The date for Lollywood Film Star Sana’s marriage with model Fakhar Imam has been finalized at the end of this year on December 13.The Mehndi will be on December 14, Baraat on December 15 and Valima on December 16.
Sources said the marriage is scheduled in December because Fakhar is busy in building a house to present it to Sana as the marriage gift.
FROM THE VERY beginning, Mehreen was different from the usual crowd of young directors of the private productions. It’s my assessment, which could be wrong, that she was inspired by the Indian art cinema of the Eighties. The reason I am saying this is that she did not treat subjects that were usually dealt in the PTV Longplays of the Eighties. Her plays also did not have the typical philosophical content of the MNH or Yawar Hayat drama. Nor did she ape Hasina Moin and Fatima Suraiyya, which was the trend then. Her woman was not from the cushy atmosphere of the middleclass, who was seen so often in the serials of the above-mentioned writers. In fact, she was more the woman of the stage plays of Tehreek-e-Niswan, or Dastak, or so many such street plays of India’s greatest martyr of theatre, Safdar Hashmi. But, her main goal, if you have seen her TV plays, obviously looked the art cinema. And with the release, and immense appreciation of her first movie, Ramchand Pakistani, she has proven herself as a director, who has not just tackled a burning topic of the new Global World, but has also impressed with her cinematic sensibility, the lack of which has gobbled up many a famous director in the past!
It’s no mean achievement for a TV director to present a successful, as well as a theme-wise and treatment-wise powerful film on the Pakistani screen. This is a first for Mehreen, because none of the superstar names of PTV and private productions could do either, in so many years. For a young film director, Mehreen has definitely become an icon. Having been her strongest critic in the past in the context of some aspects of her work, I still feel that continuous struggle, and an indomitable spirit, aside from some major cinematic courses, has made Mehreen see things in, what the technical people call the Master Shot. She has come to view things on an overall basis. The moment you realize that after two lengthy scenes, the drama could drag, and may not recover till the end, you are blessed with an overall view. If you end all shots on climactic lines, then your climax may never be a climax, which is what is happening to the most Indian soaps these days. Mehreen has conquered all these aspects at a relatively young age. You can see that in simple scenes, for instance the scene, where Ramchand is brought before Maria Wasti, the jail warden, and she questions him regarding his Dalit identity. It’s a poignant scene, and one which sets the mood for the coming scenes.
Rashid Qureishi has shown in Ramchand Pakistani that he has surely come of age as an actor. His gestures have reached that scale, where an actor forgets himself, and becomes the character. Nandita is, already, a superb actress, and I truly feel that she hasn’t been given her status in the Indian cinema, yet. Here, she delivers the goods, as a Thar woman, whose life becomes a terrible struggle. Shafqat Amanat’s song, Phir wohi rastey is the highlight of the film.
In the end, I read a review by some Indian critic somewhere that he feels the heroine has been given too many gaudy clothes, and that a sad, forlorn woman would not be decked up in such finery. I think either the chap hadn’t been to his own side of Rajisthan, or doesn’t know the traditions of the Thar women. These clothes are their identification, and emotions have nothing to do with them.
She has a commanding presence that fills the screen, a presence that spills out of your television set and dominates your living room. When you meet Naveen Naqvi in person, its even better. The professional presence is very much there, of course, but she also has a friendly look and a relaxed manner that puts you at ease.
We are seated in a glass-fronted cubicle in the middle of DawnNews studios open-floor plan. Young men and women are everywhere. Some are hunched over desktop computer screens while others are scurrying about from one end of the cavernous hall to the other. Despite the bustle, Naveen is as calm as you like, giving unwavering attention and conversing easily.
We have come to associate her with the anchors role on DawnNews, but there is more to Naveen Naqvis talents than meets the eye. As most people are aware, I used to be a model, she says, referring to the first of several things she has tried her hand at and done well. After modelling, I started working on television. I hosted a music show and also acted in a few dramas. My first play was under the direction of Haider Imam Rizvi, and I went on from there.
In a span of just four years, Atif Aslam has released three albums, won countless awards and has developed a massive following in and outside Pakistan. Its not exactly rags to riches and yet his success story remains unique.
I always dreamed of being a rock star as a kid,” says Atif smiling.
At the age of just 25, Atif Aslam is living his dream.
With three albums to his credit, in a span of four years, the mess of a break-up (with his former band Jal) behind him and a mass appeal that extends all the way out to India and beyond, Atif Aslam’s story is truly unique. He is sitting on a sofa in denims, a polo top and his guitar on his lap when we meet.
It’s a crisp Sunday afternoon and Atif has a hectic schedule ahead. He is flying back to Lahore and is then heading for a massive US, UK and Canada tour.
We meet the morning after the Atif Aslam Lookalike-Singalike contest, where five men, who adore Atif, belt out Atif ditties, imitating his antics, attempting to impersonate the man himself. Atif came to the finale and picked the winner himself.
“It was a little bizarre,” admits Atif and continues, “but a good effort. Some of those guys were confident, others had a decent voice but Gibran matched my style more than the others so it had to be him.”
As a person, Atif is friendly, open and confident. What drives him is his ambition to bowl out the world. He doesn’t look at Asians as his target market. The world is his stage and he is here to perform and entertain.
What sets him apart is his ability to mould himself, that elastic factor.
Whether it is through lending his vocals to Indian films or dancing with Aaminah Haq at the Lux Style Awards or going out all-rock on a single like ‘Hungami Halaat’, Atif is willing to bend and break norms to make his mark.
His latest is his new album, Meri Kahani.
A sharp, conscious turn from his commercially hit album Doorie, and a return to form, the kind one first witnessed on his debut record Jalpari.
Meri Kahani sees Atif don the roles of singer, songwriter and lyricist. But most importantly it sees the various emotions of the man that is Atif Aslam. Not surprisingly, it is a mixed bag. And even though Jalpari remains the best Atif Aslam record, Meri Kahani shows off his skills as an artist and his will to experiment. To make sure that it is his brand of music, Atif brought in Overload men Farhad Humayoun, Shiraz Siddique and Mahmood Rahman to play on the album.
“I did Doorie but afterwards I wanted to do my kind of music. Meri Kahani is just that. It is an album that is filled with personal reflections. I got Overload guys involved because I love their music, especially the Pappu Saeen bit and it was fantastic working with all of them,” says Atif.
The record comes after Atif received severe criticism for Doorie, the smash hit album that consolidated his position firmly in India and Pakistan. At the same time, it brought out criticism on the fact that the album was purely commercial and Indianised.
But Atif has never shied away from criticism. His defense has always been one, breaking into the Bollywood-friendly Indian market.
Ahmed Jehanzeb has proven himself to be a talented musician. So far he has one hit album to his credit as well as several title songs for Pakistani television dramas and the one-off collaboration for a song on Shoaib Mansoor’s Khuda Kay Liye soundtrack.
I quote here from his album sleeve: I am what I am only because of the true love, guidance and comfort provided to me by my family. They are the foundation and proof of (who) I am. I thank my family especially my father, Capt. Sabir Ahmed, without whose support I would have never achieved what I have today.
Jehanzeb further shows his understanding of music’s (spiritual) nature when he outlines his philosophy in these words: I strongly believe in the saying Music is food for the Soul’. It is the best way of communication.
In my point of view music provides purity and clarity to one’s soul. It is the truest form of expression for an artist. True music requires education, training, hard work & like any other field, raw talent has to be nurtured and that is the reason I was given the opportunity to educate myself in the art of classical music.
His recent album, Laut Aao, predictably starts off with the song released earlier as a single and used in the promotional video of the album, Chandni Raat Mein. The single demonstrates that Ahmed isn’t just all about sad ditties. This one’s more contemporary and has a faster tempo than his earlier sombre style. Interestingly, Ahmed humbly gives all the credit for the success of the song to the video director, Kookie V. Gulati.
If Chandni Raat Mein sets the tone, Mein Aur Tu is evidence that people with contrasting composition styles should work together (Sachin Gupta and Ahmed in this case) on a joint composition if they compliment each other. The more rock-inspired composition of Sachin blends almost organically with Ahmed’s melodic vocals and rather haunting compositions.
In Bol Mahiya Ve the opening sequence featuring the vocals (in English) by Tara Baswani is yet another organic progression which gives way to a near-qawwali harmonium synthesised effect in mid-song. Ahmed’s advanced control over folk singing shines through this very interesting tune.
Lagan Lagi, however, disappoints as it is in the please Bollywood’ mode and is uselessly techno in its sound. Ahmed’s vocals don’t go very well (despite his best efforts) with this sort of music. Up next is the title track, Laut Aao, and despite being a haunting number it isn’t exactly the best song in the album due to the remix effect. The song could have done without the brrr-ing effect which is mostly distracting for the listener.
Tere Bina Jeena is another song that Ahmed must be swearing by as the album’s next hit (he has even included a blues-mix version of the song towards the end accompanying similar rehashed versions of Chandni Raat Mein and Mein Aur Tu). While the song is lively, it seems short on something. Dekha Mein Ne Nahin is another song possibly composed for a Bollywood production rather than being a pop number.
Amazingly, Jiss Ko Bhi Lageya is vintage Ahmed at the start coupled with some vintage rock guitar during the chorus. This is one song that can be predicted as a true hit. Jab Tumhari Yaad is again in Ahmed’s newfound pop-rock’ style. It comes across as one where the singer is probably burying his past and preparing to move on.
The rock infusion seems to have added a contemporary feel to Ahmed’s work, and one feels it would be fantastic if he can follow up more on this style of music composition.
The 11th death anniversary of world’s most outstanding vocalists the great Sufi Qawwal Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was observed on Saturday.Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who had worked with such Western musicians as Eddie Vedder, Peter Gabriel and progressive guitarist and producer Michael Brook, died at age 48, a private TV channel reported.Born into a family with a centuries-long tradition of qawwali singing, Khan began recording in the early ’70s after ignoring his father’s wishes that he pursue medicine.Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was considered as one of the greatest Qawwals in the world.
Khan was a master of qawwali singing, which combines lyrics from Sufi religious poems with hypnotic rhythms and vocal chants.He never performed in English he sang in Urdu, Punjabi and Farsi. Khan also captivated many Westerners, including such musicians as Vedder, Joan Osborne and the late Jeff Buckley, as well as Hollywood types like Sean Penn, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins.
Khan had made a great impression on the music scene with his mix of Eastern poetic music with that of the West.After travelling to London for treatment for liver and kidney problems, Khan was rushed from the airport to Cromwell Hospital, where he suffered a fatal heart attack.Khan departed from this sphere on the 16th of August 1997, and will be missed immensely by his fans all across the globe.
Thanks to the recent channel boom many talented youngsters have had a chance to prove their mettle and make a name for themselves. But, perhaps few have made as great an impression in such a short span of time as has Zhalay Sarhadi for she is not only gifted and attractive, she is intelligent and has her head firmly planted on her shoulders. One feels that hers is going to be a name to look out for both in front and behind the camera.
The daughter of Bilal Sarhadi and niece of famous television actor Khayyam Sarhadi, it was inevitable that Zhalay start with TV. After her start with the screen she took a transition to ramp and print. Zhalay’s height is an advantage for her to be on the ramp and she has a full figure to support her tall structure. A classic Pakistani beauty, she has already endorsed many products. Tapal’s new face, Zhalay is a dream come true for designers who love the presence she has on the ramp. This presence has been put down for posterity in Ali Zafar’s ‘Rangeen’ video, where Zhalay grooved on stage with the pop sensation carrying off a big nose ring with elan
Your name is extremely unusual. What does it mean?
It means prosperity in Persian, warrior princess in Arabic and morning dew in Uzbek!
How did you make your debut in the world of showbiz?
I used to act in plays at school and college level, so Sajid Hassan, who is a family friend of ours and knew of my interest, got me a small role in a sit-com, Punterz. After that I performed in Maya, which was followed by a string of hosting assignments. My big break came in the shape of ARYs Gold Quiz, a programme which I co-hosted live with veteran film actor Nadeem, everyday for two months. My next big break was hosting Shaadi Online on GEO TV.
How is it that you landed up hosting shows instead of acting, which is something you have always enjoyed?
Actually, I did all these assignments over a span of four years, during which period I was studying at the University of Karachi and couldnt spare the time for acting. Compering is less time consuming, so was easier to handle. But, now I have graduated and have moved away from hosting shows to acting. The only programme that I am still compering is Gaye gi dunya geet meray.
Are you enjoying doing the show?
Yes, I find it more interesting than ordinary compering because I get to sing. I come from a family which has been into music for a long time, so its great incentive for me. Also, its fun working with an Indian team.
How is it different from working with a Pakistani team?
The circumstances are different. There is limited time in which we have to do the shows with our Indian counterparts and they are a lot more organized. Everyone knows exactly what they have to do and no one meddles in the others affairs. They are very efficient and work like cogs in a machine. Also, their concepts are very clear. Pakistanis on the other hand, tend to be very slack. But, the strange part is that when we work with them, we become more professional. Its like we are just waiting for someone else to start the ball rolling. Most of the time, we are not willing to take the initiative ourselves. Even in the local productions, Ive noticed that my colleagues are initially always unpunctual, but when they realize that I am invariably on time then they begin to adhere to timings.
What was your major at University?
I was in the virgin batch of the recently introduced department of Visual Studies at the University of Karachi and did Fine Arts from there. I majored in painting and drawing but was keener to do film-making which was my minor. I hope one day to be behind the camera.
Have you enjoyed your stint at modeling?
I only started modelling in February this year when I appeared on the ramp for a show choreographed by Imran Qureshi. But I dont enjoy modelling and compering as much as I do acting, because I feel they tend to be restricting. Their only advantages are that they are over with quickly and pay well.
How was your experience acting in soaps?
As far as my experience of Love Marriage goes, it was great. Rana Rizwan is a good director, and Imran who is a friend, was acting with me, so the team was good and it was an enjoyable experience. My role in Jo bath ghar mein hai was quite small, so I didnt feel the strain too much, but Kanch will be my true test, as I am in a large number of episodes and that can be a bit unnerving. It begins to take over your personality after a while.
Soaps are still a relatively new phenomenon for local channels. Do you think we are equipped to handle them?
Ours is not such a soap society, and the culture still has to develop. We have too few actors and directors and there is a lack of consistency. A lot of channels have come up but the creative talent has not increased proportionately. So, unless our base broadens and we get a fresh breed of people, I feel we cant afford to produce too many soaps.
But dont you think our actor base has considerably increased over the years, what with so many models now taking to acting?
I think it is ridiculous that models are becoming actors. Just because producers now want to show glamour and pretty faces in their serials, they are willing to recruit models, whether they can act or not. It is a shame there is no institute to teach pretty faces to act and the not-so-pretty actors to groom themselves.
But there is the Adams Academy of Digital and Media Arts. Why arent newcomers encouraged to avail of the facilities offered there?
It will take time for the institute to establish itself. But there is one consolation. Art institutes have taken off and they are very much in link with the media and the performing arts, and are teaching concepts that come in handy to those entering the world of showbiz.
Have you ever toyed with the idea of working in films?
No, Im not interested in films. They envelope you completely and kill your privacy, so that you die out as a person. TV, on the other hand, still allows you some privacy. And, anyway, I wouldnt do a film for any of the current film directors. If the likes of Jami or Saqib Malik were to make a film, then Id think of acting in it.
What if you were offered a role in an Indian movie?
Indians are constantly on the lookout for Pakistani stars, but I am not interested in acting in Indian movies. Their films are very sex-oriented, and I am not in favour of exposing flesh and becoming a sex symbol.
Youve been in the television industry for four years now. Did you notice any changes in this time?
Yes, certainly. With so many channels coming up, there are far more people involved in the industry in one way or the other whether as sound engineers, cameramen, music directors, or what have you so more respect is being shown it. Also, within the industry there is more professionalism now, and the people involved dont treat their work as a mere pastime, but as a profession.
Fizza Ali, a popular name in fashion, television and TVCs has been working since many years now .Recently this Karachi based model has moved to Lahore and has been working in the cultural capital. She is tall and stylish and also very good on the ramp. She is mostly seen in all the main local and international shows directed by Sohail Malik.
What is on your mind?
There is always one thing in my mind, that I want to live my life happily forever.
if you had to make an apology, what would it be for and to whom?
It would be for my mother, as I was so busy in my work that I could not give her time as much as she required.
Wheres the best place to be?
In Allahs house.
What scares you the most?
Darkness and lonliness.
What keeps you sailing in a crisis?
My namaaz.
Which item from your wardrobe do you love the most?
My kurties.
When was the last time you felt utterly insignificant?
The day when I felt I had become fat and my clothes did not fit me.
Which song truly means something to you?
I m alive (Celion Dion).
Whats your favorite fashion purchase?
My Gucci hand bags.
Which fashion icon would you relate closely to your style?
Shusmita Sen.
What is the best thing about being famous?
You get respect and get invited to a lot of parties.
Which was your most memorable day?
When I met my husband, Fawad Farooque.
The best compliment that youve received?
You look un-resistable.
When did you last laugh till you cried?
When my sister Erum fell in the swimming pool wearing her party clothes.
What is the cutest thing about you?
My smile.
What do you find truly tasteless?
Roti.
Who are the most significant people in your life?
My husband.
If you have to describe yourself in one word what that it would be?
Hot.
Who to you is the best-looking man on earth?
My father-in-law.
The proudest professional moment in your career?
When Im on the modeling ramp.
What is your greatest personal achievement?
When I was nominated best actress on PTV.
What do you wish someone had told you earlier in life?
I wish I knew at an earlier stage that my mother had cancer.
What is your diet fad?
Drink milk and eat vegetables.
When you look in the mirror what do you see?
I see my mother.
Your most prized possession?
My husband Fawad.
What healthy habit you are glad you have?
Drinking water.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
My prayers and yoga.
What is your greatest personal achievement?
When I fell in love.
Friendship to you is?
Forever.
How does your work dictate your lifestyle?
It makes me more professional and punctual.
The video was completed within 48 hours as the team worked diligently from 6 am the first day and ended shooting at 4 am the next day.
The concept of the video is unusual it has a surreal quality to it. The video insinuates symbols and metaphors for life and relationships. The singer moves through time and space, crossing boundaries by means of a special door. After traversing various locations, he ends up right back where he started.
Haroon stated that it is one of his favorite songs because of its heart wrenching ballads and haunting melody.
