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  • Best of Lollywood: A look at Pakistan’s Oscar submission

    Best of Lollywood: A look at Pakistan’s Oscar submission

    Pakistani filmmakers have presented unique and powerful stories that have caught the world’s attention over the past several decades.


    Though not all have earned Oscar nominations, these films have showcased the country’s talent on the global stage.


    Here’s a look at some of the most notable Oscar submissions from Pakistan.


    Jago Hua Savera (1963)


    Jago Hua Savera marked Pakistan’s first-ever submission to the Oscars. Directed by A.K. Brohi, the film tells the story of fishermen struggling with their harsh lives. Although it did not receive a nomination, it paved the way for future Oscar entries from Pakistan.


    Ghunghat (1963)


    Ghunghat, meaning veil, was another submission from Pakistan. Directed by Zahir Raihan, this film delves into the complex dynamics of social relationships. While it did not get nominated, it was a significant moment in Pakistan’s cinematic history. After this, nearly 50 years passed before another film from Pakistan was submitted to the Oscars.


    Zinda Bhaag (2013)

    Zinda Bhaag (2013) - IMDb


    In 2013, Zinda Bhaag marked Pakistan’s return to the Oscars. Directed by Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, the film explores the dreams and struggles of young men in Lahore. It reignited Pakistan’s participation in the Academy Awards and brought attention to the country’s evolving film industry. 


    Dukhtar (2014)

    Dukhtar (2014) - IMDb


    Dukhtar, directed by Afia Nathaniel, tells the powerful story of a mother’s determination to protect her daughter from an arranged marriage. The film, selected as Pakistan’s submission in 2014, struck a chord with audiences for its raw portrayal of a woman’s strength and sacrifice.


    Mah-e-Mir (2016) 

    Mah e Mir (2016) - IMDb


    Directed by Anjum Shahzad, Mah-e-Mir offers a poetic tribute to great Urdu poet Mir Taqi Mir. The film intertwines the poet’s work with a modern-day narrative, offering a deep and visually stunning experience for audiences. Though it did not earn a nomination, the film remains an important contribution to Pakistani cinema.


    Cake (2018) 

     


    Asim Abbasi’s Cake explores complex family dynamics, capturing the emotional depth of sibling relationships and unresolved family issues. The film’s raw and realistic portrayal of family resonated with both local and international audiences, making it a memorable submission for the Oscars in 2018.


    Zindagi Tamasha (2020) 

     CINEMA | Zindagi Tamasha: A marvellously crafted critique of life in a theocratic society - Frontline


    Zindagi Tamasha, directed by Sarmad Khoosat, tackled sensitive social issues with bold storytelling. Despite stirring controversies in Pakistan, the film gained international recognition and was selected as the official submission for Oscars in 2020.


    Joyland (2022)

     Joyland (2022) movie posters


    Directed by Saim Sadiq, Joyland made history in 2022 by becoming the first Pakistani film to be shortlisted for the Oscars. The film, which portrays love and identity while breaking societal norms, received international acclaim for its originality.


    The Glassworker (2024)  


    This year, The Glassworker was selected as Pakistan’s Oscar submission. It was directed by Usman Riaz and produced by Mano Animation Studios.


    The film, as Pakistan’s first-ever hand-drawn animation, combines stunning visuals with a compelling narrative. It stands out as a major achievement for Pakistani animation and showcases the country’s growing influence in diverse film genres.

  • Mahira Khan praises Imran Khan at event as crowd bursts into applause

    Mahira Khan praises Imran Khan at event as crowd bursts into applause

    Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has long admired Imran Khan’s leadership. She has been vocal about her support for him.

    During the Aalmi Urdu Conference in Karachi, Mahira praised Imran Khan, calling him “very brave.” Her remarks were met with loud chants and applause from the audience.

    In a fun rapid-fire game hosted by Waseem Badami, Mahira had to respond with one word to various prompts. When Badami said “Karachi,” she responded with “home.” For “Lahore,” she said “Maula Jutt.” When asked about herself, Mahira paused, prompting Badami to call her a “superstar.” Finally, when asked about Imran Khan, she responded with “brave.”

    She has actively participated in events organized by Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, consistently showing her admiration for Imran Khan’s efforts. Mahira paid tribute to designer Khadija Shah by wearing an Elan sari at her wedding function. 

    In an interview with Amna, she talked about Khadija Shah, highlighting her work and influence. Khadija Shah, a staunch PTI supporter, faced jail time for protesting in the violent riots on May 9. Despite these challenges, she remains a leading designer in the Pakistani fashion industry and continues to support PTI.

    Earlier, Mahira Khan has cleared the air regarding claims that she is always spotted talking about Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan.


    Recently, during the Aalami Urdu Conference 2024, she was asked if she ever gets tired of being asked about the ‘King of Bollywood’.


    “Do you ever get annoyed with this topic… that whenever there’s an interview, they always ask how it felt to work with Shah Rukh Khan? Do you think it’s fine? I mean he’s a superstar… so people ask… but do you think it’s too much?” host Waseem Badami asked.


    To which Mahira said she could never have “enough of him”.


    “Well, I will never have enough of him, but I think when someone asks me, I answer. Then people think I’m talking about him, which I never do… what I feel is that they shouldn’t even ask me.”


    Mahira is the only Pakistani actress to work with Shah Rukh. Consequently, The Raees actress is also the only Pakistani star who has repeatedly been asked about her experience of working with him.

  • Non-bailable arrest warrants issued for Rana Sanaullah

    Non-bailable arrest warrants issued for Rana Sanaullah

    Judicial Magistrate Sidra Gul Nawaz has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, in connection with a case registered at the Satellite Town police station in Punjab’s Gujranwala district.

    The 2020 First Information Report (FIR) in the case stated that four Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) members attending a PDM rally in Gujranwala on October 16, and then attempted to ram their vehicle into law enforcement officers.

    Sanaullah was accused of removing a container and ramming a vehicle into police officers. The case was filed by the police themselves during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in 2020.

    The court has ordered his arrest and presentation before the judge on December 12.

    Former minister Khurram Dastgir, city president Salman Khalid, and Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Imran Khalid Butt had already been acquitted in the case.

    The police had submitted a report under Section 173, declaring Rana Sanaullah innocent. However, the court rejected the report and summoned the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political and Public Affairs for proceedings.

  • ‘Govt offered Imran Khan’s release for moving protest to Sangjani’

    ‘Govt offered Imran Khan’s release for moving protest to Sangjani’

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, has claimed that the government offered to release the incarcerated former prime minister (PM) if the party shifted its Islamabad protest from D-Chowk to Sangjani.

    PTI’s “decisive” march on the federal capital had last month ended inconclusively after a massive crackdown by law enforcement at D-Chowk. The grand clearance operation had come as PTI leaders and workers continued with their protests amid deadly clashes with police and Rangers, rejecting the government’s offer to shift the demonstration to Sangjani on the outskirts of the capital city. The abrupt end to the protests had also prompted party supporters to train guns at the leadership for “giving into” pressure and “fleeing” Islamabad.

    “They [the government] panicked after seeing so many protesters in Islamabad and sent [PTI chief] Barrister Gohar and [KP govt adviser] Barrister Saif to meet Khan in jail,” Aleema said while speaking to reporters outside an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore Saturday.

    She added that the government offered to “release Khan in 20 days” if the protest was shifted. However, Aleema clarified, that the offer to release her brother was not part of any “negotiations”.

    Earlier, the former premier’s sister appeared before the court in the case pertaining to attack on Jinnah House on May 9, 2023, securing an extension in bail till January 18.

    During the course of proceedings, Aleema told the court that she, along with other PTI leaders and workers, had been appearing in courts for the past one-and-a-half year in connection with different cases.

    “Earlier, the investigation officers (IOs) did not show up and now judges are being transferred. Due to this, our bails are not confirmed,” she complained.

    Aleema went on to say that she had been nominated even in cases registered on October 4, which was much after her arrest. “Why was I nominated when I was in jail?” she asked.

    “We don’t want bail… we seek a trial on May 9. The prosecution doesn’t have any evidence against us. Even the police don’t know about our role,” she asserted.

    “People are rotting in jails. The truth of the matter is that the prosecutor does not have any evidence of our involvement.”

    Aleema also expressed sorrow over the “destruction of democracy,” emphasising that democracy rested on three pillars, the judiciary, the legislature and media. “All three have been dismantled,” she said.

  • Three Khans, one screen: Aamir Khan reveals exciting film update

    Three Khans, one screen: Aamir Khan reveals exciting film update

    In an exciting update, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has confirmed that he will share the screen with Bollywood legends Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, as all three are “in agreement” to work on a film together.

    Aamir Khan revealed during his recent appearance at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah that both Shah Rukh and Salman agreed with him on a potential film when they last discussed it six months ago. He shared that the superstars are now waiting for the “right script.”

    Recalling their discussion, Aamir said, “About six months back, Shah Rukh, Salman, and I were together, and we spoke about this. I was the person who brought this up. I told Shah Rukh and Salman that it would be sad if the three of us don’t do a film together.”

    “Salman and Shah Rukh were equally in agreement, and they said, ‘We must do a film together, the three of us…’ So hopefully it will happen soon,” Aamir continued.

    “But it will need the right kind of story, so we will have to wait for the right script, but all three of us are looking forward to it,” he added.

    The three Khans of Bollywood surprised their millions of fans in March by coming together in one frame to perform at the pre-wedding bash of Anant Ambani, son of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, with Radhika Merchant in Jamnagar.

    During an Instagram live session later, the ‘3 Idiots’ star talked about the possibility of them starring in a film together.

    “It’s been quite a while now. We should do it. This is the right time,” Aamir Khan said.

  • Talha Anjum calls Atif Aslam his inspiration after big Spotify win

    Talha Anjum calls Atif Aslam his inspiration after big Spotify win

    Talha Anjum calls Atif Aslam his inspiration after big Spotify win 

    This year, rapper, singer and lyricist Talha Anjum has made history by becoming the most streamed local artist in Pakistan for 2024, surpassing mega superstar Atif Aslam, who held the top spot for three consecutive years.

    Despite his big win, Talha honored Atif with heartfelt words, sharing a concert clip on Instagram and writing, “There are charts & then there’s legacy. What Atif bhai is to Pakistani music, to his millions of fans around the world including me is more than any chart or any number.. let’s not get deviated from the real facts here people!! ❤ ”

     

    Atif Aslam held the top spot among Spotify’s most streamed artist in 2021, 2022, and 2023. However Talha Anjum’s rise to the top in 2024 marks a shift in Pakistan’s music scene. 

    This year’s Spotify Wrapped also celebrates rising star Umair in second place, while Atif Asalm secured third. The iconic Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Talhah Yunus completed the list of Pakistan’s top five local artists.

     Other prominent names included Abdul Hannan, AUR Band, Hasan Raheem and Maanu, highlighting the diverse talent in Pakistan’s music scene.

    Talha Anjum has become a leading figure in Pakistan’s hip-hop scene, starting with just a phone and his passion for rap, he quickly rose from the underground to mainstream success. As a part of Young Stunners, he helped shape the desi hip-hop movement, earning a massive following in both Pakistan and India.

    Young Stunners, a duo featuring Talha Anjum and Talha Yonus, made history by becoming the first Pakistani artist to perform at the prestigious Billboard event in Melbourne, Australia. 

    When it comes to the most streamed international artist of 2024 in Pakistan, Indian singer Arijit Singh is still the most streamed international artists, followed by Pritam, Karan Aujla, Shubh, and Sidhu MooseWala. Talha Anjum, Umair, and Atif Aslam also made the list, ranking sixth, ninth, and tenth.

     Spotify named Annural Khalid, the first female artist featured on its RADAR this year, as Pakistan’s top female artist of 2024, marking her as a leader in the music industry.

    Spotify’s Pakka Hit Hai (Top Artist 2024) are given below:

    1.            Kaun Talha by Talha Anjum

    2.            COME THROUGH by Umair, Adullah Maharvi and Talha Anjum

    3.            Dil Diya Gallan

    4.            Mere Rashke Qamar by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

    5.            SHIKWA by Talha Anjum and Jokhay

              

  • Two arrested for student’s murder at Punjab University

    Two arrested for student’s murder at Punjab University

    Police in Lahore have arrested two Punjab University (PU) students for the alleged murder of a fellow student earlier this week.


    It was on Dec 4, reported that Rana Ammar, a Gender Studies student from PU, was shot dead on campus. He was immediately rushed to the Shaikh Zayed Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. 


    The death triggered protests for the safety of students, especially on campuses.


    An investigation by Muslim Town police revealed that Ammar was accidentally shot and injured by fellow students Huzaifa and Dilawar while the three of them were in a car.


    Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran told media that the three students, who were also friends, were sitting in a car outside a cafeteria of the varsity’s New Campus when the gun went off, killing Ammar.


    It was first claimed that one of the two accused fled while the other took Ammar to the hospital, DIG Kamran clarified that both the students had been arrested.


    Earlier, Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT) led protests against the murder amid the varsity administration’s claims of a “mysterious death” with no such incident taking place. 


    However, a case was registered on the plaint of Rana Akhtar, the father of the deceased, who alleged that Huzaifa and Dilawar had developed a grudge against Ammar after an altercation some days ago.


    The complaint stated that Ammar’s friends called him for lunch at the cafeteria, where they opened fire after the meal.


    Meanwhile, PU administration has initiated disciplinary action against student protesters of the IJT for damages to varsity property.


    The administration has reportedly identified 11 IJT protestors involved in the attacks at various locations with the help of eyewitnesses and CCTV footage. The process of identifying 30 others is ongoing.


    A letter has also been sent to the disciplinary committee for legal action against those involved in propaganda and vandalism.


    A varsity spokesperson said that the mention of the cafeteria in the FIR was based on “hearsay” and yet to be investigated. He also rejected IJT’s claims that motorcyclists opened fire on the student and accused them of spreading rumours about the circumstances surrounding Ammar’s death.


    This is not the first time that unconfirmed reports led to violent protests on campus.
    In October, protests broke out at different campuses of the Punjab Group of Colleges (PGC) over fake reports of sexual assault against a female student.


    The claims by protesting students were rubbished by college administration and government officials alike.

  • England players threaten to boycott ‘The Hundred’ 2025 after ECB’s ban on playing in PSL

    England players threaten to boycott ‘The Hundred’ 2025 after ECB’s ban on playing in PSL

    About 50 English cricket players have threatened to boycott The Hundred 2025 in protest against the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) new policy of banning them from playing in overseas franchise leagues, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Sports Inside reported.

    The ECB has officially banned English players from participating in franchise tournaments worldwide, with the exception of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    Last month, the ECB decided not to issue No Objection Letters (NOCs) to national cricketers to participate in overseas franchise leagues that clash with the domestic season in order to maintain the quality and competitiveness of England’s domestic cricket.

    A large number of England’s players, however, did not agree with the ECB’s new policy and expressed their disappointment over it.

    A group of English players has also decided not to be part of the ongoing negotiations with their respective The Hundred teams about their retention and will refuse to enter the draft until the ECB relaxes its policy on NOCs.

    There are also reports that notable county players are considering retiring from red-ball cricket if a lucrative deal is secured for next year’s Pakistan Super League.

    The ECB’s new policy will not grant NOCs for England’s domestic competitions, but players on white-ball contracts alone may still be eligible to participate in such tournaments. The players will not be able to participate in more than one league during the same timeframe, according to the board’s decision.

    The Hundred is a cricket tournament in the UK, launched in 2021, where each team plays 100 balls. Similar to the PSL and other domestic leagues, it is played between city-based teams with both local and international players. The tournament includes both men’s and women’s competitions, with top players from around the world.

    New ECB rules restrict English players from PSL but allow IPL participation

    The English Cricket Board (ECB) has banned its players from playing in any franchise league during the English domestic season.

    British media say that English cricketers cannot play in several leagues, including PSL, MCL, LPL and CPL. ECB’s decision will also affect the Pakistan Super League (PSL), to be held in April next year. However, ECB has given players an exemption from playing the India Premier League (IPL) in the new policy.

    Due to the Champions Trophy, PSL Season 9 window has been kept in April and May. The English county season also takes place in the same months. The ECB’s decision is likely to cause financial loss to players playing franchise cricket, and there is a fear that this decision may cause some players to leave red-ball cricket.

    ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould said, “We have to protect the dignity of our game and the strength of our cricket competitions. No player will be given a No Objection Letter (NOC) to participate in any other competitions during the English Vitality Blast and The Hundred League.”

    The ECB says that the decision will improve the quality of domestic cricket.

  • ‘Decision on charges against Gen (r) Faiz Hameed likely next week’

    ‘Decision on charges against Gen (r) Faiz Hameed likely next week’

    Decision on charges against ex-spymaster General (r) Faiz Hameed will be announced before December 14, senator and former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda has predicted.

    Appearing on ARY News programme ‘Aiteraz Hai’ on Friday, Vawda said that PTI founder Imran Khan had “miscalculated” the date of framing of charges against the former chief of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). “I’d say big news regarding him will soon be out,” he added.

    Vawda went on to predict that the former ISI chief would be found guilty of mutiny among other charges.

    It merits a mention that ex-director general (DG) of Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, Faiz Hameed, was taken into military custody on August 12, 2024. Following the arrest of the ex-spymaster, court martial proceedings were initiated against him.

    “Multiple instances of violation of the Pakistan Army Act have been established [against him],” the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) had said in a statement issued after the arrest.

    On Friday, Vawda also responded to question regarding ex-prime minister Imran’s possible military trial along with Faiz. “I won’t be surprised if it happened,” he said.

    Senator Vawda’s remarks come soon after incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan announced launching a civil disobedience movement if his party’s demands weren’t met by December 14.

    The demands include the formation of a judicial commission for transparent investigation into May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024 incidents, besides the release of under-trial political prisoners arrested in connection with violent protests by the PTI.

    Advisor to the PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, on the other hand, has ruled out holding “conditional talks” with the PTI.

    “We haven’t shut the door on negotiations,” he said, adding that they were ready for political talks with the opposition party to resolve disputes on contentious matters.

    Meanwhile, political analyst Muneeb Farooq claimed that the establishment had communicated to the Shehbaz Sharif-led government that it would not hold a dialogue with the PTI under any circumstances.

    He explained that if the dialogue ever takes place, it would be between the incumbent government and former premier Imran Khan’s party.

    Citing the official statement of the 84th Formation Commanders Conference issued by the military’s media wing, the political analyst claimed that there was no room left for the PTI, adding, “The best bet is Ali Amin Gandapur because he maintained occasional contact with the establishment at different levels.” 

    During the conference, the attendees expressed concern over the “malicious propaganda” carried out in the aftermath of the lawful deployment of the Pakistan Army in the federal capital to “secure key government buildings and provide a safe environment for the valued visiting delegations,” Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

  • Don’t ask if you don’t want to know: Mahira on why she ‘always talks about’ SRK

    Don’t ask if you don’t want to know: Mahira on why she ‘always talks about’ SRK

    Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has cleared the air regarding claims that she is always spotted talking about Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan.

    Recently, during the Aalami Urdu Conference 2024, she was asked if she ever gets tired of being asked about the ‘King of Bollywood’.

    “Do you ever get annoyed with this topic… that whenever there’s an interview, they always ask how it felt to work with Shah Rukh Khan? Do you think its fine? I mean he’s a superstar… so people ask… but do you think it’s too much?” host Waseem Badami asked.

    To which Mahira said she could never have “enough of him”.

    “Well, I will never have enough of him, but I think when someone asks me, I answer. Then people think I’m talking about him, which I never do… what I feel is that they shouldn’t even ask me.”

    Mahira is the only Pakistani actress to work with Shah Rukh. Consequently, The Raees actress is also the only Pakistani star who has repeatedly been asked about her experience of working with him.

     The film Raees was released in 2017, Mahira Khan plays the female opposite Bollywood king Shah Rukh.

    Mahira portrays Aasiya, Raees’ wife, a character who is strong, supportive, and plays a crucial role in his personal life. Her performance was widely appreciated for its emotional depth and grace, standing out amidst the intense action and drama.  

     The film was directed by Rahul Dholakia and written by Harit Mehta, Niraj Shukla and Rahul Dholakia.

    Earlier,Indian film director Rahul Dholaika considered top Bollywood actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Kaitrina for his film Raees, but none were the right fit. Instead, actress Mahira Khan caught his attention and was chosen to play Aasiya opposite Shahrukh Khan.
     


    During his appearance as a guest on Mashable India, director Rahul Dholaika explained why he picked Mahira Khan for his film Raees.

     “We wanted an 80s Muslim girl. Number one criteria is Hindi, secondly, her Urdu should have a little twang, if she has it, is even better. The other is she has to be innocent. Okay, now you have Shahrukh, who is 50, so you need someone whose screen age is 30-something or 35. You need somebody who is at least 30 plus or around 30 as an actress, now, an actress around 30 who is innocent. There are very few of them. There was Deepika, there was Kareena, and there was Anushka. So, there were these three or four heroines that were there.” 


     
     As the casting process went on, it became clear that finding an actress who fit all the requirements for Aasiya was not easy, Dholaika explained, saying, “So now, if you have these three or four heroines, then either they are too expensive, or the role is too small for them. So we went through that gamut, and we said, ‘Yeah, Sonam, Katrina,’ you know, went through the whole list of it. And then at the end of it all, we decided this is not working for us. If it’s working for Farhan, it’s not working for Shahrukh, it’s not working for Shahrukh and Farhan, not working for me. Now, you don’t want him to romance Alia, you know, or something like that.”

     “I think Gauri’s mom had seen Mahira, and my mom had seen Mahira independently. I told the casting director, ‘Do you know her? What do you think of her?’ So, he said, ‘She’s here in BB Fashion.’ That’s how it happened,” the Raees director added.