Thursday, 27 August 2015

Spotlight: We're not just a skinny girl brand, says designer Mahgul Rashid

Remember that striking embellished skirt and top Humaima rocked at aDekh Magar Pyaar Hai event recently? And that edgy red and white outfit Mahira wore at a Bin Roye promotion?
They were both by design house Mahgul. Though Mahgul burst onto the scene just two years ago, it's made a significant impact on the fashion market. From unconventional cuts to artistic embroideries, the design house focuses on experimenting not just with its silhouettes but also techniques. With a very straightforward design philosophy, the brand continues to grow as its first concept studio just opened up in Lahore, and it's also part of the line-up for PFDC L’Oréal Paris Bridal Week 2015 this September.
Mahgul Rashid, the creative head of Mahgul, was at hand at the studio's open house to talk about the brand's future – which is nicely encapsulated by the interiors around us.
The concept of the studio is three-fold, with a section to browse through the entire collection, a bridal cube and a designated section for appointments. There is a particular rawness to the the space that brings the focus to the clothes.
From textured grey floors to sleek racks, the studio is anything but what you would expect from a typical studio. The simplicity of the interiors complements the intricacy on the clothes and rather than becoming a overwhelming experience, the space creates a harmonious balance that makes the client comfortable in their surroundings.
"I wanted an unfinished, industrial feel to the studio so it would complement the ornateness of the clothes," says Rashid. "It is all about a personalized shopping experience where my clients not only get to see the process we undergo in making the clothes but I get to interact with them and get a feel of what will not only suit their body type but their personality also."

"The most challenging aspect is finding out what women want," says Mahgul Rashid. "I am so set in my ways that it is challenging to break people's notions about clothes and styles."


While most designers are looking into retail stores, this young brand opted for a studio instead. "We are a very young brand and I feel a studio allows for us to develop the foundation of a retail store in the future. But for now I am very happy working out of the space we have created," explains Rashid. While she stocks at multiple multi-label stores across the country, Rashid feels retail is very impersonal and in order to grow as a design house it is imperative to be hands-on with the clients. "This is where I will be creating the foundation of a retail store eventually," she says.
An artist by training, Rashid opens up about some of the most challenging aspects of having a design house, admitting: "As cliched as it might sound, the most challenging aspect is finding out what women want. I am so set in my ways that it is challenging to break people's notions about clothes and styles, getting them to try on something new and different is what challenges me the most."
While understanding what women want, the brand is becoming known as a 'skinny girl' brand, something which the designer gently refutes. "This is a notion out there but we actually cater to all sorts of body types," she says. "I can see where this comes from, at the moment I am the only one designing the silhouettes and so the experimental cuts stem from what I would wear. "As the brand grows and we have more designers on our team the range of silhouettes will also become diverse."As the premise of the design house stems from the designer's background in fine art, she feels it is hard for her to do something typical. "I constantly want to innovate and try to keep my designs fresh and that is what keeps me going," she says. "My clients understand the kind of aesthetic the brand has but I am very honest with my input, if I feel a certain silhouette will not suit a particular body type I will explain it to the client and that has worked out well for me so far."
Rashid also feels that because the brand experiments with different techniques, it keeps her artisans on their toes and interested in the design process. "This is the biggest compliment for a designer: when the artisans who are actually translating the designs onto the fabric remain interested and willing to try new things. I want to be known as an artist in their field rather than just a designer and that is what drives me to create something unique for my clients."
After this milestone, what's next on the horizon for Mahgul?
"One thing I do know," says Rashid, "is that whenever we open up a retail outlet it will be a concept store rather than just a store."

Monday, 24 August 2015

Pakistan’s ‘caped crusader’ returns to the small screen

ISLAMABAD: Burka Avenger, the internationally-acclaimed animated children’s show that scooped up an Emmy nomination and won its creator – musician Aaron Haroon Rashid – a Peabody award, is back for another two seasons.
The team from Unicorn Black, the production house behind the award-winning animated series has managed to produce 26 half-hour episodes in just nine months.
Launched in 2013, the show is set in the fictional town of Halwapur and follows the life of about Jiya; a teacher by day, and a superhero whenever the situation calls for it. The show’s success is evident from the fact that it was included in Time magazine’s list of ‘Influential Fictional Characters of 2013’.

Two more seasons of internationally-acclaimed cartoon series unveiled


At the launch ceremony for the new seasons, creator Haroon promised the audience that the new episodes would feature a “whole other level” of animation and production.
The new animation is sharper and looks more advanced than the previous seasons.
The script is witty and amusing, both children and adults, while simultaneously tackling issues such as sectarian violence, gender equality and corruption, among others.
“[The] animation is a collaborative effort,” Haroon said, as he thanked his team of editors, directors, actors, writers and musicians. In an effort to highlight their efforts, a short behind-the-scenes video was shown before the screening. At the event, Haroon announced that the show had been dubbed into 7 languages for India, and in 12 languages altogether. It is also currently being aired in Afghanistan, where it has been dubbed in both Pashto and Dari. Episodes dubbed in Pashto and Punjabi will also be broadcast within Pakistan soon, he said.
The episodes screened included stories about violence and corruption. The shows were educational, featuring references to Newton’s laws of motion and the importance of traffic laws.
Importantly, the show continues to subvert traditional gender roles and embraces the idea of gender equality.
However, the show sometimes relies on borrowed tropes from existing cartoons, and the allegorical storytelling style is quite obviously didactic.
Burka Avenger Season 3 has been airing on Nickelodeon Pakistan since June this year.
Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2015

Saturday, 22 August 2015

Iconic onscreen couple Fawad Khan and Mahira thrill fans in this reunion

Ever since their turn in TV drama Humsafar as star-crossed lovers Khirad and Asher, fans have been waiting for Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan to reunite.
The wait is over, even if the reward is pretty small: Mahira and Fawad appear together in an ad to promote the upcoming Lux Style Awards.
Also read: Lux Style Awards: will the show get its groove back this year? While rumours are abound that the duo might host the awards this year, the stars have yet to confirm. One thing's for sure — if they do host, they're sure to draw a crowd! The ad sent many hearts aflutter as fans on Twitter oohed and aahed over Mahira and Fawad's chemistry:

Tuesday, 18 August 2015

Spotlight: The trundling ways of the Lux Style Awards

 Just when you were wondering if they would ever surface, the Lux Style Awards (LSAs) nominations for 2014 were announced, bringing with them the usual spate of wounded egos, controversy and tirades. 
The Television nominations particularly have come under fire, with the initial list excluding Geo TV’s Bashar Momin from the Best Satellite Play category and the lion’s share of nominations being dedicated to ARY Digital.
Subsequently, Faysal Quraishi was nominated as Best Actor for his role in 'Bashar Momin' only for the actor to refuse the nomination, complaining openly on social media of the “bias within a once very prestigious award.” Other contenders, specifically productions by Hum TV, have also blatantly backed out.
Meanwhile, the cinematic categories reflect the growth within local cinema, pitting the commercial hit Na Maloom Afraad against the not-so-successful Operation O21 and thought-provoking Dukhtar.
However, eyebrows have been raised because of the omission of Mohib Mirza for Dukhtar in the Best Film Actor nominations while Ayub Khosa has been recognised for a role in Operation O21 that didn’t impress many.

This year also marks the apt return of the bridal fashion category to the LSAs. Also welcome is the elimination of the confusing High Street category which endlessly got confused with Pret and Luxury-pret.


This year also marks the apt return of the bridal fashion category to the LSAs. It’s a long overdue change: bridal fashion has thankfully become more experimental and bridal events consistently dot the local fashion roster. Also welcome is the elimination of the confusing High Street category which endlessly got confused with Pret and Luxury-pret. The fashion nominations uncharacteristically remain non-controversial although one does notice the omission of some seasoned players.
Khaadi’s ready-to-wear, winner of 10 Luxies thus far, is no longer in the running now that the ‘High Street’ category has been eliminated. The brand does figure in the unstitched lawn nominations, though.
Debates inevitably follow the nomination announcements and though they continue to be riveting, it’s fast becoming difficult to get excited about the LSAs. For how does one associate credibility with a platform that refuses to take itself seriously? The high-tea that took place last year — an ‘understated, elegant affair’, as described by the LSA organisers — couldn’t possibly compare to the grandiose galas of previous years.
The LSA platform has been built brick by brick with veterans like Frieha Altaf and Fareshteh Aslam working hard to steer the event on, adding heavy doses of glamour, plenty of scintillating performances and the requisite whiffs of high fashion.

What’s unfathomable is the awards office’s ease with meting out accolades for the previous year at the tail-end of the next year. It doesn’t make sense.


There was a time when Atif Aslam descended onto the LSA stage on a flying carpet, when Priyanka Chopra and Sonu Nigam were roped in for a bit of Bollywood masala, Reema boogied with designer HSY on-stage, Runa Laila took center stage with her biggest hits and the crème de la crème of the Pakistani entertainment fraternity were flown off to Genting Highlands for a memorable show. Lately, though, the LSAs have veered towards the mediocre, putting out half-baked, low-budget events or worse, no event at all.
What’s even more unfathomable is the awards office’s ease with meting out accolades for the previous year at the tail-end of the next year. It doesn’t make sense. The world over, the initial months of the year signify award season, beginning sometime in early January and culminating usually around end February with the Oscars. Our desi LSAs, meanwhile, found nothing wrong with giving out awards in November last year to the winners of 2013. By this time, of course, people had more or less forgotten the previous year’s achievements.
This year, sadly, seems to be following suit. Even though jury meetings were held as early as March, the LSA event is tentatively scheduled for the last quarter of the year with no confirmed date announced as yet.
When will the LSAs put their act together? “Soon,” says Fareshteh Aslam, Country Head at Golin Pakistan and in-charge of LSA’s media management, rather optimistically. “We have a number of exciting plans for the upcoming LSAs that we cannot discuss at the moment.”
Since great timing can’t possibly be credited to the upcoming awards, one can guess — and hope — that the organisers are cooking up a grand show. For one, Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan are sure to be a part of the event as they are the new faces of Lux’s latest campaign. Last year, Fawad created a furor when he hosted the ‘House of Lux’ dinner with Iman Ali. Now that he is making inroads into Bollywood with an upcoming Karan Johar movie and Mahira is riding high on cinematic success, featuring the Humsafar pair together is bound to be a major feather in the LSA cap. It also pretty much guarantees high viewership ratings.
However, what won’t guarantee ratings are humdrum performances and hackneyed odes. We’ve seen enough tributes to Madam Noor Jehan and Nazia Hassan to last us a lifetime and while Ali Azmat continues to be our favorite rockstar, how many more times will he come onstage lip-syncing to his hit songs from long ago? The same goes for Zoe Viccaji who is easy on the ears and eyes but has featured in enough award shows to now be positively boring.
Having retreated from the spotlight last year, the LSAs need to come back with a bang, being entertaining and inventive enough to keep audiences hooked. Tributes are important but so is highlighting the new stars in Pakistani entertainment. It’s been a promising few years for cinema and one hopes to see today’s ‘it’ stars traipsing across the LSA stage: Sikander Rizvi, Humaima Malick, Fahad Mustafa, Ayesha Omer, Danish Taimoor, Sohai Ali Abro, Armeena Rana Khan along with Fawad and Mahira.
One also hopes to see plenty of high fashion — that’s one quarter where the LSAs never disappoint — and performances reflective of the nascent talent struggling to make waves in local music, oscillating from Coke Studio’s soulful synergies to the beats of underground rock.

Speaking on why they have backed out of the Television nominations, authorities at Hum Network explained, “Even last year, we complained of the open favoritism within the LSAs when our drama Zindagi Gulzar Hai was not considered in the Best Satellite Play category... again, this time, we felt that the nominations were not fair.


Ever since their inception, LSA events have been masterminded by the very accomplished Frieha Altaf. Frieha’s done it all; balanced star schedules so that they could be available for the event, coerce a squabbling milieu of starlets into delivering exceptional performances and guarantee a scintillating red carpet.  While organizers are yet to confirm whether Frieha will be part of this year’s event, it would certainly work well if she is roped in, wielding the flair and organizational skills that are characteristically, exclusively hers.
Regardless of whether the event manages to bring on the glamour, the LSA award results this year are bound to be mired in conflict. Speaking on why they have backed out of the Television nominations, authorities at Hum Network explained, “Even last year, we complained of the open favoritism within the LSAs when our drama* Zindagi Gulzar Hai* was not considered in the Best Satellite Play category,” explained Hum TV officials. “We may not win but hard work in the field at least needs to be recognized. Again, this time, we felt that the nominations were not fair and we decided not to be part of an awards system that lacked balance and credibility.”
Fareshteh Aslam reiterates, “Channel owners know that a television play is only eligible for a nomination if 70% of it has been aired during 70% of the awards year. I am surprised that they still continue cribbing. The industry is getting bigger and only a handful can get nominated. The jury’s decisions may get queried but they also have to be respected.
Otherwise, everyone may just as well nominate themselves on a quota basis!”
Looking at the LSA nominations over the years, this makes sense. Currently, ARY’s dramas may dominate the Television nomination categories but there was also a time when almost all the awards would be won by either Geo TV or the Hum Network. With last year’s hit Pyare Afzal to its credit, ARY is bound to win in several categories this time but who knows what may happen next year?
Nominees are sensitive about their work and despite being criticised constantly, the LSAs stand apart from other entertainment-based local awards ceremonies. The Hum Awards, in their third year now, taking place early in the year and boasting plenty of star-power, lose clout because they focus on just the Hum Network’s own productions. The same goes for the ARY Film Awards.
Still, how much longer will the LSAs manage to quell its detractors? Earlier, the awards were able to stand strong because of the sheer scope of their shows and some semblance of regularity. It’s an advantage that the LSAs have lost now.
It’s quite evident that changes needs to be made, and soon. Perhaps, put the TV nominations down to a fan’s vote rather than jury decisions in order to avoid controversies next year? The awards also need to do more than just announce credible results — they need to put up a show that is reflective of their 14-year-old legacy in Pakistani entertainment. And then they need to do the same next year … and the next. And they need to do it on time – early in the year – rather than much later. The LSAs need to take themselves seriously so that we can too.
A bit of magic, flair, sass and drama … it’s high time the LSAs got their signature groove back.
Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, August 16th, 2015

Sunday, 16 August 2015

JPNA trailer: A hackneyed story of henpecked husbands?

Director Nadeem Baig’s Jawaani Phir Nahi Aani’s first look got Hamza Ali Abbasi in hot waters but the second trailer is cleverly done to save the actor from further troubles. The trailer might save Hamza but it surely can’t save the film which is now far more predictable than its last teaser.
Shot in Bangkok, JPNA has a star cast with names like Humayun Saeed, Ahmad Ali Butt, Vasay Chaudhry, Mehwish Hayat, Suhai Abro, Ayesha Khan, Sarwat Gillani, Javed Sheikh and Bushra Ansari. But surprisingly even the cast doesn’t manage to create an anticipation for the much talked about film ─ during which Humayun also met an accident.

Pakistani arm-candy a la Mahin Hussain

Mahin Hussain never fails to put out an Independence Day line of handbags – probably because she’s just so good at making them! This year’s collection includes the jazzy sequined Pakistani flag clutch, also available in a smaller version and as a flag satchel. Other classics make a comeback: the note-clutch and the embroidered flag clutch.
In a new range, Mahin turns to the cities of Karachi and Lahore for inspiration. The ‘Karachi’ bag, is printed with an image of the Quaid’s mausoleum and the lyrics of the song ‘Bunder road se Kemari…’ Lahore’s design features the Minar-e-Pakistan and the self-explanatory declaration, ‘Lahore Lahore Aye’.
In pure leather, with Mahin’s well-honed aesthetics at play, these bags are so much better than the blingy ‘MK’ and ‘LV’ creations that unfathomably remain popular. Why look elsewhere when you’ve got such brilliant local designer creations, mostly available under the Rs 10,000 category? That’s a patriotic point to ponder for accessory aficionados.

Wednesday, 12 August 2015

Too little, too late? Lux Style Awards upsets Bashar Momin again

It isn't award season until there's some hue and cry about the nominees (and non-nominees!) — and one of the biggest contentions this year was in the Lux Style Awards' TV category.
One of the most-talked-about TV series last year was Bashar Momin, and fans were distraught because actor Faysal Qureshi didn't make the cut in the Best TV actor category.
Luckily for fans, the TV nominations were revised, keeping in mind that the LSA TV Rules state that 70% of a drama's episodes must run in the Awards year, that is, January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014, according to a press release. In this revised list, Faysal Qureshi finally made the cut.
While fans of Bashar Momin may have been appeased, the honoured new nominee is not. Faysal Qureshi has rejected his nomination.
"When the original list of nominees came out, we [the Bashar Momin team] were very shocked to see our name not present in any of the categories", Faysal Qureshi shared with Dawn.com, "Bashar Momin was a drama that everyone talked about, and I've seen many Bashar-inspired characters on TV since, so I was really surprised by the lack of recognition. I spoke out about the drama not being nominated, not just myself."
"A lot of fans were also quite upset and spoke out as well, and I got calls from the organisers who promised a revision," Faysal continued, "What they ended up doing was nominating me and no one else from Bashar Momin. After 22 years in the industry, I have no need for awards, but Bashar Momin had excellent cinematography, direction and script, which deserved recognition. There's no point in holding awards like this. If you've chosen to ignore a particular TV drama, then so be it. Move on."
He went on to stress on the need for a proper jury for award shows. "The jury should be made up of people who know dramas on the tips of their fingers, a mix of senior journalists and some neutral people like sportsmen, for example." The revised nominations list had quite a few surprises, not in the form of snubs but inaccuracies. In addition to Faysal Qureshi's inclusion in the Best Actor category, Ahson Khan has also been nominated for his work inNew York Se New Karachi, a drama that didn't even star in. "Also, they've nominated two people from the same TV drama," Faysal added, referring to the Best Actor nomination of Hamza Ali Abbasi and Firdous Jamal for their performance in Pyaray Afzal, "This isn't the standard operating procedure of award shows anywhere in the world."
"We've always supported LSAs because it's the only real award show in Pakistan, which is why these recent events are so disappointing," he said conclusively.
The revised TV nominations, revealed in a press release yesterday, are as follows:
In the Best Satellite Play category, Geo Entertainment's Asmano Peh Likhajoins the original five nominees. The revised nominees are:
  1. Asmano Peh Likha on Geo Entertainment
  2. Chup Raho on ARY Digital
  3. Main Bushra on ARY Digital
  4. Marasim on A plus
  5. Pyare Afzal on ARY Digital
  6. Shikwa on ARY Digital
In the Best TV Actor category, Noman Ijaz for Hum TV's Zindagi Teray Binaand Mikaal Zulfiqar for Hum TV's Mohabbat Subh Ka Sitara Hai have been removed from the nominees and replaced by Faysal Qureshi and Ahson Khan for Geo Entertainment's Bashar Momin and TvOne's New York sey New Karachirespectively. The revised nominees are:
  1. Ahson Khan for New York sey New Karachi
  2. Faisal Qureishi for Bashar Momin
  3. Firdous Jamal for Pyare Afzal
  4. Hamza Ali Abbasi for Pyare Afzal
  5. Jibran Syed for Chup Raho
The Best TV Actress nominees remain unchanged:
  1. Aiza Khan for Pyare Afzal
  2. Saba Hamid for Pyare Afzal
  3. Saba Qamar for Sannata
  4. Sajjal for Sannata
  5. Sanam Jung for Meray Humdum Meray Dost
In the Best TV Writer category, Sarmad Sehbai for Hum TV's Laa has been replaced by Zanjabeel Asim for A-Plus's Marasim. The revised nominees are:
  1. Khalil ur Reham for Pyare Afzal
  2. Saji Gul for Sannata
  3. Sameera Fazal for Chup Raho
  4. Sanam Mehdi for Main Bushra
  5. Zanjabeel Asim for Marasim
In the Best TV Director category, Sakina Samo for Hum TV's Mohabbat Subh Ka Sitaara Hai has been removed, leaving the rest of the five nominees to vie for the award:
  1. Kashif Nisaar for Sannata
  2. Mohsin Mirza for Asmano Pay Likha
  3. Nadeem Baig for Pyare Afzal
  4. Rubina Ashraf for Shikwa
  5. Yasir Nawaz for Shaq
The music nomination for Sadqay Tumharay in the Best OST category was withdrawn at the request of the producers.

Tuesday, 11 August 2015

I'm a self-made woman: Humaima Malick


In a recent interview with BBC Urdu, actress Humaima Malick flaunted her spunky, assertive side and endeared herself to our hearts forever.
Chatting about her work ethic, personal life and upcoming film Dekh Magar Pyaar Say (DMPS), the actress stressed that she's a self-made woman who proudly handles everything in her life herself and doesn't put too much stock in the ups and downs of romantic relationships.
"One shouldn't be too sensitive or sentimental about romantic attachments," said Humaima. "The best relationships are those you have with your brothers and sisters, your parents, your friends. I always say that a woman is not lesser than any man. And in our society especially, women are very strong."
Humaima made clear that the character, Annie, whom she plays in DMPS is equally spunky. "She's a really fun character," said Humaima. "She's surprising, she's spontaneous and she's sexy and she knows it. She doesn't have a filter and she's extremely blunt."Though she previously played a role in Shoaib Mansoor's Bol that was more traditional and demure, Humaima confessed she felt like moving in another direction. "I just didn't feel like crying or screaming onscreen," she said. "Our public seems to enjoy watching weak, victimized women characters... I wanted more of a challenge."
With Humaima playing such a strong character in DMPS, we wonder if newbieSikander Rizvi will be able to keep up!

Sunday, 9 August 2015

It's just a personal choice: Fawad Khan on intimate scenes in Kapoor & Sons


He recently won an award for being the most beautiful man, but Fawad Khan appeared decidedly low key in an interview with Masala! magazine in India.
In the interview, the star shed light on rumours that had long been circulating about his upcoming flick Kapoor & Sons: specifically, his supposed refusal to appear in 'intimate' scenes onscreen with Alia Bhatt.
"The issue of kissing is nothing and just a personal choice for now," said Fawad. He added that rumours about him were the result of impostors on social networking sites, among other things.
The Khoobsurat star also confessed that he deeply missed the days when he was a musician in Pakistan, fronting rock band EP.
"I really do miss it," he told Masala!. "It’s a memory and an experience I really cherish. There is no comparison between the life of a rock star and an actor. If I could now, I would be a rock star within a blink of an eye. So as far as music is concerned, yeah, I might just go back to it but don’t want to be unfair to it. It requires its proper time and space."
The actor waxed philosophical about where his career has taken him and what he expects to do next: "I’ve expanded my skill-set through a very limited number of projects and been very lucky with the outcomes most of the time. As an individual, I’ve learnt a lot about life. Some things that proved to be helpful and some things I wish I never knew."
We can't help but wonder what the latter is!

Saturday, 8 August 2015

Copyright issues come home as EMI says DMPS hasn't credited a classic song


Is local cinema confused about copyrights?
That's what recent legal notices issued by EMI to this year's crop of films seems to suggest.
Of late, filmmakers have taken to resurrecting the classics in their work, presenting them to today's audience anew. Bajrangi Bhaijaan's use of the Sabri brother's Bhar Do Joli 'without the fulfillment of legal requirements'prompted EMI Pakistan to take action.
EMI Pakistan is now raising objections against Dekh Magar Pyaar Se's use of Naheed Akhtar's song 'I Am Sweety'.
"The song 'I Am Sweety' featured in DMPS is from EMI Pakistan's archive and was sung by Naheed Akhtar," EMI Pakistan's Zeeshan Chaudhry told Dawn.com. "It was also released in a Babra Sharif film called Kora Kaghaz.DMPS has not fulfilled the formality of asking for permission to feature this song in the movie. The song's original singer and creator was not credited either."
"There was a lot of attention given to copyright issues in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, but my main concern is that within Pakistan we don't even credit our own musicians. We point fingers at Bollywood, but first we must set our own house in order. It is about giving respect to our own artists," he added.
Many question whether the copyrights of classic songs are valid; some pose the argument that they are now part of the region's folklore and hence open for use by all.
However, according to Pakistan's Copyright Ordinance (1962), copyrights of musical works published during the lifetime of artistes are valid throughout their lifetime and till 50 years of their passing, according to which 'I Am Sweety's copyright still holds.

Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Independence Day vibes: Coke Studio promo honours Sohni Dharti


The country's most anticipated show is soon to be back on television with a bang!
Coke Studio's (Season 8) new sneak peak features countless legends and some fresh faces coming together to showcase their patriotism with Shahnaz Begum's Sohni Dharti, presented as a tribute to composer Sohail Rana & Masroor Anwar.
The two minute long video reveals an impressive line-up for the upcoming season including Atif Aslam, Kaavish, Sara Haider, Ali Zafar, Mai Dhai, Arif Lohar, Quratulain Baloch and many others. This season will be produced and directed by Strings.
The teaser got people on social media pumped for the launch, slated for 16 August.

Tuesday, 4 August 2015

Karachi Se Lahore has a mostly male cast. But are the men filmi enough?


 Wajahat Rauf’s rom-com Karachi Se Lahore has several things going for it – a story that is unique to its local audience; endearing characters and solid performances from the entire cast.
What's also interesting is that there are only two female actresses in major roles in the movie – Ayesha Omar and Mantaha Maqsood – but the director feels that a male-dominant cast is not a bad thing.
So here's a look at the men of Karachi Se Lahore — do they warrant all the space they've been given?

Shehzad Sheikh


 Ever since this kid of Javed Sheikh’s made his debut in a drink commercial a few years ago he's been touted as a filmstar. Even though he wasn’t very convincing as a villain in his debut flick Main Hoon Shahid Afridi, Karachi Se Lahore gives him the chance to prove his mettle. As the out-of-luck Zaheem, he is overshadowed by his colleagues in the comic scenes but he has the last laugh as he edges them out in the serious ones. His speech and dialogue delivery when emotionally charged show him at his very best. He is this film's best discovery and with proper guidance from Daddy Dearest, he could be looking at a long career in filmdom.

Yasir Hussain


 It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Yasir Hussain as Moti is the film's scene stealer. The actor, who also penned the script, may not have kept the best lines for himself but delivers them in a way that makes him stand out. He stutters his way from Karachi to Lahore but doesn't let his tic hold him back — instead of viewing his slight speech impediment as a problem he likes to believe that he thinks before he speaks. Who couldn't warm up to that attitude? Even his stale jokes are saved by his accent and delivery; his fur cap adds to the humourous effect. In order to prepare for the role of Moti, he refused to watch Na Maloom Afraad in which one of the characters also stutters. Talk about dedication!

Ahmed Ali


 We all have a friend who (thinks he) is the coolest of ‘em all; Ahmed Ali is that dude in this film. He portrays his character with finesse; his dialogue delivery is exactly like that of a friend who is sincere but doesn’t want to show it. He comes in second to Yasir Hussain's performance and puts all his theatre training to use. His first film Siyaah made him recognizable to the audience but his cameo in Tamanna disappointed many. Through Karachi Se Lahore, Ahmed’s Sam will become a household character and propel him into the big league of dependable actors.

Rasheed Naz

 In his first major film role since Khuda Kay Liye (not counting Bollywood’sBaby), Rasheed Naz delivers a power-packed performance as the Pathan driver who loves to tell stories. His Khan sahib character has an eye for cute guys and that’s a subplot that results in the catchiest song of the soundtrack 'Tutti Frutti'. It’s always a treat to watch the veteran act, be it on TV or the big screen and here he has some of the best dialogues to add to his towering presence.

Javed Sheikh

 He may have been the first actor who was cast for the film but Javed Sheikh gets less screen time than the youngsters, including his son Shehzad. In his limited presence, he plays father to Ayesha Omer and her kid brother Aashir Wajahat, travels for pleasure, not only matches the dance steps of Mantaha Maqsood (a fitness instructor in real life) but also lip syncs to Ali Hamza’s vocals. Wow!

Aashir Wajahat

The director’s kid is amazing in most scenes and delivers his lines with conviction. He can be termed as one of the three people on whose comic timing the fate of the film rests – the others being Yasir and Ahmed. Be it the scene where the trio asks the owners of Jeepu for the keys or the one where he informs his friends about the mela, Zeezoo was as good as he was needed to be.
Veteran actors Hashim Butt (Malik Uncle), Nazar Hussain (Seth) and Noor ul Hassan (Police Officer) along with theatre artists Usman Ali Khan ‘Otto’ (Motel Manager), Mohsin Ejaz (Chaudhary The Guard) and Yasir Taj (Security Guard) have cameos in the film. Producer/Director Wajahat Rauf (Sindhi Landlord) and the guys behind the amazing soundtrack Ali Noor and Ali Hamza (Sound Engineers at the wedding) also appearon screen and act really well. Fahad Ahmed (Timmy, the bridegroom) appeared in a couple of scenes but his character seemed heavily inspired from the groom in 3 Idiots.
In short — most of the men in Karachi Se Lahore proved their mettle. We're looking forward to even more.

In Bin Roye, fashion and cinema live happily ever after



There’s one thing that HUM Films’ Bin Roye certainly has to offer aside from a tale of crying, love, death and some more crying: fabulous fashion.
Taking some of the country’s most popular designer brands on board, Momina Duraid and Shahzad Kashmiri have endeavored to make sartorial statements through the silver screen. One can’t call the movie’s wardrobe cutting-edge – naturally, the clothes have been selected to suit the characters in the movie – but the womenswear is certainly on-trend, very pretty and well-tailored.
It is testament to how trends are changing in cinema and television. Back in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, one remembers how Teejays brought baggy androgyny and color-blocking into vogue by dressing leading ladies in popular dramas like Ankahi and Tanhaiyaan.
Thereafter, cinema declined, the svelte heroine being replaced by a rotund, bling-infested siren. TV, meanwhile, veered towards the lackluster, with wardrobes relegated to the background.
In recent times, the power of popularizing trends through on-screen wardrobes was once again realized with Momina Duraid’s hit dramaHumsafar. One remembers an all-black chiffon suit designed by Feeha Jamshed and worn by Mahira Khan that became an overnight sensation.
“On-screen wardrobes are important,” says Mahira Khan. “They help create an overall aura and with local productions being viewed all around the globe, they represent our aesthetics to the world.”
Bin Roye’s an interesting watch not just for the emotional drama aficionado but also for the discerning savant. Here’s what we loved … and some things that we didn’t:
1. Channeling the shalwar: Bin Roye brings old trends back
Mahira Khan’s garrulous Saba has the flair – and the waistline – to wear the shalwar just right; with fitted short shirts, short sleeves and flowy dupattas. Back and front necklines run deep and wide. It’s all very girl-next-door meets Yash Chopra heroine and while not everybody can look as good as Mahira in a clinging short kameez, Bin Roye has us itching to channel the shalwar right into our wardrobes.Detailings vary from all-white kurtas and shalwars, to shirts with buttons running down the back, light embroideries, chikans, floral-printed shalwars with plain shirts, lacy cut-worked sleeves and the occasional navy blues and blacks for when someone dies or the leading lady has one of her all-too-prevalent blue moods.
The daily-wear has mostly been created by Labels and Elan according to requirements provided by HUM Films.
2. The formal touch: because we're incomplete without wedding wear
Heavily- embellished shirts worked with gotakamdani and dabkaghararas,shararas and chooridars… like any good desi romantic movie, Bin Roye is replete with weddings and the associated wedding-wear.
There’s Mahira in an all-yellow typical mayoon jora, Armeena in a heavily-worked peach shirt for her valima, Armeena’s powder-pink wedding dress with butterflies embroidered on the dupatta, Mahira on her wedding day in a wide-necked, sleeveless orange and red dress… the bridal regalia goes on and on, with most of the heavy formals created by Elan.Feeha Jamshed designs a short choli and sharara for the Balle Balle song while Sania Maskatiya spins out fun, lighter designs: multi-colors for Chand raat, deep blue and pink worked with sequins, off-white for Eid embellished with floral embroideries and occasional off-the-rack quintessential digital prints on silk.
Mahira also wears a very pretty sari of her own, which proceeds to look ridiculous when she visits the beach in it. There are dupattas lined with gota, plenty of sequins and kaleidoscopia that may actually look quite bawdy in real-life but look good on-screen. There’s also plenty of heavy-duty jewelry, designed by Faisal Habib and Sherezad Rahimtoola.
So what’s new about all this? Nothing much but the movie makes wedding-wear and formals more interesting, allowing in the resiliently popular long and flowy but also making way for the refreshing shorter tunic.
3. Menswear glitches: the boys are mostly overlooked
Adeel Hussain waltzes in for a cameo appearance in the song Balle Balle, wearing Nomi Ansari: a digitally printed satin vest with a zardozi collar, embroideries and jeweled buttons. This is, possibly, the only time menswear actually makes a statement in Bin Roye.
Humayun Saeed’s wardrobe, a mix of designs by Bonanza, Deepak Perwani and Jazib Qamar, has some redeeming moments but overall, it varies from the insignificant to the badly fitted to the downright dowdy.
Why does he wear a blazer in sweltering Karachi while he talks to his grandmother? And the Western-wear makes him look positively overweight next to the svelte Mahira. He looks much better in basic kurtas and shalwarsbut there is a definite need for better tailoring.
Unfortunately, it seems that far too much attention has been placed into the womenswear, relegating the men’s wardrobe to the background. The Pakistani man is not a bawdy dresser and we like to see our heroes savvier, well-turned out and debonair — filmmakers need to keep that in mind.
4. Lessons in styling: less is more
Bin Roye is Mahira Khan’s movie and the styling says it all. Pale-skinned with bee-stung lips, Mahira looks beautiful, young and fresh. The rest of the cast suffers.
Armeena Rana Khan is certainly very pretty but multiple layers of foundation and eye make-up make her look like she is perpetually going to a wedding. Why does she have to have such perfectly blow-dried hair when she’s out jogging or when she’s going to study with friends? Perhaps Armeena was styled keeping in mind that she plays the older sister but a constant decked-up look just doesn’t make sense.
Humayun Saeed, while perfecting the romantic hero, looks exhausted.
It’s a glossy movie, with florals, fairy lights and furnishings easily creating a romantic ambience … if only as much attention had been paid to the styling of the entire cast!