Imran Ahmad’s memoir, The Perfect Gentleman: A Muslim Boy Meets the West is an account of his struggle for acceptance in the multi-racial Britain of his childhood. At the time, Britain’s well defined class system was an impediment to immigrant families who struggled to carve an identity of their own while clinging onto their traditions. Ahmad’s narrative deals with the dilemmas of being a Pakistani immigrant — the tension between dreams and reality, cultural conformity and individuality, and scepticism and religious fundamentalism.

Each chapter is devoted to one year of Ahmad’s life. Ahmad’s childhood role model is Spock from Star Trek, who like Ahmad always behaves logically but is an alien in a community of ‘regular’ people. Because of his fascination with material success and beautiful women, young Ahmad also idealises James Bond and believes, in his childish naivety, that he looks like the famous agent. He aspires to become a doctor because his family and Spock consider science superior to other subjects.

He always finds himself torn between what is expected of him and what his mind dictates. After high school, he secures admission in Sterling University and begins his lifelong love affair with Scotland. There he falls in love with a girl named Janice and the readers cannot help laugh at his self-deceiving belief that one day he will marry her.

From an early age, Ahmad has doubts about what people take for granted, including religion and God. However, when he finds his faith weaker as compared to others, he feels guilty: “I know I shouldn’t be having these thoughts. As God can read my mind and will be very angry”. This essential dilemma as he tries to rationalise religion is encapsulated in this sentence: “How do we know we follow the right religion?” If he is scared of the absolute certainty of American Evangelists, he is equally sceptical of Islam as well: “If everyone on earth became Muslim, the world might turn into a very sombre place”.

On the other hand, Ahmad also confesses that he loves “the heady freedom and excitement of the Western world”, despite its apparent incompatibility with Islam. While he spends countless hours in the library reading about theology, especially Sufism, his secondary preoccupation is to become someone’s — anyone’s — boyfriend. He wants to experience romance though he knows that, in reality, his family would expect him to marry a woman of their choice. Ahmad’s humour is as light and pleasant as it can get. After his continuous failure at relationships, he concludes that men are stupid, whereas, he is “particularly stupid”.

The Perfect Gentleman is a coming-of-age story of a sensitive and curious mind trapped in a society divided and defined by race and religion.

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, February 10^th, 2013.

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The film’s first screening in Pakistan showed how the medium of films, abandoned in Pakistan over the years, finally seems worthwhile. The low-key inauguration only emphasised the fact that times have changed and a new sense of film-making has arrived.

“People have asked how I made something different from Bollywood,” says Meher Jaffri, the film’s producer who is also the CEO at Bodhicitta Works. “We need a revolution in film-making, audiences are smarter now and there is room for a niche audience,” she adds.

“I guess when the journey began, we had no corporate interest until after the festivals, my only advice to film-makers is to make films that you believe in, there is no formula,” says Jaffri.

The Seedlings team is like a family that has struggled. In fact, the project Seedlings was launched only after the team’s much hyped sci-fi thriller Kolachi was delayed.

Unlike mainstream commercial films, the Seedlings show didn’t open with an array of other trailers. Instead, the screen showed another Bodhicitta Works production, a short film directed by young musical sensation Usman Riaz.

The story involves three separate lives trying to connect after one tragic event. It revolves around a couple played by Aamina Sheikh and Mohib Mirza, who after a year of losing their son, are trying to come to terms with life. As everything around them deteriorates, madness prevails. The film is dominated by fleeting emotions and flashbacks, keeping the viewer engaged.

Gohar Rasheed gives a standout performance as a broken-down rickshaw driver, who is also trying to cope with the accident. The screenplay rolls smoothly with succinct and solid dialogues, the great camera work and sound which make up for the flat acting.

The cinematography showcases a different side to Karachi, a metropolitan city with flashing scenes of markets and the suburbs. More importantly, it sets a tone in the film where Usman Riaz’s musical score has a strong impact.

The film’s commercial release is yet to be confirmed, but Jaffri admits that despite its festival success, issues regarding distribution have prevailed. She says that creating a market for independent and like-minded film-makers is needed.

“Negotiations are under-way, but these things basically come down to the best deal,” adds Jaffri.

Director Mansoor Mujahid, who made his directorial debut with Seedlings, says, “The film is not constructed as a commercial film.”

“A lot of films have used some of the techniques we employed but I never looked at this through the narrative; I thought this was a collection of fleeting images that projected emotions on to the screen,” says Mujahid. “Viewers expect more action, but when you are stuck with low-budgets, you’re forced to make character-based films,” he adds.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2013.            

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MUMBAI: Film-maker Mahesh Bhatt reveals that his nephew Vishesh, who is making his debut as a director with Murder 3, pointed out to them that the movies being made under the Vishesh Films banner have started lacking in quality content.

“Murder 3 is a product with which we have re-invented the Murder franchise. It has become the most popular franchise for us and has generated a lot of revenue,” Mahesh Bhatt told reporters on Monday at an event to celebrate the success of Murder 3 music. “It has seen us through for almost a decade. But it is Vishesh Bhatt, the young nephew of mine, had the courage to challenge our entrenched ideas.”

Murder 3 has been produced under the banner Vishesh Films, co-owned by Mahesh and Vishesh’s father Mukesh Bhatt.

“While we have undoubtedly risen from strength to strength and our box office collections have touched dizzying heights, there was deterioration as far as content goes,” he continued. “The emotional sub-text of our films has withered and with that he made us look at a painful truth. And he said that having said this now, let me take charge and correct it.”

The senior Bhatt is in complete awe of Vishesh.

“Vishesh has inhaled this film, made it a part of his entire being and he has metabolised it and given a product which has made me wake up to an awesome talent this kid has,” Bhatt said.

The fate of Randeep Hooda, Aditi Rao Hydari and Sara Loren-starrer Murder 3 will be decided on Friday when it hits the screens.

But Mahesh feels Vishesh has already struck a double century with Murder 3.

“He comes from our genetic stream — my father was a film-maker, his father is a film-maker, I am a film-maker. But he has something which the new India has. He has the understanding and the depth, which is the need of the hour,” he added. “So Vishesh has made a great beginning and I can undoubtedly say in his debut he has scored a double century.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2013.            

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With a few shows returning with their mid-season premieres and some with complete new seasons, the lineup for spring 2013 looks exciting. The must-watch quality dramas will surely be the subject of many conversations for the rest of the year from chronicles of Don Draper in Mad Men to the gruesome power feuds in Game of Thrones. Here’s a look at some of the best TV series making a return with gripping plots and shocking twists that fans are breathlessly looking forward to.

Game of Thrones (season three)

Coming back with a new season, Game of Thrones shows the violent struggle among noble families for the control of the Iron Throne. The show adapted from the fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire has made a fan out of all and drew quite a healthy viewership from Pakistan.

Twitter raved with plaudits last year when season two was starting. Season three premiers on March 31 and is already generating quite a buzz in the blogosphere and media circles. It has been touted as the most anticipated season of the series from the beginning of the show.

Mad Men (season six)

As we saw in season five, marriage has calmed and tamed Don Draper to great heights and it seems that he left his old wild and infidelity — at least for now. Lane Pryce is dead while Joan is the new partner at the advertising firm Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce (SCDP).

As it is with each season, nobody can anticipate what’s in the cards for Draper and SCDP. It remains to be seen whether Draper sticks his new and improved self or ricochets back to his old savage ways now that his marriage with Megan is out of the honeymoon phase. However, going by previous seasons, one can be assured of new riveting stories and plotlines and 13 hours of brilliant TV with season six of Mad Men. Fans need to hold on just a bit longer since the next season premieres on April 7, with a two-hour episode.

Suits (season two B)

The show is centred around a legal firm in Manhattan — Pearson Hardman. Suits is all about snippy lawyers, multi-million dollar lawsuits and shrewd power politics aided by a very crisp plot. The one thing guaranteed about this show is that it never has a dull moment; the thrilling drama always keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats.

Suits season two had its mid-season premiere a few weeks ago. The vicious power battle between two managing partners has temporarily weakened Pearson Hardman. This gave rise to factions and groups inside the firm and rival firms that are crouching around Pearson Hardman with their claws out, hurting the firm’s reputation. It remains to be seen how the new managing partner Jessica Pearson and her right-hand man Harvey Specter are going to tackle the situation and shoo away competitors.

Suits airs every Thursday in the US and each episode is an exhilarating ride in itself.

Girls (season two)

Fresh off two wins at the Golden Globe Awards this year, season two of comedy-drama Girls premiered last month on HBO. The show, which won for best TV series and best actor, circles around four girls in their ‘20s trying to make a living in a cut throat New York City. While the show is a bit too Hannah (Lena Dunham) centered and disconcerted, it has seen unprecedented critical and popular success. Girls consists of 10 episodes, and airs every Sunday on HBO. 

What else?

Californication, Cougar Town and the prequel Sex and the City: Carrie Diaries have already premiered last month while Smash, Community, Walking Dead, Spartacus and House of Cards are set for showing in February. The good news for those who missed UK’s airing of Downton Abbey is that now it is being aired on PBS in the US every Sunday.

Watch this space for more on your favourite TV series and share your thoughts with us about your favourite series.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2013.            

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KARACHI: Love him or hate him, VJ-turned-TV show-host Waqar Zaka has a cult following. How else would you explain his success in conducting reality show Living on the Edge for the past five years? On this show, Zaka asks contestants to perform the wildest dares on screen; these stunts have made his show more popular than any other reality show in Pakistan.

“If a fan says the most daring thing he can do is slap his mother, then that is what he finds daring — I didn’t ask him for it,” says Zaka, the producer, host and judge of the show, explaining that he doesn’t request these absurd dares and they are suggested to him. “We are a nation that needs to be tamed and with my show, I am giving Pakistanis a chance to vent their frustration,” Zaka tells The Express Tribune. “It’s better that they vent on my show than on someone else on the street.”

He explains that a show like Living on the Edge is not easy to format because every season requires a different plan. Previous seasons of the show included Speed Demon, which was about dares involving cars and races, while another season Sabse Himmat Wala Kon, involved challenging and strenuous dares. For the upcoming season, Zaka is enthusiastic about launching the concept of the ‘biggest brain in Pakistan’ — a show which has nothing to do with one’s IQ level.

“It has nothing to do with your intelligence and everything to do with your presence of mind, for which even the biggest losers [academically] have made the cut,” says Zaka.

Despite having high ratings and the continuous branding of Mountain Dew associated with his show, Zaka is still not well-respected; some label him “cheap” and “maila”.

“The only reason people love to hate me is because I am dark and skinny and not a buffed up handsome dude. Had someone more presentable been doing the same show, no one would have objected to anything,” says Zaka.

Viewers feel that the dares on his show are cheap tricks, but the ratings have increased every year. He believes that Pakistan is an entertainment-starved nation, and says five more shows like Living on the Edge will be just as popular as this.

“Lawyers are one of the most educated and respected professionals in the world. Just look at the way Pakistani lawyers behave on the streets and you’ll realise why Pakistan needs a show like this,” says Zaka with a smirk. “[My show] is not Sir Syed’s two-nation theory or Manto’s short story, so you shouldn’t be looking for a moral. It is purely reality-based entertainment for a ‘masala parast’ nation.”

Zaka’s interaction with the youth has led him to believe that it will do anything for fame. “The biggest strength of young people today is that they can do anything to get fame and become heroes. But their biggest weakness is that they don’t have a plan,” he says.

As the fifth season of his reality show goes on air, Zaka is all set to take on a political angle in programming with his next venture titled Mae Banoonga Minister. “I’ll be going to each and every political party to get a ticket and take part in elections; that’s the only entertaining way of telling our youth how to be a part of the system,” he says.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2013.            

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NEW DELHI: For Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda the path to success has not been easy. After making his debut in Monsoon Wedding in 2001, it took him four years to bag his next project. But now, when he has made a place for himself in the industry, he doesn’t feel the need to brag.

“Right now it all looks fine, but that was not the case some years back. It was bleak and dark. The success right now is just a step in my journey. I don’t think I have reached my destination yet,” Randeep told IANS.

“I am just accumulating more and more. All my choices of work are half chances, and my half chances have been working well, but I am not over the moon and shouting from rooftop about it because when I was down and out, I wasn’t groveling,” added the 36-year-old. “So I think I have found a balance of not getting too elated with success and not too disappointed with failures.”

Milan Luthria’s Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai in 2010 came as a breakthrough in Randeep’s career, when he was appreciated for his performance.

It was followed by his performance in Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster in 2011 and three releases last year — Jannat 2, Jism 2 and Heroine — which gave his career graph a push. Even his cameo in Cocktail was noticed.

“My last six films have been successful whether I played a lead role or a small role. And it has been a good run for me,” he said. For the future, the actor has bigger plans.

“I want to do lots of things — I have bigger dreams. I want people not only in India, but also across the world to see my work and appreciate it,” said Randeep.

Meanwhile, Randeep is looking forward to his next film Murder 3, in which he will be seen as a photographer. The movie will see him romancing Aditi Rao Hydari and Pakistani actor Sara Loren.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th, 2013.            

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MUMBAI: Film-maker turned actor Farah Khan believes that films should not be preachy, but adds that a film-maker should ensure that his or her film is not sending out the wrong kind of messages.

“The movies, instead of having a preachy message, should show you the right principles without preaching or without making it on that message. So, if there is a movie, make sure that the women are not depicted terribly or horribly in it,” the 48-year-old said Tuesday at a special rally by P&G Shiksha for school children.

“It may be entertaining, it could be fun to watch, it could have songs and dances; but sub-consciously, it should not send out a wrong message to the audience. I think that is the responsibility of every film-maker,” she added.

Meanwhile, film-maker Arbaaz Khan, who made his debut as director with Dabangg2 last year, sees films as pure entertainment. He was also present at the event and said he feels that there are other ways to give messages.

“I personally believe that movies are predominately for entertainment and if you can encapsulate a message and lace it very sweetly, then fine,” Arbaaz said. “But, I think there are other platforms where a message has to be given very strongly. Let’s keep movies purely for entertainment,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2013.            

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Murder 3, a film which is bold in its theme but traditional in its message, is set to release worldwide on Friday, February 15. A directorial debut of Vishesh, Mukesh Bhatt’s son, the third installment to the Murder franchise, is an official remake of Spanish film, Hidden Face. It delves into the world of a couple discovering each other’s dark secrets.

“Time has changed and attitudes towards bold scenes require to be redefined in the modern era,” says Sara Loren, who stars in the film. “As an actor, I need to keep reinventing myself with different roles because actors are supposed to do all kinds of roles and scenes which carry the story forward.”

Sara Loren is planning on entering international cinema as well. “Today, almost every film includes one or more such [bold] scenes,” she adds. “And to prove my versatility, I need to work in every kind of film and perform different roles.”

Go grab a ticket and a bucket of popcorn!

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2013.            

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The actor worked previously with Bhansali in Black.

“I will always be there for him. He is a good friend of mine and also happens to be my favourite director. This is his debut on television and I wish him good luck,” Rani told reporters at the show’s launch on Thursday.

“I want everyone to watch this show. I am sure that like his films Devdas, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Black and others, even this show will be spectacular,” she added.

The show, set to go on air on Star Plus starting February 25, is based on Govardhanram Madhavram Tripathi’s Gujarati novel of the same name.

“This show means a lot to me as I have worked hard on it. I am happy Rani came for unveiling the poster of my show. She gave a superb performance in Black and she is the best actor I have worked with so far,” said Bhansali.

About his foray into the small screen world, he said, “Television is not easy at all. Actors and directors have different demands. Small screen is becoming bigger than the big screen. We have made this show for the current audiences. We have made some changes so that the people accept it.”

His show features Gautam Rode and Jennifer Winget in key roles.

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

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He was one of the speakers at a session titled ‘The Fall and the Rise of Pakistani Cinema’ at the Beach Luxury Hotel, along with film-makers Meher Jaffri (producer of Seedlings) and Adnan Malik. Mandviwalla said Pakistani cinema will have to be rebuilt because the “gap between the films of the ‘60s and ‘70s and 2012 is huge and cannot be filled”.

So much has been said and written about the revival of Pakistani cinema, that one doesn’t expect anything fresh or thought-provoking from a session like this, but fortunately the discussion at the KLF had more to offer than was expected.

Since it is geographically sandwiched between two film industry giants India and Iran, Pakistani cinema faces an identity crisis: what kind of films should be produced by our industry? Mandviwalla resolved this mystery by presenting an interesting analogy of contrasting the film industries of the US and UK to India and Pakistan. He said that Pakistan might never produce commercial blockbusters like Dabangg, but has the potential to produce one influential film that will sweep all awards like Shakespeare in Love did, as opposed to many other Hollywood flicks of that time.

He also spoke about Mandviwalla Entertainment’s collaboration with TV channel ARY Digital, which will help create venues for public screenings of independent films like Seedlings.

Jaffri said that the gap between producers and distributers creates difficulties in getting independent films projected on big screens. She spoke about the difficulties she is facing as she tried to get her film Seedlings onto big screens. “You can make a film in Pakistan but there is a huge void between producers and distributors,” she said.

Arguing that things have started getting better for Pakistani cinema, Madviwalla urged the film-makers to continue making films in order to improve the quality, instead of waiting for the cinema industry to provide them an ideal working situation.

While independent film-makers like the Seedlings team are making films that rank high in terms of quality and content, movie marketers and distributors are more likely to pay attention to films that rake in big numbers at the box office during their opening week. As a result, businessmen expect producers and directors to make the film industry economically feasible. To make this possible, Pakistani film-makers can follow the Indian film industry’s business plan of stepping up on making films which are not only suitable for local audiences but can also be featured in the international market.

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

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India needs to make movies that are original to shine at international platforms such as the Oscars, says veteran actor Anupam Kher.

“It is sad that we needed Richard Attenborough to make Gandhi [for us] and win eight Oscars. It is important to have a certain kind of originality,” said Kher, whose debut movie Saaransh was India’s official entry to the Oscars. “We need to make movies which come out of our own land and are about our issues, our problems and our celebrations.”

The actor is basking in the glory of his Hollywood film Silver Linings Playbook which also features Hollywood actors Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper. Kher plays a psychiatrist called Patel in the film that has won various honours at the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

“It is primarily my first American film and it has been on a winning spree at various award functions. It is a great sense of achievement and it is satisfying to be a part of such a film with such a cast. It also makes you feel proud as an Indian,” said Kher.

In a career spanning over three decades, the 57-year-old has been a part of international projects like Bend It Like Beckham, Bride And Prejudice, Conquest, Lust?, You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger and, most recently, Silver Linings Playbook.

He also feels that it’s a good change that American films require Indian actors. “It is a demand and supply situation,” he said. “They’re not changing their work formula to help Indian actors fit in.”

“They don’t make films thinking ‘let’s take an Indian actor today or a Chinese actor today’. That’s not their agenda. But, yes, Silver Linings has given me recognition internationally and that’s a great sense of achievement,” he added. 

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

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MUMBAI: Bollywood actor and heartthrob Neil Nitin Mukesh states that his forthcoming film 3G is completely original and unique in its concept.

“First of all, I want to add to all the statements that it is an original concept and story,” the 31-year-old said on Friday at the first look launch of the film. “It is very important for all of you to know that it is not a take-off from any of the Hollywood films as some people probably think it is.”

“I have been questioned about this issue earlier as well and I want everyone to know that this is a very original idea,” he added.

The actor’s new project, 3G, is a horror film that revolves around a mobile phone and the situations that ensue after Neil’s character buys himself one.

For Neil, who is known for playing edgy characters in the past with films such as Johnny Gaddaar, Aa Dekhen Zara, Jail and most recently, David, it is the thrill of playing something completely opposite to his real self that attracts him to dark roles; this is what gets him going.

“As far as playing edgy characters is concerned, I am just a 31-year-old child in person. In my personal life, I am not edgy at all,” he said. “I am not at all like the characters I play on screen and that’s the whole fun of playing characters on screen which are nice, edgy and dark — something that I am not in reality.”

“It has to be a flip and there has to be a challenge in the film for me. Go out there, face the camera and be a person you are not in real life. 3G again, for me is very dark, very edgy and very scary,” he added.

Co-directed by Sheershak Anand and Shantanu Ray Chhibber, 3G, releasing March 15, also stars actor Sonal Chauhan. 

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

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The Impossible is not a horror film, yet it is one of the most chilling films I have ever seen. Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, this film is based on an extraordinary story of a Spanish family that survived an actual tsunami. Twice in the opening credits of the film, the viewers are told that the amazing narrative which is about to sweep them away, is indeed a true story.

At the centre stage of the act is the resourceful physician Maria Bennett, whose brilliantly harrowing portrayal by Naomi Watts has earned her a 2013 Academy award nomination. Maria here is shown to be a courageous woman, who along with her thirteen-year old son Lucas (Tom Holland) is swept away without warning from a resort in Thailand.

The Impossible, through some fantastic CGI, shows the massive impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which has now gone down in history as one of the world’s worst natural disasters. The film displays the awesome might of the tsunami waves, as buildings and people alike are broken and torn apart like mere sand castles on the beach. Maria, herself, is tossed like a rag doll by this unstoppable force of nature. Indeed, at one point, Maria is like a frog in a blender, as she is painfully and repeatedly struck by debris, making her survival, as well as the fact that she manages not to lose Lucas, all the more incredible.

The family that Maria leaves behind is husband Henry (Ewan McGregor), as well as her young sons Tomas (Samuel Joslin) and Simon (Oaklee), who hope against the odds for the survival of their loved ones. Here, Ewan gives a fantastic performance as a father who tries to find strength for his traumatised children and a man who won’t give up on his missing family. Meanwhile, Maria is given great support by Lucas, who turns to help countless other survivors, as the two try to endure the deathly aftermath of the natural disaster.

The film’s main character is based on María Belón Alvárez, who has now gone on to become an advocate and spokesperson for survivors of tsunamis. After watching The Impossible’s highly emotional ending, I can understand why she later stated “The tsunami was an incredible gift. I embrace life. My whole life is extra time”.

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, February 17^th, 2013.

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With a huge budget (Rs200 to Rs250 million) backing its production, Nation Awakes is about to break this trend and will serve to be the country’s first superhero feature film.

“The basic concept of the film is that it is not a normal superhero movie — we are trying to take a different route by exploring Pakistan’s current scenario,” says producer Aamir Sajjad, who is also playing the role of the superhero in the film. “A superhero in that context [of Pakistan] will be one who aims to preserve humanity on a global level.”

“We have constructed the story so that it focuses on the life of a superhero from the time he is with his foster parents; we won’t go into the details of where he comes from or his background,” says Sajjad, who owns an expansive collection of comic book collectibles — over a hundred items from films such as Iron Man and several others.

Sajjad further reveals the role of the superhero has been moulded to fit his own self and although he has minimal experience in the realms of acting, he says the film is a serious venture. “Since the comic culture is so limited here in Pakistan, we figured it would be more logical to make a film first as compared to a graphic novel,” he says, adding that they are ensuring the best technology is used to make the film worthy of international viewing.

With Nation Awakes, Sajjad is hoping a broader culture of comics could be introduced to the Pakistani audiences. With the launch of this film in June in a Comic-Con styled event in Karachi, Sajjad reveals the officially registered event will showcase comic-related items as well as the movie itself.

“The whole idea is that we want to develop an adequate pop culture in Pakistan that respects comics,” he continues. “And in the future, we want to promote graphic artists so that eventually we have a thriving comic-culture.” Sajjad also owns a company on the sides which promotes comic-related collectibles and products. With the release of this film, he plans on collaborating with leading comic institutions such as Marvel in the future.

Nation Awakes, a bilingual film (larger portion of the script in English and smaller portion in Urdu) will be filmed in 12 different countries and the characters have been developed according to the latest graphic technologies in the US and other countries. Renowned composer Sahir Ali Bagga will be doing the film’s music.

The film is still in its initial stages and 80% of its scripting is complete, reveals the film’s director, Umair Nasir Ali. “Aamir has been fascinated with the concept of making a superhero film with Pakistan’s scenario in mind,” says Ali. “While Hollywood has Spiderman and Batman and India has Ra.One and Krish, he thought the work should begin on something that represents Pakistan.”

The film’s casting is scheduled to begin in April which will then be followed by a small teaser release in June.

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

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KARACHI: While Pakistan already has one major awards ceremony in the Lux Style Awards every year, we now have another. At a press conference held at their office in Karachi last week, Hum Network Limited announced that it will hold Hum Awards 2013 in Karachi during March.

While the scope of the television content being judged at these awards is fairly limited at this platform, with only Hum TV dramas being nominated, there is no doubt that the event will create a buzz for the fans of popular dramas such as Humsafar, Shehr-e-Zaat, Mata-e-Jaan, Bari Apa and others.

“We have thought to acknowledge the great support that we have received from our viewers. We are now are planning for the first time ever to hold the Hum Awards,” said Hum TV General Manager Publications and Public Relations Shanaz Ramzi.

She explained that there will be 32 categories altogether, with seven viewers’ choice awards. The categories will include music, fashion, Hum TV dramas and special awards.

Vice President Programming Hum TV Maimona Siddiqui said, “We have acknowledged most of our programmes from 2012 for the awards. We owe it to the television industry and that’s what we need to celebrate.”

Siddiqui elaborated on it further, “Awards act like an energy drink for an artist. The awards symbolise that it is time to recognise these artists and celebrate.”

Ramzi hinted at the kind of entertainment they will have in store for the crowd at the event, “It’s going to be a spectacular night and people from across the border are expected to arrive.” Without disclosing the location of the event, she said, “There will be grand appearances and dance and musical performances as well.”

Ramzi said seven categories will be open up for viewers to vote for, after the February 20 till March 5. The categories in television: Best Drama Serial, Best Actor (male), Best Actor (female), Best On-Screen Couple; in fashion: Best Model (male) and Best Model (female); Music: Best Solo Artist.

The channel owners hope to add more categories next year and said that the awards ceremony will be an annual feature from 2013.

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

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Fourteen-year-old Fawad Mohammadi was spotted on the streets of Afghanistan by an American director and is now off to the glamorous world of Hollywood and red carpet of the Oscars which is entirely different from the reality he knows — the -grimy, terror-filled streets of Kabul.

Mohammadi was selling maps to passing foreigners on Kabul’s famed Chicken Street when he ran into director Sam French. French then decided to cast Mohammadi as one of the main characters in his new film, Buzkashi Boys; the movie has been shot entirely in Afghanistan and is nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the Academy Awards on February 24.

“The adventure would be a great privilege for me and for all of Afghanistan to meet the world’s most famous superstars,” Mohammadi told AFP. “It’s truly such a great feeling to go to the Oscars. I had never thought about it. I still don’t believe it.”

The film is about two young boys growing up in Kabul who dream of becoming Buzkashi horseback riders in Afghanistan’s dramatic national sport, which uses a headless goat in place of a ball in a wild version of polo.

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

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“INR1 billion is restricting the limits of our self. We must add one more zero to INR1 billion films and take them to the next level. INR1 billion is limiting the growth and content [of films]. The possibilities are endless and we must focus on the INR10 billion mark instead,” Johar said.

“In the next five years, we will be in such a position. It might sound far-fetched right now, but there is a possibility that we may have achieved all that,” added the film-maker.

He spoke on Monday at a press conference of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Frames 2013, an entertainment and business summit starting today in Mumbai.

The theme of the conclave this year is A Tryst Destiny: Engaging a Billion Consumers.

It will serve as a platform for dialogues between thought leaders, studio heads and academics, who will talk on a range of topics such as digitisation, censorship, marketing, exhibition, distribution, the future of content consumption in an era progressively getting defined by the digital media, innovation and planning required in various policy issues within TV, cinema, animation and gaming.

“The number of theatres in our country is very few and the films releasing is more; we need to have more theatres for screening,” said Uday Shankar, who heads FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee, in regard to the state of theatres in the country.

Adding to this, Karan said, “Hollywood is a much bigger market. It has six to seven films releasing on a Friday. Here, if more than one film releases, it is considered a war. There is so much made out of two films released in a single day.”

The FICCI Frames this year will specifically tackle issues related to censorship.

One of FICCI’s Policy Representation on the media and entertainment industry mentions that “the Cinematograph Act needs to be urgently amended, so that there are no impediments to its screening once the censor board passes film”.

“There is a special emphasis on the Cinematograph Act this year, especially with regard to what happened to Vishwaroopam; it was banned in Tamil Nadu after being passed by the Central Board of Film Certification,” said Johar.

“This needs immediate attention. We believe that censorship should be the final authority on a film’s release. Censorship on satellite has already been tackled.”

FICCI Frames 2013 will be held March 12 and 14 at Hotel Renaissance in Mumbai.

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

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Oscar nominees who don’t end up with a coveted gold statuette at the Academy Awards on Sunday won’t go home empty handed after all. Los Angeles-based marketing firm Distinctive Assets will be handing out its annual “Everyone Wins at the Oscars Nominee Gift Bag”, valued at more than $45,000, to the talented and well-dressed “losers,” the company said.

Among the items in the gift bags, known as swag bags, are trips to Australia, Hawaii and Mexico, personal training sessions, condoms, a bottle of tequila, hand-illustrated tennis shoes, appointments for injectable fillers and ‘portion-controlled’ dinnerware for those watching their figure.

This year’s “Not Everyone Wins….” swag bag also includes an under-the-counter water filtration system, acupuncture and aromatherapy sessions, a one-week stay at a fitness and weight-loss retreat, and a one-year membership to London’s Heathrow Airport’s private VIP service.

The Distinctive Assets gift bag is not endorsed by the Academy but has been creating consolation goodie bags for 11 years now. The bags are delivered to the losing nominees to their homes directly or through their agents or publicists.

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

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Aditi Rao Hydari

Dressed in a midriff-baring peach and gold saari, actor Aditi Rao Hydari looked heavenly. Her side-parted auburn hair was swept to one shoulder, making way for those lovely dangly earrings she wore.

Sara Loren

Our very own actor Sara Loren walked the red carpet in this black gown, which she paired with matching black peep toes. Her pitch black hair was tied in a bun, and she wore ruby-studded silver earrings.

Sonakshi Sinha

Sonakshi Sinha looked nice for a change in this traditional cream anarkali. Her signature nose pin and dangly earrings added oomph to her desi attire. Her red pout complemented her luscious black locks, which were swept to one side. Sinha paired her outfit with gold open toe pumps.

Priyanka Chopra

B-town’s desi girl Priyanka Chopra wore a beige short dress with gold and silver embroidery. With her black locks, citrus lips and lightly rouged cheeks, Chopra looked spectacular. She sported diamond earrings, a metallic clutch, a big chunky ring and golden and rusty blue platforms.

Vidya Balan

As desi as ever, Vidya Balan appeared on the red carpet in a plum saari with orange, turquoise and golden appliqué, which contrasted against her black blouse. Black accessories such as a clutch, beady bracelets and earrings went well with her outfit.

Hema Malini

Hema Malini graced the red carpet wearing a gold saari, ruffled at the end. She wore a studded gold choker necklace with a gold chain and completed her look with a golden watch and a gold Louis Vuitton clutch — regal!

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

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NEW DELHI: Bollywood actor and director Aamir Khan, who has been at the forefront of a debate on gender equality, blamed the “patriarchal mindset” of people for the lesser status of women in society.

He interacted with students at a girl’s college with visiting British Prime Minister David Cameron in New Delhi. Khan said most of the queries from the young women were related to the low status of women in society and how they can best use their education.

The discussion started when the students asked what the reason is for discrimination against women.

“The patriarchal thinking is to blame for the status of women in society. We are all born with the feeling that men are superior,” he told reporters.

“We have to deal with the problem in a mature manner. We need to stop the girl child from being killed first and then bring her at par with facilities that are there are for the male child,” he said.

When asked whether he saw movies as a medium to create awareness on the gender issue, Aamir replied by saying, “Dealing with patriarchy is not easy. It is a gradual process. You have to win people over through whatever medium you can like movies, culture and art”.

The B-town star interacted with the students for nearly 30 minutes along with Cameron. He said the girls had questions on how to get jobs inside and outside of their country.

While talking to the students, Aamir also said there was a need to eliminate corruption from amongst ourselves, since the society has corruption on all levels. “Only then we can stop corrupt leaders from being elected,” said Aamir .

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

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