BOL NEWSPAPER | July 3 2022

nonsense. She rides around in the city on her bike, knows her rights and is an empowered woman. The role is about her perception of looking at life and absorbing her surroundings. A true devil-maycare woman.” She excitedly explicated.

By Maheen Aziz

However,

As the trailer had snippets of Mahira in action and having a pepper spray, it suggested that her role is different from any other role she has done in the past – feisty and bold. “She is a girl of today; aware and informed. She doesn’t take anyone’s

As we already have films on corruption such as recent Ghabrana Nahi Hai and Kahay Dil Jidhar, what makes this story so different? “All stories are the same but the presentations are diverse. Ingredients and combinations matter a lot. Mahira and I are coming in a movie for the first time. We are not just characters in a film but there is a story to it. Every movie is different from the other and there is no comparison as the presentations, depictions

and perspectives are completely different, liking and disliking can be decided later.”

Fahad replied.

Mahira seconds Fahad and adds that the story is beyond corruption. “I know it’s easy to conclude a story through a title, or maybe, trailer. Corruption is an element that is there in the movie, but the story has a deeper message – what were the principles on which Pakistan was created. We have lost our way somewhere and do not realise it.”

Our conversation took a lighter turn when I asked both of them about the number of songs. Initially, they disagreed that they have any song (which surprised me) but one which is a sad song and that is too of a minute. Later, they revealed that they have great and engaging songs which will definately move the audience.

“There are interesting songs sung by Shaani, Ali Zafar, Meesha, and Bilal Saeed. People will enjoy the album. We might not have a wedding song but we have a party song. However, one song is a situational song that could play a role of a catalyst in bringing two people closer and maybe tie the knot.”

Fahad has been away from TV for quite a long time and since he has opened his production house, he seriously wants to focus on his productions. Whereas Mahira has made a strong comeback with Aik Hai Nigar and Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay to television, I asked Fahad if he is planning to make a comeback anytime soon.

Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad is not only set to bring alive the cinema screens this Eid ul Azha, but will also be a test for its lead pair Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan. Both had their last films released in 2018 and 2019 respectively (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 and Load Wedding for the former, Superstar for the latter) and will be making a filmy comeback after quite some time.

one look at their upcoming film’s trailer and songs makes you understand why the two superstars are upbeat ahead of their mini-comeback. BOLD met the two on the eve of their film’s release and discussed the experience they had on the sets as well as their expectations from a film that might push the film industry in the right direction, once again.

Quaid e Azam Zindabad is not only a film but a ray of hope

I don't want to come back to TV, to be very honest. I have done alot of TV and now I want to be completely focused on running my own production and creating good characters which I couldn't create for myself

“Why does everyone want me to come back to dramas? We should just hope that we have better, bigger and good movies and lots of them. I do not want to come back to television, to be very honest. I have had my share and have done a lot of TV, now I want to move forward. I am also not keen on appearing on OTT platforms because then one can be seen on a mobile screen as well whereas I am aiming for bigger screen now.”

Fahad clarified that he is not demeaning the drama industry as he is a product of TV and got all fame, respect and recognition from that medium which made him what he is today. Yet, he wants to explore other mediums and produce good content which he thinks is the industry deprived of. "I love creating characters for others but I can’t create a character for myself."

Mahira believes that producing a film is a tough task but it's rewarding. “It is a strange feeling of putting everything together, people loving it and this makes one feel out of this world.” She further went on to clarify that she will only be producing through her own production, Soul Fry, and that also when something truly strikes her.

Mahira also sheds light on her work experience in India and how the production houses work there. She said that India is a bigger country and has a bigger industry which is

a completely different game. “There is not much difference when it comes to working anywhere as it’s just the camera and actor has to prove the prowess. That is it.”

Fahad also agrees with Mahira and said:

“When I say that we need to make more movies and produce more content by that I mean that we have to think beyond in order to polish and refine things in our industry.”

While now being a producer, Fahad still

She is a girl of today; aware and informed. She doesn’t take anyone’s nonsense. She rides around in the city on her bike, knows her rights and is an empowered woman. The role is about her perception of looking at life and absorbing her surroundings. A true devilmay-care woman

During

Javeria

He also said that other Tv channels are producing good dramas which are never in the category of these awards which is unfair.

rejoices the craziness of acting. “I can die for acting. I really enjoy the madness; 6 am call time, running here and there, crazy shooting schedules and everything. You don’t have time to think beyond the camera. It’s just another world.”

“I would like to share something very personal here that my pigmentation goes away when I am shooting. I am not stressed and really happy on the sets even my skin issues go away.” He adds.

“I am in a make-believe world when I am on a movie or a drama set. Except for being around Azlan, I am the happiest on sets. It is a kind of happiness and peace that I will never be able to describe", Mahira said.

When I asked them about royalities to the actors, both of them asked me to move on to the next question. They now believe

that no matter how much they beat the drum together no one is there to listen. However, Mahira said that the actors need to be paid a good amount so they could also help others.

“Royalties is something that is talked about alot, but no one pays heed so the only thing this government can do and make sure is that none of the artists should die poor and hungry. They could at least do that. When you ask me about working in India and about their industry then I would like to add that they have unions there who support their artists and fight for their rights.”

Fahad augments that we have to come up with good films and entertainment should not be a burden on one’s pocket. The government has taken an initiative where they have released taxes so I believe there are teething issues but they will be resolved with time.

As

distract one from the catchy lyrics and euphonious voice of Uzair. While Syra appears to be a perfect choice for the song because of her simplicity, charisma and beauty.

Javeria and Saud recently made an appearnace on The Insta Show with Mathira.

the chat, Mathira asked the couple the reason of not attending any event that is held within the industry including award shows to which the couple got candid.

told Mathira that they are never invited anywhere as they ask for money meanwhile Saud interrupted and said that the award shows do not have a criteria, the awards are being given to the favourites. And if they are organised by a TV channel then they distribute awards to their actors and actresses therefore there is no authenticity of such awards.

Directed by Yasir Jaswal, Uzair Jaswal’s new song is a treat for his fans. Starring Syra Yousuf the video song is a true tale of love and admiration. The video is very engaging that one wants to play it again and again.

the name of the song suggests Tere Jiya Koi Nahi, Uzair seems to admire the beauty of Syra. He is so madly in love with her that the crowd disappears when she is around and it’s very hard for him to take his eyes off of her. The video is shot in such a manner that it doesn’t

After the premiere of Ms Marvel made it obvious that Pakistani superstar Mehwish Hayat and veteran actress Samina Ahmed will be making their Hollywood debut in the series, fans are extremely excited about the prospect of seeing their most-loved actor Fawad Khan in the series in an important role.

Those Ms Marvel fans who saw the fourth episode of the series last week caught a glimpse of the heartthrob but that was in a black and white photograph, taken in the 1940s, during partition. Fans are waiting anxiously to see Fawad Khan in action in the upcoming episodes where he is likely to play the role of Ms. Marvel's great grandfather.

By Maheen Aziz KARACHI

The much-anticipated movie of the year Chaudhry - The Martyr finally had its premiere at Arena Cinemas. Scheduled to start at 9 pm, the screening got delayed but when the film was shown to the audience, they were blown away. It not only portrayed the character of the martyred super cop well, but some performances were too good to be ignored.

I must agree that a movie like Chaudhry - The Martyr is made once in a while in Pakistan and not every time the audience gets to see such a grand film in cinemas. One of the catchy points of the flick is the uncanny resemblance of lead actor Tariq Islam and Chaudhry Aslam, the subject of the movie. Being a cop on duty, the actor was chosen to do the biopic of the martyr as he understands the thick and thins of a cop’s life and closely have examined the life of Chaudhry Aslam so that one could inspect his on-screen acting and appearance. He also hails from the same village, is a police officer and worked with Chaudhry Aslam for 30 years. The younger version of the super cop was played by his very own son Ikrash Khan, who did a fairly good job in his scenes.

The value addition in the film was Sohail Sameer, Saleem Meraj, Efran Motiwala, and Aamir Qureshi. From acting to body language to the overall screen presence, these actors truly won the hearts of the audience. The casting director has made a wise choice by opting for these actors as it would have been very tricky for any other actor to match the prowess of these actors, who did complete justice to their roles.

KARACHI

The US Department of State, in collaboration with Seeds of Peace, tried to bridge that gap between the two nations through their cross-border initiative Kitnay Duur Kitnay Paas 2021, and launched it successfully last week at the US Consulate in Karachi.

Named Kitnay Duur Kitnay Paas (So Far, So Close), the cross-border initiative brought together as many as 42 young filmmakers from India and Pakistan who created art in its shortest form. Not only did the initiative connect the young minds but it also supported their projects, providing them a chance to shine without worrying about the financial aspects of their short films.

That’s why the eight films that were selected for the first year of KDKP21 celebrated the shared history of the two countries instead of showing them at loggerheads. These stories talk about homes, families, communities, societies as well as the culture that links the two countries together, and that’s what makes this initiative integral to the resumption of ties between India and Pakistan.

The New York-based non-profit organization Seeds of Peace was instrumental in coming up with this initiative that gave the

freedom to filmmakers they usually don’t get in their own countries. For nearly one year, these filmmakers continued to collaborate with each other and came up with as many as eight short films that highlighted the two countries’ similarities instead of their individuality.

One of the eight films –Nani – was screened at the launch event that was at-

film producers Javed Jabbar, Hassan Zia, Fizza Ali Meerza, and Kashan Admani were there to support the young

filmmakers who might one day venture into the business of commercial cinema.

The US Consul General Mark Stroh who launched the ‘Kitnay Duur Kitnay Paas 2021’ told the attendees that the idea was to bring young storytellers from both sides of the border together so that they can celebrate their shared history and culture, and strengthen the ties between the people of both countries. He even added that the stories on both sides were easily connectable, making it ideal for the young filmmakers to understand each other’s history, through their work.

Three mentors – Haya Fatima Iqbal from Pakistan, Sankalp Meshram from India, and Marcus Goldbas from the United States –were also introduced at the event and were connected to the launch digitally. While elaborating on the idea, the award-winning Haya Iqbal told the audience that the mentors divided the filmmakers into separate groups of three to six people per group and asked them to pitch more than one idea, that revolved around love, and friendship and promoted peace. After their idea was approved, the logistics were decided and the film was shot at the place where it was meant to be.

Each of the eight films that were submitted for the initiative tackled the themes that were relevant to both Indians and Pakistanis. If there was one story Ek Tha Kabootar that revolved around a ‘Pakistani’ pigeon that was captured in India and treated as a spy; there was another one Nani in which a youngster from this side of the border took his grandmother to a village that resembled her birthplace, so that she can die in peace.

The event was a success since the young filmmakers got the chance to mingle with the industry leaders, film critics, and renowned celebrities after the launch. All the short films are available online and after watching one at the event, it made the audience curious about the rest. If one day both India and Pakistan are able to collaborate once again in films, TV, or a digital medium, it will be due to this initiative. Like Aman Ki Asha that earlier brought the two countries close, Kitnay Door Kitnay Paas might do the trick now.

Kallu, played by Sameer Sohail, and Bhura, played by Aamir Qureshi, were the antagonists in the movie. The performance of Bhura is worth mentioning here as everything from his accent to body language were spot on. Residing in Lyari, Bhura is a Baloch goon who has deep connections with RAW and wants the city to be under his control for which he doesn’t think for a second to shed blood.

Kallu, on the other hand, is a pure Karachiite who may have started his criminal enterprise with Bhura but is now his biggest opponent. While the group’s clashes continue in the city, Chaudhry Aslam and his team (Saleem Meraj, Shamoon Abbasi, Azfar Ali, Arbaaz Khan) try their best to bring the peace back to the citizens and the city.

The devil-may-care and high-spirited cop, Chaudhry Aslam dreads and fears

no one when it comes to the safety of the country. He is always ready to take risks and encourages his fellow cops to face their fears like a lion at the cost of their lives. His wife, essayed by the charming Sana Fakhr, is also shown to be a brave companion but her character has nothing much to do except worry for a husband who doesn’t even wear a bulletproof vest when facing the enemies!

The most memorable thing about the film was its action sequences that the audience take back with them when they leave the cinema. Be it the car chase on the roads of Karachi, or the final showdown at a mazaar, the director Azeem Sajjad did a great job. Producer Neha Laaj who was instrumental in bringing the life of Chaudhry Aslam to the screens must be commended for staying put, at a time when many filmmakers had shelved their films due to the pandemic.

The film may not have a song and dance number because it was a biopic on an honest cop, but even then the makers smartly put an Amna Ilyas number Aatish in the plot which was generally liked for its fresh beat and choreography. The background score kept the audience involved as well, and whenever Chaudhry Aslam’s character entered the frame, he was greeted by a loud cheer from the crowd.

Actors Yasir Hussain and Nawal Saeed who played journalists in the film were the only outsiders in the movie and it was their fresh set of eyes through which the audience sees the film. It also tackles the debate of whether Chaudhry was a hero or a villain, and by the time the film ends, the audience knows that he was necessary for Karachi otherwise the city would still have been a turf for the gang wars.

The premiere started at 10:40 pm when a lot of people had already left yet a few waited to watch the much-hyped film. However, half of the cast including the director Azeem Sajjad was not present on the occasion, and the only prominent cast members who received the journalists, dignitaries and bloggers were Yasir Hussain and Tariq Islam.

Those who grew up in Karachi might be able to relate to the incidents shown in the film; it features the grand operation against terrorists in the 1990s, the mayhem that gripped the city in May 2007 as well as Lyari Gang war that ended when Chaudhry Aslam got involved. The film’s release however could have been delayed for some other time because it doesn’t have much time to reach the masses and will be most likely off the screens once three Pakistani and one Hollywood film are released this Eid ul Azha.

By Bold Desk KARACHI

The Arts Council of Pakistan’s Karachi Chapter came alive on Monday last when the cast and the crew of Abdull Khaliq Khan’s Lafangay came around for the launch of the film’s trailer. Although the trailer was in cinemas long before the launch, the act of launching it in front of the press made it an occasion worth attending.

The horror-comedy which is all set for a cinematic release this Eid ul Azha features Sami Khan and Nazish Jehangir as the leads while they are supported in their acts by Saleem Meraj, Mani, and Mubeen Gabol. As it is evident from the trailer, the four guys encounter both natural and supernatural beings during their stay at a haunted house, and what happens in the haunted house seems to stay in the haunted house.

The event was attended by the leading personalities of our entertainment industry including film producer Hassan Zia, TV actress Hira Mani, music director Sohail Haider and veteran actor Behroze Sabzwari who is a part of the film as well.

The director of the film Abdull Khaliq Khan told the audience that they

At the launch event, one song from the film sung by Bisma Abdullah was screened as was the teaser of the film, that preceded the trailer. The title track was also shown and performed on the stage where the Lafangey did a fascinating job entertaining the audience. The film will take on Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad London Nahi Jaunga, and Thor: Love and Thunder at the box office, and one hopes that all four films do well so the cinema-going culture can be revived, post-pandemic.

By Omair Alavi

Pakistan and India share a common heritage, their people speak a language that sounds the same, and their issues are identical as well, yet since 1947, they are at loggerheads with each other for different reasons.

tended by the who’s who of the film and TV industry. From renowned actors like Jawed Sheikh, Sohail Malik, Sanam Saeed, and Mohib Mirza, prominent directors like Nadeem Baig, Mehreen Jabbar, Nabeel Qureshi, and Sohail Javed to music artists Faakhir Mehmood and Fakhre Alam, the top celebrities graced the occasion. Even leading distributor Nadeem Mandviwalla,

wrapped the shooting of the film in just 22 days and want to set an example for other filmmakers who waste a lot of time and resources during a project.

Sami Khan also told the audience that he would like the distributors and exhibitors to work on a plan where the ticket of a Pakistani film is less than that of a big-budget Hollywood film because that international film will have other countries to earn from, whereas a Pakistani film doesn’t have any other market.

21 filmmakers each from India & Pakistan explore common ground through the US Department of State’s cross-border initiative

From direction to casting to art direction, Chaudhry shows biopics can be made on a tight budget

By

Elvis Presley was not just an American singer but an icon, even when he was alive. The 42-year-old entertainer’s biopic Elvis brings him back to life with emphasis on his relationship with his manager as well as explains why his decline came earlier than expected. BOLD had an exclusive chat with the director Baz Luhrmann, and the lead actors Austin Butler, and Olivia DeJonge about their experience of taking the audience back into the era of Elvis, and what they took back with them when they returned to the present day.

Baz Luhrmann – The Director Hollywood director Baz Luhrmann specializes in period films and had directed a musical long before there was any chance of an Elvis biopic. Be it the 1996 version of Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge! five years later or The Great Gatsby in 2013, he has been there, done that during his career. He brought all that experience to play while making Elvis and feels that it would be relatable to the audience of today because what happens on the screen is exactly what’s happening in the real world.

‘Elvis gave us the chance to take a great life, great music, and explore bigger ideas and is more than just a story of the life of Elvis Presley. It is about the music scene in America during the 50s, the 60s, and the 70s and can be compared to the music scene of today. Also, it’s as much about the relationship between Elvis and his manager Colonel Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks) and it is through them that we learn this side of the ‘show and the business’. Not only does it tell the audience about the management, the control, and the exploitation that brought down Elvis, but it is something that any generation can relate to since that’s happening even today.’

He also adds that it was quite difficult for him and his team to select a few moments of Elvis's life to include in the film, and leave the rest.

‘There are moments in Elvis’ life without which his story wouldn’t be complete and we included those moments in the film. You can’t talk about America in those days without talking about the influence of the Black artists and the Black music which in turn influenced Elvis. He went on a journey that began with them, and it was because of his relationship with these characters that helped him to become the King of Rock and Roll.’

He emphasizes that this film makes the audience realize whether America has evolved from those days or not; whether they have grown as a nation or not. ‘It would be great if the generation that was born after Elvis’s death engages in a debate comparing those times with today and this film intends to help them decide.’

In choosing Colonel Tom Parker as the narrator of Elvis’ story, the director says that by doing so, he was able to explore many aspects of the King’s life which would have been difficult had it been a linear story.

‘Elvis' own story is extraordinary where he was born and how he became a singer but from the Colonel's eyes, you can explore him in many ways. Tom Hanks' character debates with the audience about his relationship with Elvis and says that he is not the bad guy here. It is he who takes them back to the days when he discovered Elvis and made him a star and gives the audience tremendous dramatic tension in the story. His character allows the director to go places

where he wouldn’t go and reveal things he wouldn’t reveal otherwise.’

According to Baz Luhrmann, by making the Colonel the narrator, he was able to show both sides of the story. The Colonel thought he was doing his job while Elvis was doing his. Why the entertainer failed is something the audience has to figure out.

‘There is a story that we haven’t included in the film about the Colonel where he calls for the printing of more records when he learns of Elvis’ death. To some, he might be a cold-hearted man but for others, he was just doing his job. It was a complicated relationship between art and commerce that we have tried to highlight here and the result is coming up with the most extraordinary stories of the American era!’

Austin Butler – Elvis Presley

For someone who was born in the 1990s, Austin Butler does a great job playing an American icon from the 1950s. In his own words, he had to become Elvis to know Elvis, and that’s what helped him in portraying the most impersonated man in America, with his heart and soul.

‘I didn’t do anything else during the last two years except being Elvis and was just obsessed with the character. I followed my curiosity during this time with some incredible people around me who helped me become Elvis in such a way that it would come as a biopic and not as a caricature.’

He thanks his movement coach, singing coach, dialect coach, and Karate instructor for helping him out in the best way possible.

‘I tried to be as meticulous as possible

while playing Elvis and was most fascinated by the chance of showing his real side to the public. We stripped away the caricatures like his famous Halloween costume and got down to who he was in an empty room, at the end of the day, all by himself. I had to figure out how did he wake up in the morning, how was his private life, and what made him an incredibly sensitive, spiritual man. It was fun to bring out how he evolved over the years.’

Austin Butler also adds that due to playing Elvis, his relationship to fear has changed a lot. ‘I was able to connect with Elvis because we both felt fear – he because of being Elvis and me because of the amount of pressure I had faced playing him. It was such a huge responsibility and I had a fear that if done wrong, I would fail him, his legacy, his family, and his fans around the world who loved him so much. I felt it every day and it was such a good lesson because he felt fear too. One such moment must have been in ‘68 when his career was on the line and he felt his life was too. Bringing those moments to the screen was a challenge for me and the team that helped me be Elvis.’

To play a character that is alive in the minds of many Americans was always going to be challenging for any actor. However, Austin Butler feels that he had time on his hand otherwise it wouldn’t have been possible for him to sound like Elvis, dance like Elvis, and look like Elvis on the screen.

‘We had a year and a half before we started shooting Elvis. At first, it seemed impossible, with the amount of footage of Elvis singing and dancing out there, but when you look closely you find out that he evolved during his career. His voice changed over the years and by listening to his records, interviews, and videos between the 1950s and the 1970s, you can understand the difference.’

‘In order to get close to all these voices, I would take one voice and spend a day sort of living in that era. Because of all the caricatures of him out there, I took it upon myself to become Elvis in my own mind and doubled down to make it feel as if it was my life without falling into any of the traps of how he sounded like. I was struck by how subtle some things that he did were, from facial things to what he is doing on a larger scale. The fact of the matter is that it's all coming from the music moving him.’

Olivia DeJonge – Priscilla Presley

It was a different experience for Olivia DeJonge who played the character of Elvis’ wife Priscilla, who is very much alive and was even on tour with the entire team. She claims that it helped her immensely by being around Priscilla, as she got the chance to understand how she felt during her time with Elvis as a girlfriend and later as the mother of his child.

‘I must say that having her around was an advantage for me and the prospect of having her around was exciting. The first time I met the lovely woman, I got to sit next to her. It was great to see into the eyes of the gorgeous woman you were playing and empathize with her. Thankfully, she was quite receptive and encouraging which was huge considering my portrayal could have gone

other way.’

the

BOLD talks exclusively to the team behind the Elvis biopic and their experience of taking the audience down memory lane

Omair Alavi

There is a story that we haven’t included in the film about the Colonel where he calls for the printing of more records when he learns of Elvis’ death

Elvis' own story is extraordinary where he was born and how he became a singer but from the Colonel's eyes, you can explore him in many ways

By Moin Zubair

BOLD: What is your most memorable project/song to date?

DF: It would be my song “Anokha Ladla” which I did for Coke Studio since it was an important time of my career.

BOLD: Which one of your songs do you think is underrated?

DF: My single “Pehli Aashiqui” which was my composition.

BOLD: Anything that you would never let anyone take?

DF: My secret diaries or I could say my phone without the passcode on (laughs).

BOLD: What do you usually wear in daily life?

DF: It depends on my mood but I prefer wearing comfy and casual clothes in my daily life.

BOLD: What is your favourite thing in your closet right now?

DF: At the moment I’m loving my new collection of shoes.

BOLD: Hollywood, Bollywood, or Lollywood?

DF: If you would have asked this question way back, I would have said Hollywood but as our industry is growing and the way they are putting amazing work out there I am proud to choose Lollywood. But as an artist I believe that art has no boundaries.

BOLD: Last call that you made?

DF: To my dad.

BOLD: Annoying habits of most of the actors and singers?

DF: Not being themselves.

BOLD: Awards or rewards?

DF: Rewards.

BOLD: Extremely possessive about?

DF: I don’t think I’m possessive about anything.

BOLD: What’s your annoying habit?

DF: I can say a few, e.g being lazy while fixated on Netflix, having an OCD, taking too much time in doing house chores.

BOLD: What is your biggest/ weirdest fear?

DF: Regretting actions/decisions.

BOLD: Two things that you don’t understand about the entertainment/music industry?

DF: People will only favour you if you are their friend or acquaintance and if you are an outsider then the work isn’t for you, unfortunately it’s pretty common.

BOLD: What bores you the most?

DF: Work meetings most of the time.

BOLD: Singing, modelling, or hosting?

DF: It's singing.

BOLD: Are you a workaholic or a shopaholic?

DF: I was always a workaholic and never into shopping but now I think I am both.

BOLD: Our music industry needs…?

DF: Government support so that it contributes to economic revenue generation for our country. BOLD:

BOLD: Your wish that didn’t come true?

DF: I don’t believe in wishes which are not achievable. I think what you didn’t get was never best for you and the right things will happen at the right time.

BOLD: What’s the last thing you bought?

DF: Bought an episode of “The Walking Dead” game.

BOLD: Anything that you took for granted and later regretted?

DF: Alhamdulillah I don’t regret anything.

BOLD: The last film that made you cry?

DF: “Delhi Crime” series.

BOLD: You get super uncomfortable when...

DF: When I’m around bad energies.

BOLD: If you could get invisible for a day?

DF: I’ll go for a walk wearing headphones with high-volume music playing.

BOLD: First pay cheque?

DF: It was Rs 2500 for a film song

BOLD: Something you miss about the life you had before becoming a singer?

DF: My old school days (good times).

BOLD: A rumour that you would wish to spread about yourself?

DF: That Hollywood star is crushing on Damia

BOLD: One thing that you think people pretend to be in the music/entertainment industry?

DF: People pretend to be better than others.

BOLD: Worst rumour about you?

DF: That I am married.

BOLD: Who would you go to for relationship advice?

BOLD: The best secret keeper in the industry?

DF: I don’t know about others but I could be one.

BOLD: How do you like to spend the days when you are off shoot?

DF: After a tiring schedule, I just rest and chill at home. And during that time I like to stay up late watching interesting movies with a bowl of noodles, having chai or coffee. I’m a really simple person who doesn’t want much but little things to make my day happy.

BOLD: Three things no one knows about you?

DF: That I’m not super rich as people think I am, I don’t have friends, just a few family people whom I hang out with.

BOLD: First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

DF: Check my phone.

BOLD: Chai dhaaba or restaurant?

DF: I’m a big foodie so I’d choose a restaurant

BOLD: Have you ever flirted with a fan?

DF: Have never flirted in general nor do I know how to. I’m an old-school person and believe in pure love (not flirting)

BOLD: What is one thing that always cheers you up when you are upset?

DF: That would be good food, or a pizza. I am a kind of person who doesn’t hold onto bad days, I heal and hope for the good days to come.

BOLD: What would you be if not a singer?

DF: An entrepreneur.

BOLD: What do you think this country needs the most?

DF: A mentally strong and good leader.

BOLD: Going to the past and undoing a mistake or going to the future and seeing how your life would be?

DF: Deep down, you would want to tweak something or be tempted by the thought. But I believe it’s better not to do both. The mistakes in the past make you a better and a stronger person & the future would ruin the present so none of the above.

BOLD: Lessons that you have learnt in the industry?

DF: I have learned that never give up on your dreams, never stop, not even for a while, keep doing what you think is right at the time and you’ll figure it out. When you look back you’ll know that not giving up turned out to be the stairs to your goal.

BOLD: Any director’s movie you would love to sign?

DF: If I get into acting then I’d make sure it’s something that touches my heart, and I think ‘Hunger Games’ by Gary Ross would be it.

BOLD: Luck or hard work?

DF: Yes, some people get lucky but I believe in hard work and smart work. If you keep on doing hard work without knowing what’s happening and with no plan then it’s not going to happen unless you get lucky somehow.

BOLD: Any message that you would like to give to your fans?

DF: I just really love everyone by heart who loves me, my work and appreciates it. In the future, I’ll come up with more amazing work for all and make my country proud.

BOLD: Your skincare routine?

Jackson

the first name and in my growing years I was inspired by Selena Gomez, nowadays it’s BTS as well.

DF: Nobody, because if it happens I think I’ll know better than what others would tell me.

DF: I have sensitive skin so I don’t

do much, I just moisturise and use SPF that’s all.

Born on December 3, 1998, Damia Farooq is a Pakistani singer, songwriter and a musician who started her career at the age of thirteen. She released her debut album which comprised of eight tracks including three music videos. The diva has released her hit duet single titled Jana I Miss You along with her elder sister, Parisa Farooq. Damia also debuted as the youngest featured artist in Coke Studio Season 9 with the song Anokha Ladla. The young and talented singer has performed across the country and has lent her voice as a playback singer in drama serials such as Sun Yara which was also nominated for the Lux Style Awards. The latest hit Hum Tum, Suno Chanda, Phir Se Meri Qismat Likh De and many more. Her latest project with Shoaib Mansoor featuring Mahira khan in Dua-e-Reem was loved and appreciated by many. It was a song paying tribute to the International Women’s Day. She has also sang for films which include Punjab Nahi Jaungi Jackpot Raasta, and Ishq Positive. She launched Rab Janay in 2015 and her duet single Jhoomo with Parisa Farooq in 2016. In this exclusive interview with BOLD, Damia sheds light on her career choices and singing trajectory.

Fuoco

It is often said that if it isn’t broke do not fix it. This saying applies perfectly to Pizza, nowadays it seems like there is a pizza place at every corner serving up thick crust pizza covered with toppings and slathered with shredded cheese. The popularity of such places means that people love such pizza, right? Well, Fuoco did not get the memo. Fuoco strives to provide an as authentic as possible Italian dining experience. What this means is that gone are the days of a conveyer belt cooked crust covered in mystery cheese and bottled pizza sauce. Say hello to a brick oven cooked crust charred to perfection, with meaty buffalo mozzarella broken onto it, and their many in house made sauces as the base. It’s not even just the pizza if you want to have the best Italian food in Islamabad in a post-modern art deco kind of place Fuoco is where you should go.

Top five restaurants to visit in Islamabad

By Muhammad Adil ISLAMABAD

Islamabad is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Pakistan, situated in the center of the Margalla hills you have amazing views for days. Islamabad has also been a financial center since its inception thanks to the fact that it is the capital of Pakistan. What Islamabad has always lacked however, (as many Lahori and Karachites will tell you) have been unique eating establishments that offer up the most mouthwatering food imaginable but also offer a nowhere else available experience. Over the past few years this lack of quality eating options has been remedied by some new entrants in Islamabad that are redefining what a good food experience can be for many Islamabadis.

Gaia

Oriental food is a cuisine that really resonates with Pakistan offering the diversity and the kick that many of us look for when we want to fill up on food. Gaia is the latest restaurant to enter the ring offering Japanese cuisine. They have quickly become a community favorite for their ramen, ramen being the hardest thing to get right as if you get wrong it just seems like overpriced, slightly upscaled Magi. However, Gaia has hit the nail on the head they offer a ramen bowl that is to die for and if you’re a weeb, it is the closest thing you will get to real deal Japanese ramen in Pakistan. That claim alone is enough to get you through the door and order some.

Ginyaki

Have you ever been to subway and thought to yourself, this is great but I wish rather than subs I could make my own custom poke bowls in an upscale oriental restaurant? Well you probably have not, but now you are thinking about it and that is where Ginyaki comes in. They serve Poke Bowls with a plethora of bases, meats and extra toppings that you can really make your own. It is a really hearty meal and almost feels soul food-esque in the way you make your own bowl with things that should not go together but they do and suddenly you feel better about yourself. It is a must try place if you find yourself in Islamabad wanting something quick, tasty and also cost effective considering the amount of food you get.

All the above places are unique to Islamabad, you will not find them anywhere else, so next time you make your way to the center of the country make sure to pop into any one of these fine establishments and see what Islamabad has to offer beyond the clean air and huge mountains.

Burning Brownie

Burning brownie is one of those joints that has made a name for itself beyond Islamabad. Whenever you go there you are sure to run into a family from some part of Pakistan that has heard about it and is there to try their famous cheese cake. This fame is rightly deserved as you would be hard pressed to find a better breakfast/sweet tooth satisfying restaurant in Islamabad. They have a diverse menu breakfast bests being things such as waffles with fried chicken. However, the piece de resistance is their cheese cake served with a side of their delicious strawberry syrup. It is the most decadent thing you can ever imagine eating only reserved for days where you like yourself just a little more than you usually do. It also has a very cool 80’s diner vibe going on which honestly, once you have been there will seem like the only vibe a place serving breakfast should have.

CGC

CGC is a mainstay of Islamabad and has over the years slowly but surely become the go to burger joint there. It started from humble beginnings selling burgers next to the hotspot location in F7, only to later open up its very own location not far from where it all started. If there is one thing they do right, it’s their patties cooked to perfection with the best possible flavor possible letting the meat do the talking not over shadowing it with any sauces or unnecessary dressings. It’s hard to believe that something so simple could cause such a fan following however, anyone who has had a bad burger will tell you it is not all that it seems. What makes CGC even better is the fact that they are also always innovating trying to add new menu items and improving previous ones.

One of the best things about the Daytime Emmy Awards — aside from rooting for your favourites and seeing who wins — is checking out all the fabulous fashions on the red carpet!

By Isra Shams

Before kameez and shalwar came into fashion, sarees were the most common attire for South Asian women. Today women occasionally wear sarees because they think that it’s not easy to drape and pleat. However, now there are a variety of traditional prints such as indigo and weaves like ikat which doesn’t make a saree look boring. Beautiful colours, fabric choices and designs have impelled women to add this traditional clothing as a refreshing ensemble for hotter weather. If you are looking for a fuss-free style that you can quickly drape before heading out, our picks of cotton sarees will certainly help you.

Pastel Colours

Floral Prints & Embroidery

Chunri

Cotton Banarsi

Cotton Silk

Cotton Net

Cotton Net sarees are not much different from casual cotton sarees but they do have their own charm which makes everyone go gaga. A rocking outfit that is too perfect for your kitty parties, cotton net sarees can be worn with a combination of various fabrics which will simply up light your entire look. These are some of the amazing latest saree trends that have been taking the fashion world by storm and it doesn’t stop there.

are budget-friendly and would suit any age, complexion and body type. This category of saree can be embellished with lace or zari work to enhance the beauty of the cloth.

Another classic example of a comeback in the saree game is the glam cotton silk saree. We know that most of our clothes are mostly inspired by celebrities who we adore and admire for the smallest things. Cotton silk sarees have made their grand entry into the fashion world and the divas have already made it as a pacesetter for everyone. Having their own exclusiveness, the best part of a fully glamorous cotton silk saree is that it does not need much effort to look attractive with it as it requires no or minimal accessories. A cute go-to cocktail outfit, these sarees can effortlessly come under the category of ‘Less is more.’

Chunri print sarees are a fantasising look that has been created with much dedication and creativity from the older generation and its beauty has only leveled up so far. These sheer sarees are a befitting choice for all those mehndi/mayun brides and bridesmaids. Their sophistication and vibrant exhibit the grace of the rural charm blend with our modern taste. The colours are quite appealing which achieves a great affluent look. Fashion trends are always creating some amazing vibes with the inspiration gained from both the eastern and western world and the delicateness of their cotton fabric is one of them.

By Kainat Kaleem KARACHI

The ongoing serial “Fraud” is Saqib Khan’s latest directorial effort on the small screen that has managed to keep the audience hooked to their screens over the last few weeks. Starting off with what appeared to be a mainstream love story with some old-fashioned villains, the drama has begun unfolding its many layers, making it more gripping to the viewers.

Penned by Zanjabeel Asim of Balaa fame, Fraud highlights many stigmas and social issues in our society. The drama marks the comeback of Saba Qamar on TV after her unforgettable performance in “Cheekh”. The actress is currently ruling the hearts and of course, on the big screen with the release of Sarmad Khoosat’s ‘Kamli’ that is making headlines for all the right reasons.

Other than Saba Qamar, “Fraud” stars Ahsan Khan as the antagonist of the story, and the Rehbra actor has opted for an interesting avatar to portray his evil character.

The veteran actor Mehmood Aslam plays the role of Saba Qamar’s father while Mikaal Zulfiqar as Shaan and Adnan Samad Khan as Nael, also have pivotal roles in the story.

Saba as Maya has been brilliant with her performance so far. She has been introduced to us as the protagonist of the story and the eldest of the two daughters of an idealist father, Mehmood Aslam as Nisar, who simply cannot compromise on the future of his daughters. However, his materialistic approach and obsession with wealth laid the basis for the horrors that came into Maya’s life in the later episodes.

Ahsan Khan’s entry as Tabraiz, the antagonist of the story, was predictable. He along with his gang made sure to impress Nisar by

By Khawaja Amer

Virat

Sharma

married in a close-knit wedding in an

suburb, far away, not only from the hustle-bustle of Mumbai but even the bride’s Bollywood friends and the groom’s cricket buddies. They were followed by Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. The Baji Rao Mastani couple were married in a lavish ceremony attended by Amitabh Bachchan with family, to Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma and Shah Rukh Khan among others, in Lake Como, Italy.

Anushka Sharma’s destination wedding in Tuscany with 35 guests turned out to be a game-changer. As soon as the pictures of Virat-Anushka wedding went viral the young girls and brides-to-be on both sides of the border started dreaming of a destination wedding – filthy rich started looking for a serene location in Switzerland while the less rich on this side of the fence looked for some cool locale in the northern areas of Pakistan while those on the other side for Jaipur, the Pink city of India.

For the less privileged couple destinations within the country for a wedding are gaining popularity. Arranging a ceremony, which comes once in a lifetime, in the hills of Karakoram, by the lake in Murree, or even at the foot of mountains in Hunza, is indeed a pretty much exciting experience. It gives couples the best of both worlds — a stunning location without having to get on a plane and spend dollars.

According to local wedding planners, the trend of destination weddings in various tourist points within the country is on the rise and why wouldn’t it be? “It’s fun, different and more within reach compared to Tuscany or Istanbul. And since Pakistan’s northern areas are no less beautiful than the

Swiss Alps, who needs to travel to exotic, foreign locations for a stunning backdrop for their wedding when they can do the same without getting on a plane?” They add.

Apart from Indian celebrities, the much publicised wedding ceremony of Sajal Ali and Ahad Raza Mir was also held in a very private ceremony in Abu Dhabi at the Zaya Nurai Island. According to a press release, 'the wedding ceremony was a three day grand yet intimate affair in UAE capital and it was attended by only family members and very close friends.

Here it may be mentioned that Dubai is also being considered as one of the sought after places for destination weddings. Pakistani model-turn actress Veena Malik, who married a businessman Asad Bashir Khan Khattak, hosted a wedding reception in Dubai for close friends and family members and according to reports, the reception took place at the Stake House, Dubai Creek.

A growing number of our very own up-and-coming celebrities like Mariyam Nafees who made her television debut in ‘Diyar-e-Dil’ as Zarminey and later appeared as Tabinda in ‘Kuch Na Kaho’ and Amaan Ahmad, a professional photographer, director, and producer, got married in the delightfully romantic Swat Valley. They shared the pictures and made their colleagues awestruck making it a dream for a number of couples planning to have an exquisite, scenic destination wedding.

Following suit actress Maya Ali, who was last seen in Faiza Iftikhar’s ‘Pehli Si Mohabbat’, has recently revealed her wedding plan for a destination wedding in picturesque locale of Pakistan. Maya Ali believes that she doesn’t need to go abroad for her wedding as Pakistan has all the beauty already. “I will explore the exquisite locations in the country,” she said.

faking his identity and bragging about how rich and perfect he was for Maya. While Maya and her mother were reluctant at first, Nisar kept insisting on marrying the two in haste. Initially, Tabraiz and his made-up family tried to win Maya’s heart only to turn her world upside down in the later episodes as they left her all alone and traumatised after looting her money and jewelry.

Ahsan has once again done justice to his character, proving his versatility. While some of the dialogues seem forced, his relationship with his made-up mother was also revealed. It was absolutely cruel to see Ta-

braiz enjoying his life out there while Maya is still looking for answers to find closure. The incident has scarred her for life and it is not fair how Maya’s mother is already looking for her proposal knowing how traumatised she is after what Tabraiz and co. did to her. Maya is at the most vulnerable stage of her life and all the gossip and taunts of the relatives and acquantainces are only going to make it worse for her to survive in society. The

drama highlights how the stigma of divorce still exists in our society.

The title of the drama had already given it away that some sort of fraud or treacherous scheme was underway. The fact that Nisar completely turned blind and head over heels for Tabraiz’s proposal depicted the sad affair of our society where the majority of parents care more about the financial status of the other family while neglecting the emotional well-being of their child and the compatibility with their potential spouse.

Mehmood Aslam has remarkably portrayed Nisar’s transition into a hopeless father who is constantly blaming himself for what happened to his daughter. The gut-wrenching scene between the fa-

ther-daughter duo where they disclosed their sorrows, resentments, and pain to each other was truly spectacular. Both the actors made us resonate with their emotions which are totally justified given what each character has gone through so far.

While the rest of us could see that Maya liked her paternal cousin Nael, Nisar was blinded by money and refused Nael’s proposal for marriage that has gradually turned him cold towards his uncle and his family.

Adnan Samad Khan has once again proved his mettle with back-to-back subtle yet powerful performances. Nisar’s refusal has wounded him and he is not letting that go even after seeing Maya going through tremendous trauma.

Ahsan and his fake parents are again on a hunt for a rich proposal and here comes the family of Chaudhry Sahab. The role of Chaudhry Sahab is essayed by Sultan Khoosat. He is looking for a suitable match for his daughter Rehana. Despite having good looks, strong family background, and financial stability (or a house and 100 acres of farmland to be specific), Rehana has not been able to find a good match because, again, she is a divorcee. This all makes her a perfect target for Tabraiz and his gang who are now eyeing their way to Faisalabad to impress Chaudhry Sahab.

The storyline of Mikaal Zulfiqar as Shaan is slowly progressing. The character of Asma Abbas as Shaan’s mother is not exactly black or white, and we can expect her to reveal her true intentions in the coming episodes.

While Maya is trying to cope with the betrayal, Shaan from his divorce, Tabraiz’s trajectory is quite engaging. The actors are finely portraying their characters whereas the storyline is simply unique and strong. We hope that it doesn’t lose the ground and keep the audience glued.

With the ‘Teefa in Trouble’ girl opting for a destination wedding, couples who look for the ultimate in romance may also plan for a lavish wedding in some picturesque valley.

Destination weddings are so in trend now. The couples who had the best destination weddings, and the couples who can be called trendsetters, include Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas. They were the first couple to plan their wedding in Udaipur with a fairly large number of celebrities invited. They had both Catholic and Indian-style weddings. “To have one’s wedding in a designated place with friends and family is fun as well a big deal,” they said while talking to the pressmen present there.

If one is opting to do so, they certainly have some kind of very pleasant memories of that place. Since they feel connected to that specific location or area they’re ready to go through all the troubles. So was the case with Katria Kaif who also arranged her wedding 900 kilometers away from the vibrant city of Mumbai at the Six Sense Fort Barwara located in calm and quiet city of Madhopur, Rajasthan, being the location of her dreams?

There were also a young and enthusiastic Hindu couple from Pakistan who made their dream wedding come true. Jai and Priyanka had their destination wedding in Bhurban. The couple, after getting married, had a beautiful wedding shoot in Skardu. Their photo shoot in cold desert, in Skardu, went viral and the public came up with mixed responses after seeing the photos. A lot of people loved the wedding was organised, however, a few said that the wedding was Bollywood-inspired.

According to international wedding planners, the celebrities prefer destination weddings also to avoid a large number of uninvited guests who gatecrash the venue

and create serious problems not only for the planners but also for the couple and invited celebrities. Moreover, they argue that in most of the destination weddings the guest list is normally limited to 50 to 75 guests, making the event an easygoing affair.

Destination marriages are indeed the best way not only to make it a memorable affair but also to ensure you have a wedding that is absolutely out of this world. It becomes an unforgettable event for it involves just the couple and a very select number of their family and friends, also good enough to constitute a refreshing week-long get-together or an exciting holiday. Indeed in such a picturesque place a blissful, love-like vibe surrounds the couple, though generally speaking, in a marriage ceremony, designer’s wedding dress, novel invitation cards, wedding cake and flowers are all that really matters.

However, the up and coming billionaires believe that it is the venue that packs the biggest style punch. For instance. An international wedding planner’s advertisement reads,” Picture this: instead of walking down an aisle, you and your partner stride from opposite sides of a wooden bridge suspended over the water, meeting in middle to say your ‘I dos’ in a serene cove. Well, that is just one of the many gorgeous wedding backdrops at a small hotel overlooking the Caribbean.”

The travel agents and international wedding planners say that a destination wedding is no more an expensive and clichéd affair, still only billionaires can afford it. But then the fact remains that the number of billionaires is growing rapidly and accordingly the destination weddings.

However, those who want to plan destination wedding in a limited budget Northern areas of Pakistan is definitely blessed with the precipitous peaks of the Karakoram range to the fertile Indus River plain, Pakistan is home to a diversity of stunning landscapes. The most beautiful destinations, according to the tour operators are; Naran Kaghan, Hunza Valley, Skardu Valley, Swat and Naltar Valley. It may be added here that during 2017 and 2018, British Backpackers society added the country in the list of best travel destinations in the World. Forbes magazines also, included Pakistan in the list of best travel destinations to travel in 2019.

It goes without saying that countries which attract tourists are considered to be the ideal place for destination wedding and Pakistan has immense potential right from the mighty stretches of the Karakoram in the north to the vast delta of the Indus River in the south. Pakistan is blessed with rich and varied flora and fauna. High Himalaya, Karakorum, and the Hindu Kush ranges with mountain scrub, the vast Indus plain merging into the great desert have all the potentials to attract the international wedding planners.

Now all that is required is to make an allout effort to develop hotels and motels of high standard to turn these places into a fullfledged revenue generating tourist industry.

There are a number of amazingly beautiful places in Pakistan which can be explored for destination wedding not only for those living in Pakistan but even the foreigners.

Kohli and Anushka

got

Italian

By Omair Alavi KARACHI

He may have died 45 years back but Elvis Presley remains a hard person to forget. In Baz Luhrmann’s biopic of the King of Rock and Roll, the director both pays a tribute to the master entertainer as well as to show the events that led to his untimely death at the age of 42. He is helped in this regard by two extremely talented individuals – Austin Butler and Tom Hanks – who play the singer and his manager respectively and convince everyone that behind Elvis’ success and failure, there was a devilish Colonel Tom Parker.

The Plot

A youngster named Elvis Presley (Austin Butler) wants to make a name for himself but despite his good looks and impressive vocals, he has no idea how to create a separate identity for himself. Enters Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) who takes control of his career and his life, and makes him the King of Rock and Roll but not before accumulating a fortune for himself which he would keep on losing due to his gambling addiction. Why the Colonel didn’t let Elvis travel abroad (besides Canada), how he managed to stay with him for nearly two decades, and how did he hurt the singer’s life that he left the world before his 43rd birthday, watch this biopic to know the answers to Elvis’ life and career.

The Good

The film revolves around the rise and fall of Elvis Presley, a kid from Memphis who went on to become the King of Rock and Roll, and was on a decline by the time he had crossed 40. Austin Butler’s portrayal was spot on and so were his vocals, wherever they were used in the film. Most of the songs filmed by him are either Elvis’ original recordings that are remixed for better quality or his own covers, and he does a fantastic job with them. What’s more interesting than his acting skills and singing is his dancing, and the way he ’wiggles’ makes you wonder the amount of time he might have taken to perfect the act!

Tom Hanks plays a bad guy in the film, or that’s what the movie wants us to believe. Whether it be using, abusing, or even saving his client, Tom Hanks was on top of his game as Colonel Tom Parker. The prosthetic makeup that made him resemble Elvis’ manager may have restricted his movements but he was always in character, confusing the audience as to whether he is a good guy, a bad guy, or someone else.

How Elvis met his future wife Priscilla, how his music was considered devilish at first but later appreciated, how he helped America fight segregation and he was pushed to the brink by his

manager, everything is presented here in a way that the audience would instantly feel connected to the late singer. Yes, his drug abuse is shown in a way that it promotes unhealthy activity, but it was necessary since it was responsible for cutting short his life.

The Bad

Using Elvis’ manager as the narrator might be a good ploy on paper but it restricts the maker from exploring the intimate life of the King. There was a life Elvis led before he met Colonel Parker, but that life is mentioned through animation which doesn’t do justice to America’s sweetheart. Also, the Beatles are mentioned vaguely when they were one of the main reasons behind Elvis’s downfall, from which he made a successful comeback in the late 1960s. The story of him meeting Richard Nixon at the Oval Office is missing, as is his love life before and after Priscilla. Olivia DeJonge might look like Priscilla but the 14-year-old girl who stole Elvis’ heart could have been shown as a striking teenage beauty instead of just another young girl.

There was no mention of the time when Elvis’ father Vernon remarried and got divorced, which is Elvis chose to stay in Las Vegas instead of his home Graceland. His final days could have been better filmed instead of showing newspaper clippings because this film is about Elvis Presley’s rise and fall; not showing the complete details would be an injustice to the fans. Many details that are available on websites as well as in the many books dedicated to Elvis, couldn’t be accommodated here that’s because the film is narrated by the Colonel, and not Elvis’ relative like his father (Richard Roxburgh) who has nothing much to do in the script.

I was disappointed on not seeing much of Elvis, the actor who had a decade-long career in Hollywood; it should have been given a little more time than being mentioned in a montage. Not recreating his earliest hits such as ‘Jailhouse Rock’ is also one of the things the audience might miss so they must go into the cinema, prepared for that.

The Verdict: 4/5

There is more to Elvis Presley than any book or film can handle. Even then, director Baz Luhrmann does his best to come up with a biopic that doesn’t come out as a parody. The way he merged Elvis’ original rendition of ‘Unchained Melody’ with the new footage would surely bring tears to the eyes of those who had seen the song when it was released a few months before Elvis’ death.

And Kudos to Austin Butler for giving his 100 percent to a character that is still alive in the hearts and minds of his followers. His dance steps were 'next level' and brought back the smoldering physicality of Elvis, the performer who used to drive the girls wild and make their date insecure. As for Tom Hanks, he plays second fiddle well despite being unrecognizable behind all that makeup and prosthetics. The art direction deserves special mention because, without that, the audience would not have taken the trip down memory lane, that they did with their favorite singer. However, at 159 minutes, the film is too long and it would have been better had some of the scenes could have been trimmed or edited out to make it a little over two hours long.

The pace isn’t slow but the time some scenes take is too much, and that’s what might take the shine away from what is a brilliant biopic about the most imitated man in the United States.

Influential books you should read before you die

By Muhammad Adil

When the pandemic first hit off and we were all confined to our four walls all day many of us took up book reading as a way to stay sane. This is mostly because when you cannot move around the world it is nice to let your imagination move around for you. There are books, however, that are more than just a way to cut the monotony of life. Some books change your life, an example of this is the fact that Elon Musk once said that the book that inspired him into space exploration was The Hitchhikers Guide to The Galaxy. The following books are more than just a pleasant evening read they have themes that will really make you think and sort of reconsider parts of your life, by reading one of these you might even be inspired to become the next Elon Musk. But remember with great power comes great responsibility.

Aoko Matsude: Where The Wild Ladies Are

If you have ever watched any anime or taken a deep dive into Japanese culture you would know that a lot of it revolves around Japanese myths and legends. Aoko Matsude’s book is a compilation of short fiction stories which retells Japanese fairy tales with a twist and humanizes the monsters and characters in them to the point that they are not scary any more just relatable. The stories also put more focus on the female characters of these myths which in previous iterations were not given as much attention. The book is a must read for any one that finds oriental culture interesting and wants to learn more about it with a more digestible 2022 outlook put on it.

This is a book filled with rebellion it has many adult themes throughout however mostly sticks to its dystopian landscape that commands a lot of intrigue. It is set in a world where the government is always watching you and it follows one middle aged man and his quest to rebel, break out of the pre-set roles that have been assigned to people in this time line and find a more realistic life. It’s a book that’s inspired many great television shows most notably Black Mirror comes to mind. The book does an amazing job to stay interesting but also stay alarming. Now more than ever considering all the data breaches and targeted marketing that people are subjected to these days for things. It also shows aspects of how a war-torn country operates and how concepts like equality and equity get thrown out the window. Though it is fiction it does retain a good amount of realism, that’s partly because it came out in 1949 and what is reality today seemed like fiction back then.

Kazuo Ishiguro is a

winning,

It follows the story of an automaton (Robot) named Klara who has been

enough to keep you engaged. A truly amazing book by an amazing author.

Paulo is a mainstay of the fiction world and has over the years tantalized readers with amazing relatable stories and world building that truly captivates the senses. One of his seminal pieces was The Alchemist a story filled with mysticism and dreams. It sold over 150 million copies and shot Paulo into a higher stratosphere of stardom. The story follows Santiago who is a sheep herder in Spain living a very normal life, but he keeps having this dream where he sees treasure buried under the Pyramids in Egypt. He goes on a journey to find this treasure and at every point of that journey he is faced with the choice of either taking the safe option and going back home whenever something goes wrong or continuing on and facing the challenges to achieve a goal that he does not even know exists or not. It is very inspirational and relatable because everyone is on a journey towards something. It is also very easy to get discouraged but with this book in hand and with memorable quotes from it in mind it will inspire you to keep pushing forward.

Gabriel

Marquez: 100 Years Of Solitude

This book is often regarded as one of the greatest literary works ever created. This is not because of a story line that is too out of the ordinary or a hook that was never before seen. It is because this book kicked off the magical realism genre. What that means is that Gabriel in this book which is set a few hundred years ago follows a family and several of their generations. The folk tales that they share and the community that they develop. He also gives normal ordinary things magical powers or attachments and if you ever have been left wanting to appreciate the world around you this is the book for that. Every tool and everything is given some poetic significance. The perfect book to cuddle up in bed and feel wholesome reading. Each one of these books brings something unique to the table and therefore deserve to be on your bedside table, so you too can be transported to amazing mythical lands. So, you can laugh and cry and feel all the emotions that these books inspire. Any book is a good bet from this list and the eclectic mix insures there is something for everyone.

Kazuo Ishiguro: Klara And The Sun

Nobel prize

this specific novel of his was even nominated for the Booker Prize award.

designed to be an “Artificial Friend.” She is bought by a little girl who is terminally ill. It is a book with some dystopia to it but it mostly centers around a contrast between Klara who can live forever because she is a robot and the little girl who is going to die. It also leads to some very interesting conversations between the two and through their differences they learn to accept life. It is a must-read book if you want to feel something as the book really does pull at your heart strings. Both main characters are also relatable

Garcia

George Orwell: 1984

Paulo Coelho: The Alchemist

Baz Luhrmann’s biopic brings the King of Rock and Roll alive!

The actress touches on the impact censorship has on her creative process

By Kaukab Jahan KARACHI

Amar Khan has made a unique place for herself in the entertainment industry and it all started off by doing offbeat roles at the start of her career. Playing an abducted Hindu girl in Amrita Pritam’s adaptation drama serial Ghughi or a ghost in Hum TV’s production Belapur Ki Dayan', Amar was noted for her acting skills by ace producers and directors of the industry. Just after five years of setting foot into the industry, Amar had not only written a full-length feature film but also got a chance of doing the lead role in it. Her film Dum Mastam released on Eid-ul-Fitr and was much celebrated in Pakistan and abroad.

Talking to her, one can easily spot the happiness and satisfaction on her face and in her voice, which confirms that she is still enjoying the success of her first big screen project both as an actor and a writer. Amar believes Dum Mastam was a full package with everything from romance, dance, music to an emotional journey and dramatic conflicts.

Why she preferred to play a very typical sub-continental heroine in her first film while known for doing many offbeat roles in dramas, Amar replied that she believed that our cinema needed this type of content. “Moreover, as we came closer to the festive season of Eid, it was necessary to entertain the public with conventional yet commercial love stories.”

Expanding on her passion for writing, Amar has a very interesting story to tell. “Actually I always wanted to be an actor to follow the footsteps of my mother, who is also an artist but I wanted to get professional education in that discipline. In Pakistan, there was no degree course in acting alone but there was one in filmmaking. So during my studies, some teachers recognised the power of the pen in me and urged me to use it.”

She confessed that though she already had a passion for writing and ideas came naturally to her, she still could never realise the power of this hidden talent inside her which could be another strength until her teachers helped in refining and polishing it. “So, writing was my extracurricular activity in university that

So what was actually behind her mind when she wrote Dum Mastam? Amar said, she actually tried to relive Pakistani culture in its true sense, which also represented her roots attached to it.

“My maternal side is from the old city of Lahore.

So a major chunk of my life was spent in those alleys, where people decorate mountains during Eid-miladun-Nabi, markets and streets are full of flags, buntings and national anthems on Independence Day and people celebrate these events by pooling in money from the whole neighbourhood.”

Another skill that Amar trained for professionally as a part of her film studies course is dance, which translates very well on screen when you see her perform.

“I got classes of Bharatanatyam for two months from India when I was studying in Film school, which of course helped me in doing the role of an aspiring dancer and performer in Dum Mastam.”

Amar added that in Dum Mastam, though she per-

I love to do characters for which I need to work harder, have sleepless nights thinking just about how I can make that role different from my previous roles with respect to looks and overall mannerism. Any character which gives me that challenging tweak, I always opt for it

sleepless nights thinking just about how I can make that role different from my previous roles with respect to looks and overall mannerism. Any character which gives me that challenging tweak, I always opt for it.”

As she sees the future of our entertainment industry as she has a long way to go, Amar believes that both television and films are our progressive potential mediums so no matter how much run of the mill stories we show via in them, they would ultimately grow with the pace of the rest of the world.

“Other countries are working on very interesting and abstract ideas folding in a commercial packaging to make it digestible for the public. They even present their serious issues of society in a wrapping that it becomes a mass entertainer. I hope in the coming years, we also work with that kind of ability and will compete. About the new medium of web, Amar is not so hopeful about

remained attached with me and became my profession too,” she added. “Then, I started writing regularly and in my final semester of university, I wrote the first draft of Dum Mastam, which finally came to life last eid.”

She then went on to clarify that all the characters she’d written had some traits of her own emotional journey and personal experiences of life in some way but she never demanded the lead character of Alia Butt.

“It happened when I narrated this two-and-a-half-hour script to Muhammad Ehteshamuddin, who is considered one of the finest and most honest storytellers in filmmaking in Pakistan, and he offered me the role before I asked him anything. Actually, I dreamed of playing Alia as she was somewhere dwelling inside me. He was convinced that I was falling in the role rightly with respect to the age bracket, dance performances and my Punjabi background, which could really help in delivering dialogues in the accent needed.”

She thanks both Ehteshamuddin and Adnan Siddiqi for opting her as an actress in Dum Mastam

I got classes of Bharatanatyam for two months from India when I was studying in Film school, which of course helped me in doing the role of an aspiring dancer and performer in Dum Mastam

formed different forms of dance from a kathak number to a Madam Noor Jahan song, and to a filmy dance number to a Madonna pop track but she was most blissed on doing the aerial act in the film, which was the very first time by any actress in Pakistan.

“I took special training for that contemporary style of the aerial act that is hanging in air through the rigging. It is a very technical craft.”

Amar also gave her two cents on bombarding the screens with five films at a time, when cinemas were reopened on Eid after three years.

“I think there was no harm in it. All over the world, films clash during festive seasons like Eid, Diwali or Christmas. But yes, filmmakers who are sure that their product is not very festive content-wise; it is sincere advice for them to release their films on regular days. I believe that a film which is made with the thought of Eid festivities in mind, why not let it pull the footfall of the public towards cinemas. I believe Dum Mastam was an Eid ingredients masala film.”

Dum Mastam means a lot to Amar, as the film took almost 6 years of her life to complete. The Baddua star also wanted to reply to those, who often ask her how being relatively new in the industry, she made her first film in the early years of her career, with a big banner, “I think besides talent, your luck also counts but most importantly your will power and determination works the most to achieve your dream. To be honest, my utmost priority was never to make a lot of money or buy expensive luxury cars but to make Dum Mastam for the big screen.”

After the film Amar is ready to come back on television, which she considers a platform to play with different types of characters. On choosing her roles on the small screen, Amar prefers those in which she has to devoice her own personality, whether they are positive, negative or have grey shades.

“I love to do characters for which I need to work harder, have

its relevance in countries like Pakistan where there is heavy censorship on content from the state and the public as well. That is why she really doubts whether the digital media would progress that way in our society as it is being evolved all over the world.

“Digital medium was and is all about freedom. I don't know how much of it we have here which we observe being given in other countries. They are very independent in their content and discuss everything from religion to politics and from public to historical figures. Their sarcasm is sometimes really harsh and open. I think our society would not allow us to do that.”

Why does she take public censorship a serious issue in Pakistan? The actress replied, We are judged and scrutinised severely on social media from what we wear or talk to how we sit or walk. It leads to so much negative criticism, trolling and hate speech. Everybody has their engines always ignited in our society”.

One thing, which Amar is hopeful about, is her passion for working in media as its effective part, which she believes would help her move forward whether it is acting or writing.