Why did Veena Malik do ‘Astaghfar’?

KARACHI: 

Staying true to her title of Controversy Queen, Veena Malik has struck again by stirring up another commotion – this time with “Astaghfar”, a special Ramazan show hosted by Veena for Hero TV. Through this show, Veena aims to address ‘sinful’ societal issues while repenting the wrongs she has committed and asking for forgiveness.

In a telephonic interview with The Express Tribune, Veena shares her thoughts and feelings about this Ramazan show. When asked about “Astaghfar”, she says, “Firstly, for me, it is social norms and human behaviour in society that is the imperative subject of discussion. How should we behave with other people? What does religion say about how we should act with others? Since I hold a degree in Sociology, this interests me very much.”

Further elaborating on the line of thought she follows in her show, Veena adds, “I have always been approached by channels asking me to do political shows, to share my thoughts on what political parties are up to here in the country. But I believe these issues are not of interest to the common man. He is a frustrated individual, who faces financial instability and other problems on a daily basis. It is his problems and issues that need to be addressed – this is something that is missing on TV and channels must address it.”

Veena also realises that it is indeed the little things in life that matter, as she states, “From dealing with hard core issues, we should now be more involved in looking and solving the simple issues of life that are affecting the common man on the street.”

On the sets of “Astaghfar”, Veena often gets calls from viewers who speak to her in harsh and condescending tones, with some criticising her blatantly as well. Veena says she feels sympathy for the people who criticise her as she believes, “The way a man speaks or talks to others represents what kind of society we live in; his behaviour shows what sort of person he is and gives the impression that he is definitely living in a very frustrated society. We are often told to treat others with respect to beget respect. I definitely feel sympathy for such individuals.”

With 13 episodes on air so far, Veena seems very excited about her new venture. She believes that her show is based on a beautiful concept and also touches upon some imperative family related issues “related to father-daughter and brother-sister relationships and how they should treat each other.”

In conclusion, when asked why she chose to do this show, Veena says, “The answer is simple and very clear – to interact with people and to know their worries.”

Lollywood Movies Releasing on This Eid

Four Punjabi and five Pashto movies are scheduled to Release on This Eid-ul-Fittar on August 20, 2012.

Punjabi film Shareeka on Shabistan cinema Lahore by Syed Noor, Punjabi film Gujar da Kharak at Prince cinema Lahore by Arshad Khan, Punjabi film Sher Dil by Iqbal Kashmiri, Punjabi film Dil dian lagian.

Pashto film Toofan by Inayat Ullah Khan, Pashto film Qasm by Arbaz Khan, Pashto film Har dam khair by Arshad Khan, Pashto film Bad-Amla by Haji Nadir, Pashto film Ghadar by Ali.

Lollywood Release on This EID - Article

With the release of only one new film, a low-key Eid is expected for Pakistani films this year. Syed Noor’s Shareeka is the only major production being released to audiences by Lollywood, while the much talked about Indian film Ek Tha Tiger starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif is plunged in uncertainty as prospects of censorship float.

Shareeka is a Punjabi film dubbed as Noor’s comeback, as his last film tanked at the box office last year. The film is considered to be a family affair, as the story line builds upon families who live in a joint system and the myriad of issues which come along with such an arrangement. As this system of living is a norm in Pakistan, it should be a film that most people can relate to.

When the film was announced on his birthday in February, Noor had earnestly stated that it was important that whatever work was done represented Pakistani cinema in a positive light. Since then, the hype surrounding it has increased, as big industry names such as Shaan, Saima, Mustafa Qureshi and Irfan Khoosat look to bring star power to the project.

“This is a film that is made in the right way,” says actor Irfan Khoosat, who sees Syed Noor as influential for Pakistani film as Waris Shah, the renowned Punjabi writer of “Heer Ranjha” who brought Punjabi literature on the map. “It has a proper story, and across the board, the director and actors put in all their efforts to make sure a good film was created, that too in some of the hottest times of the year,” he adds.

Khoosat, who also starred in Bol, says that it is important to win back the audience that was once hooked to Pakistani films. Without delving too much into the class debate, he said that the ‘viewing class’ is thirsty for family entertainment. “The elite can curse at us like they always do, our real worry is the family viewers who would routinely come to watch. We need them to come back,” says Khoosat.

“People are critical of Punjabi films without even watching them, which is unfortunate,” states Khoosat, who is hoping that this will change. “Critics are also important, but I think the biggest thing is that people come and watch the film and give it a try,” he added.

Prospective releases

While the Ministry of Commerce has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) which has allowed a print of the film Ek Tha Tiger to enter Pakistan, it still waits to be approved by the censorship board. Afzal Rasheed, the manager of the company importing the film said that company was unwilling to speak on the promotion of the film until everything was cleared.

“The issue of whether the film will pass censors remains to be seen,” says Rasheed. Speaking about the prospects for Eid, he said several Hollywood films would be playing, but Shareeka would be the major release amongst Pakistani films.

Ishq Khuda starring Ahsan Khan, Meera, and Wiam Dhamani, was also expected to release this Eid, but has now been delayed to Eidul Azha. According to industry insiders, the delay is due to production issues, while director Shahzad Rafique said it was a conscious decision by the producers.

“For the betterment of the film industry, we felt we should delay the film because we did not want to compete with Syed Noor’s film. There should not be any competition between film-makers at this stage,” said Rafique.

Pakistani film to premiere at New York City International Film Festival

Aamina Sheikh and Mohib MIrza in a still from Seedlings( Lamha)

The Pakistani feature film Lamha (English title: Seedlings) will be premiering at the New York City International Film Festival on Aug. 10 with a second screening on Pakistan Day, Aug. 14.

Along with the opportunity of being screened in the Big Apple, the film has bagged nominations for the following: Best Picture, Best Director (Mansoor Mujahid), Best Actress in a Lead Role (Aamina Sheikh), Best Actor in a Lead Role (Mohib Mirza), Best Actor in a supporting Role (Gohar Rasheed) and Best Original Screenplay (Summer Nicks).

Saman Malik sat down with the film’s Pakistani-Canadian producer Meher Jaffri who is ecstatic at the thought of premiering in one of foremost art and film hubs of the world.

SM: Tell me a bit about yourself. How did your interest in film develop, and which filmmakers are inspirations to you?

MJ: My interest in film probably comes from my long-term fascination for theatre and the creative arts in general. I’ve always been a bit of an observer and moving pictures as an audio- visual medium with its ability to rouse and resonate emotionally is so fantastic, that it’s always drawn me to it.  I’ve been hot for Mira Nair for quite sometime, probably since I watched Monsoon Wedding back in the day. I love how she infuses her brand of mischief in all her movies and portrays the South Asian narrative in a universal sort of language while maintaining the cultural nuances and characteristics beautifully.

I studied Business at McGill University in Montreal, as my father was adamant that a career in the creative arts was not practical in nature. Though my business degree has gone a long way to help me establishing Bodhicitta Works (with partners Summer Nicks and Craig Peter Jones), I am pretty adamant about going to film school to study film. I believe every craft needs certain training and discipline attributed to it in order to embrace it holistically.

SM: Could you tell our readers a bit about your film, Seedlings (Lamha)?

Producer Meher Jaffri

MJ: Seedlings (Lamha) is a human-interest drama about the complexities of human and familial relationships in the aftermath of a tragic accident.It revolves around three lives that are affected. It speaks about loss, anger, blame, forgiveness and redemption.

SM: Your film is premiering at the NYCIFF, a festival which recognizes cultural diversity, and has been nominated in a number of categories. What does this mean for you as an Canadian-Pakistani film maker?

MJ: It is fantastic to be part of a festival that stresses on cultural diversity. I am so thankful to the NYIFF for giving an opportunity to international filmmakers to showcase their work. As a Canadian I am used to the importance placed on cultural diversity. Interestingly enough, our film has faced some opposition in Pakistan. There are sections of people who have said that it is a film that is different from the mainstream formula. Of course the industry there is still in its infancy and Canada’s film heritage is huge; so there is a sense of bright-eyed hope and excitement all round.

SM: As a young Canadian-Pakistani producer, what changes do you want to see in the cinema scene of both countries?

MJ: The Pakistani film industry needs training in technical skills in both film and television which is the primary medium of entertainment there. There is absolutely no support from the public sector in any way, no funding for films or support for film programs and initiatives. Privately too, people are hesitant to invest in films as it is not a familiar investment option. There are not nearly enough cinemas or distributors and it has so far been run as a sort of oligarchy. The one thing that I am confident of  is the passion and talent – though of course like anything it needs to be nurtured with better training programs.

I have not yet worked in the Canadian film industry to know its dynamics from a personal level – but soon!

SM: What has been the response to the film in Pakistan? And are you planning to release the film in Canada?

MJ: The fans have been fantastic!!! I’m so floored by the people in Pakistan for voicing their opinions and supporting the film in all ways possible: through Facebook, Twitter, comments on online news articles and You Tube, calls to any TV or radio shows we’ve been on, etc. We are definitely shopping for distribution in Canada as it is home to a large Pakistani and Indian community. Fingers crossed!

SM: What’s your next project and when can we see it?

MJ: We are working on our sci-fi feature film Kolachi and also on our next collaboration with Pakistani musical prodigy (and 2012 TED Fellow) Usman Riaz for whom we produced his first short musical film, Ruckus. This one is calledWaves and based on a beautiful piano piece – a very high concept and original piece. Other than that, we are exploring  projects with a few partners which I can’t divulge right now – but they are feature film related!

Pashto entertainment industry remains resilient despite setbacks

Despite ongoing threats by militants and the blowing up of CD shops in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resilient Peshawarites will enjoy 200 Pashto tele-films, stage shows and music albums, along with five new films this Eid.

Around six production houses in Nishtarabad, the hub of CD production in Peshawar, have promised to entertain with thrill, comedy and romance at this special time of year.

The Pashto film industry has gained strength over the last few years. Compared to three releases last year, this Eid will bring five new films starring Arbaz Khan, Shahid Khan, Suno Lal and Mahnoor. Arbaz Khan is appearing in two Pashto movies — Qasam and Ghadaarwhile Shahid Khan is starring in three flicks — Bad Amala, Toofanand Har Dam Khair.

While talking, Shahid Khan said: “All three of my films are based on social themes. Romance, music and action are blended and the storyline and music are the strengths of my flicks. I have introduced a new actor, Mahnoor and I hope she will come up to the expectations of cinemagoers.” Arbaz Khan, too, paints a bright picture of new Pollywood releases stating, “Let’s see what hard work and devotion bring to us but I am positive for success.”

A seasoned movie buff, Tariq Ajmal also opines, “I am anxiously waiting for the new runs as last time Pashto movies had disappointed me because most of them seemed to be copies of Indian flicks. Only pornography and violence cannot win over hearts of the public, fresh ideas and social issues should also be introduced along with Pashtun culture.”

Hurdles

While potential CD buyers from Quetta, Karachi, the Gulf States and Afghanistan have flocked to Peshawar to collect new material for the season, no buyers from the tribal regions showed up due to the threat of militancy in the region. Due to military operations, most people in Fata have either quit the entertainment business or turned their shops into computer or mobile phone stores, whereas this region earlier consumed 50 per cent of CD entertainment, according to the Producer’s Association President Farhad Khan.

However, while much is being produced right now, some feel that it may not last long, as problems in the region catch up with the entertainment industry. Khaliqo, a film producer from a pioneer production house Musafar Videos, told, “The CD business is on the decline because of piracy and law and order issues and this Eid is a ‘do or die’ situation for us.”

He further adds, “My house is releasing about 20 CDs including four stage shows, three sitcoms, two trailers and 11 music albums. One of the music albums, The Afghan Hits, is introducing 10 debut male and female Afghan singers along with new songs of the rising Pashto star Gulpanra who tops the Pashto music charts this year. But as the market has gone into a slump, expectations for business seem bleak.”

Khaliqo also maintains that unless a censorship board is in place to control piracy issues, CD production cannot flourish as producers face losses. Khaliqo states, “We have taken up these issues with the K-P culture department, but to no avail.” “Producers are on the verge of closing down CD businesses if this continues,” Khaliqo warns.

Apart from piracy issues, he further adds that threats from militants are always looming overhead. This very market has been attacked several times, including a bomb blast eight months ago which claimed precious lives and left many injured.

Khaliqo elaborates that people in the region are so fed up with the Kalashnikov culture and continued violence, that they want something that can be a release from all the tension and depression surrounding them. Therefore, producers and directors have focused on sitcoms and music albums for the public.

The efforts of the Pashto entertainment industry are laudable, especially in the face of uncertainty and threats. Government support to tackle piracy would further boost business and morale in the region that promises to remain resilient.

Courtesy:  The Express Tribune,

Dr Aur Billa makes a comeback

LAHORE: 

Lahore-based band Dr Aur Billa is known for introducing elements of wit and hilarity to Pakistani music with the primary objective of making music fun. With the release of their first album in the ‘90s, almost a decade later, the famous duo has decided to make a smashing comeback with the release of their latest track “Ab Kya Karun”, where director Jawad Bashir has encapsulated the role of “Dr” and Aiyaz Kidwai of “Billa”.

Bashir strongly feels that solid, agenda-free entertainment is the need of the hour, and not the politically-loaded viral videos that are popular today. “There are many people making social and political issues humorous and the concept has become very popular,” he tells The Express Tribune. “But I strongly feel that it depresses people and doesn’t give them any hope. One thing which remains missing is good family entertainment.”

“When we started out, we were the pioneers,” Bashir adds. “There was a need for a bold step to incorporate satire in music. After a while, we saw that the industry had progressed and there were a lot of new bands so as a result, we thought there was no need for Dr Aur Billa.” He explains that they started off when there were very few bands and channels and it was difficult to make it on TV. But now with numerous channels, the check on quality and content has laxed, making it easier for new bands.

“If you look at the channels in the past, they were not conservative but there was still a sense of modesty,” he says. “We want to give good entertainment that caters to all classes, so our goal is good entertainment with responsibility,” he adds, suggesting that they want to maintain the level of modesty that once existed.

The comeback

The humourous track “Ab Kya Karun” marked Dr Aur Billa’s much awaited comeback. Bashir, who wrote the song, explains that the thought of returning to the music scene occurred to him when his wife was dropping their daughter off to school. The song, which is about the after-effects of marriage, has a pleasant melody along with simple lyrics which is actually the unique selling point of the band. “It’s about a man who isn’t in love at first and asks ‘what should I do?’. Then, when he falls madly in love, the feelings are different. My goal was to target how that man feels now,” Bashir explains the lyrics of the song humourously. “I thought it’s necessary to give a married man’s perspective as well — how he feels when his pockets are empty (when his wife uses up all his money).”

Bashir says that the band doesn’t intend on releasing an album yet, but does have plans of releasing a few tracks on the internet. Currently, the band has two singles in the pipeline. Both are upbeat alternative rock tracks that have catchy tunes; “Kahani Purani” explains how love at the end of the day is the same old story and “Bay Kadri” talks about how no one should fall in love with an ungrateful person. “We thought that some things would change with age, but when we got together it was the same old Dr Aur Billa,” says Bashir. “Both tracks are going to be very upbeat and energetic.”

When asked how Ali Gul Pir of Waderai Ka Beta and other such comedy acts fit into the whole Dr Aur Billa tradition, Bashir humbly responds that they had quit over a decade ago and clearly this style of music has been self-sustaining (with the presence of numerous channels). He adds, “I really appreciate it when I see young musicians continuing the tradition of putting comedy into lyrics. But at the same time, our fans kept asking us to come back despite all the newcomers. They love us and want us back — so why shouldn’t we, for the sake of our fans?”