BOL NEWSPAPER | August 28 2022

Carma - A revengeful thriller

The cast and crew of Carma are hopeful that the film will provide a new direction for Pakistani filmmakers

Move over the Fast and Furious franchise, forget Gone in Sixty Seconds, Pakistan’s very own newage thriller with a car chase to be proud of is here to stay. Directed by Kashan Admani, and featuring Osama Tahir, Zhalay Sarhadi and Navin Waqar in the central character, and Adnan Siddiqui in a pivotal role, Carma is all set for a release on 2nd September. It might not fall into the rom-com genre, or drama but is an allout suspense thriller that takes place predominantly in a moving car. Now that’s something that hasn’t been tried much in Hollywood, and if Carma can pull it off successfully, then future filmmakers in Pakistan will use it as a test case and come up with films that tell stories that the audience needs to see in this part of the world.

What is Carma and why it should be taken seriously!

Carma is a modern-day thriller set in Pakistan where most of the story takes place inside a car.

It is heavily inspired by the works of Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino, who directed Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, and the Kill Bill series. It has an ensemble cast featuring actors who should be in films, like Osama Tahir, Navin Waqar, Zhalay Sarhadi, Umer Aalam, Vajdaan Shah, and even British singer and songwriter Lili Caseley. It is Kashan Admani’s first film as a director and he produced it with his friend Fawad Hai, who also penned the script. The story of the film seems to revolve around a kidnapping where Zhalay Sarhadi stands out as the antagonist who is calling the shots while Osama Tahir’s character sits behind the driver, handcuffed and tortured. Kashan Admani seems to have brought all his experience as a music producer and used it in the film, because not only does it give a Tarantino vibe, but it also makes upcoming filmmakers believe that they can execute a thriller if they are given the chance. BOLD met the cast and crew of the film and asked them about their experience of working in the Tarantino-esque flick which has a car chase, a Matrix-style bullet shot, and an excellent background score, besides

Osama Tahir is a household name on TV due to his hit serials, including Ruswai, Mushk and Nehar, but the actor began his career with films and is back to the place where it all began with Chalay Thay Saath. In Carma, he is playing the character of the kidnapped rich man but his character has more shades which will be revealed to the public during the film

brilliant performances from the cast, to make it easily the first new-age Pakistani thriller.

Kashan Admani – Our car chase is our ‘item number’

The man behind Carma Kashan Admani has been around for over two decades primarily as a music producer and has even directed a handful of mu-

Navin Waqar began her career as a Video Jockey and became a household name with Humsafar in 2011, playing a vamp opposite Mahira Khan. Since then, her costars Mahira and Fawad Khan have done films in Pakistan and India but Navin hasn’t ventured into films, until now

great Hollywood director and it would be great if the audience is able to enjoy the film, which is likely to be the first-ever film of its kind in Pakistan.’

On turning into a first-time film director, Kashan said that it was his decision to change the way he was pursuing his dreams because his career had sort of become stagnant for him. He thanks his co-producer and writer Fawad Hai for his support as well as his cast who agreed to audition for their roles, at a time when most actors believe it’s beneath their stature to appear in an audition.

‘Had Carma been a purely commercial film, we might have gone for sellable actors, and done everything by the ‘commercial’ book, but since it was an unconventional passion project, we explained to the actors about the importance of the audition and many, including Navin Waqar, were very happy to go ahead and audition.’

sic videos, documentaries and commercials. He

believes that the idea of Carma came from our surroundings because in Karachi there was a time when such incidents were routine happenings.

‘We tried to use that part of our lives and brought it on screen so that people would be able to relate to the film. Being a Quentin Tarantino fan, I tried to execute the shoot in the style of the

He explained that the film primarily revolves around four characters in a car and had they selected an actor who didn’t share the same chemistry with the co-stars, it would have had a disastrous effect. Thankfully, according to Kashan, the actors who eventually were part of the film cooperated with him and gave the project their best, which the audience will see in the cinemas.

While talking about the lack of an item number, Kashan said that the ‘Car Chase’ in the film is his ‘item number’. ‘It would have been easy for me to get sponsors for the film, and incorporate them in the shoot but we chose to avoid that and the item number thingy. Not only would it have diverted the audience’s attention but also it would have seemed as if we wanted to make money out of the project. The sponsors we have with us at the moment came on board after the film was shot, and that’s why there is nothing commercial in the film, and that includes an item number. You can say that our Car Chase is our item number because it is something that will attract the audience, and if they like it, make them watch the film again.’

KARACHI By Omair Alavi

Carma is not just a passion project but has all the ingredients to be a trendsetter if it manages to attract the audience. ‘We haven’t dubbed the film and it's predominantly in sync sound, giving the audience what they actually want to see in a film. The film’s budget is 3 crore rupees that have been generated by friends and family, and will make the upcoming filmmakers realize that they can do it if they don’t find a producer.’

According to Kashan, making Carma on a budget under 3 crores was possible because they had their own camera, and their sound, editing, and post-production were done in-house, in Pakistan. ‘The whole turnkey production facility was in-house and we were able to save the cost that would have doubled the budget. I am also glad to announce that some of the Hollywood folks have also seen our film and liked it, and they might be taking our films to VoD (Video on Demand) and to Streaming services once it completes its run in Pakistan.’

Kashan feels that his film is perfect for a GCC release and in the coming days it might become a possibility, and if it does it will be nothing short of a pat on the back for first-time filmmakers like them. He is confident that the Car Chase shot in the film will remind the audience of Hollywood films, and even though it isn’t high budget, it's something he wanted to try in his film.

The man behind Carma Kashan Admani has been around for over two decades primarily as a music producer and has even directed a handful of music videos, documentaries and commercials. He believes that the idea of Carma came from our surroundings because in Karachi there was a time when such incidents were routine happenings

‘It would have looked awkward had Carma, a film revolving around a carjacking didn’t have a car chase, and when an opportunity arose while the film was being scripted, we managed to grab it. However, our resources were limited and it took the might of our seasoned director of photography Farhan Golden to execute the sequence without the help of Russian arms and the technical equipment that wasn’t available to us. In fact, when he did share the BTS images on an international forum, most of the cameramen termed him insane for even attempting to do a stunt like that. He executed all the shots we needed using a desi juggar and sat on an extended mount behind a car that I was driving to shoot another car behind us which was being driven by Osama Tahir’s character. One wrong move would have meant that my DOP would have been injured but thankfully, everything went according to plan and we were able to execute something that hasn’t been done before in Pakistan!’

Fawad Hai – Carma is very close to my heart!

Doctor by qualification and Kashan’s friend since school days, Fawad Hai believes that Carma will attract people because the story is very close to his heart. ‘The scenario that I have written in the film is very close to my heart since it happened to me twice. Hence, I was able to add a personal angle into the script which might connect with the audience, especially those who are fans of Quentin Tarantino’s work.’

Fawad explained the reason why some of the dialogues in the trailer are in English. ‘When I wrote the script, it was in English but we then translated it into Urdu, and only left those dialogues in English which would have looked awkward in Urdu. Since Kashan and I are big fans of Quentin Tarantino, we deliberately chose to present the film in the style that has made QT a household name.'

While talking about the Car Chase sequence, Fawad said that the total budget of a Pakistani film is less than the budget of a car chase in Hollywood, but even then, they went ahead to include that in the script. 'I am glad that people who saw the trailer appreciated that we have at least tried to show something that hasn’t been done before in Pakistan. The car chase will be remembered for a long time and so will the actors who were part of it, since they did an amazing job throughout the film.’

He also said that what began as a small-time kidnapping film went on to become a passion

project for him and Kashan, and since he is more of a believer in women empowerment, he went for a female protagonist, which was eventually played by Zhalay Sarhadi.

equal and that’s why when we were creating the antagonist, we chose to make her a female. It is our way of saying that women can do everything men can, but how she becomes a bad person is what the film will explain. We had heard a story about a gang that used to trap and kidnap people using a woman as bait, and we incorporated that her to give it a real touch.’ about the fact that his film doesn’t go the usual linear way, and has flashbacks, and flashforwards, giving the audience something to think about while watching the movie.

‘While writing the script, I was intrigued by the non-linear treatment and I am sure the audience would be thrilled to watch it since it leads them to the many subplots that we have included in the main plot. If the film keeps the audience on their toes for its entire run, we would be more than happy, because that’s what we wanted to give to the audience.’

Saath. In Carma, he is playing the character of the kidnapped rich man but his character has more shades which will be revealed to

‘Although I was offered films during the pandemic, I refused to act in one where there wasn’t a script. When Kashan Admani briefed me about Carma I was blown away and instantly gave the audition for the character I am playing. Not only was I able to play something different here but also

then, her co-stars Mahira and Fawad Khan have done films in Pakistan and India but Navin hasn’t ventured into films, until now. She believes that she was waiting for the right character and when she got to know about Carma, she instantly went ahead and auditioned for the lead character.

‘It was a great experience working in Carma mainly because it is a different kind of film that we have seen so far in Pakistan. Yes, it’s my debut but I am glad that I got to be a part of it since I am pretty sure that it will turn out to be a memorable film.’

The actress lamented about the scope of characters on TV and said that she wanted to make that transition to the big screen with something that represented strong women, and Carma gives her the chance to prove that women can be strong as well. ‘My character in the film is on another level and I am not Miss Goody Two Shoes as the trailer presents. I play someone who doesn’t forgive or forget her enemies and it’s impossible to escape her wrath. Like all the other characters in the film, my character also has a back story here and I consider myself lucky that both my first drama (Humsafar) and my first film (Carma) have taught me a lot.’

When asked how she felt about the script, she said that her initial reaction was ‘Wow, that’s ambitious', because she hadn’t seen or heard anything like it before. ‘I sort of knew that Carma would be different because they asked me to give an audition for the role, which was not the usual practice. The script that I got after passing

Carma is a modernday thriller set in Pakistan where most of the story takes place inside a car. It is heavily inspired by the works of Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino, who directed Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, and the Kill Bill series

the audition was impressive and would captivate the audience in such a way that they wouldn’t be distracted for even two seconds.’

Navin also feels that the audience would love the way the central characters are shown to be connected together in the film, and although she had apprehensions at first regarding the execution, once the film began shooting, she knew that her character, the story, and the film was in the right hands. She believes that the success of Carma will pave the way for a new genre in Pakistan that will give the audience a chance to move away from comedy, romance, tragedy, and dramedy that dominate the box office.

We don’t usually get to play characters like Sasha on screen! – Zhalay Sarhadi

Last but not least, the film has a female antagonist who masterminds the kidnapping and looks menacing in the trailer. No one could have played that better than Zhalay Sarhadi who uses all her experience to breathe life into a character that hasn’t been presented in Pakistani cinema before. When asked about this sudden change, she said that she was tired of playing typical characters on TV and when Carma came her way, she didn’t let it go.

Osama Tahir – I had more questions for the writer and director when they briefed me about Carma!

Osama Tahir is a household name on TV due to his hit serials, including Ruswai, Mushk and Nehar, but the actor began his career with films and is back to the place where it all began with Chalay Thay

The film has a female antagonist who masterminds the kidnapping and looks menacing in the trailer. No one could have played that better than Zhalay Sarhadi who uses all her experience to breathe life into a character that hasn’t been presented in Pakistani cinema before

was able to 'partly' drive a car at express speed, with a stuntman doing the rest of the job.’

Osama discloses that when he read the script for the first time, he was very excited but his excitement is different from other actors because he likes to ask questions.

‘The brief I got for the audition was basic but the script made me excited, and question the writer and director because that’s what I do when I care about something. I can’t say much about the film because it might reveal spoilers but I can assure you that people would like the film because it was made from the heart.’

Osama Tahir also adds that from the promotions to the shooting style, everything has been done in an innovative way, and the whole cast is excited to be a part of something path-breaking. He even told Kashan and Fawad that they should make more films and cast him in them because he had a great time working with them.

Navin Waqar – I always wanted to debut with a film that was different Navin Waqar began her career as a Video Jockey and became a household name with Humsafar in 2011, playing a vamp opposite Mahira Khan. Since

‘My experience in Carma has been nothing short of amazing. I was one of the few people in the film who had already worked with Kashan so I knew that whatever he had in mind would come up brilliantly. The way the story and my character were written, was right up my alley because I love this genre and prefer crime thrillers over rom-com or drama any day. Since the film also featured my friend Osama Tahir, I went ahead and played Sasha who is the main villain in the story.’ Zhalay Sarhadi feels that it was the right time for her to explore her skills as an actor, and Carma gave her that chance. ‘I have been doing dramas for a long time and since we don’t get cast in different characters, it was becoming repetitive for me. During Carma, which also featured my friend Osama Tahir, I gained new friends like Navin Waqar whom I respect, Umer Aalam, and Paras Masroor who are fabulous actors while I am in awe of Vajdaan Shah who is fabulous to work with. When you have such a great team to work with, and when you have a character that would hardly be written for a woman on TV, then who would not love to work with them.’

According to Zhalay, Pakistani actresses are shown in TV dramas as either scheming individuals or as sacrificial goats, and there is no third category for them. Carma gives her that kind of a role that might show women that they can be more than just a pretty face, and she loved playing such a character because not only she was able to challenge her acting skills, but it was also in the negation of how she is.

‘We don’t empower our women in dramas and that results in damsel-in-distress kind of roles which I personally don’t want to play anymore because they seem constipated to me. In Carma, Sasha not only leads a gang of kidnappers but is also on a vengeful streak which the audience would know when they watch the film. The character may have shades of grey but is selfsufficient and independent unlike the characters on our TV. Whatever I had done in Carma was something neither I nor any other actress has done on TV in recent years. I am grateful, humble, and proud of playing this character which might not get moral and ethical significance but will open the doors for more strong women characters.’

Beyond the Ertugrul effect

PTV cannot bring back its halcyon days by using foreign content as a crutch

By Taha Kehar KARACHI

When was the last time you watched PTV? Before Ertugrul Ghazi was aired on the state-run network in 2020, most viewers would have struggled to find a precise answer to this question. A dubbed version of the Turkish historical-fiction series Dirilis Ertugrul, the show has the rare distinction of being recommended to the nation by former premier Imran Khan - an unusual yet significant feat.

Once PTV obtained the rights to air the dubbed version, the series proved to be a roaring success. If statistics are anything to go by, Ertugrul Ghazi attracted 130 million viewers by May 2020. Owing to the popularity of the show, the subscribers of PTV's YouTube channel increased by over five million in June 2020. The figure eventually crossed 10 million by September.

This has compelled media pundits to prematurely assume that PTV is witnessing a revival of sorts and has discovered the right recipe to draw the attention of audiences. Be that as it may, analysts are advised against jumping to such optimistic conclusions without understanding the issue in its entirety.

Even so, it would be wrong to fault anyone for making such assumptions. Since the early 2000s, Pakistan's electronic media has found itself in the grips of the invisible hand. The liberalisation of TV channels has fuelled stiff competition to attract a wide viewership. With the influx of privately-owned channels, the country's television systems have plunged neck-deep into addressing concerns about commercial viability. PTV, however, is a state-affiliated channel and operates on a disparate set of priorities that can't just be understood through the blinkers of profitability. Conventional wisdom dictates that state-run television stations should

entirely divest themselves of commercial logic. Active proponents of this philosophy believe that state-affiliated media must operate with the intention of preserving the public interest and remain committed to a development-oriented agenda. That said, the gap between expectation and reality appears to be fairly vast. It is often difficult for state-funded channels across the world to strictly adhere to these standards. In the UK, the state-run BBC is exclusively funded by the television licence fee paid annually by viewers and doesn't carry advertisements on its domestic channels. However, international channels run by the BBC do benefit from subscriptions and advertisements. In a similar vein, PTV also hasn't rigidly complied with the staterun model. Since its inception, the network has been airing advertisements. The only difference is that PTV's advertising reve-

nue hasn't always provided a viable means of sustaining the network and a licence fee had to be introduced to ensure financial survival. PTV must, therefore, engage in a balancing act to secure its commercial viability while catering to the public good.

While a commercially-driven approach has gained currency at private channels, audiences continue to harbour a nostalgic fascination for Pakistani dramas of yore that were aired on PTV. A vast majority of contemporary TV plays have been criticised for their regressive outlook. Sceptics believe that these dramas cannot measure up to the content produced in the glorious heydays of the state-run channel.

If this logic is to serve as a gauge, PTV has, in its bygone era, set a benchmark that audiences would like to see replicated on private channels. Unfortunately, the staterun network has done little to uphold the standards that it once actively pioneered. Under these circumstances, PTV must carry out the herculean task to reclaim the stature it once had in the 1970s and 1980s. This cannot be achieved if the network sees itself as a purveyor of foreign content.

In hindsight, the decision to purchase the rights of Ertugrul Ghazi made business sense in 2020. Months before the series was aired, newspaper reports suggested that the network was struggling to remain afloat and

While a commerciallydriven approach has gained currency at private channels, audiences continue to harbour a nostalgic fascination for Pakistani dramas of yore that were aired on PTV

broadcast foreign content would have an adverse effect on our local entertainment industry. Many of them even went to the extent of arguing that PTV wasn't the most appropriate channel to run Ertugrul Ghazi as a state-affiliated network must cater to the national interest.

Be it a decision that was taken under government pressure or to guarantee its financial survival, PTV now has to look beyond the Ertugrul craze. At this critical juncture, the state network needs to take creative risks and find inventive methods to revive its lost glory. In an era when private channels are producing formulaic TV plays that focus on marital discord and place women in stereotypical straitjackets, PTV should dare to be different. The channel must take a chance on scriptwriters who are prepared to paint on a different canvas instead of focusing on an oft-repeated, predictable formula. Only then can PTV establish a new benchmark in the realm of entertainment.

The state-affiliated network has to re-establish its reputation as a purveyor of original content. A concerted effort must be made to push the envelope and spotlight social issues that have hitherto been unexplored in local dramas. Audiences are constantly searching for new, refreshing content. If PTV can provide them such dramas, it is unlikely that they will opt for the cliché-riddled shows found in abundance on private channels.

didn't have a concrete business plan. As per a news report published in early 2020, PTV was seeking to transfer an additional burden of Rs20 billions to consumers by increasing the TV licence fee by Rs65. The move was mercifully deferred by the federal cabinet a few months later after various ministers raised objections.

After Ertugrul Ghazi was aired, many tweet wars have been fought about its effect on our society. Some believed that the series provided an intimate glimpse into Islamic culture and heritage, and acted as a counter to the unflattering portrayals of Muslims churned out by the Western media and Indian films. Sceptics felt that the decision to

In addition to taking risks with new concepts that may be either hits or misses, PTV should also stick to the information it already has about the preferences of its consumers. For instance, the success of Ertugrul Ghazi has revealed that there is a voracious appetite for historical or period dramas. The state network should contemplate the possibility of producing TV serials about historical figures who are valued in Pakistan.

PTV cannot bring back its halcyon days by using foreign content as a crutch. The channel can only increase its popularity through an emphasis on originality and a willingness to capitalise on local talent.

Sarhay 14 August

Quaid-e-Azam dancing, Gandhi relegated to comic relief doesn’t help in making the conclusion of the ‘14 August trilogy' epic!

By Omair Alavi KARACHI

Ten years back Anwar Maqsood started a journey on stage with Pawnay 14 August that reached its conclusion with Sarhay 14 August last week at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. The third and final part of the 14 August trilogy that also featured Sawa 14 August was no doubt laughter-provoking but lacked the Anwar Maqsood punch that helped the other two dramas become classics during their run. Despite director Dawar Mehmood’s best efforts, the ‘thought’ was missing from the final product and one hopes that it gets better with the passage of time. It is good for those who take it as a single play because it has all the ingredients to make one laugh, and smile but the thought-provoking elements aren’t there.

The plot Sarhay 14 August revolves around the characters of Muhammad Ali Jinnah (Omar Kazi) and Mahatma Gandhi (Tanveer Gill) who were ordered by a British judge to visit Kashmir, Lahore, and Delhi to see the ‘fruits’ of their decision that resulted in the partition of India. They spent some time in these three cities before being summoned to London for the verdict of their case, registered by Winston Churchill, but not before realizing that both India and Pakistan have not been able to start over, despite the initial promise they showed. Whatever the verdict, the two leaders did confess that they respected each other in private but had to curb that feeling otherwise they wouldn’t have been taken seriously as rival politicians.

The good

Without any doubt, Sarhay 14 August is one of the biggest productions undertaken by a theatre company in recent years with over 100 performers, including the actors, who did wonders on the stage. The way the horrors of Partition were performed in the auditorium was mind-blowing as was the central idea of the story that sort of resembled that of international production Jinnah. In that film, Jinnah was accompanied by a narrator to different eras in his life, while here he undertakes the journey with Gandhi in present-day India-Pakistan.

Both the actors playing Jinnah and Gandhi – Omar Kazi and Tanveer Gill – must be commended for staying in their characters for the play’s entire duration, and deserved the applause they received at the end. Tanveer Gill stood out because he had more to do onscreen than Jinnah who had to be shown as reserved, something Omar Kazi excelled in.

The pop culture references, including one-liners regarding political parties, Pakistan Army, Bahria Town, and Narendra Modi, were spot on and even though some of the jokes might be difficult to understand for the younger generation, they served their purpose well. Despite being a low-budget affair, Dawar Mehmood and his team managed to give the ‘Broadway effect’ to this play which usually was seen in either Nida Butt plays or Shah Sharabeel theatre. After Sarhay 14 August, Dawar has taken the lead because his play is not only original, it is in Urdu and caters to more people. It would have been great had he got a bigger auditorium for this version, because of his huge vision. Introducing new actors is sort of KopyKats Productions’ specialty and they repeated it here as well. Many actors began their theatre careers with this play and would remain indebted to the characters created by Anwar Maqsood’s pen if and when they succeed in their professional lives. Although Sajid Hasan made an appearance as a Sindhi in the final act, and TV actor Hamzah Tariq Jamil as the item song director, there were others led by veteran actor Nazar Hussain who played multiple roles and excelled in it. Youngsters like Sarfaraz Rizvi, Khizr Ansari, Samar Abbas Jafri, Syed Osama, Azad, Mohsin Siddiq, Armaan Sami, and Anousha Naziri must be applauded for their efforts that added colour to the final product.

The bad

For one, the play was too long at two hours and it would be helpful if the director cuts it down to KopyKats’ familiar 90-minute duration. There was no need for the item number in the play since it not only broke the momentum but looked odd, especially when Gandhi ends up being a part of it, despite being handed his marching orders from his handler.

Secondly, Anwar Maqsood, who is the only playwright in the country at the moment and has been making people smile one moment and teary-eyed the next, stuck with the former and forgot the latter in the play. The teary-eyed moments are few and scattered while humour is there from the word go. The ‘moment’ where Gandhi reveals to Quaide-Azam how he felt about him could have been done in a better way because it ended up as a ‘bromantic’ moment when it should have been iconic.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi might not be every Pakistani’s favourite leader but he was a great leader, not a sidekick who would lose his heart to every other girl, dance around at the drop of the hat, and even break a statue to prove his superiority. Showing him as a buffoon who is saved from the mob due to Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s quick thinking as a lawyer was an insult to the Indian leader who himself was a lawyer and took a stand against racism in South Africa before coming to India.

And finally, something about the portrayal of Quaid-e-Azam ; the real Quaid wouldn’t have gone into hiding at the sight of terrorists, and neither would have danced in London, which he sadly did in this play.

In the end, he addressed the audience but with the actor just lip-syncing to director Dawar Mehmood’s rendition which looked odd. It was the same stage where Umer Sultan in Pawnay 14 August and Zahid Ahmed in Sawa 14 August won the audience over with their speeches as Quaid-e-Azam, and one hopes that Omer Kazi is able to do it as well, otherwise the director would have to cut it from the play to avoid embarrassment. The verdict 3/5

On the whole Sarhay 14 August could have been an epic conclusion of a legacy that not only saved the theatre scene in Karachi but also in Pakistan. It may have taken ten years for Anwar Maqsood to write the script, and three years for KopyKats Productions to make a comeback to familiar territory, but it seems that time was not on their side. One hopes that the play gets better with the passage of time so that Anwar Maqsood’s last part of the trilogy is also remembered as something memorable, but he will have to cut down some of the things that might not be helping the play.

Beast

A man-eating lion’s roar is no match for a father’s protection, or is it?

By Omair Alavi KARACHI

It might be the most predictable ‘Man v Animal’ movie released in recent times, but it is certainly among the better ones. Director Baltasar Kormákur’s Beast pits a wild lion against a father who wants to make it up to his daughters for abandoning their mother when she was dying. Although the premise might not seem out of the box, the execution is, which results in the tough guy Idris Elba fighting a man-eating lion and giving the fans a once-in-a-lifetime

opportunity to see the King of the Box Office go down fighting with the King of the Jungle.

The plot

Beast follows Dr. Nate Samuels (Idris Elba) who takes his two daughters Meredith (Iyana Halley) and Norah (Leah Sava Jeffries) to South Africa so that they could connect with their late mother’s roots. The good doctor’s intentions might be noble but his timing is awful as it coincides with the revenge of a man-eating lion who doesn’t differentiate between tourists and poachers. His primary target is those who killed his tribe, but he will not stop until he has killed all humans crossing his path. Both the species have survival instincts and while one is in his territory and the other isn’t, the one with a better plan will end up as the victor.

The good

The biggest draw which attracts the audience to Beast is, without any doubt, Idris Elba, who might not become James Bond, but in this jungle does everything better than 007 would have. It is hard to steal a scene from a roaring lion but not when you are as blessed an actor as Idris Elba, who delivers a phenomenal performance.

As a grieving widower and an overprotective father, he fights the lion as fiercely as any man would have in his position, and although the lion might be trained, they both give the expressions required to pass the fight as genuine.

One must also commend Sharlto Copley’s casting as Martin Battles, the childhood friend of Samuels’ deceased wife who serves as the American family’s tour guide. Being a South African helped the actor bring authenticity to his character which in turn helped the film. He shared the second spot behind the impressive Elba with the lion who roared, attacked, and made life hell for all homo sapiens.

Unlike Jaws where the killer shark appeared in the second half, the wild lion was here from the word go, and even though the audience knew what he will do, it was how he did it that made them jump in their seats.

The bad

Although the film keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with near-perfect execution, the plot has loopholes. Why were the kids disgruntled and angry with their father doesn’t get much time on screen, and even though they missed their mother, the film had no flashback to show their love for the Samuels’ matriarch. Also, it is by far the most predictable ‘man vs animal’ story one could imagine, and if you have seen The Ghost and The Darkness, it is nothing new, except the one lion here is more dangerous than the two in the Val Kilmer – Michael Douglas starrer from the 90s.

The searching for a key sequence at night remains the only ‘awkward’ scene in the film, in which a gun would have been a better choice, than a key for the protagonist. The film’s second half features many animals but it seems that besides the ‘antagonist’ lion, the rest are friendly towards the humans.

In the final act, when Idris Elba’s character makes the lion chase him, the director could have extended the sequence rather than coming to the climax with an abrupt cut.

The verdict 3/5

The word that best describes this Idris Elba flick is ‘Cinematic’, and like Top Gun: Maverick this year, if the audience wants to enjoy this film, they will have to watch it in the cinema. Its runtime of 90 minutes is also impressive and even though a few minutes wouldn’t have damaged the film, the quicker it ends, the better. Veteran cinematographer, Philippe Rousselot’s work is outstanding since he captures the natural beauty of South Africa brilliantly. The Man vs Lion battles, be it below the jeep, on the ground, or in what was considered a safe haven are a treat to watch because of the cinematography. Had Ryan Engle’s screenplay been a little more polished, the film would have had more emotion than suspense. Compared to the recent OTT release Predator sequel Prey, Beast doesn’t have a powerful climax, and that’s one of the reasons it dropped short of being a classic. Even then, Idris Elba keeps the audience’s interest alive in the narrative and gives a performance that would have automatically granted him the 007 license. Due to the cinematic experience this film provides, it will prove to be a great one-time watch for those who loved Jaws, The Ghost and the Darkness, and even the original Predator.

All about Salsa, tortilla and quesadilla

By Mubarra Yousuf KARACHI

If you are tired of choosing from the same cuisines every time you eat out, Adobo Mexican Grill may be the restaurant you want to hit up next. With Mexican food previously only served through food carts in Karachi, there is finally a casual dine-in restaurant you can now visit with your friends and family without having to break the bank. ead over and give Adobo a try if you love yourself a taco even when it is not Tuesday.

Adobo Mexican Grill is located in Phase

6 of DHA, and sits right in the centre of a vast array of restaurants. for you to hopefully topple into if you were on the hunt to try something new and exciting. The restaurant offers a decent variety of Mexican streetstyle food alongside a wide range of ingredients to customise your meals based on your taste preference. Their main menu includes items such as burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, salads, quesadillas, loaded nachos and fries. There are also a whole host of sides which you can order separately, such as extra tortilla chips, salsa, queso and guacamole.

Savour the flavour

The idea behind the restaurant is to have a more casual experience where you can see your food being prepared from the bar as the fresh ingredients are laid out behind a glass screen, as opposed to a finer dining experience. As soon as you enter the restaurant, you walk up to the cash register where you choose one of the options available on the menu and customise the serving size based on how hungry you feel. No matter what item you choose off of the menu, you may further customise according to your taste preferences. You can add or skip an as-

sortment of ingredients, all commonly used and loved in Mexican cuisine, including red kidney beans, corn, cheese, sour cream and onions to name a few. You also have the option to choose how spicy you would like your salsa as there are three different spice options depending on your heat tolerance. Apart from their main menu, you can also choose items off of their kids’ menu and a drinks menu that features a lime margarita and an iced tea, the former

being a favourite and a pretty good seller and the perfect “pick me up” in the current sweltering season. Even though most food items include a lot of the same toppings, they all have a unique twist that make them all popular amongst the hungry visitors.

Friendly ambiance

Besides offering some tantalising food, Adobo also aims at providing an ambiance that draws you in and encourages you to visit the eater again. With vibrant and colourful paintings covering every wall in the interior, neon signs that inspire you to “make your own magic”, and interactive installations in the form of a phone booth, both the food and aesthetics of the restaurant add to the experience. It provides the perfect atmosphere for you to walk down the buffet-style serving station and grab a seat. Visitors can also take advantage of the perfect bar style stools and tables by bringing along their laptops and working while being surrounded by the aromas that are unique to a Mexican eatery.

If you want to share its goodness with friends and family, Adobo also offers the option of having your events catered by them. just give them a call to book your event in and have them show up absolutely everything you would need to have your food situation covered to you can spend less

time worrying about feeding guests and more time actually enjoying the event and mingling with guests.

During Ramadan this year, the restaurant also released their limited edition Iftar platters, complete with 12 tacos, a quesadilla and tortilla chips, and a side of queso, sour cream and salsa to dip your triangles of perfection into.

Adobo Mexican Grill is a must try as it just not only offers good taste but a necessary break from routine food.

Adobo Mexican Grill is a place where you come for good food and great feelings

Contour your face the right way

By Zehra Batool KARACHI

It appears that contouring is a trend that is here to stay. Despite all the online tutorials on contouring that you have may have already seen, it is essential to understand how to contour based on your unique face shape. A few basic tips may help everyone, but contouring is not a one-size-fits-all practice. Your makeup should be tailored to your unique features. Which features should you emphasise, and which should you downplay? Your bone structure can be accentuated through contouring, but to accomplish it correctly, you must first determine what kind of facial shape you have. If you are not sure about your facial shape, take a selfie with your hair tightly pulled back to see the outlines of your face. Observe your cheekbones, forehead, and jawline in more detail.

Your facial shape will be determined by the length and width of each. You are ready to start contouring once you have determined your face shape, have learned the fundamentals of contouring, and have your beauty blender makeup sponge handy. Here are some top contouring suggestions for different face shapes.

Heart

Heart-shaped faces have larger foreheads but become more angular and pointed toward the jawline. This enables you to play around with highlighting and contouring. Use your highlighter to draw attention to your upper jawbone, cheekbones, and the bridge of your nose. Next, contour around the sides of your forehead to help reduce its breadth. Only a slight contour is required below your chin because your jawline is already clearly defined. Blend it all together, then add a touch of bronzer or blush to your

cheeks for some colour, and you are ready to go out.

Square/Rectangular

If you have a square facial shape, your temples, cheekbones, and jawline all have distinct angles that are almost equally spaced apart from the centre of your face. A variant of the square face form is the rectangle face shape. The forehead, cheeks, and jawline are often around the same width on an oblong face shape that is longer than it is wide. You must soften the defined edges and round out your angular features. To achieve a natural look, contour and blend thoroughly around the edges of your face.

Highlight your chin, forehead, and nosebridge to lengthen the face. The highlighter will help heighten your face, so apply it under your eyes and just below the corners of your mouth. The next step is to contour your angled features after you’ve

highlighted according to your preference. Brush lightly around your lower cheekbones, forehead, and jawline, then blend to perfection. You don’t have to go crazy with contouring your hairline or temples if you don’t want to. Do what you like!

Diamond If you have a diamond facial shape, your chin and hairline are narrower than your cheeks, which are the broadest sections of your face. Faces with a diamond shape also tend to be long rather than wide. Contour your cheekbones from your ears to the middle of your cheeks. Avoid drawing the shape too closely to your mouth because doing so will have the opposite impact of what you want. To help enlarge these narrower regions, highlight the triangle-shaped area under your eyes in an upside-down triangle shape, bringing it down in line with the contouring you did there.

In the end, contouring and highlighting are more about personal preference than trends. Mix and match products and techniques to create a look that is unique to you based on your mood, the occasion, and the aesthetic you are striving for.

Round

With your cheekbones being the largest area of your face, round faces are often shorter in length and very symmetrical. You may lose definition after applying your base makeup because your features are often softer and more rounded. Creating shadows and breathing life into those angles is the key to contouring a round face.

You need to contour slightly below your cheekbones to bring out their shape. Suck your cheeks or make a duck face in the mirror to find the right area to begin dabbing the product with your beauty blender makeup sponge. You should also

Say bye to pimples

oil from the hair touches the skin. Washing your hair frequently, especially close to the hairline, may prevent acne from forming. Oil-based hair care products can also result in breakouts on the scalp and hairline. By avoiding these products, you can reduce your chance of getting acne.

contour along your brow and down your temples — imagine contouring along a letter "C" on each side of your face. Also, be bold when using the highlighter! If you prefer a more subdued appearance, a tiny blender is excellent for precise applications like highlighting.

Oval

While both round and oval faces feature a round jawline, oval faces are longer and tend to have wider foreheads. If you have this face-type, use blush to add depth and dimension to your face in order to give it a more rounded appearance. To have a well-rounded appearance that highlights your greatest features, dab your favorite blush on the apples of your cheekbones and just below your chin. Aside from that, an oval face is already symmetrical, so you can concentrate on contouring just below the cheekbones to highlight your features.

Wash your face twice daily

Contrary to popular opinion, acne is rarely caused by a dirty face. But it's crucial to cleanse the skin frequently, especially after exercising, to get rid of extra oil and grime.

Most folks favour using warm water and a gentle cleaner. After showering, you may prevent your skin from getting too dry by using an oil-free moisturizer. Excessive face washing may dry out the skin, which will exacerbate acne due to increased oil production. Additional acne might arise as a result.

Have you ever found yourself looking forward to a special occasion and dolling up for it but, as the day approaches, a bout of acne shows up unannounced on your face? Or have you ever noticed that your wrinkles appear deeper when you are feeling down or exhausted? You may have also observed that your dry skin seems to get worse when you have been overworked or worried. This is because our physical and mental health is intertwined when it comes to our skin. Intriguingly, the term psycho-dermatology refers to the field of study that examines all facets as how the mind and body interact with regards to the genesis and development of various skin conditions. While it is one of the factors that contributes to the development of acne, there are multiple other causes.

Acne is a common skin condition that can result in pimples,

whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, and inflammatory cysts. Nearly everyone suffers from acne at some point in their life. It develops when dead skin cells, oil, and other things clog skin pores. These clogged pores may become infected by the Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria, which inflame the area. Some people develop acne when their skin generates excessive amounts of oil, which causes blocked pores.

Other causes of acne include endocrine or hormonal abnormalities, genetics, excessive sun exposure, specific drugs, oily cosmetics, tight-fitting clothing and genetics. It can be prevented in many ways. To determine which factor or set of factors is causing acne, you must consult a physician or dermatologist. Irrespective of the cause, many treatment and prevention measures are similar. Acne can be lessened with regular, gentle cleaning, cautious product selection, and avoidance of exposure to oil.

Some useful tips can help to guard against acne and reduce the amount of breakouts

Do not pop or pick at pimples

Squeezing a pimple might be tempting, but doing so can lead to scars and irritation. Use a topical treatment to lessen the visibility of blemishes. Even though they could take some time to start working, they can stop new pimples from developing.

Cut back on foods that may cause acne

Avoid harsh scrubbing

Certain individuals use rough fabric pads or washcloths to cleanse their skin. This can irritate the skin and worsen acne breakouts. The use of a soft brush for the face or a gentle cleanser used with clean hands can aid in acne prevention.

Acne is neither caused nor prevented by food alone. Your genes, lifestyle, and diet all have an impact on the condition. While some foods may help improve your skin, other may aggravate acne. These potentially harmful foods are usually loaded with sugar and carbs.

Avoid using oil-based skincare products

Products for skin care that contain oil might block pores. This may make acne problems worse and make pimples more likely to appear. Reduce the possibility of clogged pores by using topical treatments, such as oil-free moisturizers and sunscreens. Non-comedogenic products do not contain oil.

Wear sunscreen when going outdoors

The skin can suffer various negative effects from excessive exposure to sun. Sunburn can also cause an increase in the production of oils, which aggravates acne. You should, however, check that the sunscreen you use is non-comedogenic and is suitable for use on the face.

Reduce stress

Stress commonly generates inflammation, which can worsen breakouts. Meditating, exercising, practicing yoga, unwinding before bed by reading or taking a bath, spending time in nature, and engaging in hobbies are some ways to reduce stress that may help to prevent acne.

Always remember that it is completely okay to have acne even if you are actively taking care of your skin and body. It is perfectly normal to get acne even when you wash properly, use lotions, and wear oil-free makeup. There is no need to feel ashamed if your skin is not perfectly clear. Any acne is completely natural, and you look stunning with or without it.

Kashee

’ s Bridal Festive 2022

After receiving an overwhelming response for his debut bridal collection at the 18th edition of HUM Bridal Couture Week, makeup expert and bridal wear designer Kashif Aslam of Kashee’s presented his latest collection titled ‘Bridal Festive 2022’ in a grand solo showcase in Karachi. Keeping in mind the wedding festivities of the subcontinent, the showcase was divided into four parts, featuring a wide range of designs for mayoon, mehndi, baarat, and valima functions. The collection was an ode to our rich culture and traditions. All the designs were beautifully crafted, and they included floral motifs represented through intricate zari work, traditional embroidery, and Swarovski crystals. The pieces were a perfect combination of a traditional sensibility, cut and tailored with a modern edge. The colour palette shuffeled between the vibrant tones associated with wedding festivi ties and the classical red.

Like the brand’s debut showcase in HBCW, which featured a long list of celebrities as show-stoppers, Kashee’s solo show also had a fantastic line-up of celebrities sashaying down the catwalk. Film star Sana Fakhar opened the show, while TikTok star Rebecca, alongside Madiha, Saba Faisal and Sarwat Gillani, closed the mayoon segment of the show. Shagufta Ejaz, Benita David, Nadia Hussain and Sehar walked as the show-stoppers in the mehndi segment, while Saba Faisal, Rebecca and Neelam Muneer graced the ramp in the baarat segment. The final chapter of the showcase was opened by Dr Shaista Lodhi, and also includ ed Suneeta Marshal, Sana Fakhar and Benita. The show came to an end as the ever-radiant Reema Khan walked down the ramp to thunderous applause.

By Bold Desk KARACHI

Nightingales do not sing until spring comes, says an Azerbaijani proverb and right so, because it was the golden age of Pakistan music when such towering yet down-to-earth names as Nayyara Noor were sitting on top of the world of music in the prime of their singing careers, crooning at the top of their vocal registers and mesmerising the listeners with their mellifluous voices, moving music and dulcet tones that only a few can echo with such mystical mastery.

Compared with both her contemporaries and contempo artistes, Nayyara Noor, rightly referred to as the Nightingale of Pakistan, stood out as an exception, right from her humble beginnings in the world of fame and glam where a performer’s exterior looks carry more weight than the colossal talent latent in the inner depths of his or her soul. Bereft of such pretty looks that could overshadow her soulful voice, a cloistered character like Nayyara Noor was still able to run the show, simply because of her mellow vocals and euphonic singing. Neither a social butterfly nor a party-going opportunist craving everyone’s attention for no apparent reason, Nayyara Noor, from head to toe, was a personification of melody, measure and musical harmony embodied in the form of a human who was characterised by exquisite mannerism, unpretentious grace and unflashy and understated attire.

Born on November 3, 1950, in the Indian city of Guwahati in Assam province, Nayyara Noor and her family – sans her father – migrated to Pakistan when she was eight years old, but those eight years were enough to make her interested in music, a passion that didn’t leave her till her last breath. Inspired by the ghazals and thumris of Begum Akhtar and the bhajans (religious songs) of Kamla and Kanan Devi that she heard during her initial years, she developed a taste in music that helped her when she chose music over everything else after completing her education.

Had it not been for her Islamia College Professor Asrar Ahmad who discovered her during a function at their college, she might have remained anonymous, content with signing privately. The professor took a keen interest in his protégé and not only took her under his wing but introduced her to Radio Pakistan, which groomed her in her initial years.

After making a name for herself on Radio and TV, she made her film debut in 1973 with songs like Bol Ri Gurya from Aas, and Tera Saya Jahan Bhi Ho in Gharana, after which there was no stopping her. From 1973 till 1986, she kept on delivering film hits till the mid-1980s and sang alongside the top playback singers of her time,

Nayyara Noor

Nightingale of Pakistan

Nayyara Noor, a veteran TV, film and ghazal singer, may have passed away but her legacy will live on

including Ahmed Rushdi, Akhlaq Ahmed, A. Nayyar and Mehdi Hassan.

Shabnam, Pakistan’s former leading film actress, gave her two cents on the demise of the legendary singer. Speaking to the media, she said, "I was scrolling through Facebook and found out about the death of Nayyara. It was appalling. I am at a loss of words."

Reminiscing memories of good old times, she said that the first song she was given of Nayyara was ‘Tera Saaya Jahan Bhi Ho Sajna’ and it was a super hit. She also sang the most beautiful song, ‘Rothay Hu Hum Tumko Kese Manayen Piya’.

"Talented people like Nayyara are born in decades. Now she has left the world and how can we bring her back? Her death has left a void."

Talking to BOLD, Sohail Rana, who is one of the leading music composers for both films and television, says, Nayyara Noor was a very good singer with a lovely, penetrating voice.

“Although we didn't collaborate much, but I happened to work with her for her most popular patriotic song ‘Jo Naam Wahi Pehchan,’ written by Jameeluddin Aali and composed by myself. After that, I composed another song ‘Wo Tamam Din Wo Tamam Log Jo Guzar Gaye’, but I used her vocals in the film ‘Hisaab’, which was also my last film as a music composer.

Released in 1986, she sang four songs for Hissab, including the sad version of ‘Mera Bhayya Hai Lakhon Main Aik’, a duet ‘Thori Thori Tak Ho Thori Thori Rar Ho’

I must add here that once famous Indian composer OP Nayyar said that he would have loved to work with Nayyara Noor, and would have made her sing Nasir Kazmi's poetry, which in his opinion would have done great

Sohail Rana

and ‘Main Raqs Tere Sang Kartee’, based on a folk tune. The reason we couldn't work together was that when she made her debut in films, I was switching from films to TV,” Sohail Rana added.

Not only did Nayyara Noor become the favourite singer of music composer Robin Ghosh but Nisar Bazmi, Khalil Ahmed, M Ashraf, and others also composed songs for her, that went on to become a rage. She was part of most of the films that became a hit during her career, including Aaina, Bandish, and Aahat where she displayed her singing range to perfection.

Khalid Anam, who is a well-known actor, singer and producer, said that though it is beyond our capabilities to make a comment about Nayyara Noor, her overall work and her enduring contributions to the art of singing, she had been an impressive voice echoed throughout our childhood and the prime of youth.

“Just like many other leading names in the field of music, Nayyra too played a major part in introducing us to the true melody and a lilting music. In a word, she helped us know what singing is all about.

Since I had many sittings with her, the lesser known fact about Nayyara Noor is that she lived in the world of Sufism, having devoted herself to the pursuit of Ish-e-

Khalid Anam. From Shabnam to Babra Sharif, from Sangeeta to Nisho, she sang for nearly all the leading ladies of her time, however, most of her hit numbers were filmed on Shabnam, and composed by her music composer husband Robin Ghosh. It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that once Robin Ghosh took a break from films in the late 1980s, so did Nayyara Noor for she was amongst her favourite singers. It was because of the likes of Runa Laila, Mehnaz, and Nayyara Noor that Robin Ghosh never had to go to Madam Noor Jehan and Naheed Akhtar for his songs, since he had singers with him who were more suited to his compositions. Sharing his comments about the sad demise of Nayyara Noor, Ahmed Shah, the president of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, said that Nayyara Noor, blessed with a melodious voice of the calibre of greats like Runa Laila and Noor Jehan, was a versatile singer who performed in a variety of genres, including ghazel, geet, patriotic songs and she also did playback singing. He said that besides her magical but soulful melody, the way Nayyara sung the poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz helped her leave an everlasting impact and made Faiz’s poetry an eternal legacy to live with,

Talented people like Nayyara are born in decades. Now she has left the world and how can we bring her back? Her death has left a void

Shabnam

first and only singer of her generation who reached the top, both in films and TV, an accomplishment that escaped even the great Madam Noor Jehan. She gave a dozen years of her career to films and forty years to TV and was active till the age of 62, when she quit music and limited her public appearances.

with her last bow on 21st August at the age of 71. She was battling cancer during her last few years and preferred to stay away from the limelight, but even then, her popularity didn’t diminish. Her songs, including the eternal Watan Ki Mitti Gawah Rehna, is still being played on national holidays and was part of Pakistan’s 75year celebrations earlier this month.

Nayyara Noor may have passed away but her legacy will live on, courtesy of her countless songs that haven’t aged a bit, despite being sung as early as nearly 50 years ago. She was conferred with multiple national honours, including the prestigious Pride of Performance Award in 2006 as well as one Nigar Award for Best Playback singer in 1973. Her name is not only confined to the older generation. But she has always been famous among the younger lot as well who have seen her as an inspiration.

Haqiqi, the love of God. Her inner truthfulness was apparent in her singing too. She was a very kind and loving woman and her entire family, including her husband Shehryar Zaidi and children, is courteous to the core. Nayyara has now embarked on a journey on which everyone will have to go, sooner or later. As I always say, the melodious and mellifluous souls like Nayyara never die until their music is live and she will always be there until the saat surs keep resonating in the world,” according to

a rare feat never before achieved by any other singer.

“Last year I went an extra mile to convince her to start singing again, but she was not happy with the distorted form of the music produced nowadays and said that nobody listens to classical music now. She also said that it was not an easy task for her to perform as most musicians and composers of her generation had already left the word. A woman of honour and grace, she was a very simple and mature lady and her entire career was free from any kind of controversies. Her voice will never fade,” Ahmed Shah added.

After Nayyara bid farewell to her film career and relocated to Karachi in the late 80s, she diverted her attention only to TV, an innings that began in the early 1970s and lasted for fifty years, till 2012. She was the first film and TV singer who chose her songs carefully and rarely delivered a number that was regretful for her and her fans.

During her career which lasted more than five decades, Nayyara Noor sang countless film songs, TV drama OSTs, and songs that were either ghazals, geets, or private songs. Her contemporary music composers believed that no one else sang ghazals better than her, and that’s why she was handpicked for ghazals penned by famous poets like Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and others. However, it was her brilliance with the OSTs of TV dramas that made her popular during the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Those were the days when the term OST wasn’t coined for songs that aired in the dramas, but her songs stood out as 'Nayyara Noor rendition'. A veteran TV, film and ghazal singer, Nayyara Noor can easily be termed as the

“I must add here that once famous Indian composer OP Nayyar said that he would have loved to work with Nayyara Noor, and would have made her sing Nasir Kazmi's poetry, which in his opinion would have done great,” Sohail Rana revealed. She left her family and fans saddened

“My most beautiful childhood memories are associated with Nayyara auntie and with her awe-inspiring melody and songs. When I was very young, around 6 to 7-year-old, Abba (Anwaq Maqsood) was associated with the EMI Pakistan and I used to accompany him to the place and saw numerous recording sessions of Nayyara auntie. I also saw her singing on numerous occasions in her home. At that moment, my music sense was not well-developed but it was her melodious voice which attracted me a lot and in later stages I started understanding her songs and their lyrics as well. When Nayyara auntie left singing, it created a void which nobody could fill,” Bilal Maqsood, Pakistan’s leading guitarist and music composer, said.

Nayyara Noor’s Famous Film Songs

Bol Ri Guriya Bol Zara Aas 1973

• Tera Saya Jahan Bhi Ho Sajna Gharana 1973

Aur Haseen Bhi Dekhay Honge Do Badan 1974

• Ho Mere Sang Chala Sharafat 1974

Is Percham Kay Saye Talay Farz Aur Mamta 1975

• Mujhay Dil Say Na Bhulana Aaina 1977

Roothay Ho Tum Tum Ko Aaina 1977

Achha Achha Lage Re Bandish 1980

Hello Hello Sainko Bandish 1980

Chamman Chamman Kali Kali Aahat 1982

Nayyara Noor’s Famous TV songs

Kabhi Hum Khoobsurat Thay Teesra Kinara OST

Raat Yun Dil Mein Teri Dhoop Kinarey OST

Mujhe Vida Kar Chand Girhan OST

Watan Ki Mitti Gawah Rehna Patriotic Song

• Jo Naam Wahi Pehchan Patriotic Song

Hum Ke Thehre Ajnabi PTV Song

• Aaj Bazar Main PTV Song

Aa Jazba-e-Dil PTV Song

• Tum Yaad Aye PTV Song

Jalay To Jalao Gori PTV Song

Grow crisp and crunchy kakri in Karachi

Armenian cucumber is preferred by kitchen gardeners because its plant grows rapidly and produces quick yields

After germination , the strongest of the seedling is continued to grow while the rest of the seedlings are thinned out. When two to three true leaves come out, only after that the plant is transplanted. The best months to sow in a tropical climate like of Karachi is from February to August

By Dr Khwaja Ali Shahid KARACHI

Commonly known as Kakri in Urdu and as Tar in Punjabi, Armenian cucumber is part of salad eaten in the subcontinent and is usually consumed as a whole without peeling or de-seeding the cucumber. Mostly consumed raw after dicing or slicing, Armenian cucumber has low nutritional value. Since the heat-tolerant vegetable is also low in calories and high in fibres and vitamins, it is a good choice for weight and health conscious individuals.

Type of plant

Like most other gourds, Armenian cucumber grows on a wellbranched vine with tendrils to help it spread and climb within reasonable reach up to 15 to 20 feet. Armenian Cucumber vine has yellow, male and female flowers, which after being pollinated with the pollen of the male flowers, are likely to develop into a fruit within two and a half weeks. Despite its less commercial value, this vegetable is preferred by kitchen gardeners because the plant grows rapidly and produces quick yields, compared to the cucumber.

How to sow and grow

The fruit of Armenian cucumber generally takes a bend and is more curved than the cucumber. It is, therefore, recommended to grow the Armenian cucumber on a trellis to help its growing fruit hang in the air and not touch the ground. This will also keep the fruit long and much straighter than anticipated.

Whether grown in crates, fruit baskets, pots or ground, the soil space should be about 8 to 12 inches and must be grown in spacious areas to provide for aeration of the vines and help deflect pest attacks.

The seeds, like all other melons seeds, are similar in shape and are developed initially and then segregated and transplant-

ed individually in later stages. To grow the seedling, take a cup, place nursery soil in it and then place 2 to 3 seeds and cover it with the soil. After germination , the strongest of the seedling is continued to grow while the rest of the seedlings are thinned out. When two to three true leaves come out, only after that the plant is transplanted. The best months to sow in a tropical climate like of Karachi is from February to August.

Pollination

Since Armenian cucumber has both male and female flowers on the same plant, pollination is critical, considering the de-

preciation of pollinators (e.g. bees and honey bees) due to increased commercialisation of cities and rising pollution level. To account for the lack of bees, the other option is to hand pollinate the flowers by yourself, for which you first need to distinguish male flowers from the female ones by presence of a swollen small fruit just behind the flower in the female ones as all others without such swollen fruits are male. After identification, pluck the male flower and carefully remove its petals and then rub this onto the centre of the female flowers so that the pollens of the male flowers get transferred onto the female flowers.

Watering and sunlight requirements

In a growing season, as a rule, if Armenian cucumber vines are stressed for water than the chances of a bitter fruit production increases. Same unwanted flavour variation can also occur in case of severe fluctuations in temperature from very hot to very cold.

Through the Armenian cucumber thrives in moist soil, it should not be over-watered. Avoid showering the plant and do not water directly on the base of the plant, which should be exposed to sunlight for at least 4 to 6 hours daily.

Fertilisers for plant nourishment

Once the true leaves starts to grow, there is ample requirement of nitrogen provided through nitrogen-rich fertilizer till the beginning of the flowering stage of the vine. The organic options of decomposed cow and chicken manure and compost tea can be used while commercially available organic fish or bone meal can be purchased. As flowering begins, nitrogen provision must be stopped as plant has already struck its maturity and potassium fertiliser is now added as the plant’s food source. For potassium, banana peel liquid can be added with normal watering.

Pest attack

Normally, from February to the monsoon season, there is hardly any pest attack. The pest attacks begin during and after the monsoon onset, for which it is better to weekly spray the Armenian cucumber vine with organic pesticides like organic neem oil pesticide after the monsoon season.

Fruiting and harvest

After sowing seeds, it takes just less than two months before you might be harvesting your first Armenian cucumber. The fruit of the Armenian Cucumber is generally crisp and crunchy, and thus is preferred to be eaten raw.

The writer is a physician by profession and hosts ‘DocTree Gardening,’ a YouTube channel promoting organic farming and kitchen gardening. He tweets @Ali_Shahid82 and can be reached at kalishahid@hotmail.com

Things to buy and not to buy in Baku!

In

By Dr Khwaja Ali Shahid KARACHI

A visit to any foreign land is incomplete without trying out its cuisine and culinary specialties, and without bringing back the country’s handicrafts, souvenirs and other gifts for your friends and family. Shopping in a foreign country largely depends on the prevailing currency exchange rate and cash in hand. "Manat, the currency of Azerbaijan, is very strong, 1 manat equalled PKR 117 at the time of our visit in June 2020."

In a country like Azerbaijan, visitors have plenty of shopping options at their disposal, since the country is a relatively new and developing tourist destination for the people of Pakistan. People in Azerbaijan are friendly, especially towards Pakistani tourists due to their strategic and military alliance with Pakistan. You might see a Pakistani flag along with a Turkish one, waving in almost every street or painted on the walls in Baku. This brotherly love also

helps in availing maximum discounts at many places where local shopkeepers can be seen praising Pakistanis and even showing live towards our former prime minister, Imran Khan.

Nizami Street

Nizami Street, one of the must-visit places in Azerbaijan, is named after a 12th century Persian-language poet, Nizami Ganjavi. You may visit the Nizami Street while touring the Old Baku City. Nizami Street lies next to the Shirvanshah Palace, and a few popular landmarks such as the Fountain Square, the Maiden Tower and the Caspian Sea lie in close proximity to the iconic street.

Nizami Street is a lively, traffic-free corridor that has a no-vehicles policy. It has over 3.5 kilometre-long walkway where you may find droves of street musicians, playing melodious tunes and children dancing alongside the road. There are reasonably-priced souvenir shops, play areas, parks and beautiful fountains. You may also come

across a large number of globally known clothing and footwear brands together with several ice-cream and popcorn ki osk, fruits ven dors, coffee shops and food outlets selling both local and internationals foods. Also, there are many international fast food joints, food being sold from trucks and carts, a host of pigeons, an array of colourful flowers, along with brick-walled buildings and traditional benches on the clean streets. Nizami Street, to be very honest, has something to offer for everyone. From the Fountain Square to the Maiden Tower, this large pedestrian street also houses a namesake museum with no entry fee for Pakistani visitors. The Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, which is dubbed as the richest and greatest treasure of Azerbaijani culture, can serve as the starting point for tourists coming to shop on this street. A few banks and money exchangers are also located here which briskly convert the incoming euros and dollars to manat. Quite the opposite, it is not east to exchange manats to dollars or euros because you may have to provide your passport details and other relevant information before getting the currency.

Ganjlik Mall

Another famous destination for shopping (and window shopping) is Ganjlik Mall. This amazing architectural building houses many national and international brands. The top floor serves as the food court, with options ranging from international fast food chains to the locally preferred Turkish eatables. Apart from the grocery store

named ‘Bravo’ located in the basement, the prices of shopping items at Ganjlik Mall are very high, compared to the items available in Baku.

Bazaars in Baku

In Baku, there are some other famous malls such as Baku Mall, Port Baku Mall, 28 Mall, Deniz Mall, Metropark Shopping Mall and Park Bulvar Mall. Bina Market Mall and the Sadarak Market are rather inexpensive options for tourists and have huge varieties of daily usage articles, including clothes and household accessories. Yasil Bazar (Green Market) offers a variety of teas, fruits, vegetables and nuts at reasonable prices.

Things to buy

For Pakistani tourists, the prices become higher when converted into PRK, particularly at shops surrounding different resorts in Gabala. International tourists most purchase rugs, carpets, jewellery, ceramics, cutlery, souvenir weapons (e.g. traditional daggers), traditional Amrudu tea drinking glasses and headscarves. For tourists on a budget, buying local varieties of assorted chocolates would be the best shopping option. Items

Qavi Khan receives Nishan-e-Imtiaz

like Turkish delight, farm honey, sunflower seeds halva and baklava are also the most popular purchases among tourists.

Shopping at the airport

At the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, there is a reasonable duty-free shop but it deals in manats and euros only. There are a couple of snacking options inside, but most of these have overly inflated prices for mediocre items. My word of advice, therefore, would be to have a meal at the airport at any international food chain before boarding.

Baku has a number of night clubs where tourists can dance away their evenings. Similarly, there are many bars and coffee outlets offering snacks, coffee and sheesha at reasonable rates. The language barrier is certainly an issue when you are trying to bargain at shops or when booking local rides. Thankfully, many people in Baku are adept in using the Google Translate App!

The writer is a physician by profession and an avid traveler. He tweets @Ali_Shahid82 and can be reached at kalishahid@hotmail.com

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Dhoop Ki Deewar and Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam win big at Promax India Awards

By Bold Desk KARACHI

The emergence of OTT platforms has proved to be a game-changer for the Pakistani television industry. The ability to tell serialsed stories for online subscription based networks has allowed Pakistan’s storytellers to explore and showcase narratives which are not given air time by local entertainment channels. Two of the finest examples of such path-breaking and genre-defining content to have come out of Pakistan over the past year are Dhoop Ki Deewar and Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam. Both shows were made exclusively for the Indian streaming platform Zee5, and came out in 2021. Dhoop Ki Deewar starred Sajal Aly and Ahad Raza Mir, and explored how the wounds of war and grief impact the lives of Pakistanis and Indians alike. On the other hand, Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam was much more experimental, and put forth women-centric stories mostly centred on justice and revenge. While markedly different, thematically and from a presentation and directorial standpoint, these shows highlighted the best of what Pakistan’s entertainment industry has to offer. As a result, their brilliance was recognised at the recently concluded Promax India Awards 2022, where both these shows won gold. Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam received the award for having the ‘Best Program Title Sequence’, while Dhoop Ki Deewar was won in the ‘Best Key Art’ category. Undeniably, these awards are much deserved!

Nazia Hassan graces Times Square The plight of Wahab Ali Bugti

Few singers have irrevocably changed the landscape of music in Pakistan like Nazi Hassan did. Her genre-defining pop music hits like Boom Boom, and Disco Deewane have ensured that her indomitable legacy continues to live on despite her tragically early demise in 2000. As a testament to her evergreen music, the music streaming platform Spotify has featured Nazia on the cover of its Global EQUAL playlist. Nazia being chosen as the Spotify brand ambassador for the month of August coincides with her 22nd death anniversary. However, perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of Nazia’s selection as a Spotify brand ambassador is the fact that an iconic picture of her singing has been displayed in New York’s Time Square. Despite having already garnered worldwide repute, her display in Times Square and promotion on Spotify will allow even more people across the globe to be introduced to her timeless music. Just as many Pakistanis were brimming with pride after pictures of Nazia dominating the screens in Times Square went viral, so too was her brother, and musical partner, Zoheb Hassan. Zoheb also commented on how his sister was not just a great singer but a dedicated social activist too.

‘Toxic patriarchy is well and alive’ – Awais Khan

Awais Khan, an emerging English novelist from Pakistan, talks to BOLD in his exclusive interview

Taha Kehar

KARACHI

BOLD: Your first novel In the Company of Strangers portrays Lahore as a city of contradictions. How has this been depicted through the characters of Mona and Ali?

Awais Khan: It is quite evident from the varying standards of living that Lahore is a city of contradictions. While Ali is consumed by his need to provide for his family, counting every rupee that comes in, Mona, on the other hand, couldn’t care less about money. Her life is dominated by lavish society parties and a cocoon of security that comes with having a lot of money in Pakistan. Despite all her privilege, she is not immune to domestic abuse, misogyny and shaming.

It is widely believed that Pakistani writers tend to focus their narratives on the surge of militancy in the country. Given that your novel also begins with a bomb blast, can we assume that you felt the pressure to conform to this trend? In what ways have you tried to escape this trend?

I agree that the ‘terrorism’ storyline has been used so frequently that it has almost become a trope. Having said that, one cannot discount the devastating ramifications this period has had on Pakistan. When I started writing In the Company of Strang-

As flooding and heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc in Balochistan, the alarming impact this is having on the lives of hundreds of thousands has become a growing cause for national concern. The wide-spreading ramifications of the floods were exemplified by the perilous situation Baloch singer Wahab Ali Bugti found himself in. The Kana Yaari singer, whose appearance on Coke Studio this year alongside Kaifi Khalil and Eva B drew rave reviews and unanimous praise, had his home destroyed during the heavy flooding and he and his family were displaced as a result. As the news of Bugti living without any shelter spread on social media, netizens became increasingly concerned, with many imploring Coke Studio to help the displaced singer. Music producer Xulfi, who spearheaded Coke Studio’s latest season, took to Twitter to state that the Coke Studio team would help Bugti overcome this difficult situation by giving him “all possible support”. Fortunately, it has since been revealed that Bugti and his family have now been safely shifted to a city near his village, and it appears that the singer is currently out of harm’s way. While it is a relief to know that Bugti and his family have been accounted for, like many people impacted by the flooding in Balcohistan, the damage incurred by Bugti and his kin needs to be addressed by the state so that they can start rebuilding their homes and their lives.

ers (ITCOS), things weren’t great in Lahore. In fact, things were so bad that before leaving home in the morning, you would wonder if you’d ever return. This fear and vulnerability informed my writing, but I was also conscious of the fact that I couldn’t let terrorism rule my book. Yes, it had wreaked havoc in Pakistan, but I didn’t want terrorism to define us. That is why my focus was on the secrets and lies of Pakistan’s elite class against the backdrop of terrorism. For the most part, the book deals with issues plaguing our society, such as domestic abuse, toxic patriarchy, misogyny, etc.

What were some of the major themes you wanted to explore through the novel?

There are several themes I wanted to explore through ITCOS. The most important one involved dissecting privilege in Pakistan. I wanted to show that just because a certain segment of society is wealthy doesn’t mean they are immune from all worries. Women especially have to battle with a range of social issues. For example, Mona is a victim of domestic abuse despite the fact that Mona has all the money in the world. She just cannot break that vicious cycle no matter how hard she tries. Toxic patriarchy is so firmly rooted in Pakistani society that often it is very difficult for women to break through it.

I wanted to show that struggle and the fact that in this day and age, these things continue in Pakistan. Similarly, women from all walks of life have to face blatant misogyny in Pakistani society. It was very important for me to show how easily people got away with it. Name-calling, incisive remarks, overt shaming and sexism are a sad reality in Pakistan.

A reviewer commented that "In the Company of Strangers delves into the neuroses of the social elite, pointing out its opulence and ill-disguised conservatism". How did the so-called elite react to the novel? They have actually responded pretty well. For the most part, the response to the book has been phenomenal. I have received messages from many people saying that it felt like they were reading their own life story in the book, that they have been victims of

these toxic practices and have never had the courage to stand up to them. A lot of people said that the book gave them courage and opened their eyes to how deep this toxicity runs and how much still needs to be done.

This is why movements like the Aurat March are so important. People are starting to realise just how pervasive toxic patriarchy is and how desperately things need to change for the better.

Did the emphasis on the elite serve to isolate readers?

I wouldn’t say that. On the contrary, it got a lot of people interested in the novel, both locally and internationally. In the Western world, Pakistan is considered to be a country dominated by bomb blasts and kidnappings, with crumbling infrastructure and a state of complete lawlessness.

I wanted to show that even though terrorism has had a significant impact on the country, it most definitely doesn’t mean that we are lawless. I wanted to show an alternative side to Pakistan, one not generally seen in the West.

Another review critiqued your novel for lacking a much-needed

"three-dimensionality". Do you agree with the criticism?

When authors put their work out in the world, they have to be prepared for both good and bad reviews.

They come with the territory. In this instance, I would argue that the characters have great depth because we get an insight into their past, which explains why they behave the way they do.

Having said that, I do believe that it is imperative that we accept both positive and negative reviews in good faith. Writing is a constant learning process. If a review offers constructive criticism, one can always use it to improve one’s craft. However, it is also very important to believe in one’s work. Sometimes, there is criticism for the sake of criticism. It is imperative to take that with a pinch of salt. Improve what you can and move forward from there, but if a reviewer tells you that you are absolutely useless and should simply quit writing, I think it is logical to just rise above this and push ahead.

The same review refers to "the sexist trapping[s] of the novel". What is your reaction to criticism of this nature? Are the ostensibly "sexist" overtones in the narrative voice a reflection of our patriarchal society?

I think we cannot deny that toxic patriarchy is well and alive in Pakistan. To claim otherwise would, indeed, be very foolish. Due to the nature of our society, women suffer the most, and it was so important to me to show that. I also wanted to show how easily people get away with seemingly casual remarks, which are actually steeped in misogyny and shaming. We don’t live in a utopia. Pakistan is anything but a utopia. All of these issues exist in our society. I have always maintained that there are several ways to tell a story. Some authors talk about a certain issue and end the story with a resolution or a way forward. Others might want to provoke outrage. That is exactly what I tried to do with my book. I tried to provoke outrage at what is happening right under our noses. Also, I don’t quite agree with these important and real issues being called "sexist trappings". Domestic abuse and misogyny are very real for people who encounter them, in Pakistan and globally.