Author: Hafiz Usman Aftab

  • Eid releases: A starry affair

    Eid releases: A starry affair

    Three major releases, namely Parey Hut Love, Heer Maan Ja and Superstar, are hitting the screens this Eid ul Azha and the excitement and promotions for the films are in full swing. Moreso, all three films have A-listers in their cast. From Mahira Khan to Hareem Farooq, from Sheheryar Munawar to Ali Rehman Khan, the casts of all the films are lit which make them all the more appealing.

    But what’s interesting is that it appears that every member of the Pakistani film industry is part of at least one of three films which makes the films even more starry than before. While Meera Jee and Fawad Khan have cameos in Parey Hut Love, Hania Aamir and Syra Shehroz make an appearance in Superstar. Mikaal Zulfiqar and Ahmed Ali Akbar have guest appearances in Heer Maan Jaa. The names above are just a few and the makers of the film have promised us even more stars.

    Essentially cameos, especially starry cameos, are added to draw more attention towards the films and increase their star value and every film’s director and producer has applied that formula in their films. Basically, this means that even if the films have no storyline, no plot, we’ll still be excited to watch them because you don’t know who’ll pop up onscreen next.

    Nonetheless, The Current asked the makers behind the films to decode this concept for us and this is what they had to say.

    Speaking exclusively to The Current, Asim remarked, “Feature films are made to entertain people and you have to keep looking for any and every possibility on how you can entertain them. Mixing things such as cameos or guest appearances by known faces with characters brings vibrance and excitement that is needed for any film.”

    “This is not the first time that I have done this,” he continued. “In my first feature film, three years ago, Ho Mann Jahaan, I introduced this concept. Why others are doing it, I don’t know, but I’m doing it because I believe in it. It’s a way of adding more entertainment for my viewers.”

    Asim concluded his remarks saying that his films are for the masses and he would do anything that is decently possible to keep them entertained and engaged.

    We also caught the producer of Heer Maan Ja, Hareem Farooq as she was promoting the film and asked her the same. Hareem started off by laughing that this was done to add more star power to the film and make it more attractive for the audiences. She then commented that guest appearances were the need of the film as the script demanded it.

    When asked how the filmmakers decided who to cast, Hareem replied, “Some actors were decided when we were writing the script. So some of the guest roles were written keeping in mind the actor. Others were cast once the script was finalised and we felt that they would be best suited for the role.”

    Looks like this Eid is all about the more the merrier. But hey, we’re not complaining.

    Which film are you most excited for?

  • Prime Minister Imran Khan: the leader we deserve

    Prime Minister Imran Khan: the leader we deserve

    PM Imran’s efforts are opening doors to the world – be it in terms of image-building or investment; with his farsightedness and consistent efforts, Khan is marking a time in history.

    From the chants of Capital One Arena to the high-end meetings with the United States (US) president, members of the US congress, business tycoons and investors, it goes without saying that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s US visit was a resounding success.

    His achievements resonated across the globe with worldwide Twitter trends, which astounded the international audience for a good three days. On the one hand, the Pakistani nation lauded his assertive meeting with President Trump, highlighting sensitive issues like Kashmir and the Afghan war.

    He was also admired for his honest and charismatic personality, which conveniently attracted overseas Pakistanis as well as the US business community.

    For decades, investors avoided Pakistan due to lack of trust in its leadership. However, Khan’s one visit has altered that perception.

    One can see that in the confidence reflected by US Senator Lindsay Graham’s tweet, which said: “Khan and his government represents the best opportunity in decades to have a beneficial strategic relationship with US.”

    In his next tweet, he said: “Tremendous business opportunities exist between Pakistan and the US through a free trade agreement tied to our mutual security interests.”

    In addition to government level summits, meeting with senior American business executives from Bower Group and US-Pakistan Business Council also took place. Discussions on business plans and investment opportunities in Pakistan were carried out, which further assured investor’s faith in Khan’s leadership.

    Businessmen, who previously never considered investing in Pakistan, expressed their inclination towards the very same country. For example, business tycoon Shahid Khan, who is the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL), Fulham F.C. of the English Football League Championship, and runs Flex-N-Gate (an automobile parts manufacturer company), had a meeting with the premier.

    Bearing in mind that Shahid Khan had been frequently approached by Pakistan’s former leadership, both Nawaz and Zardari, for talks but were denied attention, this very well-known and well-respected businessman not only exchanged his suggestions with PM Imran, but on his way out, shared his pleasure and belief in Khan’s honest efforts for the country in the following words:

    “I have hope, I think the future of Pakistan is going to be fabulous with Imran Khan. It is proud to be Pakistani again. Imran Khan is greater than life and the best thing that happened to Pakistan, at least in my lifetime.”

    PM Imran’s efforts are opening doors to the world – be it in terms of image-building or investment; with his farsightedness and consistent efforts, Khan is marking a time in history.

    Uniting the Muslim nations, showing solidarity with Kashmiris, instigating social justice and ensuring people’s prosperity, these are only a few accomplishments that are painting an image of Pakistan which will benefit generations to come.

    Any author’s views do not reflect that of The Current

  • Busting 5 popular health myths

    Busting 5 popular health myths

    Health myths. We hear them all day every day – from your colleague to your driver, everyone has a totka to give. But just because all these myths are popular doesn’t mean that they work as well. Here are 5 popular health myths busted.

    1. Fat is not good for you

    Fat is necessary for a healthy, balanced diet. The macronutrient is as important as carbohydrates and proteins. Doctors recommend adding ‘good fats’ such as Omega 3 and 6 found in foods like avocado, salmon, eggs, olive oil, flax seeds, walnuts, etc to your diet.

    2. Drink milk for stronger bones

    Milk is recommended for strong bones as dairy is the easiest available source of calcium that is required for bone health.  But if a person does not like milk he still can have healthy and strong bones by getting the required amount of calcium from nuts, sesame seeds, oily fish and dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, green collard, broccoli, etc. Physical fitness experts say other ways to increase bone density is to exercise regularly.

     3. Fruit juices are healthy

    Most fruit juices are as high in calories as a sugary soft drink. A glass of orange juice, for example, contains the extract of six oranges. When you have fruit you usually eat one or two and have it with all the fiber, vitamins and minerals. Juicing destroys the minerals and nutrients and takes out the fibre leaving you with just a sugar overdose.

    4. Gluten is bad for you

    Gluten is a group of proteins found in whole grains such as wheat, rye, and barley, etc. Like other proteins, it has an important source of macro-nutrition. It is bad for those who have the problem of indigestion, gas and poor bowel movement.

    5. Brushing teeth after every meal is best for oral hygiene

     Dentists recommend brushing teeth only twice a day – once when you wake and once before going to sleep. Over-brushing teeth wears down the enamel, making your teeth weak. Moreso, toothpaste usually contain sugar and fluorides which means that consumption of toothpaste four to five times a day will do more harm than good. It is better to rinse and floss after a meal to clean your teeth instead of brushing them.

  • Pakistani man lands himself in jail after posting a Tik Tok video

    Pakistani man lands himself in jail after posting a Tik Tok video

    TikTok, the famous app for lip-syncing and comedy videos is very popular in Pakistan among youngsters. Tik Tok provides good fun content for time pass. A young man from Jhelum got himself into trouble by making a TikTok video with a gun.

    According to the reports, Sajid Khan posted a short video with a pistol and some desi music on TikTok. He was holding an illegal pistol in that video.

    The Police, on the instructions of  DPO Jhelum, have prisoned him for illegal possession of a 30-bore pistol after a private news channel pointed out the violation of the law.

  • If ‘The Lion King’ was made in Pakistan

    If ‘The Lion King’ was made in Pakistan

    The live-action remake of The Lion King has finally hit the cinema after a long, long wait. Two versions of the film were released here in Pakistan – English and Hindi. Some fans took to social media to suggest that an Urdu version of the film should also be released. If that was the case, here’s who we think would be best fit for the characters.

    Simba and Mufasa – Shaan Shahid

    Considering how dear to Shaan this film is, we decided to give both Simba and Mufasa to him.

    Scar – Ali Zafar

    It’s the hair.

    Nala – Mehwish Hayat

    Who better than Mehwish to play the fierce Nala?

    Timon – Mani

    The resemblance is uncanny.

    Pumba – Ahmed Ali Butt

    When you think witty, the only person from Pakistan’s film industry who comes to mind is without a doubt Ahmed Ali Butt.

    Rafiqi – Nadeem Baig

    Nadeem Baig is the perfect grandfatherly figure.

  • Mad King

    Mad King

    From intimidating accountability watchdogs, telling the judiciary how to do its job, to placing increasingly fascist restrictions on press, Imran Khan has reached levels of desperation that seem unprecedented

    We have been here before. A government, drunk on its newfound power, now finds itself in unfamiliar territory where it has to lead a nation and not just tear down all that holds that country upright.

    An opposition, being oppressed, harassed and victimised for speaking to the aspirations of the people, at whose will, it serves. It’s not new. It’s a vicious cycle that has revisited this country one too many times now.

    The 2018 general election was among the most tainted in this country’s history, the impact of which the nation now suffers. The country is in the grip of an economic crisis that can only be described as a financial Armageddon, corruption is ironically at its peak, a glimpse of which has been seen in the recent report put forth by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the Peshawar BRT project.

    In the Prime Minister’s (PM) House, our own version of the Mad King has begun to unravel. In an attempt to distract everyone from how the country’s economy has continued to unravel under his watch, he has decided to demolish every institution we hold dear in the country.

    From threatening and intimidating the country’s accountability watchdogs, telling the judiciary how to do its job, to placing increasingly fascist restrictions on the press in Pakistan, Imran Khan has reached levels of desperation that seem unprecedented.

    Why though? Why this sudden surge in desperation on the part of the PM?

    Nawaz Sharif has been unfairly put behind bars. The top tier leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is being threatened day in day out with mala fide cases in an attempt to shut them up.

    Why is the government so spooked that it continues to up the ante and show its ill intent when despite its reservations and grievances over the election process, the opposition has on various occasions declared its intentions to let the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) remain in power and complete its term?

    What perturbs the government is that it can see the writing on the wall. Going forward, electoral politics will revolve around the next generation of voters — the youth — and at present, no one has shown to connect with the youth of this country quite like Maryam Nawaz.

    People know her as the current force that has kept the party going in her father’s absence, but what people do not realise is that she has been there for quite some time now.

    When Nawaz was in exile during Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf-led military rule, it was Maryam who pushed and encouraged her father to return to the country because she believed the people needed her father’s leadership. Now she is burdened with the responsibility to fight for her family and her party.

    She has been burdened with the responsibility to fight for all of us… for the very democratic soul of the country.

    The Mad King fears his government will fall apart once and for all as his false claim of representing the youth nears collapse. It is for this very reason that his government is going to ridiculous lengths to try and harass the opposition.

    What he needs to remember is that we have been here before. And inevitable is that authoritarians have time and time again fallen from their positions of power and been forced to feel the unforgiving wrath of the will of the people.

    That wave, let’s call it a tsunami, is building up, making its way to sweeping away the PTI government and its politics.

    Any author’s views do not reflect that of The Current

  • Review: Is ‘Cheekh’ losing the plot?

    Review: Is ‘Cheekh’ losing the plot?

    ARY’s Cheekh began as an ambitious project. The drama centered around the theme of sexual harassment and abuse and the importance of raising your voice even if you have to go against your own family members. The first few episodes were gripping and had you on the edge but as the drama progressed, it became mundane the point that it almost became a chore to watch the drama.

    Though the characters were wonderfully written, especially Shayan, who we all agree was like a breath of fresh air in the Pakistani drama scene, the overall script of the drama weakened as the drama progressed. The storyline was also becoming depressing as Mannat continued to fight against her brother-in-law, Wajih and lost every time. However, as the drama heads towards its end, viewers got an unexpected twist and the drama caught our attention once again.

    SPOILER ALERT

    The last episode saw Shayan killed by his brother, Wajih after they get into a heated debate with each other. As soon as the accident happens, Wajih bolts from the crime scene while Mannat rushes him to the hospital. In her quest for justice for her friend, Mannat experiences her third loss. She first lost her child in a miscarriage caused by Wajih. Then she lost her mother and now her husband. In between all that Mannat was also admitted to a mental hospital after she lost her case to Wajih. While we agree and accept that the drama’s makers tried to be as realistic as possible, the question is did they become a little too realistic?

    Though I myself am of the opinion that the drama rightfully portrayed the situation of such cases in our society, my colleague appeared to have a dissenting view and argued that what was even the whole point of fighting the case, that too against her brother-in-law when in the end you’re left with nothing. He argued that the drama went overboard and situations like these don’t happen in real life. Whatever your opinion may be, the fact remains that women who dare to raise their voice are subjected to vilification by men who are more powerful than them. For example the case of Khadija Siddiqui.

    On the whole, Cheekh had its shares of highs and lows. The acting by the lead cast was brilliant. Saba Qamar, Bilal Abbas Khan, Emmad Irfani, Aijaz Aslam and Azekah Daniel all gave brilliant performances. The scenes which featured both Saba and Bilal were powerful, to say the least. Both the actors were phenomenal in their roles and deserve standing ovation.

    Though the drama became a drag in the middle with a lot of pointless scenes, the plot was intriguing and made you think about how unfair society is towards victims, especially those of sexual violence. The way the rich and influential are able to maneuver the law as per their liking and get away unaffected is food for thought and the drama portrayed that brilliantly. It also highlights how the law is not equal for everyone and anyone with an iota of influence can get away from being punished.

    With the latest development, it looks like viewers will be tuning into the series once again to see if Mannat will get finally get justice.

  • Plan your weekend retreat in the Galiyats

    Plan your weekend retreat in the Galiyats

    Is the summer heat getting to you or your work stressing you out? If the answer is yes, then it might be time for a short vacay. And where better to go than Pakistan’s infamous galiyat. After all, it also Prime Minister Imran Khan’s favourite mini vacation spot. According to recent reports, the PM had gone for a short trip just last weekend.

    Here are a list of hotels and guest houses where you can stay if you’re planning to head North this weekend.

    Note: All the prices are for one room that can be availed by two adults and for one night stay.

    Nathia Hills Hotel

    Price: 9000/night

    Location: Nathia Gali

    Rooms left: 2

    Rating: N/A

    PC Bhurban

    Price: 18,000/night (Breakfast included)

    Location: 2 miles away from Nathia Gali

    Rooms left: 1

    Rating/Review: 4.0 – Very good

    PC Bhurban

    The Grand@ Gharial   

    Price: Rs 6000/night

    Rooms left: 2

    Location: 4 miles away from Nathia Gali

    Ratings/Reviews: N/A

    Hotel One

    Price: Rs 10,000 (Breakfast included)

    Rooms left: 7

    Location: 7 miles from Nathia Gali

    Rating/Review: 4.0 – Very good

    Shangrila Hotel and Resort:

    Price: Rs 1,350 (Breakfast included)

    Rooms left: 5

    Location: 8 miles away from Nathia Gali

    Ratings/Reviews: 3.5 – Good

  • Here’s who didn’t show up at the Lux Style Awards

    Here’s who didn’t show up at the Lux Style Awards

    The 18th Lux Style Awards took place last night in Karachi and though it was a star-studded affair, with the industry’s leading ladies (Meera, Mehwish Hayat, Maya Ali, Saba Qamar) leading the show, we do feel that the star power was less than the previous years.

    Here are all the faces missing from the red carpet and award ceremony.

    Humayun Saeed

    The evergreen hero of the Pakistan entertainment industry was missing from this year’s awards function. Could it be because he wasn’t nominated for Best Actor this year?

    At LSA 2018

    Hamza Ali Abbasi

    To be fair, Hamza Ali Abbasi has lately been missing from the entertainment scene. Both his upcoming projects The Legend of Maula Jatt and Alif are in their post-production stage with no release dates announced.

    Hamza was also not nominated for his last film Parwaaz Hai Junoon even though it did well at the box-office. So maybe that’s why he was no-show despite being in the city? Did he feel snubbed? His fans certainly did.

    Fawad Khan

    To be honest, we’ve gotten used to not having Fawad around anymore. We rarely see him. Does he even exist or was he a figment of our imaginations?

    Fawad Khan & Sadaf Fawad at LSA 2016

    Osman Khalid Butt

    We were expecting to see OB at the red carpet considering his latest film Baaji just released, but he was missing from the LSA scene. Time to unwind?

    Osman Khalid Butt at LSA 2018

    Ali Zafar

    Despite being nominated, Ali Z did not make it to the event. But keeping the mind the controversy surrounding him, he probably thought it would be better to sit this one out than invite more trouble. Our investigation (read stalking) has revealed that Ali is currently in the US doing concerts and shows. Smart move Ali.

    Ayesha Omar

    Ayesha is a constant at all Lux Style Awards and is seen flaunting her inner fashionista on the red carpet. Wonder why she didn’t make an appearance this year.

    Nauman Ejaz

    Nauman Ijaz was part of the drama that ensued last year after the awards, in which people called out the award organisers for being biased. Looks like Naumaan is silently boycotting this year’s show.

    Looking at this picture, we have to say we missed Vasay’s comedy as well.

    Here’s what Nauman had said about last year’s awards:

    Hania Aamir & Asim Azhar

    Putting them together because, well they’re always together. Hania and Asim also skipped the LSAs even though their good friends Asad Siddiqui and Zara Noor Abbas were in attendance. The two were last spotted chilling in Dubai, so we guess they didn’t want to interrupt their vacay.

    Javed Sheikh

    Javed Sheikh is usually everywhere, but this time he was nowhere to be seen. And we have to admit, his presence was missed. After last year’s award ceremony where he was pulled into an unnecessary controversy, involving Mahira Khan, maybe Sheikh Sahab decided to sit this one out so he doesn’t get pulled into another one again.

    Ahad Raza Mir & Sajal Aly

    The newly engaged couple also did not make an appearance. Looks like they’re trying to stay low-key to avoid unnecessary media intrusion.

    Sajal & Ahad at LSA 2018

    Other notable names who were not in attendance include Urwa Hocane, Farhan Saeed, Hareem Farooq, Sanam Saeed, Muneeb Butt, Aiman Khan and Ahsan Khan.