Category: Entertainment

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  7th Sky Entertainment, under the leadership of Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi, have brought the fan-favourite duo of Feroze Khan and Sana Javed together for the third time for yet another mega-project titled ‘Aye Musht e Khaak’.

The drama follows the story of two completely different individuals. Mustajab is a pragmatic young man with little belief in fate while Dua is a compassionate girl with a firm belief in fate and strong moral values. In a surprising turn of events, Mustajab falls for Dua who does not reciprocate his feelings. His liking soon turns into obsession as he spins a web of lies to get what he wants. The question arises, will Dua figure out Mustajab’s reality or will Mustajab come to accept Dua’s firm belief in God?

Exploring the themes of faith, love, and deception, Aye Musht e Khaak has been penned down by Maha Malik, directed by AehsunTalish and produced by the ace producers Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi. With Feroze Khan and Sana Javed in lead roles, the drama supports an ensemble cast including Asad Siddiqui, Shabbir Jan, Iffat Omar, ShahoodAlvi, Danial Afzal Khan, Hira Umer and many more.

With several sensational and chart-busting projects like Khaani, Fitoor, Rang Mahal, Khuda Aur Mohabbat and more, 7th Sky Entertainment explores distinct genres and has hence become a household name in Pakistan. Aye Musht e Khaak is yet another addition to their list of critically acclaimed dramas on-air at the moment.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Jazz, Pakistan’s number one 4G operator and the largest internet and broadband service provider, is partnering with Active Media to bring Pakistan’s first-ever drive-in concert to Islamabad on the 11^th of December 2021 at Park View City. Being touted as this year’s biggest musical event, Jazz is looking to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDTM for the Most Cars in a Music Drive-In Concert. The major attractions include a star-studded artist lineup which includes Atif Aslam, Ali Azmat, and Bilal Khan, and one of the grandest fireworks show ever witnessed in the country.

Apart from enthralling the audience with electrifying performances, next-level stage production and fireworks, the Jazz Drive-in Concert, will give the residents of Islamabad a chance to participate in a momentous event.  

“The Jazz Drive-in Concert will be the first-of-its-kind music concert in Pakistan and is inspired by the success of our drive-in cinemas. These initiatives are a testament to Jazz being a lifestyle brand offering customers an entertaining experience, driven by innovation. I request families to come and enjoy this new way of witnessing a concert and support us as we aim to make the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDTM,” said Asif Aziz, Jazz CCO.

Tickets for the event can be bought through Bookitnow.pk. If concertgoers pay via JazzCash at the venue or at the manifold ticket-selling sites, they can avail cashback offers.

Concertgoers will be provided space to park their vehicles in an orderly manner, so they can enjoy the concert from the comfort and safety of their vehicles. Food stalls will also be set up and concert-goers can avail 25% discount paying via JazzCash QR Code.

The event will be implementing all the standard COVID-19 protocols, as the physical wellbeing of concert-goers is a priority for the organizers.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Likee, a leading global short video platform with headquarters in Singapore, is quickly becoming the platform of choice for users of all ages across Pakistan to identify new trends in humour, style, fashion, music, skincare and much more. Broadcasters from a variety of demographics are constantly researching what’s new in online entertainment for the whole family and are quickly creating content that is meant for everyone. Its regionally relevant and inclusive style of entertainment has rapidly made Likee one of the most downloaded apps across Pakistan.

Likee has wasted no time in its short journey to the top of the list of short-video platforms world-wide, because it has been designed for everyone in the family to consume their favourite kind of entertainment. The application frequently invites its broadcasters from all walks of life in Pakistan to take part in video challenges designed to encourage participation from the entire family, such as cooking and health. By using hashtags like #HomeSkillsChallenge and #CookingSkills, broadcasters can share with the Likee community their expression of creativity at home with the family. Just these two hashtags alone have garnered a growing collection of more than 28K videos, which are viewed more than 200 million times by users who are keen on family entertainment content.  .

The cooking, beauty, and home skills categories have become an instant success with a wide range of audiences, as they feature content that is made by families, for families. When it comes to offering quality entertainment to people of all ages, it becomes an important responsibility for Likee to ensure people of all ages feel welcome to actively participate with their own creative efforts. The friendly online community has gradually transformed itself into a safe space that encourages users to keep challenging themselves and become better versions of themselves.

Through its above-mentioned hashtag challenges, Likee encourages users to show off their cooking skills in creative ways while also offering their audiences tips, tricks and everyday life hacks too. Broadcasters have showcased the cooking and home skills that they acquired during lockdowns together with their families, through creatively structured and useful short videos. Whether it’s making a Nutella ice cream or simply learning how to change a bulb, Likee’s family entertainment offers something for everyone and is already on its way to becoming the family entertainment application of choice for Pakistani broadcasters.

“Likee is offering Pakistan’s broadcasting enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to become a part of a growing and diverse community of like-minded, welcoming creators,” said a spokesperson from Likee. “When it comes to bringing focused enjoyment to people of all ages, Likee is increasingly becoming the short video platform of choice across the country. Its content continues to resonate with Pakistani families and that is the reason why it is being adopted as the primary choice for both broadcasters and consumers alike.”

Likee has been gaining in popularity across Pakistan and is quickly becoming the preferred platform of choice to create and share short video content.

Likee is available to download for free from the following link: https://likee.onelink.me/mwVg/508ad17

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Renowned singer/composer ZebBangash, popular for her melodious voice and distinctive style, recently announced the release of her new song ‘Tum SaathHo’.

The song titled ‘Tum SaathHo,’ a peppy homage to Pakistani Pop Music from the 80’s, is a collaboration with the leading actor and singer of the industry, HaroonShahid. The release of the teaser on Social media last week has been met with much anticipation from fans of both artists who still remember their  last chart-topping collaboration “SambhalSambhal” from ShoaibMansoor’s Film, ‘Verna.’

‘Tum SaathHo’ has been composed by HaroonShahid, produced by Ahsan Pervaiz Mehdi and the music video is shot by the musician and visual artist Nouman Javaid. The song is available to stream on the music platform ‘Room Files’ by Bossmenn.

“Working with Haroon on this song has been thoroughly enjoyable’” commented ZebBangash. “Haroon and I don’t hang out all the time yet every time we work on music together we really connect , and I always like the sound that comes out in the end – funky with hints of nostalgia. This song in particular has a  new age Nazia and Zoheb vibe.  I wanted to be a part of Room Files, because above everything else, I feel it’s important to support talented artists on independent new music. We (musicians) must stick together as an industry.”

“From listening to her songs in Coke Studio, like BibiSanamJanam and ChalDiye, and singing songs like ‘SambhalSambhal’ and ‘Hum Tum’ with Zeb, we have surely come a long way,” said an excited Haroon Shahid.

ZebBangash has carved a space for herself in the industry that is both mainstream and uniquely her own. Recently we heard  her as the voice of the  Women of Steel for the blockbuster serial ‘Sinf-e-Aahan.’

Link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxunKauNbCQ

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Multi-award winning production house SOC Films, in collaboration with The Legal Aid Society [LAS] and National Commission on the Status of Women [NCSW], have launched their latest animation series, “Inheritance Rights of Women according to Pakistani Law”, with the release of the first short film, “Inheritance Laws”.

Understanding the need for improved legal awareness amongst women in Pakistan, the animated “Inheritance Rights of Women according to Pakistani Law” series comprises of 9 distinct animated films, shedding light on Women’s right to marital and legal property in Pakistan. The films are available in 8 regional languages to facilitate communities across the country, making a total of 72 different films. The first film “Inheritance Laws” focuses on Pakistan’s inheritance laws and the cultural values that make it challenging for women to secure their inheritance.

With this animation series, SOC Films, LAS and NCSW aim to further enhance women’s knowledge of fundamental rights and legal remedies through the dissemination of these films across an array of communities.

These 9 films will be released during the 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence Campaign, with a focus to strengthen urban & rural communities at the grass-root level by providing women with insight into legal knowledge and pathways that can be undertaken for the deliverance of their fundamental rights. SOC Films will be leading the effort to further disseminate the films through a mobile-cinema tour and school, college and universities outreach program aimed at reaching and facilitating dialogue with women across Pakistan. 

Earlier in November 2021, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between The Legal Aid Society (LAS) and The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) for the provision of legal awareness among vulnerable women at risk of discrimination, abuse and other human right violations across Pakistan.

“It is alarming how many women are blatantly denied their inheritance, their dower & marital property, their share in their families’ agricultural income, the right to rent property on fair terms and whilst independent of any male family members, or even a place in their families NADRA records. We hope that this initiative, taken with the support of NCSW and in collaboration with SOC Films, will allow us to create awareness and make these issues part of the mainstream public discourse. We hope that these videos and the programming around them will encourage, not only women but all family members to seek out more information and eventually become change-makers.” said Palvasha Shahab, Advisor for The Legal Aid Society.

“The responsibility of putting a stop to Violence Against Women is on society, including us all. NCSW is proud to collaborate on such a project with the Legal Aid Society and SOC Films. It will bring awareness to women & men about women’s inheritance rights digitally and through the on-road cinema. The significance of launching these films now is that they aren’t just films but tools for activism during the 16 Days of Activism global campaign for Ending Violence Against Women. NCSW intends that these tools, partnerships, and collaborations continue beyond the 16 days as the struggle for equal rights continues”, said Nilofar Bakhtiar, Chairperson of The National Commission on the Status of Women.

“It is extremely important for women across Pakistan to be educated about their rights it is only when we are armed with knowledge that we can fight for our rights and equal place in society. And that is how we will gain more space and achieve an equal status in society” said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, SOC Films.

The animated film Inheritance Laws can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/kAHjX2SMW7A

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LAHORE (NUT-DESK)

Ajoka Theatre has invited nominations for the second Shahkaar Theatre Awards. The awards have been instituted to acknowledge the contribution and perseverance of theatre practitioners and artists. Ajoka launched Shahkaar Arshad Durrani Awards in 2020, in the memory of Ajoka’s veteran actor Arshad Durrani (late) with collaboration of the Shahkaar Higher Education Research Hub, a project by Sumaya Durrani, Doctoral Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney. Veteran actress Nadia Jamil and young actor Sibt-e-Hasan were the recipients of first Shahkaar Arshad Durrani Awards.

The 2nd awards were announced at a memorial meeting held to mark the 3rd death anniversary of the late Arshad Durrani at Ajoka office. The meeting was chaired by Ajoka’s chairperson Zara Salman and attended by Ajoka members, friends of Arshad Durrani and students of Ajoka Institute’s acting class. Tributes were paid to Mr Durrani for his undying commitment to theatre. Co-actors shared memories of his passion and will power to keep performing despite illness and old age.

The Awards are in two categories: “Theatre Excellence” and outstanding contribution to performing arts, “Against All Odds”. The nominations can be submitted to Ajoka office with supporting information by 24th December. The nominations can be made by performing arts organizations and practitioners including those associated with Ajoka Theatre. A 7-member jury of eminent professionals will make the final selection. The awards include cash award and a shield.

For “Theatre Excellence”, nominees should be under the age of 40 and at least 10 years’ experience in socially meaningful theatre while for “Against All Odds“ award, preference will be given to nominees over the age of 50, who have been associated with performing arts for over 20 years.

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) After her role as the first Hijabi woman in a Marvel movie ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home”, and starring in the Apple+ show Foundation, the British-Pakistani actress Zoha Rahman is set to make her debut in Bollywood and will be seen in Kabir Khan’s upcoming sports film ‘83’ starring Ranveer Singh.

The teaser in which Zoha Rahman is seen in, recreates the famous nail-biting moment from the 1983 World Cup final at Lord’s where India defeated West Indies and bagged their first ever win in a World Cup. Zoha watches the match from the bleachers, anticipating what might happen next. The actress will be seen playing a first generation immigrant living in the UK.

“It’s an honour to be part of such a huge project next to some of the greatest stars of our time,” said Rahman. “It’s definitely one of the most exciting experiences of my life.”

Zoha Rahman’s versatility knows no bounds. The actress can currently also be seen making waves in the Pakistan Entertainment industry in the 7th Sky Entertainment blockbuster serial Dil-e-Momin.

~Composed by Ali Sethi, the song is an ode to ‘QatilHaseenas’ ~

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Having dropped initial glimpses from the show and with swelling anticipation, Zee5 Globalhais now released the original soundtrack of Zindagi’s next original. Titled ‘QatilHaseenaonKeNaam’ based on the title of the show, the song is composed by ace writer and musician Ali Sethi, sung by Farheen Raza Jaffry, and penned by Farjad Nabi. The song takes viewers into a dark, gritty world of suspense and thrill and has a sensuous vibe.

“The song encapsulates the essence of this show and is the best possible invitation to it. It embodies a playful yet empowered feminine voice that I had wanted for the theme song. The mix of desi and western, contemporary, and vintage is simply brilliant. Kudos to the team behind it.” said Creator and Director of the show, Meenu Gaur.

“I loved working on this song — it allowed me to explore an old-fashioned cabaret vibe, the sort of smouldering item numbers that were all the rage in 1970s masala flicks. I’m so glad we got to showcase Farheen’s extraordinary voice too, along with Anthony Soshil’s vintage jazzy arrangement. The song is new-old, tender-harsh. I hope audiences like it as much as I do.” said Ali Sethi

“While writing the lyrics I wanted to translate the inner voices of the QatilHaseenas with verses that beguile, bewitch and burn. Ali Sethi has rendered them perfectly because of his rare power to inhabit several emotions simultaneously. I’d say it is the first desi noir song of its kind, echoing the vision of the series fully.” shared Farjad Nabi the lyricist for the song.

QatilHaseenaonKeNaam is a compilation of seven stories of seven women who wrest back control and redefine the word femme fatale. Written by Farjad Nabi and Meenu Gaur, the series showcases stories of love, lust, power, and redemption woven in a web of betrayal, angst, and revenge. Each story from the anthology depicts the fearlessness of women and their determination to avenge deceit. At the core of the stories are a mystery, suspense, intrigue with twist endings.

The series features an eclectic cast comprising of leading actors from the subcontinent including Sanam Saeed, Sarwat Gilani, Mehar Bano, Faiza Gillani, BeoRaana Zafar, Eman Suleman, SamiyaMumtaz, Saleem Mairaj, Ahsan Khan, Osman Khalid Butt, and Sheheryar Munawar, Omar Rahim, Kashif Hussain, Fawad Khan and HajraYamin.

Don’t forget to tune into Zee5 on December 10th, 2021, for the thrilling new series QatilHaseenaonKeNaam

OST Link: https://youtu.be/mjLCQQ0OQLI

Atif Aslam Topping Most-Streamed Local Artist in Pakistan

King’s ‘Tu Aake Dekhle’ Top Streamed Track in Pakistan 

If 2020 was the year that flipped the world on its head, 2021 was the year that we got used to seeing things upside down. With “normal” thrown out the window, we embraced the unknown and championed all of the things that make each of us unique. Spotify’s 2021 Wrapped is a celebration of this — the millions of weird and wonderful ways to listen and live in a world that continues to keep us on our toes. 

Spotify is today launching for the first time in Pakistan its annual 2021 Wrapped campaign and personalized user experience inspired by just that.  At the same time,  unveiling the top artists, songs and playlists from the creators that helped soundtrack the year for more than 381 million users worldwide. 

The artists that reached the top of Spotify’s Wrapped Lists in Pakistan….

Arijit Singh topped the most-streamed artist list in Pakistan. Pakistanis have an old affiliation with their neighbouring country’s industry, while the top Pakistani singer on the list is Atif Aslam who has wowed his listeners for many years. The singer is renowned across the world for his love ballads, which are great at serenading your loved ones, or rekindling memories from the past. 

Both Arijit Singh and Atif Aslam hold the hearts of many, as their songs bring back memories for all ages. There is no age bracket for these singers, since their songs are all about emotional bonds. Atif Aslam’s most popular songs on Spotify this year were “Kadi Te Has Bol”, “Rafta Rafta”, “Tu Jaane Na” and “Dil Diyan Gallan”. 

New talents coming up in Pakistan 

Pakistan has been a hotbed for upcoming artists this year with artists like Hassan Raheem, Young Stunners and Asim Azhar making it to the top 20 list of the most-streamed tracks in Pakistan. “Ghalat Fehmi” From Superstar by Asim Azhar came first as the most-streamed Pakistani song, “Gumaan” by Young Stunners ranked at two and “Afsanay” came third. 

Looking through the Decades

While listeners have responded well to the newcomers in the music industry of Pakistan, the older household names have not been forgotten. Songs such as Nusrat Fateh ali Khan’s Kali Kali Zulfon Ke Phande Na Dalo, Aitebaar by Vital Signs, and musicians like Atif Aslam have topped the most-streamed songs from previous decades in Pakistan. 

This goes to show, regardless of where we are, what era of music we are in; a few favorites from the past will always stay with our listeners. 

Eligible users can now access their personalized Wrapped experience exclusively in the Spotify mobile app (iOS and Android).

This year’s personalized experience is full of familiar favorites, mixed with surprising new ones that connect fans with each other and creators. Here are a few new features to look out for:

• New data stories to express your year in audio – In addition to your top artists, genres, songs, podcasts and minutes listened, the personalized Wrapped experience includes several all new features, including: 2021: The Movie, Your Audio Aura, Playing Cards and 2021 Wrapped: Blend. Check out Spotify For the Record for all the details on these new features. 
• Even more shareability – We know that Spotify fans love to share their Wrapped cards on social channels like Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook; and now, they can share their Wrapped cards directly to TikTok.

Spotify has also rolled out its Wrapped creator experience for artists. With access to their own individualized Wrapped microsite experience, creators can dive into all the ways in which their fans listened this year. Check out Spotify for Artists to learn more.

To learn more about Spotify’s 2021 Wrapped results in Pakistan, see below:

Pakistan’s Most Streamed Artists

1. Arijit Singh
2. Pritam
3. BTS
4. Atif Aslam 
5. The Weekend
6. AP Dhillon
7. Talha Anjum 
8. Talhah Yunus 
9. Tanishk Bagchi 
10. Taylor Swift

Pakistan’s Most Streamed Tracks: 

1. ‘Tu Aake Dekhle’ by King
2.  ‘Brown Munde’ by AP Dhillon
3.  ‘Insane’ by AP Dhillon
4.  ‘MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)’  by Lil Nas X
5.  ‘Butter’ by BTS
6.  ‘Ghalat Fehmi – From Superstar’  by Asim Azhar
7.  ‘STAY (with Justin Bieber)’ by The Kid LAROI
8. Masked Wolf ‘Astronaut In The Ocean’ by Masked Wolf
9.  ‘Gumaan’ by Young Stunners
10.  ‘Afsanay’  by Talha Anjum

Pakistan’s Top Spotify Playlists:

1. Today’s Top Hits 
2. Desi Hits
3. Hot Hits Pakistan 
4. Top Gaming Tracks 
5. Mega Hit Mix 
6. Mood Booster 
7. Punjabi 101
8. Beast Mode 
9. All Time Pakistani Hits 
10. All Out 2010s