Category: Entertainment

Pakistan (Qasim Ali)

Islamabad Ajoka theatre festival in Islamabad has been a smashing success, with packed houses and prolonged applause every day. The festival at Pakistan National Council of Arts started on 25 June with “Teesri Dastak”, a play about residents of a dilapidated building who find a novel way of resisting eviction notice by a greedy landlord. On the second day, Ajoka’s iconic play “Bulha” was presented. The play tells the dramatic story of Sufi poet Bulleh Shah’s spiritual journey and his defiance of the intolerant clergy. On the third day,Shahid Nadeem’s international masterpiece “Dara” was presented. The play revolves around the ideological conflict between Mughal princes Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb. The pkay included poetry by Dara, Sarmad and Amir Khusrau. “Dara” has been adapted and produced by National Theatre in 2015 to great critical and public acclaim. Ajoka will also give a special performance of “Bulha” at the Islamabad Club on 28 June. The festival, hosted by the PNCA, was held to commemorate Ajoka’s 40th anniversary. Speaking on the first day of the festival, Director General PNCA Ayub Jamali, congratulated Ajoka on its 40th anniversary and appreciated its valuable contribution to Pakistani theatre. Ajoka Executive Director Shahid Nadeem thanked PNCA support for the festival and socially meaningful theatre.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Famous playback singer Mehak Ali’s new song “Chori” has been released all over the world including Pakistan. This song is directed by Sami Khan and composed by Bilal Wajid. Singer Mehak Ali has performed many video songs before which have been well received by music fans all over the world including Pakistan. Mehek Ali, the singer, says that like the previous video songs, this video will also fulfill the expectations of my fans. I regularly do Riyad to improve my music and my voice. Thanks to Allah Almighty, He has given me a lot of respect in the world of music. I am welcomed these days by performing in various concerts and TV shows as well as participating in various TV and film projects as a playback singer. In today’s era, music lovers prefer live performances. Let me perform live singing in front of my fans. She said that in the era of social media, artists get public response very quickly. A large number of my fans are uploading video clips of me performing on my songs in different ways, which people are enjoying. Remember that I am awakening the magic of my voice in the OST songs made for V-dramas Singer Mehak Ali has been featured on the Times Square billboard as the ambassador for audio streaming service Spotify’s ‘Equal Pakistan’. The campaign by the world’s most popular streaming service aims to empower women creators. 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Coke Studio Season 15 releases its eighth song, “Jhol”, taking a captivating dive into the depths of love and loss, featuring Maanu and Annural Khalid. “Jhol” re-tells the classic subcontinental tales of tragically bent love stories, like Heer Ranjha, through a captivating retro imagining.

Shot through a vintage lens in smoky undertones and directed by Jamal Rahman [who also directed Kana Yaari in Season 14], “Jhol” unfolds against the backdrop of a parallel Pakistan, where bygone train stations and metropolitan club culture collide. Curator and Producer Xulfi (Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan), and co-producers Abdullah Siddiqui, Abdullah Kasumbi, and Talal Qureshi, bring the spotlight on Maanu and Annural Khalid. Having composed “Jhol” as a monologue originally, Maanu transformed it into a duet on Xulfi’s recommendation and both take on dual roles, captivating viewers as both singers and actors in a silver screen musical depicting the agony of unfulfilled love.

Director Jamal masterfully orchestrates a series of flashbacks, beginning with Maanu’s arrival on a reimagined Orient Express-inspired railway platform. His heart-wrenching vocals immediately capture the essence of the lovelorn poet as he sings of his yearning and despair.

Production Designer Hashim Ali and Art Director Sara Vohra paints a picture of a bygone jazz era as the scene shifts to Annural. Like Maanu, the more she pines for affirmation, the more she is met with smoke and mirrors.

Despite their anguish, their voices intertwine beautifully, creating a tapestry of emotions that transcends language. The narrative progresses to backstage at a club, where fate continues to conspire against them. A chance encounter is thwarted by a meddling club manager, played by the real-life talent manager Sikander Ali (Sikki). Their paths come agonizingly close, only to be separated by unfounded suspicion. Indeed, Maanu and Annural’s raw emotions translate effortlessly to the screen.

Annural Khalid is an Islamabad-based singer with a powerful voice, who’s musical journey began with cover songs, each showcasing her uniquely evocative and powerful voice. She is driven equally by art and music. Rehman Asfar, known professionally as Maanu, is a versatile hip-hop artist hailing from Lahore, recognized for his original music across rap, EDM, hip-hop and R&B influences and style.

 Produced and Arranged by Xulfi, Abdullah Siddiqui, Talal Qureshi and Abdullah Kasumbi, “Jhol” can be heard here: https://www.youtube.com/@cokestudio

In the meantime, be sure to listen to your favorite songs from Coke Studio on Spotify https://open.spotify.com and keep yourself logged on to https://www.tiktok.com/@cokestudiopakistan, https://www.youtube.com/@cokestudio  and https://www.instagram.com/coke_studio to follow the Coke Studio journey.

COKE STUDIO SEASON 15 TAKES PAKISTAN TO THE WORLD WITH “BLOCKBUSTER” BILLBOARD ON NEW YORK’S TIMES SQUARE!

New York (Nut Desk)  Coke Studio Season 15’s “Blockbuster” takes center stage on a billboard, lighting up New York’s iconic Times Square, in a vibrant celebration of Pakistani music and culture.

“Blockbuster” is vibrant anthem bursting with Pakistani pride, which has captivated audiences worldwide, garnering 11 million views in just two short weeks. This powerful collaboration features rap sensation Faris Shafi and the dynamic Umair Butt (of Butt Brothers), alongside the captivating vocals of the all-women folk ensemble, Gharwi Group.

Curated and produced by the visionary Xulfi, the song masterfully blends the electrifying energy of Faris Shafi’s rap with Umair Butt’s rich vocals and the soulful tradition of the Gharwi Group. Directed by the acclaimed Zeeshan Parwez, the song’s music video is a cinematic masterpiece, shot in a single take and showcasing the vibrant chaos and infectious spirit of a Pakistani Mohalla (neighborhood).

“Blockbuster” is more than just a song; it’s a celebration of collective identity and individual dreams. It follows Faris Shafi and Umair Butt as they navigate a bustling neighborhood, inspiring listeners of all ages to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.

Coke Studio continues to push boundaries and connect audiences worldwide, bringing the rich tapestry of Pakistani music to the forefront of the global stage.

In the meantime, be sure to listen to your favorite songs from Coke Studio on Spotify https://open.spotify.com and keep yourself logged on to https://www.tiktok.com/@cokestudiopakistan, https://www.youtube.com/@cokestudio  and https://www.instagram.com/coke_studio to follow the Coke Studio journey.

 

SHARMEEN OBAID-CHINOY’S WORLD PREMIERE OF DOCUMENTARY “DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: WOMAN IN CHARGE” OPENS TRIBECA FESTIVAL

Pakistani filmmaker and two-time Academy Award winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and co-director Trish Dalton headlined the opening night of the 2024 Tribeca Festival in New York City, with the world premiere of “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman In Charge”.

“DVF – Woman in Charge has been a nearly three-year journey. In telling Diane’s story, we are celebrating the life of an icon who’s always danced to her own tune. She started her business in an era when women had to rely on men to vouch for them financially – to cosign for credit cards. She has fallen down and picked herself up countless times. Yet her message through the film has been, that women need to be true to themselves. Our all-female crew was inspired to join her on this journey. As we unveil her life to the world, we do so with glimpses into the different decades she’s lived through, from Europe of the 1950s and 1960s to America of the 70s and 80s, all against the backdrop of socio-political change and evolution. Ultimately, Diane’s life stands as a beacon of empowerment, resilience and entrepreneurship.” said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

The opening night world premiere was held at the OKX Theater at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center. The documentary will release on Hulu on June 25^th, 2024.  

This film dives deep into von Furstenberg’s remarkable career, from the creation of the iconic wrap dress in 1974 – a design that continues to flatter women of all shapes and sizes – to her ongoing role as a cultural icon. “Woman in Charge” promises an unprecedented look at von Furstenberg’s world, capturing both the triumphs and struggles that shaped her journey.

 

Memorable Collaboration Brings “Je Main Rab Hunda” to Life in Upcoming “Jutt and Juliet 3”.

Pakistan (Nut Desk) We are thrilled to announce the completion of an extraordinary musical collaboration between renowned artists Bilal Saeed, Diljit Dosanjh, and Jaani. Together, they have created the soulful, romantic, and captivating Punjabi song “Je Main Rab Hunda” for the highly anticipated film “Jutt and Juliet 3.”

Bilal Saeed, known for his heartfelt compositions, teamed up with the iconic Diljit Dosanjh and the talented lyricist Jaani to bring this beautiful song to fruition. Their combined efforts have resulted in a track that promises to resonate deeply with audiences.

“Jutt and Juliet 3” is set to release in cinemas on June 27, 2024. Stay tuned for the release and experience the magic of “Je Main Rab Hunda.”

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Renowned director Adnan Qazi, celebrated for his visionary work and exceptional storytelling, is set to direct Bilal Saeed’s rendition of “Je Main Rab Honda” for Diljit Dosanjh’s highly anticipated film Jatt and Juliet 3 Known for his ability to create visually stunning and emotionally captivating scenes, Qazi’s direction is expected to bring a new level of brilliance to this project. Adding to the excitement, the immensely talented Bilal Saeed, famous for his soulful voice and heartfelt compositions, will be lending his vocals to this song. Saeed’s unique musical style and Qazi’s artistic direction promise to create a spectacular auditory and visual experience for fans. With both Qazi and Saeed’s remarkable talents coming together, the release of “Je Main Rab Honda” is eagerly awaited by fans who are anticipating an extraordinary collaboration. This song, with its blend of Qazi’s incredible direction and Saeed’s powerful vocals, is set to be a highlight in Diljit Dosanjh’s film, promising to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.

 

TikTok hosts Creator Focus Group to evaluate & strengthen user safety on platform

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  TikTok held a Creator Focus Group in Lahore today to evaluate and bolster trust and safety on the platform. This initiative underscores TikTok’s commitment to creating a secure and supportive environment for its diverse community of creators.

Over the past year, TikTok has seen significant improvements in safety metrics across various regions, particularly in Pakistan. This focus group was convened to evaluate whether these advancements translate into a better user experience and to gather valuable insights to further enhance the platform’s trust and safety measures.

TikTok’s Community Partner, Digital Rights Foundation, collaborated to deliver a training session aimed at empowering creators with the knowledge, safety tools and helplines available in Pakistan to safeguard themselves against issues like cyberbullying. Creators were also provided with valuable insights and practical advice on how to overcome such challenges.

Additionally, an overview of TikTok’s Trust & Safety features, including its approach to user safety, Community Guidelines as well as safety resources on the platform, was presented to ensure creators are fully informed about the measures in place to protect them and their audiences.

TikTok sought direct feedback from creators to affirm the effectiveness of its approach to user safety and the tools and features available on the platform. This external validation is crucial in shaping the platform’s trust and safety strategies in the future.

In a structured brainstorming session moderated by Trust & Safety experts, TikTok explored creators’ interest in receiving personalized safety support. The focus group identified specific resources creators currently utilize and benchmarked against offerings from other platforms to enhance TikTok’s support services.

Hamza Zohaib, a popular creator who participated in the focus group shared, “Being part of this initiative is incredibly important. It shows that TikTok is serious about addressing our concerns and improving the platform for everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing how our feedback will shape the future of TikTok’s safety measures.”

This Creator Focus Group brought together diverse creators, including lifestyle influencers, artists, foodies, comedians, educators, activists and storytellers, to share their experiences and insights. This collaborative effort highlights TikTok’s dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive, and vibrant community.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The much-anticipated drama serial “Sun Mere Dil” just got even more exciting with the announcement that Amar Khan has joined its stellar cast. This mega-budget drama, set to air soon on TV Screen, promises to be a groundbreaking addition to Pakistani television, thanks to its powerhouse cast and creative team.

“Sun Mere Dil” boasts a star-studded lineup, including Maya Ali, Wahaj Ali, Hira Mani, and Usama Khan in lead roles. Written by the acclaimed Khalil ur Rehman Qamar and directed by the visionary Haseeb Hassan, the drama is poised to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and stellar performances. The addition of Amar Khan, a versatile and talented actress, further elevates the excitement surrounding this production.

Amar Khan’s inclusion in the cast of “Sun Mere Dil” is a significant development, as she brings a wealth of experience and a unique presence to the screen. Known for her dynamic performances and ability to portray complex characters, Khan’s role in this drama is highly anticipated by her fans and critics alike.

The buzz around “Sun Mere Dil” is building, with promos set to be released soon on Geo TV. Fans eagerly await a glimpse of the drama that promises to redefine the standards of Pakistani television with its exceptional storytelling and star power.