65 #66
#67
#73
#76
TV TALKER
BOLD TALK
ON THEDISCRIMINATION MOVE SYSTEMIC
THE SPOTLIGHT
Chakkar – a much needed break from comedy
Javed Sheikh’s role in Angna is breaking stereotypes
Pack up explore exciting Enough of and quota places this holiday season
Q&A with Yashma Gill
A detailed interview of the cast, producer and director of the movie
Azhar has been like a sun in the lives of Abeeha, Nayab, Eshal, and Aiza
The quota system has run its course andWant now to merit is essential to establish travel but can’t decide on a destination? good governance in the country Here are some must-visit places to consider
BOLD is in conversation with the dazzling and galmourous diva
A P R I L 24 - 3 0, 2 0 2 2
PUBLISHED FROM KARACHI, LAHORE & ISLAMABAD GLOBAL CIRCULATION VIA BOLNEWS.COM
Ahsan Khan is back with a bang in films, whereas continues to surprise his fans on TV
By Omair Alavi There are two kinds of actors in this world; those who excel in positive roles and those who love playing the bad guy. However, Ahsan Khan is one of those actors who are at ease whether the character is positive or negative, as long as it’s impactful. Be it casting for a period play or one with a social message, a telefilm that gets produced for an across-the-border production house, or a long play where he plays a blind man to raise awareness, Ahsan Khan is the man for the job. BOLD had a chat with the talented actor who is about to return to films after a hiatus of five years (if not counting his voice-over work for the animated flick Tick Tock that came out in 2018). His last film Chupan Chupai featured him opposite Neelum Muneer in 2017, and in 2022, he is partnering with not one but two Neelums in Yasir Nawaz’s Chakkar, and the eternal ‘Khoobsurat’ Ayesha Omer in Amin Iqbal’s Rehbra.
Chakkar & Rehbra – Back to where it all began! Unlike his contemporaries, Ahsan Khan has kept returning to the medium where it all began in the late 1990s. At that time, a young Ahsan wanted to make a name for himself and was even cast in San-
geeta’s Nikaah in a supporting role, before making it to the big league with Ghar Kab Aao Gay which also starred Shaan Shahid and the now-forgotten Zeeshan Sikandar. ‘I have always been closer to films than any other medium, as it gave me a chance to try out everything from acting to dancing. I remember working with the late Saroj Khan in GKAG who was so impressed with my dancing that she asked me to visit India. It was only after the quality of films started deteriorating that I chose to switch to TV, and that move hasn’t backfired since.’ Be it playing the lover boy in Tere Bin Jiya Na Jaye, Sultanat, and in the Punjabi film Ishq Khuda all before the current revival of Pakistani cinema, Ahsan Khan never actually left films. He believes that whenever a good script came his way, he put his dancing shoes on, and was back to where it all began. ‘Usually, actors who haven’t worked in films act in telefilms to show the world that they can also work in films, whereas I worked for multiple telefilms during the last five years, beginning with Chashm-e-Num where I played a blind man, and Momal Rano that was produced for Zee Films and featured me and Saba Qamar together. Mohsin Ali’s Chupan Chupai came next whereas I performed Voice Over duty for the animated flick Tick Tock in 2018. With Chakkar and Rehbara, it’s like a homecoming for me the film actor.’ Ahsan Khan believes that both Chakkar and Rehbra are films that will appeal to the general public, who have not seen him in the ‘hero’ avatar on the big screen in recent years. While one is a mystery thriller with two Neelam Munir’s, the other takes the audience on a journey of self-discovery, and both the topics haven’t been tried in our films. ‘Had it not been for the pandemic, Rehbra would have been released a lot sooner; it is a sweet story about a boy and a girl who discover themselves during the course of the film. As for Chakkar, it was shot during the pandemic which made it no less than a challenge. On one hand, we had to save ourselves from COVID, and on the other give our best so that whenever the film came out, no one could point fingers at us for taking a shortcut. I had a fabulous time working on both films and while Chakkar will be released in cinemas on Eid, Rehbra will be screened a month later.’ At ease with the Good, the Bad & the Ugly characters! Ahsan Khan has proved his worth as a versatile actor, but there was a time when he had to struggle to find quality roles. The first phase of his innings on TV saw him relegated to boynext-door characters where he got to work with the best actors and directors in the industry, but without setting a trend for others to follow. It wasn’t until Neeyat and Pani Jaisa Piyar that he started to take the spotlight away from his more senior colleagues. Ten years later, he is all set to reunite with his Pani Jaisa Piyar co-stars Saba Qamar and Mikaal Zulfiqar in Fraud, where
PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R
he seems to be the closest person to the title. ‘When I entered TV back in the day, every good-looking actor wanted to play the leading man, and it was understandable since the antagonist always lost in the end. However, after Pani Jaisa Piyar and Neeyat, where I played negative characters, I sort of realized that playing the bad guy isn’t that bad a deal. I kept juggling between the two sides, and while some hated me for being Paa Imtiaz in Udaari and Rashid in Qayamat, those with a keen eye for observation praised my performance. Had I stayed to the goodygood roles, I might still have been playing the winner, when in fact I would have lost many great characters.’ Indeed, Udaari started a trend after which every good-looking actor wants to play the bad guy to give his career graph the versatility it was missing. The character of Imtiaz became so popular that during the next year’s awards, the other actors were relegated to just nominees, as Ahsan Khan won each and every award for his performance. He explains that there is a method behind his madness here, something that not many people know. He did not choose to play Imtiaz for the sake of acting but he went for the role after one of the people he knows went through a similar issue, thus he chose to educate the audience. The way he portrayed that character made his fans and detractors realize that he is not just an ordinary actor but someone who can put heart and soul to portray a character at the drop of a hat. And when the audience thought that Ahsan Khan was finished as a villain, he returned with not one but two characters that terrorized his fans – Rashid in Qayamat and Murad in Qissa Meherbano Ka. ‘You will not believe that while I was playing Rashid, everyone I interacted with wanted me to switch over to reality, including my assistants, my wife, and my children. On numerous occasions, my kids told me that I was being weird like Rashid, and I shouldn’t act like that at home. Similarly, when Murad was making Meherbano’s life miserable on TV, random people used to look at me as if I was Murad and not Ahsan Khan. I am sure my character in Fraud will surprise them as well, for it is quite interesting in many ways.’
The truth behind the British-Asian thingy!
and raised in England, and when he came over to Pakistan in the late 1990s, his accent was more British than Pakistani. ‘I enjoy it when my videos go viral and that’s the way I took the recent one as well. The video was made a handful of years back when I was working in a stage play Heer Ran-
asked to say something on the camera, we were instructed to mention our connection to England, and that’s why I said ‘British-Asian’ instead of plain and simple Pakistani. I am a proud Pakistani, despite what people think, and still enjoyed the memes that came after the video went viral.’
Hosting sets Ahsan Khan apart from all!
And then there is the other side of Ahsan Khan that people get to see ‘here and there’. He loves hosting shows all over the year, and while currently, he is winning hearts with his Ramadan transmission on the state-owned TV channel, his talk show is also doing great as well. ‘When I started doing ‘BOL Nights with Ahsan Khan’, I didn’t want to just interview the guests but also try to talk to them about their route to success, what made them go for a certain character, and how they have managed to stay relevant despite the passage of time. That exercise helped me a great deal and even today when I am conducting the talk show on another channel, I am trying to do the same thing with my guests, and that makes the audience love it.’ He recently co-hosted the Lux Style Awards 2021 alongside Ahmed Ali Butt, Mehwish Hayat, and Mansha Pasha and hopes to be on the receiving end of the award instead of the presenting one, next year. Add to that his Knorr Boriyat Buster show for kids and his profile is complete, as the perfect entertainer for audiences of all ages. ‘Maybe because I am a father of three kids, or that I am a kid at heart, I connect with children easily and that’s why Boriyat Buster is exactly what the name suggests for kids. It makes me closer to my own kids who love the show and want me to try new things as well, which we do whenever we get the chance.’
s id e s, a n d o tw e th n e e b e tw z I k e p t ju g g li n g d m e fo r b e in g Pa a Im ti a a te w h il e s o m e h a s h id in Q a y a m a t, th o s e R ti o n p ra is e d in U d a a ri a n d a rv e s b o r fo ye w it h a k e e n e e. H a d I s ta y e d to th e nc m y p e rf o rm a le s, I m ig h t s ti ll h a v e b e e n ro g o o d y -g o o d n e r, w h e n in fa c t I w o u ld in p la y in g th e w g re a t c h a ra c te rs ny h a v e lo s t m a
Recently a video featuring Ahsan Khan went viral where he claimed to be a ‘British-Asian’ actor who is working here and there, thus inviting people to make memes over the social media. Some felt that he was trying hard to look cool, while others felt that he could have just said ‘Pakistani actor’ instead of trying to fit in. But not many know that Ahsan Khan was ‘actually’ born
jha in London as Ranjha which brought desis living in England closer to home. I was at an event that was being attended by both Indian and Pakistani artists, and when we were
F O R B O O K I N G A D S , W W W. B O L N E W S . C O M / N E W S PA P E R
66
A P R I L 24 - 3 0, 2 0 2 2
I made three comedy flicks and they became block busters. To be honest, people would now expect me to do something different; to direct a comedy-thriller. I had written Chakkar almost two years ago but then COVID happened. Chakkar is a risk for me but I was passionate to explore a new genre. I don’t want to be a director or producer who keeps producing monotonous comedy. I wanted to bring something out-of-thebox for the audience
Maheen Aziz KARACHI
Promotions of Pakistani movies are in full swing – trailer launches, song releases and outdoor promotions are keeping team of Chakkar
quite busy. In fact, the entire film fraternity looks pretty occupied as five movies are scheduled to release this Eid-ul-Fitr, most of which are light, comedy flicks. Chakkar has been grabbing everyone’s attention since the trailer has released mainly because of its unique murder-mystery storyline. Being produced under the banner of Farid Nawaz Production, the movie is directed by Yasir Nawaz and produced by Nida Yasir. Starring Neelum Munir, Ahsan Khan, Naveed Raza, Javed Sheikh, Ahmed Hassan and Yasir Nawaz, the cast of Chakkar is a cherry on top. BOLD spoke with the cast to delve deeper into the film’s production, creative process and the risk involved for the producers to follow a different theme. Yasir Nawaz shared why he took the risk of opting for a murder-mystery story for the film. ‘I made three comedy flicks and they became block busters. To be honest, people would now expect me to do something different; to direct a comedy-thriller. I had written Chakkar almost two years ago but then COVID happened. Chakkar is a risk for me but I was passionate to explore a new genre. I don’t want to be a director or producer who keeps producing monotonous comedy. I wanted to bring something out-of-the-box for the audience which also had commercial means. This is going to be the first time when there will be
Movie is a 100 percent risk as compared to dramas and if people come and watch the movie it will encourage us to do better. If the audience doesn’t like the movie, then we will wholeheartedly welcome their criticism and reflect over it.’ Nida Yasir has been producing her morning show since quite a while and now has a hands-on experience in production. She has used her expertise in Chakkar and enjoyed being fully involved. ‘In the previous projects, I wasn’t involved much. But this film’s production was all mine while Yasir was busy directing.’ We asked Nida that Yasir acts in majority of his projects, why doesn’t she tries her hands at acting? Nida explicated that with her morning show routine, it was hard to give time to acting. Speaking about her previous collaborations she shared that it was not easy to work with Yasir, ‘We have been working together in serials but it was tough as Yasir wants perfection and if he doesn’t get perfect shots, he gets angry. Now that I have understood his pace and work style, I know he requires the best out of his work and I try to give my 100 percent.’
It was quite challenging in my last three movies handling direction and production as well, but this time Nida handled everything very professionally as a producer which gave me a space to direct the movie with complete focus. She handled a lot of things; wardrobe, styling and almost everything that required an expert’s eye. I am glad that she took up this responsibility and did a marvellous job five Pakistani movies releasing simultaneously, therefore we will see a healthy competition.’ He also raised concerns about the prices of movie ticket stating that the entertainment was just for those who could afford a Rs1000 ticket. ‘Cinematic experience is not accessible to everyone, which is quite sad. There was a time when movie tickets cost only Rs50 to Rs100. I don’t think there is any solution to this as cinema owners have their financial issues. However, for me, producers are the ones who actually suffer as they invest heavily, and earn only a bare minimum amount at the end. Distributors should take care of the producers otherwise no production house would take the risk of investing in films in the coming years, shutting the business eventually. This is a high risk job and no one wants to suffer.’ Many good movies have been produced after COVID, but they couldn’t perform well at the box office as their promotions were either done in haste or not done at all. Yasir stressed on promoting movies aggressively, which he thinks plays a pivotal role in convincing people to get out their house and come to cinemas. ‘Promotion is the homework done to get the result; it brings people to the cinema and from there only your hard work speaks which further decides the fate of your movie – a success or a failure.’ Neelum Munir, who is playing the lead in the film, seemed quite excited about her character. We often see Neelum sharing screen with Yasir on Television whereas she has also come as the lead opposite Sami Khan in Wrong Number.2. Neelum is quite confident about her up-coming movie.
‘I am playing a double role in Chakkar which is quite exhilarating. I have never done a double role. Plus, the script itself is very engaging that I am sure will keep the audiences engaged throughout the movie as there is never a dull moment,’ she excitedly shared. ‘Yasir is an ace director who knows the ins and outs of a movie. He requires perfection in his work and I think the cast has done the job brilliantly.’ She added. Yasir had same thoughts about the actors and he called each actor as the gem of his film, having sufficient significance which will make this project shine brighter. ‘I had a few names in mind but Neelum stood out because she understands film and its language. This is something god- gifted. A large part of the movie revolves around Neelum although all actors have done a wonderful job in their respective characters.’ Yasir is known as a perfectionist in the industry. Having produced three comedy movies, this was a 360-degree shift for him. ‘It was quite challenging in my last three movies handling direction and production as well, but this time Nida handled everything very professionally as a producer which gave me a space to direct the movie with complete focus. She handled a lot of things; wardrobe, styling and almost everything that required an expert’s eye. I am glad that she took up this responsibility and did a marvellous job.’ He insisted that people shouldn’t only comment but also get involved with the film fraternity, and help them improve the quality of content, for directors are making movies for the local market as their feedback matters. ‘I would like to request everyone to watch the movie; liking it or not is a decision they can form afterwards.
In the previous projects, I wasn’t involved much. But this film’s production was all mine while Yasir was busy directing... We have been working together in serials but it was tough as Yasir wants perfection and if he doesn’t get perfect shots, he gets angr y. Now that I have understood his pace and work style, I know he requires the best out of his work and I tr y to give my 100 percent Producer Nida Yasir PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R
She seconded Yasir about the casting decision and said that each actor is a flawless fit for the film. ‘We approached many actors and actresses for the film but eventually found the ones who were well suited for the assigned roles. This is a different genre and there has never been a movie made like this. Cinemas are in growing phase and we need our people’s support,’ After Khel Khel Mein, Naveed Raza will be showing his acting prowess in Chakkar. Sharing his experience of working with Chakkar team, he said, ‘I shot Chakkar before Khel Khel Mein. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie as we shot many scenes outdoor.’ Explaining about his character Naveed told us that he is playing a police man in the film who helps in investigating a murder. ‘I have high expectations from this movie and I would look forward to it doing a good business so the producers get encouragement to make more movies which will eventually set the wheel back in motion.’ Last but not the least, a brilliant addition to the cast is that of Ahmed Hasan. Not only is he famous for writing sit-coms, his acting skills are commendable as well. He shared with BOLD that the industry needs to create exceptional content which could draw the audiences to the cinemas once again, helping the film industry to grow and flourish. Shedding light on comedy being the only genre most of the movies revolve around he said that sensitive issues need intelligent craft and handling. "Storytelling of comedy is easy and one can get away with it as most of the dialogues are sugar-coated. Comedy is a safe bet." Explaining his experience of the movie he said 'Chakkar is a sharp and intelligent movie, directed by an equally sharp and excellent director. Performances are precise, perfect, and up to par which will pull the crowd.'
F O R B O O K I N G A D S , W W W. B O L N E W S . C O M / N E W S PA P E R
A P R I L 24 - 3 0 , 2 0 2 2
67
Azhar has been like a sun in the lives of Abeeha, Nayab, Eshal, and Aiza here by imparting a message that a divorced daughter is better than a dead daughter. So much so, he was vengeful and ensured that Ammar pays for his lies and deceitful demeanor. In the recent episodes, he has finally realised that his youngest son-in-law, Raza (Sajjad Pal) has been minting money out of him. But his daughter Nayab (Laiba Khan) has splendidly brought Sajjad to the book by exposing his truth to the world.
By Ghazala Sulaiman
A father we needed on our screens
A few weeks ago, Angna drama created quite an uproar over a controversial slap scene. Like all hubbubs, that one too died and people moved on to discuss either the political mess in the country or the tragic end of saturdays as a weekend for Pakistanis. However, the story of four strong sisters, vying hard to have happy, healthy, and positive relationships had piqued our attention. Not because their troubling marital life kept us hooked, but it was their father ‘Azhar’, essayed by Javed Sheikh, that made us realise how needed empowering fathers are in our society.
a widow and loses her husband Taimoor (Azfar Rehman), Azhar ensures her daughter is well taken care of. Of course, he was heartbroken. But rose to the occasion to take her home, in his shelter and warmth so she feels at peace, safe, and protected. Similarly, he safeguarded Ayeza (Kanwa Khan) from Ammar (Asim Mehmood) upon realising that he has exploited and cheated on his daughter. He broke another stereotype
It’s true that all fathers, in real life or reel life, want their daughters to settle in a safe and happy home. However, very few accept that it's equally important to empower them, trust them and stand by them when it's needed. Usually, Pakistani dramas characterises dads as ‘majboor’, ‘beybas’ and burdened by societal demands. Most of them consider their daughters a weight they want to be free of. Angna might be a drama with a lot of problematic themes but we are relieved that it exhibited a contemporary father who believes in protecting his daughters' self-esteem and self-worth. A look at the YouTube comments beneath Angna's uploaded episode reveals that there are a couple of viewers who realise how Azhar has been like a sun in the lives of Abeeha, Nayab, Eshal, and Aiza. Let’s not forget that a father-daughter relationship can have a far-reaching influence on the daughter’s life. Freud says that no necessity of childhood is as important as a father’s protection. It is indeed liberating to witness such a story and so many more like the recent Sinf e Ahan and Inkaar in the past where we saw fathers who were involved, supportive, and no less than superheroes!
Casting Sandeep Patil's son Chirag as his father wasn't just the only masterstroke by the director, he also cast the sons of West Indian legends Gordon Greenidge, and the late Malcolm Marshall as their fathers, while he made Clive Lloyd's son Jason play Joel Garner (for his height), and Shivnarine Chanderpaul's son Tagenarine as Larry Gomes (for his fair skin). The rest of the actors who played Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Michael Holding, and Wayne Daniel also looked their part, and exude the same confidence. For a country that hasn’t been able to bring its finest Cricket hour – Cricket World Cup played in 1992 – on the celluloid, ’83 is more than a film. It’s a template of sorts for those who want to make a film on the World Cup where Imran Khan-led Pakistan to a historic victory Down Under. Director Kabir Khan teaches young minds how to construct a story around an event, how to make it believable and how to sell it as something that actually happened, even if it didn’t happen that way. There were a few inconsistencies in the film that could have been avoided – Kapil Dev’s World Record of 175 runs was a huge inning but it didn’t come in the Do or Die match; also, there was no mention of Zimbabwe’s win against Australia that helped India in a big way. Casting Mohinder Amarnath as his legendary father Lala Amarnath was not a good idea, and neither was using Kapil Dev as a spectator; such things look good on TV but in films where two characters are already playing you, these stars should have politely declined to act. Although I am not an Indian and have
hardly ever supported the Indian Cricket team, there were moments that made me emotional and moist-eyed. That had more to do with the Script than anything else, for the writers knew how to hit it where it hurts the most. The scene where Pankaj Tripathi’s character tells his Captain that they might have become independent, but they are not viewed as equals gives you goosebumps, for Pakistan became independent a day earlier only. The sequence where a young boy tells Kapil Dev that he will not be attending India’s matches because they lose, or where Mohinder Amarnath discusses a conversation with his father with Kapil Dev, have enough power to move anyone who is remotely interested in Cricket. The film is an underdog story that actually happened, where drama, emotion, action (of another sort), and suspense played their part. It's not just a winner on the pitch, but it also has the same effect on the audience, who take back a lot of things after the nearly-threehour-long flick. It takes those who had followed the World Cup in 1983 back in time while bringing forward the events of the past for those who were either too young to remember or weren’t even born back then. Despite knowing the outcome of the matches, and the tournament, the film keeps the audience guessing till the final ball, such is the way it is crafted. The national rhetoric is added to give it the ‘cinema’ feel, but then, there is also the scene, in which the armies of India and Pakistan agree to a ceasefire, just for the final, making Kabir Khan fans in Pakistan happy. No matter how many films named Phantom he makes, he has made his place in the hearts of Pakistanis with one Bajrangi Bhaijan, and done the same with ’83.
An anchor that holds them all together
The character of Azhar is a prototype of an inspirational, self-sacrificing father who believes in bringing up his daughters in a free world. It is often said that giving so much liberty to daughters ends up spoiling them. Azhar proves how wrong that statement is. He empowered his daughters to work and pursue higher education so that they could be independent and capable of acing all fields they step into. He has taught them ways of the world
By Omair Alavi KARACHI
Sports films are a rarity in this part of the world, so when a film featuring Pakistan’s favourite sport (Cricket) and in a similar language (Hindi/Urdu) comes by, it automatically makes a connection with the audience. Kabir Khan’s ’83 is one such emotional ride that makes you fall in love with cricket if you are not already in love with the sport. The film revolves around the exploits of the Indian Cricket team that won the Cricket World Cup in 1983, under the leadership of Kapil Dev. It might be in the news for depicting Imran Khan as a foreigner instead of a Pakistani, or for using the creative license to make it more interesting, but the fact remains that it was a well-deserved victory for Team India, and Kabir Khan's presentation was nothing short of being first class. Everything from the first frame to the final one seems to have been constructed like a painting; the most memorable moment of the event was used in the beginning to grasp the audience’s attention while the rest of the film followed that moment. Add to that the creatively-crafted passport sequence and you had a winner, not even half an hour into the film. Yes, it is true that not even Indians were sure that their team would reach the final, let alone win the World Cup, and that’s what made that win even more unforgettable. How the Indian team was perceived at home was one thing, how the international media saw them was another angle that Kabir Khan played well with. He highlighted the fact that not even the players believed they were good enough to lift the Cup, yet they gave their best and followed their Captain like soldiers. If he told them
which is evident in how strongly the girls deal with the challenges, life throws at them. From the very first episodes, we see that he made his daughter Eshal, essayed by Rabab Hashim, take over the family business and confidently deal with professionals at the meeting table. He nurtured them to breathe in a unrestricted world sans any pressure to marry as per society's demands. We see them studying till the university level, indicating
that he expected more from them, they gave him more. If he didn’t believe they were giving their best, they proved him wrong in the next match. From little joys to sorrows, the players depicted a solid unit that wouldn’t have stopped at winning the World Cup, if that was a possibility. And if that’s not all, the way the director mixed both the real and reel footage is nothing short of a masterstroke. The art director must win the awards for he has done an excellent job in transporting the audience into 1983, and then making every player act as if he was the person representing India at the highest level. None of the actors seemed out of character and that’s why when the names of these actors are announced at the end, the audience is surprised to know that they were actors playing the characters. The film borrows heavily from the many Sports films made in Hollywood but presents it in such a way that the viewers believe it as the truth. Be it Sunil Gavaskar’s reaction to being asked to score by a ‘junior’ Kapil, or the skipper's anger at Roger Binny’s bowling, it was all there even if it might not have actually happened. Ranveer Singh’s dialogue delivery reminds one of Kapil Dev’s unique way of speaking, and if you have spoken to Kapil Dev (I have!), then you will fall in love with Ranveer Singh for sure. Everyone in the cast, be it Tahir Raj Bhasin's Sunil Gavaskar, Jiiva's Srikkanth, Saqib Saleem's Mohinder Amarnath, or Pankaj Tripathi's PR Man, looked perfect in their characters as if they were born to play that part. They not only spoke like those players but even bowled and batted like them, which is a difficult combo to get your hands on for any director.
PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R
that their academic qualifications were given top priority by their dad. Azhar’s non-toxic attitude towards his home, wife, and family inculcated the same values in his daughters who grew up purehearted, soft, loving, and giving.
A shield in dark days
We have seen Pakistani dramas propagating the narrative that parents are no more
’83 is not a film, it's an experience; a template for others to follow!
responsible for their daughters, once they get married. Azhar is that one father who broke all stereotypes by being a strong guardian and looking after them even if they left their homes to settle into new ones. At the same time, he was never interfering with their lives nor was he a preachy parent who guided them on how to deal with their inlaws or husband. When Abeeha (Areeba Habib) becomes
F O R B O O K I N G A D S , W W W. B O L N E W S . C O M / N E W S PA P E R
68
A P R I L 24 - 3 0, 2 0 2 2
A lesson learnt for life from these iconic dramas Parizaad
Parizaad was a game changer for Ahmed Ali Akbar. While there are plenty of unanswered questions and gaps in simple cause and effect events in the serial, this isn't about them. It's about how Hashim Nadeem gave voice to thousands of socially uncomfortable people who are dealing with an inferiority complex, impostor syndrome, and what appears to be a forever cursed fate. Parizaad's happy ending was finally finding a true love, but it was how he found a place where he genuinely belonged. 'Zindagi mohabbat ke bina kaati ja sakti hei maqsad ke bina nahin,' hei maqsad ke bina nahin’. In an industry, where happy endings are usually associated with marriage and love, it was brave of Nadeem to show an alternate reality where he finds a meaningful purpose alongside the desire to love and be loved by all as a result of his patience and good faith.
By Isra Shams The Pakistani television industry deserves praise for enhancing the quality of its content over the last decade. That is why we have lost interest in the usual saas-bahu dramas and pointless dramedies. However, because it takes time for something to become a complete success, we are sometimes disappointed to see a subpar plot receive undue praise. But that truth fades as the television provides a wealth of other entertaining shows to watch, where everything is handled in a decent manner, from significant social concerns (Kankar, Akhir Kab Tak, Udaari) to addressing everyday difficulties of an ordinary man (Parizaad, Meri Zaat Zarra e Benishan, Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi). There's nothing worse than drama serials with needless scripts being praised, but failing to win an award doesn't negate the fact that several plays have performed admirably and imparted valuable lessons. Here are a few serials with essential themes that may not have won any awards, but they surely won our hearts, teaching us one of life's most important lessons: "Steady wins the race."
Daam
Daam was one of the dramas that helped revive Pakistani drama industry. When most production studios were too busy copying scripts from foreign countries, it was a welcomed change. Writers like Umera Ahmed have resurrected the allure of Pakistani dramas. The story revolves around friendship, betrayal, and relationships. It tells the story of two best friends from various social strata. However, as basic as it may appear, it illuminates a sea of complexities. From those who lacked basic necessities to those who owned luxuries, their adventures were unquestionably well documented. One thing that stood out for me the most about Zara’s character was that she was never seen hopeless about the situations in life.
Alif Allah aur Insan
A drama that is nothing short of a fountain of life lessons, and enough to drive any human to be unrelenting. It teaches moral lessons about religion, faith, and personal convictions. Each episode unfold to an eye-opening lesson, and it simply goes to show how Allah rewards people who are just in their cause. With a superb cast and a compelling storyline, this is one worth the watch! It tells the story of five different characters belonging to different origins who all have one thing in common: God. Shahzeb (Mikaal Zulfiqar), Nazneen (Kubra Khan), Rani/Reena Begum (Ushna Shah), Basit (Shahzad Sheikh), and Nighar Begum are the five main characters. And each character has an equal significance in the play.
Mein Abdul Qadir Hoon
Even today, Mein Abdul Qadir Hoon stands out among other serials. Unlike most of the Paksitani dramas, the project stresses over the problens of a young man and focused on a male protagonist. After a heartbreak, Abdul Qadir seeks solace in religion, but discovers more than he bargained for. The story begins with Abdul Qadir, a young man who falls in love with the girl who lives next door. The girl leads him down the wrong path, where he begins to drink and use drugs. She dumps him and leaves him for good when he asks her to marry him later. Abdul Qadir, goes to study abroad. However, he regains his faith and belief after marrying a housemaid, but she succumbs to aids later. This might be a depressed part of his life, but his wife brings him closer to religion. Nonetheless, he finally returns home completely transformed; with a fully grown beard. From a boy led into the wrong path to this faithful believer, Abdul Qadir still finds it difficult to being accepted in the society - told to be an extremist of his acts and beliefs. The various stages of his life demonstrate how patient he was, remaining calm in the face of adversity. This is a superbly written and directed drama that transports the spectator into a magical world.
Cheekh
Cheekh isn't your typical love story or comedy. It's the story of a woman named "Mannat" who preached the importance of sticking up for what's right and just! She stood up to her own family to demand justice for her best friend, who was raped and murdered in her own house by her brother-in-law. The plot of Cheekh grabbed strength by Saba Qamar's superb performance, who battles until the end for her friend's justice. She loses everything in her quest for truth, including her mother, husband, and child, but she didn't give up. The plot is dragged for a few episodes but the lesson it left for us is remarkable. All in all, it’s a silhouette of justice and Allah’s mercy on the one who chooses the right path.
Durr-e-Shahwar
This serial sketches the story of two people from two generations who were trying to make their marriages work. The drama depicts the struggles and tribulations that a lady must face in order to gain her husband's affection. Dur e Shahwar and her daughter, Shandana, are the central characters. In flashbacks, Durr e Shahwar's life is revealed. Shandana is having marital problems and openly blames her mother, Durr e Shahwar, of not being able to comprehend because she has always had a devoted husband, she preaches her daughter how she fought hard to earn her husband's love and then goes on to describe the difficulties she had in the early years of her marriage. There are many heart-warming, soul-stirring, and impactful dialogues were found in this show. PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R
Zindagi Gulzaar Hai
The plot revolves around Kashaf, a middle-class girl who is constantly lamenting to Allah about her woes in life. Her father had abandoned them since her mother had given birth to three daughters rather than a son. She took the commitment to improve the family's financial status as she is the eldest among her sisters. She met a boy named Zaroon at university who was the centre of attention for everyone because of his good looks, but he couldn't stand the fact that a middle-class girl like Kashaf would just ignore him. However, gradually he was drawn to her intellect and thought she stood out among the other girls. Their paths eventually crossed, and their fortunes changed. This story is a perfect example for the ones who think daughters can’t be equal to sons and aren’t capable of achieving big. She struggles hard and makes her way up on her own, becoming a strong example in front of her father. F O R B O O K I N G A D S , W W W. B O L N E W S . C O M / N E W S PA P E R
A P R I L 24 - 3 0 , 2 0 2 2
69
By AFP
California’s Coachella will kick off Friday for the first time in view that 2019, with masses of thousands of people flocking to the most useful barren region track competition, because the United States sees Covid-19 cases part up. The huge event that takes region over two three-day weekends — and this yr capabilities Billie Eilish, Harry Styles and the Weekend with EDM stars Swedish House Mafia as headliners — historically kicks off the year’s summer season live performance circuit. Coachella’s 2020 edition was scrapped as the pandemic came into full force, and two years of chaotic cancellations, rescheduled shows and lineup shakeups ensued. As it returns after a three-year hiatus, Coachella is considered a bellwether for the multi-billion-dollar touring industry that’s still on shaky ground after persistent pandemic setbacks. After other large-scale festivals including Lollapalooza last year required proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 result, Coachella this winter announced it would not require any such mitigation measures, including masks or social distancing. The festival is held mostly outside, welcoming some 125,000 revelers daily from all over the nation and abroad, many of whom camp and fill up hotels nearby. There will be two testing sites on festival grounds. Jose Arballo — a senior public information representative for the public health department of Riverside County, where Coachella takes place — said there also would be bolstered testing facilities nearby. “Any time you have large groups of people gathering in public settings there’s some issues there — but we’re hoping that more people will be vaccinated… and that more people will wear masks anyway,” he told AFP. “If people aren’t feeling well, even if it might cost them something financially, we hope they can forgo going.” Arballo said that case numbers in the county had “plateaued in the last couple weeks,” but “other people will be coming in from all over the country and other places in the world where maybe the case rates aren’t that low.” He also noted that unreported at-home testing has possibly skewed case rate data downward, and anticipated the county would be able to assess the festival’s public health impact by the middle of next week — just ahead of the festival’s second string of dates. Nationwide, Covid-19 cases are down sharply from where they were in January but recently have started ticking up, with the United States averaging approximately 38,000 cases a day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vast majority of new cases stem from the highly transmissible Omicron subvariant, known as BA.2, according to the CDC. Some universities have reinstated mask mandates as has the city of Philadelphia, but for the most part regulations nationwide, including in California, remain relaxed.
‘Everybody misses this’
Major acts playing sets at Coachella include Megan Thee Stallion, Phoebe Bridgers, Doja Cat and Brazil’s Anitta. The Weeknd and Swedish House Mafia were last-minute additions after chaos agent Kanye West unceremoniously pulled out of his headliner spot. Travis Scott pulled out after a deadly concert stampeding tragedy at his Astroworld show in
Houston last year, while 2020’s anticipated headliner Frank Ocean is set to return to the desert in 2023. Also on deck are French rockers L’Imperatrice, superstar DJ Stromae, recent Grammy winner Arooj Aftab, Palestinian DJ Sama’ Abdulhadi and South Africa’s Black Coffee, who made Grammy history last week after winning a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Album, the first African act to do so. And in a last-minute surprise, Arcade Fire will play a set Friday evening. Coachella is a major draw for Indio, the city where it takes place, a desert municipality of just under 95,000 people whose slogan is “The City of Festivals.” Along with Coachella, Indio also hosts major concerts including the folk and country event Stagecoach. According to Indio spokesperson Brooke Beare, the town receives kind of $3 million every yr in direct revenue from the gala’s, together with ticket-sharing bucks and transient occupancy taxes from campers. Beare told AFP the region “benefits significantly” in every region, from hospitality to eating places and fuel stations — and from the festivals themselves, which she stated “bring a vibrancy and power this is unprecedented.” Mason Fouad, proprietor of the liquor save Mirage in Palm Springs, wherein many Coachella attendees stay, told AFP that commercial enterprise at his shop became already up 30 percentage. “Liquor business blooms in any festival,” Fouad said. “Everybody is expecting this Coachella will score a way higher record than all the other Coachellas, because everybody misses this.”
By AFP
A die-hard Queen fan unveiled a life-size bronze statue of Freddie Mercury on Thursday on South Korea's resort island of Jeju, after an eight-year quest to honour his late hero. The music of British rock band Queen is popular in South Korea, a country more associated with homegrown K-pop dance bands, including global megastars BTS. Jeju businessman and Queen superfan Baek Soon-yeob, 57, used to listen to bootleg recordings of Freddie Mercury -- who died of AIDS-related complications in 1991. Queen's music was banned in South Korea in the 1970s by then-military dictator Park Chung-hee's regime, which considered it "unsuitable" in an era when men were also barred from growing their hair. Mercury's songs "kept me going despite many hurdles along the way", Baek told AFP, adding it had been an emotional eight-year effort to build the statue. "I started emailing Queen's company in 2014 asking for a rights approval" to erect the statue, Baek told AFP. He wrote an email every month but did not get a reply for seven years. In early 2020, he finally received a response ahead of Queen's first ever South Korean concert -- band members and label officials were prepared to meet him in Seoul. That concert was a result of South Korea's recent fervent embrace of Queen, after nearly 10 million people watched the 2018 Oscar-winning biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody" starring Rami Malek. In a country of 51 million people, that means approximately a fifth of the population watched the movie in cinemas, where it grossed $70 million and sat atop box office lists for weeks. After receiving approval in 2020, Baek spent 50 million won ($40,000) commissioning the 177-centimetre statue of Mercury clenching his fist, which was finally unveiled Thursday on the scenic Jeju coast. Freddie censored It is the second statue of the late singer approved by Queen's label -- the first is in Montreux, Switzerland, where Mercury lived and recorded Queen albums. Despite Queen's popularity in South Korea, Baek faced protests over his project, with some people complaining about him erecting a "statue of a homosexual". Although the 2018 biopic was not censored in cinemas, local TV station SBS was in hot water last year when it deleted a scene in which actor Malek kisses a man. Baek said he hoped the statue would help "make those critical of sexual minorities reconsider their perceptions". South Korean Queen fans made a pilgrimage to Jeju Island to attend the Thursday event. "I am very honoured to be here today to mark the unveiling of the world's second statue of Freddie," said Kim Pan-jun, who runs a Queen-themed bar in Seoul. "I am sure Freddie is giving his blessing from up there in heaven." Queen guitarist Brian May, clutching a model of the statue Baek had sent him, told fans via video message that he was with them "in spirit" on Jeju, and that Mercury would like the tribute. "I know he would be happy with it," he said.
PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R
F O R B O O K I N G A D S , W W W. B O L N E W S . C O M / N E W S PA P E R
70
A P R I L 24 - 3 0, 2 0 2 2
Romance Was Born
Bassike
Kitx
Karla Spetic
It’s not what you wear but how you wear it Clothes keep you cool – No to dark colours
As the Eid days are expected to be humid, one must be very careful while choosing their dress colour. Lime, lemon, white, pink, cyan, and blue are the hues to opt for this summer. Wearing black or dark shades in the summer is a bad move. Mainly because dark colour absorbs more heat, making you a lot hotter than you need to be. For someone whose closet is 90 percent black, summer is generally bad news. But don’t worry, there are so many other shades that you can rock and look hotter! Still in doubt? Check out Ali Rehman Khan; isn’t he embracing a light and cool colour like a pro? Perfect eid kurta for men!
By Muhammad Ali You must have seen all the best collections on your Instagram feed and probably picked your favourites by now. Your eid dress probably be on its way back from the tailor or hanging in your closet. Whether you are a man or a woman, you plan to wear something different every year and of course something in fashion. But there are times when even your handpicked jora can go all wrong and make you a laughing stock. Whatever your body type, or wardrobe struggles, here are a few fashion mistakes to avoid this Eid!
Ill-Fitting Clothes This is for all men out there – we know you plan to spend your eid sleeping (mostly) but why not at least be rocking and sleep? (If that’s the thing). Wearing clothes that fit properly is especially important with classic items like kurta pajama, denim and blazers. Try before you buy, or pass on to your tailor for small adjustments to hemlines and sleeves (or learn to make adjustments yourself). Tailored clothing not only looks polished but also feels more comfortable. Once you have a capsule wardrobe that fits you perfectly, you can start to play with over-and under-sized items in a way that feels fashionable, not sloppy.
Over accessorising – A big no! Ladies, you do not need a statement necklace, dangly earrings, a belt, and a fringe bag to rock—it’s too much. Why are you distracting us from your pretty face with all these fancy objects? Keep it chic and simple. Wear those statement earrings or a necklace if you’re wearing a low-cut blouse. (One, not both!) All you need to think about is balance and proportion. If you’re wearing a high neck top, it’s time to rock an arm full of shiny bangles and slick your hair back in a low bun (like Deepika). Or if you plan to go for mainly neutrals, just grab an oversized bright green bag. It’s all in the balance. Don’t be like Kangana, go easy this year!
PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R
Don’t go with the usual Personal style is an experiment; you never know what looks fantastic on you until you're in the dressing room. Play with colours and prints to find what looks great on your unique body. The categories "men’s wear" and "women’s wear" shouldn't dictate how you shop. If you always wear three piece suit from ‘that brand’, why not settle with something minimal? How about matching separates this time? I know you might be judging me right now, but I am all in love with what Sanam Saeed is wearing; unmixed olive is the way to go this eid, ladies!
Shop for what suits you
People nowadays are focused on what is trending, what will get them more engagement, and less about what clothing they like. To me, that defeats the whole purpose of having a truly personal style – and being influential through your style. It’s crucial to understand that we only dress for ourselves. We should not try to get another person's attention, impress them, or pretend to be someone we are not. And worst of all, do not feel the need to compete with another woman/man – or “show them up”.
Too much to remember? Just be comfortable in your skin
I am not a fashion guru, but avoiding these fashion mistakes can save you from a lot of embarrassment. If you feel there’s too much to remember, just be comfortable in your skin, and everything will fall after! So which of these mistakes are you guilty of?
F O R B O O K I N G A D S , W W W. B O L N E W S . C O M / N E W S PA P E R
A P R I L 24 - 3 0 , 2 0 2 2
71
Haven’t decided what to wear yet? Turn to these Instagram handles for the perfect Eid outfit! By Isra Shams KARACHI
After spending the last two Eids in complete lockdown, behind computer screens, we are hoping Eid 2022 will be different — promising a slight return to normalcy, if not complete. Because, fortunately, we can now see close family members and mingle in small groups. That’s all the more reason to ditch your much-loved loungewear and dress up! It is, after all, what some Twitter users call “The Muslim Met Gala.” Of course, style is personal; there really is no right or wrong way to looking or feeling your best. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by desi fashion pages flooding our Insta-feed with stylish Eid look-books. So let me help you decode what you’re better off ignoring and what you should be wearing instead. Consider this my Eidi to you!
Hania Kamran Official
Hania Kamran has now become a big name on Instagram amongst new fashion designers and surely for the right reasons. Surprisingly, it has developed a unique style of its own by merging unique textures, patterns, colors, and cultural aesthetics. From gorgeous bridal sets to heavy formal dresses to lighter festive formals and even special Eid wear; Hania Kamran has a lot to offer under one roof. From beaded outfits to embroidery and prints, you should be all set for an unforgettable fashion moment with their Eid collection.
Shazia Rauf Khan Official
Interestingly, her approach towards embellishments is minimalistic, modern, and sophisticated. Moreover, she prefers designing dresses only to add eye-catching details in the form of Zarri, Dapka, Lappa, Gotta, Pearls, Embroidery, and more. The latest Eid collection features trendy pastel colours, intricate embroidery, weaving and beading meant to highlight simplicity and elegance – all the Eid style inspiration you need!
Humyraz.Online
Not everyone desires heavy embellishments on their dresses and Humyraz. official is the right hub if you believe in minimal art. This is the ideal online outlet for your eastern-western fusion wear. Interestingly, their cuts speak volumes about style and the small details are simply gorgeous. With their vivid prints, patterns and bold colours, Humyraz’ ensembles are works of art and can be styled for the perfect Eid outfit.
Raja Salahuddin Official
Haute Couture is what you will get from Raja Salahuddin’s hub. Apparently, he has an innate and classic sense of passion to create magnificent bridal eastern wear. Moreover, the detail in his embroidery and stonework is intricate. Again, Raja Salahuddin designs his clothes by adding elaborate embroidered designs and embellishments to them. The craftsmanship is wonderful and the end product is super striking! PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R
FF O OR R
Hathghar
This online saree label is all about handloom love offering timeless classics, dramatic hues and muted delicates in their saree collection. Pick from their Kota block prints, Ajrakh prints, Madhubani prints and chikankari sarees to add more vibrancy to your wardrobe this Eid. For ladies who adore contemporary, chic and effortless fashion - choose from a variety of subtle and versatile range of sarees and have them shipped to you wherever you right before Eid!
Afifa Khan Atelier Official
With over 15000 followers on Instagram, Afifa Khan has set ground with her out-of-the-box ideas when it comes to crafting eastern ensembles. Apparently, she plays with bright colors and pairs them in a way that they stand out from the crowd. Moreover, her designed outfits look glamorous because the cuts are flawless and the stitching is perfect too.
Iman Sheikh Bukhary
There are very few good casual wear brands available in Pakistan. Moreover, the ones that give you the right bang for your buck! IMAN is one such brand that has made its name in the fashion industry by offering simple yet elegant casual dresses for women. Indeed her ideas are distinct and her use of colors and aesthetics really show on her dresses. IMAN is aptly described as a rare incorporation of fabulous and chic, fusing different fabrics to create detailed and inspired outfits. For both special occasions or everyday activities, their ready-to-wear clothing exude contemporary fashion and design.
Sehrish Rehan
This is an awesome brand because it showcases the best casual, lounge, and semi-formal wear for women of all ages. You may be stroked with its price range but once your body adorns the beautiful ensemble, it all makes it worth every penny and more! This brand brings new designs to your screen with Eid just right the corner so be sure you don’t miss out on any of the new designs. If you want something funky and attractive for Eid then this place is your hub!
Shazeb Saleem Official
How could our list be complete without a good men’s fashion brand? While you must have heard about HSY and Deepak Perwani - you must have also seen their charge sheet. It surely touches the sky! However, Shahzeb Sheikh designs and customizes men’s formal eastern and western wear according to your budget and helps you design the best dress.
Rici Melion East
Rici Melion is a bespoke men’s global luxury designer label that is now available in Pakistan. Based in Lahore, Rici Melion offers exquisite fabrics for men for shalwar kameez, kurtas, western suits, coats, and everything in between. While the prices are hefty, it is safe to say that their work of art is unique and they are truly making a benchmark for men’s clothing in Pakistan. Moreover, they also offer men’s accessories. Do check them out!
B O O K I N G A D S , W W W. B O L N E W S . C O M / N E W S PA P E R
72
A P R I L 24 - 3 0, 2 0 2 2
By Danya Ali KARACHI
Ramadan is almost over, and it is time for the reward; Eid-ul-Fitr, which means a lot of sweet treats and delicious meals but be warned, after a month of fasting, over-eating might cause some unwanted discomfort. While no celebration should be an excuse to hamper your fitness goals. All you need to do is get a little smart with your choices and the way you cook to enjoy the festival of Eid without any guilt. So before you go from controlled and spiritual in Ramadan to lazy indulgence all day on Eid! Here we share some healthy food swaps for Eid to save your stomach from the explosion.
Don’t ditch your favourite food - Alter the Eid recipes
We know how much you love eating sheer korma, sewaiyan, gulab jamun, kheer, biryani, and spicy fried foods. But they can take a toss on your health, especially in this heat. Instead of skipping these delicacies, here’s what you can do:
Sheer Korma with dates You can’t live without it right? Of course, it is the first dish you eat on Eid. So here’s a trick instead of using refined sewaiyan, go for brown rice sewaiyan. And for sweetness, avoid sugar, and use dates to taste it meetha. Moreover, you can swap the heavy milk cream by adding powdered dry fruits, low-fat milk, and not full cream to make the delicious sewaiyan.
Biryani
Phirni with a twist
Eid is incomplete without Briyani. So here’s some good news, if you are really craving for it, go for mutton biryani. Mutton contains iron, protein, vitamin B, E, K, Omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids that make mutton biryani one of the healthiest dishes on Eid. You can replace the white basmati rice with brown basmati rice. Enjoy it with raita or salad to end your craving for good.
This is even better – If you can’t live without Phirni, satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way by eating your favourite phirni but with a healthy twist. This version is made using oats instead of rice, and the addition of apple further naturally enhances the sweetness.
Ingredients • • • •
cup coarsely powdered quick-cooking rolled oats cup grated apple (unpeeled) 3 cups of low-fat milk 2 tsp sugar substitute
Method • • • •
First, heat milk in a deep non-stick pan and bring it to a boil. Add oats, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 minutes while stirring continuously. Remove from flame, add sugar substitute, mix well and keep aside to cool slightly. Add apple, mix well and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
Drinks for a cool-me down treats
Hibiscus Rose Ice Tea
After all, you need something to gulp down that mutton all night. Here’s some healthy drinks to have instead of cola.
A gorgeous-looking and refreshing recipe for a fragrant, floral drink to cool off on the hot summer days. It is probably the best drink to please your guests this Eid. You know what the best part is? It is great for your heart and light on your stomach.
Pan Thandai
Ingredients
Eid-ul-Fitr is a summer festival that calls for some hydrating drinks. Paan thandai is a great option for you as it instantly hydrates and satisfies your taste buds. This drink comes with amazing benefits as it is loaded with probiotics, thereby improving gut health, immunity, and constipation.
Ingredients
• Fennel seeds two tablespoons • Black pepper 8-10 • Green cardamom 10-15 • Black cardamom 5 • Almonds ½ cup • Cashews ½ cup • Pistachio ½ cup • Saffron 10-12 strings – optional • Melon seeds 3-4 tablespoons Poppy seeds 3-4 tablespoons – optional • Rose petals 1 cup • Water 1 cup • Rosewater 2 tablespoons • Sugar 1½ cup
Method
• To start off, soak all the ingredients together in water for 2-3 hours except for saffron, rose petals and sugar. • Soak saffron in water separately. • Peel off the skin from almonds and the cardamoms. • Now grind all the soaked ingredients together and make a fine paste. • Take a wok and add water and sugar till it dissolves completely. • Now add the grinded mixture to the sugar syrup, mix well, avoid lumps, and cook for 10 minutes. • Let it cool, and then add saffron and rose water. • Store in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. • When you want to serve, take one glass mix, sugar, chopped pan, add 2 tablespoons thandai consistent and give it a churn. • Garnish with pistachio, edible silver foil and serve cold.
By Zehra Batool KARACHI
Eating in the during the holy month of Ramadan can be challenging for Muslim women to the point that they must hide away from male relatives in order to avoid being stared at. The sad reality is that most women are forced to make up a lie rather than admit they are menstruating. Islam requires its followers to fast from dawn until sunset during Ramadan, refraining from food and liquid consumption. Menstruating women, however, cannot fast and even though this is a known fact, many women are reluctant to discuss their periods openly with male family members mainly due to ashamedness. Girls growing up in brown households are typically told by their mothers not to disclose that they are on their periods to men since only girls are aware of it, and because of this, many are compelled to eat and drink quietly away from the male members of the family. Interestingly, many are forced to wake for Sehri, the predawn meal, to avoid their male family members sensing they are menstruating (God forbid), which leads to fake fasting and sometimes also saying prayers before them. Even in these seemingly woke times, women have yet to gain the confidence to assert menstruation is natural, and that it is not their personal choice to not fast, but rather their religion that restricts them from doing so. It is, however, considered so taboo that many mothers never as much as mention the topic to their daughters during puberty. The stigma is huge to the extent that when girls get their first period, the sudden change tends to be a big shock simply because mothers find the topic too 'shameful' to talk about. In regard to menstruation during the holy month, there is indeed nothing more frustrating than the way women are made to feel 'dirty' and 'humiliated' about a totally natural bodily function. They are put in an especially difficult position as they can neither pray and fast, nor eat in public without being shamed. Normally, you can hardly determine if a woman is on her period. During the holy month, howbeit, it becomes rather noticeable. Into the bargain, if a person is not fasting, they are assumed to be sick, a bad Muslim, or on their period — thus women would rather pretend to be fasting than fall into any of these categories. Although the idea that women are 'impure' during their periods is cultural rather than strictly religious, this belief prevents a lot of women and girls from fully PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R
• 1.5 litres of water • 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers • 1-inch cinnamon • Two cloves • 1/4 cup sugar • Rose syrup, as required
Method
• Add water, dried hibiscus flowers, spices, and sugar, and bring to a rolling boil in a saucepan. • Now reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes or longer for a stronger flavor. Let cool to room temperature. • Pass this through a fine-mesh sieve to strain out the hibiscus flowers. • Refrigerate and serve chilled with over one teaspoon of Rose syrup and ice in individual glasses. Stir well. Enjoy this refreshing drink
Yes, don’t look amazed. You can enjoy Eid in a healthy way. Savour every bite, chew slowly and celebrate Eid without giving your tummy a hard time.
participating in everyday life during their periods. Religion never urged menstruating women to pretend they are fasting or lie about it. It is we who created this societal stigma surrounding menstruation that makes women feel compelled to hide it even though it is as natural as breathing. There is plenty for us women to unlearn. But the burden of bringing about change does not solely fall on our shoulders because when women do speak out about the subject matter, it is men who become conscious and make them feel uncomfortable. Brown paper bags, for instance, are widely used in Pakistan by shopkeepers when selling period products in order to hide them from the public gaze and prevent embarrassment. The exhausting inability to openly talk about menstruation without getting cringes and groans from men is one of the many indicators of squeamishness in shops that sell sanitary products. As we stuff the bags with sanitary pads and drag our feet to the checkout point, where a man (always a man) pulls them out one by one and types into a register, slowly and pitifully, while the waiting customers casually avert their eyes. This is just one of the many examples of how menstruation, a natural biological process, is viewed and internalized as something shameful by society in general. A male-dominated society frames everything through a homogeneous and androcentric lens, something which trickles down to all members of society, mostly women, who are ashamed to discuss their bodily functions. This cycle begins at home, persists through society's structures, and is completed when women buckle under the demands of compliance and endure what is thrown at them. Religiously conceived, the carefully enforced restrictions are further indications of the ‘unclean’ state that women are expected to adhere to since their bodies discard blood, but there is a deeper issue at play than just religion. We have much to do to open up dialogue on this subject and end shaming. It is imperative to acknowledge the fact that shame is fundamentally a product of culture and not a result of theology. Having a conversation about the elephant in the room is the need of the hour, because if not now, when? Until mothers stop forcing their daughters to fake that they are fasting while on their periods and stop being ashamed of bringing up the subject openly, there will be no change. Women should also reject the terminology that defines natural occurrences as impurities. This is also a vital first step towards ensuring that our bodies remain our own, and not be subjected to 'shame' and 'disgust'. F O R B O O K I N G A D S , W W W. B O L N E W S . C O M / N E W S PA P E R
A P R I L 24 - 3 0 , 2 0 2 2
73
Pack up and explore exciting places this holiday season Want to travel but can’t decide on a destination? Here are some must-visit places to consider
By Mariam Naeem Khan
Summer holidays are around the corner and surely many amongst us would want to indulge in our favourite, rejuvenating summer activity – travelling. However, selecting a serene yet exciting spot that has something to offer can be challenging. Here are some local and international tourist spots that are worth exploring this holiday season. Travel these places either alone, or with family and friends to relax, refresh and revitalise your body, mind and soul, without burning a hole in your pocket.
Local tourist destinations
International tourist spots Sri Lanka - An exotic island Sri Lanka has become a widely popular tourist destination since the past few years. This scenic and pristine island has been ranked one of the best places to visit in 2022 by CNN travel. If you are looking for adventure, go white water rafting in Kitulgala or snorkel at Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Sanctuary amidst vibrant corals, colorful reef fish and large turtles. If you’re into kitesurfing, then you must visit Kalpitiya Lagoon, one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka, where friendly dolphins and whales are often spotted. Sri Lanka has a rich history and inherits many ancient cities such as Anuradhpura, Polonnaruwa and Digamadulla. Many suggest to visit Polonnaruwa Vatadage, a typical Buddhist structure, to see its bubble-shaped design and the small stupa that it protects. You can also explore Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and finally pay a visit to Adam’s Peak, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the sub-continent.
Boyun – Green Top in Swat Boyun is a small village situated east of Kaalam Valley and south of Shahu, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is also known as Green Top. It takes 25 to 30 minutes to reach this tourist destination from Kaalam. The narrow unmetalled road leading to Boyun is very steep with sharp turns; therefore, it is advisable to rent a car for a day trip. The Green Top is surrounded by majestic, snow-capped Kaalam mountains, lush green trees and tributaries formed by melting glaciers trickle down the mountains. You can see the entire Kaalam City from this point.
Phander Lake – A hidden paradise Phander lake is an important feature of Phander village situated in Koh-i-Ghizer, Gupis-Yasin District, the westernmost part of Gilgit-Baltistan region. The picturesque Phander village presents a scene straight out a fairy tale – tiny wooden huts with cows grazing in the back gardens, tall, beautiful palm trees, flowery meadows and the main attraction – Phander Lake. Its cool, blue water is so clear and still that one can mistake the reflection of clouds for a thin sheet covering the lake. The best time to visit Phander village is between April and September, after which snowfall paints the scene crystal white.
KARACHI
On April 20th, Karachi Biennale Trust (KBT) and the British Council collaborated to organise a talk by Ben Eaton, a digital artist and creative technologist. The Karachi Biennale, a city-wide art event, is the flagship project of KBT. This talk is a part of the Beinnale’s discursive programming, in which a series of workshops, artist talks and webinars will take place between April and July 2022. The participation of the Invisible Flock in KB22 is supported by the Seasons Program at the British Council. Ben is the technical director at Invisible Flock, an award-winning interactive arts studio based at Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Wellcome Collection London. Invisible Flock and partners are the recipients of the Wellcome Trust’s renowned Hub Award with Land Body Ecologies Research Group (LBE). The artist led studio uses the intersection of art and technology to immerse the audience in the conversation about ecology – and to promote ecologically friendly practices and behavior. Invisible Flock has been selected to participate in the third Karachi Biennale, KB22, scheduled for October 2022. The theme of the second Biennale was ‘Ecology’, as the degradation of the environment is a subject very relevant to the city. Invisible Flock is supported using public art funding by Arts Council England. Over the last eleven years the collective has engaged in research, field work, large scale mapping and capture, working alongside communities, environmental data and forming a crucial understanding of place. Their current and recent projects include Aurora (2018) a multi-sensory installation about climate change that re-flooded a disused reservoir in Liverpool; Inaudible (2019 – present) exploring human elephant conflict and its effects on fragile populations and ecosystems and The Sleeping Tree (2020 –), a long form, immersive, sound and light experience connecting audiences with the distant ecosystems in collaboration with LEAP (Landscape Ecology and Primatology, Bournemouth University). “Our aim is to open up critically important ways of thinking about how we live, how we connect and share to live better together in a global society. To achieve this we believe that art must be made alongside a broad
PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R
If you want to relax on sandy beaches, play in clear, turquoise waters, sleep in hammocks and sip refreshing, cool drinks, then Malaysia is your perfect getaway this summer season. You can obtain Malaysian visit visa relatively easily and at a pretty low cost. Once you’re there, visit Kuala Selangor Nature Park, one of the oldest and largest parks established by the government to participate in activities like bird watching, firefly watching and mangrove tree planting. The park also has a huge variety of flora and fauna and coastal birds. Another recommended place is Fraser’s Hill, a highland resort, to watch diverse (over 250 species) and vibrant forest birds. Last but not the least, take your family to Taman Negara Park, also referred as ‘Malaysia’s Amazon’, to spot and photograph different species of woodpeckers with your kids. If you want to capture Instagram-perfect vacation pictures, then visit the magnificent Thean Hou Temple, Lake Gardens and Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.
Uzbekistan - Home to the legendary cities of Silk Road
Visit these places this holiday season and enjoy all the beauty, history and fun they have to offer!
By Ambreen Saleh
Malaysia – Where nature blends with multicultural diversity
Uzbekistan is a beautiful country in Central Asia with a rich cultural heritage. The country has inherited numerous historic buildings, monuments and traditions from its ancestors and Silk Road traders. It shares borders with Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Uzbekistan’s visit visa is quite affordable and easy to obtain. It is a safe country for tourists; the locals are friendly and one can get clean accommodation at fairly cheap rates. Once there, tour Uzbekistan’s famous historical sites – Samarkand, Khiva, Bukhara, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites as well. Samarkand, one of the grandest cities, is situated at the heart of the ancient Silk Road. It has preserved many religious mausoleums and museums dating back to 15th and 17th centuries. You must explore Registan Square and Gur-e-Amir mausoleum in Samarkand. In Bukhara, you can visit Samanid Mausoleum, an impressive 10th century Islamic architectural icon, and a massive fortress called Ark of Bukhara. Khiva, on the other hand, offers numerous worth-seeing historic sites such as Kuhna Ark, Tach Khaouli and Juma Mosque. Apart from magnificent architectures, enjoy exquisite cuisines these cities offer, like Plov (rice, meat and vegetables), Achi Chuk (salad), Manti (steamed dumpling), Samsa (samosa) and Shurpa (soup).
range of different people. We dedicate our time to exploring this most important issue of our time and how digital art practices can offer new perspectives and practical solutions and engage with those often excluded from these conversations.” Invisible Flock Ben Eaton, one of the founders of the art collective, is deeply concerned about the impact of human interventions on the environment. He works primarily in system building and 3D environments. Using audio and field recording, he recreates environments that invite the audience to question and renegotiate their relationship to the natural world. During his visit to Karachi, Ben conducted research for the installation that the collective will exhibit in KB22. He visited Bhambore to engage with local musicians and artisans who play the Borindo, as this rare instrument will be featured in the collective's installation. The Artist Talk provides a platform for KB22 participating artists to interact with local audiences and explain their background, subject matter, technique and artistic tools. Art students from multiple schools were invited to Ben’s talk, along with professionals from cultural institutions, education, media and architecture. After an introduction and welcome by the KB team and Laila Jamil, Director Art at the British Council, Ben presented his material, followed by an animated question and answer session in which audience members asked many thought provoking questions. “The audience is part of the art installation. A range of technical and digital tools, including microphones and mobile phones, have been used to recreate the space where humans and nature connect and co-exist, a connection that often results in a crisis.” Ben Eaton, Technical Director, Invisible Flock Ben also encouraged students to explore the digital tools that he brought to the talk, that were used to collect data for previous projects, and to listen to his range of beautiful recordings of natural and man-made phenomena. The talk was a great opportunity to be part of a larger, contemporary conversation around the possibilities of art and technology. It allowed a greater understanding of this subject, to support the theme of KB22 "Collective Imagination: Now and the Next".
F O R B O O K I N G A D S , W W W. B O L N E W S . C O M / N E W S PA P E R
74
A P R I L 24 - 3 0, 2 0 2 2
By Omair Alavi KARACHI
Chris Pine disappoints in this Bourne-inspired flick that fails to hit the mark
There is no doubt that Chris Pine is a fine actor who can carry the weight of an entire film on his shoulders. The whole Star Trek franchise is proof of that, and so are his other flicks. However, for that to happen, the film has to be equal to his stature, and sadly Tarik Saleh’s The Contractor isn’t such a film. It does highlight the plight of those soldiers who are left on their own, but the way it tackles the issue fails to impress the audience. Here, Chris Pine plays James Harper who is a decorated army officer who got injured in the line of duty. However, instead of being appreciated for his services, and his rehabilitation progress, he is discharged without a paycheck, and without a pension for taking unsanctioned meds. Now in an ideal world, such things would have led Bruce Willis on a path against the US Army, but here we have Chris Pine, who even plays the ‘damsel in distress' in the Wonder Woman franchise. James Harper (Chris Pine) was on the verge of doing something stupid when he meets his friend Mike (Ben Foster) at another friend’s funeral after which he goes to Mike’s place, only to be left impressed by the sudden change in his lifestyle. Mike then introduces James to the man responsible for his good luck – his boss Rusty (Kiefer Sutherland). Rusty immediately takes a liking to James, telling him that he was once in the same place as he is, and immediately recruits him for a mission ‘of national security'. Once the mission is accomplished, James realizes that he has been made to kill a good man who was developing a cure, not a virus, and that’s where the soldier takes over. In Tarik Saleh’s action thriller, action arrives after an hour which in the year 2022 is as good as no action. Yes, had the film been made in the 1980s, it would have spawned sequels; had it been released in the 1990s, the audience would have appreciated it for its relatability. But releasing it in 2022 when ‘Mission Impossible’ movies has set the bar high, The Contractor is nothing but a disappointment. Written by J.P. Davis, The Contractor tries to do Bourne but hardly reaches the level of the worst film in the Bourne franchise. While Jason Bourne has no recollection of the past, yet knows what he has to do to save himself, Chris Pine’s Harper neither has a past to be proud of nor does he see a perfect future. The legacy of the military father was a distraction, like everything else in the film. It was as if the director was searching for a genre and decided to add drama, suspense, thrill to the action to give it a long-lasting effect. Yes, Chris Pine’s character might have been wronged every time he has tried to do the right thing – the rehab, the bills, the mission – but if he always ends up on the wrong side, shouldn’t he be blamed for being naïve? The film revolves
mostly around Chris Pine who is at ease while doing the action scenes and the dramatic ones, but when things become tough, he literally takes it on his leg. Ben Foster – his co-star in Hell or High Water – also makes his presence felt but he hardly has any solo scenes, just like Kiefer Sutherland who keeps playing the shady guy in films, which is the exact opposite of his TV persona. The scene where Pine and Foster escape the German police is the best sequence in the entire film; not because it doesn’t have any dialogue but because the actors make it work without saying anything. When the script has issues, a good director can resolve them easily and move forward but when both the writer and the director are clueless, the result is The Contractor. The last one hour of the film is so predictable that one can close one's eyes and predict correctly. The wronged hero makes it back, thanks to an anonymous friend, and then decides to take revenge like Rambo, but Rambo didn’t have a family that received compensation in his absence, right? Where does that leave the good old soldier then? The only good thing besides one action sequence is the portrayal of Muslims in the film, the scientist Salim Mohsin (Fares Fares) James Harper, and his friends are assigned to terminate in Berlin is shown as Harvard-educated virologist who was developing a cure when he was terminated. Otherwise, the film has nothing else worth remembering, except that there was no one in the cinema beside me! On paper, The Contractor would have looked great since it had everything a good action-thriller needs – it tackled soldier issues, handled class discrimination, and displayed profiteering by Big Pharma — but despite every check box ticked, it failed to hit the target. A little more time would have helped the film, which came and faded away without leaving a mark at the box office, because of its inability to grasp the audience’s attention, when it mattered the most.
Zehra Batool KARACHI
A desi woman's biological clock typically becomes a ticking time bomb for her parents as soon as she reaches a particular age. At that point, it does not matter how high up the career ladder a woman climbs as the cut-off age for tying the knot is strictly set at 25, not 30. Thus begins the rishta hunt. At a certain age, some girls notice a staggering change in attitude from their families. Conversations about them solely revolve around the topic of marriage, with no consideration for their future academic and professional aspirations. We live in Pakistan, where marriage is regarded as a highly significant social construct and an institution with a longstanding and well-established history. The culture is also accustomed to arranged marriages as being far more acceptable than love marriages, with the pattern continuing for generations. Intriguingly, contrary to the belief of the majority parents that matches are made in heaven, a third party is usually employed for matchmaking. Most young Pakistani women spend their early 20s serving endless cups of tea to rishta-hunting aunties and the family of the suitors. The mortifying process is not much different from a segment of a beauty pageant, leaving little room for the woman to be free from objectification. The rishta screening, a rigorous practice that nearly every girl in our society undergoes, places her in front of unknown women who feel free to hurl any harsh judgment at them with no hint of shame. It all begins with the notorious tea trolley rolling out with refreshments followed by the verdict imparted through cheeky remarks. Under the guise of tradition, girls are made to dress to the nines to present themselves as objects that can be stared at lecherously, judged, and assessed by a bunch of strangers. From 'tasveer mein tou choti lag rahi thi', 'larki ka rang daba hua hai', 'aap ne umar chupai hai larki ki', to 'humare larkay ko smart larkiyan pasand hain' and so on, a whole host of cruel comments are thrown at girls who go through this
insufferable ordeal multiple times. Whether it is the matchmaker or the suitor's family, both are known to scrutinize every detail; too intelligent, too talkative, too dull, too nervous, too uneducated, or too educated, too fair, or dark, too tall, or too short.
PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R
Things as seemingly insignificant as the way a girl sits, or the texture of her hair are also not spared. They love scanning a young woman, asking probing questions, and picking on their flaws. While tension lingers in the air as a girl walks
into the rishta lounge and gets unabashedly interrogated about her life, the situation is entirely different on the other side. The girl's folks are unlikely to have many demands when meeting the suitor's family. A man who is employed and settled is con-
sidered a promising prospect at the drop of a hat. Generations of desi women have been subjected to this toxic and oppressive rishta culture that not only objectifies them but also reduces their self-worth to outward appearances. Irrespective of what the man looks like, the family demands nothing less than a woman who is fair, thin, and domesticated to live up to their mountain of expectations for their darling son. Too often, the qualities necessary to build effective human relationships, such as kindness, patience, generosity, and wisdom, are completely overlooked. "Tall, slim, trim, fair, and flexible," a quote from the original Netflix series Indian Matchmaking, illustrates an accurate view of what arranged marriages encompass. In addition to humiliating the women who endure the ordeal, this deep-rooted tradition suggests that the outdated and racist notion of beauty embedded in the problematic rishta culture trumps everything else. In the face of incessant subjectivity, young women often believe that they did something wrong to be rejected by a suitor. Not to mention that rejection can cause a wide range of psychological issues that may cause permanent damage. It is known to trigger depression, anxiety, negative thinking, selfdoubt, jealousy, and many other problems, which may last a lifetime. It is ironic that in a society that prides itself on protecting women from objectification by implementing Islamic values like purdah, we are dangerously obsessed with exhibiting young females to strangers who sinfully scrutinize them, their physical appearance, and blatantly comment on it. Needless to say, it is about time for women to take charge of their future. Rather than preparing them to become ideal housewives and daughters-in-law, parents should strive to raise independent, empowered, and self-aware daughters who recognize their worth and potential. We need to flip the script and bring a long-awaited end to this overplayed and toxic patriarchy by shutting down the biological clock and allowing young women to live their life at their own pace, taking the wheel and steering their life in whatever direction they desire.
F O R B O O K I N G A D S , W W W. B O L N E W S . C O M / N E W S PA P E R
A P R I L 24 - 3 0 , 2 0 2 2
PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R
75
F O R B O O K I N G A D S , W W W. B O L N E W S . C O M / N E W S PA P E R
76
A P R I L 24 - 3 0, 2 0 2 2
the
By Maheen Aziz Making her acting debut in 2017 with ‘Meri Saheli Meri Bhabhi’, Yashma Gill earned fame in no time because of her acting skills and glamorous looks. She did not start her career as a lead actress and played a number of supporting roles in a number of projects. In 2018 she appeared in ‘Ki Jaana Main Kaun’ as a lead actress and then she became a part of many dramas including Piya Ka Naam Diya, Alif, Qurban, and Bebaak. This week the drop-dead gorgeous and glitzy Yashma Gill is in conversation with BOLD.
People don’t know much about you, so I would like to let people know through this interview that who Yashma Gill is, what she has studied and what she has been doing before coming into acting?
Thank you for having me! Well, Yashma Gill is someone who loves animals, food and talking to people. I have always loved understanding people and their psyche which is also what I pursued in my education. I pursued Psychology previously.
You started your career with Meri Saheli Meri Bhabi and then you appeared in dozens of dramas. Was becoming an actress a choice or you accidentally became one?
wasn’t meant to happen. It was never in my destiny to begin with, so I don’t think about it in a manner of regret!
Bebaak is one that drama in which you played a challenging role unlike the one in Pyar Kay Sadqay or Phir Dekh Khuda Kia Karta Hai. How you chose this script?
Senior actresses that you look up to, who you see as a mentor?
Mahira Khan and Yumna! Both share the same quality, of staying humble and grounded, no matter how successful and talented they may be.
It’s not about a script being challenging or simple. It’s about understanding a character and once you do, you can take on any script, which is what happened with me in Bebaak
Awards or rewards?
Every time my craft is appreciated, I take that as a reward!
Your fitness regime?
My fitness regime includes drinking loads of green tea, eating healthy (when I can) and working out thrice a week.
It wasn’t a choice in terms of something I thought I would be when I was a child. But it happened naturally, on its own. One gig led to the other, I began to love it and now I’m here!
Skin care routine?
I make sure to double cleanse after wearing makeup. I use moisturiser on the daily, along with new products I try + I ice my face after I wake up m
You have a great fashion sense but we seldom see media highlighting it. Anything to say?
What would you say to the younger lot who is trying to get in to acting?
I dress up for myself, it’s fine if media doesn’t highlight it
I would say challenge yourself with all kinds of roles. Don’t be afraid in the beginning, try to take on as many gigs as you resonate with and things will kick off IA!
Today there are a number of dramas on channels and it’s a hard selection for a viewer. How do you see your dramas when you sign a script? As in what is your process of choosing a script?
Theater or dramas? Dramas!
I choose a script where I feel like I can do right by the role. You need to believe in the person you’re signed up to become, so only if you understand the character and it’s complexity, can you choose a script.
Any movie that you are doing or any bigger project that is in the pipeline?
There’s something that the audience has been demanding for a while and I’m working on it right now. I’ll keep this as a surprise but will need your prayers and support!
What is that specific role you think has brought the best actress out of you?
Any message that you would want the readers to get through this interview of yours?
I do think my role as Wafa was very dynamic and allowed me to test my acting abilities and grow. It was interesting to take on a role that had a lot of complexities!
Coordination: Danish Maqsood Photography: Jawed Iqbal
Any drama that you regret rejecting?
Anything that didnt happen, I believe that it
This interview was mostly about me as an actress and how I got here. The one thing that I want to say is that I’m here because of people who have supported me. My fans have been extremely kind, so thank you!
By Bold Desk KARACHI
Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Photography & Styling: Hussain Piart
PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R
After a delay of four years Chaudhry – The Martyr has finally announced its release date at the trailer launch ceremony on April 19th at Movenpick Hotel, Karachi. Chaudhry is one much-anticipated movie that is staled to be out in cinemas on May 27th. Infamous as “Police Baba”, SSP Chaudhry Aslam Khan was highly appreciated and loved by the Karachite because of his bravery and courage to fight against crime and terrorism. As the title of the movie suggests, it’s the first-ever biopic of a martyred police officer. ASP Tariq Islam, originally belonging to the police department, is playing the role of the late SSP. Not only does he have an uncanny resemblance with Chaudhry Aslam, but one could also observe Tariq doing justice to the character through perfect dialogue delivery, action, and body language. The action-filled movie revolves around Chaudhry Aslam’s personal as well as professional life and how he faced everyday challenges. It further unfolds the chaos of Karachi and a saviour dressed in white Kameez and Shalwar leading the police department. The cast includes Yasir Hussain and Nawal Saeed as journalists who seemed to support Chaudhry Aslam whereas Sana Fakhar, Adnan Shah Tipu, Shamoon Abbasi, Azfar Ali, Saleem Meraj and Arbaz Khan. Directed by Azeem Sajjad, written by Zeeshan Junaid and produced by Neha Laaj, the cast and crew expressed their excitement at the trailer launch. “I personally would like to commend Neha’s efforts in producing this film even after delays and hardships, she didn’t lose hope.” Said Adnan Shah Tipu during the media talk. “I am playing a journalist in the movie which is a whole different experience. Unlike dramas, where girls are always shown crying and passive, this character has given me a chance to spread my wings as an actress and explore more. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the production.” Nawal Saeed told BOLD. After the trailer launch, Neha addressed the media and shared that it was not an easy task to come up with the release date. “This movie is a sheer hard work of four years. I was adamant that we have to do it for the sake of the martyr. We intend to pay tribute to the hero and I hope this movie does justice to the character.” She explained. “I hope that after Chaudhry – The Martyr, producers will step forward in making more biopics of our heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of a safe future of the country.” She further added.
F O R B O O K I N G A D S , W W W. B O L N E W S . C O M / N E W S PA P E R