Category: Entertainment

Lahore (Qasim Ali)

Ajoka Theatre, renowned for its thought-provoking productions, presented a special performance of its acclaimed play “Bulha and Banda” at the Punjab Institute for Language Art and Culture (PILAC). The exclusive show was organized for a distinguished delegation of students from the esteemed Harvard University of America.

Written by Ajoka’s Executive Director, Shahid Nadeem, “Bulha and Banda” is a compelling narrative inspired by extracts from Ajoka’s iconic play “Bullah.” The play depicted the visionary encounter between the legendary Sufi Saint, Bulleh Shah, and Banda Singh Bahadur, each advocating their unique ideologies in response to the tyranny of their respective eras. It served as a powerful plea for love, peace, and a poignant critique of intolerance, violence, and hatred.

The performance was enriched by the soulful musical renditions of Bulleh Shah’s qawwalis by Ali Moon qawwal . Before the performance, a video report on 40 years of Ajoka was shown followed by a question and answer session.
The Director General of PILAC, Ns Beenish Fatima Sahi, welcomed the delegates and spoke about the significance of Sufi poets like Bulleh Shah.

Prior to this event, Ajoka Theatre also staged an exclusive presentation of the Sufi play “Bulha” at the Learning Hub Girls College, Gujranwala. Inspired by the life and teachings of Bulleh Shah. The play underscored the timeless message of peace, tolerance, and religious harmony. The performance received resounding applause from the enthusiastic audience, reaffirming its enduring relevance. Shahid Nadeem expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response, asserting that “Bulha” remains an evergreen production, offering both social relevance and enriching entertainment.

The campaign features ENHYPEN dropping the Spotify K-Pop ON! Single in an ode to BTS, delivering their rendition of “I NEED U” – with a twist.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Spotify celebrated the anniversary of its global K-Pop flagship playlist,  K-Pop ON! , dedicated to giving listeners a platform to discover and tune in to the best from the genre. To commemorate this milestone, the world’s most popular audio streaming platform launched a special series of Spotify Singles as part of “My first K-POP Crush campaign”, headlined by ENHYPEN, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON (of MONSTA X), and STAYC

ENHYPEN, the burgeoning powerhouse of K-pop, kickstarted the series with their rendition of BTS‘s “I NEED U“. Their unique take on the beloved track, produced exclusively for Spotify, was the first of three Spotify-exclusive covers by this stellar line-up of K-Pop artists, each paying homage to the sunbaes (senior artists) who ignited their passion for the genre.

“This Spotify K-Pop ON! Single means so much to us. In addition to bringing ENGENEs (our fans) a new track, this was our chance to tell the stories of our beginnings with K-Pop through a song loved by the members,” said ENHYPEN. “We’ve always appreciated Spotify’s support for our music, so it’s an honor to be a part of its K-Pop ON! Anniversary celebrations. We hope listeners enjoy our rendition of “I NEED U”, and we can’t wait to hear their First K-Pop Crush stories too!”

Following suit, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON of MONSTA X delivered a heartfelt tribute to the legendary 2PM with their cover of “I Hate You“. Infusing UK garage rhythms and R&B-inspired arrangements, the duo’s rendition reflected their admiration for the iconic track and its profound influence on their musical journey.

Rounding off the series, STAYC, the trailblazing pioneers of K-pop, paid homage to TWICE with their rendition of “FANCY“. Adding an R&B twist to the 2019 electro-pop hit, STAYC’s cover captures the essence of the original while showcasing their signature style and innovation.

These Spotify K-Pop ON! Singles are not just a nod to every fan’s journey into the genre, which began with that first K-Pop artist who made their heart flutter with their artistry and flair, but also a call to K-Pop fans around the world to join in the celebration of a shared passion for the genre, and the artists who started it all.

As part of its efforts to drive discovery and bring K-Pop to its global audience, Spotify launched its flagship playlist for the genre in 2014. Since then, K-Pop ON!  has been “saved” by over 5.3 million Spotify users worldwide and racked up billions of streams for Korean artists.

The power of the Spotify platform, along with its intentional mindset of driving music discovery, has fueled the massive acceleration of K-Pop streams. Since 2018, K-Pop streams on Spotify have increased by 182% in the United States, 423% in Southeast Asia, and 362% globally.

Listen to “I NEED U – Spotify Singles” by ENHYPEN, “I Hate You (2024) – Spotify Singles” by SHOWNU X HYUNGWON, and “Fancy – Spotify Singles” by STAYC on Spotify’s K-pop ON! (온) playlist today.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Amar Khan, The anticipation is palpable as the first teaser of Amar Khan’s upcoming drama series as writer, tentatively titled “Ishqaway,” has finally hit the screens. Following the resounding success of last year’s Ramadan special and Amar Khan’s first writing venture “Heer the Hero,” which showcased Khan’s remarkable writing talent, expectations are soaring high for her latest venture.

Khan’s track record as a writer speaks for itself, with a string of critically acclaimed projects under her belt, including “Akkad Bakkad,” “Dard-e-Dil,” “Azaad Masi,” and “Chashm-e-Num.” Notably, “Black Wednesday” earned her the prestigious Best Film Award in the Peace Category at the 60 Seconds International Film Awards.

Now, with Ramadan fast approaching, fans can rejoice as Khan’s new drama promises to bring an abundance of entertainment, even in the face of spotty Wi-Fi signals during the Sehri and Iftar rush. Produced by the renowned duo Abdullah Kadwani and Assad Qureshi of 7th Sky Entertainment and helmed by director Zahid Mahmood, this collaboration is already stirring excitement among viewers.

The recently released teaser has set the stage for what appears to be a lively and engaging storyline, accompanied by a peppy soundtrack. Moreover, the stellar cast, featuring Agha Ali and Nazish Jahangir in prominent roles, and veterans like Maria Wasti, Behroz Sabzwari, Mahmood Aslam, Maryam Noor, Naveed Raza, Ayesha Gul, Saleem Mairaj adds further intrigue to the project.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3-V7wTovAT/?igsh=dDQzYTAwcGRra3Mz

While the teaser keeps much of the plot under wraps, it hints at a narrative rich in humor, romance, family dynamics, and perhaps a few twists and turns along the way. With Khan at the helm, audiences can expect a blend of heartfelt moments, relatable characters, and ultimately, a satisfying conclusion.

As the countdown to Ramadan begins, “Ishqaway” has already sparked conversations across social media platforms, with fans eagerly awaiting more glimpses into this promising series. With its winning combination of talent both on and off-screen, this drama has all the makings of a must-watch Ramadan special, promising to captivate audiences with its unique charm and storytelling prowess.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Pakistani cinema makes a remarkable mark on the global stage as ‘Wakhri’ officially premiered in North America at the prestigious SXSW festival on March 8, 2024. This significant debut aligned perfectly with International Women’s Day, adding a poignant layer to the film’s narrative. Starring Faryal Mehmood in the titular role of ‘Wakhri’, the film is written and directed by the visionary Iram Parveen Bilal and produced by Abid Aziz Merchant (Sanat Initiative), Apoorva Bakshi (Awedacious Originals), Bilal’s Parveen Shah Productions, and executive produced by Aalia Mahboob Elahi. Earlier, the film premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2023 and was released nationwide across Pakistan on January 5, 2024. ‘Wakhri’ is Bilal and Merchant’s second project at SXSW, the first being ‘I’ll Meet You There’ which was a Grand Jury Award Nominee at SXSW 2020.
 
The North American premiere of the Pakistani film ‘Wakhri’ at SXSW is a monumental moment for Pakistani cinema. As one of the most prestigious festivals globally, SXSW provides a platform for under-the-radar movies to shine, making it the perfect launchpad for ‘Wakhri.’ With its compelling storyline, stellar performances, and exploration of universal themes, ‘Wakhri’ represents a significant cultural export from Pakistan, showcasing the country’s rich cinematic talent and contributing to the global conversation on women’s empowerment and social change.
 
According to Bilal, “Wakhri’s DNA is empowering not just for women but anyone who feels marginalized and judged by society. It is a story that celebrates misfits.”
 
The film unravels the story of a widowed school teacher whose life takes an unexpected turn when her unfiltered opinions on social media catapult her into the limelight overnight. As an unlikely influencer, she grapples with the complexities of managing archaic norms, concealed identities, and the upbringing of her 10-year-old son. ‘Wakhri’ becomes a poignant exploration of women’s struggles to express themselves and claim their space, both in the physical and digital realms.
 
According to Bakshi, “We applaud the stance that Wakhri takes in a highly patriarchal world and the hope it echoes through the actions of our formidable protagonist Faryal Mehmood.”
 
According to Merchant, “Wakhri is dark, yet hopeful – a unique combination, a Wakhri indeed”.
 
The endeavor to bring ‘Wakhri’ to the silver screen has been punctuated by significant milestones. These include its participation at esteemed film labs and markets such as the Locarno Film Festival’s Open Doors Hub in 2018, the Cannes Cinefondation L’Atelier in 2019, and its presence at the Busan Asian Project Market in 2022. Notably, the project secured a production grant from CAPE (The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and the CAA Foundation, solidifying its prominence in the domain of cinematic storytelling. Furthermore, ‘Wakhri’ recently garnered attention at the prestigious Red Sea International Film Festival, where it shared the stage with works from several internationally acclaimed luminaries as well.
 
Directed by the award-winning Iram Parveen Bilal, ‘Wakhri’ promises to captivate the international audience with its compelling storyline and stellar performances. The film explores themes of empowerment, identity, and resilience, resonating deeply with viewers across cultures. Hence, SXSW provides the ideal platform for ‘Wakhri’ to shine once again in front of an international audience while putting Pakistan on the map for creating stellar films.  
 
SXSW, or South by Southwest, stands as a premier destination for artists, filmmakers, musicians, and tech enthusiasts alike, converging annually in Austin, Texas. This renowned cultural event celebrates the intersection of film, music, and interactive media, offering a dynamic platform for creatives to showcase their work, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and network with industry professionals. From captivating film premieres to electrifying musical performances and innovative technological advancements, SXSW fosters a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and innovation, shaping the cultural landscape and inspiring audiences worldwide.
 
Highlighted among the unforgettable feature films from around the globe, ‘Wakhri’ has already garnered attention and anticipation. Its multiple screenings during the festival on March 8th, 10th, and 14th, offer ample opportunities for attendees to experience its cinematic brilliance. With ‘Wakhri,’ Pakistani cinema continues to assert its presence on the international stage, offering fresh perspectives and narratives that resonate universally.

“Wakhri” is also soon to premiere in Ohio at the Cleveland International Film Festival on April 9, 2024. The Cleveland International Film Festival is among the longest-running and largest film festivals in the USA, drawing more than 100,000 film enthusiasts annually. It is a leader in helping the world discover the power of film arts to educate, entertain, and celebrate an inclusive human experience.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

With the auspicious month of Ramadan around the corner, Spotify has revealed some compelling insights into the streaming habits of its listeners in Pakistan during the Holy month of 2023.

The 2023 data reveals a fascinating trend among Spotify listeners in Pakistan, with a spike in streaming time from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am during Ramadan. This period has become the prime time for content consumption on Spotify, indicating a unique pattern of audio listening during the Holy season. Interestingly, the momentum begins to build even earlier, around 3:00 pm, with a distinct shift towards more relaxed, calming content. Compared to other times of the year, the most dramatic change in audio consumption occurs in the early morning hours, specifically between 5:00 am and 6:00 am.

Reflecting on 2023, the most streamed Ramadan playlist, “Hamd-o-Naat“, and “Naat” being the most searched word during Ramadan, depicts a collective desire for poetic expressions of devotion and praise. A noteworthy playlist, “Best of: Coke Studio Sufi“, experiences a remarkable 218% growth, echoing the resonance of spiritual themes during Ramadan.

Atif Aslam’s soul-stirring track “Tajdar-E-Haram” has emerged as the most added track to user-generated playlists during Ramadan in 2023. This poignant selection mirrors the quest for transcendence and connection during this month. ‘Soft’, ‘Soothing’ and ‘Peaceful’ moods dominate the tracks added to user-generated playlists as the Top Playlist Moods, emphasizing a collective preference for contemplative tones that complement the introspective spirit of Ramadan.  

According to the data shared by Spotify, the Top Streaming Moods of Pakistan during Ramadan in 2023 were ‘Patient’, ‘Appreciation’ and ‘Mystical’, reflecting on the true essence of the Holy month. When it comes to the Top Playlists of Pakistan in Ramadan 2023, Hamd-o-Naat, Ramadaniyat and Salam were among the top 3 playlists revealing the religious and cultural significance of Ramadan while showcasing the importance of religious content for users’ spiritual journey.

Curated for every Ramadan moment, Spotify has also updated its Ramadan Hub for listeners that features a wide variety of Qawwalis, Sufi Music, Naats and more. In case you are looking for more Ramadan playlists, here are a few recommendations from Spotify: Hamd-o-Naat, South Asian Sufi, Duaa or Ramadaniyat.

“Microtonal South Asian vocal inflections, minimalism and hints of flamenco.” — New York Times.

“The universal feeling this song evokes is one of pure bliss” — Paste Magazine, Best Songs of October.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Following her critically acclaimed debut single “Mashoor” for Erased Tapes late last year, American composer and vocalist Sheherazaad unveils her forthcoming LP, “Qasr,” produced by visionary artist and Grammy winner Arooj Aftab. This five-track collection, set to captivate audiences worldwide on March 1^st on Erased Tapes, marks a significant milestone in Sheherazaad’s musical journey.

Sheherazaad’s heritage and artistic journey deeply influence “Qasr,” which translates to “castle” or “fortress” in Urdu. The album explores themes of displacement, the complexities of diaspora, and the struggle to reclaim lost cultural roots. These experiences are woven into a captivating soundscape that transcends genres and embraces the beauty of the “in-between,” a space where cultural identities are constantly evolving.

The lead single, “Dhund Lo Mujhe” (“Search For Me”), features pizzicato fiddles and Sheherazaad’s powerful vocals, creating a sense of urgency and unease. It explores the challenges and complexities faced by immigrants, particularly the pressure to conform to societal expectations.

“With ‘Qasr,’ I aim to dismantle the idea of a single, monolithic Asian identity,” explains Sheherazaad. “I want to celebrate the multifaceted nature of our experiences and empower others to embrace their own unique narratives.”

Sheherazaad’s musical path has been a rich tapestry of diverse influences. Born into an “art-centered, Asian-American household,” she began her musical journey at a young age, absorbing the music of Lata Mangeshkar and RD Burman while also receiving formal training in jazz and American Songbook. However, a growing sense of disconnect from her cultural heritage led her to explore experimental theatre, Bollywood dance, and the emerging South Asian electronic music scene.

Seeking to reclaim her lost connection, Sheherazaad dedicated herself to studying Arabic, Hindi, and Urdu. This exploration culminated in her 2020 self-released project, “Khwaabistan,” which caught the attention of producer Arooj Aftab. Their long-distance collaboration during the pandemic resulted in “Qasr,” a groundbreaking sonic exploration featuring international musicians like Basma Edrees (Egypt), Gilbert Mansour (Lebanon), and Firas Zreik (Palestine).

“Qasr” is a powerful and evocative work that defies categorization. It is a testament to Sheherazaad’s artistic journey and her unwavering pursuit of self-discovery. Featuring five tracks; Mashoor, Dhund Lo Mujhe, Koshish, Khatam, and Lehja, the album invites listeners to explore their own identities and forge their own unique paths.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Actor Hasan Saeed has said that if the quality of Punjabi films is improved, they can become the center of attention of the audience. The screening of Indian Punjabi films in Pakistani cinemas is welcome. Along with Indian artists, Pakistani artists are also acting in these films, thanks to which the cinema industry will get development. However, Pakistani films should also be shown in Indian Punjab. Hassan Saeed said that I have celebrated my talent by acting in various theater and TV dramas. Now I will also perform in films. I will act in films made in both Urdu and Punjabi languages. He said that especially in the telefilm “Khushboo” my role was very much appreciated by the audience It has been appreciated.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

In continuation of its efforts to showcase some of the most talented female voices from the country, Spotify has announced Nimra Mehra as the EQUAL Pakistan Ambassador for February 2024. Nimra, a rising star in the Pakistani music scene, has her track “Je Pata Hunda” featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist for the month. The track is one of her standout melodies dominating the Top Viral Pakistan chart since December 2023.

With a staggering 111,000 monthly listeners, Nimra Mehra has become a musical sensation, captivating audiences not only in Pakistan but also globally. Her top countries of listenership include India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, showcasing the international appeal of her soulful voice.

“I see my appointment as the EQUAL Ambassador for February as a chance to uplift women in Pakistan’s artist community”, said Nimra, talking about what the opportunity means to her. “It’s about promoting inclusivity and breaking barriers. In a society where women artists face challenges, this recognition is vital for fostering equality and empowering women to embrace their talents and voices”, she added further.

Nimra, known for her beautiful voice, made her television debut in 2014 on a popular local talent show’s first season, marking the beginning of a remarkable musical journey.

Listen to Nimra Mehra’s tracks on Spotify here.