Category: Entertainment

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Complains are often heard from various segments of society that the younger generation is losing touch with traditional values. The internet and social media in particular, is creating a divide that is driving the youth away from the cultural practices that have been carried on for ages and that truly represent what we stand for. However, in reality,young content creators and influencers on social media platforms are not just upholding these traditions but giving them a unique and fresh twist that is in sync with modern times.

As we look at the content that leading individuals are promoting, we witness that Pakistani culture and values are still embedded in their activities. The wedding season that recently culminated, saw a lot of social media stars tying the knot in Pakistan. From ShahveerJafry and his brother Sunny Jafry to Zulqarnai & Kanwal Aftab, many influencers got hitched and their wedding festivities that constantly adorned social media had that familiar, traditional touch that these functions have had for a long time.

Moreover, its not just weddings but a host of other cultural practices that are still being portrayed in similar fashion to before. All that is different is that with the advent of social media, hints of modern touches are being are being infused into the activities. From poetry to drama, content creators are bringing back the things that Pakistani society has cherished for a long time. Social media platforms themselves have launched specific hashtags to enable further representation of these traditions.

Forinstance, Likee, one of the country’s leading short video sharing platforms introduced four unique hashtags recently which enabled creators to showcase this side of the story. Hundreds of creators from the platform participated in the #WeddingVibe, #PkPoetry, #PkShayri and #ZakootaJin challenges showcasing the rich cultural history of this country.

With more than 900 million views across these hashtags and amazing as well as entertaining videos like wedding facts about Pakistani ‘shadis’ posted by Afia Ali that details the things we commonly see at these functions; the hashtags brought a lot of cultural practices to light. Many creators put their own distinct spin on these videos like blending emotions with revered poetry, creating some amazing content for their audiences. The #WeddingVibealone has accumulated 252 million views and counting with videos ranging from traditional car decorations to the ‘bhangra’ done alongside the car of the groom.  It’s clearthat short video sharing platforms have been becomeasignificant way of re-interpreting cultural and traditional valuesand weighs anyothereducational channels.

“Likee hosts a number of creators and audiences belonging to diverse backgrounds which makes it rich as well as vibrant. The application provides us as Pakistanis to share her culture, traditions, values and beliefs with the world and their constant efforts like the hashtag challenges are extremely thoughtful,” said Afreen Burney who participated in the #PkPoetry. Her video was a humorous two verse take on arguments that happen in relationships. “I enjoy poetry in general and when this opportunity presented itself, I was thrilled to be a part of it. These challenges promote positivity and freedom which is an amazing aspect of the initiative,” she added.

There is no doubt that weddings are truly the representation of our cultural values as people embody local dresses, makeup and fashion at these events. Simultaneously, the different activities held as part of these functions allow traditions to be upheld. In this respect, the #WeddingVibe was a promotion of the relevant festivities that occur in Pakistani weddings.

“Being a Pakistani, we know that weddings are grand functions that involve extensive preparations. It is a part of our culture. Incidentally, there was a wedding in my family which gave me the opportunity to showcase every single function in a way that it deserves. I put in extra effort because I knew these videos would depict our traditions and in the process, I enjoyed a lot,” expressed UrubaTazeen, another creator who actively participated in the #WeddingVibe through a variety of videos.

Zakoota Jin is another one of the most iconic characters from one of the plays of old that are considered the pinnacle of TV in Pakistan. Likee’s #ZakootaJin has surpassed 376 million views with interesting comedy parodies and recreations of funny scenarios with respect to the legendary character.

IramSaleem is another creator who participated in the #ZakootaJin with an entertaining video that portrayed the legendary character. “Short video sharing platforms are providing us with an opportunity to express what we truly feel in front of audiences that actually appreciate us. At the same time, apps like Likee also allow us to put out our cultures and traditions in a distinct fashion for the world which is why I enjoy posting here,” she said when asked to comment on the challenge.

Together, these hashtags and challenges offer just a glimpse of how social media is acting not as a barrier but as a bridge enabling the youth to connect with their traditions. Moreover, it is also providing them the platform to highlight these cultures and traditions for local as well as global audiences.

Likee is a platform that works on ensuring it remains true to values of the markets that it serves. “Pakistan is amongst the nations that is full of individuals who are passionate about their culture and traditional values. Being a responsible and community focused platform, we continue to make widescale efforts towards promoting these unique elements of the Pakistani society. It is the vibrance and diversity of this country that makes it lively and we are committed to showcasing this side of it.”

“Man Jogi” to be officially launched as “Mrs. & Mr. Shameem” on Zindagi, confirms director Kashif Nisar

~ A one of a kind love story, “Mrs and Mr Shameem” features Saba Qamar and Noman Ijaz in lead roles~

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) During its launch on Zee5 in 2020, Zindagi– a leading content brand, announced a unique line-upof five star studded original web series including‘Man Jogi’. The series has continued to createanticipation for its unique and fresh pairing since its announcement. At the cusp of its release, Zindagi has announced that the show has been retitled as “Mrs and Mr Shameem”focusing on a couple’s peculiar journey.

The soon-to-release Zindagi original “Mrs. and Mr. Shameem” spotlights a story of true love that originates from a sense of belonging and friendship.It is directed by noted Pakistani television director Kashif Nisar who has helmed several artistic drama series including Zindagi shows Dumpukht – Aatish E Ishq, and O Rangreza and has been written by Saji Gul, a contemporary Pakistani playwright with a focus on social issues who is also the writer of the Zindagi show – O Rangreza.

Confirming the news, Kashif Nisar, the director of the series shares, “The new title ‘Mrs. & Mr. Shameem’is a true reflection of the story and depicts a changing outlook among society – one in which the woman plays an equally significant role in a relationship.An interesting love story at its core,we are confident the audiences will be moved by the journey of the unique couple.”

Produced by ZEE Special Projects, “Mrs. & Mr. Shameem” is a distinctive love story that reinforces howevery love is special but only a few survive it – learn from it and grow through it together.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Sounds of Kolachi is our very own band from Karachi and they have just released their new song Jaag Karachi. We all know that SOK is all about the true spirit and realness of Karachi. Their forte as a band is to bring forward the sociological aspects and fusing them with music.

And that’s exactly why Sounds of Kolachi is never your regular music band making regular music. But rather a mindful and meaningful one.

Their new song Jaag Karachi isn’t just the voice of Karachi but a very woke vision that this band holds for their city.

In this song they tell a tale about corruption, hardships, loopholes and the ignorance that prevails coming from the authorities.

A very raw and real picture painted through their music.

The artists behind this phenomenal audio/visual journey are Paras Masror , Sami Amiri, Ahsan Bari and NimraRafiq. 

This powerhouse and the voices behind it just released something that will have you hooked.

The song is available on Sounds of Kolachi official YouTube channel
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru5Q7DivQJ0

Lahore (Qasim ALi) Ajoka Institute presented four new dramatic writings at an event held on Saturday at the Shakir Ali Museum. The new writings had been developed by the Ajoka’s Art of Writting Batch 14 students , under the mentorship of eminent playwright Shahid Nadeem. This was the 14th presentation of students new writings and first since Feb 2020, when the classes were converted to online sessions due to the COVID restrictions.

The writings presented include “Prison Games” written by Fizza Tirmizi, was about a group of Death Row prisoners and those who decide their fate. “Suicide Point” by Ummer Amin took place at a favourite suicide spot and “The Haunted Library” by Nazia Kamran narrated the story of a fearless reporter and investigating mysterious happenings in the city library. The fourth writing “Mahrukh” was the work of Hamna Afzal and revolved around a TV anchor whose face was scarred by a harasser.

The writing students were joined by Ajoka acting students for the dramatic readings. They include Ishrat Shaheen, Mian Meesam, Fahad Amir, Tania Awan, Mohammad Zever and Umar Bhatti. Eminent writer and poet Asghar Nadeem Syed distributed the certificates and appreciated the contribution of Ajoka in grooming new writing talent. Ajoka Institute director Nirvaan Nadeem and Ajoka Theatre General Secretary Sohail Warraich congratulated the writers for their efforts and hoped they will continue to further develop their creative talent.

The dramatic readings were held in collaboration with the Lahore office of the Pakistan National Council of Arts. Ajoka remembers Madeeha Gauhar Ajoka members also observed the 66th birthday of their founder (late) Madeeha Gauhar on 8 February. Members of Madeeha’s family and friends attended the event. Naseem Abbas, Usman Raj and Kanwal Christopher paid musical tributes while Dancer Luke Kelvin performed on Amir Khusrau’s Kalam.

 

 

A funding & mentorship programme for female Pakistani film-makers in partnership with Scottish Documentary Institute and the British Council

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) PATAKHA PICTURES, helmed by two-time Academy Award and four-time Emmy Award winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, proudly announce its first funding and mentorship programme, “Pakistan Stories”, in partnership with Scottish Documentary Institute [SDI] and the British Council.

Launched to celebrate 75 years of Pakistan through the female gaze, Pakistan Stories is the first national funding and mentorship programme which aims to support a new generation of female Pakistani documentary filmmakers who wish to create engaging films that reflect on and question their society and its 75 years of Independence.

As part of this programme, Pakistan Stories will work with 10 emerging filmmakers working in pairs, over a period of 10 weeks, to develop and finance their creative skills and support them to realise their short documentaries in a safe environment and reach new local and international audiences through their work.

“This is a passion project for me. Telling stories that matter is what I truly believe in so with our first ever funding and mentorship programme Pakistan Stories for Patakha Pictures, we want to empower and champion creative independence in visual storytelling and support a community of emerging and the next generation of female filmmakers who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. We realize that filmmaking is not easy, so together with our partners Scottish Documentary Institute and British Council, we are here to help our female filmmakers achieve their dreams.” said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

“Scottish Documentary Institute is delighted to be collaborating with British Council and partnering with Patakha Pictures to deliver Pakistani Stories. We are pleased to offer a unique opportunity to female documentary filmmakers to enhance and develop their storytelling skills on time to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence.” said Noé Mendelle, Director of Scottish Documentary Institute.

 “The British Council is thrilled to partner with Patakha Films and Scottish Documentary Institute under the Pakistan/UK Season to mark Pakistan’s 75^th anniversary and equally to celebrate 75 years of friendship between UK and Pakistan. We are very excited to follow the journeys of 10 exceptional Pakistani women who through this project will be mentored by the best in the industry from both countries to produce their own films”. said Mariya Afzal, Director Pakistan/UK Season at the British Council.

Participating film-makers will explore documentary creativity for the international film festival market. This practice-led workshop in documentary will allow participants to:

• Develop an understanding of creative documentary for local and international festivals
• Develop and finance an idea into a short creative film
• Work with characters, sound and visuals dramatically and emotionally
• Produce a 10’ documentary ready for national and international distribution
• Network with other filmmakers from different regions across Pakistan and internationally

The workshop will be made up of a mixture of seminars and consultant-led advice sessions by experts from Scotland and Pakistan. The film lab will be delivered online through Zoom and other online tools accessible to the participants, followed by a gathering for an intensive week in Karachi to finalise the edit of the films. Female filmmakers from remote areas and underprivileged and marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.

Interested female film-makers can apply for this programme at: https://socfilms.com/index.php/patakha-pictures/. The last date to submit the application is 22^nd February 2022. Announcement of shortlisted applicants will be done by 24^th February 2022 and the Pakistan Stories workshop will commence from March 2022.

Patakha Pictures is an initiative by SOC Films.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Ajoka students staged two short plays at the Alhambra Theatre Festival on Saturday 5th February before a full house. The young actors presented Shahid Nadeem’s plays “ Lappar” and “ Marya Hoya Kutta”. Both plays addressed social issues such as discrimination against the girl child and lack of community action to solve social ills.

The actors included students of Ajoka Institute’s acting classes and for most, it was their first appearance on a professional stage. The plays were a part of Alhamra Theatre Festival and Ajoka performed both plays in collaboration with the PUCAR (Punjab Council of the Arts).

Ajoka Institute director Nirvaan Nadeem congratulated the young actors for their energetic and skilful performances. He mentioned that several plays performed at the festival were produced by young actors groomed at Ajoka.

Ajoka Chairperson Zara Salman thanked the Punjab Council of Arts and Lahore Arts Council for their support for the productions. She also congratulated Lahore Arts Council Executive Director Zulfiqar Zulfi for his initiative to hold a successful festival.

Ajoka Executive Director Shahid Nadeem said that Ajoka is planning to hold A series of plays and festivals to mark the 75th anniversary of independence and hoped that cultural institutions and Ajoka’s well-wishers of art and culture will wholeheartedly support this programme.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The word is out and as per our sources Atif Aslam and Adnan Qazi might be gearing up for the release of their new song in upcoming days, As the top gun director of the entertainment business, Adnan was very reluctant answering it with a smile, when asked on a recent event. Adnan Qazi and Atif Aslam are two very big names of the Pakistani industry who are well known for their outstanding performance in their own fields. Atif, a mixture of different genres, officially entering the world of music back in years and is considered the epitome of excellence in music industry. Whereas, Qazi aka power house of creativity in direction has already shown up his excellence in recent past music videos of all most all A-listed Pakistani singers.

The togetherness of these both stars will make a perfect combination for the eyes & ears. This will be the first time when both Aslam and Qazi will work jointly and will come to the music screen yet another time with supremely magical creation to captivate their fans and followers. Among other released songs earlier, Qazi will surely make the pace most among his own peers of professionals. If sources are to be believied we will see this Atif in a totally new avatar. The versatility of both icons can not to be waited for long, Atif was last seen doing on screen romance with Mahira Khan in his single Ajnabi.