Category: Entertainment

THAAP hosted another thought provoking talk on journey of film in cultural capital of Pakistan the city of Lahore. Renowned Punjabi activist & researcher Iqbal Qaiser who has passed years in collecting the information about the journey of film in Pakistan presented his research findings. The talk highlighted fascinating insights into the evolution of the city’s cinematic landscape post-Partition. Iqbal Qaiser also screened a delightful short documentary featuring the well researched information about establishment of film roots in Pakistan, production of first Urdu film Teri Yaad , Industry’s decade wise progression, Urdu and Punjabi language conflict , introduction of progressive ideas and influence of Indian film , impact of marital law etc.

During the talk Iqbal Qaiser also launched his latest book entitled “film tay Lahore”, the first Punjabi book on the history of Pakistan film. The book offered a captivating journey through the evolution of Lahore’s cinematic landscape, highlighting its enduring legacy and cultural resonance. The book provides a comprehensive overview of Lahore’s film production studios and the leading personalities who played instrumental roles in establishing foundations of the city’s film industry. A. R. Kardar, known as the pioneer filmmaker, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to Pakistani cinema. M. Ismael, Master Ghulam Qadir, and Krishan Laal Mehta are recognized for their respective roles as character artist, fight masters, and studio owners, each contributing to the flourishing of Lahore’s film scene. These four persons bowed the seeds of film industry in Pakistan, which later transformed into a big tree and produced many legend artists, evergreen films and music which is still cherished worldwide.

 

Iqbal Qaiser paid tribute to iconic figures like Madam Noor Jahan, recognizing their immense contributions to Pakistani cinema through their exceptional talents and performances. He divided the history of film in five decades 1947 to 1997 onwards and shed light on highlights of each film decade, prominent films and actors, prominent encounters such as Jaal movements, Urdu/Punjabi Language conflict, introduction of cassette and VCR , impact of marital law on film industry etc. The talk was supported by visually engaging slides featuring film posters, memorable dialogues, and iconic songs, enhancing the audience’s understanding and immersion in Lahore’s cinematic history.

Iqbal Qaiser hinted that today cinema in Pakistan is struggling because it is no more, mean of entertainment for general public. Large part of population can not afford to watch the film in multiplex cinemas with their families because of increased prices of tickets etc. Leading personalities from different walks of life attended the talk and shared their memories of film and cinema culture in Pakistan in question answer session.

 

Professor(R) Pervaiz Vandal host of the evening thanked the Iqbal Qiaser for delightful talk, Professor Vandal highlighted the challenges facing Punjabi cinema in Pakistan, emphasizing the need to protect the Punjabi language as a vital component of the film industry’s identity and cultural heritage. He suggested that a comprehensive plan to safeguard the Punjabi language would not only preserve linguistic diversity but also ensure the resilience and authenticity of Punjabi cinema against external influences. Overall, the THAAP-hosted talk promises to be an enlightening exploration of Lahore’s cinematic journey, offering attendees a nuanced understanding of the city’s cultural heritage and its enduring impact on Pakistani cinema.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Renowned guitarist and harmonium player Samiullah has said that the heart gets peace by playing the tunes on Sufi words. I have performed with famous country singers. And I have also composed music for songs by various singers.

Samiullah said that Pakistani music is wonderful and our singers are also unanswerable. I have recently composed the lyrics of three songs of singer Ahmed.Those of music Very popular in circles is being done . me Guitar, harmonium and drums Mastered. I As a music director Also your abilities I want to highlight.

Samiullah said that Except in Karachi Lahore and Islamabad Including many of the country Taking place in cities In musical shows I have performed.

Setting off the New Year on a high, Spotify has proudly announced Annural Khalid as the first woman RADAR Pakistan artist, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to uplifting emerging talents from the local music ecosystem. This year, Annural not only becomes the first RADAR Pakistan artist of 2024 but will also be celebrating the launch of her debut album, showcasing her unique blend of chill pop and R&B. A Spotify RADAR mini-documentary dedicated to Annural’s journey as a musician, taking a never-before-seen look at the twists and turns in her career has also been released.

From her early days of singing to becoming Spotify’s EQUAL Pakistan Ambassador in July 2023, Annural’s journey is a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication. Her ascent to RADAR Pakistan’s artist for the quarter showcases how Spotify facilitates artists in their journey toward wider acclaim and global reach.

Annural’s musical career, initiated in 2020, has been marked by a series of successful singles and notable collaborations within the local music industry. Her popular tracks, including “Kehdena”, “Mujhe Leh Chal”, “Dil de Bol”, “Pretty Lies”, and “Sohneya Ve”, resonate deeply with fans worldwide.

“Spotify RADAR is a huge deal to me for sure. I feel like I get to share my story with an even bigger audience and it feels so good to know that people can associate who I really am as a person with the perception they have of me as an artist,” said Annural while sharing her excitement at the opportunity. “I think that’s something I have been trying to do for a while and with RADAR, me and so many other emerging artists were finally able to do. Spotify has helped me find my audience as an artist, I get insights on what my listeners are vibing with, what sound resonates more with people, just helps me know my audience better. Plus I feel like especially for emerging artists like myself, Spotify makes sure to give everyone their due representation and so as an artist you never have to worry about a good song not reaching the right audience,” she added further.

RADAR Pakistan, a part of Spotify’s global emerging artist program, is dedicated to identifying and elevating promising musical talents from across Pakistan. The program not only spotlights these artists but also provides them with a platform to connect with audiences worldwide. The recently held and widely acclaimed RADAR Fest Pakistan, an event that featured riveting performances by all four RADAR artists: Hasan Raheem, Taha G, Maanu, and Hassan & Roshaan, serves as a prime example of what the initiative aims to achieve in the country. 

 

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Prepare to be captivated by the moving tale of ‘Nayab’ – a cinematic experience that revolves around the lives of Nayab and Akber, a brother-sister duo faced with societal restraints while pursuing their dreams. ‘Nayab’ the film starring Yumna Zaidi, Usama Khan and M. Fawad Khan, Noreen Gulwani for the first time in a film is a touching coming-of-age story set in the heart of Karachi, premiered at an exclusive screening held recently.

‘Nayab’ features veteran actor Jawed Sheikh, with Yumna Zaidi as the titular Nayab, and Usama Khan and M. Fawad Khan in lead roles. The film also stars Adnan Siddiqui, while the cast also includes notable names such as Ehteshamuddin, Noreen Gulwani, Faryal Mehmood, Mahdi Qasmi, and Hani Taha. ‘Nayab’ promises a larger-than-life story that is sure to resonate with every Pakistani along with a peak towards patriotism and is the first Pakistani film based on women’s cricket set to be released in cinemas nationwide on 26th January 2024 and globally on 2nd February 2024.

“Nayab is a project very close to my heart and we have poured our best efforts into making this film. I’m looking forward to bringing it before the world and hope my fans and all of you love it as much as I do”, stated the ‘Nayab’ star Yumna Zaidi while speaking to the media.

“I believe that the key to the audiences’ hearts lies in making them believe that what unfolds on the screen is a reflection of their own lives. So, our characters come to life in a way that audiences will not only feel they know them intimately but also fall in love with their authenticity”, commented Umair Nasir Ali, the director of ‘Nayab’.

“This film is very close to my heart as we have tirelessly worked to bring a cinematic masterpiece to you, which we hope will bring about the revival of Pakistani cinema and push the industry towards new heights”, said Agnes Kenney, the CEO of Kenneyz Group while speaking on the occasion.

The stellar premiere was attended by a string of notable names including directors Asim Raza, Nadeem Baig, Saqib Malik, Nabeel Qureshi, Fizza Ali Meerza, Wajahat Rauf & Shazia Wajahat, actors Humayun Saeed, Azaan Sami Khan, Asif Raza Mir, Umer Alam, Komal Meer, Ayaz Khan, and many more, along with the stellar cast: Yumna Zaidi, Usama Khan, M. Fawad Khan, Adnan Siddiqui, Ehteshamuddin, Noreen Gulwani, Faryal Mehmood, Shaheera Albasit, renowned director Umair Nasir Ali, and the ‘Nayab’ team.

“Kenneyz Productions is pleased and proud to present our feature film ‘Nayab’ at a star-studded red carpet Premiere event in Karachi. We have crafted a story for the big screen which showcases Pakistani writing, directing and acting talent for local and international audiences. We also acknowledge here the many skilled and hardworking people behind the cameras who helped us to bring ‘Nayab’ to life. We are excited by the potential of the Pakistan film industry; rest assured Kenneyz Productions will continue to be involved in world class content creation in Pakistan, whether that be full length movies, featurettes, dramas or music videos.” Said ‘David Kenney’ the chairman on Kenneyz Group Holdings.

Kenneyz Films, owned by David Kenney, the Chairman of Kenneyz Group and Agnes Kenney, the CEO of Kenneyz Group, is engaged in spectacular content creation, from tele-vision-commercials, music-videos, short-films, dramas, to full length feature-films. Num Films has been in the industry for 12 years now and has produced numerous top of the line tele-vision commercials, many of which have won Effie Award and has proudly produced and directed the new official video of National Anthem of Pakistan. Together Kenneyz Films and Num Films aim to bring to the heart touching story of ‘Nayab’ to life with a skillfully crafted cinematic experience.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Warner Music Group (WMG) has partnered with Pakistani company Giraffe, one of South Asia’s leading music and audio production companies, which was co-founded by Xulfi, the stage name of celebrated artist Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan, and CEO Muhammad Ibrahim.

Pakistan is a fast-growing recorded music market of some 250 million people, and a source of repertoire that particularly resonates with the 90 million Punjabi and Urdu speakers outside the country. 

This deal will help Warner Music establish a new A&R source in Pakistan through the experts behind some of South Asia’s most compelling music platforms and global hits, such as ‘Pasoori’ by Shae Gill and Ali Sethi. Warner Music and Giraffe now will come together for the next season of Coke Studio Season 15.

Giraffe was established in 2017 in Pakistan and has a rich history producing some of South Asia’s most coveted music shows, including Drummers of Pakistan, Nescafé Basement and Red Bull Music Sound Clash, as well as non-music content such as Dhak Dhak Goal and Shan Kitchen.  More recently, it has spearheaded the production of Coke Studio – Pakistan’s biggest cultural export and a show acclaimed for promoting multiculturalism, dialogue and multi genre collaboration. 

Co-founder Xulfi was the composer, guitarist and producer for the bands Entity Paradigm and Call, which both enjoyed commercial and critical success.  He has also been a producer and songwriter on a number of epic Bollywood projects. 

CEO Muhammad Ibrahim started his career in accountancy after graduating from the University of Bristol.  He moved into the media industry in 2012 and since has worked on projects such as Nescafé Basement, where his achievements included the formation of the first all-girl band in Pakistan.    

Xulfi says: “I believe it’s going to be a beautiful and adventurous journey.  Our aim has always been to use art to build bridges for conversing with the world.  Warner Music, while leveraging its immense global influence, will also help support the artists and their artistry in Pakistan.  Artists in Pakistan are diverse and talented with an innate ability to surprise. Together with Warner Music, we will endeavor to scout stories that can catalyze transformative change, in the pursuit of nurturing a vibrant music ecosystem for the future, and present a greater narrative of love from Pakistan to the world.”

Muhammad Ibrahim adds: “For us at Giraffe, this partnership is exciting on many levels and is, in a way, a testament to Giraffe’s long-standing commitment to fostering a conducive environment, ultimately benefiting both existing performers and a new wave of Pakistani artists.  We look forward to signing and developing our talent by delivering the best-in-class service, as well as continuing to produce innovative content.”

Alfonso Perez Soto, President, Emerging Markets, Warner Music, comments: “Pakistan has a rich music scene that offers huge opportunities for a global music company. Through the powerhouse that is Coke Studio, Xulfi and Ibrahim have proven to be phenomenal A&Rs that will be invaluable in Warner Music’s growth in the region. Together, we will discover and develop artists that have the potential to connect with fans all around the world.”

Simon Robson, President, International, Recorded Music, Warner Music Group, concludes: “This is a landmark moment for Warner Music as we work with Giraffe to establish a presence in Pakistan. The combination of its local A&R experience and our global network will mean we can offer talented artists from Pakistan a chance to shine on an international stage.”  

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

This cinematic masterpiece, centered around the theme of consent, unfolds within the captivating walled city of Lahore and brings up the complex tapestry of the law and order infrastructure in Pakistan, is masterfully written & directed by @abualeeha and brought to you by Executive Producer, @shabbirshah555 & Producers @waqas_rizvi and @ayesha.m.omar.

In the world of rhythm and soul, Jahfeeil is known for his enchanting Music. He has tuned his life to a compassionate frequency, weaving a tapestry of generosity that resonates far beyond the stage.

Jahfeeil’s commitment to making a positive impact in the community is evident. From supporting local causes to collaborating with international organizations, he orchestrates a symphony of giving, creating meaningful change one note at a time.

One notable aspect of Jahfeeil’s philanthropy is his focus on education. He recognizes the transformative power of knowledge. He actively engages with schools and organizations and provides resources and opportunities for aspiring musicians. We can see Jahfeeil’s belief in the potential of the next generation through his mentorship.

Beyond the local scene, Jahfeeil’s charitable notes reach global scales. His collaborations with international organizations showcase his dedication to addressing broader societal issues through the universal language of music.

Despite the spotlight that often accompanies fame, Jahfeeil remains grounded in his commitment to making a positive difference. His charitable activities reflect not only a desire to give back but also a deep understanding of the transformative power of music in shaping lives.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Mark your calendars and get ready for a musical treat like never before! Renowned star singer Sahir Ali Bagga is set to dazzle fans with his latest Punjabi sensation, “Latthay Di Chaadar (Reloaded),” featuring former Mrs. World, famous Ukrainian singer, and Hollywood actress Kamaliya. This much-anticipated song is all set to captivate hearts as it gets ready to drop on January 15, 2024, in Pakistan and worldwide. Produced by the talented and renowned music producer Noman Rauf Hyder, “Latthay Di Chaadar (Reloaded)” promises to be a spectacular re-creation of a beloved Punjabi classic.

The song is written and composed by the gifted Irfan Saleem, while the music is crafted by none other than Mujtaba Ali, Sahir Bagga’s very own brother. Kamaliya, the acclaimed Ukrainian singer, who has previously made waves with her solo Urdu hit “Pretty Girl,” expressed her excitement about this collaboration. She stated, “I am thrilled to be a part of this project, and the production quality matches international standards. Lahore and its people have been incredibly welcoming, and I feel right at home here.” The music video for “Latthay Di Chaadar (Reloaded)” was shot in the heart of Lahore and directed by the exceptionally talented Suhaib Roy, adding visual flair to the already captivating song.

Sahir Ali Bagga, who has been rocking the music scene with his melodious voice, shared his thoughts, saying, “This song holds a special place in the Punjabi culture, and I believe it will be cherished by fans worldwide. Collaborating with Kamaliya has been an absolute pleasure, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear and see the magic we’ve created.” The song is set to be released worldwide through TanArm Music (USA) and proudly produced under the banner of InSync Arte Productions, further ensuring its global reach and appeal.

Get ready to groove to the infectious beats of “Latthay Di Chaadar (Reloaded)” and experience the fusion of two incredible musical talents. The song’s release on January 15, 2024, is poised to take the music world by storm, leaving a lasting impression on fans of Punjabi music and beyond.

YouTube’s top lists this year were dominated by famous Pakistani dramas, Desi songs, and daily vloggers like Ducky Bhai and Zamzam Electronics Trading.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Today, YouTube unveiled lists ranking the top trending videos, music videos, Shorts, creators, and breakout creators in Pakistan. This year’s lists are reflective of the most important moments to unfold in 2023 on and offline.

In order to respond to the demand for more active content, the arrival of YouTube Shorts became a fresh breath on the platform, both for creators and users. The latter are looking for information or entertainment material that is much faster and more accurate, so a format that takes a few seconds is ideal for audiences such as millennials and Generation Z. YouTube announced that YouTube Shorts is now averaging over 70 billion daily views. Last year, the number of channels uploaded to Shorts daily grew by over 80%, and YouTube Shorts are being watched by over 2B logged-in users every month.

The long-form content also resonates well with Pakistani audiences, indicating that despite the varying patterns of users’ consumption behavior, both formats continue to enjoy the dominance of video-form content in Pakistan. An example of this is the top trending videos, which are about different topics each year, the content is more striking and visually appealing, in short: it causes an impact. Also, the Top Trending Videos list is based on a range of factors – beyond just views – that indicate how “trending” a video really is. The YouTube Culture & Trends team also considers engagement and looks at signals like shares and likes of a certain video.

Farhan Qureshi, Google Regional Director for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, mentioned that “the top trending lists of this year reflect the cultural evolution in Pakistan, notably marked by a substantial rise in Shorts viewership and distinct fan bases forming around specific content categories such as music, dramas, and vlogs. Moreover, creators are embracing multiformat approaches in order to explore new genres and audiences. Moving forward, we anticipate the ongoing expansion of multiformat content, resulting in a more varied and interesting range of content than ever.”

Music is also a type of content that is popular on YouTube. In 2023, YouTube Music and YouTube Premium,  a paid membership, enhanced the viewing experience with ad-free content, offline and background play providing an immersive music experience.

In keeping with this, artists continue to broaden their horizons through multiformat, allowing their audiences to learn more about them via a variety of format types. Zamzam Electronics Trading is an example of YouTube creators who have successfully positioned themselves in multiple formats. Their videos, “watch funny magic of fan” and “happies is helping others,” have propelled them to the top of the Top Creators and Breakout Creators lists.

This year, YouTube released five lists:

Top Trending Videos

1. Tere Bin 2nd Last Ep 57 – [Eng Sub] – Digitally Presented by Nisa BB Cream – Yumna Zaidi – Wahaj Ali
2. Tu Subha Di Paak Hawa Warga | Nimra Mehra | Beautiful Song | DaisBook
3. Mayi Ri | Episode 1 | 2nd August 2023 (English Subtitles) ARY Digital Drama
4. Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri – Episode 01 [𝐂𝐂] – { Khushhal Khan & Dananeer } – 28th April 2023 – HUM TV
5. Dog rescue and build Loving Dog House – Build House for Puppies
6. Macharla Chunaav Kshetra (M.C.K) New Released Full Hindi Dubbed Movie | Nithiin, Krithi Shetty
7. College Gate | Episode 01 | Green TV Entertainment
8. AND WE CREATED YOU IN PAIRS | IQRA & AREEB NIKKAH ♥️ | MA SHA ALLAH
9. Ji Wife Ji(Full 4K Movie) Roshan Prince ,Karamjit Anmol, Harby Sangha, Anita Devgan | New Movie 2023
10. Baraat Entry In Style 😎 | Ducky Bhai Aur Aroob Ki Shadi (Baraat) | Part 1 😍

Top Shorts

1. Pati ko banaya pagal #imkavy #youtubeshorts #shorts @umangkatyalvlogs
2. When he’s asleep 😂😍 #homecleaning #gadgets #usa #smarthome #cleaning #canada
3. اول تجربة لي بالتصوير 📸!
4. Impossible Chip Swipe Challenge!
5. Awesome mousetrap ideas from plastic and cardboard buckets#mousetrap #rattrap #shorts
6. kerja sama yang baik#shorts
7. Do not waste food #Shorts
8. Jio Phone vs iphone🙂😘 #shorts #ytshorts
9. E 사이에 있는 I
10. Trending Gadgets!😍, Smart Appliances, Kitchen Tools Utensils, Home Cleaning/Beauty, tiktok #shorts

Top Music Videos

1. Hum Sindh Main Rehne Wale Sindhi | Mumtaz Molai | Urdu Song|  Ghazal Enterprises
2. Tere Vaaste | Zara Hatke Zara Bachke | Vicky Kaushal, Sara Ali Khan, Varun J, Sachin-Jigar,Amitabh B
3. Kya Loge Tum | Akshay Kumar | Amyra Dastur | BPraak | Jaani | Arvindr Khaira | Zohrajabeen
4. Zihaal e Miskin (Video) Javed-Mohsin | Vishal Mishra, Shreya Ghoshal | Rohit Z, Nimrit A | Kunaal V
5. Phir Aur Kya Chahiye| Zara Hatke Zara Bachke| Vicky K, Sara Ali K, Arijit Singh,Sachin-Jigar,Amitabh
6. Guli Mata – Saad Lamjarred | Shreya Ghoshal | Jennifer Winget | Anshul Garg
7. MERI CUTE JANA | NEW SONG | ASGHAR KHOSO | ft ABID BROHI
8. Udh Di Phiran (Official Video) Sunanda Sharma  | Bilal Saeed | New Punjabi Song 2023
9. O Bedardeya (Full Video) Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar | Ranbir, Shraddha | Pritam,Arijit Singh, Amitabh B
10. What Jhumka? | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani | Ranveer | Alia | Pritam | Amitabh | Arijit | Jonita

Top Creators

1. ZAMZAM ELECTRONICS TRADING
2. Ducky Bhai
3. Shehr Main Dihat
4. Salman Noman
5. Sistrology
6. Ijaz Ansari Food Secrets
7. Maaz Safder World
8. malik abubaker
9. Sadiq Ahmed Vines
10. Rabia Faisal

Breakout Creators

1. ZAMZAM ELECTRONICS TRADING
2. Pak Town Vlogs
3. Areeb Pervaiz
4. Ali Baloch
5. Mishkat Khan
6. Lucky Sayed
7. Chatpaty Pakwan
8. Hassan Hameed
9. Abdullah Tariq Khan
10. Tayyab Wahand

To have in-depth detail of the lists in Pakistan and globally, you can go to youtube.com/trends.