Tag: Pakistani dramas

  • Mahira Khan says she is ‘lazy when it comes to finally deciding and doing something’

    Mahira Khan is stepping into production, starting with a web series titled ‘Baarwan Khiladi [Twelfth Player]’.

    The actor has set up a production house, Soulfry Films, with her friend and producer Nina Kashif. ‘Baarwan Khiladi‘ will be their first project together.

    In a recent interview with Gulf News, Mahira opened up about trying her hand at production.

    She said that the reason why she is getting into production is because it is something she always wanted.

    “To be honest, I’ve always been inclined to getting behind the camera,” she said, adding that she always wanted to direct or produce.

    “But I am also very lazy when it comes to finally deciding and doing something. My co-producer, Nina Kashif, gave me that push and it’s very small at the moment. I want to get my hands dirty with smaller projects first, make stories that get me excited,” she added.

    Answering a question about why she did not cast herself in the web series, Mahira said, “There wasn’t a role that suited me,” adding, “Maybe if I was younger I would have played a character in it.”

    ‘Baarwan Khiladi ‘ is a sports-based web series and when asked why she was getting into a sports-related genre, Mahira said, “I have to admit — I’m not a sports fan at all, so I could have never imagined wanting to make my first series about that. But when I heard the story and read the script, it got me excited.”

    Not just sports, she also wanted to work with the new crowd. “Also working with younger/newer people was something that I really wanted to do — be it the actors or the writer or the art director etc.”

    Mahira also opened about the process of choosing the cast for her debut project as a producer, “[I was] completely involved [in the process of casting]. Nina got both Shahveer [Jafry] and Danyal [Zafar] on board.”

    “We got everyone to audition for most of the parts. Sarmad [Khoosat] was a huge bonus because he is one of the main characters. I got Kinza Hashmi on board. That’s the fun of being the producer — you can put together a team that will enhance your vision for the project.”

    The series has reportedly been shot inside the Walled City of Lahore and Shahveer, in an Instagram story, revealed that the shooting lasted for one and a half month.

    The series will stream on Tapmad, a South Asian OTT platform, and is expected to release soon after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final.

  • Ahsan Khan receives praise from across the border for performance in ‘Qayamat’

    Ahsan Khan receives praise from across the border for performance in ‘Qayamat’

    Ahsan Khan has been creating waves with his performance as Rashid in Qayamat. The renowned actor has been winning praise for his portrayal of a spoilt and abusive husband. In fact, the actor has even received love from across the border for his role in the drama serial.

    Veteran Bollywood actress Zarina Wahab, in a Whatsapp message sent to the actor, praised him, writing: “As Rashid, you are too much… Excellent work.”

    Written by Sarwat Nazir and directed by Ali Faizan, Qayamat features Neelam Muneer, Haroon Shahid, Saba Faisal, Shabbir Jan and Amar Khan besides Khan.

    VIDEO: The Current Life with Ahsan Khan

    Meanwhile, Khan in a recent social media post opened up on the challenges that come with being an actor.

    “Actors do go through intense practice specifically so you can’t tell how hard they’re working, so you can’t see the years and years of hard work that got them to this point,” said the actor. “There is a disguised virtuosity in the complex craft of acting that doesn’t show itself in skilled acting.”

    “Good quality, complex acting must always come down to an invisible naturalism that makes the challenging components of it far less apparent than every other art form,” he added.

    On the other hand, the actors of the drama serial have been celebrating the success of Qayamat on social media. Amar recently shared a video of herself and Ahsan, dancing and enjoying.

    “In the meanwhile, yeh hai Rashid aur Samra, or off set in dono ki pawri ho rai hai,” she wrote in the caption.

  • ‘Churails’ wins ‘OTT Show of the Year’ at British Asian Media Awards

    ‘Churails’ wins ‘OTT Show of the Year’ at British Asian Media Awards

    Made in Pakistan and released on Indian OTT platform ZEE5, Churails has won the ‘OTT Platform Show of the Year’ at the British Asian Media Awards (BMA).

    Sharing her thoughts on the win, Chief Business Officer at ZEE5 Global, Archana Anand said: “Churails with its rich, bold narrative and the globally relevant storyline has broken stereotypes and opened up the fresh conversation around gender equality not only in South Asia but also in other markets across the globe by putting strong women at the center of its story.”

    “Winning this award is a recognition of the tremendous impact that our content has created across key markets and how deeply it is resonating with the audiences,” she added.

    Read more – The ‘Churails’ are the superheroes we wish we had

    According to details, “The British Asian Media Awards (BMA) acknowledge the growing and persistent influence of different cultures and communities living in the UK.”

    The awards aims to help the industry develop by showcasing exceptional work and proving the value of Asian media to the wider market.

    Written and directed by Asim Abbasi and featuring, Sarwat Gilani, Yasra Rizvi, Nimra Bucha, Meher Bano and Omair Rana among others, Churails is the story of four self-proclaimed ‘Churails’ who come together to open a covert detective agency to expose cheating husbands amongst the city’s elite. As their operations expand, they come to be saviours of abused, harassed and mistreated women. The 10-episode series covers a myriad of issues such as child abuse, sexism, the domination of class and race and aims to challenge the hypocrisy of patriarchal societies.

    In October 2020, the show was banned for viewers in Pakistan. However, it was restored in less than 48 hours. According to Abbasi, the show was taken off after the streaming platform received complaints from authorities here.

    Meanwhile, in November 2020, the State Bank of Pakistan ordered all banks to block Pakistani users from subscribing to Zee5. Zee5 had commissioned five original web series from Pakistan. While two of them have released, three more are in the pipeline including Saba Qamar and Naumaan Ijaz’s Manjogi and Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly’s Dhoop ki Deewar.

  • Naumaan Ijaz says artists nowadays are forced to work like donkeys

    Naumaan Ijaz is not one to mince words. In a recent interview with filmmaker Rafay Rashdi, the actor candidly discussed and shed light on issues and problems faced by actors and producers of the entertainment industry.

    Responding to a question about the issue of pending payments in the entertainment industry, Naumaan said: “There is no actor or producer in the industry who does not have pending payments.”

    “My [own] payments are also pending,” stated the actor. “One channel owes me almost five crores, while another owes me around two and a half crores. They all are big channels and they are not paying. If they [artists] are not going to get paid on time then how will they deliver?”

    Ijaz, however, clarified that the delay in payments is the broadcaster’s fault, not the producers.

    “What is happening in Pakistan? Which ethics? Which morals? Which professionalism? Which contract? Which law? Who will listen to them? This all rubbish,” remarked Naumaan angrily.

    “No law provides them [people working in the entertainment industry] safety,” asserted the actor. “No law stands behind them. No one raises their voice for them.”

    He added: “There is no unity among us.”

    Naumaan further sarcastically remarked: “We do not need an outsider to drown us, Alhamdulillah we are self-sufficient in this regard.”

    “Artists these days, I apologise for my words, are all donkeys. We work like donkeys,” stated Naumaan. “If they are not going to get paid on time, then how will they deliver?”

    Further talking about working in tough COVID-19 times, Naumaan said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the broadcasters blackmailed the producers to provide content, so the producers went to artists and warned them that if they won’t work, they will be blacklisted.”

    “Artists are forced to work by placing a gun on their head,” claimed Naumaan, clarifying that he did not mean it in the literal sense. The actor added that if something happens to anybody, no one is willing to take the responsibility of covering the financial burden.

    Read more – Naumaan Ijaz slams Pakistani dramas for spreading negativity

    Ijaz further said that private TV channels have ruined the essence of Pakistani dramas.

    “Dramas used to educate people. What are dramas giving to society nowadays?” questioned the actor. “You [private TV channels] have ruined the mindset of people.”

  • I have always been a ‘Churail’, says Sarwat Gilani

    Sarwat Gilani says that she has always been a churail.

    In a recent interview Sarwat candidly talked about her character in Churails and her definition of feminism.

    Responding to a question about who her favourite character, Sarwat said: “Sara in Churails. Undoubtedly.”

    IN PICTURES: Sarwat Gilani’s ‘Churail’ themed birthday

    When asked how the web series changed her, Sarwat said: “I was a very Churail-like person myself, I have always tried to carry women along.”

    “I have travelled in all kinds of public transport during my university days to save money, so I have always been a Churail,” she continued. “But Churails taught me how to take ownership of your own problems.”

    Later while talking about her thoughts on feminism, Sarwat said: “I would not say I am a feminist.”

    She continued: “I feel a man has his own place. I feel that a certain time a woman needs a man, no matter how independent she is. I am an independent woman, but at the end of the day I feel like I need somebody, who would say that I will take care of you and who I can depend on.”

    “But at the same time, especially in Pakistan when we talk about feminism, people think that men have nothing to do with it but there are so many men who help to promote feminism because they support their women to come forward, so I feel feminism is a very balance sort of idea where you say everything belongs to whoever earns it,” she added.

    When the host questioned if Sarwat why she is hesitating to call herself a feminist, the actor said: “A lot of people think that feminism is all about women. I feel it has to do with men also. If a man is making changes in himself we can also call that feminism.”

    “We misunderstand feminism, that is why I don’t call myself a feminist,” said Sarwat. “But yes I talk about equal rights.”

    “I’m feminist but I also talk about the problems faced by men,” she added.

    Read more – Who banned ‘Churails’?

    Meanwhile, in a recent interview with The Current, Sarwat talked about her experience of working in Churails and how she felt when the series received backlash in Pakistan.

  • Hareem Shah to make her acting debut on UrduFlix

    Hareem Shah to make her acting debut on UrduFlix

    TikToker Hareem Shah is all set to foray into the world of acting with a web series on Pakistan’s first Urdu OTT platform – UrduFlix.

    According to a press release, UrduFlix will be featuring the TikTok star in a never-seen-before avatar in a new Urdu web series. Expected to release on the streaming platform after its launch, the web series will star the debuting actress in a lead role.

    Shah is one of Pakistan’s most influential social media celebrities, famous for her TikTok videos.

    Pakistan’s first Urdu OTT platform, UrduFlix will provide viewers with access to original Urdu series, films, web series, drama serials, and Urdu dubbed Turkish dramas. The platform aims to bring in a plethora of new-age content from original to already popular dramas and films.

    Earlier, it was announced that Alizeh Shah will be featuring in UrduFlix’s first exclusive web series Dulhan aur Aik Raat.

  • Imran Ashraf, Sarah Khan shine in ‘Raqs-e-Bismil’

    Imran Ashraf, Sarah Khan shine in ‘Raqs-e-Bismil’

    While most of the time, we critics or drama viewers, complain about how Pakistani dramas have become redundant and monotonous with the same old storyline based on unrequited love, marital woes, or love triangles, every now and then comes a new drama that shakes things up and makes you believe in the drama industry once again.

    Sarah Khan and Imran Ashraf’s ongoing drama Raqs e Bismil is one such example. Directed by Wajahat Rauf and written by Hashim Nadeem, the drama’s plot revolves around Sarah and Imran’s characters – Zohra and Moosa. Moosa comes from a very conservative background – he refuses to let his sister marry her love because he did not belong to the same sect – while Zohra belongs to a family of dancers and entertainers. The two cross paths on a bus and Zohra, who is wearing a burka at the time, catches Moosa’s attention, who immediately falls for her and her gutsy nature and asks her to marry him after their second meeting.

    While Zohra initially rejects Moosa’s advances with some powerful dialogues, she later invites him to her home so that he can find out her reality first-hand. The third episode of the drama ends with Moosa finding out Zohra’s reality and viewers are excited to know what will happen next for the two protagonists, who are worlds apart.

    Read more – Sarah Khan hits back at troll who criticised her over father’s death

    The first three episodes were engaging and fast-paced with brilliant performances by the lead and supporting cast. Imran and Sarah were brilliant as Moosa and Sarah, while their chemistry was also lit. Moosa, in particular, has many shades and Imran manages to portray them flawlessly; fluidly switching between a hardened family-man and a man smitten. A special mention to Momin Saqib, who really gave a solid performance as Essa, Moosa’s brother and wingman.

    Raqs e Bismal has quickly made it to our list of must-watch dramas and one we are delighted to recommend.

  • IN PICTURES: Nadia Khan’s valima

    After tying the knot in a low-key and intimate ceremony, Nadia Khan and Faisal Mumtaz hosted a small valima for their closest friends and family. Pictures from the event are being widely circulated on social media.

    Check out pictures below:

    Nadia looked splendid in a peach-pink dress with glowy makeup.

    Nadia also shared highlights from her valima on her YouTube channel.

    Nadia and Faisal tied the knot on January 3. Later, Nadia shared that this is her second marriage and that her husband is a retired PAF officer and fighter pilot.

  • It’s a wrap for Saba Qamar’s ‘Manjogi’

    It’s a wrap for Saba Qamar’s ‘Manjogi’

    Saba Qamar who was shooting for her upcoming project Manjogi has shared a picture from the last day of shoot with her co-star Agha Mustafa Hassan.

    “It’s a wrap!”, wrote Saba in caption.

    Expressing her delight of working with Mustafa, Qamar wrote: “It was lovely working with you. You’re such an amazing co-star! Sada khush raho.”

    Reposting the photo, Agha said praised Saba, saying that working with her “has been the best experience of my career thus far.”

    Manjogi is an upcoming web series expected to release on Zee5. The web series has been directed by Kashif Nisar and written by Saji Gul.

    The drama will reportedly challenge traditional gender roles.

    The cast of the web series includes Saba Qamar, Naumaan Ijaz, Uzma Hassan, Gul-e-Rana and Agha Mustafa Hassan. The web-series has been shot in different areas of Lahore.

  • ‘Pakistan to expedite work on joint entertainment productions with Saudi Arabia’

    ‘Pakistan to expedite work on joint entertainment productions with Saudi Arabia’

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz has said that Pakistan is working to speed up work on joint entertainment productions with Saudi Arabia. Three serials – Dhoop Kinare, Tanhaiyan and Aahat – have been selected for dubbing in Arabic.

    According to a report in Arab News, Faraz said that Islamabad wanted to enhance cultural cooperation with Riyadh, which is why the government aims to ‘speed up’ work on joint film and television productions to bring the people of the two countries closer.

    “Some dramas and films have been dubbed and sent there [Saudi Arabia],” said Faraz, adding that a few were even watched by the royal family, including Hareem Farooq and Ali Rehman Khan’s Parchi.”

    Parchi was the first Pakistani film ever to release in Saudi Arabia in 2018 and one of the first international releases in the Kingdom after a nearly 40-year ban on cinemas came to an end.

    In April 2019, the then Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, in a press conference in Riyadh, had announced that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were in talks for increasing cultural exchange between the two countries.

    Chaudhary confirmed Pakistan’s wish to participate in Saudi Arabia’s cultural revival and said it was willing to support its newly established performing arts academies by sharing the expertise of its actors, directors and other artists like calligraphers.