In a congratulatory tweet to Ahad Raza Mir on his engagement to Sajal Aly, DG ISPR Asif Ghafoor, revealed exciting news. The Major-General hinted at a new drama which will most likely be aired on Independence Day.
In his message, Major-General Asif Ghafoor expressed, “heartiest congrats Ahad, Sajal & families on the engagement. Stay blessed. Millions of Pakistani viewers and your fans should be ready to see you on screen in a lifetime role for ISPR as Capt. Saad during this August, IA”.
Heartiest congrats Ahad, Sajal & families on the engagement. Stay blessed.
Millions of Pakistani viewers and your fans should be ready to see you on screen in a lifetime role for ISPR as Capt Saad during this August, IA.@ahadrazamir@Iamsajalalipic.twitter.com/fGwts12EsD
Now, this tweet sent Ahad fans in a flurry with everyone trying to find out more details about this secretive project. We did some digging on our own and here is what we have found out.
Alpha Bravo Charlie 2 in the making?
Now, while we haven’t been able to get an official confirmation from any party involved we have been hearing certain whispers from industry insiders. Some say its a fresh new take on the classic Alpha Bravo Charlie making it a sequel of sorts, others say its an ISPR funded project on similar lines but not exactly like the cult show. But one thing is for sure, it is military fiction project with men in the army wardi
As for the casting, yet again there are no official confirmations but certain names are being floated around. Ahad is obviously the most talked-about member given the confirmation from DG ISPR himself, other names that are potentially a part of the project include Wahaj Ali, Osman Khalid Butt, and Ahmed Ali Akbar, but again no confirmations as such.
We’ve already seen Ahad in an air force uniform in Parwaaz Hai Junoon, so we’re rather excited to see how he dons the army wardi. Wahaj Ali who has featured previously in Haiwan, Dil Nawaz and Hari Hari Chooriyan will also be part of the project. We don’t know yet of any female in a lead or supporting role.
There have been several ISPR-funded projects before
This isn’t the first time the ISPR has created dramas for television. Action-packed thrillers and dramas dominated television screens in the form of Sunehre Din in 1991 and throughout the late 90s. Shahpar, PNS Ghazi have in the past earned remarkable success but Shoaib Mansoor’s Alpha Bravo Charlie went on to become a cult-favorite.
Source: PTV
Many actors, some debuting and some oldies, have been part of these projects which have been assisted in writing, direction, production by the military. The ‘military fiction’ these roles have portrayed through its actors was able to resonate massively among the audiences. There was no cable at the time, no cellphones, no social media, and these television shows were all the rage.
Moreover, in addition to producing television shows, ISPR has also been behind some of the big hits that have come out of Pakistani Cinema. Films such as Yalghaar,Waar and upcoming Kaaf Kangana are a few such projects.
Stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood for more updates on the upcoming special drama.
If there is one reaction that the trailer of Parey Hut Love got unanimously, it was that it looks grand and promises to have a magnificent soundtrack. These are certainly two factors that the makers of the film are proudly owning up to after a look at the film’s launch party. That said, the three songs previewed in the trailer all sound very promising.
About Balma Baghoda
But let’s talk about what was not in the trailer. Recently, the Parey Hut Love team shot a special song for the film and officially wrapped up the film. The tight-lipped treatment of the song definitely came as a surprise considering how the film has been very open about its shooting process. So, I rang up Asim Raza to find out exactly how many songs he has planned for this film and who exactly is this Balma Bhagoda that has made a last-minute entry to the film?
“The song’s title is a fun jibe towards Sheheryar’s character in the film who is a commitment phobic”, chuckled Asim when I asked him about this rather eccentric alliteration. “Shooting Balma Bhagoda was very fun as it has the primary cast of the film just having a blast. It is more like the team of Parey Hut Love celebrating this crazy journey we have had over the past year”.
Source: The Vision Factory Films
Well, the title of the song certainly is fun and with Aima Baig being the pleasant voice behind it, it would not be wrong to assume that chart buster potential is looming over it. Luckily enough, we will get to hear it soon if not watch it.
“We plan on having a music launch very soon. There are six songs in the soundtrack and the audios of all the songs, including Balma, would be released together alongside a music video of a song from the film not featured in the trailer”, expressed Asim.
What is the sound like?
“The music of Parey Hut Love is very grand, very filmy, and very Pakistani”, Asim said further. “The Pakistani film music has a very distinct sound and we have tried to capture that essence with Parey Hut Love’s music. I have noticed how the music in Pakistani films has veered into an alternate music category recently and we have tried to stay true to its soul with Parey Hut Love.”
Source: The Vision Factory Films
This naturally brings up the question: why does the trailer not feature more music? “The whole celebratory, party feel from the movies come in the shape of music in a film. It is the one thing the audience gets instantly attracted to. We deliberately cut the trailer in a way that does not focus on the music and instead introduces the main characters to the audience to show ke film mein sirf naach gaana nahin hai”.
Asim explained the purpose of a film’s trailer is to just give the audience a tiny glimpse of what’s in store for them. And he feels that purpose was achieved perfectly with the trailer they chose for Parey Hut Love.
Shaadi is a prevalent theme
With the topic of the trailer already up for discussions, I asked Asim what he felt about the few criticisms the film has already gotten based on the trailer i.e. the film looks like a typical shaadi film that has become too common in the industry.
“Just because the film has the backdrop of a shaadi does not mean it is a film that revolves around a shaadi”, Asim retorted. “Weddings are the one affair in our country that are celebrated by everyone, regardless of which social class they belong to. The audience instantly connects to and relates to the festivities of a wedding. We cannot exclude the common audience from our films and show them disco parties that are exclusive to a very small social class of the country”.
Source: The Vision Factory Films
Additionally, Asim Raza added that “there is a reason why Parey Hut Love is an Eid film. It has the scale and the grandness that the audience wants from a Badi Eid film. There is nothing wrong in taking themes that the audience can connect to and resizing them to a film-like scale for them to enjoy. This is what a Pakistani entertainer is all about”.
On that note, I bid adieu from Asim who is currently busy giving the final few touches to the film’s editing. As a parting note, Asim promised that more about the film will be revealed, with time, as they release the songs and the music videos. He believes there should just be enough left unseen to create hype around the film’s final edit as it prepares to release over Eid ul Azha.
Acting is a lot more than it seems to be. To us, it may seem like all Pakistani actresses and actors do is memorize a few lines and say them out loud, but those who are actually doing it know that it is far from the truth. Bringing out the required emotions at the right time is an art only a few can master.
In Pakistan, a spectrum of actors exists. It goes from actors doing comfortable roles to those looking to play unique, challenging roles as an actor. To think of it, some of the most challenging drama roles have often turned out to be the most remembered in television history. And some of the best have been played by women.
These are some Pakistani actresses who have played challenging roles and wowed audiences with their phenomenal performances:
Iqra Aziz in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi
Iqra Aziz was already loved by many thanks to her dramas like Qurban, Tabeer and the immensely popular Suno Chanda, but the one role which made her stand out was that of Noori. Considering Noori belonged to a poor family whose only source of income was picking up garbage, doing that role would have been difficult and not too attractive as well, but Iqra did justice to it.
Source: Hum TV
Yumna Zaidi in Dar Si Jaati Hai Sila
Sexual abuse is a topic that a lot of actors aren’t ready to explore yet. But Yumna Zaidi not only chose to play the role of a young girl being sexually abused by a close relative, she also did it with dedication. Due to a limited number of dialogues in the drama, most of her performance rested on her expressions. It goes without saying, she was able to display every single emotion her character, Sila, was going through.
Source: Hum TV
Ushnah Shah in Alif Allah Aur Insaan
For the role of Rani, a beggar, Ushnah Shah actually went around streets and begged in real life with hidden cameras. But the challenging role didn’t end there. As the story progressed, Ushnah’s character, Rani, ended up working at a brothel to progress and become head courtesan. And so from being a beggar to a courtesan, she worked really hard to capture the transition of her character.
Source: Hum TV
Sana Fakhar in Alif Allah Aur Insaan
Another interesting character from the drama Alif Allah Aur Insaan was that of Nigar Begum. It was gracefully played by Sana Fakhar. She played the head courtesan of a brothel. The role required Sana to possess elegance and finesse which, lucky for Sana, was something that comes to her naturally.
Source: ShowbizAndNewz/Twitter
Saba Qamar in Baaghi
Perhaps one of the most divisive dramas of Pakistan, Baaghi was based on the life of the famous yet controversial social media star, Qandeel Baloch. Saba Qamar was roped in to play the lead role. Though the drama received a lot of criticism, but one thing that people appreciated throughout was Saba Qamar’s acting and how she did justice to Qandeel Baloch’s personality.
Source: Urdu1
Sanam Saeed in Deedan
Mostly known for playing headstrong characters, this was a departure for Sanam from her usual roles. She played the role of a Pathan woman who was forced to marry a man she disliked. Learning to act like a person from a completely different culture poses a great challenge for actors. This, however, did not seem like a problem for Sanam as she played the part to perfection.
Source: Aplus
Have you also seen these Pakistani actresses’ stellar performances?
As upcoming Eid-ul-Azha releases are preparing and gearing up for promotions and media campaigns, the pressure is on the teams to meet deadlines. In hindsight, there have been several films in the past which have struggled to get out on their promised dates. Even The Legend of Maula Jatt, starring ace actors Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, is struggling and there isn’t yet a tentative date for it.
Sometimes shoots take longer, sometimes actors walk out, or sometimes the creators are just lazy. Whatever the case may be, one director has made clear their film will be coming out on time.
We are talking about the Khalil ul Rahman Qamar directorial “Kaaf Kangana” whose trailer was released a few weeks back. However, the complete silence of the film team after the trailer release raised a few suspicions. There were rumors and assumptions circulating over social media that the film might not get released on Eid-ul-Azha, as decided, and that it was mostly likely going to get delayed.
However, all such rumours turned out to be false. Galaxy Lollywood confirmed with the film director himself, Khalil ur Rahman Qamar, and got confirmation that the film will be released on-time as planned. He added, “Allah ke fazal se Kaaf Kangana will release on Eid-ul-Azha” to officially put any rumors to rest.
Ever since 2002, when it first launched, the Lux Style Awards platform has grown tremendously. With the advent of social media it has managed to reach an even bigger audience. While that is positive, it also means the awards give out more room for critics to speak out. Thus, the awards and its associates owe its audience answers to problematic decisions.
The 18th Lux Style Awards happening this weekend on the 7th of July has been a long time coming. The award show has been marred by controversy owing to the panel’s decision to nominate Ali Zafar for his role in Teefa in Trouble. Ali, for a few months, has been at the center of sexual harassment allegations made by Meesha Shafi. This move eventually led Eman Suleman to start what we can call a “trend” of many talented individuals rejecting their nominations including Meesha Shafi herself.
Recent developments
The decision to nominate an alleged sexual harasser has been deemed “low”, and nominees dropping out have been supported by many people, including Sarmad Khoosat, as seen here:
However, as of yesterday, Sarmad Khoosat is the official scriptwriter for the Lux Style Awards. The award show sent out a press release dated the 1st of July stating, “The LUX Style Awards office is proud to present Sarmad Khoosat as the shows’ official script
writer for the iconic LUX Style Awards 2019. A well-renowned name in Pakistani film and television, Sarmad is known for creating memorable dramas and films that resonate with Pakistani audiences. This year, he is taking his skills to #LSA2019 providing a fresh take, and a unique view to the script and show.”
Turning a blind eye?
The talented actor, writer, director is known to plan his projects around social issues and taboos, made evident by Manto, Akhri Station, Baaghi and even a live 24-hour performance of a death-row prisoner called No Time To Sleep. So in light of the controversial developments surrounding Lux Style Awards, it comes as a surprise that Sarmad has chosen to be scriptwriter for the show.
Source: Geo Films
Talking about his role in the press release, Khoosat expressed “this is my first time writing a script for a show of this grand scale. It is a challenge surely, but it also a great honor. Working alongside the LUX Style Awards team to bring this show to life is very exciting and I can not wait to see what we all produce together. The audience is surely in for a ride”.
There is no word from Khoosat on why he opted for the role. Keeping in mind his support for Meesha Shafi, Eman Suleman, Saima Bargfrede by calling them “nidarr larkiyan” and also saying “we stand with all of you” via a retweet of Meesha’s note, we don’t know what to make of this.
In the end
The Lux Style Awards is without a doubt one of the leading award shows in the country. The LSAs became a catalyst for bringing fashion, TV and film into the mainstream. It paved the way for healthier competition for these growing industries, giving recognition to those who outdid themselves. Regardless of the controversy surrounding it, let’s hope the script by Sarmad Khoosat for the Lux Style Awards is unique and addresses the current climate.
Not every day do we come across stars who are blessed with range and diversity, but if you ask who would make it to the list, Zahid Ahmed would be on it. From being a creative manager to an RJ, from Broadway to now television, this guy has done it all. He has been in the television industry for the past five years and despite his impeccable acting, has only been able to bag one award. It comes as no surprise that remarkable actors like him don’t get the recognition they deserve in our country, the reason usually being nepotism or lack of opportunities.
Lights, camera, action!
Zahid made his debut in Mehram in 2014, however, the serial that earned him critical acclaim was Alvida aired on Hum TV. Since then he has worked in numerous drama serials, flattering us and paving his way into our hearts, also informally winning him the title “chocolate boy”. Despite his impressive acting ability, Zahid has only been able to bag one award for his negative role in Alvida. That being said, he is no less in the romantic roles he has played.
Source: ARY Digital
Zahid Ahmed is one of few people who have made their mark in the television industry in a short amount of time. He has played versatile roles of a passionate lover, a villain, a punk, a quirky friend and in his latest serial, a split personality patient. Zahid has always been a fine actor, whose flawless expressions, body language and dialogue delivery are equally matched by his heart-tingling voice. He proves project after project that he is a complete package of hard work, charm and talent.
Behind-the-scenes
Off-screen, Zahid is a perfect family man. Pictures of him with his family on Instagram are a sight for sore eyes and may also bring a smile to your face. But what’s even more inspiring is the transformation that Zahid went through, both physically and mentally.
A number of people may already know about Zahid’s physical transformation. He is known to have battled with obesity and gone from that to being the hunk he is now. Similarly, he also went from being half-bald to having a head full of hair. But what isn’t disclosed too much is perhaps Zahid’s greatest struggle before stepping into the drama industry: paralysis from head to toe. Being paralyzed for four months and having to fight with financial constraints simultaneously, there were many times when things didn’t look up. But he’s a fighter.
Source: zahid.ahmed.official/Instagram
Zahid is a man who deserves appreciation, both, on and off screen. His persona in Ishq Zahe Naseeb, as a split personality patient has us all in awe. The television industry is constantly evolving and characters like Sameer/Sameera are bringing about a healthy change in how on-screen roles are defined. This welcome change with Zahid’s fine acting has us eagerly waiting for the upcoming episodes.
The Lollywood box office is raging at the moment, with one of its biggest releases of the year Baaji finishing up well on a rather difficult weekend. Distributed under ARY Films and starring Meera, Amna Ilyas and Osman Khalid Butt, the film managed to keep cinemas above water over the weekend despite it being cricket season. Also still on in cinemas and three weeks old, eid releases Wrong No. 2 and Chhalawa have seen massive declines in numbers since opening week.
‘Baaji’ dominated despite zero advantages
The past three days brought with itself a Pakistan vs Afghanistan match on Saturday, which had a significant portion turning to television instead of cinemas. The box office, however, can owe it to the poor rank of the opposing team because of which many people weren’t concerned about a loss, hence didn’t make for it to be a very happening match. While Wrong No.2 and Chhalawa, both, had the advantage of releasing on Eid long weekend, Baaji was at a larger disadvantage yet is faring significantly well.
Via Galaxy Lollywood
Word-of-mouth added to its numbers, as a lot of folks who had watched the movie and made it a business of Rs. 90 lac on Friday must have done their job as consumers and an audience by talking about it. Despite the match, the film on Saturday made a miraculous Rs. 95 lac. The box office was again in high spirits on Sunday as Baaji continued to fare well with another Rs. 90 or so lac, finishing the weekend off at a near Rs. 3 crore.
Baaji
Friday: 90 lac
Saturday: 95 lac
Sunday: 95 lac
Total: 2.80 crore
Chhalawa and Wrong No. 2 share their decline
The Eid pair, Chhalawa and Wrong No. 2 have completed their three weeks at the box office and begun to fall in numbers. Chhalawa previously enjoyed a great opening week aided by Eid holidays at the end of which it had earned Rs. 12.45 crore, whereas Wrong No. 2 closed Eid week at Rs. 13.1 crore. Since Eid was an added advantage for both the movies as people were not only free but had more spending power, the box office numbers went seriously down in their second weeks as compared to what they had earned initially. Chhalawa closed at Rs. 2.35 crore and Wrong No. 2 at Rs. 2.85 crore.
Source: dawn.com
The star-studded Chhalawa which cast actors Mehwish Hayat, Azfar Rehman, Zara Noor Abbas finished at Rs. 1.12 crore in its third week, while Wrong No. 2 and its star cast including Neelam Muneer, Sami Khan, Javed Sheikh, Yasir Nawaz and Mehmood Aslam pulled in Rs. 1.55 crore at the closing of its third week.
Lollywood is in revival mode and we might have some Pakistani film actors to thank for that. Our actors have proven over the years how they put a lot of thought into selecting films. Because of this very fact we can see improved scripts and plots for an increasing number of movies.
Over a little more than a decade ago, the film industry was dormant. It saw a turn for the better when Shoaib Mansoor’s Khuda Kay Liye released and later the industry’s productions got better with films such as Waar and Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. Films are the biggest medium of the entertainment industry with actors trying their best to bag top projects for their filmography. It takes courage to refuse mega projects but a true artist learns not to comprise and instead say no to work they feel is not satisfying for their craft.
Here is a list of Pakistani film actors who dared to refuse major Lollywood feature films:
Ali Zafar (Khuda Kay Liye)
Source: Ali Zafar/Facebook
This Pakistani heartthrob, riding high on the stupendous success of his Lollywood debut and home-production, Teefa in Trouble, which became a blockbuster on the box-office, was originally supposed to debut with Shoaib Mansoor’s Khuda Kay Liye in 2007. The actor had issues with the length of his role but cited “personal reasons” to not do the film. Ali’s loss became Fawad’s gain and the film became the cinematic debut of Fawad Khan. The film received massive critical acclaim and commercial success, locally as well as internationally.
Zara Noor Abbas (Teefa in Trouble and The Legend of Maula Jatt)
Source: Zara Noor Abbas/Facebook
Zara is the new film-star in town with back-to-back releases of Chhalawa, a recent release, and Parey Hut Love, to be released soon. The actress who was most loved for her acting performance in the super hit Hum TV production Khamoshi was offered two big budgeted films in a span of only a few months. Zara was offered a role in Teefa in Trouble. She was asked for a screen test and the talks went on, however, Zara couldn’t play the part as her actor-mother Asma Abbas was battling cancer, and Zara wanted to prioritize her family over her career. She was also offered another role in The Legend of Maula Jatt which she refused as Mahira and Humaima had more significant roles in the film. The film is yet to be released but the buzz for The Legend of Maula Jatt is unprecedented in Lollywood.
Meera (Na Maloom Afraad)
Source: newspakistan.tv
Meera was the original choice for the song “Billi“ in Na Maloom Afraad. She refused to shoot for the song due to a skin disease that she was tackling with at that point in time. Not long after Mehwish Hayat was chosen as a replacement for the song which surprisingly went onto become a chart buster. The same situation was also recreated in newly-released Baaji’s opening scene where Meera’s character gets replaced by Mehwish Hayat’s.
Hamza Ali Abbasi (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2)
Source: Lollywood In/Facebook
The actor is known for his political interests and as an activist apart from his impressive performances in super-hit films and dramas. The actor who refused a part in Akshay Kumar-starrer Baby due to its anti-Pakistan content also chose to opt out of Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 or JPNA-2 as he didn’t believe in the content endorsed by the franchise.
He said his role in the JPNA-2 prequel was a mistake as the film had scenes and dialogues which objectified women and he was against that. Fahad Mustafa bagged Abbasi’s role some time after.
Syra Shahroz (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2)
Source: Syra Shahroz/Facebook
Syra refused Mawra Hocane’s role in Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 opposite Fahad Mustafa. The actress defended her decision for refusal by saying that the actresses in the franchise have nothing substantial to do, and that they’re just mere props. She also mentioned that the Jawani franchise objectifies women which Syra can’t tolerate as an artist and a woman.
Iman Ali (Punjab Nahi Jaungi)
Source: Iman Ali/Facebook
Iman is known for taking challenging roles in films such as Khuda Kay Liye, Bol and Mah-e-Mir. The veteran model who recently got married was actually the original choice for Mehwish Hayat’s role in Punjab Nahi Jaungi. Iman rejected the film for personal reasons. The film’s team revealed that both, Iman and the producers, mutually decided not to collaborate on this project. The film became one of the biggest blockbusters on Pakistani celluloid.
Sohai Ali Abro (Punjab Nahi Jaungi)
Source: Sohai Ali Abro/Facebook
Sohai witnessed massive success in a span of a few years with hits like Jawani Phir Nahi Ani and Wrong No. apart from superlative dramas such as Pyaray Afzal. She was offered Urwa Hocane’s role in Humayun Saeed-starrer Punjab Nahi Jaungi which she turned down as she didn’t want to do a supporting role. After the success of her previous movies she expected something bigger and meatier as an accomplished actor. She went on to do the critically-acclaimed film, The Motorcycle Girl, which won her laurels for her performance and women empowering content.
Osman Khalid Butt (Parwaaz Hai Junoon)
Source: All About Pakistan Media/Facebook
The Baaji star was originally the parallel lead in Momina Duraid’s Parwaaz Hai Junoon. Instead of Ahad Raza Mir, it was Osman Khalid Butt’s name that was initially announced with Hamza Ali Abbasi, until Osman chose to opt out of the film. The actor stated he couldn’t accommodate the shooting schedule of the film as he was busy with promotions of his film, Balu Mahi. Osman was replaced by Ahad soon after and the movie released to decent commercial success on Eid-ul-Azha in 2018.
Mahira Khan (JPNA 2, Punjab Nahi Jaungi, Parey Hut Love, Parwaaz Hai Junoon)
Source: Mahira Khan/Facebook
Mahira Khan, being the biggest female superstar in Pakistan is also known to be the biggest heart breaker of directors who envision her in their films. Having already done Ho Mann Jahaan with Asim Raza, Mahira became an obvious choice for the team while casting for Parey Hut Love. Mahira couldn’t do the film due to date issues, there were also murmurs in the industry that the bona fide actress didn’t want to do a multi-starrer and also didn’t want to make her pairing repetitive with the film’s hero, Sheheryar Munawwar. Parwaaz Hai Junoon, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 and Punjabi Nahi Jaungi were other mega budget options that she turned down without a problem.
Shaan Shahid (Love Mein Ghum)
Source: dawn.com
Reema’s directorial venture Love Mein Ghum starred Moammar Rana in the lead role, however, before Moammar became the lead, it was who Shaan was signed for the film. On Tonite with HSY Season 1 Reema expressed that Shaan ditched the first shooting schedule of the film for an endorsement shoot despite giving his approval for the film. The actress had to cast a replacement at the eleventh hour as the film was on the floors in a foreign location.
Danish Taimoor (Azaadi)
Source: Danish Taimoor/Facebook
The Mehrunisa V Lub You star was signed on for the Moammar Rana and Sonya Hussain starrer, Azaadi. Danish had a fallout with the makers over the prediction and content of the film and left the film. The film was based on the backdrop of Kashmir issue.
Farhan Saeed (Kaaf Kangana)
Source: Farhan Saeed/Facebook
Both Urwa Hocane and Farhan Saeed were in talks for the Kaaf Kangana lead pairing but the project went through several production delays and changes because of which both the actors stepped out of the film. The movie is due to release this year with Sami Khan in the lead role. This film was supposed to be Farhan’s Lollywood debut, but not anymore.
Resham (Kaaf Kangana)
Source: geo.tv
The seasoned actress was asked to play a pivotal part in the film by Khalil-ur-Rehman but she opted out due to conflicting shooting schedules with her drama, Mutthi Bhar Chahat opposite Aagha Ali.
Found this list interesting? Let us know in the comments what else Galaxy Lollywood should be writing about.
The biggest award show of the country is upon us. With one week left to the 18th edition of the Lux Style Awards, preparations are in full swing and so is the excitement and anticipation of both industry folks and their fans. After all, not many other shows bring together all the glitz and glamour of the Pakistani entertainment industry under one roof like the Lux Style Awards.
Trouble for Teefa
Covering all major fields like film, drama, fashion, and music, the Lux Style Awards are a celebration of the finest the Pakistani entertainment industry has to offer. This year, however, the Lux Style Awards have been shrouded with controversy more than ever following Ali Zafar’s nomination for Teefa in Trouble. Zafar, as is known, is accused by fellow artist and performer Meesha Shafi for sexual harassment. This has resulted in a handful of nominees withdrawing from their nominations.
To find what’s in store for us we reached out to Frieha Altaf, the show’s director and whose association with the Lux Style Awards or in short, LSAs, has been almost as long as the show has existed.
Last year’s #MeinBhi and theme for this year
Last year the LSAs had gained much appreciation with its “MeinBhi” theme and devoted the show in doing its part to bring awareness to the global #MeToo movement. While that theme did not age well with this year’s controversy involving Ali Zafar’s nomination, it does make us wonder what the theme for this year is going to be.
Source: Galaxy Lollywood
“Last year the mood itself was very sombre with incidents like Zainab’s case being at the forefront; everyone was disturbed and the priority was to bring awareness to pressing issues like child sexual abuse and women empowerment, which was what Mein Bhi was all about”, said Frieha. “But this year there is a different theme. LSAs don’t usually have a particular theme but this year the underlying theme is ‘love’. As it comes in different forms so this year’s LSAs are all going to be about celebrating that”.
Expect a lot of extravagance
Frieha assured that unlike last year, the event will not be modest. Instead the function will be all about the grandeur that is signature of the Lux Style Awards. Apart from the pomp, the LSAs are known for its star power line-up for performances. With the best of the industry all gathered together, it’s natural for that talent to flow out on stage and wow the audiences.
“Lux is all about celebrating those who have worked hard all year round – be it fashion, drama, film, or music. Of course, there are going to be many star-studded performances related to all these. But why talk about them now and spoil all the fun?”, said Freiha.
Source: sabaqamar zaman/Instagram
Final rehearsals are in order
Well, while Frieha might not give us that information but there are already behind-the-scenes pictures posted on social media that tell us who is expected to perform. Pictures and boomerang videos of this year and last year’s Lux Girls Saba Qamar and Maya Ali, rehearsing with ace choreographer Nigaah Hussain, have already gone viral. The Gangster Guriya Mehwish Hayat as well as the Chhalawa reel & real-life couple Zara Noor Abbas and Asad Siddiqui are also confirmed to perform. Rumor has it that singer-performer Atif Aslam will be also be one of the acts on the evening.
Frieha also talked about how this show is going to be different from its previous editions because of the change in the format of hosting. “The show won’t have a single host for the entirety of the event. It’s going to have a very different feel this time around”. Promising this year’s Lux Style Awards to have a “younger” feel, Frieha said that this time around the focus would be on the young generation as they are the ones who are the future. But that doesn’t mean the legends would not be honoured. This time around, like always, there will be time and segments dedicated to honor the legends of the industry.
Source: Lux Style Awards/Facebook
This is surely enough to get us all excited for what the award show has in store for us. Let’s see whether the event would be grand enough to erase the stain left by its controversies or if it paves the way for more. All we know is come next week and the Lux Style Awards will be a trending discussion.
Be sure to check Galaxy Lollywood to stay updated about it all.
This year has been the one where local releases have kept the cinemas afloat. Sherdil, Chhalawa and Wrong No. 2 are just a few examples. Just yesterday, one of the most anticipated releases of the year; Baaji hit the cinemas and that’s, yet again, good news for the local cinema industry.The film is being distributed by ARY Films; one of the most successful banners in Pakistan and the movie stars Meera, Osman Khalid Butt, Amna Ilyas, Ali Kazmi and more.
Baaji all set to hit the one crore mark
The film opened yesterday with good numbers i.e. 90 lacs,making it the 4th biggest opener this year, after Wrong No.2, Chhalawa and Sherdil.
However, it must be noted that these three movies were holiday releases while Baaji is not but it has still managed to do well on its opening day. Baaji has been getting appreciation from the trade circles which shows that the film will have a decent to good weekend at the box office.
The film, however, will get a little dented by the Pakistan vs. Afghanistan match today, but the good word of mouth will hopefully still make it touch the 1 crore mark by the end of today.
A final word
With Spider Man releasing next week and Anabelle also giving tough competition this weekend, Baaji needs to make the most out of its first week.
Let’s hope the film manages to get good collections throughout and be a good success for all concerned.
These box office numbers are given by an independent box office tracking site EPK Pakistan.
