Tag: Pakistani dramas

  • VIDEO: First look of ‘Pehli Si Mohabbat’ revealed

    VIDEO: First look of ‘Pehli Si Mohabbat’ revealed

    The first look of Sheheryar Munawar and Maya Ali’s upcoming drama Pehli Si Mohabbat has finally been revealed courtesy producer Jerjees Seja, who posted a BTS from the sets of the drama.

    Seja, who is also the CEO of ARY Digital shared a picture with the cast of upcoming drama serial. Looks like Sheheryar will be going clean shaven for this one.

    Meanwhile, social media is abuzz and the video went viral in minutes.

    According to the details, the drama is produced by Abdullah Seja under the banner of IDream Productions, the serial will be aired on ARY Digital with Maya and Sheheryar in lead roles.

    Maya, Shehryar, Rabia Butt and Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY) have already announced that they will be part of this serial by sharing the picture of the script on their social media accounts.

    A release date has not yet been announced.

  • Saturday Flashback: Why was ‘Woh Humsafar Tha’ written?

    Saturday Flashback: Why was ‘Woh Humsafar Tha’ written?

    Naseer Turabi is a poet who wrote Woh Humsafar Tha in 1971 to express his sadness on East Pakistan’s separation.

    Naseer Turabi

    He was born in Hyderabad, Hyderabad State which was then, Deccan.

    Naseer came to Pakistan after the independence of Pakistan in 1947. He did his M.A. in Mass Communications from University of Karachi in 1968. The poet now lives in Karachi.

    He began writing poetry in 1962. His first collection of Poetry Aks-e-Faryadi was published in 2000.

    After the East Pakistan Separation, he wrote a Ghazal Woh Humsafar Tha expressing the sadness at the great tragedy of separation of East Pakistan.

    The same Ghazal was later used as a theme song for the Humsafar drama series. He also wrote lyrics for the theme song Dil Ka Jo Mol Chukatay Honge of Mol and Zindagi Gulzar Hai drama series. He has also written the lyrics of Dil Aitebaar for Khwab Saraye and for Yaqeen Ka Safar OST.

    The ghazal is top-notch, Abida Parveen has also sung it. But for the newer generation, the Quratulain Baloch version of the song for Pakistani drama Hamsafar on modern instruments and rhythm is more engaging.

  • Shocking facts about Iqra Aziz that you didn’t know

    Shocking facts about Iqra Aziz that you didn’t know

    Our very own Chanda from Suno Chanda, Iqra Aziz is one of the most versatile actresses among the new generation. She has worked on numerous drama projects until now and almost all of them have been super hits. She knows how to own the character and play it the way it should be.

    She has been nominated for several awards and has already won seven. She is currently nominated in the Best Actress category at the Lux Style Awards 2020 for Ranjha Ranjha Kardi.

    If you are a die-hard Iqra fan, or just like her for who she is, here are some less known facts about her that make her all the more appealing.

    Iqra’s Debut Performance

    Iqra started her career with modeling and commercials. She still does commercials but her priority is dramas.

    Iqra made her debut in 2014 in a drama serial Kissay Apna Kahein in a supporting role alongside Arij Fatyma and Danish Taimoor. The surprising thing is that Iqra was only 17 years old when she played this role.

    She was later cast in a leading role in drama serial Muqaddas opposite Noor Hassan. It was written by Adeel Razzak, directed by Ali Masud Saeed and produced by MD Productions. The drama aired on Hum Tv. It proved to be her “breakthrough” drama and she received Hum Award for Best Television Sensation Female.

    Iqra’s mother was Karachi’s first female Careem driver

    Iqra was born on November 24, 1997 and belongs to a Sindhi family. Her family includes her mother and sister Sidra Aziz, and herself. Her mother raised the two girls as a single parent. Iqra’s mother is one of the best examples of women empowerment in Pakistan as she struggled hard for her children and was the first female Careem driver in Karachi.

    Iqra and her mother

    Iqra once revealed in an interview that they went through a financial crisis but her mother made it through by struggling for her family with dignity and pride. She also shared in another interview that her mother wanted a son and was disappointed at her birth.

    Iqra didn’t meet her father until she was three

    Iqra didn’t have a clue who her father was until she was three. Her father worked in Saudi Arabia and came back home when she was three years old. Unfortunately, he died of a heart attack when Iqra was only twelve. She frequently talks about the time spent with her dad and misses the nine years they spent together.

    She couldn’t complete her studies

    Iqra couldn’t complete her graduation and holds an unfinished Bachelors of Commerce Degree from the University of Karachi. She is, however, looking to complete her education as soon as possible, when she gets a break from acting and modeling.

    Her Engagement with Yasir Hussain

    For those who don’t know, Iqra and Yasir had a very public engagement at the 18th Lux Style Awards. Hussain went down on one knee at the event and proposed to her. Some say that the proposal was planned and Iqra knew that he was going to propose. The couple formally tied the knot on December 28, 2019.

    Iqra has a YouTube Channel

    Iqra has a YouTube Channel. Her initial two videos introducing the channel — titled ‘I AM NOT BORING!!‘, comprised of a montage of photographs with a cutie named Mogambo, and “You Me and Youtube”.

  • ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’ is very close to our hearts, says Humayun Saeed

    ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’ is very close to our hearts, says Humayun Saeed

    2020’s super hit drama serial Meray Paas Tum Ho, which broke viewership records in the country, has been nominated in five categories in the 19th edition of the Lux Style Awards (LSAs).

    Thanking Lux for the nominations, Humayun, who has also been nominated in the Best Actor category, said that the project was a very special one.

    “This project is very close to all our hearts not only because it broke all viewership records in the history of Pakistani television but because it was able to truly entertain audiences across the world,” said Humayun in the caption.

    He also gave a big shout-out to all those who were part of the project including his production house Six Sigma Plus, ARY Digital as well as the entire cast and crew of the drama.

    “It always feels great to be recognised so the biggest thank you to all of you, the viewers, for all your love and continuous support,” concluded the actor.

    Starring Humayun Saeed, Ayeza Khan, Adnan Siddiqui and Hira Mani in the lead Meray Paas Tum Ho went onto becoming television’s highest-rated dramas of all time. The final episode of the drama was also aired in cinemas where it broke box-office records. At the same time, the drama also drew the irk of some viewers who criticised it for promoting misogyny and sexism.

  • Ameer Gilani releases his first song ‘Sabaat’

    Ameer Gilani releases his first song ‘Sabaat’

    Budding actor Ameer Gilani, who won applause for his role in the recently concluded Sabaat as Hassan Fareed, has launched his own YouTube channel where he released his first song titled Sabaat.

    Gilani has also penned the lyrics for the soulful melody as well as done its original composition. Meanwhile, the music video has been directed by Usman Mukhtar.

    Later, in an Instagram post, Ameer said that the song was in response to the love he has received from his fans.

    “Mere pyaaray doston,” said the actor. “Mein bata nahi sakta ke aap ka pyaar kitna special hai. Mein ne koshish ki hai ke likh ke bayaan karoon. I’m sure this represents the feeling of the entire team.”

    He also said that the song was a small gift from the team of Sabaat to their audiences.

    “Ek chhota sa gift humari taraf se. Ek aakhri baar Sabaat ke liye. Aap ka Aur humara saath ho Sabaat.”

    Sharing the song on his social media, Mukhtar said: “Guys check out this really cool music video I directed for Ameer.”

  • Three recent female performances in Pakistani dramas that left us shocked

    Three recent female performances in Pakistani dramas that left us shocked

    Pakistani dramas and their storylines are controversial and at times, phenomenal. Many recent dramas and characters have become so popular that they are the talk of every living room, Facebook and WhatsApp groups, with some viewers saying hai and some saying sahi kia!

    Through the years we’ve seen many female villains such as Naveen Waqar’s character in Humsafar as Sara, Ushna Shah as Nigaar in Balaa, Iqra Aziz as Nirma in Jhooti as Nirma and recently Sabeena Farooq as Zoya in Kashf. These characters have made their mark, but today we will be discussing three vamps who have left people speechless and fuming with anger.

    1. Faiza Hassan – Gohar (Nand)

    ARY’s Nand is all about the one, and the only sister-in-law Gohar, played by Faiza Hassan. Faiza has made a comeback after a long time and to see her play a negative character with such finesse is nothing short of a treat. She is not only convincing as Gohar but has actually made the viewer’s resent her character, which is a win as an actor.

    Gohar is a nightmare for anyone and everyone around her. First, she makes her brother Saqib (Shahroz Sabzwari) divorce his wife Rabi (Minal Khan) and later starts creating misunderstandings between her younger brother Hassan (Ayaz Samoo) and his wife Farwa (Maha Hasan). She also leaves her husband Jahangir (Aijaz Aslam) because of his financial status. Ultimately she goes back to him when he becomes rich and starts creating problems for Rabi who is now her husband’s second wife (OUCH)!

    It is only because of Faiza’s grip on the character that she has succeeded in showing the ugly side of a narcissistic woman who doesn’t mind ruining people’s lives because of her sadistic persona. She is envious and is probably a victim of her own weaknesses because she fails to see the good in people around her. She is so cruel and heartless to the extent that she manipulates her own son to use him against her husband.

    Read more – ‘Nand’: No shades of grey

    2. Sarah Khan – Miraal (Sabaat)

    Miraal, played by Sarah Khan, is a young arrogant woman belonging to a controlling and egotistical elite family. Her father Seth Fareed (Moazzam Ali Khan) is a wealthy businessman who supports her despite her selfish actions. Miraal’s mother (Laila Zuberi) and grandmother try to make her understand that she is on the wrong track but their advice falls on deaf ears. Miraal dotes on her younger brother Hassan Fareed (Ameer Gillani), who is somehow influenced by her. One fine day, he falls for and marries Anaya Aziz (Mawra Hocane), an ambitious, strong-headed, women’s rights activist studying at the same university as him – but doesn’t have the same financial background.

    When Miraal and Hassan’s grandmother dies, Miraal begins to feel disturbed and consults a psychiatrist Dr Haris (Usman Mukhtar). Her fiancé Ali runs away on their wedding day and dumps her leaving her shocked. On the other hand, her brother Hassan and Anaya get married against the wishes of his father and Miraal – Anaya was too poor to be part of the family.

    Meanwhile, Seth Fareed makes every effort to make Miraal feel comfortable and happy. Miraal hates Anaya, humiliates her several times and does whatever she could to kick her out of Hassan’s life. She also leaves her husband Dr Haris, who tried to help her before and after marriage. Destroying the lives of all four of them, she is blind to the fact that she is wreaking havoc on her own self as well.

    SPOILER ALERT: In the last episode she has an accident and her spinal cord is affected due to which she couldn’t walk. She then seeks forgiveness from those who she hurt and tries to redeem herself.

    Sarah has outdone herself with this character and did complete justice to a challenging role, villainous role, and with such class and elegance that she left all the other actors far behind. She turned out to be everyone’s favourite villian (and actor) in the drama.

    Read more – ‘Sabaat’ manages to tie up loose ends in a rushed finale

    3. Minal Khan – Nisha (Jalan)

    Nisha (Minal Khan) and Misha (Areeba Habib) are two sisters who belong to an upper-middle-class household. Nisha is a selfish girl who habitually wants everything that Misha has and Misha, who dotes on her sister, does anything that will make Nisha happy. Nisha gets engaged to her cousin Ahmer (Fahad Sheikh) who loves her intensely but after her engagement, Misha gets married to the super rich and handsome Asfandyar (Emmad Irfani).

    Nisha, seeing her sister’s expensive gifts and big house breaks her own engagement with Ahmer, accusing him of physically abusing her and plays the victim in front of Asfandyar to gain his sympathy.

    Meanwhile, Misha finds out she is pregnant but totally oblivious to her sister’s evil plans, invites her into her home to stay for a while. Nisha continues to estrange her sister from Asfand, luring him into liking her and finally succeeding. Asfandyar divorces Misha, who goes into premature labour and delivers a baby boy. Nisha, on the other hand, runs away from home and pushes Asfi to marry her asap. When Misha finds out that her sister is marrying her ex-husband, she lights herself on fire and dies. Nisha does not regret any of her actions and tries to secure her husband’s wealth.

    There is no way that you don’t hate Nisha but a part of you will admire her as well – the girl definitely gets what she wants and she doesn’t let anything stand in her way – not her fiancé, parents, or sister. She is so insensitive and heartless but utterly determined. Minal has done complete justice to the role, with every dialogue and expression. Can’t wait to see how this one ends.

  • Pakistani dramas are depressing, says First Lady Samina Alvi

    President Arif Alvi’s wife Samina Arif Alvi has said that Pakistani dramas depress her.

    In a recent interview with Independent Urdu, the First Lady said: “I don’t watch [Pakistani] dramas. I don’t know why but they make me feel depressed.”

    Mrs Alvi further said that she discussed this with a few people, including some female anchors and asked them why everything in Pakistani dramas revolve around affairs and weddings, upon which she was told that such subjects garner ratings.

    Disagreeing with this, the First Lady remarked: “Why don’t they make anything decent? People appreciate good and decent content.”

    Read more – Naumaan Ijaz slams Pakistani dramas for spreading negativity

    Mrs Alvi further said that whatever content will be shown on TV, people especially children will learn from it whether it’s good or bad.

    “Aap jis cheez per daalein gay, bachay ussi taraf jayen gay,” said the First Lady. “Dekhain aap jo bachon ki dikhain gay, woh wohi karein gay.”

    Mrs Alvi and her husband President Alvi have often praised Turkish drama Diriliş Ertuğrul in the past. When asked if she has seen the entire series, the First Lady said that she watched a few episodes during the COVID-19 lockdown.

    Concluding her remarks, the First Lady said that it is high time the content of Pakistani Dramas is changed, adding that she liked Diriliş Ertuğrul because it did not have any vulgarity.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CGfTgHgJO-f/

  • Senator Faisal Javed Khan is writing a drama and it isn’t a saas-bahu saga

    Senior PTI leader Senator Faisal Javed Khan has revealed that he is writing a drama on the “basic problems of our society”.

    In an exclusive interview with The Current, when asked to share details of his upcoming drama, Senator Faisal said: “There is no substance in our dramas. That is why I want to write one.”

    Elaborating further, the lawmaker said: “I have started writing the story. [It is based] on the basic problems of our society, such as sifarish (nepotism). It has become very common for people to say ‘My son is very smart’, ‘I knew someone, they got it done’. It has become a fashion statement when it is the wrong thing to do.”

    “We don’t think twice before lying or backbiting. Stealing has become normal. Bribing has also become very common. [People say] ‘My son was not getting his passport, we paid Rs500 and got it done’. It’s bribery! Bribery is wrong.”

    “These are the five topics around which my story revolves,” shared Senator Faisal further. “And it is the story of a teacher.”

    Concluding his answer, he said: “It will be really good. Insha’Allah when you will watch it, you’ll enjoy it.”

    Read more – Govt pledges to promote the film industry

    When asked which recent Pakistani dramas he watched and enjoyed, Senator Faisal revealed that he enjoyed Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat’s Dil Lagi and “loved” Meri Zaat Zara-e-Benishaan. Humayun and Mehwish are also Senator Faisal’s favourite Pakistani actors.

    “To be very honest, I haven’t as such watched the very recent ones,” he added. “But my top favourites are Nijaat and Chaand Grehan. I have DVDs of old dramas at home.”

    When asked about why Bollywood movies continue to trend on Netflix Pakistan despite being banned in the country, Senator Faisal said: “People used to watch them a lot before the ban too. But that’s not the problem, the problem is that it should be bilateral.

    “If we’re showing their content, they should show ours too,” he continued. “And we shouldn’t if they aren’t. They ban our [content] on their TV, cinemas, radio but here we were continuing to show theirs.”

    “It should be bilateral”, he concluded.

    Watch the complete interview here:

  • PEMRA bans ‘Jalan’ over ‘immoral’ content

    PEMRA bans ‘Jalan’ over ‘immoral’ content

    The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has ordered an immediate ban on ARY Digital’s ongoing drama Jalan, saying that the content of the drama goes against the “social and moral ethics of Pakistani society”.

    In a notification, PEMRA said that the content of Jalan goes against the values of the Pakistani society and that viewers and audiences have been strongly criticising the drama and its storyline. It further said that the channel and the drama’s makers had been repeatedly told to modify the script and content of the drama and bring it in line with Pakistani morals and ethics. But because they did not comply with PEMRA’s order and ignored its warnings, the regulatory body had no choice but to ban the drama under Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance.

    Jalan is about two sisters Nisha (Minal Khan) and Misha (Areeba Habib). While Misha is the sweet and obedient sister, Nisha is a spoiled brat and wants to be better than her sister, so she sets her sights on her brother-in-law Asfandyar (Emmad Irfani) because he’s rich and good-looking. Ignoring the fact that her sister is married to Asfandyar, Nisha openly flirts with him and urges him to divorce his pregnant wife. Despite, its convoluted and twisted storyline, the drama trends on TV and social media every week.

    Earlier, in a notice issued on September 4, PEMRA had directed ARY Digital and the makers of Jalan to review its content and script and modify it in accordance with Pakistani values.

    In the press release, the media regulatory body said that it has been getting multiple complaints regarding the drama, its content and script through the Pakistan Citizens Portal, PEMRA social media accounts, and PEMRA call centres. It added that the content of the drama, especially the main storyline, is being strongly criticised by audiences on social media.

    “Audiences have strongly criticised the drama saying that it has made a mockery of sacred relationships,” the notification had read.

    PEMRA had also requested all stakeholders, including TV channels and production houses, to immediately review the content of their future dramas.

    “Regardless of the cost and time invested in the drama, if the content of a play is against national values and expectations of the audience, the play will be banned without any warning,” stated the press release.

    While the lead cast and makers of the drama have yet to respond to the ban, Fahad Sheikh who plays Ahmer in the drama, expressed his disappointment over the decision.

  • PEMRA directs ARY to review ‘Jalan’s’ content after multiple complaints

    PEMRA directs ARY to review ‘Jalan’s’ content after multiple complaints

    The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed ARY Digital and the makers of Jalan to review its content and script and modify it in accordance with Pakistani values.

    In a press release, the media regulatory body said that it has been getting multiple complaints regarding the drama, its content and script through the Pakistan Citizens Portal, PEMRA social media accounts, and PEMRA call centres. It added that the content of the drama, especially the main storyline, is being strongly criticised by audiences on social media.

    “Audiences have strongly criticised the drama saying that it has made a mockery of sacred relationships,” said the press release.

    Jalan is about two sisters Nisha (Minal Khan) and Misha (Areeba Habib). While Misha is the sweet and obedient sister, Nisha is a spoiled brat and wants to be better than her sister, so she sets her sights on her brother-in-law Asfandyar (Emmad Irfani) because he’s rich and good-looking. Ignoring the fact that her sister is married to Asfandyar, Nisha openly flirts with him and urges him to divorce his pregnant wife. Despite, it’s convoluted and twisted storyline, the drama trends on TV and social media every week.

    Similarly, PEMRA also banned the repeat telecast of Ishqiya and Hum TV’s Pyar Ke Sadqay saying that the content of the dramas is against the “morals” of society. Though both dramas have completed their prime time run, they are being re-aired at different times. The notification added that the dramas cannot have a repeat telecast on the ARY Zindagi or HUM Sitaray sub-channels either.

    Read more – ‘Pyar Ke Sadkay’: All’s well that ends well

    Furthermore, the regulatory body warned drama makers that if they do not oblige with their recommendations, PEMRA will take strict action under Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance and stop the drama from being aired without any prior notice.

    Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance prohibits the broadcasting or re-broadcasting or distributing of any programme that PEMRA deems is against society values. The section states: “The Authority shall by order in writing, giving reasons, therefore, prohibit any broadcast media or distribution service operator from broadcasting or re-broadcasting or distributing any programme or advertisement if it is of the opinion that such particular programme or advertisement is against the ideology of Pakistan or is likely to create hatred among the people or is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order or is likely to disturb public peace and tranquility or endangers national security or is pornographic, obscene or vulgar or is offensive to the commonly accepted standards of decency.”

    PEMRA said that the channels have been repeatedly informed about viewers’ concerns regarding the content and have been directed to produce content according to Pakistan’s social, religious, social and moral values. It is pertinent to mention here that in June Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a video meeting with renowned writers across the country, urged them to promote family values and national identity through their writings and dramas.

    “As there was no improvement in the script of the dramas by the channels, a final instruction was given to the channels on August 18 to produce the content of the dramas in accordance with the values ​​of Pakistan,” read the press release.

    Read more – ‘Ishqiya’ ends on a bittersweet note

    PEMRA has also requested all stakeholders, including TV channels and production houses, to immediately review the content of their future dramas.

    “Regardless of the cost and time invested in the drama, if the content of a play is against national values and expectations of the audience, the play will be banned without any warning,” stated the press release.

    Watch The Current’s review on Jalan here: