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Will These Pakistani Celebrities Make It To Madame Tussauds?

By
Uzair Anwer
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madame tussauds

The Pakistani film and television industry has made much international impact over the years, and projects being produced by the country’s nascent film industry have also seen a jump in revenues from overseas territories such as UK and Gulf. This international fame has lead to much interest in our homegrown celebs. Some stars have even gone on to win international honors and accolades, and are now making their presence felt at the global stage with appearances at prestigious festivals such as Cannes.

Considering this, we are expecting that in the coming years, our superstars will also make it to the international chain of celebrity wax statue museums that recognizes the most notable personalities of the world, i.e. Madame Tussauds.

With the museum chain now making inroads in South Asia, their entry into the Pakistani market would make for much cause for celebration. Here’s a list of 10 potential names which we believe can receive the prestigious opportunity of getting their statue at Tussauds in the company of international superstars be it in Pakistan or on foreign shores.

Disclaimer

We would like to add that we appreciate that Pakistani cinema has witnessed legendary stars such as Waheed Murad and Babra Sharif. We also have senior actors such as Bushra Ansari and Qavi Khan who are still relevant to the newer lot.

However, Madame Tussauds at the end of the day is a tourist spot and thus a commercial enterprise. They take into consideration factors such as the social media following of the celebrity and their popularity and current relevance internationally. Some actors, such as Bollywood’s Katrina Kaif have even been chosen through a Twitter poll. Hence the list consists of names that meet the unofficial criteria of landing a wax statue.

Humayun Saeed

Going by trade statistics and his recent blockbuster outings, Humayun is the current numero-uno superstar of the nation. Humayun is a brand today, everything he touches turns into gold.

Love you Jatta not releasing Eid ul azha 2019He is also very intelligent in choosing his genre and roles. Humayun’s Punjab Nahi Jaungi even outscored a popular Bollywood film called Badshaaho, released alongside, in the UK. His overwhelming popularity in the UK has probably been an influencing factor for the setting of upcoming London Nahi Jaunga, and we can’t wait to see a wax statue of the star at Madame Tussauds.

Mahira Khan

Mahira Khan is a global phenomenon, whose popularity in the international arena rose due to her projects Humsafar and Shehr-e-Zaat doing well on Television and digital platforms. Her work in Bollywood project Raees opposite star Shah Rukh Khan was received well by her fans too. The actress has further solidified her position in Pakistani cinema with hits like Superstar.

Her stardom was in evidence with all its splendor as she represented Pakistan at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet. She has received quite a few international awards and continues to be active for various charity and human rights initiatives.

Mahira’s social media popularity is also unparalleled with millions of followers on Twitter and Instagram.

Ali Zafar

Ali Zafar made his Pakistani debut with the blockbuster Teefa In Trouble, which also consolidated his stardom in the country. The action-comedy is to date the highest grosser for a non-holiday release in Pakistan. The film also took Ali to several international platforms such as at the prestigious Silk Road International Film Festival (SRIFF), in Fuzhou, China. Ali has also produced music for international labels such as YRF music and has a global fan following among the South Asian diaspora.

Fawad Khan

fawad khanBe it his blockbuster Pakistani dramas Humsafar and Zindagi Gulzar Hai or his 100 % success record from Khuda Kay Liye to Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Fawad has always been on top of his game despite being choosy with his work choices. The Maula Jatt of tinsel town made quite an impact across the border, managing to win a Filmfare award. Fawad was praised for his performance in the critically and commercially successful family drama, Kapoor & Sons. 

He has also launched a production house to provide a platform for young, talented Pakistani filmmakers and scriptwriters. The star is also a coveted brand ambassador, with a portfolio of leading multinationals such as Pepsi and Lux.

Saba Qamar

Saba Qamar

Saba Qamar is amongst the very few names who have worked simultaneously in films and on television, achieving super-stardom in both the mediums. She has the international beauty brand Lux in her kitty and a Bollywood project which did very well in overseas markets such as China. In 2016, she received Pride of Performance in recognition of meritorious work in the creative fields and has gone from strength to strength with upcoming projects Kamli and Ghabrana Nahi Hai creating much positive buzz.

Atif Aslam

In 2019, he was awarded The Dubai Walk of fame-Star for being the ‘Best Singer in Pakistan’. He has received Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2008, the fourth-highest civilian award in Pakistan. His association with international music labels such as T-Series, YRF Music, and Universal Music has churned out more than a hundred transnational musical chartbusters. Atif is truly Pakistan’s biggest pop-star. Apart from Pakistani films, his music has been featured in Hollywood, Spanish as well as Bollywood projects.

Fahad Mustafa

fahad mustafa interviewFahad is not just a brilliant actor but is also the heartthrob of the nation’s masses courtesy his super successful game-show, Jeeto Pakistan. Fahad also has starred in a series of successful films such as Actor in Law, Na Maloon Afraad and JPNA2. His performances in television plays Lahaasil and Kankar won the actor much acclaim before he struck gold with his stint on the silver screen, with back to back blockbuster successes. The curiosity for his next project, Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad is tremendous, a solid indicator of his massive audience pull.

Mehwish Hayat

mehwish hayat evolutionMehwish Hayat is a bonafide film actor who has not just appeared in blockbuster films such as Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, but has also received international recognition such as being the first Pakistani woman on a BBC show produced by Angelina Jolie. She also made it to Asia’s sexiest women list multiple times. The diva represented Pakistan at Filmfare’s Middle East awards where she won the “Pakistan Icon Award” and is also active for various charitable causes.

Shaan Shahid

Shaan Shahid depressionThe Zarrar hunk is a powerhouse performer and an established superstar of the country who enjoys massive following across generations. He has worked in several genre-defining projects from the new wave of Pakistani cinema (Khuda Ke Liye, Waar) and has received endorsements from brands such as Unilever and Pepsi. Besides his star appeal among both the masses as well as the multiplex crowd, Shaan has directed several successful Pakistani films and is one actor who has scored hits in practically all the genres produced by the film industry.

Javaid Sheikh

Javaid Sheikh is an icon, who has stayed relevant over four decades in the cinema industry. Starting as television and silver screen heartthrob in the 80s, he went on to direct some successful film projects for the Lahore film industry. The legendary actor also has several Bollywood blockbusters in his kitty and has been part of the most prestigious Pakistani film projects in recent times. Needless to say, he is an actor who easily deserves a spot in the statue gallery.

Moin Akhtar’s Madame Tussauds saga

Back in 2011, it was reported that legendary actor Moin Akhtar received a call from Madame Tussauds in London. Mansoor Akhtar, son of the late actor, supposedly confirmed this to a leading newspaper saying, “While I am not sure if the call was genuine, I was overwhelmed when I received it as it is a huge honor as the museum houses wax figures of many of the world most renowned celebrities. However, making statues is forbidden in Islam so I rejected the offer due to religious reasons.” However, the news was later claimed as false and conjecture by a section of the media.

It would be a treat for fans of these eminent stars, as well as the many local and foreign tourists, to be honored by the popular museum gallery. We hope that Madame Tussauds soon announces its launch in Pakistan or honors a Paksitani Superstar at their international museums such as the ones in London or Hong Kong.

Beat The Coronavirus Boredom With These Three Hilarious Romantic Gems

By
Faisal Ali H
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The times are scary – most of us have never seen a viral pandemic this widespread or witnessed our cities go into a complete lockdown. The healthcare system the world over, even in some of the most advanced countries in Europe such as Italy and Spain, is crumbling. International flights have been suspended by many countries, including Pakistan, and most borders remain sealed. 

As the crisis hits closer to home and partial curfews begin to be imposed in certain cities like Karachi, the very notion of being bored, let alone debating what to watch from among the millions of movies or TV shows currently streaming may come off as an attempt to conceal ourselves from the harsh reality of our times. Should anyone even care about entertainment when thousands are suffering, and potentially millions more are in the crosshairs? 

Escapism need of the hour?

Yet movies, especially of the comic variety, continue to provide a distraction, a much-needed release from the vagaries surrounding us. They help us lift our spirits, offering optimism that a better time will come. And when it comes to escapist comedies, what could be better than to go for some popular Pakistani gems that you may have overlooked?

While comedy has been an intrinsic part of the country’s film legacy going back all the way to the 30s or 40s, the genre experienced a dramatic rebirth in the mid-90s with Munda Bigra Jaye breaking box-office records and emerging as one of the biggest hits of the industry, especially considering the minuscule production cost. Following years saw a slew of entertaining, frothy multi-starrers hit the silver screen, and then there were a few among these that managed to stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Shararat (2003)

This Samina Peerzada directed venture set in the Punjabi hinterland flew under the radar when originally released in early 2003. But trust us, it is well worth your time. Centered around the affairs of a Pakistani-American woman (Mehrunnisa Hassan) as she revisits her roots, the film offers plenty of subtle – and then, even some not-so-subtle comic moments that are sure to keep your attention glued. With a plot that has our heroine falling for the maali’s son (Moammar Rana) against the wishes of her manipulative grandmother, you shouldn’t expect anything less either.

mehr hassan Like most Pakistani films, this one is a masala fare with plenty of song and dance, local village culture and even a lesson on women’s empowerment and an action-packed climax. Enthralling you along the way will be the movie’s authentically ethnic music score and the at times, beautiful cinematography.

Shararat also co-stars Reema Khan, Shaan, and Babar Ali and is available on a crisp, noise-free print. You can watch it here.

Mujhe Chand Chahiye (2000)

Shaan Shahid’s ode to golden era cinema of yore is a romantic drama of literally stellar proportions. As Shaan’s Zain (residing in Hong Kong) chases his love interest Chand (Noor Bukari), he dances, grooves and serenades her in a way we have not seen the Zarrar star since. Among the other things that will keep you hooked are the movie’s rather epic-sounding dialogues (some of which were frankly lost on us) and some beautiful set design that often forms the backdrop for the tuneful music score. 

shaan shahidMujhe Chand Chahiye also features Reema Khan, Moamar Rana, Atiqa Odho and Javed Sheikh in prominent roles, and although there are a few moments where one feels these actors could have toned down the melodrama by a notch or two, their performances seem genuinely sincere here. Moamar Rana’s deer-in-the-headlights act will leave you smiling, and by the time the climax rolls, you just may end up falling in love with this well-made musical like we did. 

Mujhe Chand Chahiye can now be enjoyed on a new, digitally remastered print. You can watch it here.

Chor Machaye Shor (1996)

There’s a reason why Syed Noor, who last directed the nightmarish Chain Aye Na, has received top civilian honors (Sitara-e-Imtiaz) and numerous film awards. At his prime, he made some rather watchable cinema which was pathbreaking for its time. And with the 1996 hit Chor Machaye Shor, the director was very much in-form.

Five close friends land at the house of one of their mates, as many romantic plots and subplots, including the hilarious one between Afzal Khan/Rambo and Sahiba, unfold. All of this happens under, or rather despite the watchful gaze of Sahiba’s domineering feudal father, played with hilarious perfection by Ali Ejaz. The screenplay makes good use of this crazy what-could-go-wrong scenario.

sahiba reema While the production value here has much room for improvement, and the movie may be a little rough around the edges, what no one can deny is that Chor Machaye Shor set the tone for contemporary local comedies, and the movie features many scenes, characters and moments which may remind you of Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. Ali Ejaz’s act as the modern father who still cannot let go of the chaudhry ingrained in his DNA is sure to leave you in splits. The rest of the film will not disappoint, either.

Among other stars in the film are Resham, Reema Khan, Babar Ali, and Saud. You can watch it here.

‘Khalil Ur Rahman Qamar Is Beyond Disgusting’ – Saheefa Jabbar

By
Maisooma Batool
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saheefa jabbar khalil scandal

Saheefa Jabbar Khattak has made a distinct name for herself in the short period of time she has been around in the entertainment industry. Her choice of unconventional projects onscreen and her unapologetically confident and outspoken offscreen persona surely make Saheefa stand out among her peers in an industry where often the bland and the vapid is the order of the day. The bubbly starlet brought all that positive energy to the set of The Munshi Show where she sat down to give an honest and candid interview.

It is no secret that Saheefa has always used her social media to express her opinions. She has never shied away from making her views known about issues or topics she feels strongly about. When the whole Khalil Ur Rahman Qamar controversy hit and some in the industry spoke against the writer’s crass comments he made on live television, Saheefa was among those few celebs who went public at that time with their disgust regarding the whole situation. In the interview, Saheefa once again underscored her views, even going one step ahead to make a bold declaration of not working with the writer, ever.

“I will never work with Khalil Ur Rahman Qamar. It has come to the point that I can’t even bring myself to address him with respectful terms like ‘unn’ and ‘ aap’.”

Saheefa further opined that she could not stand the way Khalil Ur Rahman Qamar abuses the platform that he has been given. She was referencing the episode involving Khalil Ur Rahman abusing a female co-panelist as well as the press-meet where he made some crass comments about Adnan Malik, without explicitly naming him.

“I say we should stop talking about him. Because he is beyond disgusting,” is what Saheefa said, summing up her comments.

Being a strong advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, it is no surprise that Saheefa has a stance on the highly discussed #MeToo controversy that shook the Pakistani entertainment industry i.e. that of Meesha Shafi and Ali Zafar. During the interview Saheefa was asked who is the bigger superstar in her opinion, Fawad Khan or Ali Zafar, Saheefa immediately replied that for her it’s Fawad Khan.

“For me, it’s Fawad Khan. I cannot even take the other person’s name. I don’t like the guy and I don’t even want to talk about him.“

There was also an interesting reaction from the starlet when she was questioned about how she would react if she was stuck in a lift with Ali Zafar and Khalil Ur Rahman Qamar. To find out how Saheefa replied, and a whole lot more, watch the full episode of The Munshi Show which is out now on Galaxy Lollywood’s YouTube channel.

Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments below!

Celebrities Launch Charity Initiatives For Helping The Needy During The Lockdown

By
Uzair Anwer
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coronavirus pakistan

All provinces of Pakistan have announced a lockdown of different degrees in their respective territories due to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus outbreak. While such lockdowns, currently enforced upon 25% of the world’s population, have been considered as being useful towards limiting the spread of the virus, they also curtail the means of livelihood for the underprivileged segment of the society, particularly those reliant on daily wages.

Taking the situation into consideration, many Pakistani celebrities have passionately launched initiatives, in their personal capacities, to help the affected citizens and the people in need during the pandemic period. Here’s a list of stars we love who are also doing their bit as responsible citizens: 

Ali Zafar 

Ali has been rather vocal on his social media handles ever since the coronavirus outbreak hit Pakistan. The actor has made several videos in different languages to spread information regarding the importance of precautionary measures during these trying times. The Teefa In Trouble actor took to his Instagram to share that he has donated Rs. 2 Million to help the daily wagers and also has distributed ration bags to 50 families. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-RXapEFUIs/

Ali urged his fans to contribute to his efforts for making sure that no citizen suffers from hunger during the period.

Feroze Khan

Feroze recently shocked tinsel town with his announcement of quitting the industry, now the Tich Button actor has been posting about his donation drive geared towards helping those in need during these tough times. The actor has been passionately raising funds to help the poverty-ridden citizens. In an Instagram live video, he showed 1500 ration bags put in place for the needy and thanked donors for helping him in this cause.

He has also been lately posting special prayers in context of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Maya Ali 

The Parey Hut Love diva has been updating her fans after launching a series of ration drives for the needy, in collaboration with her designer friend Faiza Saqlain and her husband Saqlain Hayder. Maya has been actively participating in the packaging of the charity bags and their distribution. The actress offered social media users an inside look into the bags and the praiseworthy aspect is that they also have basic commodities such as soaps and washing powder in addition to regular food items.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-KGnBYHihv/

The Man Maayal starlet broke down in a live video chat and shared how people across the country have been calling her for help, citing an example of a Karachi based woman who needed help to finance the milk expenses of her child. 

Hira Mani

Meray Paas Tum Ho’s Hira Mani recently received flak from netizens for making a few insensitive comments on the corona outbreak during her US tour with co-star Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui. However, Hira hasn’t let the negativity affect her. She has launched a helpline for raising funds to help the cause, with which the actress aims to support poor families with food and medical help. She is not just arranging ration bags but is also distributing important medicines. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-QfM7on4JU/

She posted a message on her Instagram story today mentioning how being wealthy is a disease in today’s time and emphasized the responsibility of rich people towards sharing their privileges with the needy ones. 

Iqrar-ul-Hassan

Iqrar-ul-Hassan has evolved from being an anchorperson to an entrepreneur and an active philanthropist. He has been diligently pressing his fans and followers to help the poor people affected by the Corona crises. Iqrar has also raised awareness on another issue of blood donation during the lockdown period. Since people have self-isolated themselves at homes, the blood banks are also facing a lack of supply. Using the platform of the program he anchors, he distributed food commodities to underprivileged people and also donated blood to encourage people. 

 

Shahid Afridi 

Shahid Afridi needs to be praised for doing his bit in this turbulent period. He is one cricket star who has always been wise with his donations be it for Shaukat Khanam, flood relief camps or the current Covid-19 crisis. Afridi, who has his roots in KPK is also helping the needy people in Karachi and other cities of the country. 

Among other celebrities striving to their bit, Kubra Khan shared a message on Instagram requesting people to pay the wages of their house helps even if they are giving them time off. Saboor Ali urged fans to be socially responsible and do their bit during these trying times. Tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq runs his own charity foundation. Now, he and his sister have joined hands towards raising funds for the affected daily wagers and underprivileged people due to the overwhelming pandemic. 

We expect more stars and people in power to follow the names mentioned above and contribute towards the welfare of society. 

Here’s Why Pakistan Needs Its Own Digital Platform Like Netflix

By
Hammad Akbar
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pakistan netflix

The digital revolution has taken over the world during the previous decade. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu have become the go-to hotspots for quality entertainment programming. Different from regular TV channels, these video-on-demand services allow filmmakers and drama makers to produce content without the restrictions of regular television channels.

Some entertainment industry analysts even think that television will be left behind if it doesn’t evolve to match the audience’s changing viewing preferences.

While the digital platform has taken a while to make an impact in Pakistan, its demand for domestic content is surely there with an estimated 200 million-plus views for Pakistani plays over the previous year, and that too just on YouTube.

The question is: does the Pakistani entertainment industry have enough resources to adapt to the digital world?

Web-series making an impact

In 2019, quite a few Pakistani web series managed to make an impact. Enaaya and Meray Dost Meray Yaar managed to amass quite a few viewers, while others like Middle Se Ooper and Shameless Proposals came and went without a bang.

There are multiple web-series currently in production as well, with Aik Jhooti Love Story and Mann Jogi, being two of the most anticipated ones. Both of these ventures have big names attached to them. The former is being directed by Mehreen Jabbar and stars Bilal Abbas Khan and Madiha Imam in lead roles while Saba Qamar and Nauman Ijaz headline the latter under the direction of Kashif Nisar. Apart from these, there’s another major project written by Umera Ahmed titled Dhoop Ki Deewar which stars Sajal Aly and Ahad Raza Mir in lead roles. Interestingly all of these shows are supposed to be released as a web-series on the Indian digital platform Zee5.

However, owing to political tensions between the two countries which peaked last year and all forms of art exchange between the two countries was banned, these web-series having a wide digital release on an Indian platform seems to be completely out of the question. And while Youtube is an efficient platform to release Pakistani shows after they are done telecasting on television, it offers very limited monetary rewards that would compensate the cost of producing big-budgeted digital content.

Enter Pakistan’s own streaming platform

For original digital content, there are platforms like Nashpati Prime ( formerly known as Binjee)and Vidly which offer original and exclusive content. Nashpati Prime has original shows ranging from political satire like Slips to drama like Saat Mulaqatein starring Noman Ejaz and Hira Tareen, and Janaza Online which stars Muhammad Ahmed. Vidly is a more wholesome platform that offers classic Lollywood films, dramas from the golden era of PTV, as well as popular music videos.

Sure, these platforms might not be that huge but they do exist. With the trends being inclined towards digital content, there can not be an argument that Pakistan does not have a streaming platform to call its own. All they need is more content that would attract the audience towards them. And the big-budgeted web-series might just be that.

Other platforms for Pakistani content

Starz Play, ARY Zap, and Iflix are subscription-based platforms available in Pakistan, albeit none of them produces original content, and all seem to have a limited audience footprint. While Netflix might be a good option, so far, there has been no news of Pakistan creating original content for Netflix. The aforementioned platforms, for now, are sticking to television shows to stream, which people can watch either on regular TV or on the platform itself. However, they are capable of being able to provide original content as well.

As of January 2020, in Pakistan, the total number of internet users on any device is 76.83 million. That’s not all. The number is increasing every year by around 11 million people.

As the government ventures towards bringing a technological revolution in Pakistan, all major channels production houses of the country – including ARY, HUM, and GEO – to work towards creating a streaming platform for the audience. Such a platform would have the required market appeal to achieve a large enough footprint to make digital programming viable.

It would work well in especially periods like one we are experiencing right now, where the majority of the population is confined to their homes due to the pandemic. It could even serve as an alternate channel to theatrical distribution, as has been seen with Netflix.

Final word

Keeping all these factors in mind, we think its high time the country worked towards a streaming platform of its own that can rival the streaming platforms available globally. If that were to happen, digital programming would take off in a big way, and another lucrative avenue would emerge for the entertainment industry.

Moreover, with the shortage of engaging dramas on TV channels and closure of movie theaters, it would be a good idea to give Pakistani filmmakers the creative liberty which comes with the medium. Films like Zindagi Tamasha could find a large audience on such a platform without getting stuck in controversy and red-tape.

While some might argue that our audience is not ready for this significant transition, the popularity of web series like Stranger Things and La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) especially amongst youngsters in Pakistan, says otherwise.

What do you think? Should Pakistan launch its own streaming platform?

Coronavirus Strikes The Film Industry

By
Uzair Anwer
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coronavirus film industry

The Covid-19 pandemic has currently put the world into a frenzy, with authorities in affected countries emphasizing self-isolation and social distancing. As a result, social gatherings are being prohibited which has resulted in the cancellation of various concerts and has also put a halt to movie screenings.

Whereas actors’ guilds such as Actors Collective Trust have called for a suspension of all shoots, some senior members of the film fraternity such as Humayun Saeed have called for such restrictions to be imposed with caveats, with exceptions being made for television productions scheduled to go on air within a few weeks. In the absence of any formal directive from the government or a trade union, filmmakers have been left to their own devices when it comes to deciding on whether to continue with a shoot.

Curtains temporarily called

Parde Me Rehne Do is the latest production from Wajahat Rauf and stars Hania Amir and Ali Rehman Khan as the leads. Rauf recently announced halting the film’s shoot owing to the potential health threats to the cast and crew involved. The director took to his Instagram handle to share that despite the financial risks involved, the film’s shooting schedule has been delayed. The team shot during the last few days with the required precautionary measures on the sets such as masks for the entire crew.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B97QPnSn4BO/

Meanwhile, leading star and filmmaker Humayun Saeed wrapped the Pakistan spell of his upcoming romantic drama London Nahi Jaunga, which constitutes the vast majority of the shoot. According to Saeed, the remaining production work will take place in London, with the shoot scheduled to commence in May, as per the film’s original schedule. Whether that goes ahead as planned depends on the trajectory the Covid-19 pandemic takes in the coming few months.

Saeed managed to stay in the news for other reasons too. The Punjab Nahi Jaungi star traveled to the US last week for a meet and greet session along with his Meray Paas Tum Ho co-stars Hira Mani and Adnan Siddiqui. Following his return to the homeland, he has quarantined inside a hotel room, as has co-star Adnan Siddiqui, for the next 14 days to assure the safety of his family and peers. The two have decided to get themselves tested for the virus during their hotel stay.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9_fI9yJiEh/

Nabeel Qureshi’s next production Fatman’s shoot has also been stalled. The film stars Ahmed Ali Butt in the titular role. Nabeel issued a statement on Twitter confirming the latest development. He said: “Surrounded by concern regarding COVID-19, we at FilmWala Pictures have made the decision to postpone the shoot of our film Fatman.”

Work on the upcoming Saba Qamar comedy, Ghabrana Nahi Hai, which had only recently commenced its production, has also been temporarily halted. Producer Hassan Zia confirmed the news, saying some initial portions were shot on a set in Karachi, following which the outbreak intensified.

Meanwhile, Yasir Nawaz told Galaxy Lollywood that the shoot for his upcoming thriller Chakkar starring Neelam Munir and Ahsan Khan has also been temporarily paused, after the completion of about a week’s worth of work.

Some shoots go on, others wrap up in time

Mohsin Abbas Haider’s comeback vehicle Once Upon A Time in Karachi, which also stars Nausheen Shah has wrapped up its production earlier than expected to ensure the safety of the team before the health crisis escalates. Director Abu Aleeha also posted a picture of him and his peers wearing the mask on his social media accounts and asked his fans to be safe.

Ayesha Omar cleared the air regarding sitcom Bulbulay’s shoot following social media’s concern about the show’s shooting schedule during such risky times. The actress shared that since it’s a weekly sitcom, it has to be shot every week otherwise huge financial losses will be incurred hence the team shot with just 12 cast and crew members, also mentioning that they might be wrapping up the same day.

Actors are vocal

Kubra Khan recently shared a video suggesting that film shoots need to be stopped keeping in view the health risks. Singer Danyal Zafar has also decided to isolate himself and maintain social distancing until he gets himself checked since he recently traveled from America following his album launch. Director-producer, Rafay Rashdi took a dig at drama producers for continuing the shoots despite the alarming situation. He said that equipping sets with sanitizers isn’t sufficient enough.

The unfortunate fact is that Karachi, the entertainment industry’s hub in Pakistan is at the center of the corona outbreak in the country. Meanwhile, Ali Zafar in an Instagram story suggested that crew members shouldn’t report to the sets even if the producers ask them to.

We hope that the industry manages to cope with the situation in a timely manner and that the entertainment business returns to normal at the earliest.

Zarrar’s Trailer is Explosive Stuff

By
Hassan Hassan
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zarrar shaan shahid

In times where the country is in a virtual lockdown courtesy Covid-19 pandemic, it doesn’t come as a surprise that there’s a complete entertainment vacuum and the masses have their attention on what films, if any, are lined up this year.

Released on the Pakistan day national holiday, Zarrar’s trailer couldn’t have found a more suitable release date. The sharply edited three and a half minute long preview with many exhilarating, adrenaline-filled action sequences is sure to be the topic of discussion in the coming weeks for all those who follow Pakistani films.

Strong visuals

To be sure though, where the trailer is strong on the audiovisual front, we don’t see much of the storyline being revealed, although this might be an intentional move by the makers. We see Shaan playing the titular character Zarrar, who is a former ISI agent and now has to come back to the front to save the day against foreign and internal elements who are hell-bent to prove Pakistan a failed state. From what we could gather, the target of their nefarious designs is the country’s atomic program and Zarrar is what stands in their way.

The synopsis does sound fresh from Pakistani cinema’s perspective as earlier the local filmmakers had focused on Kashmir or Taliban as the center of their story when exploring this genre. Zarrar’s palette, thus, seems expansive and more interesting.

Zarrar TeaserJoining Shan is the interesting supporting cast that includes the stunning Kiran Malik who plays a journalist and Shaan’s on-screen love interest alongside Nadeem Baig, playing Zarrar’s mentor.

Also featured are the ultimate baddies of Pakistani cinema namely Shafqat Cheema and Nayyar Ijaz in different avatars against whom Zarrar has to fight. Adnan Butt, who debuts with the film, plays a RAW agent and looks suitably menacing.

Despite giving an overall dark and intense feel, Zarrar‘s promotional video looks enthralling and slick. The background music is apt and energetic and lifts the scenes wherever needed.

Real-world relevance

There’s real stock footage from mainstream media featuring anchors and politicians like Narendra Modi to name a few, some well-choreographed hand to hand action sequences, some of which will surely remind you of a few Hollywood flicks here and there. All of this is spliced with monologues about imminent threats to the country’s future, car chase scenes and of course a love triangle to make the narrative lighter.

While Shan has been seen in similar roles by Pakistani viewers previously in films like Waar, Yalghaar, and Operation 021 what’s interesting is that local cinema will be witnessing a dark action thriller after a long interval. The trailer definitely gives Waar vibes at many places which is another reason to get excited about.

The final test

While the trailer is no doubt successful in grabbing attention, the real test of Zarrar undoubtedly will be at cinema screens where it has to deliver on the content front to achieve the “Hit” tag. The film is critically important for Shaan’s career as its success could bring him back in-game after a couple of flops at the Box office.

Although no release date is announced yet, the trailer does offer hope that the film could release somewhere in 2020, depending upon how corona pandemic pans out, among other factors.

For now, enjoy the trailer and let us know in the comments what you think!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra6JJTVn6q8

Are ‘London Nahi Jaunga’ and ‘Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad’ On Track For An Eid-ul-Azha Release?

By
Faisal Ali H
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Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad London Nahi Jaunga

The intriguing world of filmmaking, known for bringing to screen many apocalyptic scenarios from the realm of science fiction, seemingly has fallen victim to one such crisis itself. In the world’s biggest movie industry, Hollywood, the dominoes are steadily falling as one film after another is pushed to next year in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Major titles such as Fast & Furious 9, Mulan and A Quiet Place II have been affected as the cinema business came to a grinding halt this past weekend.

Meanwhile, closer to home, theater chains were closed all across China following the viral outbreak in that country several months back. Similarly in Pakistan, the exhibition circuit has suspended operations for a three week period, likely to be extended, since February 29. 

All of this uncertainty has left many wondering whether major filmmakers in the country too would be delaying their projects as has happened elsewhere. The concerns are understandable — it’s hard to guess when normalcy will return and when people will feel comfortable going back to crowded movie theaters — if the theaters are even allowed to reopen. Would it be even socially responsible to schedule a release for a major festival such as Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-ul-Azha, during a period when (hopefully) most of the country would still be in recovery mode?

London Nahi Jaunga delayed?

London Nahi Jaunga

Galaxy Lollywood spoke to leading star and filmmaker Humayun Saeed who has his much-awaited follow-up project to Punjab Nahi Jaungi, titled London Nahi Jaunga, in the running for Eid-ul-Azha. Saeed stated in light of how the movie business has been hit by the global pandemic, he feels the coming Eid-ul-Azha might not be the most suitable time to release his production.

“Currently we are monitoring as the situation unfolds and becomes more clear, however, I feel that the film exhibition sector will take some time to return to business as usual. In such a scenario, I think it might be a better idea to delay the film.”

The film’s London spell is planned to commence in May with the Pakistan portion already complete. With the post-production happening concurrently, the film’s production schedule is on track for the original release date.

Fizza Ali Meerza is more bullish

Producer Fizza Ali Meerza too has Fahad Mustafa-Mahira Khan tent-poler Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad lined up for Eid-ul-Azha. The project, having wrapped its shooting and currently in post-production, is set to be director Nabeel Qureishi’s take on the masala-action genre. Talking about the prospects of opening a film on Eid following the pandemic, she stated:

“Even if the cinemas are still recovering from the pandemic, the masses would still need entertainment, with cinema offering the most accessible one. Moreover, following the lockdowns, people would be starved of entertainment so I feel the demand will be there. My production is therefore very much on track, as planned, for an Eid-ul-Azha opening.”

Will the bulls or the bears win?

Whether cinema operations resume as expected or not, the coming few months will tell. In the meantime, the entertainment industry like the rest of the world will be monitoring the on-ground developments pretty closely.

If the virus does eventually begin to abate and there’s a vaccination breakthrough, it’s easy to imagine a return of the cinema-going culture, with the audiences feeling comparatively joyful after having spent so much time at home.

But that’s just a fantasy at the moment, the same notion as a quick rebound after the economic downturn, that some bullish analysts are rooting for. Here’s hoping the optimists stand vindicated.

Iman Ali Stuns With Revelations About Being Offered ‘Raees’ And 90% Pakistani Films!

By
Uzair Anwer
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Iman Ali interview Tich Button

Iman Ali is known for her candidness, which in an industry that has its ethos rooted in diplomacy and doublespeak, stands out quite a bit. In a recent interview with former model turned host Iffat Omar, the Khuda Kay Liye star – the first bonafide one that Pakistan’s revamped film industry produced — made some stunning revelations regarding her personal and professional life and also offered some lighthearted advice to the current superstars of Pakistani cinema. Here’s what she said:

Late Abid Ali’s funeral rites

Iman started the interview by sharing the harrowing experience of her father’s demise and even the more disturbing funeral ceremony. She revealed that it was traumatic when she and her family were told by Abid Ali’s second wife that they are not allowed to enter her house. As a result, Iman could never attend her father’s last rites and that still hurts her.

On being the ‘most in-demand actress’

On being asked about her choosy nature, Iman went on to say that she has been offered all the films being made in Lollywood since her debut in Khuda Kay Liye. She also added that even during the current phase of cinema she is still being offered 90% of the films being made, one of her famous rejections being Mehwish Hayat’s role in Punjab Nahi Jaungi opposite Humayun Saeed.

Bollywood Fizzle

While most of our actors would give an arm and a leg to land a role in an A-list Bollywood movie, Iman mentioned that she was approached for Shahrukh Khan starrer Raees before Mahira Khan landed the role in Rahul Dholakia’s thriller. However, she said that she asked the makers to send her a script, which according to her rubbed them the wrong way and they got offended since it was a major role opposite Shahrukh Khan.  

Alternate Careers for colleagues

In one of the segments of the show, Iman was asked to decide an alternate career for her colleagues. Throughout, the Tich Button actor chose to give her answers in a lighter vein, often punctuating her responses with laughter.

Shaan Shahid: “Shaan ko Star hi hona chahiye tha, he’s got that star thing going on”

Humayun Saeed: “Actually I don’t know these people, doodh dahi bechne wala” was her response and she made it clear that was a comment not meant to be taken seriously.

Fawad Khan: “A failed stand-up comedian.” She mentioned that she knows him since his Jutt and Bond Days and she has seen a side of him which many hasn’t. She justified her answer by saying that Fawad used to make stupid jokes on the sets of Khuda Kay Liye. 

Mehwish Hayat: “Cosmetologist’s assistant”

Saba Qamar: “She is good for TV”

Mahira Khan: “Usko VJ hi rehna chahiye tha” adding that she liked her as a VJ more. 

Imran Ashraf: “Philanthropist”

Tich Button!

Iman shared that she did the film because of her friendship with Urwa Hocane and Farhan Saeed. There were other reasons as well but Farhan was adamant that she do the part. She added that she had a great time shooting with Farhan and the senior actors in the film. 

Iman also spoke about the importance of education in the entertainment industry. Taking a look back at her career, she underscored the versatile themes of her last three films, Khuda Kay Liye, Bol and Mah-e-Mir, mentioning how she practiced different accents and mannerisms for all her films. 

It sure seems the diva stayed true to herself, and with her unpredictable, tongue in cheek comments also lightened up our evening. Stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood for more on the star and her upcoming film Tich Button!

After Feroze Khan, Are Humaima And Dua Also Preparing To Quit Showbiz?

By
Hammad Akbar
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When Feroze Khan was recently asked in an interview if his two sisters, Humaima Malick and Dua Malik would be following in his footsteps towards a reawakening of faith, his answer was in the affirmative, indicating that we should be expecting some more announcements in the near future from the Malik sisters.

Dua Malik dons Hijab

After Feroze Khan announced that he was taking a step back from showbiz, Dua Malik also hinted at quitting the industry. Dua was recently asked in an interview whether she and her sister Humaima Malick plan on doing the same. She replied that very soon, people are going to hear about this from her first, and then her sister Humaima.

Yesterday, Dua posted a picture of her on her Instagram account, where she can be seen wearing a Hijab with the caption ‘Bismillah! Ya Allah Madad! It Took A lot OF Courage. Girls You Can Do It Too!.’

https://www.instagram.com/p/B96pR9zgZ3E/

There can be no two opinions on the fact that the younger starlet in the Malik family has taken her final steps towards adopting a more outwardly religious avatar, with the next possible move being a formal announcement of quitting the world of glitz and glamor. Once that happens, the question on everyone’s mind is, will Humaima follow her sibling’s footsteps and leave filmdom as well? From Feroze’s assured demeanor about his sisters and Dua’s recent soundbite it seems the answer would be ‘yes’.

Humaima congratulates Dua

Earlier when Feroze Khan had announced his religious reawakening, Humaima had posted on her Twitter account about how proud she was of her brother for making this decision. Humaima cited Feroze as her inspiration.

Now, after Dua decided to wear a Hijab, Humaima congratulated her on this decision as well.

On the work front, Feroze can be currently seen in the drama Ishqiya starring opposite Hania Amir, Ramsha Khan, and Gohar Rashid. His future projects include season 3 of drama serial Khuda Aur Muhabbat, opposite Iqra Aziz and the movie Tich Button. Humaima Malick is expected to clash with her brother on Eid Ul Fitr, with her film The Legend of Maula Jutt and Feroze’s Tich Button both scheduled to release on Eid Ul Fitr.

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