Aditya Chopra announces Broadway debut with ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayege’

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Yash Raj Films owner, filmmaker Aditya Chopra, is all set to take Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to Broadway musical.

Almost after 26 years when the movie first hit the theaters, Chopra has expressed his ambition to make it on to a musical.

In a statement written to the media, Chopra announced how “terribly nervous and incredibly excited” he is about the next project. “I feel like 23 again,” he wrote in his note.

Chopra continued, “I’m a hardcore cinema guy, I have never done theatre in my life and here I am trying to pull off the craziest ambition of my life.” 

DDLJ is one of the films that have defined Bollywood romance over the years. The movie released on October 20, 1995 and starred actors including Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.

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Moammar Rana shares rare photo with Salman Khan before India-Pakistan match

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Actor Moammar Rana is sharing a never-before-seen photo with Indian superstar Salman Khan. Turning to his Instagram, the Toofan star shared a photo of himself hugging Bollywood’s bhai. The duo was also seen sharing a laugh together.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVVLaC0IWXG/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d562ef08-5500-421e-b640-56b464efc328

“Bhai ajj dono hass lete hein phir InshaAllah 25 ko milte hein ( Bhai let’s both laugh today then InshaAllah we’ll meet on the 25th,” quipped Moamar Rana in the caption.

Moammar’s post comes ahead of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2021 clash with India in Dubai this Sunday.

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RE-IMAGINING CURRICULUM IN PAKISTAN discussed in Thaap Talk.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

LAHORE (NUT-DESK)

THAAP held a enlightening talk, in collaboration with Bazm-e-Alam, on RE-IMAGINING CURRICULUM IN PAKISTAN at Thaap secreteriat Gulberg Lahore. Speaking on the occasion Professor Dr Waseem Anwar, a person of vast teaching experience who spent long years at the FC College and FC University and is currently at the Kinnaird College for Women, emphasized the need for a fresh and unbiased look at Curriculum to be taught in Pakistan. In his opinion the curriculum has to have a humanistic base; it must be pluralistic and must be honestly implemented.

Dr Farooq Bajwa, Lawyer and Policy Planner, with a deep interest in the promotion of Punjabi emphasized the need to introduce education at all levels, in particular the Primary level in the mother tongue of the student. He informed the audience that all evidence shows that students learn and comprehend best in the language that they are most familiar with, which is the Mother Tongue. He gave the example of Patiala University where all subjects were taught in Punjabi.

Ms Baela Jamil, the CEO of Idara-e-Taleem o Aagahi(ITA) mentioned the issue of curriculum which lies at the heart of any education program of a country. Dr Baela Jamil has extensive experience in education delivery and management. She emphasized that every child is an individual and the attempts to make all students into a uniform mold is not desirable and even harmful for the children. She said we have inherited confusion and continue to live that state.

Mr Waqas Halim an expert in technology of education delivery elaborated on how technology is making delivery of education easier and faster. He said he felt optimistic because of the avenues being opened up by technology.

The session was moderated by Dr Hasnain Javed, who made very pertinent remarks and comments.

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‘Insha’Allah, Pakistan will defeat India: PM Imran Khan backs Babar Azam XI

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Prime Minister Imran Khan threw his weight behind the Pakistan cricket team on Saturday, expressing the hope that the Babar Azam-led squad will thrash India in the T20 World Cup clash tomorrow (Sunday). 

The prime minister wished the team well ahead of its high-voltage encounter against India. Millions across the globe will watch the encounter as the two arch-rivals play each other in the World Cup fixture. 

The statement from the prime minister came as he discussed cricket with his aides. “This team has the talent to defeat India,” he said. 

“Insha’Allah, Pakistan will definitely beat India today ,” he said. 

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam Thursday warned India, saying that the national squad will not think of Pakistan’s past performances when it clashes with India on Sunday. 

Pakistan have lost all seven World Cup (50 over) clashes against India as well as five games in the Twenty20 World Cup and start as “underdogs”.

Exuding confidence, Babar stressed that the past is irrelevant to his players.

“To be honest, what has passed is beyond us,” Babar told a virtual media conference on Saturday, as both nations buzzed in anticipation of a thrilling match.

“We want to use our ability and confidence on the day of the match so that we can get a better result.

“Records are meant to be broken.”

The tickets for the match were sold out within hours of going on sale after the United Arab Emirates government allowed a 70% crowd for the Twenty20 World Cup matches in a relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions.

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Cinemas to reopen across Pakistan from Today.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Only a few days ago on October 16, National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) reassessed restrictions imposed on different parts of the country due to COVID-19. Their latest decision allowed malls and markets across Pakistan to remain open throughout the week, as opposed to six days a week.

NCOC also announced for cinemas across the country to reopen. While movie theatres opened in eight cities last month, cinemas across Sindh, including Karachi, remained shut. Now, however, Karachi is set to open its cinemas as well.

Atrium cinemas announced on their Facebook that they will be reopening in Karachi from October 22. Nueplex Cinemas, the other cinema facility in the city, however, is yet to announce their decision to reopen. The NCOC are also set to meet again on October 28 to evaluate the situation and decide the further course of action.

While local directors and actors like Nabeel Qureshi have been keen on cinemas across the country reopening, no local movies are set to release in the near future.

Even though a number of Lollywood movies were shot and produced before and during COVID, including Ghabrana Nahi Hai, Tich Button, Maula Jutt and Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad, audiences are yet to know about their release dates.

With local movies out of the picture atleast for now, our cinemas will have to rely on Hollywood. Amongst the movies listed on Atrium cinemas’ website to release on October 22 are Dune and Ron’s Gone Wrong.

The much awaited Eternals is set to release early next month. Movie enthusiasts are also eager to watch No Time To Die and Venom 2 in local cinemas.

As cinemas across Karachi and other cities open for audiences once again, the local movie industry may take some time to go into full gear. Regardless, we hope for the world to go back to normal soon and for artists and audiences alike to make the most out of the improving situation.

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What will Facebook’s new name be?

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Zuckerverse. Timesuck. Faceplant. They’re just a few of the suggestions being bandied around online following reports that Facebook plans to rebrand itself with a new group name.

The company refused to comment on rumor or speculation, of course, but the Twitterati had no problem.

The debate careered from sensible to screwball to strange.

“Meta” was one of the more sober trending suggestions, referring to Facebook’s reported desire to assume a name that focuses on the metaverse, a virtual environment where users can hang out.

Bookface, Facegram, Facetagram, FreeFace, FreeTalk, World Changer.

On the wilder side, Twitter user Dave Pell drew a comparison with musician Kanye West who recently changed his name to “Ye”.

“It would be awesome if Facebook changes its name to Ye,” he said.

Several humorous suggestions reflected online speculation that the alleged rebrand was driven by founder Mark Zuckerberg’s yearning to make Facebook “cool” once more.

The platform has been deserted by many younger users who have moved to apps like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, and has become increasingly populated by older people.

“Teenage Wasteland”, one wit suggested.

“The Old People’s App because that’s what us younger people call it,” college student Vittoria Esteves told Reuters in Rome.

“Boomerville”, suggested Marco, referring to so-called baby boomers born in the years following World War II.

‘STREISAND EFFECT’

The online naming feast was sparked by a report on the Verge tech site that a newly named group would act as a parent for all the company’s brands, including Facebook itself, Instagram and WhatsApp, and reflect a focus on virtual and augmented reality.

An announcement is expected next week, according to the report.

Many suggestions however reflected the public’s concern about how the company handles user safety and hate speech. Internal documents leaked by a whistleblower formed the basis for a U.S. Senate hearing last week.

“Fakebook”, for example. Tracebook.

Other people were sceptical whether a name change would be enough to detract from the growing legal and regulatory scrutiny that has tarnished the company’s reputation.

“It’s going to be the Barbra Streisand effect thing going on,” said 20-year old Glasgow student Thomas van der Hoven, referring to the phenomenon where seeking to suppress something inadvertently turbo-charges popular interest in it.

“So they’re going to try and change it, and then that’s just going to put the spotlight on the fact that they’re changing it. Why are they changing this?” he added. “So it’s probably going to spit back in their face at some point.”

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Pakistan vs India: Head to head in T20 World Cup

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Pakistan will take on India in a high-voltage clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium this Sunday, with the Virat Kohli-led side seeking to keep the unbeaten World Cup record going.

Pakistan have always failed to beat India in World Cups and cricket fans from both countries will be watching the T20 match keenly, as it is set to be the “final before the final”, as said by legendary batsman Inzimam-ul-haq.

The first encounter

Pakistan and India first met at the T20 World Cup on September 14, 2007, in Durban, South Africa, where the Men In Blue had batted first and set a target of 141 runs. Pakistan had chased the score, which led to a ball-out. In that contest, India were able to take all three wickets, while Pakistan took none.

Winner: India
The second encounter
Ten days after their first match, both teams met at the T20 World Cup in Johannesburg on September 24, where the Men In Blue, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni beat Pakistan by five runs in a nail-biting match to clinch the title.

Winner: India
The third encounter
The two sides clashed for the third time in Colombo on September 30, 2012, where India trounced Pakistan by eight wickets and chased down a 129-run target. During the match, Virat Kohli bowled three overs and picked up the wicket of “The Professor” Mohammed Hafeez.

Winner: India
The fourth encounter
In their fourth T20 World Cup match, played on March 21, 2014, in Dhaka, Pakistan batted first and scored a small 130-run target, which India won by seven wickets with nine balls in hand.

Winner: India
The fifth encounter
In their last match on March 19, 2016, Pakistan failed to put up a defendable total as they scored a scanty 118 runs in Kolkata. Mohammad Amir troubled Indian batsmen by picking up wickets, but the Men In Blue managed to come out on the top in the end and beat Pakistan by six wickets.

Winner: India
Pakistan and India are placed in Group 2 of the Super 12s of the T20 World Cup, which kicked off on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. It is set to conclude on November 14.

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Saba Qamar and Abrar Ul Haq collaborates for upcoming music video ‘Begum Shak Karti Hey’

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Lollywood diva Saba Qamar and PTI leader and singer Abrar-ul-Haq have teased the fans with a new music video named Begum Shak Karti Hey that hilariously promises to narrate the story of married couples.

An actress par excellence, Qamar is one of the fashionistas of Pakistan’s entertainment industry. With killer looks and a charming persona, the 37-year-old is back with another musical treat for her massive fan following.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CVQUy4Mgh28/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“Begum Shak Karti Hey (Teaser) – Abrarulhaq Dedicated to all those who are too much married… Yaani “Run Mureed” “, captioned Haq on his social media handle post.

On the work front, Saba will be returning to the small screen with an upcoming project Tumhare Husn Ke Naam. Moreover, she also shared the first look of her upcoming project titled Serial Killer where she plays the role of a policewoman who is hunting for a serial killer.

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PM Imran Khan seeks to shield innocent minds from online pornographic content.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Prime Minister Imran Khan directed authorities to ensure effective gate-keeping of online content to shield innocent minds against the “ruthless onslaught” of immoral and pornographic content online. The prime minister’s directives came as he chaired a meeting on blocking pornographic websites in the country, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

“Character building is very crucial in the modern tech-savvy era. The proliferation of tech gadgets and 3G/4G internet technology has made all sort of content available to everyone,” the prime minister said.

“We need to protect our youth, especially kids, from being exposed to immoral and unethical content available online,” he added.

The prime minister was told that Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), particularly Cloudfare, having 1-2% of total internet traffic share, have complaints against them of serving pornographic content, the statement said. According to the statement, “other CDNs don’t serve pornographic material as per their policies”.

The prime minister was also informed that Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) needs to work with internet service providers (ISPs)/CDNs for blocking pornographic content through CDNs, particularly Cloudfare, the statement added.
He was informed that PTA also needs to “enhance its Warehouse Management System (WMS) capability by integrating with some global and regularly updated databases of pornographic sites to block them at URL and domain level”.

Moreover, he was briefed that PTA is working on the feasibility of this project whose implementation time is about 2 months, the statement added.  Two days back, during the Rehmatul-lil-Alameen conference in Islamabad on the occasion of Eid Milad un Nabi, the premier had expressed his concern about the youth of the country and said that bringing them towards the path of righteousness is a challenge.

The prime minister said that parents are unable to take away mobile phones from children by force and cannot block their social media.
“Although there is no compulsion in religion, we can show them the right way. We can, at least, train our children and talk to them about the bad effects of [Western] culture,” he said.

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