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Sheheryar Munawar
A STAR
IS BORN
I was asked to wait for my interviewee at The
Vision Factory’s palatial premises at Ittehad –
which is more apt for an art gallery than an
office. Haani, his manager keeps me enter-
tained, sharing anecdotes about life and work
until Sheheryar [Munawar] walks in. Dressed
in a dark blue shirt and jeans, he jokes, “This is
what it’s like to be a producer!”, as his phone’s
shrill ringing interrupts our conversation time
and again. Sheheryar has his first meal of the are big canvas films
day sitting adjacent to me – strong black cof- begins. “A lot of hard
fee and a hunter beef sandwich, which his their making. With b
mother especially made for him. ger crews… about 20
Sheheryar maintains a warm, composed and one segment of the
even excited disposition for the meeting. Yet, tary investment goin
whenever he weighs on the intruding phone It’s important for tha
call conversations and the enormity of his new for that entire indu
project, Parey Hut Luv, his brow furrows and plains, his voice drop
his composure cracks into a face of gravitas. appreciable to see h
“It is very important for films like Maula Jatt tors, and producers
and Parey Hut Luv to do well, because they and have taken thin

PAGE | 6

s, they are expensive,” he
d work and love went into
bigger films, we have big-
00 people working just on
e film. It is a huge mone-
ng into the film industry.
at investment to do well,
ustry to do well,” he ex-
pping to a grave note. “It’s
how entire teams, direc-
have been so ambitious
ngs to the next level. And
because they have taken such big steps
it’s important their films do well.”
Sheheryar tells me he had a very “whole-
some” childhood. Born in Karachi and
raised in Islamabad, my interviewee rem-
inisces happy narratives from his adoles-
cence. “There were quite a few incidents,”
he admits and the rest of his words segue
in a manner of a story told many times,
but which never fails to hurt. “It was
something as recent as about five to six
years back when my elder brother passed
away in a car crash. That event, despite
all the irreparable damage it did to me,
pushed me in a place where I was made
responsible for many things in life. I had
to grow and mature faster.” He’s qui-
et for the moment before proceeding.
“He was the eldest and was responsible
for many things that I wasn’t prepared
to step into, but had to. That shaped
me. And then I was only in my A-levels
when I moved to Karachi from Islamabad,
which was a big cultural change for me,
I’d say. That switch threw me into the fast-
paced life and a tad bit lack of empathy
and I had to adapt really quick. Because
life doesn’t give you time. So there was
me, trying to balance a quotient of sen-
sitivity and like for arts from Islamabad,
buckling up for the fast-paced life here.”
PAGE | 7
Did he always have a master of none. The kind
penchant for acting? of team that we have
“It genuinely dawned onboard and the pro-
upon me. I was al- cesses that we undergo,
ways a melodramat- our aim is to find per-
ic kid,” he flashes me fection. And when you
a grin. “So, this one are performing both
time I remember get- such core jobs, you are
ting yelled at, and trying to find perfection
I go lay outside my in both. You are killing
house with a brick on yourself at it, so yeah
my chest telling pass- somewhere something
ers-bye I am commit- suffers. Quality time
ting suicide. Till I was with friends, family,
finally admonished by gym and some down-
my dad and taken in- time to my own, these
side.” He laughs at his are things I haven’t got-
whimsical theatrics. ten in a long time! Ev-
How did the transi- ery night I tell myself
tion from acting to to find time for my fa-
filmmaking fare for vourite Netflix show,
Sheheryar? “Oh, it but I barely get any
was wonderful, al- time for that anymore.”
beit stressful. I was With two pictures Ho
always interested Maan Jahan and 7
in making content. Din Mohabbat In to
And being a finance his credit, Sheheryar
graduate, I knew all is geared for his third
the financial aspects film’s release, Parey
that go into the pro- Hut Luv which will roll
duction made sense out in cinema at Eid-
to me. And I always Ul-Azha. Before I delve
had this lust for cre- into his upcoming, I
ating good content.” wanted to know what
Which is a tougher deal, the actor took away
producing or acting? from his past roles.
“I’d be lying if I say “At this point, I have
juggling both pro- dabbled in roles that
ducing and acting were poles apart from
at once is easy. It’s a one another,” he de-
struggle every day,” clares. “If you look at
he confesses. “And my body of work, I have
if someone admits worked on a superhero
to managing them film like Project Ghazi,
fine, they are bluffing. a comic, clueless man
When you are the jack in 7DMI and a little re-
of all trades you are wind to see me cast in
realistic role in HMJ.
PHL is an outright
commercial film. In-
dustry mein job hi
different hosakta tha,
meiney who karkay
dikha diya,” he jokes.
I have assimilated and
learnt a lot from all
these roles that I have
played so far. I real-
ly got to explore my
mettle, trying the skin
of different characters
until I finally discov-
ered what I do best.”
“I dislike the idea
of making sansani-
khez headlines. Fame
earned overnight jaa-
ti bhi overnight hai.
If you have big plans,
it takes you time
to reach there. You
start with baby steps.
Koi baat nahi, apna
time bhi ayega yaar,”
his wit cuts through
the conversation.
Has there been a role
that has slipped un-
der your skin and im-
pacted you mentally
and emotionally? “You
know my previous
director once said,
that every time you
change the most triv-
ial aspect of yourself,
you become a differ-
ent person altogether.
It could be my mous-
tache… or the way I
interact with people
whilst shooting. I al-
ways try giving myself
this null period where
PAGE | 8
I endeavour to get rid about PHL, Sheheryar mirror to his own per-
of the character’s trait. says, “Asim has a pen- sonality. It’s very bi-
For instance, I was a chant of making things zarre because actors
badtameez dude in appear beautiful. He are not very keen on
Ho Man Jahan, which was into a serious genre, disclosing their actu-
I felt made me a bit to begin with, but this al self on screen. “His
aggressive overtime. is his outing and in a personality traits are
Then with 7DMI it way, he is showcasing similar to mine in ways
took me some time to his craft onscreen. Ever how he runs away
get hold of my actu- since the ‘revival’ of the from certain conver-
al expressions. When film industry began, we sations. He makes use
you want to make the didn’t have a soulful ro- of his charms to get
roles work, you be- mance. PHL is going to things certain con-
gin to emote and ex- be a classic romance but versations. He makes
press like them. Not in a more contemporary use of his charms to
a simple science.” wrapping.” The film has get things going in his
I ask him if he expe- a curious story attached favour and often acts
riences withdrawals to its name. Scriptwrit- out in anger,” he intro-
from his character? He er, Imran Aslam, shared spects. “He is also very
denies. “I only get with- an interesting anecdote similar in the way how
drawals from the set about how he came I interact with friends
life, when the project- up with the title of his and family. Also, he’s
ed is winded up. Woh movie: he was at Lon- c o m m i t m e n t- p h o -
ek ajeeb he nasha hai. don airport in the ’70s bic, which is an as-
It’s a different high.” and a Sikh maid was pect that has certainly
What does it take cleaning the floor with bothered me too.” •
Sheheryar to say yes a broom.
to a script as an actor? Every now
“I get goosebumps and then,
while reading a script she would
when I know it is the tell pass-
one. But post-goose ersby, ‘Par-
bumps your sanity ey Hut
kicks in and you begin Luv’, and
processing it ratio- that’s how
nally, and that’s when the words
you reflect whether stuck with
you want to take on a I m r a n .
project or not. That’s a Sheher yar
reality check. Goose- revealed
bumps are my body’s in Parey
way of telling me that Hut Luv’s
I can make this script wrap-up
work. I can be im- party that
pulsive too, which is the role
not always good. ” he is play-
As we move to talk ing is like a
PAGE | 9
Courtesy: IMAGES-Dawn Newspaper Karachi on 14th August 2005.

BACK OF THE CLASSICS

Spot Light by Shanaz Ramzi

Pakistani Cinema may seem to be a pathetic form of entertain-

ment today but that wasn’t always the case. There was a time,
a few decades ago, when Lollywood held as much appeal for
cinema-goers as Hollywood, and Urdu cinemas were as packed
as English ones. There was such a variety of films that cine-
mas were actually divided into English and Urdu depending on
the fare they exhibited. In fact, it was not unusual to have ad-
vance booking for new releases, whether English or Urdu, and
one could frequently see long queues of avoid cinema-goers,
including women and children, who didn’t want to miss the
opportunity of being part of the first-day-first-show audience.
The most glorious years of cinema in Pakistan are indisputably the
late sixties and all of the seventies, when a large number of films
became major hits. The industry boasted huge names in the world
of celluloid that gave us unforgettable music, superb direction
and brilliant acting. If you were to go through a directory of mov-
ies produced in these two decades to decide which one to watch,
you would be hard put to settle on any one over the others. While
some films are distinctive because of their songs, others have great
PAGE | 10
story-line appeal while still others have a combination of both.
So why not celebrate Independence Day with true patriotic spirit
and let nostalgia take hold of you by treating yourself to a stack of
vintage Pakistani movies. For your benefit, this issue of Images has
been dedicated to just 21 films of the seventies as recommendation
for viewing. Revive fond memories in case you hail from that age
group when these movies became blockbusters, or get an inkling
to what you’ve missed if you were born later. In either case, be sure
to ask your CD, DVD or videowalla for these films as they make
for great viewing. Better still, make them part of your collection.
Considering that 1970 alone saw the release of 114 local
films, including Urdu, Punjabi, Pushto, Sindhi and Gujrati, one
can gauge that it is no mean feat to select a handful of mov-
ies from the plethora of excellent films produced in a decade.
Here, we have tried to select at least two major films from
each year, though admittedly there are some years where
there was no getting away without mentioning at least three.

“The most glorious years of cinema in Pakistan are in-

disputably the late ‘60s and all of the ‘70s, when a large
number of films became major hits. While same are dis-
tinctive because of their songs, others have great sto-
ry-line appeal while still others have a combination of both”
PAGE | 11
1970
Anjuman
Produced by Safdar/Hasan
Tariq
Director by Hasan Tariq
Music by Nisar Bazmi
Cast: Rani, Waheed Murad,
Deeba, Sabiha Khanum, San-
tosh Kumar, Lehri.
Hit Songs: Dil Dharke, Bhabi,
Meri Bhabi, Aap Dil ki Anju-
man Mein, Izhar bhi mushkil
hai and Lag rahi hai mujhe
Singers: Runa Laila, Noor Je-
han and Ahmed Rushdi
A Platinum Jubilee Film,
which bagged the maximum
number of Nigar Awards for
the year, Anjuman is remem-
bered till today for Rani’s
scintillating dances and
cativating dialogues, particu-
larly her oft-repeated line “Uf
Allah, Hum tu Kuch Keh bhi
nahin sakte”, which became
immortal.
Heer Ranjha
Produced by Ejaz/Masud
Pervaiz
Director by Masud Pervaiz
Music by Khurshid Anwar
Cast: Firdous, Ejaz, Zamar-
rud, Ajmal, Munawar Zareef,
Rangeela.
Hit Songs: Sun Wanjli Di Mi-
thri Taan, Koadhi AA Mil Ran-
jhan We and Wanjli Walarya
Singers: Noor Jehan, Ahmed
Rushdi and Naseem Begum
Firdous’s Biggest Film, Heer
Ranjha was also her last
film with Noor Jehan lend-
ing her her voice as differ-
ences arose between them
during the film. Starring in
the movie is also Noor Je-
han’s former son-in-law Aqeel
(Zille Huma’s ex-husband).
Yousuf Khan Sher Bano
Produced by Nazir Hussain
Director by Aziz Tabassum
Music by Lal Muhammad Iqbal
Cast: Badr Muneer, Yasmin Khan,
Mahpara, Saqi, Shireen Taj.
Hit Songs: Rasha o Rasha
Singers: Rehana Yasmeen and
Nighat Akber
The First Pakistani full-length
Pushto Film released on Decem-
ber 1, 1970, Yusuf Khan Sher Bano,
was based on the Frontler prov-
ince’s popular folk tale. Boasting
an entirely raw cast, it became a
super hit, rocketing Badr Muneer
to fame – who went on to be-
came Pushto cinema’s only male
lead for the next several years.
The oft-repeated lien Allah Di
Rana Khlasaka (Gold let me be
rid of them) by Shireen Taj, who
plays the role of a stepmother,
remained very popular with the
masses for a long time to come.
1971
Tehzeeb
Produced by S. Masood
Director by Hasan Tariq
Music by Nisar Bazmi
Cast: Rani, Shahid, Rangeela,
Lehri, Aslam Pervaiz.
Hit Songs: Laga Hai Husn Ka
Bazaar Dekho, Kaisa Jadoogar
Dilbar, Aaja Hum Kyon Rahain
Akalay and Ghar Aane Wala Hai
Singers: Mehdi Hassan, Noor
Jehan, Runa Laila
The words of the song Laga Hai
Husan Ka Bazaar were initial-
ly Laga Hai Misr Ka Bazaar but
the censor board had objec-
tions to Misr (Egypt) being used
– probably because diplomat-
ic ties between the two coun-
tries were at their best then – so
Noor Jehan had to re-record the
song with Husn replacing Misr.
1972
Umrao Jan Ada
Produced by Rabia Hasan
Director by Hasan Tariq
Music by Nisar Bazmi
Cast: Rani, Shahid, Rangeela,
Zamarrud, Alauddin and Talish.
Hit Songs: Jo Bachcha Tha
Woh Lutanay Ke Liye Aaye
Hain Katay Na Katay and
Jhoomay Kabhi Naachay
Singers: Runa Laila, Noor Jehan,
Irene Parveen, Nazir Begum
Reportedly, during the film-
ing of the film, tension devel-
oped between Noor Jehan and
Runa Laila, as the latter had
sung five songs in the film,
while Noor Jehan had been
asked to sing only one song.
Baharoon Phool Barsao
Produced by M. Sadiq
Director by M. Sadiq
Music by Nashad
Cast: Rani, Rani, Waheed Mu-
rad, Rukhsana, Aslam Pervaiz.
Hit Songs: Chanda Re Chan-
da, Yeh Ghar Mera Gulshan
Hai and Mere Dil Ki Hai Awaz
Singers: Noor Jehan, Ahmed
Rushdi, Masood Rana
M. Sadiq had come from In-
dia to produce and direct
the film, but died half way
through its production. It was
completed by Hasan Tariq.
1 9 7 3
A n m o l
Produced by Anis Dossani
Director by Pervez Malik
Music by Nisar Bazmi
Cast: Rani, Shabnam, Sha-
hid, Alauddin, Afzal.
Hit Songs: Aisi Chaal Mein
Chaloon, Aap Ki Umar Hi Kya
Hai, Pyar Insaan Ko Insaan
Bana Deta Hai and Takh-
ti Takhti Par Dil Ka Dana Hai
Singers: Tassawur Khanum,
Runa Laila and Mehdi Hassan
Shabnam was remembered
for a long time after the
film’s release for her oft-used
spunky line “Mein Baha-
ut Buri Aadmi Hoon, Haan”.
PAGE | 12
Daman Aur Chingari
Produced by A. Hameed
Director by Shabab Kiranvi
Music by M. Ashraf
Cast: Rani, Nadeem, Zeba
Mohammed Ali, Aaliya, Aslam
Pervaiz.
Hit Songs: Aik Hath Par
Suraj Rakh Lo, Asli Chehray
Par Hum Ne and Saheli Tera
Bachpun Lut Gaya
Singers: Noor Jehan, Mehdi
Hassan and Masood Rana
Although the film had a stellar
cast, it was Aaliya who made the
greatest impact in this movie
with her brilliant performance.
1974
Shama
Produced by A. Hameed
Director by Nazar Shabab
Music by M. Ashraf
Cast: Nadeem, Zeba Mo-
hammed Ali, Waheed Murad,
Deeba and Babra Sharif.
Hit Songs: Kisi Mehrbaan Ne
Aa Ke, Aisay Mausam Mein
Kyon Chup Ho and Meri San-
wli Saloni Mehbooba
Singers: Naheed Akher and
Mehdi Hassan
Although the film boast-
ed a number of fine songs,
Kisi Mehrbaan Ne Aa Ke
was to become Naheed
Akhter’s first Hit Song, win-
ning her a Nigar Award.
1975
Mera Naam Hai Mohabbat
Produced by A. Hameed
Director by Shabab Kiranvi
Music by M. Ashraf
Cast: Babra Sharif, Ghulam
Mohyuddin, Alauddin, Rehan
and Bahar.
Hit Songs: Tujhay Payar Karte
Karte, Yeh Duniya Rahe Na
Rahe and Pyasa Koain Ke
Paas Aata Hai
Singers: Naheed Akhter,
Ahmed Rushdi, Mehdi Hassan
Shabab Kiranvi, with his remark-
able acumen for picking new
faces for lead roles, cast Babra
Sharif and Ghulam Mohyuddin,
a young pair from Karachi, as the
leading couple in Mera Naam
Hai Mohabbat. The plot was
borrowed from a tragic-roman-
tic Hollywood movie, Love Sto-
ry. The film was a huge success
because of its super-hit music
and excellent performances. Af-
ter making her debut as a her-
oine in this film, Babra rose to
become one of the most pop-
ular actors of Pakistani cinema
and remained on the top for al-
most two decades. This film was
also released in China and re-
portedly, a statue of the couple,
which can still be found there,
was erected by the Chinese
to honour the talented duo.
Anari
Produced by Irfan Ali
Director by S. Suleman
Music by M. Ashraf
Cast: Nadeem, Shabnam, San-
geeta, Ghulam Mohyuddin,
Mustafa Qureshi.
Hit Songs: Jhoom Jhoom Na-
chay Aao, Kuch Boliye Huzoor,
Gentleman Gentleman, Hoon
Haan Karte Karte and Socha
Tha Mein Ne
Singers: Naheed Akhter, Ru-
bina Badr, Mehdi Hassan and
Ahmed Rushdi
This was the second time that
the word Anari had been used
as the title of a Pakistani Film,
and coincidentally, both starred
Nadeem. The second Anari’s
hit song Socha Tha Mein Ne
has been recently plagiarized
in the Indian Film Kismet.
Pehchaan
Produced by Anis Dossani
Director by Pervez Malik
Music by Nisar Bazmi
Cast: Rani, Nadeem, Shab-
nam, Qavi, Sabiha Khanum,
Munawar Saeed and Nayyar
Sultana.
Hit Songs: Allah Hi Allah Kiya
Karo, Aay Dil Apna Dard Chu-
pa Ke and Apne Se Lagte Hain
Singers: Naheed Akhter, Akh-
laq Ahmed and Mehdi Hassan
The film became a super hit
not just because of the great
acting prowess displayed
by the entire cast but also
for its memorable ditties.
PAGE | 13

1976
Aaj Aur Kal
Produced by Irfan Malik
Director by S. Suleman & Per-
vez Malik
Music by Khalil Ahmed
Cast: Rani, Shabnam, Rahat
Kazmi, Ghulam Mohyuddin,
Qavi, Lehri.
Hit Songs: Duniya Walon
Jahez Ki Lanat and Pyar Ka
Wada Aise Nibhain
Singers: Mehdi Hassan,
Mehnaz, Noor Jehan
A re-make of Paighaam made
in the sixties by S.M. Yusuf,
Aaj Aur Kal was based on the
social evil of dowry. So pow-
erful was the film that it ac-
tually made the government
sit up and take notice of the
issue and a ban was subse-
quently placed on dowry.
1977
Aaina
Produced by M.A. Shamsi
Director by Nazrul Islam
Music by Robin Ghosh
Cast: Rani, Nadeem, Shab-
nam, Rehan, Qavi, Bahar,
Hanif and Shahzeb.
Hit Songs: Roothay Ho Tum
Tum Ko Kaise Manaun Piya,
Wada karo Sajana, Kabhi Mein
Sochta Hoon, Pyar karti Hoon
Kis Se and Mujhe Dil Se Na
Bhulana
Singers: Mehnaz, Akhlaq
Ahmed, Nayyara Noor, Alam-
gir and Mehdi Hassan
A Musical Love Story with a
tinge of social comment, Aaina
was the brainchild of director
Nazrul Islam. The film created
history for having, till that point,
the longest combined run in
Karachi – almost 250 weeks!
Although it was based on an
oft-repeated plot and the film
was essentially a plagiarized
version of a pot pourri of Indi-
an movies, Aaina proved to be
different from other ventures
because of the innovation
in the picturization of Half-
a-Dozen enchanting songs.
Salakhain
Produced by Tariq M. Qureshi
Director by Hasan Askari
Music by Kamal Ahmed
Cast: Babra Sharif, Mohammed
Ali, Ghulam Mohyuddin, Hu-
mayun Qureshi and Talish.
Hit Songs: Tere Mere Pyar Ka
Aisa Nata Hai, Mein Bhi Aik
Sharif Thi and Hum Youn Hi
Humsafar Ban Ke
Singers: Mehdi Hassan,
Mehnaz, Naheed Akhter and A.
Nayyar
Other than the fact that the
film boasted some melodi-
ous numbers, it is remem-
bered for babra’s double role.
1978
Muthi Bhar Chawal
Produced by Syed Tayyab Rizvi
Director by Sangeeta
Music by Kamal Ahmed
Cast: Nadeem, Sangeeta, Kavi-
ta, Ghulam Mohyuddin, Rahat
Kazmi and Saqi.
Hit Songs: Sachiri Tu Bhi Gaye
Kaam Se and Aik Gal Na Bhu-
laween Jin Meriye
Singers: Mehnaz, Shaukat Ali,
Naheed Akhter
One of the most realistic and strik-
ing films ever made in Pakistan.
Muthi Bhar Chawal was based
on the eminent Indian Writer
Rajinder Singh Bedi’s Novel-
ette, Aik Chadar Meli Si, later
made into an Indian Movie as
well by the same name. Rarely
does a motion picture adapt-
ed from a book capture the
true substance and spirit of the
writer’s prose as does this one.
Amber
Produced by Qizalbash/
Effendi
Director by Nazrul Islam
Music by Robin Ghosh
Cast: Nadeem, Mum-
taz, Mohammed Ali, Dee-
ba, Alauddin and Lehri.
Hit Songs: Thehra Hai
Sama and Mile Do Sathi
Singers: Mehdi Hassan,
Mehnaz and A. Nayyar
Loosely based on Victor Hu-
go’s renowned novel Les
Miserables, this was Hasan
Askari’s – an estab-lished
director of Punjabi Films –
maiden assignment in Urdu.
Awaaz
Produced by Zafar Shabab
Director by Zafar Shabab
Music by A. Hameed
Cast: Mohammed Ali, Shab-
nam, Waheed Murad, Ghulam
Mohyuddin, Naghma and
Nanna.
Hit Songs: Tu Mere Pyar Ka
Geet Hai and Suno Suno Shehr
Ke Basiyon
Singers: Mehdi Hassan and
Naheed Akhter
Other than for its music, the
film is remembered till today
for yet another of Shabnam
‘s spirited lines – “Maroon Gi
Gulaila Kass Ke”.
Zindagi
Produced by Rauf Shamsi
Director by Nazrul Islam
Music by M. Ashraf
Cast: Nadeem, Babra Sharif,
Talish and Mustafa Qureshi.
Hit Songs: Salgira Ka Din Aaya
Hai, Kamsin Ho and Tere Sung
Dosti
Singers: Mehdi Hassan,
Mehnaz, A. Nayyar and Na-
heed Akhter
Based on the Hollywood Block-
buster Walking Tall, the en-
tire film was shot in Bangkok.
1979
Maula Jat
Produced by Sarwar Bhatti
Director by Yunus Malik
Music by Inayat
Cast: Sultan Rahi, Mustafa
Qureshi, Aasia, Kaifi & Adeeb.
PAGE | 14
Hit Songs: Aj Zalima Mein
Nachngi Zaroor and Dildar
Mere Pyar Kolon
Singers: Noor Jehan
This was the film that ingrained
the legend of Sultan Rahi deep-
ly in the psyche of the down-
trodden peasantry of Punjab.
It depicted one of the most
bizarre and unusual characters
ever seen in any film. Maula Jat
ran for five years and proved to
be the biggest box-office hit in
the history of Pakistani cinema.
Chori Chori
Produced by Qavi
Director by S. T. Zaidi
Music by Nashad
Cast: Mohammed Ali, eba,
Qavi, Saqi, Nirala, Khalid Sal-
eem Motta.
Hit Songs: Bum Bolay, Yeh
Mojain Kahan Jati Hain and Iss
Fasanay Ka Na Jane
Singers: Naheed Akhter
Zeba had a double role in
this film. Chori Chori was ini-
tially made with the title Aik
Larki Sharmeeli Si, but lat-
er the name was changed.
PAGE | 15
By Amjad Parvez
When I think of movies made in the subcontinent, almost all turn out to be
musicals. In the 50s there was a trend of having eight to ten songs in an Indi-
an or Pakistani film, different to the present day with only four to five songs
per movie. Film songs that have been artistically shot tend to leave a mark and
linger with the viewer. Following are three such examples of masterfully filmed
Pakistani film songs that stood out in terms of location, choreography and acting.

‘Kahan Ho Tum Sahelio’ from ‘Humraaz’ (1967)

Khwaja Khurshid Anwar’s 1967 film ‘Hamraaz’ is a mystery thriller, star-
ring Shamim Ara, who does an admirable job of playing a double role.
‘Hamraaz’ is made in a different manner as compared to other Pakistani
thrillers and has been produced by Sheikh Abdur Rashid and Khwaja Khur-
shid Anwar. The latter also directed and composed the music of the film.
Other than Shamim Ara, the movie’s cast includes Moham-
mad Ali, Nabila, Lehri, Tariq Aziz, Meena Shorey, Rangeela,
Changezi, Ajmal and Talish. The songs are penned by Qateel Shifai.

The film begins with a girl (Ara) clad in modern attire running in the forest,
while holding a piece of paper in her hand. She is rescued by Muhammad
Ali (who plays a doctor) and a friend (Lehri), but her pursuers (Talish and an
accomplice) capture and take her away. Ara leaves the piece of paper in Ali’s
car that discloses the secret that she is the princess of Qaiserabad. It is lat-
er revealed that the kidnappers have trying to extract this very secret from
the captured girl by injecting her with small doses of morphine. Under the
influence of morphine, Ara sings the happy birthday song for her imaginary
friends and the beautiful song ‘Kahan Ho Tum Sahelio Jawab Do’, sung by
PAGE | 16
Nurjehan begins. The set, lit with candles and the use of fog and bells in the
background is a hallmark of Khwaja Saheb’s films. In this song, the lighting,
the candle settings, their being lit and fused provide excellent piece of artistic
filming. The choir of girls adds to the mysterious black and white lighting and
foggy atmosphere. This song is a masterpiece among Khwaja Saheb’s mas-
tery on filming.The lighting reminds me of the songs pictured by Raj Kapoor
in the film ‘Barsaat’. Khwaja Saheb’s direction highlights the conflict generat-
ed by a man’s demoniacal lust for possession and power which he disguis-
es as a mission to preserve the values inherited from his feudal forefathers.

‘Raahon Pei Thaari Main Nazrain Jamaye, Koi

Aye’ from ‘Ghoonghat’ (1962)
luck would have it, my other choice is once again a Nurjehan-Khwaja Khur-
sheed Anwar collaboration. The song is from the 1962 film ‘Ghoonghat’ star-
ring Santosh Kumar and Nayyar Sultana, supported by Laila, Neelo, Ghulam
Muhammad, Razia and Bibbo. The film was selected as the Pakistani entry
for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 36th Academy Awards. Back home
it won four awards at the 1962 Nigar Awards ceremony held in Pakistan.
The brief storyline is that Shahid (Santosh Kumar) is betrayed by his wife who
ran away at the first night of their wedding. After this incident he becomes a
lonely person and an alcoholic. He then visits a hill station with his best friend
in an attempt to move on but instead is haunted by the spirit of Usha Rani.
This song is filmed on Nayyar Sultana who poses as Usha, a Hindu Devi
in front of a small temple. Nayyar’s hand and body movements on the
line ‘Kab Ayein Gey’ add to the mystery of the sinister atmosphere.

PAGE | 17
 Filmmakers end up
concentrating on one
character more than the
other: Mansha Pasha
By Ahmed Sarym

You both play very intriguing characters in ‘Laal Kabootar’, tell us about
what your process was like getting into the skin of your respective roles?
Ahmed: You do not usually get a lot of time to rehearse, but Kamal Khan was very
particular with that. I’d auditioned almost five-months before we began shooting
and it started with a lot of conversations back-and-forth. Kamal will sit you down and
talk about life, the struggles he has had and try to extract a vulnerable part of you in
order to give yourself completely to the director. In the hindsight when I think about
what this lead to was how I ended up relating to Adeel. Next, it was observing how
people behave in Karachi, it’s a fast-paced city, people are hustler and street-smart,
but Adeel wants to escape that. We in fact spoke about relationships that aren’t
shown in the film, for instance Adeel was closer to his mother but you won’t see that.
The little bit of conflict I’ve always had is that I’ve wanted to do something bigger
and better, so what I resonated with was that Adeel was unhappy with what he had,
and I had to channel that. I wouldn’t take a direction where it harms lives of course,
but he’s ruthless. And so there was a lot of introspection, it’s internalisation, but also
bring together the outer most layer of myself, how I talk, why I have a moustache.
Kamal again was someone who knew the pace and tone of the character, which is
something I understood after doing it over and over. Even with scenes, we impro-
vised and that forces you to remain in the character and see where you can take it.
Mansha: I think what appealed to me was my character, it has a great arch in
the story, from where she starts off to what happens towards the end, and it’s a
proper journey. During rehearsals, we kept dissecting and reconstructing, and re-
building the character until we knew what she was really about, and we changed

PAGE | 18
it in the process. During the process, it was a lot of Kamal and what he thought of
how she would react. He was very specific about that. To me, it was just an ongo-
ing process, he would throw you off-course and ask you to do something while
in-character, and I just held onto that main crux and built onto that as we shot.

‘Laal Kabootar’ is also seemingly an offbeat film, comparative-

ly; do you feel an independent project like this is commercially viable?
Ahmed: It’s absolutely a commercial film; I think there are a few factors that nar-
row your audience if it has slightly mature content. The reason we usually play
safe in our love-stories and comedies so it is to be able to cater to a larger demo-
graphic. But ‘Laal Kabootar’ has a great story and plot-twists that we could’ve used
during promotions, but wanted the mystery element to remain, it also has very
relatable characters and a great soundtrack. I think we didn’t reveal a lot in the
trailer because that just ruins the viewer’s experience, but it does have everything.
‘I’m not an actor for the next two years, but for as long as I live, which is why I’m open to any
kind of character or story, which I enjoy when I read and want to tell,’ Ahmed Ali Akbar says
Mansha: In Pakistan, we do try to play it safe, but I think after a certain point, you do
need to branch out. With all the other films that are coming out, for instance ‘Baaji’ I’ve
heard is also a thriller, it’s a murder-mystery, so slowly and gradually, we need to realise
that even the audience gets saturated. ‘Laal Kabootar’ isn’t an experimental film, it’s
very mainstream, edgy, thriller; it’s like saying ‘A Quite Place’ was a niche film. I see this
as a good testing ground for newer things and at the end of the day, there are different
genres and they don’t define whether a film is commercial or not, look at Hollywood.

As actors, the two of you have also not taken the convention-
al path of playing the leads, but have been open to all sorts of
parts. Do you feel that typecasts you as character-actors only?
Ahmed: I think ‘Laal Kabootar’ is evidence that it hasn’t typecast us. I think it
has a lot to do with who you are and how people see you, regardless of wheth-
er you’re the lead or not, they watch what you put out and so you have to break
it, keep pushing the envelope. I haven’t tried in putting any catalyst in my career,
I’m not an actor for the next two years, but for as long as I live, which is why I’m
open to any kind of character or story, which I enjoy when I read and want to tell.
Mansha: I’ve gotten offered leading characters in the past where I’ve found
them boring as compared to the supporting characters. If your work stands
out, there’s no stopping. To a certain extent, I think every actor is typecast, Me-
hwish Hayat and Mahira Khan have been typecast as certain girls, and I think
that’s what comes with being an actor, I’m labelled this very serious-actress.
I, for one, make choices that agree with how I wish to see my career. Unfortu-
nately, in Pakistan, there is this mindset of a ‘leading actor’ and filmmakers do
that too, they end up concentrating on one character more than the other.

Mansha, you play a very fierce woman Aliya in the mov-

ie. Over the years, how do you think characters for women have
evolved and do you see greater substance today more than ever?
Mansha: I think where characters and societies are going and how the two are
reflecting one another; it’s an ongoing debate in my head as well. I do feel that

PAGE | 19
strong characters are always written but aren’t given that space because the dam-
sels sell more. Even at points where you feel the character doesn’t have to be so
bechari, the makers will turn up the bechari-metre up to the highest. And that also
has more to do with the perception of women beyond cinema and TV. How many
times has one seen a man cry on-screen? I want to see that; the angry-young-
man is preconceptions in society too. Television does have a way of re-establishing
and harnessing these theories, but with my character, it isn’t like she doesn’t cry,
but that doesn’t mean she isn’t strong. I like that grey and that is how people are.
Now, more than women, I think men need to be asked what they feel about their
characters. I believe that there’s immense stereotyping in both the genders. It’s
important for men to emote, the conversation needs to shift. It’s a cycle, when you
have a story with a sensitive male, you will have a strong female, I don’t know, it’s a
weird equilibrium. Ahmed’s the more sensitive one in ‘Laal Kabootar’ for instance.

Lastly, through your own experience with cinema, talk about what you make
of the current state of the industry and how do you think it has evolved?
Ahmed: When I look back, I had done ‘Siyaah’ in 2012 and so I’ve been in some ways,
a part of the rebirth. It’s great; we’re learning and slowly, but steadily improving. For
the business aspect of things, we need to go back to the drawing board. The amount
of cinemas we have and all of that, we need reconstruction. As far as stories go,
this is how we’ll learn; even Bollywood in the 1990s had a very weird trial and error.
Mansha: What I like about cinema is that there are people who like certain films,
but there’re also those who are conversing about what they didn’t like and I like
that conversation. I think even with Wajahat Rauf’s web-series it opened a door
to people voicing their opinions. There is progress and that’s the point to fo-
cus on. This year we have 20 films coming out and that’s amazing. From a re-
alistic point of view, think of an industry completely dead with no structure
whatsoever not too long ago, we’ve managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat.

PAGE | 20
 REVIEWS
‘Laal Kabootar’ — brilliant acting
makes you forget the slow pace of
the film
By Seerat Kamran/Seerat Shehzad
* Adeel Nawaz played by Ahmed Ali Akbar, is
a small-town rip-off that drives a taxi on the
streets of Karachi, while conspiring to rob his
own passengers with the help of his friends

PAGE | 21
‘Laal Kabootar’ has been directed by Kamal Khan, starring Mansha Pa-
sha and Ahmed Ali Akbar. The entire plot of the story is based on the crimes
in Karachi; land grabbing, mobile snatching, corruption and target killing.
The storyline revolves around these crimes that have
been happening in Karachi in the past two decades.
Adeel Nawaz played by Ahmed Ali Akbar, is a small-town rip-off that drives a taxi on the streets of
Karachi, while conspiring to rob his own passengers with the help of his other fraudulent friends.
Ahmed Ali Akbar has portrayed the character to its true essence, with adapting to the
Karachi dialect and the conveyance of a badtamiz attitude perfectly. He also pulls off the
street style look of the slums of Karachi, with his bad-boy aura, along with the dream that
he will pursue his dream of one day to Dubai, which isn’t going to pay itself now, is it?
The character of Aliya Malik is played by Mansha Pasha who suddenly loses her hus-
band in an encounter. Losing her husband to a tragic incident, turns out to be a planned
murder. As a woman in Pakistan seeking justice is shut out by many juridical institu-
tions, by corrupt policemen or by government officers, she’s threatened by the mur-
der of her husband to not investigate further, however determined she doesn’t stop.
Both Adeel and Aliya cross paths when he becomes her taxi driver, where again a
shootout occurs resulting in the death of two people, one being Adeel’s friend and
the other a government officer wanting to help Aliya. From there onwards, the sto-
ry starts to unfold, as Adeel extends a hand for help and both Aliya and Adeel try
to uncover the story bringing the slums and the urban together in fiery events.
Both Adeel and Aliya cross paths when he becomes her taxi driver, where again a shootout
occurs resulting in the death of two people, one being Adeel’s friend and the other a
government officer wanting to help Aliya. From there onwards, the story starts to unfold
The ‘Laal’ (red) in the title was ingrained in the movie, through the car that Adeel
drove, along with the ‘laal khoon’ (red blood) that was shed at a number of oc-
casions and the regular but subtle recurrence of a kabootar (pigeon) in between the
scenes. The most important portrayal of ‘Laal’ in this movie in my opinion was the an-
tagonist who was spotted in a red cap whenever he was caught in a shoot and run.
Laal Kabootar’s plus point is the cut throat acting which keeps everyone on the edge of
their seats. The music keeps you grooving with its bilingual lyrics. ‘Laal Kabootar’ differs
from others through the strong and firm expressions of the female character, along with a
love affair, which makes the film stand out. Aliya was also shown to be a fearless character
especially in the climax where she was seen shooting down the killer of her husband with her
own hands, winning applause from viewers. In the film, Kamal also managed to grasp the
essence of rural and urban Karachi, with its rural bazaars, archaic colonies and beach houses.
However, with the inevitable twists and turns, the story has a predictable and cli-
ché downfall to it. The next turn of events is easily predictable by the audience;
there weren’t many jaw-dropping scenes, despite of the thrilling theme of the sto-
ry. Another was the prolonged beginning of the movie as the pace is pretty slow.
The hype created by the movie was a lot more than the actual movie had to offer.
One has to hand it over to the makers for exposing the cor-
rupt police force and how misogyny is at its peak in our society.

PAGE | 22
NOW SHOWING!

PAGE | 23
NOW SHOWING
IN CINEMAS

PAGE | 24
 ‘Sher Dil will set a benchmark
for excellence in the history of
Pakistani cinema’
Haider Rifaat
Nomaan: Every man has two wishes; to
be immortal or to be able to fly. Immor-
tality is impossible but the latter, not so
much. We will eventually depart from this
world one day but the art lives on. If you
can cultivate your ideology into the minds
of generations to come, you will continue
to live on with that philosophy. My hero
Imran Khan had the world at his feet and
a life of extravagance ahead of him but
he left it all behind when he decided he
wanted to devote himself to a greater
cause. I was a military man and had an
aviation business. Much like him, I believe Tell us a bit about yourselves.
that with ability comes responsibility. I embarked on this journey two years ago and
as a producer had hoped to sway the audience to sensibility and education. I had
set out to contribute my part in our society because God created us to serve a cause.
Nosheen: My life revolves around my three beautiful daughters who are also my closest
friends. I am an educationist by nature but love to take up new ventures and when I do, there
is no looking back. My hobbies are travelling, seeing new places and meeting new people!
Why did you choose to do an air force film?
Nomaan: I always wanted to do something for which people could re-
member me and to create ‘Top Gun’ again sounded like a good idea!
Producers Nomaan and Nosheen Khan are set to take the high road on Friday with
the release of their new patriotic film ‘Sher Dil’ that honours Pakistan’s Air Force
Nosheen: Coming from a forces family background, I felt as if this was the
right opportunity to give back to Pakistan and honour our prestigious forces.
What was your individual input as producers?
Nomaan: “Producer” is just another title for a one-man crew behind the whole film!
Nosheen: As my first feature film project, I have worked extra hard with
Nomaan to bring everything together from script and editing, to approv-
al from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). We have both performed side by
side and it was only then that ‘Sher Dil’ turned out to be what it is today.
What emotions will ‘Sher Dil’ bring about in the audience?
Nomaan: The movie is a rollercoaster ride considering emotions. You will laugh
until you are red and most certainly cry and fall in love with Flight Lieutenant Haris
Mustapha! Above all, you will get up on your feet and chant “Pakistan Zindabad”!
Nosheen: The story has a universal approach to it and shall appeal to masses across
the globe. We have projected the characters, emotions and sentiments very differently

PAGE | 25
and I’m sure that the movie will fill the hearts of the audience with respect and make
them realise how power, friendships and our positive attitudes can make this world a
better place. Another element is the strong wit behind the lines of our main characters.
Is it a coincidence that the plot of the movie mirrors the recent clash between
India and Pakistan?
Nomaan: I like to believe that God favours me and the recent turn of events is
one of his many ways of showing it. No mere coincidence; he had planned it all.
Nosheen: God is on our side but jokes apart, we conceived the
script two years ago and the current situation is a big coincidence.
Are you hopeful for a good response?
Nomaan: One of the greatest strengths of this project is that it is unlike any other.
It goes beyond giggles and entertainment. ‘Sher Dil’ is your patriotic sentiment,
your junoon (spirit) and your support of the forces that all Pakistanis are eager to
express at this point. I am hoping for the film’s success based on that sentiment.
Nosheen: I feel like our film will set a benchmark for excellence in the his-
tory of Pakistani cinema. I am praying that all goes well and that peo-
ple would enjoy watching ‘Sher Dil’ as much as we have enjoyed making it.
What is next for you both?
Nomaan: You will have to wait and watch!
Nosheen: A long vacation. We have a few things in the pipeline, which we will unravel soon!

PAGE | 26
 LAAL KABOOTAR AND SHERDIL
GENERATE DECENT NUMBERS
AT BOX OFFICE

Kamal Khan’s debut feature film Laal Kabootar and Azfar Jafri’s Sherdil re-
leased nationwide on March 22. The two films explore two completely dif-
ferent genres; Laal Kabootar is a Karachi based crime drama while Sherdil is
packed with patriotic fervor. Fortunately, both films have been able to maintain
good numbers at the local box office, according to Entertainment Pakistan.

Laal Kabootar raked in 30 lacs on its opening day (March 22), followed
by 25 lacs on Saturday and 22 lacs on Sunday, making a total of 77 lacs
by the end of the weekend. Comparatively, Sherdil collected around 1.15
cr on the first day, adding 1.7 cr and 1.3 lacs on Saturday and Sunday,
respectively, reaching up to 4.15 cr by the end of opening weekend.

Laal Kabootar picked up on day two and three while Sher-

dil saw a massive growth in Rawalpindi/Islamabad.

Starring Ahmed Ali Akbar and Mansha Pasha in lead roles, Laal Kabootar
has generated great reviews from viewers including industry insiders. Mi-
kaal Zulfiqar-starrer Sherdil, on the other hand, has failed to impress critics.

Let’s wait and see how the coming days unfold for the two films
at the box office until Project Ghazi joins the league on March 29.
PAGE | 27
PAGE | 28
PAGE | 29
 By Adeela Akmal

JUNAID KHAN
YOU & ME
Known for his distinctive voice and acting chops, Junaid Khan had a knack for
performing arts despite being a quiet kid. During his time in university, he found
friends who were into music, which led him try out for a band, “At the time, ‘Call’
was looking for a vocalist and I met Xulfi’s brother for a formal audition. I sang
a few lines of ‘With Arms Wide Open’ by ‘Creed’ and something by ‘Staind’,” he
recalls. Predominantly an alternative rock band, Call came out with its first song
‘Nishaan’ which became very popular in 2002. Later, it released songs like ‘Pukaar’
and ‘Shayad’ which catapulted the band to success. While being associated with
Call as a lead vocalist for a long time, Junaid dabbled into acting as well. His acting
stint started in 2011 with Jawad Bashir sitcom ‘Kabhi Na Kabhi’, which opened the
doors to many more projects for him like ‘Mujhey Roothnay Na Dena’, ‘Silsilay’,
‘Ishq Tamasha’, ‘Mata-e-Jaan’, ‘Yahan Pyar Nahin Hai’, ‘Kadoorat’ etc made him a
household name. Apart from proving his versatility as an actor, he’s sung some
much-loved OSTs such as ‘Thays’, ‘Ro Raha Hai Dil’, ‘Sun Yara’ and ‘Natak’ to name
a few.

Recently, the crooner came out with his song ‘Taalash’ which is a cross-border
collaboration. The singer-turned-actor can also be seen on-air in serials ‘Kam Zarf’
and ‘Hania’, which tackles the issue of marital abuse. Let’s get to know more about
this rock star...

PAGE | 30
You! Did you always want to pursue singing as a career?
I didn’t have such aspirations to be a singer, I just discovered I had this talent
when I used to sing with my landlord while he played guitar. I used to play with my
friends, and when ‘Call’ started, it was an instant success. When ‘Nishaan’ picked
up, we took this up full-time.
You! What made you pursue acting?
I was interested in theatre and performed at university level as well. But during my
MBA, I didn’t have much time for it. So, when I got a substantial script, I came into
acting.
You! What do you prefer more, singing or acting?
Definitely, singing, because it’s your own expression.
You! Tell us about your new song ‘Taalash’ with The Spunk...
I always have been in favour of cross-border work with artists, so it was me from
Pakistan, The Spunk from India and Glitch team who shot the video was from Ban-
gladesh. The message of the song revolves around peace within you and around
you, and that’s the message we want to give.
You! What do you love most about your job?
With my line of work, I have a platform to express myself about anything and tell
my story, which is very fulfilling.
You! A project you consider your claim to fame...
My first song ‘Nishaan’
You! A project that you hold really close to your heart...
In terms of music it is ‘Sab Bhula Ke’, for TV it’s
‘Ye Mera Deewanapan Hai’, which wasn’t as pop-
ular but as an artist it’s special to me.
You! Is there a hidden talent no one knows
about?
Not a lot of people know about my sketching
because I rarely share them on my Instagram.
My mom is a gold medallist in fine arts so I got
that from her.
You! At this point of life, what song can be
your life’s theme song?
‘Sab Bhula Ke’
You! Your favourite genre in music:
Rock.
You! Your all-time favourite movies:
For comedy, ‘Andaz Apna Apna’; for action, ‘Hard
Target’ &’Mission Impossible’.
You! Your favourite singer:
Bryan Adams.
You! Your favourite actors:
Tom Cruise & Russell Crowe.
You! What do you usually wear in daily life?
Casuals.
You! Your favourite designer...
Zara.

PAGE | 31
You! The biggest misconception about you...
That I’m very rude. I think I give out that vibe
when it’s actually the opposite.
You! Who’s your bestie in the industry?
Danish Nawaz.
You! Among your friends you are known as...
A shrink and a foodie.
You! Something very few people know about
you as a person...
I am very calm and composed.
You! One thing you like best about yourself...
That I can channel good and bad thoughts to
control my stress level.
You! Something that you want to change
about yourself...
I can’t say no to people.
You! What’s your most valuable possession?
My emotional control but, materialistically, I love
cars, so my Audi A5.
You! You are afraid of...
Losing people I’m close with.
You! One thing that always cheers you up...
Music.
Your idea of romance...
Nothing overboard, just something causal and
chilled out.
You! What’s your biggest turn off?
Pretentious behaviour.
You! You are crazy about...
Food.
You! If you were stranded on an island, what
are two things you’d want with you?
My cell phone and food.
You! One food that you can eat forever:
Eggs, in all forms. Also, tres leches cake, it’s al-
ways in my fridge.
You! How do you spend your Sundays?
Just chilling or go out to watch a movie.
You! Your favourite hangout:
Any food joint.
You! What advice do you have for young artists coming into the field?
Be genuine and original. The more honest you are the more you will be able to
connect with the people.
You! If you weren’t doing what you are doing today you would be...
I’ve done my MBA so probably a 9-to-5.
You! What’s next on your bucket list?
I have a film project that I’m almost signing. So, I look forward to it.

PAGE | 32
 By Nida Mohsin

Mansha Pasha
YOU & ME

Charming and talented Mansha Pasha, who has been in showbiz since six years,
is that breed of actresses who have proven their worth by their sheer acting skills.
Mansha, who holds a bachelors degree in media, started her career with ‘Zinda-
gi Gulzar Hai’ and soon rose to stardom owing to her powerful performances in
different plays. Born in Hyderabad to parents who are doctors, Mansha shifted to
Karachi for higher studies. “Actually I started working as a line producer after my
bachelors. And then I switched to acting,” informs Mansha. This brainy actress has
also directed videos on social issues, especially related to women. “My stint with
MD Productions as a producer groomed me. I have always kept the director in
me alive, right from my student life,” says Mansha. To date, Mansha has done two
films and loosely 15 dramas. These days Mansha is busy promoting her upcoming
film, ‘Laal Kabootar’ and shooting for drama ‘Surkh Chandni’. Let’s see what are
the likes and dislikes of this stylish actress...

PAGE | 33
What are your most memorable drama serials to-date?
‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’, ‘Mohabbat Subh ka Sitara’,
‘Mera Naam Yousuf Hai’.
Is acting your passion or just a time pass? Or
a way of making money?
Definitely a passion but having a passion that
makes you financially stable as well is a bonus.
Your favourite international labels...
Zara, Kurt Geiger and Chloe.
What do you usually wear in daily life?
Jeans and a tee.
What is one thing you cannot do without?
Perfume.
One thing you like best about yourself
I keep trying.
Your favourite co-star:
Sami Khan.
Your most irritating habit:
Being forgetful.
You don’t like people who are...
Rude or arrogant.
You are afraid of...
Being stagnant.
Facebook, Twitter or Instagram?
Instagram.
What is your favourite thing to do on a Sat-
urday Night?
Just chill with friends, watch a movie or go for
dinner.
What is your favourite thing in your closet
right now?
My jeans.
What are your healthy habits?
I try to stay positive and happy.
Happiness is...
A state of mind.
Your most valuable possession:
My loved ones.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Sakura, Pompeii.
Your all time favourite movie:
‘Lion King’ & ‘A Separation’.
Are you shopaholic?
Not really but I do shop.
What bores you the most?
People who don’t move on in life and keep go-
ing on about the past.

PAGE | 34
When feeling low you prefer:
Junk food.
You are crazy about...
Travelling.
Among your friends you are known as..
The sensible one.
Are you a social person or a loner?
Depends on my mood.
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
At home.
What’s your favourite breakfast food?
Paratha and omelette or sunny side up with toast-
ed bread.
Your beauty regimen:
Eating small portions, exfoliating and using sun
block
What’s your favourite holiday destination?
Rome and Paris though London is one city I visit
the most.
If you had access to a time machine which era
would you revisit?
1950s but only for a bit.
Which superstar do you envy the most?
Emily blunt. I want her career. Love her.
Song that always gets you on the dance floor?
New Rules by Dua Lipa.
What’s the last thing you bought?
Shoes.
What books are on your bedside table?
Currently none. Reading articles nowadays not
books.
The last film that made you cry?
‘Lion’.
First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Have a cup of tea.
The most important relationship lesson I have learnt so far...
Don’t think too much and it’s only a big deal if you make it into a big deal.
You get super uncomfortable when...
People start giving me unwarranted advice about my life.
The best gift you have ever received?
Honesty.
The best thing that’s been said about you
That I am a warm person.
The biggest misconception about me...
That I am arrogant
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A nicer and more successful person.

PAGE | 35
 NOOR HASSAN
THE TIKTOK STAR
By Abeera Khan
Before stepping into the world of television, Noor Hassan started his career as a radio
jockey (RJ) on FM101. He received massive appreciation for his lead role of Peerzada
Shahaab in the mega hit drama ‘Aseer Zadi’ (2013). The drama was a huge hit, not
only in Pakistan but internationally as well and Hassan’s on-screen chemistry with
Sania Saeed was widely appreciated. Pakistani community showered him with respect
and admiration from all over the world and the actor was also given an official certif-
icate of appreciation by the Texas mayor.

Hassan received the prestigious Hum Award for his outstanding acting in Humsafar as
the main protagonist Khizer. He is also well-known for his role as the saviour Hadeed
in ‘Maat’.

‘Shanakht’ again put the spotlight on Hassan, who ably played the role of Hashim, a
character dealing with life issues in the drama serial ‘Muqaddas’ was another serial
where the actor showed his mastery.

If you follow the ‘Aseer Zadi’s star on

Instagram, you will realise the pur-
pose of this article.

Nowadays, Hassan is famous for

more than just his acting skills. Due
to his hilarious tiktok and behind the
scene funny videos of his current
project Noor accompanied by his co
stars, have turned the actor in some-
thing of a social media star.

Everybody knows the schedule of

stars is very hectic and time consum-
ing, yet Hassan seems enthusiastic
and powered to make things fun on
sets whoever we visit the actor’s In-
stagram account. Here’s hoping his
infectious energy and light hearted
mannerism influence other celebs in
the entertainment industry.

PAGE | 36
 LifeStyles
Kiran Malik on working Pinky Memsaab in Karachi. “I’d defi-
with Shaan in Zarrar nitely give credit to Shaan Shahid; he
Shaan Shahid’s next feature film, is my mentor. He picked me for his
Zarrar, that has a patriotic feel to it, film; I didn’t give an audition for it. He
is scheduled to said that he wants a normal character,
release on Au- someone who hasn’t acted before.
gust 14, 2019. He wanted a new face. There were
The upcoming days when I was like ‘I can’t do it’ so I
big-budget film had some workshops with Shaan.”
that is current- Kiran also shared that the experience
ly in the editing of both her upcoming films was quite
process stars him different and she learnt a lot from
opposite mod- both the directors.
el turned actor With a modelling career of several
Kiran Malik, who years to her name, Kiran would like
will soon be making her big screen to continue acting as well. However,
debut with Pinky Memsaab that is she says she has refused several of-
releasing next month. Though Zarrar fers lately because being a practical
will be her second film, she shot for it person, she first wants to see how the
prior to Pinky Memsaab and had her audience responds to her big screen
first experience of working in a film projects.
with it. “If audiences like my work on the big
“I never thought in my life that I would screen, then I would definitely take
act but I loved the experience,” she up more films and TV projects,” she
told Instep during the promotions of concluded.

Celebs Shocked over

Mehwish getting
Tamgha-i-Imtiaz
Many celebs have expressed shock
over the news of actress Mehwish
Hayat getting Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. They
also criticized the government for ig-
noring those artists who are actually
doing some great work for the bet-
terment of the society.
PAGE | 37
 Bollywood deliberately casts Pakistani
actors for controversial roles: Mikaal
Mikaal Zulfiqar, while narrating his own
experience, revealed how the Bollywood
film fraternity treats Pakistani artistes.

Mikaal Zulfiqar has featured in a total of four

Bollywood movies; of the four, ‘Baby’ was
his worst experience, that led to his decision
of not working across the border any more.

He denounced the Indian film industry of

deliberately casting Pakistani artistes in
controversial, negative roles and projects.

According to media reports, Zulfiqar was

quite critical of this negative aspect of Bol-
lywood that portrays the Pakistani artist in a
negative light and then leaves them to face
the music all by themselves.

He recounted his own bad experience with the movie ‘Baby’ which was
both anti-Islam and anti-Pakistan, inquiring on both counts to which he
was affirmed of nothing of the sort.

But after the release, he was utterly disappointed at the negative conno-
tations and decided against working in Indian film industry. “As I wasn’t
in the first half of the film, I had no idea about the script and only learned
about the anti-Pakistan thing when the film released. After that, I decid-
ed to work only in Pakistan rather than in Bollywood as we do not have
any respect there,” he added.

He also reprimanded India for Veena Malik’s controversial photoshoot,

for which the actress had to bear the brunt of criticism.

The actor further said that he was a proud Pakistani who prefers working
in his home country, where he is loved and respected by his fans.

Zulfiqar’s movie ‘Sher Dil’ is all set to hit the Pakistani cinemas on Friday.

PAGE | 38
 Lollywood legend Mohammad Ali
remembered on 13th death anniversary
Lollywood legend and one of Pakistani cinema’s greatest heroes,
Mohammad Ali passed away on March 19, 2006. As yesterday
marked his 13th death anniversary, the ‘Shahenshah-e-Jazbaat’
(The Emperor of Emotions) was celebrated in an intimate cere-
mony attended by his contemporaries, students and renowned
film personalities
alike.

Having gained
fame in the golden
era of the 1960s,
the artist ruled
showbiz for more
than three de-
cades. Therefore,
in a career span-
ning over 30 years,
Ali churned out
multiple block-
buster films, even-
tually owning the
spot amongst the
25 best actors of
the Asian film in-
dustry.

Ali was a versatile

actor. He starred
in more than 250
Urdu and Punjabi films and appeared in a wide variety of roles –
romantic, villainous and comical. He kicked off his acting career
in 1962 with the film Chiragh Jalta Raha but his breakthrough
was from the 1964 hits Khamosh Raho and Khandan. He almost
always played the role of a hero (94 films), starting from 1963’s
Shararat to Aaj Ki Raat in 1983.
PAGE | 39
“The era of Mohammad Ali was the golden pe-
riod of Lollywood. He was amongst the people
who did a lot for the local film industry. He was
talented and known for his solid acting. For oth-
ers, Ali was a source of guidance. He worked
with big actors and actresses of his time and
never let anyone down,” senior film director Al-
taf Hussain told The Express Tribune.
He worked with leading stars of his time including Madam Noor
Jehan, Shamim Ara, Sultan Rahi and Waheed Murad. Not to for-
get, he was also married to one of the most renowned heroines
of the time, Zeba. And, together they were one of Lollywood’s
most sought-after couples.

Born on April 1, 1931, Ali and his family moved to Pakistan fol-
lowing Partition. He lived in Karachi for a few years and soon
shifted to Lahore, claiming he saw a bright future for his work
in the Walled City. “Mohammad Ali was a beautiful personality.
Every heroine wished to work with him. He shifted to Lahore
because it was the hub of film-making at the time. He was a no-
ble man who helped everyone around him. For this reason, Mo-
hammad Ali’s name still makes the film industry proud,” stated
actor Durdana Rahman.

A 10-time Nigar award winner, Ali was also presented the Pride
of Performance Award in 1984. “Mohammad Ali did a lot of char-
ity work for the welfare of the artist community. He established
the Ali Zaib foundation while he was at the peak of his career
and always supported poor actors. Today, we all remember him
fondly, miss him and pray for him every day,” mentioned actor
Shiba Butt.

PAGE | 40
Patriotic telefilm ‘Laal’ to release
on Pakistan Day
Haseeb Hassan, director par excellence, after giving us
blockbuster television serials like ‘Nannhi’, ‘Diyar-e-Dil’,
‘Mann Mayal’ and the 2018 hit feature film ‘Parwaz Hai
Junoon’, has launched his own production house Ham-
dan Films and has confirmed that the much awaited tele-
film ‘Laal’ will be the first project for his newly launched
production house.

Penned by acclaimed writer

Umera Ahmed, ‘Laal’ has been
produced and directed by Ha-
seeb Hassan and features a stel-
lar star cast that includes Kubra
Khan, Gohar Rasheed and Iffat
Umer in pivotal roles

Based on a story around the life

of an officer of Pakistan Navy,
‘Laal’ is made as a television
film which will be telecasted, as
a Pakistan Day’s special telefilm.
Penned by the acclaimed writer
Umera Ahmed, ‘Laal’ has been
produced and directed by Haseeb Hassan and features a
stellar star cast including Bilal Abbas Khan, Kubra Khan,
Gohar Rasheed, Iffat Umer, Rasheed Naz, Saleem Mairaj,
Sidra Niazi, Adnan Shah Tipu and Adnan Jaffar in pivotal
roles.

‘Laal’ is a presentation of Motion Content Group and

Hamdan Films and produced with support of the Pakistan
Navy.
PAGE | 41
 BILAL ABBAS KHAN’S
AVATAR AS A NAVY OFFICER
MAKES AN IMPRESSION
Aisha Ahmed
Bilal Abbas Khan seems to once
again become talk of the town
stealing all the spotlight so far
this year with so many different
onscreen characters and epic
performances in each.
We have seen him transform
from a helpless man to a beast
in ‘Balaa’ and we’ve seen him
play a mysterious character in
‘Cheekh’. Frankly, with his act-
ing calibre seen in ‘Cheekh’, we
thought we’ve seen the best of him but with the release of ‘Laal’ teaser, Bilal Abbas
Khan has proven that there’s a lot more to see and a lot more to appreciate about
him.
So what is Bilal doing in ‘Laal’?
‘Laal’ is a telefilm that pays tribute to Pakistan’s Navy and Bilal is playing the role
of a Navy officer in it. The teaser of ‘Laal’ shows a fisherman and his wife with two
boys – Yousaf and Behram. Yousaf is his father’s favourite while the other struggles
for affection.
‘Laal’ is a telefilm that pays tribute to Pakistan’s Navy and Bilal is playing the role of
a Navy officer in it
Young Behram grows up to be the character of Bilal, a navy officer who’s willing to
risk it all for his country even if it means his own life.
Bilal is definitely one of a kind actor who chooses very different roles that give
him a challenge to work with. Choosing the character of Behram had a different
emotion for Bilal as he felt proud doing this character which can show his love and
affection for those who serve the country with their lives.
To play a character that makes him proud and excited at the same time is the rea-
son we see him play Behram effortlessly and this is also the reason why everyone
is looking forward to watching it.
Bilal has the whole Internet going crazy about him.
Since the release of ‘Laal’ teaser, fans have hit the Internet to express their thoughts.
For many, the only reason they’ll be watching ‘Laal’ is because Bilal’s in it and I can’t
agree more to it.

PAGE | 42
 SHAAN READS OUT GHALIB’S
POETRY TO EXPRESS HIS LOVE
FOR PAKISTAN
Actor and filmmaker ShaanShahid, who is considered as the A-lister of Lollywood
has never hid his feelings for Pakistan and has always expressed his patriotism
through word and action.
With Pakistan Day just around the corner, ShaanShahid took to social media to
show his passion and love for Pakistan.
He posted on Instagram one of Mirza Ghalib’s poetic genius, describing his resolve
to lay his life for the country if such a time ever comes, as he’s not one of those
whose “blood just pumps through his veins, while his country is need of a sacrifice”.
“With all due respect to Mirza Ghalib, a thought that describes my love for Paki-
stan, Pakistan Zindabad,” he added.
Ghalib, born Mirza AsadullahBaig Khan, was a prominent Urdu and Persian-lan-
guage poet during the last years of the Mughal Empire. He used his pen-names
of Ghalib and Asad. His honourific was DabirulMulk, NajmudDaula. During his life-
time, the Mughals were
eclipsed and displaced
by the British and final-
ly deposed following the
defeat of the Indian re-
bellion of 1857, events
that he described. Most
notably, he wrote sever-
al ghazals during his life,
which have since been
interpreted and sung in
many different ways by
different people. Ghalib,
the last great poet of the
Mughal Era, is considered
to be one of the most fa-
mous and influential poet
of the Urdu and Persian
languages. Today, Ghalib
remains popular not only
in India and Pakistan but
also among the Hindu-
stani diaspora around the
world.

PAGE | 43
 MEHWISH HAYAT TO BE AWARDED
‘TAMGHA-E-IMTIAZ’ ON MARCH 23
Mehwish Hayat is to be awarded Tamgha-e-Imtiaz by
President ArifAlvi on Pakistan Day for her contribution in
Pakistani cinema, Business Standard reports.
Mehwish will be awarded Tamgha-e-Imtiaz at a ceremo-
ny held yearly on the occasion Pakistan Day on March
23. Every year civil awards are conferred on individuals
for their excellence in various fields of activities at the
investiture ceremony.
Mehwish is one of the most sought actress of Pakistani
entertainment industry. She recently gave an amazing
performance in 2018 ‘Load Wedding’, which is still mak-
ing waves ever since its release on Eid-ul-Fitr last year.
She will be now seen in Wajahat Rauf’s ‘Chhalawa’ the film which will also star Az-
farRehman, Zara Noor Abbas, Asad Siddiqui, AshirWajahat and Mehmood Aslam in
pivotal roles. It will hit theatres on Eid-ul-Fitr.
Meanwhile other than Mehwish, few more stars from the Pakistan’s film and TV
industry have been chosen to be given awards on 23rd March, Pakistan Day. Actor
Reema Khan, Shabbir Jan and Babara Sharif will be given ‘pride of performance
awards’. The ‘Nishan-i-Imtiaz’ would be awarded to philanthropist Shoaib Sultan
Khan in the field of public service. The ceremony of these awards would take place
on March 23, a Cabinet Division press release said on Saturday.

AYESHA OMAR AWARDED WITH

TAMGHA-E-FAKHR-E-PAKISTAN AWARD
Acclaimed television actress and host Ayesha Omar was awarded
with the Tamgha-e-Fakhr-e-Pakistan by the Warsi International
Organisation (WIO).
WIO is an arts and culture collective that works on education,
music, performing arts, radio broadcasting and design initiatives.
The award was presented to the actress by WIO Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) Usama Khan Warsi, Mirza IshtiaqBaig and Danish
Mushtaq.
Upon receiving the award, the actress said, “Thank you WIO Usama Khan Warsi
and IshtiaqBaig for awarding me with this recognition of my hard work and efforts
in the past 10 years for the progress of the Pakistani media industry and for us-
ing my voice and services to support social causes and issues that I feel strongly
about. I hope I can continue to do my country proud, nationally and international-
ly. My heartiest congratulations to my amazing, inspiring and hard working fellow
awardees and recipients. I cannot thank you all enough. I have learnt so much for
each and every one of you, over the years and you have inspired me to carry on
and keep believing in myself even when it was tough to do so. I could not be more
grateful for all of you in my life and for the award/medal. Sending out love and
gratitude back to all of you, my social media family and friends for supporting and
appreciating me and helping me stand where I am today. I love you all so much.”

PAGE | 44
 HAREEM TO REPRESENT PAKISTAN IN PARIS
ALONGSIDE TOP INTERNATIONAL HAIRDRESSERS

One of the world’s leading beauty companies, L’Oreal is celebrating its 110 years
of association with top hairdressers from all over the world, in the global capital of
fashion and lifestyle, Paris from March 22-27, 2019.
This year, L’Oreal Professionnel Spokesperson Hareem Farooq is set to attend the
brand’s 110th anniversary on Sunday in Paris.
L’Oreal Professionnel hosted an intimate meet and greet at the L’Oreal Profes-
sionnel Academy in Karachi where Hareem Farooq educated the attendees on her
upcoming journey to Paris along with the importance it holds in representing Pa-
kistan on an international platform. Also in attendance were representatives from
leading fashion and lifestyle magazines and publications. L’Oreal Pakistan Chief Ex-
ecutive Officer Muharaf Hai was also present along with the top tier management
of L’Oreal Professionnel as they wished Farooq the best for her upcoming journey.
“L’Oreal Professionnel is always committed to set beauty standards ahead of the
curve which it has now completed over a century doing so. This year we are very
proud to announce that our very own spokesperson Farooq will be representing
our country in Paris while celebrating L’Oreal’s 110th anniversary,” L’Oreal Profes-
sionnel Product Division General Manager Salman Amjad said, while officially an-
nouncing this milestone.
To officially announce this historic moment, Farooq said, ‘It is an incredible honour
for me to be representing Pakistan at L’Oreal’s 110th anniversary. Looking forward
to a celebratory three days!’
To officially announce this historic moment at the meet and greet, Farooq said, “It
is an incredible honour for me to be representing Pakistan at L’Oreal’s 110th anni-
versary as L’Oreal Professionnel celebrates 110 years in Paris this March. Looking
forward to a celebratory three days!”
Farooq’s excursion will be a three-day affair, during which she will meet L’Oreal
Professionnel Products Division President Nathalie Roos. She will also attend the
Défilé La French event with a unique hair fashion show featuring international hair
stylists and live musical performances, besides her engagements with noteworthy
L’Oreal representatives, stylists and influencers.

PAGE | 45
 JAMI IN LEGAL TROUBLE
An anonymous letter by a 19-year-old actress, has
led to two famous directors to stand against each
other, even though the details provided in the letter
are yet, unclear.
Lahooti Melo Co-Organiser Saif Samejo received an
anonymous letter from an actress. She wrote saying
that in 2016, she had become a victim of a director.
Saif Samejo immediately resigned from his position,
only confiding in Jamshed Jami, after he forced him
to give his reason. Jami read the letter out in public
and in the aftermath, found Sohail Javed taking him
to court for doing so. What is the reason remains un-
clear, since the victim never stated any name.
Her letter simply states, “There are other young girls too and they feel as helpless
and hopeless as I did when I went through this abuse. And he has not stopped.
He continues. Many others like him feel more powerful because survivors like me
are quiet. I could not stay quiet anymore. The people whom this concerns, by now,
must have figured his name out by the details I have provided above. It is upon
them to show their integrity, exclude sexual predators like him from their social
circles and discourage this behaviour by not subscribing to their art again.”
The reason why SohailJaved took this immediate action still remains the missing
piece in the puzzle, since Jami hadn’t taken any names when reading the letter out.
What made Javed think it was addressed to him? Or was there any other reason for
this action?
Jami, while talking to media said that he believed, “truth shall prevail”.

MIKAAL ZULFIQAR
CONFESSES TO HAVING
A CRUSH ON MAHIRA
One of the most loved Pakistani ac-
tors Mikaal Zulfiqar is currently making
waves around the Internet and is all over
the news these days because of his up-
coming film ‘Sherdil’. Besides his acting
skills, one more thing that is making his
fans go gaga over him is his unique persona. However recently, the actor is mak-
ing headlines yet again when he revealed his crush publicly for the very first time.
Yes, you read it right! ‘Sherdil’ starring Armeena Rana Khan is all set to be released
today (Saturday) and he got a shoutout from his “crush” actress Mahira Khan. The
actor took to his Instagram account and shared Mahira Khan’s shout out with the
caption, “When your crush sends you this. @mahirahkhan ab aap ne kehdiatou hit
ho jaegi. Sweetest person I know! #Sherdil the wait is over.”

PAGE | 46
 JAMAL RAHMAN ON By Maheen
Sabeeh
SCORING FOR BAAJI
When he’s not co-producing a Billboard top-chart friendly electronic song like
‘Resistance’ on Nescafe Basement, Jamal Rahman is also running True Brew
TV that features artists of all kinds, particularly ones who are not deemed ei-
ther meritorious enough or popular enough to be invited by other platforms.
In between all this, Jamal Rahman is also a music producer with a strong fo-
cus on producing music for films. He’s been involved with Manto, the Sarmad
Khoosat film and an online film, Oye Kuch Kar Guzar.
Baaji, Saqib Malik’s upcoming debut fea-
ture film, is in some ways, Jamal’s most
mainstream project yet. With an all-star
cast that features, among others, Meera
ji and Amna Ilyas, Instep asked Jamal
what he is doing in terms of scoring for
the film with such prominent actors to
create sound for - as we are learning
slowly that background score is as im-
portant as the music of any film. It rep-
resents the unsaid and helps building
the narrative when done right.
Speaking to Instep about Baaji, Jamal
explained how he’s creating the score
for the film. “I received the film a couple
of weeks ago,” began Jamal, and contin-
ued, “I’ve been working on it since then.”
Jamal noted further, “I was writing some
ideas down, composing things and getting ready to compose but now that
the film is here, I am composing one song for it and the background score;
just kind of working day and night to make sure… you see it’s the third score
I’m doing. The first one was Manto and I was in a very different place and
Manto is a very sensitive film. My input in The Reluctant Fundamentalist was
more of an engineer so Manto was the first and was about the inner turmoil
of the characters on screen.”
“Baaji is a completely different beast; it’s a fast-moving drama, there’s a lot of
movement, lots of characters, sort of interweaving plots and things. So, with
Manto I wrote a new piece of music for every scene that came out. The first
half is different and the second half is different. I enjoy the process of scoring
so every time a new character comes onscreen, there is a theme associated
to that person.”

PAGE | 47
Jamal reiterated that though Meera ji is an actor and an individual, the score
in Baaji is about her character and not her as a real-life person. “I’m not see-
ing her onscreen as Meera, I’m seeing her as a character she’s playing. Part
of the job is disassociating with the person off-screen for the character on-
screen. And read between the lines, all the emotions and exchanges. I’m kind
of removed from the things you read about Meera in the media or any of the
actors in the film, for that matter. I’m not looking at scoring about their life
outside. I’m kind of in the bubble that way.”
Jamal admitted that though he is also doing one song for the soundtrack, he
cannot speak about it except to say that it is a rendition of an old song and is
a contemporary take on it.

ALI ZAFAR SHARES SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR

PAKISTAN THROUGH NEW ‘MILINAGHMA’

The whole nation is abuzz with celebra-

tions for Pakistan Day today, including
the world of entertainment. While some
celebrities are sharing special messages
in honour of Pakistan, others are post-
ing pictures of them celebrating with
their loved ones.
Singer Ali Zafar has also shared a spe-
cial message, but in his own way. The
Channo crooner actually did what he
does best and released a brand new
song titled Jaan De Den Ge yesterday,
in light of March 23.
The introduction shows Ali dramatical-
ly walking on the roof of a building with pink skies in the backdrop. This is
followed by glimpses of various things that make up Pakistan: the flag, the
streets, the architecture and so on.
“Dekh, yeh des mera (Look at my nation). Issdhartikiharada, pemainfida (I
am in love with everything about this land), “Tereliye, apnihaihardua (All my
prayers are for you). Rakhnasambhaalkar, o mere Khuda (God, please keep it
safe),” Ali begins.
The lead up to the chorus is… shaky (for lack of a better word) and sounds
somewhat flat, purely from a technical point of view. However, the chorus
more than makes up for it. “Jaan de den ge, tereliye, yehjism o jaansabhi, ter-
eliye (We will render our lives for you! My life and body, all are devoted for
you).”

PAGE | 48
The visuals carry on with
the theme of showing
the various aspects of
the country including
the natural landscapes,
the busy roads and the
different types of peo-
ple – all ages, all sects,
all cultures, all races,
all religions, all classes
and all professions. The
video features a num-
ber of soldiers as well
and ‘Motorcycle Girl’
Zenith Irfan also makes
a special appearance.

You can truly see the patriotic spirit and passion in Ali’s eyes throughout the
song. The video ends with a special message from him: “The only thing worth
fighting for… is peace.”

Ali also shared a deep thought or two during the media launch of the song.
“Pakistan is very important to us since it is facing a situation which calls for
unity. Our future will be decided from here. In fact, it has been decided,” Ex-
press News quoted him as saying.

“The entire nation stood with the Pakistani army in the conditions that arose
recently. We are emerging as a nation,” he continued. “As an artist, it is my re-
sponsibility to do something that revives passion and brings peace to my na-
tion. Since that would lead to prosperity in the lives of our people since there
are millions living a life of poverty.” Ali went on to explain that he decided to
make Jaan De Den Ge because “peace is a guarantor of prosperity.”

Lauding the efforts of Pakistan Army, the Chan Ve singer maintained that the
army has rendered numerous sacrifices for Pakistan. “No one can defeat us
if we stay united in passion. We are united for peace and give a message of
peace to the world.”

ISPR releases ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ anthem ahead of March 23

Ali also recalled Prime Minister Imran Khan’s speech for peace, reminding
everyone that it was lauded across the globe. He added that it is his own
responsibility to do good work and refrain from doing anything that could
bring a bad name to Pakistan. “I cannot comment on artists who remained
silent on the occasion.” He urged the people to extend their support to Paki-
stan and the Pakistani army.

PAGE | 49
REEMA, MEHWISH, BABRA AND SAJJAD
ALI RECEIVE TOP GOVERNMENT
HONOURS
The government of Pakistan hon-
oured scriptwriter Nasir Adib with
the presidential award of Pride of
Performance. Nasir Adib is cred-
ited with conceiving the classic
‘MaulaJutt’ of 1979 and holds the
world record for highest number
of scripts made into movies.
With more than 400 films credited
to his name until date, Adib has
been conferred with numerous
awards including National Award,
Nigar Award, Graduate Award, Bolan Award, Asian Cultural Award and others. He
wrote the play “JanamJanamkiMailiChaadar” that ran for 1,000 shows straight, an-
other record. Most of his film songs have been sung by the late Madam Noor Jehan.
With an experience of over 50 years, Adib has teamed up with Pakistan’s biggest
and most expensive film until date, ‘The Legend of MaulaJatt’, that stars the fourth
generation of film stars Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Mahira Khan and Humaima
Malik. Along with writing the dialogues for this mega Eid release, Adib has also
co-written the story with director Bilal Lashari.
Adib’s scripts were instrumental in the success of many silver screen icons of Paki-
stan such as Sultan Rahi, Mustafa Qureshi, Nadeem, Agha Talish, Rafi Nanna, Javed
Shaikh, Shaan and Reema.
His famous franchise of ‘MaulaJatt’ and NooriNatt movies that have been written
for many producers in Pakistan has given him immense fame and a prominent name
not only in Paki-
stan but all over
the world amongst
Urdu, Hindi and
Punjabi speaking
audiences.
He is the only film
writer in Pakistan
who has worked
with four genera-
tions of Pakistani
film industry su-
perstars including

PAGE | 50
icons from the ’60s and ’70s, Sudhur and Muhammad Ali. Furthermore, Adib has
also worked with second and third generation stars Sultan Rahi, Mustafa Qureshi,
Nadeem and Shan, Muammar Rana and Reema.
His upcoming film ‘The Legend of MaulaJatt’, slated for an Eid release is expected
to be a record breaker since the teaser trailer, released in December, has already
become the most viewed Pakistani movie trailer online.
Pakistan Day has been celebrated with great passion, zeal and enthusiasm. Celebri-
ties were awarded in the light of their contributions in their respective associations.
Artistes and sports legends have been bestowed with the highest accolades in ap-
preciation of their rigorous performances on Pakistan Resolution Day.
Reema Khan was awarded with the Pride of Performance Award.
Mehwish Hayat received the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) for her contri-
bution in film and television.
Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) was also awarded to the legend Babra Sharif,
who ruled the film industry in her heydays.
Sajjad Ali was bestowed with Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Sajjad Ali has given Pakistanis numer-
ous melodious tunes to hum and reminisce. The iconic pop singer with his songs
ranging from “Cinderella” to “Teri yaadsatandi” has entertained us through his wide
range of pop and classical music.
Expressing his gratitude after receiving such an honour, humbled Sajjad Ali dedi-
cated it to all his fans.
“I dedicate this to all of my fans,” he posted on his social media.
The Swing Kings WasimAkram and WaqarYounis were awarded with Hilal-i-Imtiaz
(Crescent of Excellence).
Yasir Shah was also honoured on the occasion with Sitara-i-Imtiaz.
Actor Ifikhar Thakur was awarded with the Pride of Performance Award.

PAGE | 51
 ALI ZAFAR WINS THE
MUSIC ICON OF THE
GENERATION AWARD
Singer and actor Ali Zafar has been
awarded the Music Icon of the Gener-
ation Award by Shaan-e-Pakistan Musi-
cal Achievement Awards.
Ali Zafar, while bagging the Music Icon of the Generation award appre-
ciated the event and the artists who have made the event a success.
Ali Zafar, while bagging the Music Icon of the Generation award appre-
ciated the event and the artists who made it a success. Fariha Parvez,
Aima Baig and Jawad Bashir also performed at the ceremony
A two-day event held in Lahore celebrated many artists with perfor-
mances by Fariha Parvez, Aima Baig and Jawad Bashir which were the
highlight of the event.

AHMAD ALI BUTT TO HOST THE NEXT

SEASON OF ‘DESI KURRIYAN’
‘Desi Kurriyan’ has been a staple on ARY
Digital for many years. It was hosted
by Waqar Zaka in the very start. Even
Qandeel Baloch starred in one of the
seasons. Many other actresses like Laila
have also been on the show. It’s time
for the seventh season of ‘Desi Kurri-
yan’ and we will be seeing Ahmad Ali
Butt as the host of the show.
It’s being shot in Nankana Sahib and
Ahmad has been posting some inter-
esting pictures from there.
Ahmad also visited Nankana Sahib’s
Gurdwara and posted pictures from his
trip.

PAGE | 52
 SHAAN CONGRATULATES BABRA SHARIF
ON RECEIVING SITARA-I-IMTIAZ
Legendary actress Babra Sharif was conferred with Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star
of Excellence) at the Pakistan Day ceremony held on Saturday.
An investiture ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr where President Arif
Alvi conferred civil awards to individuals demonstrating feats in differ-
ent fields of science and arts.
At least 171 personalities, including some foreigners, were selected for
this year’s awards.

Among several artists, Babra Sharif was conferred with one of the high-
est civil awards for her contribution to Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
Punjab Governor Muhammad Sarwar conferred the award to Sharif.
Sharif was one of the most deserving recipients of the award as he has
given her whole life to Pakistani cinema.
Several celebrities have been congratulating the acclaimed actress for
the achievement.
Actor Shaan Shahid also took to Twitter to extend wishes to Sharif upon
receiving the award. He thanked the actress for serving the nation with
her craft for 50 years. “My heartiest congratulations on a truly well de-
served award. Thank you Babra Ji for serving the nation for 50 years with
your craft,” he posted.

PAGE | 53
 SAHEEFA JABBAR TO
PLAY SABOOR ALY’S
MOTHER IN HER NEXT,
DAAG
By Maria Shirazi

Model turned actress, Saheefa Jabbar Khat-

tak, who made her acting debut last year
with TV serial Teri Meri Kahani alongside
Azfar Rehman and was last seen in recently
concluded drama serial Beti, is all geared
up for her upcoming project.
Titled Daag, the play is directed by Mohsin
Mirza and written by Ali Moeen, and fea-
tures Saheefa Jabbar, Saboor Aly and Affan
Waheed in lead roles.
“The play is about the continuous struggle of a girl, Aimen, who makes a mis-
take in her young age and has to bear the brunt later,” Saheefa, who prefers
roles that are challenging and empower women, told Instep about her charac-
ter in Daag. “You will see me playing young to old – in the first seven to eight
episodes I will essay the character of a young, teenage girl and later a woman
who is in her late 30s.”
“I play Saboor Aly’s mother in this play, which highlights the bond of a mother
and daughter and how she puts in efforts to provide her daughter with the
best of everything,” she added.
Talking about how difficult it is to pull off such a character, Saheefa said, “It is
definitely very challenging as my acting career is still in its initial stages with
only two plays to my credit. I’ve always said that I don’t want to do typical
roles and though it is quite challenging playing a mother to Saboor, who is so
talented and experienced as compared to me, I am thoroughly enjoying the
experience.”
The actress, who is currently shooting for Daag, shared, “To be honest, I didn’t
do much homework to portray such a difficult role, but I have observed my
mother-in-law and my mom and I’m just trying to portray that in the drama.”
Daag has an all-star cast including Saba Hamid, Nadia Afgan and Kashif
Mehmood besides Saheefa, Saboor and Affan. The play will go on air later
this year.

PAGE | 54
 MEHWISH HAYAT HITS BACK
AT TROLL, SLAMS HATERS
Lahore -Pakistani Actress Mehwish Hayat has been derided and trolled by
social media user for
being deliberated with
the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz
this week.

Speaking about the

controversy, the Pun-
jab Nahi Jaungi star
took to twitter and
wrote: “Debate all you
like whether you think
I deserve the award.
Everyone is entitled
to their opinions. I
respect that. How-
ever, I draw the line
when my character is
questioned. I’ve been
called a tawaif, a sl*t,
a wh**e and much
more so often that it has stopped affecting me.”

She continued, “I never wanted to make this a gender thing but it is un-
fortunate that others seem to be. To suggest that I slept my way to this
award is an abhorrent slur on all the hard working women in our country.”

Hayat went on, “We may be part of an industry that is seen to be glam-
orous but it doesn’t mean that we have forsaken our morals. What gives
anybody the right to drag my name into the gutter. You don’t know me!”
She concluded, “Thank you to all the supporters and also to all the hat-
ers, it has only made me stronger. Last couple weeks have been quite an
eye-opener for me.”

PAGE | 55
 RUNA LAILA’S GRANDSON AARON ISLAM
SETS THE INTERNET ON FIRE WITH HIS
SONG ABOUT HIS SPLIT PARENTS
By Seerat Kamran

Runa Laila is a famous playback singer who before the Bangladesh and Paki-
stani partition sung many songs for the Pakistani film industry. Laila is known
for her popular song ‘Mera
Babu Chhail Chabeela’ and
‘Dil Dhadhke Main Tum Say’
are songs many still jam to.
Laila isn’t the only one in
the house with great vo-
cals, her 11-year-old grand-
son Aaron Islam aka AL, has
stormed the internet with
his vocals.
The 11-year old sung a song
based on his parents split,
in which he asked them
to not fight and to make
things right. Aaron wrote
the song to show solidarity
with other kids who have to
go through their parent’s divorce.
Al said in an interview with BBC Asia, that there ‘there is no such thing as
perfect in a family’ and how ‘parents have their ups and downs’. He further
claimed that ‘every bad thing turns into a good thing and every good thing
turns into a bad thing – that’s just life’, For an eleven-year-old saying some-
thing like this must have been really difficult.
Being the grandson of Runa, AL stated that ‘music runs in the family,’ as his
grandmother is the legendary singer, who also influenced Aaron to pursue
music.
The music video did not only feature Aaron but also his elder brother Zain as
well. Both the brothers aimed to help other children going through this by
singing this song.

PAGE | 56
 SANAM BALOCH IS THE LATEST
CELEBRITY TO EMBRACE TIK TOK
With more than one
billion downloads, Tik
Tok has emerged as
one of the most pop-
ular smartphone apps
of the year 2018 and
the magic has even en-
tered the year 2019.
A huge number of us-
ers are becoming so-
cial media celebrities
thanks to the many
options the app pro-
vides and its popular-
ity across other social
media platforms.
Now it seems that our top celebrities too are embracing the trend and
are making Tik Tok videos. After Mehwish Hayat and Noor Hassan, ac-
tress and morning show host Sanam Baloch too started sharing her Tik
Tok videos on Instagram.
Known for her innocent looks, the ‘Teri Raza’ actress’s videos are trending
on the popular photo/video sharing app soon after she posted it.
Earlier this year, A-list actress Mehwish Hayat too posted a Tik Tok video
on her Instagram profile and needless to say, it went viral.
“Getting a hang of Tik Tok madness!” wrote the ‘Dillagi’ actress while
posting the video in which she is lip-syncing a Kareena Kapoor dialogue
from the Bollywood blockbuster ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’.
The actress can be seen lip-syncing Poo’s dialogues alongside two make-
up artists Bryan William and Arbash Malik. She jokingly described the
duo as her “partners in crime”.
And who does not know Noor Hassan!

PAGE | 57
 ‘CHHALA-
WA’ TEASER
PROMISES A
FUN-FILLED
ROMANTIC
COMEDY IN
THE WORKS

KARACHI: The teaser of Mehwish Hayat-starrer Chhalawa has been re-

leased and it’s time to get ready for a cheesy, fun-filled love story. The
Punjab Nahi Jaungi actor took to Instagram to share the clip with a cap-
tion that read, “The teaser of my upcoming movie Chhalawa is out… fall
in love this Eidul Fitr!”
Chhalawa stars Azfar Rehman, Zara Noor Abbas, Asad Siddiqui, Ashir
Wajahat, Mahmood Aslam and Adnan Shah Tipu alongside Hayat. The
teaser begins with the cast dancing up a storm clad in vibrant attires at
a wedding.
The title song has been played in the backdrop which sets the mood for
the whole teaser. The cast also gets to show off their dance moves to this
track which will have you up and on your feet in no time. Additionally, the
clip also shows us a glimpse of what seems like an item number by Hayat.
Snippets within the video show the various characters and their person-
alities. Rehman is seen sneaking into Hayat’s room through her bedroom
window while Abbas is shown as a carefree, happy-go-lucky girl.
The teaser depicts Hayat dealing with the struggles she faces, first by
trying to hang herself with her dupatta and then burning letters as she’s
left wearing a bridal ensemble.
Overall, Chhalawa‘s teaser gives us just the right amount of insight into
the array of emotions showcased within the film – from love and joy
to tears and heartbreak. However, even though it seems to have much
depth, the film still remains a light-hearted romantic comedy, we believe.
The film, which is directed, written and produced by Wajahat Rauf will hit
cinemas this coming Eid.
PAGE | 58
 AHAD RAZA MIR ON RETURNING
TO CALGARY TO PLAY HAMLET
Since Ahad Raza Mir returned to Pakistan from Canada approximately
three years ago, there has been no looking back. He has been riding high
on success, starting from TV drama serial Sammi in which he made a cameo
to Yakeen Ka Safar with which he won millions of hearts and also bagged
an award. Presently essaying one of the protagonists, Jameel, in Moham-
mad Ehteshamuddin’s period drama Aangan, Ahad recently returned to
Calgary to take the titular role of Hamlet in Vertigo Theatre’s Hamlet: A
Ghost Story.
“It’s really nice
because you
leave one place
and you think
that place will
forget you but
they didn’t,”
Ahad shared in
an interview with
Global News
Morning Calgary.
“I was called back
to play a lot of roles I wanted to take on, but couldn’t, and the calls would
keep coming. That means that I still have a home here. People think of
me enough to go, ‘Hey, let’s give him a call and see if he wants to play a
role. This time, for Hamlet, it worked.”
Ahad brings a vast theatre experience with him before he stepped into
Pakistan’s entertainment industry. “I think me coming back is less profes-
sional and more personal,” he added. “I wanted to return to the stage, I
haven’t been on it in so long.”
Hamlet has been performed multiple times onstage with different inter-
pretations since it was originally produced in 1602. Speaking of essaying
the role of a significant character with historical ties, Ahad said, “I’m fig-
uring it out as the process goes and I probably won’t figure it out until
halfway through the show. Our adaptation is unique because we’re play-
ing with a horror element.”

PAGE | 59
 RAHAT FATEH ALI KHAN TO BE CONFERRED
HONORARY DEGREE BY OXFORD UNIVERSITY
Oxford University has an-
nounced to confer an honorary
degree to the Pakistani singer
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
He will be awarded the degree
in recognition to his invaluable
services to the music field. The
event will be held on June 26.
The honourary degree will be
awarded to seven others for
their invaluable services in re-
spective disciplines.
According to the Oxford Uni-
versity management, Khan
was born into a family which
has become the recognition of
South Asian music. He began studying music at the age of seven and has
released over 50 albums till date.
The annual event, known as Encaenia, the O Re Piya singer will receive
this honour by the university in London. Khan will be introduced as a
“Pakistani singer, primarily of Qawwali, a devotional music of the Muslim
Sufis.”
“Born into a family whose name has become synonymous with South
Asian musical tradition, he began formal training at the age of seven
and has since released more than fifty albums, performed in numerous
high-profile concerts across the world, and amassed a global following,
achieving over one billion views online,” a statement by the university
reads.
It further stated, “He has sung more than fifty title tracks of television
serials and over one hundred film songs in both Hollywood and Bolly-
wood.”
Khan has performed at numerous concerts across the world. He has also
been a playback singer for Pakistani, Bollywood, Hollywood movies and
sung title songs for 50 serials.
PAGE | 60
 PINKY MEMSAAB TO
SCREEN AT THE PRES-
TIGIOUS BAFTA 195
Dubai based writer-director Shazia Ali
Khan’s directorial debut Pinky Mem-
saab that released across Pakistan and
Dubai in December last year, has had
multiple screenings at international
platforms.
Starring HajraYamin, Kiran Malik, Adnan
Jaffar and Indian actor Sunny Hinduja
in principal roles, the film was expect-
ed to screen at the upcoming UK Asian
Film Festival (UKAFF) 2019 on April 6
but, according to recent developments,
there has been a slight change.
The film has moved to the prestigious BAFTA 195 in London due to huge
demand, according to a recent post by Adnan Jaffar, who essays the role
of a Dubai based banker in the film.
He shared an official statement that states, “We are excited to announce
that due to high demand for the Closing Film screening of Pinky Mem-
saab at the UK Asian Film Festival 2019 on Saturday 6 April, the venue
for this screening has now been changed to the prestigious BAFTA 195.”
Pinky Memsaab tells the tale of two women, essayed by Hajra and Kiran,
who come from completely different social stratum, as they explore life
as well as themselves.

MOHSIN ABBAS HAIDER DISAPPOINTED WITH LSAS FOR

NOT RECOGNIZING HIS ROLE IN ‘MERI GURRIYA’
Mohsin Abbas Haider is a man of many talents. He has shown his ver-
satility over and over in his career and has established himself success-
fully as a host, actor as well as a singer. Mohsin Abbas Haider has been
applauded several times for his performances and his recent perfor-
mance in his drama ‘Meri Gurriya’ was also lauded by the audiences as
he played a very negative character with utmost reality. The nomina-
tions for the Lux Style Awards 2019 are out and Mohsin is nominated in
the music category for his song “Na Jaa” with Sohail Haider. However,
Mohsin is not happy with his drama ‘Meri Gurriya’ not getting even a
single nomination in any category. He shared his feelings on social me-
dia on how disappointed he was on the snub but also thanked Lux for
his nomination in the music category. Courtesy review it
PAGE | 61
 IN CONVERSATION WITH
By Ahmed Sarym SONYA HUSSYN
Sonya Hussyn’s metamorphosis is reflective in her creative choices. From
playing a mentally challenged girl in Nazo to an adolescent, cyber-bul-
lied woman in Aisi Hai Tan-
hai, to the regal, rebellious
girl in the ongoing period
play Aangan, she’s stepped
outside of her comfort
zone with each role.
In conversation with In-
step, Sonya begins by
talking about her evolu-
tion of sorts.
“When I entered the indus-
try, I didn’t know anything
or anyone — directors,
producers, designers,” she says. “And I think that while working, over the
years, I got to explore myself and now more than ever, I’m sure of who I
am. I know what I have to offer as a person, how I want to live and what I
want to show through my work. If people find that acceptable, I’m more
than honored, but sometimes you do face criticism and it’s all part of
the deal.”
Currently filming for her next feature film, Sonya had earlier signed onto
seasoned music-video director, Sohail Javed’s debut film, Sorry: A Love
Story alongside Faysal Qureshi, Aamina Sheikh and Zahid Ahmed. Whilst
newcomer Faryal Mehmood has been roped in to play the part Sonya
opted out off, one wonders what influenced her change of heart to take
up debutant director, Qasim Ali Mureed’s forthcoming Tich Button in-
stead.
“There’s nothing to it,” she brushed off rumours. “We had some cre-
ative differences over a couple of scenes that Faysal was adamant that
they couldn’t tweak, and very amicably, I decided to part ways. I’ve seen
some of Faryal’s recent work as well and I think she’s a talented actress.
To be fair, it was her character all along; she deserved it and I wish her
and the entire team the very best,” she responded. “Tich Button came to

PAGE | 62
me at the same time as I was script-reading for Sorry and I could only
have done one of the two. I find myself lucky to have done Tich Button,
it was meant for me.”
Many suggest Sonya left the project due to the recent controversy So-
hail Javed has been embroiled in. Filmmaker Jami Mahmood empatheti-
cally read out an anonymous sexual abuse survivor’s letter at the Lahoo-
ti Melo this year, accusing an industry insider of assault, and has been
vocal against harassment, through posts on social media. Sohail Javed,
though not accused, felt that the letter pointed at him and since Jami
did nothing to deny that, Sohail filed a case against Jami under the Sec-
tion 151 of the Civil Procedure Code. Sonya denied having left the proj-
ect in light of recent events, but she did have an opinion on the matter.
“I think it’s a very sensitive matter. I’ve worked with Jami bhai and Sohail
both, and they’ve both been very supportive and respectful towards
me. I think being in the industry, I know that sexual harassment is very
real, I’ve been in situations where I had to defend myself, so I believe in
equipping girls in saying no,” she maintained. “As far as this letter goes,
I think it’s important for us to take names clearly so all of us are mindful
of the predators that surround us in the industry; there’s no other way.”
Winding up the second and last spell for Tich Button on a purpose-built
set in interior Punjab, Sonya is all praise of her experience of working in
the film. Sonya’s track is limited to Punjab and she seems ecstatic as it
nears completion. “Tich Button has been a fulfilling journey. My charac-
ter is of this very cultured, traditional girl, who’s vivacious and so very full
of life; playing her has been such an enriching experience,” she happily
shared.
Speaking of the cast and crew, she continued, “Our director, Qasim is
truly somebody to look out for. I think because I have the director’s
germ in me too, I get a sense of the director’s grip on the story, and his
vision and attention-to-detail is truly very impressive. Farhan has been
such a gentleman, he’s someone who’s incredibly caring and makes you
feel comfortable. Feroze, again, has been a treat to work with. He’s one
of the most gifted actors we have and with him, the action-reaction be-
comes so much more real.”
The film also has great female participation in-front and behind-the-cam-
era. Actress, Urwa Hocane makes her debut as producer under her very
own banner, Shooting Star Studio, while it also marks the silver-screen
return of Iman Ali. Speaking of working on a set that had women in-
volved in more ways than one, Sonya felt the film itself is thus, a reflec-
tion of its progressive mounting.

PAGE | 63
“Iman and I have very different tracks in the film; our characters are polar
opposites and surprisingly, both of them are roles we haven’t attempted
before. I think she’s one of the most charismatic actors Pakistan has seen
and it’s been a pleasure working with her,” Hussyn remarked. “Even be-
hind-the-lens, Urwa has been very supportive. I’ve shared screen-space
with her previously and I see a completely different aura of hers as one of
the producers. So the energy exuded on-set has been very positive and
of great inclusion; I think it’s how films need to be made, with greater
female participation.”
Talking about experiences, Sonya hasn’t always had smooth sailing when
it comes to the celluloid. After making a debut with Moor (2015), Sonya
starred in last year’s patriotic extravaganza, Azaadi opposite Lollywood
veteran, Moammar Rana, which was not only received poorly by the crit-
ics, but also tanked at the box office. Nonetheless, Sonya feels she’s had
numerous takeaways from the movie and has applied those learnings to
Tich Button.
“I think we have good directors, but most of them aren’t filmmakers,” she
reflected. “We need to learn how to tell a story for a film. But I did feel
it was a very good film; I’m not bothered about how it performed at the
box office. It did wonders for me, I’ve seen it as a learning curve and it’s
equipped me for future projects. Moor wasn’t a commercial film, so I pre-
pared myself for the romance, the dance, the emotion through Azaadi.”
Even though Sonya’s been offered more movies, she doesn’t wish to let
go of television just yet. To her the small-screen provides a greater mar-
gin to perform. Now she’s all set to begin shooting for her next, Zah-e-
Naseeb with Sami Khan and Zahid Ahmed. She’s also signed onto anoth-
er yet-to-be-titled serial for next month, again, with Zahid, and Armeena
Khan. Seems like she has her hands full for the rest of the year and she
wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
“I had about six TV scripts early this year and none of them truly appealed
to me until Zah-e-Naseeb. I think apart from the fact that it has a great
team; it’s also a very interesting story that centers on a bipolar man who
experiences hallucinations. I’ll be shooting for it as soon as I get back to
Karachi,” Sonya discloses on a parting note. “The other serial is what I’m
very excited about. My role is one of the most demanding characters
I’ve taken up; not only does it require a lot of preparation, but involves a
physical transformation as well, so I’m really looking forward to how that
goes.”

PAGE | 64
 MEERA READIES HERSELF TO
PROMOTE ‘SOHNIMAHIWAL’
Zaresh Ernest
Promotional posts and interviews
concerning SaqibMailk’s debut film
‘Baji’ with a lead role given to Meera
are on the rise.
According to Saqib Malik’s interview
to a magazine, the director shared how
Meera’s character would be glamor-
ous in nature, stating that she will be
playing a diva. With a very young cast
and an oracle, camera guru like Malik
behind each frame, for sure the film
will follow all the rules of modern cin-
ema. Lollywood cinema has evolved
over the years, using highly skilled
technicians, set designers and equip-
ment to level up the whole cinematic
experience for the audience. The old
style of work is not acceptable as it
has lost its appeal over the years. And
in the midst of it all, we see a very old
style of poster for Meera’s film ‘Sohni
Mahiwal’ on her social media which will be releasing on April 5, 2019. The film
isn’t a new one the actress states, “The film was being made a few years ago
but then massive fights over the dates delayed the project. The production
stopped, I left for India and did ‘Simran’ and ‘Jhansi Ki Raani’, so the film was
never completed.”
‘I recently shot the last scene for the film and then quickly announced the re-
lease date. For one last scene, the film was delayed for six years’
The star also added, “I recently shot the last scene for the film and then quick-
ly announced the release date. For one last scene, the film was delayed for six
years!”
We will be seeing Muammar Rana and Meera as a couple on screen for ‘Sohn-
iMahiwal’. Talking about the film, Meera said, “Forbidden love, Baap Ki Izzat,
iss type Kicheezain Hain film may. They will do a press conference and I will go
for that. No one really promotes Lollywood producers anymore, even though
they also spend a lot of time and money making films.”
Shafqat Cheema and Arbaaz Khan are also part of the film.
“I would like to see Lollywood merge with new technology. I am going to
move into film production soon. Earlier, I did not have that knowledge but I
studied and learnt it in India. I will not just do what the director says nor will I
give my name to any film that I am not directly involved in.”
PAGE | 65
 AHAD RAZA MIR BECOMES
FIRST PAKISTANI TO STAR AS
HAMLET IN CANADA
After conquering the world of television with
award-winning drama ‘YaqeenKa Safar’, flying to
new heights of success with the box office hit ‘Par-
waaz Hai Junoon’ and making a surprise singing de-
but on ‘Coke Studio’ with “KokoKorina”, Ahad Raza
Mir has now conquered the world of theatre as well.
The Pakistani actor is back in Calgary, where he at-
tended high school and studied acting at the Uni-
versity of Calgary, to play the title role in “Hamlet”
that opened on Friday.
Ahad Raza Mir’s close friend Sajal Ali took to Instagram to praise him on his
stellar performance.
Ahad was a rising star in Calgary theatre circles before he returned to Pakistan
where he has established himself as one of the country’s leading young actors
in television and film in two short years.
As reported by the Calgary Herald, Mir agreed to fly back to Calgary to play
Hamlet after he began working on the text on his own.
Ahad was a rising star in Calgary theatre circles before he returned to Paki-
stan where he has established himself as one of the country’s leading young
actors in television and film in two short years
At the time, he wanted to make his Hamlet “the kind of guy you’d like to hang
out with. I wanted to make him as relatable as possible to a contemporary
audience.”
He said that, “It was a massive, scary decision for me to come back to Calgary
to star in Hamlet. I had to give it a great deal of thought when Haysam Kadri
approached me with the idea of returning to Calgary to do the play.”
He said his career in Pakistan had just taken off. “I had to make a window in my
schedule to return to Calgary and there was also that realization that I would
not simply be returning to Calgary to do a play but I would be coming back
to myself and the person I was two years ago. Those were not easy hurdles to
overcome but now that I’m back in Calgary I know it was the right thing for
me to do for myself as well as for this production,” he told the Calgary Herald.
The Shakespeare Company contacted him for three years before signing him
as the lead. Mir believes it just shows their level of commitment to him. The
Pakistani star will be the first brown actor to be cast as Hamlet in Canada.
Mir’s Hamlet: A Ghost Story ends its run on April 13 as he has to be back in
Pakistan by April 20 “because I am booked for the rest of the year. I’d like to be
staying much longer to spend time with family and friends but that’s simply
not possible.”
The 24-year-old is currently playing a character in a period drama ‘Aangan’
with Sajal Ali, MawraHocane, Ahsan Khan and Sonya Hassyn.
PAGE | 66
 COMPLETE MUSIC ALBUM OF
‘LAAL KABOOTAR’ RELEASED
After the two suc-
cessful song releas-
es to much acclaim,
“Jug(art)” and title
track “Laal Kabootar”,
NehrGhar Films now
releases the complete
music album world-
wide featuring four
songs.
Produced by Taha Ma-
lik, the music album
features the previous-
ly unreleased tracks “RaagMurli” and “Sanwal” in addition to “Jug(art)”
and “Laal Kabootar”.
“RaagMurli” features classical singer and ‘Coke Studio’ artist Mai Dhai.
The Sindhi song has been produced and composed by Taha Malik with
AkmalQadri on flutes, Muzaffar Hussain Qadri on mandolin and tambura.
“RaagMurli” has been mixed and mastered by Kostal. SANWAL features
another Coke Studio artist and sufi/folk singer, SanamMarvi. The song
has been penned by Mian Muhammad Baksh from the book of Saif-ul-
Muluuk with mixing and mastering by KOSTAL and production by Taha
Malik.
“Laal Kabootar” has composed and produced by Taha Malik, who also
features on the vocals along with Coke Studio artist Zoe Viccaji. The
tongue and cheek lyrics for “Laal Kabootar” have been penned by Asim
Raza, Salman Khattak, Osman Khalid Butt and Taha Malik.
“JUG(ART)”has been composed and produced by Taha Malik, who also fea-
tures on the vocals along with Coke Studio artist Jabar Abbas. “JUG(ART)”
has been penned by Sabir Zafar, Salman Khattak and Taha Malik with
mixing and mastering by KOSTAL.
With Mo Azmi as the Director of Photography, Laal Kabootar has been
directed by the award-winning Kamal Khan with Harvard graduates Ha-
niaChima and KamilChima as the Executive Producers.
Indeed, Laal Kabootar has all the elements of thrill and excitement to take
the cinema goers on a rollercoaster ride featuring Ahmed Ali Akbar as
Adeel Nawaz and Aliya Malik, played by the alluring Mansha Pasha. ‘Laal
Kabootar’ is running successfully in cinemas across Pakistan.
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Upcoming Movies

NOW SHOWING EID-UL-FITAR 2019 EID-UL-FITAR 2019

EID-UL-FITAR 2019 COMING SOON 28 JUNE 2019

COMING SOON EID-UL-AZHA 2019 EID-UL-AZHA 2019

PAGE | 68
Upcoming Movies

EID-UL-AZHA 2019 EID-UL-AZHA 2019 COMING SOON

COMING SOON COMING SOON COMING SOON

COMING SOON COMING SOON COMING SOON

PAGE | 69
ON THE SCREEN
NOW SHOWING IN CINEMAS

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ON THE SCREEN
‘SHER DIL’ TO RELEASE
INTERNATIONALLY TODAY!
Patriotic film ‘Sherdil’, which was released
all over Pakistan on Resolution Day, creat-
ed a lot of buzz and was highly appreciat-
ed by the masses.
Post Indo-Pak tension, the storyline of the
film was quite relatable with the current
situation of the country.
The film highlights the life of a pilot played
by Mikaal Zulfiqar and how he learns the
significance of duty, honour and love for
one’s country.
The latest development is that the film is
all set to be released today (Friday), writ-
ten and produced by Colonel Nauman
Khan and directed by Azfar Jafri.
‘Sherdil’ is set in the backdrop of the Pa-
kistan Air Force. The film will be released
in the United Kingdom (UK), the United
States (US), Canada, the United Arab Emir-
ates and in Scandinavian countries by Zashko Films as the official distributor,
which is an international film distribution company owned by actor and pro-
ducer Shayan Khan, while Exxodous Pictures as executive producers for UK, US
and Canada and is expected to bring more business to the Pakistani cinema
worldwide, after doing a business of Rs 80 million on box offices locally.
Model-turned-actor Mikaal Zulfiqar is on cloud nine enjoying all the praising
and appreciation by the public and critics. The lead actor of the film took to his
Instagram and thanked everyone who has watched the film or are planning to
watch.
“Thank you Pakistan for your amazing response. ‘Sherdil’ becomes the highest
opening and highest opening weekend film of 2019. These figures are more
than amazing for a Pakistan only release and it is definitely among the top five
films of all times,” he wrote.
The film also stars Armeena Rana Khan, Hassan Niazi and Sabika Imam in piv-
otal roles.
After winning hearts of Pakistani audience, ‘Sherdil’ is all set to conquer inter-
national market as well.

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ON THE SCREEN
NOW SHOWING IN CINEMAS

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ON THE SCREEN
NOW SHOWING IN CINEMAS

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ON THE SCREEN
NOW SHOWING IN CINEMAS

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REVIEWS
‘PROJECT GHAZI’ GEARS UP FOR RE-RELEASE
By Adnan Lodhi
The post production of upcoming film
Project Ghazi has been completed.
The film will be presented for its cen-
sor screening before the Central Board
of Film Censors (CBFC) tomorrow, after
which it will receive a censor certificate
for release in cinema houses all around
Pakistan. Project Ghazi is scheduled to
release March 29 while the CBFC censor
meeting is to be held on March 27.
Promotional campaigns for the film are
in full swing all across the country. The
cast, which includes Humayun Saeed,
Syra Shehroz, Sheheryar Munawar and
others are currently in Lahore in this
connection. Distributors and cinema owners who believe it will be a super hit
film are preparing for its release.
Project Ghazi is a story of bravery and patriotism. Beside this, there are elements
of comedy within the film for the public. Shehroz is essaying the role of a scien-
tist while Munawar will play the role of Major Zain. Saeed will be seen as Salaar
Salah Uddin. Senior actors Talat Hussain and Adnan Jaffar will also be perform-
ing interesting roles.
It is pertinent to mention that Project Ghazi is releasing at a time when two oth-
er Pakistani films Sherdil and Laal Kabootar are already currently in cinemas and
doing good business. In presence of these local films, Project Ghazi has to prove
itself but according to distributors this film will be dominate cinema houses.
“Project Ghazi will be releasing in both modern
and traditional cinemas in Pakistan, especially
Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad,” a Distributors
Club official told The Express Tribune, seeking
anonymity.
He continued, “Various splendid promotional
campaigns have been held for the success of this
film. Project Ghazi is a story of patriotism and
therefore, we are expecting the public to come
to cinemas and watch this film. I strongly believe
that it will be the best film for cinema owners
from a business point of view.”
The insider concluded by stating that the film’s
team has put in a lot of effort and thus is hopeful
to see Project Ghazi doing very well at cinemas.

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