Category: Entertainment

Lahore (Qasim Ali)  Ajoka event “75 Years of Cultural Resilience” taking place at Alhamra, Lahore on Friday 12 August, is a unique event in many respects. Being held in collaboration with Lahore Arts Council and Samosa Media, it is the only event which is celebrating the achievements of Pakistani artists over the past 75 years.

The highlight of the event,  with strong women participation, will be the appearance in Lahore, after a long time, of veteran dancer and actor, Sheema Kermani. She will share her experience of promoting dance as a form of resistance in very difficult times. Acclaimed artist and scholar Professor Naazish Atta Ullah will make an audio-visual presentation about the challenges faced by Pakistani artists during authoritarian rule. Sensitive TV and theatre artist Samiya Mumtaz will lead the cast of the dramatic reading of “River of Sorrow”, English version of Shahid Nadeem’s “Dukh Darya”. She will be joined by young women artists including Fizza Jamal and Usra Irfan. The event will be moderated by Ajoka Chair and sitar player Zara Salman.

Poet/playwright Asghar Nadeem Syed and scholar Nasir Abbas Nayyar will pay tribute to poets and writers who led the cultural resistance during dictatorial rule while scholar/ singer Taimur Rahman of the radical “Laal Band” will speak about resistance through music, followed by revolutionary songs of Faiz and Jalib. Ajoka’s Shahid Nadeem will reflect on the theatre of resistance. Samosa Media UK’s Anwar Akhtar will present the UK perspective. A short documentary “Tribute to the heroes of cultural resistance will also be screened.

A video documentary paying tribute to the heroes of cultural resistance will also be screened.

Punjab Council of Arts is also supporting the event which will be held at 4 pm in Alhamra Hall3 and is expected to be attended by a large number of artists and youth.

“Waiting” has received thundering response in international film festivals including Harlem, Anatolia and Mosaic International South Asian film festival.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Internationally acclaimed Pakistani film “Waiting” (Intizar) is finally releasing in cinemas on 19th August 2022. Produced and directed by veteran actress Sakina Samo, “Waiting” (Intizar) have already received outstanding applause during its screening in various film festivals including Harlem International Film Festival, Anatolia International Film Festival and Mosaic International South Asian film festival MISAFF. “Waiting” (Intizar) is a film about time, loss and growth. It’s the story of a family in waiting. As we watch this family, we see the cruelties of ageing on the parents. The disease and infirmity, the loneliness, the indifference of children and the fear of death, ever approaching.

However, even under this gloom, they find reasons to live. The star cast of the “Waiting” (Intizar) include veteran actress Samina Ahmed, Khalid Ahmed, Kaif Ghaznavi, Adnan Jafar and young artiste Raza Ali Abid. Khalid Amhed have received the Best actor award for his role of father in Harlem International Film Festival.

Sakina Samo shared that my aim is always to create meaningful, impactful work and I try to do this by telling stories with authenticity, pathos and humour, on elements of our culture that perhaps is less seen in the public eye. These can be social issues, a people, a place that I believe the world deserve to see. This project has a specific view on family relationships and the treatment of the elderly. The film is releasing from the platform of distribution club and preparations have been completed in this reference.

Sheikh Abid Rasheed, Executive Director of Distribution Club, said that the story of the film covers the life of the members of a family and depicts the realities and situations of everyday life in an emotional manner. Intizar will be screened in cinemas across the country including Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad from August 19 this month.

Ajoka to celebrate 75 Years of Cultural Resilience at Alhamra Eminent artists to read papers & perform.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Although Pakistan’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations are likely to be overshadowed by the political and economic crisis which the country is currently facing, one of the country’s leading performing arts group, Ajoka Theatre is holding an extraordinary event in Lahore to mark the 75th anniversary milestone, by celebrating the works and struggles of artists and cultural activists against dictatorships, extremism and censorship. Eminent artists, scholars and cultural practitioners will present readings, performances and papers on the story of Pakistan, of struggles, oppression, and survival, through their literature, visual arts, music, dance and theatre.

The participants will include arts scholar Professor Nazish Ata Ullah, progressive singer Taimur Rehman, dance maestro and social activist Sheema Kermani, poet/ scholar Professor Asghar Nadeem Syed, scholar Dr Nasir Abbas Nayyar, Samosa Media producer Anwar Akhtar and playwright/Director Shahid Nadeem. A documentary paying tribute to the heroes of cultural resistance will be screened.

The artists and writers will also reflect on the rise of extremism and challenges of peace building in the region. The event will include a dramatic reading by Shahid Nadeem’s “River of Sorrow”.  The event will conclude with poetry readings by eminent poets, dance performance by Sheema Kermani and music by Lal Band.

The event is being organised at Alhamra arts centre, Lahore in collaboration with Lahore Arts Council, Punjab Council of the Arts and Samosa Media UK.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) As one of Pakistan’s fastest growing digital platforms, SeePrime released its latest production ‘Junction’, directed by Mohsin Talat on their YouTube channel this weekend.

Set in 1947, during the time of the partition, Junction follows the story of two lovers, Javaid and Nigar who meet at a train station on a dark and stormy night while waiting for their train to their destination and begin to reminisce about growing up together in India.

Written by Radain Shah, Junction features Ushna Shah and Affan Waheed as the leading characters that bring this heart-wrenching and tragic love story to life, with Jawed Iqbal in a supporting role. While the entire short is set at a train station, the dialogue moves the story line along. We learn trough Nigar and Javaid’s conversation that although they have known each other for long and have strong feelings for each other they are meeting after a long time.

“There are some things that as humans we can never fully comprehend. A lot is at play in our lives that we do not have the capacity to see or even grasp. In the grand scheme of things, we are all significant in the roles we play, but it is often fate that leads our life down certain avenues, and all we can do in the meantime is have faith.” remarks Seemeen Naveed, the executive producer. “The concept of love has been warped and misconstrued throughout time. Love; like life, cannot be defined, it can only be felt, but our illusory understanding of it brings more pain to us than is necessary. With these short films we aim and hope to provide content that sparks introspection and a change in our thinking patterns.”

Watch the film here: https://youtu.be/od6OYtGTjD8

Lahore (Qasim Ali)  Alhamra Theatre Festival concluded on Friday 29 July with a spell-binding double-bill performed by Pakistan’s leading theatre group, Ajoka. The group presented two plays before a jam-packed enthusiastic audience followed by sustained thunderous applause. The first play was a remarkable first work by Ajoka’s Art of Writing student Ummer Amin, performed by Art of Acting students. “Suicide Point” was a scathing yet entertaining satire on the hopeless conditions of life where even death has become a costly option. The play revolved around a company “Suicide Point” which offers people fed of living, an “attractive” package to end their lives. The play was ably directed by Ajoka Institute director Nirvaan Nadeem. The cast included Rai Kamran, Mian Meesam, Nyle Imtiaz, Haifa Ambreen, Shehroz, Zain ul Abideen, Muzamil Khokhar, Ibtihaj Ahmad, Hammad Yousaf, Ahmed Shaykh, Abbas Salotra, Hassan Atif, Asif Ali khan and Sohail Afgen. The second play was an adaptation of Manto’s world acclaimed short story “Toba Tek Singh” based on the events of 1947 Partition when the governments of India and Pakistan decided on an exchange of lunatics on communal grounds. The central character is a Sikh resident of z Punjab district Stovall Tek Singh and is worried about the fate of his birth town as a result of the partition of Punjab. Creatively adapted by playwright Shahid Nadeem and originally directed by late Madeeha Gauhar, it was an artistically brilliant and emotionally engaging production. The cast included M. Qaiser khan as Toba Tek Singh, Usman Zia, Fahad Hashmi, Rizwan Riaz, Shahzad Sadiq, Bilal Mughal, Luke Kelvin, Fahad Hashmi Asad Bhatti, Nasir Mehmood, Hammad Youdaf, Hassan and Mian Meesam. Ajoka Director Nirvaan Nadeem appreciated the Ajoka team for their passion and talent and congratulated the Lahore Arts Council for holding a very successful festival. He hoped that the LAC will continue to support quality meaningful theatre. LAC Executive Director Ms. Farhat Jabeen distributed the certificate to participating groups.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Ajoka is presenting a double bill of socially meaningful plays on the concluding day of Alhamra theatre festival on Friday 29 July. The plays include “ Toba Tek Singh”, Shahid Nadeem’s adaptation of Manto’s masterpiece, originally directed by Ajoka founder late Madeeha Gauhar, and Ajoka Institute’s “Suicide Point”, written by Ummer Amin and directed by Nirvaan Nadeem. The plays will be performed in Alhamra Hall 2 at 6.30pm.

Ajoka Institute director Nirvaan Nadeem said the two plays will bring the Alhamra Festival to an exciting and befitting end. He also hoped that the theatre lovers will appreciate the hardwork and professionalism of Ajoka’s talented acting students.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) After ruling the screens in 2022 with one hit after the other, the talented Junaid Khan will be seen starring in the upcoming Show Case Productions ‘Adan’ alongside Mansha Pasha and Azfar Rehman.

Directed by the ace director Azeem Sajjad and penned down by Atique Inayat, ‘Adan’ is a plot filled with romance which culminates to a thrilling twist. “I am very excited about my latest project because the day I read the script I felt that this is something out of the ordinary for sure. Working with Shazia and Wahjahat has been an amazing experience and ofcourse Mansha and I have a great on screen chemistry hence I just couldn’t have said no to this one and I am glad I didn’t”, stated Junaid Khan.

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

Known for his versatile performances and always choosing diverse roles, Junaid Khan is one of the most distinguished actors in the Pakistan entertainment industry. The actor was last seen in the critically acclaimed drama serial ‘Hum Tum’.

‘Adan’ is slated to go on-air on Aan TV this september.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Ali Chandiyo, an electrifying new addition to the pop and rap music industry of Pakistan, has recently released his enthralling new music video as the third installation of his musical journey. The music video, titled ‘Khwaab’ has been written and sung by Ali Chandiyo in association with MusicStation Productions, and also features the lovely Anoushey Bilal, rising Pakistani model.

Khwaab, a lyrical masterpiece, is a melodic Punjabi number based on the idea of beautiful memories of love, held onto by endless dream sequences. Claiming to be ‘a song for the ones in love’, the lyrics of Khwaab express a state of intense affection that ultimately overtakes the lover’s subconscious mind until his beloved becomes a part of his entire being, whether with eyes wide open or in deep slumber.

The song is a romantic ballad for the beloved, combined with exciting desi rap and a colorfully enigmatic music video.

Talking about the new release, Ali Chandiyo stated, “Dreams are the perfect reflection of our innermost thoughts and feelings that are often hidden away from the rest of the world. ‘Khwaab’ is an expression of the ultimate love for your partner that enables them to consume your dreams.”

“Music is the perfect love language and I am excited about introducing this new single to our audiences! Also kudos to the teamwork that went behind the music video production and I am deeply thankful to everyone who played a part in it,” he added.

The music video of Khwaab has been directed by Imram Sheraz and Faraz Hassan, while its audio production is done by Zaid Khan. It is being distributed nationwide by Silent Roar Productions.

Hailing from the metropolitan city of Karachi, at the heart of Sindh, Ali Chandiyo is the son of the legendary late actor from the Pakistani film and drama industry, Ghulab Chandiyo. Following the creative genes he inherited from his father, Ali began his musical journey in 2010 and has performed in multiple live shows not only in Pakistan, but internationally as well. His focus remains on mellow and soft rock genre, however, he continues to be a versatile singer with a multi-faceted approach to creating music.

Ali Chandiyo has previously released two other original music productions by the name of ‘Sojaa’ and ‘Dooriyaan’. His music boasts of being original and resonates with the masses for the nostalgic, melodic vibe they give off. With the release of Khwaab, he is another step closer to the creation of his first musical album that he intends to introduce to his audiences by the end of 2022, with a collection of fresh new tracks.

‘Khwaab’ is available now on YouTube, iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, and multiple other music platforms. So wait no further and enjoy Ali Chandiyo’s latest masterpiece right here!

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) One of Pakistan’s fastest growing digital media platforms; SeePrime, released its latest production ‘XXL’, directed by Danish Behlim on their YouTube channel.

The new short film written by Fatima Faizan follows the story of a young girl who weighs more than what society deems average for girls her age and the effect it takes on her mental health when her mother begins to force her to lose weight.

XXL features big names from the Pakistani media industry with Qudsia Ali in the main role and Salma Hasan and Azfar Ali in supporting roles.

Ms. Seemeen Naveed, the executive producer stated “For too long our society has shamed human beings for being the humans they are. There is a lack of tolerance and acceptance and a silent expectedness for females and males to act and look in certain ways. However, these ideals affect one’s mental health in extreme ways. This production aims to highlight the abuse that is involved in shaming humans for the way they look and forcing them to fit into society’s ideals and the consequences that can follow. As with all of SeePrime’s shorts, we hope to provide content that sparks introspection and a positive change in our society.”

Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ta3rP1fedY

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) One of Pakistan’s fastest growing digital media platforms; SeePrime, will be releasing its latest production ‘Mujrim’, directed by Seraj Us Salikin on their YouTube channel, on Friday July 8^th, 2022.

The new short film written by Hammad Siddiq follows the story of a dacoit who has held an elderly women hostage in her house. As the burglar begins to rob her of all her valuable items, the woman in return makes him an offer with a potentially deadly outcome.

Mujrim features big names from the Pakistani media industry and their star-studded cast consists of Bushra Ansari and Adnan Shah Tipu as the leading characters of this thriller.

Ms. Seemeen Naveed, the executive producer stated “The idea behind this short film is to bring into life the concept that we never know what cards the person in front of us hold. In a time and era where egos run high and underestimation of one another runs rampant, this film aims to reinvigorate the age-old saying ‘never judge a book by its cover’ through a thrilling and drastic tale. As with all of SeePrime’s shorts, we hope to provide content that sparks introspection and a positive change in our society.”

“Mujrim” is set to release at 06:00 PM on Friday, July 8, 2022 – and will be available for viewing on SeePrime’s official YouTube channel.