Since the 1947 partition, art has been a common chain connecting the two countries. Despite the lines that states draw and erase, a common heritage makes Pakistan one of the most significant markets for Indian entertainment and vice versa. Singers like Ali Haider and Sajjad Ali and recent imports such as Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shafqat Amanat Ali, have been welcomed and celebrated by Bollywood with open arms. Ali Zafar, Sara Loren, Humaima Malik, Meera and Veena Malik have also managed to sign Bollywood films, with Ali Zafar sharing screen space with B-town names such as Katrina Kaif and Imran Khan.

The important question to ask, however, is who is benefitting from these collaborations. Is Bollywood better off thanks to our artists, or do our artists have no hope for fame and money if they don’t take the B-town route?

Judging by the dismal shape of our entertainment industry, it is quite evident that India remains a promising platform for our artists. If things continue to gradually decline for us, perhaps India will be the only way for our talented artists to gain substantial recognition.

But our entertainment industry was not always a failing and suffering entity; in the golden days of the PTV era, Bollywood was yet to grow into the booming industry it is today. Sadly, today our cinema industry is dying and aiming for revival; age-old record labels have stopped producing good music in the form of albums and the local TV industry is competing with foreign content.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam made Pakistan proud when they made waves in the music scene across the border. They gained a fair amount of mainstream recognition, with popular new films featuring songs sung by them, a proof of India’s reliance on our artists.

As far as the actors are concerned, Indian director Madhur Bhandarkar tells The Express Tribune, “Frankly, I don’t care much about Veena, Meera, and Mona Lizza or for that matter any Pakistani actor. But in an industry like Bollywood, everyone should get a fair chance to show their talent and shine, be it from Pakistan or any other country.”

The Indian industry does give opportunities to artists who promise returns on investment. Ali Zafar and Sarah Loren have already entered the market. Keeping Humaima Malik’s appearance and acting skills in mind, she could be the next Pakistani feather in a cap that India is wearing.

Naysayers and critics who frown upon local artists for leaving their country should know that there is no other way out for them, other than to go to a country where there is respect and return for creative interests.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2013.

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In the recently released trailer of the film, Sara sizzles on screen as she is romanced by Randeep Hoda (last seen with Bebo in Heroine). While her latest offering might showcase her on a global platform, acting remains her weakest link.

“I know I am a bad actor, but I am learning how to act better with every film,” Sara tells The Express Tribune in an interview. She is on set shooting for a local film. While preparing for a scene where she is dressed as a bride, Sara continues to talk despite the make-up artist’s persistent attempts to apply lipstick.

“I don’t mind if Kajraare was a failure,” she admits, adding: “At least it was a step in the right direction.”

“Amitabh Bachchan is my all time favourite actor and with the number of flops that he had to face before becoming a mega star, I am very satisfied with what I am doing,” she says with confidence.

It must be noted that Sara is the first female Pakistani actor to feature in a well-known Bollywood franchise. Mahesh Bhatt’s Nazar starring Meera was a flop, while Veena Malik seems to have resorted to raunchy item songs and C-grade movies like the remake of Dirty Picture and Gali Gali Mae Chor Hai for attention. Sara must be feeling the pressure of being given such an opportunity.

“I hope and pray that I am able to deliver what is expected of me, because this is Mahesh Bhatt’s son Vishesh’s debut film and they both trust me,” she says. “In India, it’s the artist that matters, not his or her nationality. As long as you know your work, it pays off and is recognised,” she says, sounding overwhelmed.

Her role in the film will undoubtedly raise more than a few eyebrows at home; with love-making scenes and bathtub moments included in the trailer, there is no doubt that the movie will get a restricted audience viewing stamp from the censor board. Keeping in mind the ‘bold’ scenes in Murder  and Murder 2, one can safely predict that the third installment will not move far from the ongoing theme in terms of sensuality.

Sara jumps to defend herself, saying, “To make a career in Bollywood, you need to play all sorts of roles. With Vishesh, it’s a different role and if Sanjay Leela Bhansali or Manti Ratnam were to offer me something, then it would be entirely different too. They are catering to an industry worth 1 billion people, not just 160 million.”

In a serious tone, she continues: “It’s 2013! People shouldn’t get personal about my professional work. My work demands what I am doing in the film.”

Jumping to the subject of her wardrobe in the film, Sara says: “Given a choice, I would always wear shalwar kameez. But my dear, it’s not always my choice,” she says with a smile. “If my fans don’t like what I have done in the film, then they should just go and update their status on Facebook,” she said in an I-don’t-care tone.

Murder 3 is set for an international Valentine’s Day release. With Randeep Hooda and Aditi Rao Hyderi in the cast there, will be some serious competition. If Aditi is the better actor, Sara beats her by a mile as far as physical appearance is concerned. While Murder 3 is a Vishesh Films debut, the Bhatt camp has been adventurous enough to have signed a three film contract with Sara, displaying its generosity towards and faith in Pakistani actors.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2013.              

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The British Asian, singer, Channel V host and B-town actor Sophiya Haque passed away in London on Wednesday. According to in.com, Sophiya was admitted in the hospital as she was suffering from pneumonia.

From fans to B-town celebrities, people from across the world took to social networking website Twitter to express their shock and grief over her sad demise. Here are some of the tweets by celebs:

Actor Pooja Bhatt wrote, “Tragic news about Sophiya Haque. One of the most gorgeous women to have walked this planet… Shine on where-ever you now are, love.”

Director Ken Ghosh tweeted, “Just heard sad news of the passing away of the ex VJ of channel V, Sophiya Haque.”

Actor-singer-VJ Sophie Choudry said, “When I moved here, you moved to my city. We barely met but I had great respect for you and your work! RIP Sophiya Haque.”

Actor Kabir Bedi: “Saddened by the passing of Sophiya Haque, friend and talented actress, who I acted with in Far Pavilions, London West End.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2013.              

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Singer Mariah Carey, rapper Nicki Minaj and country artist Keith Urban make their debut as judges when the TV talent contest begins its 12th season. “All three judges are eminently qualified. It’s a good spectrum in terms of embracing hip-hop, country and pop,” HitFix.com music blogger Melinda Newman said.

The three newcomers replace departing judges Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler who quit last year after two seasons. The new panel, rounded out by old hand record producer Randy Jackson, didn’t come cheap. Carey is reported to be earning approximately $18 million for the season, Minaj about $12 million and Urban $8 million.

But industry watchers say Idol needs more than big names to bring in audiences at a time of cutthroat competition from talent contests like The Voice, The X Factor, and America’s Got Talent.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2013.              

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MUMBAI: Director-actor Kamal Haasan may have had to drop the idea of premiering his bilingual Vishwaroop on Direct To Home (DTH) at the behest of distributors but still feels “DTH is the future of cinema”.

Initially, Kamal had decided to premiere his Tamil film Vishwaroopam, its dubbed Telugu version and the Hindi Vishwaroop on DTH a day before the scheduled theatrical release. But distributors were unhappy with the move and Kamal had to shelve that plan.

“The Hindi version is being released on February 1. It cannot be released on January 25 along with the Tamil and Telugu versions because Race 2 is releasing the same day,” the actor-director-producer said on the new revised release plans.

“I feel the Hindi version Vishwaroop would gather more box office strength from the week-long release advantage that its Tamil and Telugu versions would have,” he added.

The film stars Shekhar Kapur, Rahul Bose and Kamal himself who has also directed the film.

But he is as confident of the DTH premiere strategy as he was before he was compelled to bow down.

“Look at the success through the DTH of the new Richard Gere film Arbitrage. It has collected double its theatre collections on DTH. DTH is the future of cinema. The postponement of my film’s release gave me an opportunity to convince my film fraternity of the feasibility of DTH,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the advance bookings had already opened when we postponed. We had to say sorry to the disappointed patrons. But I have to tell you, the advance bookings were unprecedented. No one refrained from going to theatres because of the DTH,” he said further.

As far as the DTH telecast is concerned, Kamal said, “The south Indian distributors and exhibitors have requested a four-day head start for the theatrical release. I made it easier for them. The DTH telecast would now be on Saturday, February 2 following the theatrical release on Friday January 25.”

In the Hindi belt, the distributors won’t relent over the DTH issue.

“In South India, I’ve already won over the distributors. I guess the South chamber is more sensible than its Northern counterpart. So the Hindi DTH telecast would be as stipulated by the North Indian multiplexes. They don’t want DTH before four weeks after the theatrical release. We have to go by their stipulation,” he said.

Regarding the email that Kamal has sent to his all-India distributors Balaji Films, he clarified, “I never said we’ll wait for six weeks. I said we’ll wait for as long as the North Indian theatres stipulate.”

The Los Angeles premiere of the film is now scheduled for January 24.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2013.              

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MUMBAI: Demonstrating true sportsman’s spirit and enthusiasm, superstar Shahrukh Khan backs sports as a profession. He says it should be considered a good job opportunity and that parents must be educated about how games can be a viable career option for their children.

“Parents will always be wary of sports as a profession and I don’t see why they shouldn’t be. But they will have to see that there is a job opportunity here,” he said at the launch of Toyota University Cricket Championship held Thursday.

“I am a big speaker of sports as a commercial success. Parents should know that it can be a salary job. Your kids will be proud of you,” added the owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, franchise of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 47-year-old, who is a sports lover, is willing to support every sport in the country.

“My movies have given me the position of a brand ambassador of a certain calibre. I would like to utilise that in whatever way possible for sports,” he said.

“I would like to be the brand ambassador of any sport in the country. I am good at sports. I love sports. I like cricket. Hockey is the best game in the world,” he added.

However, what bothers him is that even today children can’t confidently say that “they want to be a professional sportsman”.

“In the last 25 years, because of the advent of technology, storywriters, etc, a lot of people want to be in media and films. The age of conventional jobs is over,” he said. “But I think we have not reached that stage in our country where children can come up and say I want to make sports my job and be a professional sportsperson.”

Other than cricket, King Khan also wants to encourage football in India.

“We are the only nation who is on the threshold of development and we don’t have a good football team,” he said, adding that most developing nations have it “as it is the cheapest sport”.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2013.              

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Fox Star Studios and VB Pictures made Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola for INR330 million. It has garnered INR331.5 million net at the domestic box office and INR80 million from the overseas market. The revenues from TV, Music and Home Video further boosted its profit, said a statement.

Criticism notwithstanding, Bhardwaj is happy and said, “This is my biggest opening and appreciation is coming from a lot of people. But I am really happy and relieved about the fact that I am able to make the kind of movie that I want to make and still have a profitable film. “

Critics have lauded Pankaj Kapur’s performance in the film, which also sees superb acting by Shabana Azmi. The two veterans were supported by actors Imran Khan, Anushka Sharma and Arya Babbar.

Journalist Pritish Nandy calls it a “wicked wit” and added that Pankaj has proved “his peerless acting prowess” again.

Vijay Singh, CEO FoxStar Studios, feels MKBKM has “polarised audiences and is testimony to the changing audience preferences.”

A satirical commentary on the country’s social system, MKBKM story takes place in a small town in Haryana.

“It has certainly appealed to the multiplex audiences. As there was no competition, people have lapped it up,” said Delhi-based distributor Joginder Mahajan.

Even Amitabh Bachchan praised Bhardwaj’s endeavour to target corruption in the society using satire as a medium to talk to the masses, and tweeted, “A land issue much like Singur, rich and poor divide, communism of takes, anti-alcohol, love triangle [DDLJ style], politics — all portrayed in a manner not unknown to us, yet unknown. A composite satire, if ever satires could be composite.”

For Anurag Kashyap Matru… is “the most kickass funny, intelligent and relevant film of our times”. 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2013.

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“I am in receipt of your letter of December 30th 1944, and I wish more Mussalmans would enter into this realm of film industry, and I shall always be glad to do all I can to help it. I have noted that Mr Mahboob is producing a historical picture “Humayun”, and if I have an opportunity of seeing it I might be able to express my opinion about it, but generally I do wish that more Mussalmans would enter this line, as there is plenty of scope for them in the film industry,” reads the Quaid’s letter, dated January 6, 1945.

The type-written letter clearly bears his personal monogram and is neatly signed by his own hand.

The letter was written in response to a letter by Mohammad Masud, then a young political activist, who sought the Quaid’s opinion on the role of Indian Muslims in the sub-continent’s film industry.

Now in his 80s, Masud resides in Karachi with his grandchildren. While he has never been particularly talkative, many an eager ear has been mesmerised by his narration of pre-partition experiences. From his youth to his old age, Masud has also cultivated a penchant for writing letters to the country’s leaders, past and present. The Quaid was among the few who got back to him.

Pakistani film industry today is exemplified by mustachioed men with ‘gandasas’ staring down plus-sized women as they dance.

Cinemas themselves are dominated by Bollywood and Hollywood. The industry has been on the verge of demise ever since the separation of East Pakistan (and with it, its film industry), and the advent of the VCR.

The state, meanwhile, has had bigger concerns, leaving an industry, which once provided much revenue and was a means of promoting a ‘softer image’, in shambles. No government has tried to restore Pakistani cinema to its former glory – the state does not even acknowledge it as an industry. Similarly, little official attention has been given to film education – not a single state-funded film school exists in the country.

Quaid’s letter could not have been uncovered at a more apt time. It shows the level of enthusiasm a person who represented the entire Muslim population of India at the time possessed, even as he replied to someone as inconsequential as a young admirer – that too at a time when the entire region was embroiled in a crisis much graver than cultivating a film industry.

Masud still pens letters to the country’s present day leaders, often reminding them of their duty to the nation. Most never bother to reply. Only Jinnah had the courtesy and the vision to respond to each letter he received. One can only wish we could have another leader like that.

The author is the nephew of Mohammad Masud and a retired brigadier who teaches strategy at the National Defence University, Islamabad

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2013.

PHOENIX: An Arizona man with a special fondness for caped crusader Batman and his sidekick Robin bought the original Batmobile driven in the iconic television series with a bid of $4.2 million at an auction on Saturday.

Rick Champagne, a Phoenix-area logistics company owner, came away with the black, futuristic two-seater featured in the “Batman” series starring Adam West and Burt Ward from 1966 to 1968, following a flurry of spirited bidding at the Scottsdale, Arizona, auction.

“I really liked Batman growing up and I came here with the intention of buying the car,” Champagne, 56, told Reuters in a brief interview moments after he bought the car. “Sure enough, I was able to buy it. That was a dream come true.”

The Barrett-Jackson auction was the first time the car was put up for public sale. In addition to the $4.2 million bid price, the buyer will have to pay an additional roughly $420,000 in premiums.

The Batmobile is based on a 1955 Lincoln Futura, a concept car built in Italy by the Ford Motor Co.

In 1965, the concept car was bought for a nominal $1 by noted customiser George Barris, who had a mere 15 days and $15,000 to transform the vehicle for the show. He has owned it ever since.

Barris told Reuters he had supplied vehicles for movies and television shows before, but this one had to be markedly different than the others.

“With every pow, bang, wow, wee, I wanted the car to do something just like the actors,” said Barris, 87, in an interview before the auction. “The car had to be a star on its own. And it became one.”

The car has a V-8 engine and instruments in the steering wheel, plus innovative items like a push-button transmission.

But generations may remember it best for Bat gadgets added for the series, including a car phone and the ability to deploy such things as oil, smoke and nails to thwart villains – not to mention twin rear parachutes for quick Bat turns.

Barris said the vehicle toured the country after the series and a movie and then was housed in a private showroom in California. He said it was time to part with the popular car and let a new owner have the Bat keys.

The noted author, professor and critic was presiding a book launch at Pakistan Academy of Languages on Saturday. The centre of discussion was the novel of Pakistani-born Italian Sarfraz Baig titled ‘Pas-e-Aina’ (Behind the Mirror).

“This book is one of the comprehensive documents not only on 9/11 but the sorrow tales of expats struggling after reaching Europe,” Malik said.

“Baig’s research carries respectable researchers of post-9/11 era and discusses the life of a common Muslim living in West, particularly Europe,” he said. Dr Roshan Nadeem in the opening remarks said initially Pakistani readers learnt about the culture of Europe through Urdu travelogues.

There are very few pieces in Urdu fiction which transpire the West-Udas Naslain by Abdullah Hussain and Nashaib. “This piece of fiction from a man, who has experienced all the worries of life in Europe being an immigrant, and penned it down, is a remarkable achievement in Urdu literature,” he said.

He discussed about the novel that it shows the challenges of the people of third world, their struggle for identity, respectable place in society in a narrative way which underlines love for land and adjustment with alien environment.

“In current scenario, such pieces are the start of global fiction in Urdu and modern literature,” he remarked.

Sarfraz Baig, the author of the novel said that this piece is actually the outcome of the accounts to which he is an eye-witness in Europe. “My characters moves from Arezzo, Italy to Switzerland and discuss Dante in the refugee camp. They then talk about the 9/11 and the life after this incident and the cause of terrorist attacks in USA,” he said.

He said the characters of his novel discuss the tales from Italian literature and their connection with the contemporary politics and culture.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2013.

MUMBAI: Actor Akshay Kumar is a martial arts expert and believes that sports is beyond money for him.

Present at the Golf Premier League press meet on Friday, he said: “I am a sportsman first and then an actor. Everyone owns one team (in a sport), but I want to own all the sports. My father was a wrestler, not everyone knows that. For me sports is not a place where you make money.”

“I am here because the Pearls Group is going to enter many sports like kabaddi, cricket or hockey and wrestling. Don’t put that tag on me that I am here for money,” said the 44-year-old, who organises a karate championship annually.

Akshay further stated that it was his skill in martial arts that helped him get a break in films.

“I have been into sports since my childhood. My identity is because of that. I came to films because of martial arts. If someone gave my first film, it was not because of my acting talent, it was because my kick was good,” Akshay said.

“You won’t believe when I first came here (to Mumbai), I had not seen a camera. I kept on bringing up sports again and again. Now I want to promote parkour (a training discipline that developed out of military obstacle course) and I do it in my ads,” he added.

Akshay’s initial films Mr. Bond, Khiladi , Deedar, Waqt Hamara Hai and many more were action flicks.

He turned towards comedy with Hera Pheri and made a comeback to action with Rowdy Rathore in 2012. 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2013.               

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With a string of films in her kitty and getting nominated alongside industry veterans at various award functions, actor Richa Chadda is on cloud nine after Gangs of Wasseypur. She is busy enjoying the new phase of her career to the fullest.

“I think it is a great start for me. I am working with some well-known directors. I think I started in a reverse way [from supporting actor to a lead role], but never expected such appreciation,” Richa said. “Normally it takes around five to six years for any actor to get to this position. I consider myself lucky to have been able to experience it at such an early stage.”

Her powerful performance as Nagma in Gangs of Wasseypur has landed her nominations at award functions too.

Asked how much awards matter to her, Richa said, “It feels nice because there is so much competition in today’s times. The awards show that you have been accepted by the industry as well as by the audience.”

“For me, to be nominated alongside veterans like Sridevi is a huge complement and an award in itself,” she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2013.               

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KARACHI: Pakistani actor Ali Zafar did not take long to become India’s heartthrob. Ali has been roped in for Yash Raj Films (YRF) newest project Kill Dil. Directed by Shaad Ali — who has given hits like Saathiya — and produced by Aditya Chopra, Kill Dil features Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh, Ali Zafar and Parineeti Chopra in lead roles.

As far as Kill Dil is concerned, Ali will be seen in a rugged avatar for a change. The 32-year-old star says he will start exercising to get in shape. “I will be working out to gain some muscle for this film after we wrap up Neeraj Panday’s Aman Ki Asha,” Ali told The Express Tribune via email.

After Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, this is his second film under YRF banner. He says he “feels very privileged to work with YRF banner once again”.

When asked about the story, the versatile artist refused to reveal the plot of the film but did say that he is very excited about the role. “I am actually very excited for this role because action has been my favourite genre since I was a child.”

Ali’s publicist Ammara Hikmat said the film will go on floors in October and will release in 2014.

Dancing with fame

The talented musician, who made his debut in the Pakistani music industry in 2003 with album Huqa Pani, made his way to Bollywood with an unconventional movie Tere Bin Laden. After his performance as an ambitious young reporter, Ali not only gained recognition as an actor worldwide, but also got offers from big banners like YRF.

His second breakthrough was YRF’s Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, where he acted alongside Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif and also provided vocals for its catchy song Madhubala. While Ali was nominated for his debut film, he won the Stardust Award 2012 for Superstar of Tomorrow Male for Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. At the same ceremony, he bagged the award for New Musical Sensation for Madhubala.

Ali’s next film London, Paris, New York, in which  he stars opposite Aditi Rao Hyderi, saw a dull response at the box office but managed to attract attention overseas. This year, fans will see him playing the boy-next-door in the remake of the 1981 film Chashme Buddoor, which is set to release on April 5.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2013.               

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“I see Indian television shows as just a bunch of clones. All the shows, characters and stories are just the same. They look the same and even the dialogues are the same at times,” Shruti told IANS.

She is on the lookout for “something different”.

“On TV, I can’t tell the difference between any two actors. They are doing the same thing and wearing the same clothes, which is very unfortunate,” said the actor, who also featured in shows like Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand and Kyun Hota Hai Pyarrr.

The 35-year-old will now be seen in the second season of family comedy show, The Suite Life of Karan and Kabir.

The show had a successful first season, which wrapped in October 2012. The new season will go on air January 27 on Disney Channel.

In the show, an adaptation of US-based show The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Shruti plays Priti Jaiswal, mother of twin sons — Karan and Kabir.

Shruti Seth will now be seen in the second season of family comedy show, The Suite Life of Karan and Kabir, which will go on air January 27 on Disney Channel. PHOTO: FILE

“We have had a very successful first season and we are happy for the second season; it should be more fun as we have gotten along very well. We have become very comfortable with each other and the script this time is even funnier,” she said.

The actor, who doesn’t have any kids in real life, admits she was initially apprehensive about playing a mother on screen.

“I was not sure that I wanted to take the role, but I realised that this is a fun show and I will be playing a fun mom. I would rather prefer playing a fun and chilled-out mother than play a young girl who is a source of misery to others who watch her — that’s what sadly happens on national television,” she said.

The chirpy and full of life Shruti has also hosted shows Comedy Circus and worked as a video jockey for the show Junglee Jukebox on Channel V.

She has even had a tryst with films through movies like Fanaa, Raajneeti and Slumdog Millionaire.

She was last seen in 2011 film My Friend Pinto.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2013.

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Chastain’s supernatural thriller, Mama, pulled in $28.1 million from Friday through Sunday at the US and Canadian theatres, according to studio estimates, beating out a crop of new testosterone-fueled, male-targeted releases that finished far back in the pack.

Zero Dark Thirty, for which Chastain is a leading best female actor Oscar contender, took in $17.6 million, while another late 2012 release and Oscar favourite, Silver Linings Playbook, finished third with $11.35 million.

Broken City, a crime thriller starring Wahlberg and Russell Crowe, finished fifth with $9 million behind Gangster Squad’s $9.1 million, while Schwarzenegger’s new action film, The Last Stand, earned $6.3 million for a dismal 10th place.

Mama stars Chastain as a guitarist who doesn’t want children but is forced to take care of two orphaned nieces who have been living in the woods. She and her husband try to re-adjust the little girls to normal life.

Based on a 2008 short film, the movie was produced for roughly $15 million.

“This is a great result, one we never would have expected especially for a film of this genre,” said Nikki Rocco, Universal’s president for domestic distribution.

“The timing was perfect,” she said, noting “the key was it’s a PG-13 movie that appealed to the under-25 female audience.”

The studio said it was hopeful that as the only PG-13 film in release this month it would continue to find an audience.

The top 10 movies were rounded out by A Haunted House, Django Unchained, Les Miserables and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2013.

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Undoubtedly, Sujoy Ghosh’s Kahaani and Anurag Basu’s Barfi, struck big at Filmfare this year. Barfi bagged the Best Film award and got Ranbir Kapoor the Best Actor (Male) title, while Vidya Balan bagged the Best Actor (Female) trophy for Kahaani that also won Sujoy Ghosh the Best Director prize. Delighted with her victory, an overjoyed Vidya, who was competing with nominees Deepika Padukone (Cocktail), Kareena Kapoor (Heroine), Parineeti Chopra (Ishqazaade) and Sridevi (English Vinglish) said, “This goes to the entire team of Kahaani. Thank you (cinematographer) Setu for making a pregnant woman look beautiful. This is very special to all women who have lived their life with courage.” Earlier on the red carpet, where she walked in wearing a stunning pink and black sari designed by her favourite Sabyasacchi, she said: “This is the first time I am coming with my husband Siddharth Roy Kapur. Interestingly, I met Siddharth for the first time at the backstage of the Filmfare Awards some years ago. So it is a very nostalgic feeling for me today.”

The lifetime achievement award went to late director Yash Chopra, who passed away in October last year. Anushka Sharma won the Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) award for her role as the bubbly Akira in Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

She went on to perform on a medley of her songs and paid tribute to actors with songs like Parde Mein Rehne Do, Saiyaan Dil Mein Aana Re and Hawa Mein Udta Jaaye Mora Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka. Lyricist Gulzar bagged the award for ‘best lyrics’ for the song Challa from the same film.

The Best Debut Director award was bagged by Gauri Shinde for the heartwarming English Vinglish. Thoroughly pleased with herself, Gauri said, “Sri (Sridevi) this is for you — thanks for doing this film. This award is dedicated to my entire English Vinglish family — without you this award would not have been possible.” Ayushmann Khurrana won the Best Debut (Male) for his film Vicky Donor and Ileana D’cruz won Best Debut Female for Barfi.

In the Critic’s Choice category, the Best Actor Female was won by Richa Chaddha for Gangs Of Wasseypur and Best Actor Male was given to Irrfan Khan for Paan Singh Tomar. Gangs of Wasseypur also bagged the award for Best Film.

Barfi bagged the Best Film award and got Ranbir Kapoor the Best Actor (Male) title, while Vidya Balan bagged the Best Actor (Female) trophy for Kahaani. PHOTO: FILE

Burning up the floor

Amongst the best dressed actors of the night was the forever fabulous Deepika Padukone, who wore a sexy black Prabal Gurang dress. Anushka Sharma looked ravishing in red lips and a canary yellow dress and Alia Bhatt wore a Student of the Year-inspired lehenga and choli in a black, navy and silver Manish Malhotra creation. Madhuri Dixit arrived with her husband Sriram Nene, looking as graceful as ever in a black Alberto Macalli design. Varun Dhawan, who hosted a segment of the show with his co-star Siddhart Malhotra, wore an Archana Walvekar creation.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2013.

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The festival was created as a platform by Morango Films for showcasing 60-second short films covering themes of social issues and development, entertainment, national and international issues, public service messages, and so on. The purpose was to encourage upcoming artists and producers from Pakistan and at the same time, create positive learning experiences.

“There are a lot of competitions that focus on commercial or glamorous video-making,” says Omair Haider, the festival’s director of communications. “We, however, wanted the participants to put their thinking caps on. Independent film-making is all about picking the small stories or happenings that are going on around us which affect us, but we’re too busy to do anything to correct them.” He hopes this platform will highlight these issues and present them to a bigger audience.

The line-up of prizes for the winners of this competition include a Mac Book Pro, DSLR, iPad, internship opportunities at Duck, Morango Films and ARY Musik. The best of all is a scholarship on offer to cover a professional degree in film-making.

The festival organisers have announced that they are past the voting stage and the judging panel is now evaluating the entries. Joining the team are renowned names from the industry including Amena Khan, Amin Matalqa, Mehreen Jabbar and Sohail Javed.

Amena Khan is an established commercial film director joining the 60SFF judges’ panel. A veteran of varying film genres, formats and treatment styles, she has been involved in the media campaigns of leading corporate brands and music stars; both within Pakistan and abroad. She is currently heading one of the leading production houses in Pakistan, DreamTeamFilms.

Jordanian film-maker, Amin Matalqa has also joined the judges’ team for 60SFF. He has directed 17 short-films till date. His first feature film, Captain Abu Raed, won the World Cinema Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2008 and was Jordan’s first entry to the Oscars. His second film, The United is Walt Disney Studios’ first ever Arabic film and is due to release in early 2013. Amin is currently completing post-production on his third film, Strangely In Love, an American comedy based on Dostoevsky’s White Nights.

Renowned director-producer Mehreen Jabbar is also on board as a judge for the festival; she is a 16-year veteran of the industry. She started off her career from TV films and drama serials under the banner of TasVeer Productions. Almost all her work has received critical acclaim. Currently working as a freelancer, her work includes award winning productions such as Daughters of the Late Colonel, Beauty Parlor, Laal Baig (Cockroach), Harjai (Betrayal) and Doraha (Crossroads). Her first feature length film Ramchand Pakistani was the recipient of the Fipresci Prize from the International Federation of Film Critics along with several others awards at film festivals around the world.

Sohail Javed is a well-known director-producer of music videos and TV commercials and takes the final spot on the judging panel. He is a veteran of over 400 music videos and a 100 commercials; he has several awards under his belt including Best Music Video Director at the Lux Style Awards 2007 and 2008.

Public voting was closed on December 20, with almost 5,000 votes cast. The festival organisers have explained that voting will be counted along the judges’ decision and the result will be based on a combination of both scores.

“It is important even as an independent film-maker, for you to promote your film so you generate an audience. Independent films probably don’t have the same grandeur as commercial films, but the internet is an excellent medium for film-makers to market their film and have their talent recognised” says Abrarul Haq, the festival’s director.

The results will be announced at the end of January, giving the judges enough time to evaluate the film for various aspects — ensuring the most deserving one is declared the winner.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd, 2013.

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“The comedy where actors are trying too hard to make the audience laugh, I don’t find that funny. I think, this is more situational, it’s funnier than all the comedies that you have seen,” the 33-year-old said on Monday at the wrap-up party of the film.

Known for sharing screen space with glamour girls, Emraan has teamed up with Vidya Balan in Ghanchakkar, his second film with the actor after The Dirty Picture.

Emraan says director Rajkumar Gupta, known for narrating gripping dramas like Aamir and No One Killed Jessica, has dared to be different in the film.

“It is a U/A film and it is a different kind of comedy. Generally there is a certain set format for the way we see the comic films in our industry, but I think it is different, it dares to be different. Raj’s (the director) status is completely different as far as comedy goes. It’s a riot,” he said.

The plot of the movie revolves around a master safe cracker Sanju, played by Emraan, who wants to quit the world of crime and live a peaceful life. But for that he needs to have enough money that could last his lifetime. Hence, he decides to team up with two dangerous criminals to commit one last heist — a bank robbery. Sanju and his accomplices succeed in their mission and he is given the task of hiding the lump sum amount of INR350 million until things cool down. However, when the associates return after three months to collect their share of the loot, Sanju refuses to recognise them.

Ghanchakkar is slated for a June 21 release. 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd, 2013.

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His last film Cocktail managed to do well at the box office, he wed his lady love Kareena Kapoor and for his forthcoming action thriller Race 2, he got the chance to drive around in high-end cars, shoot in locations like Istanbul and be with some of Bollywood’s most gorgeous girls.

“It feels great! It seems like my life is quite set. Nazar mat lagao yaar [Don’t jinx it],” said the actor, who looked extremely stylish and fit at a promotional event on Monday.

Saif was joined at the Audi car showroom by his Race 2 co-stars Deepika Padukone and Ameesha Patel, who looked as glamorous as the film looks by its songs and trailers.

The Abbas-Mustan movie, set to release January 25, is the sequel to 2008 hit film Race. It also features actors Anil Kapoor, John Abraham and Jacqueline Fernandez.

Saif, who was part of the earlier movie, says times have changed in Bollywood and sequels are now an accepted thing.

“When I did Main Khiladi Tu Anari in 1994, we were contemplating on a sequel to it. But then the idea was dropped because at that time, sequels didn’t really happen,” he said, happy with the advancement. “But things change. There are some films that lend themselves to a sequel, and the Race franchise lends itself perfectly.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd, 2013.

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NEW DELHI: Superstar Shahrukh Khan (SRK) bares it all about what it means to be a Muslim in the post-9/11 world and how he became an “inadvertent object of political leaders” in a first person account for Outlook Turning Points magazine, published in association with the New York Times. He also features on the cover of the publication.

Titled Being a Khan, the write-up appears in the current issue of the magazine and the 47-year-old actor, one of the few Indian actors with international recognition, writes: “I sometimes become the inadvertent object of political leaders who choose to make me a symbol of all that they think is wrong and unpatriotic about Muslims in India.”

“There have been occasions when I have been accused of bearing allegiance to our neighbouring nation rather than my own country — this even though I am an Indian, whose father fought for the freedom of India. Rallies have been held where leaders have exhorted me to leave and return what they refer to my original homeland,” added the superstar of Hindi cinema.

SRK is married to Gauri, a Hindu, and has two children — Aryan and Suhana.

“I gave my son and daughter names that could pass for generic (pan-India and pan-religious) ones — Aryan and Suhana. The Khan has been bequeathed by me so they can’t really escape it.”

“I pronounce it with my epiglottis when asked by Muslims and throw the Aryan as evidence of their race when non-Muslims enquire. I imagine this will prevent my offspring from receiving unwarranted eviction orders or random fatwas in the future,” he wrote.

He said he became so sick of being mistaken for some crazed terrorist, “who co-incidentally carries the same name as mine that I made a film subtly titled My Name Is Khan (and I am not a terrorist) to prove a point.”

Set in post 9/11 US, My Name Is Khan focuses on religious and national identities through Rizwan (SRK), who has Asperger’s Syndrome, and how his Khan identity becomes all important in a suspicious America.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2013.              

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