Miss Pakistan Earth Nosheen Idrees Set to Take Off at Miss Earth 2008 October 26, 2008

 

Nosheen Idrees the 22 year old from Jhelum Pakistan will be representing Pakistan in the Miss Earth pageant. Nosheen was crowned the third runner up for the Miss Pakistan World pageant on the 23rd of May 2008.

A student of communications at the University of Sheffield, Nosheen hopes to bring back a title that can put Pakistan as a country that has the most beautiful women in the world. In her own words, Nosheen says, “Pakistan is a country where the most beautiful women exist and it’s a shame that it’s not recognized for it.” Nosheen is set to change the perception of how the world looks at Pakistan and hopefully she says that she may be able to spread the message of peace for her country and be a great ambassador for the youth.

Sonia Ahmed the president of Miss Pakistan World made a statement recently saying that Pakistan has reached 20 international pageants in just 5 years time and that the main mission is to continue with the effort to get Pakistan recognized as the country with the most talented and beautiful women in the world. (Miss Pakistan World)

Its all about ‘CHANGE’ October 1, 2008

Back in the early naughtiess private television in Pakistan was born, the first network brave enough too launch there own channel gave a chance to a number off new comers, some off them made an impact and the others faded away with time.  Amongst the successful few was Azfar ali who after much struggle finally directed a hit Television sitcom ‘sub set hai’. ‘Sub set hai’ was one off a kind, it was truly something different, using slang words , breaking social taboos, was something the youth of Pakistan loved, one way or the other it offered hope to the rebels although the ending was somewhat disappointing. Sub set hai was followed up by something even more rebellious when Azfar Ali and Mani decided to take to the air waves, the success they had was phenomenal it start as an underground movement and spread around the city like wild fire. The initial period was very unstable jumping from one station to the other disappearing off the airwaves for absolutely ages but none off these seemed to have affected there fan following if anything it went from strength to strength. We caught up with Azfar to discuss the journey so and what role does he see art playing in Pakistan.               

Q. Any philosophy behind you work?
A. ‘Change’
i believe in changing outdated ideas and conventional boring techniques…i think we should all look on ahead and focus on ourselves more and on our very own orginality than to follow the west or the indians. i believe we are a unique nation and we are as ‘cool’ as anyone anywhere else.

 

 

Q. Its been nearly five years since you and mani took to the air waves, do you think you guys have made a difference at all if so how?
A. Yes we have or we’d never make it this far. Our job is to ask the relevant questions, questions that makes you think, we call that ‘planting the seed’ the rest is up to the listeners what they make out of it… we plant the ’seed’ and the crop is nutured by the type of ’soil’ that receives it.                   

 

Q. Is comedy in Pakistan flourishing or dying?
A. i wouldn’t say dying but yes it is being neglected. Its not easy to make people laugh so it requires a certain type of skill. i would say that particular skill is not being developed or groomed.

 

Q. Is art a luxury or a necessity for a society like Pakistan?
A. ‘Necessity’ for sure. Art is thoughts in translation. One beautiful thing art does is that it gives you an insight about how others think and see things so differently than you. If used effectively it can be a great tool in bridging gaps between the haves and have nots.

 

Q. Why have u never directed any music videos?
A. i have, back in 1994 to 1997, but i always wanted to make movies so i moved towards plays to learn more about scripting and directing.

 

Q. How can the copyrights issue be tackled in Pakistan?
A. Every issue in Pakistan is directly linked to lawlessness. We have laws but no one is interested in enforcing them. We need to crack down on pirates and implement the existing laws on them. This is one way of doing it.

 

Q. Is there a casting couch or any sort of corruption within the Pakistani television industry?
A. Yes there is….like in every Pakistani business industry!

 

Q. How important is training for an actor, or does experience count more?
A. Actors are people who can make a lie sound real. how much can you train for that is something no one knows. But the fact of the matter is that the more you lie the better you get at it, and you can do that with both training or experience.

Q. What is the most effective means to communicate a message to the audience would you say tv, radio or films?
A. I would say a “HIT.” regardless of wherever it is aired.

Q. I read somewhere that you have an idea or a script ready for a movie you want to direct what is holding you back?
A. To begin with, lack of cinema houses. Also,we just don’t money to make a film we also need funds to promote it. i dont want any of my producers to make a loss so till this country is ready to invest in films and promotions, i ‘m holding back.

Trade unions in Pakistan u must be joking September 2, 2008

A couple of days back I took a rickshaw back from work, I had one off the most delightfull converstions off all times .  He seemed energetic, full off life with an urge to do something for his country and yet reluctant. Belonging to a tribe in FATA he was a support off Taliban. He stated that he was only supporting them becuase he thaught he was forced too, his heart knew what they where doing was wrong, but he fealt too small to take a step against them.

Although his father migarated from FATA he himself was born and raised in Karachi, like a true Karachi’ite he was chewing on a pan for most off the journey, he said that he has been influenced by his gathering and hence is addicted to it.  Although his father was agianst him eating pan but he was willing to take the risk. Another thing that was important to his being was his moustahces.Although he didnt see them as that important but his father would have shot him dead if he even thaught off shaving them.

Then our dicussion moved in the direction off abusing our leaders he wasnt a big fan off either off them apart from that off Imran Khan. He saw him as a man of principles but despite that he couldnt be bothered to go and vote for him, he was preety endiment that this country is going to the dogs and there is no one who can save this country. Then i asked him what are you doing to change this and he went blank. He said he wanted too something but he cant he has a family to support, if he takes up politics who would feed look after his dhaughter or his wife, there was a union for the rickshaw driver he wanted to get involved in it more actively but he had to make a choice either or really, and he choose the safer option. One cant really blame him most off us would have done that.

The conversation with him left me thinking what role are the trade unions in our country playing, they seem to be very dead to me, serious work needs to be done on the ground level to organise them. Also I believe most of us arent patriotic or nationalist any more, we have lost the sense of belonging, this country is causing nothing but problems for us what do you think!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

‘Singh Is Kinng’ in Pakistan: 3.18 cr. in 24 days September 2, 2008

After 24 days, the gross collections of SINGH IS KINNG are an amazing Rs. 3,17,99,959 [3.18 crores] in Pakistan. The fourth weekend total is Rs. 39,40,299. The break-up:-

Lahore: DHA 9,86,520, Sozo 3,47,380, Plaza 2,00,750, Prince 1,44,876
Gujranwala: Capri 50,260, Zinco Palace 93,430
Gujarat: Faisal 25,830
Karachi: Nishat 6,04,600, Cineplex 3,91,500
Hyderabad: New Majestic 80,124
Faisalabad: Taj Mahal 1,70,200
Multan: Dreamland 98,179
Sargodha: Khayyam 40,150
Rawalpindi: Cinepax 7,06,500

‘A Journey Beyond the physical world’- KASHF August 16, 2008

A property developer turned director Ayesha khan has decided to take us on a journey beyond the physical world. Unhappy with the way Islam is depicted in the western media, she decided to take matters into her own hand and talk about SUFISM.

Based in Lahore KASHF revolves around two cousins, Armaghan and Ali. Armaghan is born out of an oath his mother makes to a Sufi Pir that her child will “walk the Sufi path when he grows up”. He returns to Pakistan after 25 years unaware of the secret about to change his life and whereas Ali is on his own path of self – discovery to become a Lollywood star. The movie brings to screen a lot of new faces, some off whom have never even acted before, according to Ayesha Khan almost everyone apart from the exception off Rasheed Naz is a non-professional actor. Rasheed Naz would be seen as a‘Sufi Pir’. Bilal Zaman who has never acted before plays the role off Armaghan and the role of Ali has been played by Ali Tariq who has done some theatrical productions with Ajoka previously, but never acted on screen before. Only time will tell how well the experiment shapes out to be but according to the director, the character of Ali has already become a memorable one to the audience who has seen the movie. Ayesha herself is directing her first feature film and describes the experience as a learning curve, ‘KASHF has been a remarkable experience, shooting, the actors, the sound etc.’

It has taken a lot of planning hard work and dedication to realize this dream says Ayesha. In the initial stages Ayesha had short listed Shahrukh Khan to play the lead and he himself showed keen interest but due to some security fears and tightly booked diary was not able to commit to this Indie project from across the border. The movie revolves around Lahore most of the shooting has been done in and around the inner city and Mazaars. She goes as far as to quote the music of the movie as the “sounds of Lahore”. Initial demos do sound refreshing and what one might describe as something very different. It caters for all sorts of audience with music varying from pop songs to live recorded qawalli’s. One off the major drawbacks which might hinder with the commercial sucess of the movie is the fact that 70% of the movie is in english, hence an average pakistani audience might intially might be a bit reluctant.

The film is all set for to hit the theaters in December and has actually already had screenings in New York City and Santa Fe, New Mexico for select audiences that have been extremely successful. A promo of KASHF was also shown at the Berlin film festival as well as Cannes.

After talking movies we decided to focus our shift onto her production company INDUS VALLEY PRODUCTIONS, talking about the company she added ‘Our goal is to create dialogue through the movies we produce, both within the Muslim world, internationally and especially the USA. As a Pakistani-American I feel a keen sense of responsibility to pursue this line of work ever more critical in light of today’s political and social environment’. Hence her first movie revolves around Sufism which according to her shows us a reality beyond the “physical reality” Sufism and our Sufi Saints be it, Data Saab, Bulleh Shah, Mian Mir are part of our cultural inheritance as a nation and we need to be broad minded enough to accept all facets of ourselves as Pakistani’s.

Top five this week: August 3, 2008

5)Babu Nazir Ahmed, Riffat and Nighat:

LAHORE, Aug 2: Police have liberated two sisters and their father from a 15-year-long bondage imposed by none other than the man’s son.

Since the three were not in their senses, they were referred to a mental hospital to ascertain whether they were mentally retarded.

The police and Rescue 1122 carried out the operation in Saidpur area on Saturday under the supervision of four coordinators of the Punjab chief minister’s inspection team and two PML-N MPAs.

It was reportedly conducted on the information of some local residents who contacted the CMIT officials and media and said that a man had confined his father and sisters for a long time and never allowed them to leave the house.

They would surely be making new and be topic off many forum based tv show’s.

4)ZEB AND HANIYA

Zeb and Haniya have officially arrived, and that alone is a landmark event. Pakistan has not seen the launch of two young talented women in the music industry in a very, very long time – and these two have made 2008 a year to remember for Pakistani music.

Zeb and Haniya (or as their full names go, Zebunissa Bangash and Haniya Aslam) appeared on the Pakistani music scene a few years ago, when a song called ‘Chup’ by the duo started spreading like wildfire on the Internet. The song was then picked up by radio stations that began playing it. The girls of the ‘Chup’ fame have just launched their debut album, also titled Chup, which has been flying off the shelves at Karachi’s popular music stores. Zeb and Haniya have a cult following and their fans have been waiting for their album ever since they downloaded the song ‘Chup’.  There first video is also ready and would be hitting your T.V screens preety soon.

3) Mehreen Jabber:

With the release off her critically aclaimed film Ramchand Pakistani, Mehreen has become the hearttrobe offPakistani channel, which ever dicussion show you ruen too she is there. Although the intail numbers arent good the rumours are it is picking up, we wish her best of luck

2) Yusuf Raza Gillani:

With first his trip to America, followed by a very lively SAARC summit, our MP has been making news left right and centre. For a change he has been more in the news then his party leader Zardari.

1)Shehzad Roy

He is back, his new video’lagga raho’ has been creating waves across the nation. He created news by have a unique launching on his new album. He performed for a live audience at central jail Karachi child’s wing. Many have termed this album as his coming off age, whatever be said according to the figures coming in the album is doing preety well. He definatly has taken qismat aapnie haatooon mein.

Shehzad Roy – Qismat Apnay Haat Mein [Banned] July 22, 2008

Shehzad roy is coming back after a bit of a break, the rumor has it the album has been banned, the promo of the video sounds refreshing feature Ali Azmat. The lover boy Shehzad roy seems like is growing up and taking on some political issues. Enjoy the promos

In pictures: Islamabad bombing July 6, 2008

A suicide bomber struck Islamabad on the day thousands of Pakistanis marked the first anniversary of the storming of the Red Mosque. Warning: the following pictures contain disturbing images.

Earlier in the day, people performed ritual ablutions at the Red Mosque on the sidelines of a protest rally held by Islamists outside the compound.

Security was tight, as thousands of police were deployed around the gathering in front of the mosque. Protesters chanted slogans praising “martyrs” of the siege.

The suicide bomber struck as people were dispersing. Many of the dead were police officers.

At least 20 people were injured in the blast, which occurred in front of a police station.

The scene was covered with blood, and scattered body parts were found as far as 50 meters away.

Natasha Paracha Considering offers from bollywood. July 6, 2008

Miss Pakistan World 2008, Natasha Paracha, has received several offers to act in Bollywood movies.

The 23-year-old beauty queen told NDTV.com that she is at present studying these offers and scripts and soon take a decision on them.

”I have received few offers from Bollywood. I want to look into them before taking a call,” she said.

Natasha, who lives in New York and works at United Nations with International Energy Renewable Organisation, however, refused to divulge further details about the offers, because of confidentiality.

”Personally I want to do a movie, which deals with issues that are dear to my heart women’s rights and children,” Natasha said.

An avid fan of Bollywood movies, Natasha said she watches a lot and the recent super hit Om Shanti Om and Sarkar Raj are her latest additions to her favourites.

Of all the Bollywood stars, she admires Sushmita Sen a lot the former Miss World and wants to follow her footsteps.

”Sushmita Sen is not only a great actress but she has also been involved in raising awareness about the issues which are dear to my heart,” Natasha said.

”She (Sushmita) has adopted a child. She is definitely somebody whom I admire and follow,” Natasha said.

Using her celebrity status, she has been working in villages of Pakistan especially those of the Pak-occupied-Kashmir through NGO Vision of Development – run by her. ”My goal is to work towards women’s issue and children,” she said.

Natasha argued that exchange of artists can act as a catalyst for peace between the two countries.

”I definitely believe that the entertainment industry can help in mitigating tension between India and Pakistan. There is need to allow Pakistani artists to go into India and work in Indian cinema as well as Indian entertainment industry and vice versa,” she said.

Shoaib Akhtar is Back. July 4, 2008

The troubled fast bowlers 18th month ban has been suspended by the Lahore High Court and is now free t play cricket. Shoaib launched an appeal against the ban which will now be heard in September.”The court has allowed Shoaib Akhtar to play cricket and the petition will be heard after the summer vacation,” said Judge Zahid Hussain.

Shoaib must still pay the £57,000 fine imposed on him in April.

“Shoaib is temporarily allowed to play until the petition is heard, but he will have to give the fine,” said Pakistan Cricket Board lawyer Taffazul Rizvi.

Shoaib has now set his sights on playing in the Champions Trophy in September – and warming up for that tournament by playing English county cricket.

“I am keeping fit and I’m going to England and try to play some county or league matches there and get in shape for the Champions Trophy,” he said.

“I owe my name and fame to Pakistan, so I will never defame my country. I want to win the Champions Trophy for my country and for that I need everyone’s support.”

Shoaib will have to fight for his place in the team as Pakistani camp is already overflowing with talented fast bowlers. Lets see for how long can both Muhammed Asif and Shoaib Akhtar can keep away from trouble.