Sindh Festival 2014

The Sindh Festival 2014, the much awaited cultural extravaganza, has turned out to be one of the most hyped events as its promotion had started almost six weeks prior to the event. The Sindh Festivel finally began on Saturday, 1^st February, near the ruins of Mohenjo-Daro with a lavish opening ceremony which was hosted by Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui and Humaima Malik. The festival also featured beautiful fireworks as part of the grand opening.

 The mastermind behind this unique cultural revival festival is Pakistan People’s Party Patron-in-Chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The festival includes a series of celebrations all over the province for two whole weeks. With the remains of Mohenjo-Daro as the backdrop, Bilawal Bhutto walked up the 80-feet-wide illuminated stage to officially open the festival.
The inaugural Sindh Festival, instigated by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, was conceived because of the danger in which Sindh’s rich heritage and culture is right now. Mohenjo-Daro, the world’s oldest planned urban landscape, lies in a state of disrepair, a victim of neglect and indifference. It is but one of a myriad of sites of antiquity scattered across Sindh and Pakistan which need attention now if they are not to be lost forever.
According to Bilawal, ‘It is to preserve, promote and protect our heritage, such as Mohenjodaro, standing right behind us’. The main object of organizing the festival was to initiate the process of protection and conservation necessary to safeguard Sindh’s unique and irreplaceable cultural heritage for generations to come. The main tagline of the Sindh Festival is ‘Apni Sakhawat Pe Naaz Karo, Pakistan Se Pyaar karo’ (Be proud of your culture, and love Pakistan)

Apart from Bilawal, the official opening ceremony was graced by Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, PPP leader Faryal Talpur, former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Owais Muzaffar and Sharmeela Farooqi. A number of foreign visitors were also seen at the event wearing traditional Sindhi Ajrak. Approximately 1,000 guests were present at the grand opening ceremony; some of these had been specially flown to Mohenjo-Daro to attend the event.
A lot of effort has been put by all the Bhutto siblings to promote this event. A few creative videos were made in which words like ‘Saeein to Saeein’ and ‘Meri Ajrak’ were used to promote the festival. Sindh Festival is a celebration of all things Sindhi, from Sufi raag to art, to fashion, film and everything in between. The festival had different kinds of events such as Sufi night, Basant, Ghazal night, Music Mela, Art Festival and many more in the course of two weeks.
Apart from the videos, Bakhtawar Bhutto released a song in which she has displayed her rapping skills. This song is made in collaboration with the band Mooroo and the song was released via a link to the song on the Sindh Festival’s official Twitter account.
The song starts off with a very catchy beat and has a hip-hop feel to it. Bakhtawar talks about preserving Pakistans’ heritage, the motto of the festival. She goes on to rap about how Pakistanis should “stand tall” on their “soil with pride”.
The song with Mooroo is not the only song that will be featuring in the festival. Ali Gul Pir, of the Saeein toh Saeein fame, released the song ‘Pakistan Ka Beta’ especially for the festival. The song has the same beat as his popular song ‘Saeein to Saeein’.

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Ali Zafar performed with Katrina Kaif in Zee Cine Awards

Ali Zafar performed in Zee Cine awards with Katrina Kaif, where audience also danced with him. Senior Indian Artists and Directors appreciated his performance. Ali Zafar performed on two songs of his new movie Total Syapa. Heroine of Total Syapa Yami Gautum was also present there.
Total Syapa is going to release in next month. After performing in the show Ali Zafar said,”I performed on my songs today in front of all Bollywood actors. I performed in front of those actors which I used to see on T.V, this is the result of all prayers by my parents and my nation. Zee Cine is the biggest award show in India and its honor for me to perform in that”.
Well, best of Luck to Ali Zafar.

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Famous actor Ghayyur Akhtar passes away

Renowned radio, TV and film actor Ghayyur Akhtar passed away on Friday in Lahore, Geo News reported.
According to sources, he suffered paralysis three years ago and was shifted to hospital last night after his condition deteriorated where the actor could not survive.
Ghayyur Akhtar started acting in the late 1970s and became famous during 1980s. His performances in drama serials such as ‘Khawaja and Sons’ ,‘Sona Chandi’  and ‘Ainak waala jin’ were highly appreciated.
Ghayyur was particularly famous for his acting abilities in comedy roles.
For his startling performance throughout his career, he also received Pride of Performance Award.

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Shaista Lodhi Performs Umrah With Her Mother

This year, many TV celebrities went to perform Umrah.Luckily,Dr Shaista Wahidi is one of them. I would like to congratulate her and her mother for Umrah.May we will become lucky enough to visit Kaabah Sharif. (Amin).Here are the photos of Shaista during Umrah.

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Veena Enjoying Honeymoon in US

Our controversial Queen is back from Umrah and she is enjoying her honeymoon in US with her husband these days. The thing that made me ponder upon was that why the hell she claimed that she will never leave hijaab when she didnot bother about that. Not just now, I  found Veena contradicting her own statements many times.
Like just a couple of weeks before her wedding, she was asked, by Morning show Host (Hira), about her marriage and she came up with the answer that she has no plans of getting married till 2015. And after a couple of weeks,we came to know about her Nikah.
Anyhow,enjoy the photos and short interview :

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Umar Akmal Marrying Pakistani Spinner Abdul Qadir’s Daughter

It is always interesting to find out about the upcoming weddings of the entertainment and sports world and this time, it is now Umar Akmal, the very young Pakistani batsman, who has finally decided to tie a knot and get married.

What has been found amazing for now is the fact that he is actually getting married to the daughter of the former Pakistani spinner, Abdul Qadir. Though Umar’s luck has had been a real tough one recently, especially for the charge of violating the traffic signal and misbehaving with the cops on duty, Umar’s father-in-law has found to be speaking about this upcoming marriage. He is reported to have said that due to the cricket events lined up in near future, the dates of the ceremony are yet not finalized.

The news must have certainly delighted Umar’s fan as finally there is something good coming his way.

We wish him a happy life ahead.

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Pakistani Movie 'Tamanna' releasing in 23rd March 2014

 

It is only a few months ago that I shared about this upcoming movie which tends to survive pretty well in the Pakistani film industry and here I am back again with the latest update about the movie ‘Tamana’. The movie will soon be making its way to the Pakistani cinemas and will be releasing on Pakistan day, that is, March 23^rd, 2014.

The film comes under the banner of Summit Entertainment, while produced by Sarah Tareen and directed by Steven Moore.

The cast of the film comprises of a close-knit group of actors who have strong grounds in theatre and television. The charismatic Salman Shahid, who is fresh-off the release, remarked that he had done some theatre with Omair Rana and has worked with Mehreen Raheel’s mother Seemi Raheel.

The story revolves around a character that is been played by Salman Shahid of a film director who loves to play real life games and it is Hameed Sheikh who falls in as his prey.

The film has already received considerable acclaim due to its soundtrack. The track, Koi Dil Mein, which has been sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and composed by Sahir Ali Bagga, won the Best Music Talent in Film Award in the 14th London South Asian Film Festival 2012’s BAFTA ceremony.

Keep your fingers crossed for the movie and do watch it once it is released.

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Arij Fatyma Offered a Role Opposite Shahid Kapoor

 

Arij Fatima is relatively a new comer in the Pakistani industry, and has made her mark in a short span of time. Arij started her career as a model and then moved towards acting. She was the first brand ambassador for Color Studio Pakistan and has done many projects in the fashion world for brands like Deepak Perwani, Misaal and Gul Ahmed. She moved into acting with her first role in Hazaroon Saal alongside Mohib Mirza and Zeba Bakhtiyar. Her other shows include Sabz Qadam, Aik Pagal Si Larki, Sabz Pari Laal Qabutar and a few more. One of her notable performances was in the show Humnasheen and the horror drama serial, Woh. She is now currently seen in the show Meri Beti in which her performance is praiseworthy. She has also done many commercial for brands like Nescafe, Dalda, Jazz, Cadbury, and Lipton Yellow Label.
Bollywood movies are being offered to many Pakistani actors and actress nowadays. Some actors have entered the industry and failed while other have made their mark. Ali Zafar is one such example who has become successful in Bollywood. Other actors like Humayun Saeed and Sara Loren have failed to make their mark in B-Town.
We heard the news of Fawad Khan and Imran Abbas Naqvi opting for Bollywood movies some time back. The latest news is that Arij Fatima has also been offered a Bollywood movie opposite Shahid Kapoor. This news came as a surprise because Arij is still a newcomer in the Pakistani industry. Bollywood filmmakers have seen that there is immense talent in Pakistan and are keen to give Pakistani actors a chance in B-Town. Some actors like Fawad Khan, Ali Azfar and Imran Abbas Naqvi choose to pursue their Bollywood career while other actors like Saba Qamar, Mahira Khan and Shamoon Abbasi remained content with their acting career in Pakistan, and chose to decline the Bollywood offers.
Pakistani movie industry is slowly reviving and we need all our talented actors here. Now let’s see if Arij Fatima will opt for Bollywood or not!

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Mahira Khan is the new brand ambassador of Huawei

Mahira Khan and Emad Irfani are going to be brand Ambassador of Chinese mobile company Huawei in Pakistan.  Both of these stars are going to star in the upcoming TV ad for the G700 mobile set launched by Huawei in the country.

Mahira is going to appear alongside Emad Irfani in a TV ad that is going to be shot in Bangkok, Thailand. This move by Huawei is triggered by two factors. First for the criticism on the company for not producing campaigns and TV ads with Pakistani content present in it and most of them being too “classy”. Secondly, the appearance of Kareena Kapoor Khan in Pakistani media for marketing of QMobile Z4.

Until now, only the ads by telecom companies have decorated the TV screens mostly with some exquisite ideas and amazing content but now with mobile phones making ads with foreign and famous stars, it seems that marketing wars are going to get hotter and nastier.

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Ali Zafar’s going to perform in Valentine Day organized by Hum Tv

 

Ali Zafar might be known as an actor around the world now, but this does not mean his passion for music has ended. He might not have time to release albums now, but he definitely likes to sing in the Bollywood movies he acts in. He has song for his movie Meri Brother Ki Dulhan, London Paris New York, and for his upcoming movie Total Siyappa (which will release in the first week of March). He still sings on special requests or if something exciting comes up. Last, he sang the OST for the show Zindagi Gulzar Hai because Sultana Siddiqui had requested him. Once again, he did a concert this year for HUM TV channel. He was recently seen performing in the ‘Valentine Day’ concert organized by HUM TV at PC Hotel, Karachi. This will go on air on Hum TV on the 14^th of February, 2014.
Here are the pictures from the concert:

For more pictures please go to "Photos Of Pakistani Celebrities-Models page 

or 

click this link:
http://entertainpakistani.blogspot.com/p/photos-of-pakistani-celebritiesmodels.html

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Meera amazed because Humaima Malick is going Bollywood

Pakistani famous and controversial actress Meera said that I don’ know what happened to Indian directors and producers. Now actresses like Humaima are working there now. No one knows Humaima here and she reached India. What best she did in Pakistan that she is now doing work in India.
We make our position on merit and now actresses are crossing the limits. Just look at Veena when no one offers work her in Pakistan she went to India. Everyone knows about her career. I am satisfied with my work”,she added.
She also says”If i will offered work from India next time, I will first see the quality then give answer to them. Because for me Pakistan is very important, and i can’t do any thing against the respect of my country. I did work in India with respect.”

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MAN OF THE MATCH- New Movie by 'Humayoun Saeed'

According to reports Pakistani Famous Actor Humayun Saeed decided to make a new movie. This movie will fulfill all the international requirements.
He will visit Lahore in next week where he will meet other producers and directors to discuss
about his new Punjabi movie.
Well, best of luck to Humayun Saeed for his future project.

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I can never forget the love and respect which people gave me says: Reema

Pakistan Famous Reema Khan actress who did a lot of work for Pakistani film industry and and also for television industry, currently settled in America after marriage says ” I can not forget the love and the respect which my people, my nation gave me. I will be always thankful to my nation for this love and respect.”
I am not working currently but in future i can give a surprise to my nation. Wherever I will live in the world i can never forget my own country”, she added.
Well, hoping for a good surprise from Reema Khan.

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I don't want to work in other countries:Mahira Khan

Pakistani Famous actress Mahira Khan said that she is so much satisfied from her work in her own country. She said “I have worked in such dramas which became my identity. People often called me with name of my character. Story and concept of drama is very important.”

“I liked so much when people identify me,praise my work and show their love to me. It is a biggest reward for any actor. I think its the biggest thing for me that my people like me and like my work”,she added.

She also said “I still don’t have any offer from neighbor country for any drama or movie. I didn’t wish to work there as i have done much work in my own country. My talent is my country’s integrity.”

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Ali Gul Pir New Song 'Super Saeen'

It’s not about Bilawal, Sindh or Sindhis. It’s about being a super saeen, which is basically being proud of who you are. Through this song we are trying to explain that it is cool to be who you are, you don’t have to adopt a foreign culture or accent to be cool. We have taken the saeen term and used it positively. It’s good to be a super saeen, everyone should be a one and be proud of their country.

In conversation with the viral hit-maker,  insight on Ali Gul Pir’s upcoming musical offering for the Sindh Festival.

How did your upcoming song Super Saeen come about? When is it coming out?
I tweeted something about Bilawal Bhutto. I joke about everyone, so I joked about him and he tweeted back saying that he’s been looking for me and wants to speak to me. I got a little worried, thinking he probably took offense to one of the things I said, however, he wanted to meet up and talk about the Sindh Festival that he is organising. Obviously, I had reservations because I always believe that the kind of line of work that I am in, and the kind of music that I produce, I have to be unbiased and cannot be politically affiliated with anyone.

What are your political affiliations after writing a song for Bilawal Bhutto?
There are none. I have simply been hired by the Sindh government to write and sing a song about Sindh and celebrate its diversity. My biggest reservation was being affiliated with any political party. I only accepted when I was convinced that I am being hired by an organisation for their event, the Sindh Festival, to represent my culture. I think people take provincial differences too seriously, I look at it differently. We can celebrate different cultures.
Your focus is mainly on Sindh, it isn’t very Pakistan oriented. Why?
What about Bohemia and all these Punjabi rappers? They even sing in Punjabi, at least whatever I sing is in Urdu and for everyone to hear. Knowing that I come from a certain Pakistani culture, I tend to portray the things around me.
What are the similarities between Super Saeen and Waderai Ka Beta? Are there any?
Not at all, they are completely different. A lot of people loved Waderai Ka Beta and then there was a group of people who thought I was mocking the Sindhi culture even though that isn’t true. I was making fun of a certain mindset, which could be a wadera, sardar or even the son of the CEO of some multinational company. The song just represented any spoilt brat who uses his power, influence and money negatively. The concept is completely different. The saeen term, however, has become a part of me and I will always be associated with it.
Do you feel you have become type-casted as a performer?
No I don’t feel that way. I have done songs about people staring at girls (Taaroo Maaroo) and I have done songs about politicians (VIP). I look at myself as an entertainer, if one character of mine has become well-known because the masses loved it, like Kabacha for Behroz Sabswari, it is going to stick with me, and I’m proud of it.
How has it been for you after Waderai Ka Beta? Has it been a bumpy road or a smooth ride?
It’s been more than great. Every few days I am reminded of how blessed I am. People can’t see the struggle you went through to get to this point, but you never forget. I have been living independently for two years, and there were times when I had money for only one meal a day. I did theatre to make ends meet. Remembering where you are from is very important. I have been doing well, I was invited by the American government to do five shows in the US, I won awards, I met Bilawal but I haven’t let any of that get to my head.
How did you deal with your new-found fame?
I promised myself that I would never change, but after some time I realized that even though you don’t change everything around you changes, it’s inevitable. Circumstances change and the people around you act different, but that doesn’t mean you become snobbish and egoistic, in fact you have to be more understanding and careful. The odds are against you and you just have to figure things out accordingly.
You must be getting a lot of attention from girls now, how does that feel?
I often get marriage proposals via text and email, that is very amusing. The attention is good, but I am not a very social, attention seeking kind of guy. I understand that its part of the job so I appreciate we love. I take it as part of my work.
What is in the works after the Sindh Festival?
I am working on my fourth independent track, that I will be releasing after the festival is over. I won’t reveal the name as yet but I will tell a little about what the song is about. When fame comes to you it literally feels like a rollercoaster till you get used to it, and once you get used to it, only then do you understand the dynamics of this industry. Having observed the media and the typical celebrity figure and the trends they follow, I have composed a song reflecting their attitude, how they change according to believing the world revolves around them.

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Faiza Mujahid’s take on Music and Music Industry

Faiza Mujahid’s music is not about numbers. Since her coming-out party, with the film Khuda Ke Liye’s soundtrack, she says her work ethic has evolved more towards relating to the music she makes. There was a time when she wanted to make music for herself, to release albums and singles. Today, however, that is not the case and she has come to terms with that.
“There was a time when I wanted to make music my bread and butter, but I realised that there is no music industry to speak of, it caters to people who have already made it,” Mujahid tells. It’s been three years since Meri Zindagi was released, which presented her as one of Pakistan’s ultimate rock chicks. The song was very personal to her and seemed to connect well with her own place in life and her search for independence.
She laughs and says that she was in her 20s and going through a time when she felt that women in our society have a set timetable. The song had the sort of success that she didn’t realise would happen.
“It was really interesting because of the type of responses I got. There were many young girls and women who emailed me about how the song had given them motivation,” says Mujahid. That’s why her latest single Uth Oye is interesting. It doesn’t necessarily move beyond the phase of her 20s but it engages with, and tries to bring about, a sense of positivity to the picture. After three years in the shadows, Mujahid is restructuring her career priorities, and is approaching music in a different manner.
“People are always so negative. My idea now is that even if you know about the negative things, you should be thinking positively and being positive,” says Mujahid. Uth Oye has a sort of anthem feel to it, and the video tries to articulate Mujahid’s positive frame of mind.
“I can say this is my anthem. I don’t think I set out to make anthems or anything, but it’s how I feel, and these are things I feel strongly about and believe in, so people do find it motivational.”
The song is written and composed by Haider Hashmi, a good friend of Mujahid’s. The singer gave Hashmi full freedom to use his words to express what she was feeling. She says the experience has been fulfilling, since she is now making music on her own terms. The video showcases the stories of three females who have touched people on many levels.
Take for instance Farah Deeba, the 26-year-old who started an initiative to educate and provide schooling to underprivileged children at the tender age of 20. Today, her institute Alam Bibi Welfare caters widely to the underprivileged. The video also shows Sabira Sultana, a former burns’ victim who is now a patient coordinator at Depilex Smileagain Foundation. Sultan has overcome trauma to provide inspiration to many other women.
Haider Hashmi, who is best known for his cornerstone role in the band Aaroh, which is also making a slow comeback, said “I felt that the feeling had to be one of hope or umeed, since I had wanted to write for women who have to struggle so much on a daily-basis, so the idea was to portray the feeling that you cannot let anything bring you down,”. He also disclosed that he would be working on more projects with Mujahid, and that they had already penned a number of other songs.

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