that they should also realise how hard it is to become someone else in front of the camera. I just do my bit and move on, because I have a world to conquer.
BOLD: Usually actresses who once migrate to films don’t usually come back to TV but you have stayed with TV despite success in Because TV, in this part of the world, has a global audience and films are getting there. TV has made me what I am today and I can’t leave it just because I want to be a film actress. There is no law against working in both mediums (smiles) so I will carry on working on TV as long as my fans want me to.
BOLD: You have been churning out hits after hits, and recently your dramas Qayamat Mohabbat Daagh Ki Soorat, and Pyar Deewangi Hai have done well. How do you choose a script?
Firstly, the script has to feel good and should touch my heart. Then I prefer trying different kinds of roles so that when my fans see me, they know they are in for a surprise. In Qayamat I was the younger sister but the more confident one who finally manages to get back her family’s property from her in-laws; in Mohabbat Daagh Ki Soorat I played a girl who doesn’t believe in love until she falls in love with his university colleague which sort of derails her ambition, whereas Pyar Deewangi Hai is a complex love triangle featuring me and two boys. I don’t want to be seen as only a damsel in distress and hope that the other actresses also realise that as well so that the writers would be compelled to create new
When I began acting at a young age, I wasn’t even considered for lead roles but thankfully, after proving my mettle I became one of the ‘new girls in town'. Had I stayed playing the monotonous characters I wouldn’t have been able to justify my talent, and that’s one of the many reasons that keep me going for different roles
BOLD: Your body of work has been amazing as well; you have done romance, comedy, horror, and even played a figment of imagination in a film! Which character attracts you the most?
The one that hasn’t been done (laughs). When I began acting at a young age, I wasn’t even considered for lead roles but thankfully, after proving my mettle I became one of the ‘new girls in town'. Had I stayed playing the monotonous characters I wouldn’t have been able to justify my talent, and that’s one of the many reasons that keep me going for different roles. Acting is one field where you can let your imagination cross all limits, and if you are a good actor, you should cherish that limitlessness.
BOLD: Which actor you are most comfortable sharing the screen recently?
I am an actor and I can work with anyone and everyone but I enjoy and appreciate working with fellow actors who one can learn from and who help you raise the bar;
I have been part of films and TV projects where Ahsan Khan and Sami Khan - who are exceptional actors – have been the main
The
Mehwish
Ms
ture and I am definitely interested in it. However, at the moment I don’t get much time off from TV and films, which is a good thing (laughs). Whatever little time I get off, I like to spend with my family and travel around. I have done some work for PUBG Mobile and I'm looking forward to working with some more international digital platforms. When that happens, I will surely grab the opportunity and make
lead and these projects have done well. On TV, I have had the chance of working with Yasir Nawaz (who has directed me in two films!), Imran Ashraf, Wahaj Ali, Syed Jibran, Haroon Shahid, and many others recently who have been very cooperative on the set. That’s why in whatever project we have been in, whichever channel it has aired on, it has become popular.
BOLD: And then there are the controversies you find yourself in … how do you handle that part of showbiz?
Controversies are part and parcel of showbiz and I try to learn from them and move
on. It is true that every controversial news item or gossip tries to pull you down but I take it as a challenge and use that energy to do better. People who write such news don’t realise that their ‘imagined’ news has an impact on the subject’s relatives and loved ones. In a country like ours, it is quite damaging, and I urge all those out there to verify facts before printing/publishing it.
BOLD: A lot of your contemporaries are trying their hand at digital platforms; what’s keeping you away from the web? I recognise that digital media is the fu-
a hue and cry when you don’t get an award, which has been the case on multiple occasions?
I would surely have done that had I been in the field to win awards but that’s not the case. I am here to set an example for girls like me who want to live their dreams but don’t get a chance to do so. In every corner of the country, there is a Neelam Muneer who is talented enough to make it to the top but sometimes their dreams are cut short.
BOLD: You are amongst the most well-known faces in the country, how do you cope with being famous?
When I began my career, I never wanted to become famous, and known all over the world. I just wanted to work as I enjoyed it tremendously and felt liberated. Thankfully, by the grace and blessings of Allah Almighty and the unconditional love and prayers of my mother, I have managed to earn the love and respect of my fans and well-wishers. At times it feels like they are everywhere, and I can’t seem to have a peaceful time with my folks, but I still appreciate them. It is because of them that I want to break the barriers in any way I can, and had they not been supportive, I might not have achieved whatever I have till now. The road on which I am traveling is a long one, and I will need their support until I reach the final destination.
I never wanted to become famous, and known all over the world. I just wanted to work as I enjoyed it tremendously and felt liberatedBy Kayenat Kalam KARACHI
"Look at me… a girl from Karachi walking the Red carpet in Hollywood shows anything is possible”, said Mehwish Hayat at the premiere of Ms Marvel in LA.
Good things come to those who wait and fans of Mehwish Hayat, who have been waiting for her comeback to the small screen, will now be getting a double dose of all that is good with both, local and international projects.
The Tamgha-e-Imtiaz holding renowned actor who started her career in 2010 has come a long way today as she is currently representing Pakistan on the red carpet in Hollywood at the premiere ‘Ms Marvel’.
The first time Mehwish made us all proud on an international platform was in 2019 when she was awarded the Pride of Performance Award by the Prime Minister of Norway. However, with her very own Hollywood debut, that too with a Marvel superhero series, the actress has unlocked one of the biggest achievements of her career so far. And, we know for sure that it is only the beginning for our superstar!
While it’s “a dream come true” for Mehwish she is also thrilled to finally have the first brown Muslim superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Load Wedding actress applauded the creators of Ms Marvel for accurately depicting the Pakistani culture, which is a rare sight in Hollywood.
While meeting Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, and Louis D'Esposito, the film producer, was the highlight of Mehwish’s first walk on the red carpet, she also seems optimistic about the future of Pakistani actors in Hollywood and praised Marvel Studios for making an effort to cast Pakistanis in the key roles in the series.
"Working on Ms Marvel and being part of the MCU is a dream come true for me!
You cannot believe what it means to finally have the first brown Muslim superhero that we can all relate to and who speaks for us.
Words can't describe how happy my inner child is to see my culture being so accurately represented on screen, in a mainstream Hollywood production”, Mehwish Hayat wrote on her Instagram after the premiere event of Ms Marvel in Los Angeles.
Now that she has finally gotten the wings to fly high in Hollywood, she reminisced about the time when she began her acting
career as a young girl from Karachi and it’s nostalgic.
"Look at me… a girl from Karachi walking the Red carpet in Hollywood shows anything is possible.”
Alongside Mehwish Hayat, the Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Pakistani actresses Samina Ahmad, Nimra Bucha, and Vardah Aziz were also spotted at the premiere.
While all eyes are set on Ms Marvel which is scheduled to release on June 8th, 2022, we are also looking forward to Mehwish Hayat’s upcoming projects in Pakistan, including a telefilm that will mark her comeback on TV after 6 long years.
Mehwish was last seen on television in 2016 with her stellar performance as Anmol in Nadeem Baig’s Dil Lagi alongside Humayun Saeed. The actress was applauded for her brilliant portrayal of a strong-headed, resilient woman who looks after her mother
By Ghazala SulaimanThe horror genre in Pakistan is a form of entertainment that has progressed the least over the years. Worldwide, horror movies and sinister TV shows are released frequently in the entertainment industry, garnering immense fan following and turning into massive franchises that appeal to viewers of all ages.
Our local entertainment industry doesn't churn out horror content that is at par with the matter produced by the West. But one thing is for sure: the Pakistani audience manifests the same viewing behaviour when it comes to scary movies as the audiences globally.
What makes us say so?
The popularity of the currently on-air Saaya 2 has made us conclude that despite mediocre special effects, drama-buffs can still enjoy a good, dramatic tale if it contains mystery, revolves around murders, and of course, includes demons.
A sequel to Saaya- a horror drama released in 2018, this coming-of-age tale is based on its prequel's generation that grows up in the story and faces paranormal activity in their lives.
Saaya 1 was directed by Syed Muhammad Khurram, produced by Babar Javed, and written by Wajeeha Sahar. The writer has continued penning the story in succession; however, Sami Sani has donned the director's cap this time round.
A few characters from the past have resurfaced in Saaya 2, including the dead mother, Sauleha, essayed by Mahim Aamir, the father, Rashid, portrayed by Sohail Sameer, and Shams, played by Salim Meraj. The new cast features Mashal Khan, Momina Iqbal, Saleem Meraj, Danial Afzal Khan, and Naveed Raza in pivotal roles.
The drama builds upon the story of Rashid and Sauleha's children and how their lives get entangled in paranormal activities and supernatural incidents.
A very Twilightesque love story We all remember how Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga created a massive stir with its vampire-human love story. When the movies were released, based on the books, they became an instant hit because the vampire, Edward Cullen, was depicted as a handsome, dreamy character instead of a hideous demon. Edward Cullen was essayed by the heart-
Like Edward, our Jinn is handsome too and is called Feroze. The role is essayed by the dashing Daniyal Afzal Khan. Donning contact lenses, sporting spiky hair, and flaunting a chiseled jawline with well-maintained stubble and raspy voice, our hero jinn knows how to converse in English. He also wears hoodies and likes to eat spaghetti on a dinner date.
The stunning lady he attaches himself to is Laila (aka Pinky), portrayed by Mashal Khan. The complicated affair begins when she stops near a wild jungle with her father, Rashid, and her younger sister, Guriya (Momina Iqbal). Laila spots a beautiful rose under a rickety old barren tree and gets lost in its beauty. Little does she know that it would change her life as the tree was Feroze's abode.
From thereon, their sweet and strange encounters begin. Pinky gets enchanted by his mystical aura and cryptic conversations. He pops up everywhere she goes, romances her in dreams, and even invites her to have dinner with him. He does it all to sway her. As the plot progresses, she eventually realises his reality. But does she stop romanticising him as any sane human would? Of course not.
There has to be a twist in their love story, right? In this case, it is an exorcist, Talal, essayed by
and younger sister after her father’s demise. The drama was one of a kind, raising the bar high for Mehwish's future projects on TV.
However, during the same time, Mehwish turned her focus to films as she had some big films in the pipeline. The actress rose to the status of a superstar with back-toback successful projects on the big screen, including the highest-grossing Pakistani movie Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. The actress also teamed up again with Humayun Saeed and Nadeem Baig for Punjab Nahi Jaungi, for which she bagged the accolade of “Best Actress (Film)” in 2018.
While the diehard fans of Mehwish absolutely adore her work for all her projects on the big screen, they have been impatiently waiting for her to return to TV. Well, the good news is that the diva is making a comeback to the small screen with a telefilm after a hiatus of six years.
Her last drama on TV was written by
Faiza Iftikhar who is also the mastermind behind the story of this upcoming telefilm, which reveals how the actress is quite choosy about her projects. This time, Mehwish will team up with the famous fashion designer turned actor Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY), who was recently seen as an antagonist in the action-comedy “Ishrat Made in China”.
Where it is going to be refreshing and an absolute delight to see Mehwish Hayat perform on the small screen again, the actress has also recently finished dubbing for her next movie. Hayat has reunited with Humayun Saeed and Nadeem Baig for the sequel of “Punjab Nahi Jaungi” which is expected to be released on Eid-ul-Adha.
Claiming that the year 2022 belongs to Mehwish Hayat won’t be incorrect. With a Hollywood debut, a movie, and a telefilm, we can only imagine what the superstar has next up her sleeve to leave us awestruck!
Naveed Raza. Visually impaired, always dressed in white, and seems to have survived a near-death experience, Talal is an Oracle, who is trying his best to ensure that Feroze returns to his world. He recites verses and performs rituals that eventually send Feroze away from the human world. But for how long? Fans, who have gotten mesmerised by the good-looking Jinn, are waiting for the demon to return to the story.
There is one more spirit that is haunting Rashid's daughters and attacking people who have wronged them. A series of murders make the story more sinister. Sauleha's ghost (the mother) has broken free after Shams captured her in the first season. She is wreaking havoc in everyone's life. Her soul's return has also marked the return of Shams- the exorcist to the story. He, along with Talal, is fighting to send all the supernatural forces back to where they belong.
Other than a horror subplot, the story features a cliched storyline of cousin marriages, love triangles, some toxic masculinity, and rivalry between relatives that leads to a gruesome murder.
Strength of Saaya 2 - A cast working its magic
Saaya 2 has a wide array of characters- each has a substantial role to play. For this reason, we see an unconventional casting coup in the drama that unitedly has worked together to make the story gripping for its fans.
Mashal Khan splendidly portrays Pinky - as a woman lost in love and a human possessed by a Jinn. Danial Afzal Khan has grown his following by manifolds with his frightening, dreamboat of an avatar. YouTube comments under the drama's episode reveal how the audience cannot get enough of his character.
Meanwhile, Naveed Raza steals the spotlight as a blind conjurer. It is challenging to portray a visually impaired character in a horror show. The actor has done justice to his role, ensuring he appears mystical and powerful while serving some modern-day exorcist looks.
Salim Meraj never fails to disappoint; his return to the sequel as Shams has worked like a charm for the story. He played a crucial role in the first part and has made his presence in Saaya 2 all the more significant.
Perhaps the only improvements Saaya 2 needs are raising the special effects game along with working on FX prosthesis and makeup of characters. Jenaan Hussain's makeover as Neelofar, the witch, seems straight out of a school play. The set design in some scenes looks puerile. The background music could be more ominous like that in Neeli Zinda Hai. These shortcomings pertain to most horror projects in Pakistan, making us realise that this genre needs to improve and thrive in the industry. After all, a large chunk of the audience is inclined towards watching thrillers and exploring the eerie, scary world.
The drama contains mystery, revolves around murders, and of course, includes demons
Working on Ms Marvel and being part of the MCU is a dream come true for me! You cannot believe what it means to finally have the first brown Muslim superhero that we can all relate to and who speaks for usBy Naveed Raza KARACHI
Pakistani TV plays have always been better than the dramas produced in the region, and the reason this has a lot to do with the scripts, than the performances. From Khawaja Moinuddin to Haseena Moin, everyone who worked on TV helped it become a force to reckon with, in the 1960s and the 1970s. However, one name that will always have a special place, among both the greatest playwrights and actors, will be that of Kamal Ahmed Rizvi. The creator of Alif Noon not only became a household name with the series, but his successors are still trying to emulate his type of comedy even today after five decades.
Kamal Ahmed Rizvi’s initial journey – From Bihar to Lahore
Born on 1st May, 1930 in a religious yet intellectual family of Bihar, the young Kamal was praised whenever he did something creative. Since his father Syed Abdul Rasheed was an officer in the Indian Police Service and supported theatre, Kamal developed a liking for theatre at a young age. However, after his mother’s death, he immersed himself in literature and even played the role of the Jewish moneylender in his school’s adaptation of ‘The Merchant of Venice’.
It was after migrating to Pakistan in 1947 that Kamal Ahmed Rizvi, who had by then developed an interest in literature, decided to contribute to the literary magazine 'Jamalistan'. Before his 22nd birthday, he was writing plays for Radio Pakistan Lahore and was noticed by his peers including Radio Pakistan director and poet Hafeez Hoshyar Puri, and playwrights Shaukat Thanvi, Imtiaz Ali Taj and Rafi Pirzada. It was under the influence of these legends that the young Kamal honed his skills as a playwright and emerged as one of the best in the country in no time. And when Television came to Pakistan, General Manager Aslam Azhar brought him to TV after watching his theatre play 'Khawbon Ke Musafir' at Al-Hamra Arts Council in Lahore. Thus, after the Indo-Pak War in 1965, Kamal Ahmed Rizvi joined TV and stayed with the medium, till death did them apart.
How Kamal Ahmed Rizvi helped TV evolve, and vice versa!
Since Kamal Ahmed Rizvi had spent a few years in Karachi before relocating to Lahore in the fifties, he knew what the people of both cities wanted. He learned a lot from the experience of spending time
with his idol Saadat Hasan Manto and his contemporaries in the coffee shops of the metropolitans, which he used in his writing to make people aware. Since PTV was in its infancy, Kamal Ahmed Rizvi decided to give it the flavor it was missing the most – satire.
From someone who used to contribute as a freelancer to literary magazines, he evolved into a popular playwright in no time. He used his pen in a very effective way and spoke against the injustices in society through his characters. During the golden era of PTV, he always used bitter words mixed with satire, harsh facial expressions with funny phrases, and arrogant words in such a way that it made the viewer’s laugh.
He created drama characters that provoked emotions against wrongdoing in our society and suddenly balanced it out by adding entertainment. He wrote, he performed, and he succeeded with his formula and never lost his audience.
He kept writing for theatre till his last breath while helping TV evolve with his writing, and long before his biggest contribution was aired on TV, he had
become a person known for his unique style in whatever he did.
How Alif Noon changed the way comedy was being done in Pakistan!
Just like the way ‘Laurel and Hardy’ changed the comedy scene in the United States in the 1930s and the 1940s, Kamal Ahmed Rizvi and Rafi Khawar gave Pakistan Television a different way forward. Had it not been for the recentlydeparted TV guru Agha Nasir that Kamal Ahmed Rizvi got the chance on TV to both write a play and play the lead in i Initially, a play revolving around two characters - one poet and one simple man – was considered where the former is cunning and the latter, foolish or as you can say, simple. Titled 'Aao Nokri Karo', Kamal shortlisted himself as the clever one and began the search for an actor who could not only play the ‘simple’ character but carry the play on his shoulders. That’s where he remembered meeting a young man named Rafi Khawar who looked simple and foolish but had no acting experience.
In those days, TV dramas were broadcast live and, on the day, when Kamal Ahmed Rizvi was supposed to go live, he backed the newcomer who looked like everything but a leading character, and the rest is history. Rafi Khawar became Nannha, the simple character, and carried it so well that till his death in the
mid-80s, he remained Nannha for both his mentor and his audience.
Some say that Agha Nasir named the play Alif Noon because his initials were A and N; however, Alif Noon became popular because of Allan and Nannha, played brilliantly by Kamal Ahmed Rizvi and Rafi Khawar. Alif (Kamal Ahmed Rizvi) was a character who would ‘con’ others through his cunning mind, while Noon (Nanna) would spoil his evil plans with his simplicity and foolishness. The popularity of 'Alif Noon' can be gauged from the fact that when it was aired, the streets would be deserted and shops would be closed. It was recreated on a number of occasions including in 1968, 1971, and finally in 1981, always on the demand of the public. The 1981 version is the one most of the audience can relate to since it was re-run on TV on countless occasions.
Raising the standard, setting the bar high!
Other than ‘Alif Noon’, Kamal Ahmed Rizvi wrote countless plays for TV and Radio, many of which achieved cult status. From ‘Ham Ke Thehre Ajnabi’, to ‘Mere Hamdam Mere Dost’, from ‘Ham Sab Pagal Hain’ to ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’, and from ‘Mr Shaitan’, to ‘Chor Machaye Shor’, he was at his creative best in the 1970s and 1980s. He was amongst those playwrights who could make the viewer’s laugh and cry at the same time, such was the power of his writing.
He wasn’t just limited to TV and Radio but wrote a lot of dramas for theatre and is now considered one of the fathers of modern theatre. At the same time, another side of Kamal Ahmed Rizvi emerged which saw him make a name for himself in his first love – literature. He translated as many as 20 dramas, countless novels, and works of fiction from English to Urdu and was instrumental in transferring his love of books to the younger generation. Many don’t know but he performed two stage plays in London also, one at the Commonwealth Institute Theater and the other at the Western Arts Theater, and later took the play to Birmingham and Manchester.
He refused to take the Pride of Performance from General Zia ul Haq when the Martial Law administrator nominated him for one. He was awarded the honor in 1989 one year after the former President’s death which shows that he was a principled man who didn’t bow down to dictators. Despite old age, he continued to write stage dramas and his last play was staged three years before his death in 2015, at the age of 85.
Pakistan’s film industry would complete its 75 years this year, and its history is quite fascinating. Talented people from all over the country have given their sweat and money to the filmdom, which was in a bad shape at the time of Pakistan’s independence. Despite its giant strides during the first 50 years, many promising Pakistani films couldn’t see the light of the day, and had they been released in cinemas, who knows where Pakistan’s film industry might have been today.
Fayyaz Ahmed Ashar’s Pakistani Gumshuda Films (The Lost Pakistani Films) is one such book that brings those ‘unreleased’ or you can say ‘lost’ films to the public. Its biggest advantage is that it is in the very language most of the films mentioned here were made – Urdu – which gives it a bigger readership scope. In a country where only a handful of books on films are available, having this book in your collection is nothing short of a godsend.
A lot can be learned by just going through these pages where all films that weren’t released have been mentioned alphabetically, along with the creators behind their soundtrack. Why does this book only mention the soundtrack is because, in India and Pakistan, there was a custom that film songs were released long before the film itself so that the listeners would mark their calendars for the film’s release, if and when it was released.
This book is intelligently divided into two parts – Urdu and Punjabi films – because they are the most-watched films in the country. Other regional film industries can’t be compared to films made in these two languages and that’s why the author took an informed decision and went ahead with it. Now readers who are interested in either language would begin with that language and will not have to skim through pages to find the films of their choice.
Although the title of these unreleased films is mentioned from alphabets Alif Mad Aa to Bari Yeh, there are a number of ways to read this book. Since the playback singers, lyricists, and music composers (besides the name of the production company) who were part of those soundtracks are mentioned in table form, you can pick your favorites and search for their names individually.
It could be Ahmed Rushdi or Noor Jehan from the playback singers’ column, music composers Khawaja Khursheed Anwar or Robin Ghosh from the music composers’ column, and Qateel Shifai and Masroor Anwar from the column where the names of the lyricists are mentioned, or you can just read the film’s name and follow the songs just like they are presented.
If you didn’t know that a handful of film
songs by music composer Sohail Rana haven’t been released to date, or that some of the famous songs that we have heard were initially supposed to be part of a film, that couldn’t be released for various reasons. The patriotic song Chand Roshan Chamakta Sitara Rahay was part of a film titled Mujahid-e-Azam (1951) and was sung by Dilshad Begum; Noor Jehan and Mujeeb Alam’s Khuda Kabhi Na Karay from Anjana (1972) was aired regularly on Radio despite the film’s unreleased status, and renowned Indian singer Talat Mehmood and Mukesh also sang a handful of songs for a Pakistani film that couldn’t be released.
That’s not all, films that were produced in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) also get mentioned here because, before 1971, the two wings were one unit, one country. And just like the ‘lost’ Urdu films and their songs, the writer also works diligently to come up with a list of Punjabi films, the songs of which were released but the films weren’t. You can follow the same process of searching for your favorite singer-music composer-lyricist or read along as intended, but one thing is sure that you will not be bored since every page is a treasure trove of information regarding ‘lost’ films and their music.
At the end of the book, there are pictures of the posters and/or gramophone records that have helped the author in compiling this amazing book. The record is up-to-date for the first fifty years – from 1947 to 1997 – and contains songs that you might have believed were part of a released film. However, some of the entries have issues with either the release dates, the title of the songs, or the names of the music composers. At one place the name of Nisar Bazmi is mentioned as Nisar Bari, while at another place, music composer Wajid Ali Nashad’s name is mentioned in a film released in 1970, when in fact he began his career in the late 1970s.
Similarly, the film Naghmat Ki Raat which featured an Ahmed Rushdi – Akhlaq Ahmed duet is said to have been released in 1965 which is wrong because Akhlaq Ahmed broke into the film industry in the 1970s. Another entry has Shazia Manzoor’s name present in a film released in the 1980s, when in fact she participated in the Music Challenge in the 1990s before making a name for herself in films and non-film songs.
I hope that the author corrects these mistakes in the next edition so that when he does update the book for 75 years, he comes out with an error-free guide, that can shine ahead for many more years to come. On the whole, this book is a must-have for film buffs and can help you with many things.
In fact, it told me that a number of songs by the Zameen Ki Goad famed singer Mohammad Ifrahim were part of unreleased films and that lyrics of one song that was already produced in India were used in a Pakistani film, by the same lyricist Shewan Rizvi who had penned those words across the border. Interesting, isn’t it?
He created drama characters that provoked emotions against wrongdoing in our society and suddenly balanced it out by adding entertainment. He wrote, performed, and succeeded with his formula and never lost his audienceBy Beena Khan KARACHI
Throughout history, the concept of makeup has evolved, from the rudimentary makeshift pastes to a more sophisticated multibillion-dollar industry. This industry, i.e the 'makeup industry' has seen remarkable growth in the last decade. Skincare too has become a focus of many celebrities and different techniques and methodologies have flowed. Some celebrities follow a very strict 'nighttime skincare routine', which is quickly adopted by the masses.
One industry, where the focus seemed nonexistent seems to be thriving the most. That is the fragrance industry. It comes as no surprise, as fragrance has been a 'secret weapon' of seduction since time immemorial. Why exactly the fragrance? Why does it have such a visceral response? Why indeed!
Science has loads of data on why this 'unseen' phenomenon can be so powerful. But before we dive into science, let's go down the memory lane of history. In Egyptian times, Cleopatra was a queen to be feared for her ruthlessness and military strategy. She was an embodiment of a 'woman in charge' shaping history through her tactics. She was no mean feat, and she was no wallflower. Her beauty was a thing revered both in Egypt and abroad.
Historians have described her beauty at length. She has been emulated on celluloid and in pop culture almost 3000 years later. This can be seen with the exaggerated eye makeup that she supposedly wore. Her power of seduction, though, did not solely
lie in makeup, her power could be felt. Her power was her fragrance.
It is whispered amongst historians that Cleopatra wore a very potent perfume oil, made of Jasmin flowers and spices. The effect was so powerful, that many authoritative men were transfixed by her very presence, they seemed to be in a state of 'hypnotic trance'.
What did Cleopatra douse herself in, remains a mystery, as she would order batches after batches of her favorite concoctions. The perfumers, however, could not live to tell their tales. Most of them died tragically in accidents. Their secrets died with them.
Coming back to the subject of science. The olfactory sense is one of the most powerful senses in the human body, albeit the most ignored. Visual and auditory senses are usually the two senses people focus on the most. The olfactory sense is directly linked to the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and stimuli of this sense send a very tangible response to the human body. It can be felt, physically.
When confronted with an awful smell, the body responds, involuntarily, in a way that communicates discomfort to the onlooker. When one is presented with the smell of cooking, the brain sends a signal to the body, the salivary glands, and the stomach. One feels hunger.
Perfumes have existed throughout human history. They hold a great value, however, they seem to be underrated, often touted as a luxury for the 'rich' to enjoy. In the early part of the 20th century when the world was plagued with two world wars, the designer Gabrielle's 'Coco' Chanel was introduced
By Danya Ali KARACHI
You often hear articles and counselors discuss your sleep for health. Is that true though? Does your sleeping pattern have any impact on your wellbeing? Is there any link between sleep and health? Continue reading and discover why sleep is good for you.
Link between sleep and health
Sleep and health go hand in hand. Did you know that your sleep is a crucial determinant for your emotional and physical wellbeing?
When you sleep, you allow your body more time to heal your blood vessels. You need sleep for health of both your brain and body. Lack of sleep can cause various diseases, including cardio issues, diabetes, obesity, mood swings, and memory loss.
An exhausted body or mind doesn’t cooperate because of not enough time to rest and repair. As a result, it starts losing efficiency in performing its functions. That is why sleep is good for you.
Here’s what happen when you don’t get enough down time
Lack of alertness: Even missing as little as 1 hour can have an impact on how you feel throughout the day
Drowsiness throughout the day: It can make you very sleepy and tired during the day.
Impaired memory: Lack of sleep can affect your ability to think, remember and process information.
Relationship stress: It can make you feel moody and you can become more likely to have conflicts with others.
Quality of life: You may become less likely to participate in normal daily activities or to exercise.
Work pressure: When you don’t sleep well you just cannot focus on your work resulting in poor performance.
Sleep health benefits you should know about
Do you wonder how vital sleep for health is?
We’ll list down some sleep health benefits that can motivate you to work on your sleeping patterns!
Sleep improves your immune system and prevents you from falling sick. Sleeping your required number of hours stabilizes your emotions and hence, reduces your body’s stress levels. The lesser you stress, the less likely you are to develop diseases like depression and anxiety further.
A goodnight’s sleep improves your heart’s condition.
Sleep maintains your blood pressure and improves the blood supply in your body. That, hence, causes you to wake up feeling more productive and energetic. These are a few reasons why sleep is good for you.
Three Ways to improve your sleep
A preteen child needs around 10 hours of sleep, a
teen needs around 9 hours of peaceful sleep, while an adult requires 8 hours of sleep to remain fit. Do you meet these quantities?
Here are three tips you can incorporate to achieve a healthier sleeping routine:
1. Chamomile tea Drinking a steamy cup of Chamomile tea helps you
de-stress and relax. Chamomile and other herbal teas like lavender help you cure insomnia, let go of every trouble and sleep better.
2. Lower your screen time Avoid using your laptop or smartphone at night. After your dinner, walk for a bit. And then, as you head to the bed, avoid keeping your mobile close to
to the world. This perfume became an instant success amongst the elites of French society.
Chanel N5 was created by Ernest Beaux. Legend has it that Coco had refused several batches of perfumes, before deciding on this, number 5 is derived from the number of the samples which was approved. The concept of the perfume was a woman's skin but better. This perfume had aldehydes, civet, Jasmin, and neroli as the main notes. The smell of the perfume is powdery, fresh, and clean. Due to its animalic base, it leaves a trail, tantalising the senses of those who are behind. It is the 20th century's 'secret weapon'.
Chanel N5, though wildly successful was still used by the European and American upper class. It became popular amongst the masses because of Marylin Monroe, a heartthrob of many, who famously said that she wore Chanel N5 to bed every night.
Needless to say, the sales of the perfume skyrocketed, and this fragrance found a home in the hearts of many. As time went on, this perfume was passed down from one generation to the next. To this day, it maintains a best seller status, which very few enjoy.
The legend of Shalimar Shalimar, is a name very familiar in Pakistan, due to a popular tourist destination in Lahore, called Shalimar Bagh, or Shalimar gardens. While people are fascinated with the gardens, very few are aware of how this garden was immortalised by a French perfumer Jacques Guerlain, who created an iconic masterpiece and named it Shalimar. This
perfume was released in the same year as the Great Gatsby, the year was 1925.
Though Shalimar graced the dressing tables of many influential ladies, it is rumored that Shalimar could not be worn by 'everyone'. It is said that this perfume chooses its wearer, to wear a Shalimar is a luxury not everyone can afford. This masterpiece leaves people transfixed, the trail is hypnotic and leaves an impression of a femme fatale, and one can only read about.
Jacques Guerlain was fascinated with the East and the romance between Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jehan, recreating this romantic tale in a liquid form. This form turned out to be so potent and mesmerising, that it left a permanent impression in people's consciousness.
This Goliath of a perfume demands a woman to give it respect. The woman wearing this commands the attention and envy of many. The turn of the millennia saw different trends in the world of perfumery, in some decades, spices were popular like another giant of its time, Opium. Derived from the opium use of Chinese, it set markets ablaze in the 1970s.
The current trend in perfumery is not as bold as its predecessors; with new regulations with IFRA, most of the notes are now banned. The perfumes, nowadays, are watered-down versions, paying homage to the greats before them. Currently, the trend is to wear weak perfumes, with corporations diluting the formula to suit the current trends.
If you are in the market and want to become an instant icon, try Chanel N5 or Shalimar.
you. That helps your brain rest.
3. Close the lights A bright and lighted room may cause you unrest. Turn off the lighting in your room except for a night bulb if you don’t like sleeping in pitch darkness. Night lamps offer a soft glow to lull you to sleep.
Sleep for health- the mission starts today! Now you know the sleep health benefits and even some ways to improve your sleep. Without wasting another second, set out on your health mission today. Sleep the number of hours needed for your age and boost your healthy glow.
If you get time during the day, make sure to treat yourself to a short power nap or two. Happy resting!
The Metaverse is not just a unique product of Web3 but it is gradually becoming an essential for many. All over the world, from celebrities and artists to clothing and fashion brands, this new world has got a lot of potential. In this immersive virtual environment, everything is possible and fashion also has no exception at all.
Among the industry’s top enthusiasts, Scarlett Yang who is a renowned artist based in London has shaken the world of fashion. With material tactility and digital realities, Yang is on a journey to revolutionise fashion designing. Her futuristic artwork has no exception when it comes to representing the real potential of the Metaverse with respect to fashion.
It is quite obvious that people from the Gen Z spend more time online and less in the conventional markets. They use to shop from online stores which has made it possible to introduce the new concept of virtual fashion.
Fashion is undoubtedly considered a rapidly growing frontier within the Metaverse. This hyper-interactive and immersive world is full of new ideas and concepts where top fashion brands, celebrities, and influencers have made an exceptional vertical.
It is understood that users of the Metaverse can work, play, eat, and entertain in a fully virtual environment but to do so, they also need skins, avatars, costumes, and much more that are all covered under the banner of virtual fashion.
In order to draw a better idea of how fast things are moving within the Metaverse Fashion space, let us take a look at this list of top 10 brands that are aggressively penetrating the Metaverse Fashion industry: Gucci: Since 1921, Gucci has evolved as one of the world’s most sophisticated and exclusive fashion brand. It has countless customers and fans on a global scale and is penetrating rapidly into the Metaverse fashion space. The brand has recently launched The Gucci Vault Discord which clearly highlights their eagerness to enter into this new market.
Louis Vuitton: Here is another famous and exclusive fashion brand that is making rounds within the Metaverse fashion space. The brand is heavily interested to step into
this new world and launched a mobile game named “Louis the Game” which includes more than 30 NFTs and represents the founder’s entire journey.
Balenciaga: Balenciaga stands among few of the world’s most famous luxury fashion brands and it is also struggling at its best to enter the Metaverse fashion space. It is known as the first fashion brand partner for Fortnite which is the world’s most famous and top trending VR game by Epic games.
Nike: As discussed earlier in this post, Nike which is the No.1 sports clothing, accessories, and equipment brand in the world is also progressing faster in the Metaverse fashion space. Nike acquired RTKFT, which is a famous sneaker brand to launch its unique range of virtual sneakers.
Burberry: Along with other top brands, Burb-
erry has
Givenchy: The brand is widely known for its exclusive range of clothing and perfumes globally. Now it is making swift progress within the Metaverse fashion space as it has collaborated with Chito which is a famous digital artist to launch a series of 15 NFTs auctioned on Polygon platform.
JW Anderson: Just like other top fashion brands, this British fashion house is also making unbelievable progress within the Metaverse fashion industry. The brand launched its first NFT last year in December. It is a Colourblock Patchwork Cardigan, considered an exclusive piece from its wellknown “Harry Styles” collection.
Dior: Lastly, Dior also stands in the list of top fashion brands that are aggressively entering into the Metaverse space. It has collaborated with “Ready Player Me”, which is a metaverse avatar platform.
Fashion Is Moving into the Metaverse In the Metaverse, not only some renowned brands
but most of the users are also interested in virtual clothing and accessories. Let us talk about Nike’s initiative to launch its whole new series of sneakers in the Metaverse.
In a world where top celebrities and famous people are buying their virtual lands and making mansions, the need for having branded and sophisticated virtual clothing and accessories is quite evident. In addition to that, Paris Hilton another renowned celebrity has partnered with Boohoo which is a famous fashion brand to promote Paris Hilton’s virtual fashion week.
According to McKinsey’s latest industry report “The State of Fashion 2022”, discusses the role of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), virtual gaming, and virtual fashion in 2022. The report highlights the tough time that the fashion industry experienced during the Pandemic and concludes that the Metaverse has now opened a new gateway for the industry stakeholders to build new foundations.
According to the report, there are certain important elements that are expected to become the major driving force of the global fashion industry in 2022. These include several aspects but the most noteworthy and unique ones are Metaverse Mindset, Social Shopping, Virtual Gaming, and Cyber Resilience.
The report also highlights that the Pandemic left the entire fashion industry with severe repercussions but now is the time for the industry stakeholders to evolve again and in a whole new environment of digital marketplaces where the Metaverse is worth mentioning.
What to Wear in the Metaverse?
Depending upon the nature of the use cases of fashion and accessories in the Metaverse, there are several things to mention. The most common usability is all about having unique and custom costumes that people can use in the Metaverse space. These items are launched by famous fashion brands as mentioned above in this post. People have different options to choose from depending upon their unique demographics like age, gender, profession, race, color, and other key attributes.
Along with that, there are some virtual game companies that have partnered with top fashion brands who provide them with unique clothing and accessories for the in-game characters. In addition to that, fashion weeks are also going to be organized within the Metaverse fashion industry making it a whole new and similar world just like the conventional industry that we have in real life.
By Muhammad AliIt takes years of countless experiments to discover where one’s passion lies, and once found, life keeps getting better. The same goes for menswear fashion. Either do it the way our designers are acing the game or go home.
There’s no doubt that men's fashion clothing is not given as much importance and attention as women's fashion wear. It has low priority and is showcased to the world during the fashion week only. There are fewer photo shoots of men's designer clothes and lesser social media presence. This isn`t because there is an absence of menswear designers in the country but because very few are good at it.
If you’re looking to inject a bit of freshness into your wardrobe or want to spice up your everyday wear, it is worth paying attention to what’s going on in the clothing world. Let's look at the big fashion moves by top male designers in the Pakistani market.
Humayun Alamgir
Unlike other designers, Humayun didn’t study Fashion Designing formally at a university. Despite that, with incessant hard work, determination, and wanting nothing less than perfection in each design, Humayun Alamgir is now known to be one of the top designers for men’s wear in Pakistan.
What’s different about Humayun Alamgir is his unique sense of style and out-of-the-box designs that truly make heads turn. Be it Shalwar Kameez or prince coat, he's got it all!
Check out Danish Taimoor acing the mauve prince coat. Truly nawab, right?
Humayun Alamgir's kurta game is equally strong; you can’t take your eyes off this emerald green box kurta.
JQ menswear is pretty over the edge. People love what’s different, and when something is different, it generally gains popularity quickly. The same goes for JQ menswear.
JQ started his career as a model and worked with renowned icons of the fashion world like Khawar Riaz, Tariq Amin, and others. Today, JQ has established himself as a popular fashion designer in menswear through sheer hard work and effective business strategy.
The best part about his collection is that he doesn’t cater to any specific age group. JQ designs for men of all ages. Usually, his clothes are worn by teenagers and men up to the age of 35. But that does not mean that older men (40+) don’t like his collection. As a designer, his designs, colors, and style are meant to educate people on how to wear and carry clothes.
People think designer wear is expensive; Jazib worked day and night to change the perception by providing quality designer wear at an affordable price. His collection starts from 3,500, which is the average amount in today’s market.
Moreover, after creating attractive menswear, JQ has now ventured into the world of women's clothing. He has designed some collections for women which have become an instant hit with the ladies.
How can we forget his footwear? He has experimented with everything from red royal Peshawari to cow skin footwear. I am sure you would not wait to buy them too.
Emran Rajput
Emran Rajput began his career in 2003 and gradually made it to the list of the top menswear designers in the country. Rajput’s work has aced the covers of popular fashion magazines. He understands the importance of every photoshoot — and hence, pays close attention to every detail in his designs.
The photoshoot and his overall collection scream that it isn’t just about selling clothes. It’s about creating a certain ‘look’ and communicating this to customers who need his assistance to look their best.
Emraan Rajput is a popular choice for men who want to dress well and look poise. Making his debut with a few hit-and-miss lines, Rajput has developed a signature of his own. His designer portfolio today is known to have some very amazing designs.
Don’t you remember Wahaj Ali’s photoshoot? He graced like no other! We can easily say that he is the king when it comes to eastern and western collections.
If you are looking for something amazing in white, go for ER.
Fashion World More Than Women’s Wear
Earlier, when you think of fashion in Pakistan, you inevitably visualize women`s wear. But not anymore. These male designer gems and many others have not just created a name for themselves in the market but also aced the fashion game one after another. They do not stick to fashion shows only; you can find them in every men’s wardrobe who understands fashion and doesn’t hesitate to try new looks.
The diva doesn't need an introduction as she has been proving her acting prowess through different mediums; be it TV, digital or films, she has done it all. This week BOLD picks the best looks of the gorgeous and dazzling Sanam Saeed.
Born on September 14, 1995, The diva has graduated from Beaconhouse National University in 2015 with a degree in Visual Communication Design. Mahenur also did theatre in school in 2011 where she appeared for Umair Ashfaq's play titled ‘The Will’ at Lahore's famous and historic Alhamra Arts Council. She beautifully played the role of a Sikh woman named Aishwariya and after that she did a second play which was a Frankengujjar. The play was directed by Subhan Ahmad Bhutta.
Mahenur first started modeling at age of 17 and continued modelling for national and international brands and multinational companies. Mahenur also appeared in Jal’s music video for the first time in 2016 opposite Gohar Mumtaz in Laiyan Laiyan. She made her film debut in 2018 with Imran Kazmi’s Parchi. The film was a blockbuster and everyone was going gaga about her performance in Natasha’s role. She also appeared in Teefa in Trouble and her role again received a huge round of applause in theatres across Pakistan and the film went on to become one of the highest-grossing films in the country. In 2019, she appeared in the Strings music video, Raat Shabnami The music video along with her performance garnered media attention.
Mahenur Haider got married in 2018 to a businessman Zarrar Mustapha and also runs her fashion brand Zyre. This week the beautiful model turned actress is in exclusive conversation with BOLD.
BOLD: What is your most memorable drama to date?
Mahenur Haider (MH): Aulaad - since it was my first and it was the first time I played a negative role which is a lot of fun if you ask me.
BOLD: Anything that you would never let anyone take?
MH: My shoes. I can’t share shoes. I have this OCD. I can’t wear anyone else’s foot wear and neither do I like to share.
BOLD: What do you usually wear in daily life?
MH: These days I only dress up as my character. Whether I'm on set or not I'm in Aiza’s (the character I'm currently shooting for) clothes.
BOLD: What is your favourite thing in your closet right now?
MH: Just bought these new heels that I’m gushing over.
BOLD: Hollywood, Bollywood or Lollywood?
MH: Recently I’ve only been watching Tollywood (laughs).
BOLD: Last call that you made?
MH: My mom.
BOLD: Awards or rewards?
MH: Rewards.
BOLD: Extremely possessive about?
MH: I am just possessive by nature. So, I am possessive about my things and belongings. Very possessive.
BOLD: What’s your annoying habit?
MH: That you’ll have to ask people
BOLD: What is your biggest/ weirdest fear?
MH: Not my weirdest or biggest but I am claustrophobic. So closed spaces tend to give me a panic attack.
BOLD: What bores you the most?
I lose interest very quickly in anything and everything. I’d be in the middle of an activity and still get bored. I am like that. So anything can bore me.
BOLD: Acting or modelling?
They’re two very different mediums. I don’t like to compare the two. They can’t be. They both have their own charm.
BOLD: Are you a workaholic or shopaholic?
I work. I work a lot and then I shop a lot. Actually, I used to shop a lot. Now I’ve mellowed down. I’m not a shopaholic anymore. I tend to only buy stuff that I genuinely need, now. Which is a very recent change in my personality. I used to be big on shopping but now I just don’t buy stuff that I don’t need anymore
BOLD: Last time you lied?
MH: I don't lie.
BOLD: If you want to get rid of one of your habits?
MH: I procrastinate a lot. I need to stop doing that.
BOLD: What are your healthy habits?
MH: I take complete rest. And I sleep for seven hours minimum. This is something that I promised my body this year. And I think this is one habit I’ll continue. We all need to get proper sleep and give our bodies the rest it deserves.
BOLD: Emotional or practical?
MH: Practical.
BOLD: Romantic or not?
MH: Hopelessly.
BOLD: Who is your celebrity crush?
MH: Ok Taecyeon.
BOLD: Which superstar inspires you the most?
MH: Jennifer Lopez (JLO).
BOLD: Your wish that didn’t come true? Well life isn’t over yet. Is it?
MH: Well, life isn’t over yet. Is it?
BOLD: What’s the last thing you bought?
MH: A pair of heels.
BOLD: Your fitness formula?
MH: Just one hour a day should be spent with your body and for your body. Exercise. No matter what form. Just do whatever makes you feel good. But do it.
BOLD: The last film that made you cry?
MH: Clemency.
BOLD: You get super uncomfortable when…?
MH: Someone’s energy doesn’t match with mine.
BOLD: If you could get invisible for a day?
MH: Then what?
BOLD: First pay cheque? MH: 2013.
BOLD: Something you miss about the life you had before becoming an actor/model?
MH: I started when I was pretty young. So this has been my life pretty much.
BOLD: Anything that has changed your life?
MH: Life is constantly changing, no?
BOLD: A rumour that you would wish to spread about yourself?
MH: No one avoids rumours more than me. Never.
BOLD: The best secret keeper in the industry?
MH: I honestly have no clue.
BOLD: How do you like to spend the days when you are off shoot?
MH: I rest. And don’t step out of my room home.
BOLD: Three things no one knows about you?
MH: And never will.
BOLD: First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
MH: I have a hot glass of water.
BOLD: Chai dhaaba or restaurant?
MH: Order in? Haha.
BOLD: Have you ever flirted with a fan?
MH: Nope
BOLD: What is one thing that always cheers you up when you are upset?
MH: I watch these content creators. And their videos. They’re hilarious. Whoever I can find.
BOLD: What would you be if not an actor?
MH: I think I would have given more time to my business and expanded it if I wasn't too invested in shoots.
BOLD: Lessons that you have learnt in the industry?
MH: There are no lessons. I think everyone should only focus on what they’re here to do and give it their best. Nothing else matters.
BOLD: Any director’s movie you would love to sign?
MH: I would like to work with Ahsan Rahim again.
BOLD: Luck or hard work?
MH: Hard work.
BOLD: Your skincare routine?
MH: Drinking plenty of water.
present at the Tribeca Film Festival it would be great to watch her first reaction to a movie that is so personal to her.
By Haroon Shuaib ISLAMABADAnd nothing short is ex-pected of a sensitive director such as Sarmad Khoosat, who has managed to work his magic on even the most predictable plots for television. (Humsafar' - there I have said it aloud).
For Kamli, Sarmad has had no bindings and leverages this freedom to make something defining. Pro-duced under his family banner of Khoosat Films and with his sister Kanwal Khoosat as producer, Sar-mad finally brings his sincerest artistic expression to date to the silver screen in a story that is as in-tense, poetic, and burning as every director's film should be. In Kamli, both art-house and mainstream cinemas find a firm middle ground (it is high time we get rid of these compartments). On this firm stage, Sarmad binds a canvas, woven carefully with a loaded script and meticulous preparation evident by how well all ends are tied. Interestingly, the film is based on another short film done by Mehar Bano but with additional stories and dialogues written by Sarmad himself. With a solid plot in place, Sarmad then paints a mesmerizing world that transports viewers from reality to a dreamscape without much effort - no trappings and no gimmicks. The beautiful loca-tions and setting that Sarmad has carefully picked as the backdrop for Kamli are almost as consequen-tial as any character – not overpowering the drama unfolding in the foreground. It is a delicate balance to strike between a colloquial charm and the broader appeal of a film. (very tricky - recall Jami's Moor)
Saba Qamar surprises with this one - this can be classified as her best work to date. Thankfully Sarmad keeps a strict check on her tendency to be loud. Saba plays Hina, a character who is more introspective than worldly. We must mention how beautifully the scene where Hina comes face to face with the forbidden fruit of her life, Amaltas, for the first time has been filmed.
Saba portrays Hina's vulnerability without any dialogue perfectly well. Sania Saeed is, of course, as good as ever. She is a powerhouse as Sakina, a woman who is struggling with her inner demons while controlling her hapless captive. Sania knows how to play a life-hardened woman's character with enough skill and also gives the viewer a peek into the soft soul within her. Kamli gives her sufficient margin to demonstrate her art to the fullest. The third pillar in this story is held firmly by Nimra Bucha.
As a sensitive woman trapped in an unhappy bond, Bucha is convincing when she tries to control the people around her, mainly due to the lack of control over her life, fail-ings, and frustrations.
Hamza Khwaja plays Amaltas extremely well. He looks good as the brooding wanderer who triggers upheaval in Hina and Sakina's quiet lives.
In real life, Khawaja is a fitness guru who runs a fitness center and a digital app that helps train people apart from being a theatre enthusiast. Without many dia-logues, Amaltas has been symbolized as the forbidden fruit -that
Another
Every frame of Kamli has been painted with a lot of love and passion.
Khoosat has taken up a lot of re-sponsibility with Kamli. Here's hoping that it breaks the stereotypical expectations of the audiences. Through Kamli, Sarmad also demonstrates that filmmakers must have faith that the audience under-stands and appreciates good cinema. For those who will go to cinemas not knowing what to expect, here is hoping Kamli proves to be a great entertaining and immersive experience.
If Pakistani cinema has to develop a language of its own in the next few years, I hope Kamli is what all future films take after.
of the legends who were a part of one of the greatest action movies of all time, then forget to tune in on the festival.
it is a sad love story. Taylor will talk about her experience of directing and acting in the movie and what the project means to her.
Machine Gun Kelly, who has been popular until now for starting beef with rap royalty like Eminem and G-Eazy, and dating Megan Fox, has also come out with his very own film, “Taurus.” The movie came out earlier this year and this is its second screening since then.
But wait there is more happening at the festival - John McEnroe world-class tennis player and someone who once shared the same breath as Roger Federer has also come out with an autobiography, “McEnroe.” It is supposedly an extremely intimate piece about the struggles he went through to become a tennis player. It will surely give off “The Last Dance” vibes and the cherry on top is that its screening will be followed by a session in which the man himself will talk about his autobiography.
Overall, the Tribeca Film Festival is sure to turn a few heads. Undoubtedly, there will be amazing outfits, A-list guests, and amazing décor. It is happening in a city that never sleeps and nobody would want to want to miss it. It will be sure to knock your socks off and with such a diverse array of screenings, there will be something for everyone.
‘Bollywood copying Hollywood’ is one thing that never ceases to amaze you, no matter what year, what century you are in. While everyone’s attention is diverted by Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha which is an official remake of Tom Hanks’ Forrest Gump, Anil Kapoor delivers his second unofficial remake of another classic Hollywood flick. Back in 1989, he played Clint Eastwood’s character from A Few Dollars More in Joshilay while 33 years later plays Lee Van Cleef’s character in Netflix’s Thar. What began as an Indian Western ended up as a cheap version of a loveable Spaghetti Western, and did no favor to Anil Kapoor’s son Harshvardhan Kapoor who keeps on delivering duds, despite multiple launches.
The plot Set in 1985, Thar begins with the murder of a young man in the desert, while an older couple is gunned down ahead of their daughter’s wedding. Inspector Surekha Singh (Anil Kapoor) is tasked to solve both cases and realizes that they might be linked. Enters a young antique dealer Siddharth (Harshvardhan Kapoor) who is searching for labor who could help him in his work. He catches everyone’s eyes in town, including the Inspector, but there is more to the matter than meets the eye. The mystery regarding the killings deepens as more people die for no reason. The inspector and his subordinate Bhure (Satish Kaushik) who are on the right track most of the time rattle the cage of the dacoits, who believe that the Inspector must be eliminated. Do the dacoits succeed in getting away from the law? How is the murder of the young man in the desert linked with the older couple’s murder? How does the mysterious young man feature in the plot? Watch Thar on Netflix, if you want answers to all these questions.
The good
Thankfully, Anil Kapoor and his son Harshvardhan Kapoor don’t play father and son, because firstly, they don’t look like father and son, and secondly, it wouldn’t have helped any of them. The film’s cinematography reminds one of Sholay (which was ‘mentioned’ at the start), while the art direction takes the audience back to the time when Mr. India must have been in the pre-production phase. It seems the background score was composed after listening to Ennio Morricone’s soundtracks, but it is a better attempt than many. As are the aerial shots at the beginning of the film, which take you back to the 1970s when birds were prominent in films shot in the desert.
The bad The plot is heavily inspired by Hollywood Westerns where ‘an old sheriff’ is tasked with a baffling case, and a young man is ridding the town of bad guys who might have done him harm. The story is so predictable that by the fifteenth minute, you would know what you are into, hoping to be wrong about the conclusion. But after nearly two hours, you will find out that the film in front of you is the Bollywood version of For A Few Dollars More. Had the director stayed loyal to the genre, it would have helped the film but he had to fulfill the Saw inspiration in his mind and wreck it all with literally a ‘torturous’ execution.
Women are used as supporting characters; only Fatima Sana Sheikh has a bigger role (compared to others) and gives more expressions in the film than the leading man, but her problem is that she doesn’t look like the Rajasthani village belle. It was good to see Satish Kaushik with Anil Kapoor again, but he looked too old to be a cop. Last but not the least, the film’s
editing is what keeps the audience’s interest alive, till the time editor Aarti Bajaj starts getting bored, and when that happens, the audience loses their interest as well.
Besides the torture scene, the film’s dialogues are also laced with cuss words, there are unnecessary sex scenes and an angle to blame Pakistan for everything. The second act of the film is where the director loses the plot, and so does the audience. Yes, the Western theme of revenge is still there, but dominated by so many other things that by the time the end arrives, you either know what is going to happen or have switched off to another flick.
By Sarfaraz Rizvi KARACHI
The Beacon House Farmers Market Festival was held on June 5, 2022 at the Beacon House PECHS campus with the theme and slogan "Let's Go Organic" and offered unique ideas and techniques for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while promoting a new selection of organic food and products. such as fresh fruits, vegetables, clay products and pottery, flowers, plants, and herbs.
The one-day event invited people to get their own coupons to purchase products from different stalls. The event focused on natural and organic products such as baby shampoo and conditioner, face masks, and aloevera scrubs.
A pottery machine was set-up on a stall to show how clay products are being made, while there was also an organic, handmade chick brooder on display. The students had set up nearly 24 stalls where they exhibited their products. Parents were seen at the festival supporting their children while teachers guided and motivated their students.
"We arranged this event as it is a necessity of the moment because we don't take care of our health and we forgot about the organic diet and goods. Therefore, it's an initiative to promote healthy nutrition and organic products just so students and visitors can realise the value of a healthy lifestyle," a teacher told BOLD.
The management organised a modest live concert to entertain the crowd. There were plants exhibited as well to teach students and attendees about the sifgnificance of plants and trees.
“This is a fantastic idea, as many people are unaware of the benefits of organic foods, such as fitness. Eating fatty foods and junk food is not just bad for our health and physique; when you eat healthy, it not only keeps you fit but also makes you feel great. So I think this concept should continue and Beacon House should do this event every year. There were also various medical booths where people could learn about various herbs, plants, and medications and see how they might be used for medicinal purposes,” he further stated.
There were also various medical booths where people could learn about various herbs, plants, and medications and see how they might be used for medicinal purposes.
The verdict 2/5
Director Raj Singh Chaudhary tries his best to stay away from the path of Clint Eastwood – Lee Van Cleef's flick but is unable to do so. The mystery behind the young man, the older man’s frustrations, the ‘Western’ setting, and the secondary role of women is exactly how director Sergio Leone designed his film in the mid-1960s. After nearly six decades, an Indian director tries his best to restart an Indian Western genre, but that ship has sailed (with Sholay), and sunk (with Joshilay).
Talking about Joshilay, the film was also a blatant copy of For A Few Dollars More, the same inspiration behind Thar, with Anil Kapoor moving from the ‘Angry Young Man’ character to the ‘Angry Old Man’ character with ease. His son, however, looks more like a B-grade version of Ali Fazal (yes, the same guy who is now working in Hollywood!) just like Harman Baweja was a failed copy of Hrithik Roshan. He needs to come out of his father’s shadow if he wants to do well, otherwise, Anil Kapoor will keep relaunching him, and he will keep disappointing him as an actor.
On the whole, Thar could have been a better film had the makers used the setting to their advantage instead of borrowing the plot from an already popular Spaghetti Western. You need brains to make a good Western, not the technology, the background score, and one-liners because if that was the case, Spaghetti Westerns might never have gone out of fashion and everyone would be making them.
Thankful for whatever she has on her plate, Nimra admits that an actor thrives for more and in her case, she quests for powerful and prominent characters that add to her identity as an actress. Her aim is not to appear in superficial roles in longer and trivial projects.
Kamli – Story of pain and patience
Her recent venture is the feature film Kamli, a story of three women (she is one of them) who live in a beautiful place but in difficult situations. The film is directed by Sarmad Khoosat and shot in the beautiful Soon Valley, Kallar Kahar. The next exciting project for Nimra after Kamli is her pivotal role in a television series by Disney, Ms Marvel.
Talking about Kamli, in which Nimra plays an artist (painter) and a wife of a landlord, she considers her role closely related to two other leading females in the film, Sania Saeed and Saba Qamar.
"The connection among the three female leads (Nimra Bucha, Saba Qamar, and Sania Saeed) takes the story forward. My character, a woman and an artist, is very much affected and obsessed by her surroundings and personal situations and is compelled to make decisions accordingly-right or wrong. The plot has mystery and suspense and the women’s minds are caged in difficult situations which do not let them feel alive. So yes, the plot contains mysteries."
Sharing more details of the narrative, Nimra shared that Kamli is a wom en-centric story in the sense that women were in prominent roles. It is a story told from the female’s perspective that explains a lot about love and the relation ship between a man and a woman.
Nimra is very fond of Sarmad’s directorial skills and often talks about her chemistry with him. She has worked in several projects with Sarmad includ ing two feature films. She believes that the true magic happens on the screen only if the actor and director have a strong off-screen bond. Considering a long and understanding relationship with Sarmad as an asset, the actress classifies him as one of those directors who envision their projects as a dream in their mind and wish to see them come true on-screen with a responsibility.
"He is a true enthusiast. His methods are entirely different from oth ers in translating things from paper to screen. Sarmad never compro mises unless is satisfied in getting what he has conceived in his mind,”
The trust factor between the two, Nimra and Sarmad, is to a level where she doesn’t dread any character or role if it’s offered by Sarmad. "I have never asked Sarmad for any particular role. Whenever he offered me a role, he would already be sure that I would do it better. Sometimes, despite my in sistence on it being difficult and uninteresting, he eventually gets me to agree. I still don't understand what connection people got from my character in Manto. Similarly, I am not sure how much Zeenat fits in the story of Kamli." Dramas – a choice or a decision
Despite being a powerhouse of acting, audiences don’t often get to see her on-screen, especially in dramas. She smiled sheepishly and said "Ac tually, I could not make a well-grounded relationship with television from the beginning. Perhaps, it was because I joined television a little late in my career. I started my career on television with Daam (2010) and I was in my thirties at that time. Firstly, I was not of an appropriate age for the lead roles in Pakistani dramas. Secondly, I could not find challenging charac ters as an actress. After I played an appalling wife having an unfaithful
I have never asked Sarmad for any particular role. Whenever he offered me a role, he would already be sure that I would do it better. Sometimes, despite my insistence on it being difficult and uninteresting, he eventually gets me to agree. I still don't understand what connection people got from my character in Manto. Similarly, I am not sure how much Zeenat fits in the story of Kamli
The first and last love!
Many of us would be surprised to know that Nimra's first love is theatre. She has studied theatre and performed in the US, UK, and Pakistan. Her love for theatre grew stronger with time. "Yes! I did a lot of theatres when my kids were young. Theatre is logistically a very viable option for a mother of growing kids. It takes only 3 to 4 hours for rehearsals and not more than 5 to 6 hours on the final performance day. The next day, I am able to cook in the morning and then go to work again. I am desperately looking forward to working in a theatre project.”
The Marvell-ous Nimra
The Churails actress is very excited about her crucial role in the television series, Ms Marvel. At the moment, she can't divulge many details about her character but is enthusiastic about the experience.
When asked how she landed the role, she told, "There is an agent, about whom I can't give many details, who arranged for me to audition for the series.
As I have lived in the UK, so many agencies, which arrange for auditions of Pakistani actors for international projects, already know me."
Giving the audition was another interesting story as she was in Multan at that time and her husband, who directed her in the audition, had to go to Okara.
"I recorded it in Multan on my cell phone, taking directions from my husband, who was in some other city. So for the next three months, there was no response. Then one fine day, I got a call, and after having a zoom interview with Sana Amanat, one of the creators of Ms Marvel, and two other ladies, they welcomed me on board. I really could not realise how significant my role was. I asked them about the duration of my work and the location of the shoot. I always ask these things in advance because of my kids, my youngest one is still eight years old. I also asked them whether my character, but they didn't give me any hint. By the way, I was offered some other part, not the one which I initially auditioned for."
Nimra recalls her experience with Marvel's team to be marvelous. "I went there in December 2020 and shot for almost two months. Then we went to Thailand to shoot another spell. I've been going to different locations with different teams; I have just finished my work for the series. Every time there were new actors with new storylines. We didn't know what was to be added next."
She further explained how cautiously Marvel and Disney's teams worked on the project. She said, "They are very secretive. They don't even hand you scripts in advance. Even the paper on which your scenes are written is taken back at the end of the day. Emails have too many codes to open the document. Moreover, it is counted how many times you have accessed the code in a day. So, everything is very locked and secured. They are very professional; they have made a huge investment in every character."
There are six episodes of Ms Marvel, with three different directors, two episodes each; Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Meera Menon, and Moroccan-Belgian directors, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. Bucha is in almost every episode in a constant, prominent, and interesting role.
This means that her character isn't sketchy, it is a substantial role in the series - perhaps, her character has some super powers as well, she could be playing a godmother or a villain? "Let's see," she replied with a big laugh, adding that whatever one assumed, it was a very strong role and hoped she had done justice to it.
Interestingly, Nimra has not watched the series herself yet but expects it will do well. "I feel lucky to get it. I thank God for whatever work I get. I enjoyed doing Ms Marvel."
When asked if she thinks our actors will finally get a chance to work on international projects -Disney, Netflix, Amazon, Hollywood - Nimra gave a rational reason. She explained, "Currently, a movement is going on which persuades international projects to exercise the colour-blind casting. One can be auditioned for any role irrespective of one's country, nationality, colour, or cast. Moreover, they prefer to cast actors from the countries their character belongs to. For example, Humayun Saeed is performing as a Pakistani in the Netflix series, The Crown. A character introduced 20 years back could have been offered to an Indian actor or an Asian British, but now casting directors want things to look as authentic as they could. In the same way, I was cast in Ms Marvel accordingly because the story is about an American girl of Pakistani origin."
In the quest for powerful characters at home and away!husband in the drama serial Ek Nazar Meri Taraf, they started offering me the same kind of roles again and again. I think the repetition of any character spoils one's acting prowess. Hence, my career was established very gradually. Another reason for not doing much television was my kids, who were quite young at the time. In the television industry, there is no regulation of work hours.