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.
2018
2017
2016
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.
Pakistan’s most coveted awards show, the Lux Style Awards, took place in Karachi Sunday night and were a star-studded affair as A-list celebrities descended upon the red carpet dressed to the nines in their finest clothes. Though this year’s award show was shrouded in controversy from the minute the nominations were announced, the awards show were a glitzy and glam affair with the entertainment industry’s who’s who present at the event. And unlike last year, this year’s event was more happening.
Here’s a rundown of all that happened at the 18th Lux Style Awards.
Iqra and Yasir get engaged
Possibly the biggest news from the night. Actor-comedian Yasir Hussain put a ring on fellow actor Iqra Aziz after a very public proposal. The two have allegedly been dating for a while now and fans were expecting an announcement soon. But itni bari announcement toh shayad hee kisi nay expect ki ho.
Yasir’s actions drew mixed responses from the public who referred to it as an attention-seeking stunt and called out the couple for their public display of affection. Social media is full of crass jokes made on the newly-engaged couple.
Watch the full video of the proposal here:
Iqra-Yasir
Ali Zafar wins Best Actor Viewers Choice for Teefa in Trouble
The man who stirred the entire LSA controversy took home the award for the Best Actor for his performance in Teefa in Trouble. Though Ali himself wasn’t present at the awards show to receive the award in person, he took to social media to thank his fans for voting for him.
It is pertinent to mention here that following Ali’s nomination several people, including Meesha Shafi, model Eman Suleman, Faris Shafi and Saima Bargfrede withdrew their nominations because they did not want to “share the platform with an (alleged) harasser.”
Meera, Maya and Saba pay a glorious tribute to Shabnam
LUX girls Saba Qamar, Maya Ali and Meera took the stage by storm as they paid a heartfelt tribute to Pakistan’s legendary actress, Shabnam by performing dance sequences on some of her hit songs.
Meera has truly revived herself and was a treat to watch as she danced away on stage with Asad Siddiqui on Wada Karo Sajana. She truly is a star.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzoXR0qhNUc/
Maya Ali performed on Chitti Zara Saiyaan Ji while Saba Qamar gave a fiery performance on Runa Laila’s Mera Babu Chail Chabila.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzobeBVhVih/
Atif Aslam’s performance on Thaam Lo
Everyone’s favourite singer sang his award-winning song Thaam Lo from the film Parwaaz Hai Junoon mesmerising the crowds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzoTW3nhk-Z/
Mehwish Hayat & Fahad Mustafa’s performance
Meera makes an appearance with Captain Naveed
Not sure what this means but Meera Jee was spotted on the red with Captain Naveed with whom she will reportedly also be doing a film soon.
A helicopter of the Pakistan Army on Monday reached the Golain Glaciers to rescue Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, who had been trapped there following a ‘burst’.
A massive flood hit several villages in the Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) as a glacier melted near the Golen Gol area on Sunday. Roads, electric poles and farms were partially damaged around the forest area, police said.
The premier’s sister, Aleema, who was in Golain for a tourist trip was stranded along with hundreds of other tourists and residents. According to Dunya News, an army helicopter was sent to rescue her; however, she refused to leave until other tourists and residents were evacuated.
While Chitral’s deputy commissioner has confirmed the suspension of ground connection, the army has reportedly been reached out and a rescue operation will soon be conducted.
Awami Raj Party (ARP) chief and former Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Jamshed Dasti has gone bald to protest the “broken promises” of Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and the rise in inflation under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rule.
Speaking of his peaceful protest in a video message, Dasti, along with his shaved-head companions, said that inflation had spelled misery for the people.
“PM Imran had made several promises to the people before elections, but even snatched from them the opportunity to earn bread after coming to power,” he said, requesting the people to shave their heads and join the peaceful protest campaign.
Elected to the National Assembly on a PPP ticket in 2008, Dasti resigned as an MNA in 2010 for possessing a fake Bachelors degree. He was re-elected to the lower house of the parliament in a 2010 by-election.
In 2012, he quit PPP to join the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N); however, he was elected as an independent candidate in 2013. Starting his own party ahead of last year’s general election, he lost to a PPP candidate in the NA-182 constituency of Muzaffargarh.
The 18th Lux Style Awards, which took place Sunday night in Karachi, were a glittery affair as stars descended the red carpet in their finest ensembles. Here’s a list of all those who took home an award.
Best Film – Cake
Other nominations – Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2, Load Wedding, Motorcycle Girl, Teefa in Trouble
Best Director – Ahsan Rahim for Teefa in Trouble
Other nominations – Asim Abbasi for Cake, Haseeb Hassan for Parwaaz Hai Junoon, Nabeel Qureshi for Load Wedding, Nadeem Baig for Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2
Best Actor Viewers Choice – Ali Zafar for Teefa in Trouble
Best Actor (Jury) – Fahad Mustafa for Load Wedding
Other nominations – Adnan Malik for Cake, Ahmed Ali Butt for Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2, Mohammad Ahmed for Cake
Best Actress Viewers Choice – Mehwish Hayat for Load Wedding
Best Actress (Jury) – Sohai Ali Abro for Motorcycle Girl
Other nominations – Aamina Sheikh for Cake, Hajra Yamin for Pinky Memsaab, Sanam Saeed for Cake
Best Playback Singer – Atif Aslam for Tham Lo, Parwaz Hai Junoon
Other nominations – Arif Lohar for Tillay Wali Jooti, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2, Mulazim Hussain & Missal Zaidi for Rangeya, Load Wedding, Shuja Haider for Donkey Raja, Donkey King, The Sketches and Natasha Baig for Meri Dunya, Cake
Best TV Play Viewers Choice – Suno Chanda
Other nominations – Aisi Hai Tanhai, Dar Si Jati Hai Sila, Dil Mom Ka Diya, Khaani
Best TV Play Director – Kashif Nisar for Dar Si Jati Hai Sila
Other nominations – Ahsun Talish for Suno Chanda, Anjum Shahzad for Khaani, Qasim Ali Murid for Aangan, Shahid Shafat for Dil Mom Ka Diya
Best TV Play Writer – Bee Gul for Dar Si Jati Hai Sila
Other nominations – Amna Mufti for Ghuggi, Asma Nabeel for Khaani, Faiza Iftikhar for Aangan, Zanjabeel Asim Shah for Balaa
Best Actor TV Viewers Choice – Feroze Khan for Khaani
Best Actor TV (Jury) – Nouman Ejaz for Dar Si Jati Hai Sila
Other nominations – Bilal Abbas Khan for Balaa, Feroze Khan for Khaani, Qavi Khan for Aangan, Sami Khan for Khudgarz
Best Actress TV Viewers Choice & Jury – Iqra Aziz for Suno Chanda
Other nominations – Neelam Muneer for Dil Mom Ka Diya, Sana Javed for Khaani, Sonya Hussayn for Aisi Hai Tanhai, Ushna Shah for Balaa
Best OST – Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for Khaani
Other nominations – Aangan by Farhan Saeed & Naveed Nashad, Dar Si Jati Hai Sila by Yasira Haseeb, Ghuggi by Bina Khan and Naveed Nashad, Naulakha by Saif Samejo
Best Emerging Talent TV – Rida Bilal
Singer of the Year – Mohsin Abbas Haider and Sohail Haider for Na Jaa
Other nominations – Bilal Ali of Kashmir for Khwaab, Khurram for O Ki Jane, Saif Samejo of The Sketches for Raat, Shamoon Ismail for Marijuana
Best Song – Ya Qurban by Khumariyan
Clap by Faris Shafi & Talal Qureishi (withdrew nomination), Mein by Meesha Shafi (withdrew nomination), Raat by The Sketches (withdrew nomination), Rung De by Chand Tara Orchestra
Model of the Year (Female) – Sadaf Kanwal
Other nominations – Anam Malik, Fahmeen Ansari, Rubab Ali (withdrew nomination), Zara Abid
Model of the Year (Male) – Shahzad Noor
Other nominations – Aimal Khan, Champ Imi, Hasnain Lehri
Lifetime Achievement Award for Fashion – Nabila
Best Hair and Makeup – Qasim Liaquat
Other nominations – Fatima Nasir (withdrew nomination), Saima Bargferde (withdrew nomination), Shoaib Khan, Sunil Nawab
Unlike his predecessors, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, during his maiden visit to the United States (US), is planning to stay at the residence of the Pakistani ambassador instead of some lavish hotel, a private media outlet reported.
According to reports, the Pakistani Embassy in the US has been informed about the premier’s intentions; however, his stay at the ambassador’s residence might not be possible due to his planned meetings with top US officials.
The residence is located in the heart of Washington’s diplomatic enclave, just off one of the city’s main arteries, Massachusetts Avenue, with at least a dozen embassies.
If the premier stays at the ambassador’s residence, he will not be able to meet US officials there due to a shortage of staff, Dawn News reported, adding that such meetings can, however, be arranged at the Pakistani Embassy.
While PM Imran’s plan to avoid a five or seven-star hotel in Washington, which comes amid his government’s aim to cut expenses and lighten the burden on the national exchequer, might not be achieved owing to security and logistical reasons, a final decision would be made soon.
The premier can also choose to stay with one of the rich Pakistani-Americans in the suburbs of Washington.
During his trip to Washington starting July 20, PM Imran is poised to discuss with US President Donald Trump the Afghan peace process along with regional issues.
“At the invitation of US President Donald Trump, PM Imran Khan will visit Washington and hold a meeting on July 22, 2019,” Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal announced last week.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and other officials will accompany the premier on the trip.
At least three journalists affiliated with the Jang/Geo Media Group have allegedly been forced to deactivate their Twitter accounts, Urdu News reporter Waseem Abbasi has claimed.
According to Abbasi, Wajih Sani, Umar Cheema and Azaz Syed “suddenly and suspiciously” deactivated their accounts “amid concerns about increasing censorship in the country”.
Top Pakistani journalists Umar Cheema, Azaz Syed and Wajih Sani have suddenly and suspiciously de-activated their twitter accounts amidst concerns about increasing censorship in #Pakistan..#PressFreedom
In a subsequent tweet, the journalist claimed that all three were safe and had “only been asked to deactivate their Twitter accounts”. He, however, did not disclose who exactly had “asked” the three journalists to deactivate the accounts.
Twitter handles of both Azaz Syed and Umar Cheema, on the other hand, remain deactivated. Meanwhile, it is being speculated that the journalists have been forced to deactivate the accounts by their employer.
JANG group should clarify if they have pressurized journalists #azazsyed and #UmarCheema to deactivate their Twitter accounts and if yes, why so?
Federal Minister for Postal Services and Communications Murad Saeed has vowed to take action against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz for not paying the Motorway toll tax.
According to reports, Maryam Nawaz, who was en route Mandi Bahauddin from Lahore, for her rally refused to pay the toll tax on the motorway. As a result, a scuffle broke out between PML-N workers and motorway officials.
Motorway police claimed that almost 80 vehicles, which were part of Maryam’s entourage, also passed the toll without paying the tax. They added that they let them go because they did not want to create unnecessary chaos. However, the search for those involved has been started.
Maryam’s attitude angered Murad Saeed, who vowed that he will take stern action against her. He said that Maryam will now have to pay the tax with a fine. The minister asserted that every citizen is equal before the law and discrimination will not be done between the poor and rich.
It’s that time of year. When lizards scutter across the wall while bolder ones crawl on the floor making us jump and scream when step near them. After a few months of no lizards staring at us from the walls, they’re back. Though nothing really seems to work into getting rid of them, these totkay might be a little effective to keep them away.
Peacock Feathers
This is one of the easiest hacks to make the lizards stay away. The theory behind this is that the lizards see the feathers and think a predator is around. Does it work? Can’t be sure but it sure is reassuring.
Onions
Lizards can apparently not tolerate the strong smell of onions. At least that what the Internet says. Trying this one out asap.
Ice Cold Water
Ice cold water makes lizards stiff for some time. So get rid of them by first freezing them first and then getting someone to throw them out of the house.
Garlic
Garlic has a strong pungent smell that lizards hate and cannot stand. Looks like lizards have a strong sense of smell and hate bad ones.
Eggshells
The eggshells hack have been passed on as a tried and tested hack to make lizards stay away. We’ve tried it and can say that lizards didn’t come back for a few days.
If you have tried any of these totkay and they actually work, do let us know.
Meera Jee is without a doubt the undisputed Queen of Lollywood. Though Meera hasn’t had any filmy appearances in recent times, she has often dominated headlines, sometimes for all the wrong reasons. But that hasn’t stopped her from expressing herself and this is perhaps the single most reason why I’m such a fan of hers.
Meera’s much-awaited comeback film Baaji released the past weekend and I jumped at the first opportunity to watch it. As I sat through the film, I couldn’t help but connect the Meera onscreen to the Meera I had grown to know over the course of the past 3 months.
Let’s rewind to March 2019. I had just joined The Current and we were making a list of people we can interview. I had previously briefly spoken to Meera about her various plans and met her at the Lux Style Awards. On every occasion, Meera had been forthcoming, friendly and cooperative, contrary to what I heard about her superstar behaviour, so I added her to our list of interviewees. Her onscreen character, Shameera, was a reflection of this. Shameera was also someone with a big and open heart.
March 7 2019
I gave Meera Jee a call and to my surprise, she picked up the phone on the first bell. I introduced myself and expressed my desire to interview her. She told me that I will have to come and meet her at her parlour within half an hour because she wants to meet me before she can commit to an interview.
Thirty minutes later, I was sitting in the parlour’s lobby waiting for Meera to get free. The wait lasted for more than an hour before someone finally came and escorted me to the makeup room where Meera was getting ready. She was on the phone when I entered. Her superstar persona could be felt everywhere and she gestured me to sit on the seat next to her’s. As soon as her phone call ended, she turned to me and asked me what exactly I wanted. I rattled off, explaining to her the interview we want to do with her before she dramatically cut me off with the wave of a hand and told me to first tell her about myself.
After satisfying her questions, I once again started talking about the interview when the phone interrupted us again. Khair by then Meera was ready and she decided that we should move the meeting to her house.
Ignoring all warning bells in my head, and the fact that it was a close friend’s mehndi that day, I followed Meera to her house, where I stayed for more than 2 hours. Out of those 2 hours, a little more than one was spent waiting for her to get free. When we finally got down to talking about the interview, it was almost 8′ o clock. Meera wanted me to run through the questions with her and design the interview so we can shoot it in one go. Meera and I discussed everything down to the smallest of detail and she was good with everything but when I asked her for a date, she said she will discuss with her manager and let me know. All good. I left her house feeling proud of myself for scoring an interview with the one and only Meera.
The next few days were spent trying to get a follow-up from her but with little success. By then Baaji had also been announced, so I was sure that I’ll be able to get an interview. Little did I know.
April 10
In a miraculous twist of faith, we were able to get through to Meera and she asked us to come over and discuss the interview with her and finalise a date. Once again, I went over to her house where we spent 2 hours discussing the interview. Once again, Meera didn’t give us a date and told us that her manager will be in touch.
The next week and weeks to come were spent constantly trying to get in touch with Meera. She continued to remain unavailable. It turned out that she had gone to the United States for a visit. Meera sent me pictures from her trip and told me that she’ll give me an interview once she’s back. She also asked me if I could go over to her house and get her phone fixed for her.
Meera does know how to travel in style
May 30
Baaji’s trailer releases and promotions begin in full swing. I reach out to the PR team of Baaji and ask them to set up an interview with the cast of the film.
June 22
Baaji’s team lands in Lahore and the movie’s PR representative invites us to the hotel, where the team is staying, for a media interaction between 5 and 8 pm. At 6.45pm we reach the hotel only to find out that the media interaction has ended and that there has been a change of plans so the team will now be leaving for a mall visit. This totally puts me off because I had come with everything ready and no one had informed me that the scheduled has been changed. I get into an argument with the PR representative who kept insisting that I came late and that I should have asked her before coming. Ridiculous right? It’s not like I was late or anything. But what can one do?
Meera Jee is seated in the hotel’s restaurant and I walk up to her hoping that maybe she’ll be more accommodating. Nishoo Jee and Meera’s manager are also sitting on the table with us. After we exchange pleasantries, Meera tells me that she’s exhausted since she hasn’t eaten food all day and that I should ask the director to line up something later at night. I have no problems with that so I agree and we move on to having a conversation about her film and how tiring promotions can be.
Meera then tells the PR lady, who’s also in the background, to line up an interview. She curtly informs me that the cast of Baaji has back-to-back mall visits that day and that they will give me an interview when they return from Dubai. Talk about being a total let down. Uss point tak bilkul bas hogayi and I was so upset that I have no words for it.
Uskay baad, cast Dubai say jakar wapas bhi aagayi aur film bhi release hogayi magar mujhe interview nai mila.
As I sat through the film, it felt almost unreal watching Meera on screen. The woman who I had been chasing for the past three months was right in front of me and every movement of hers, every word she spoke was so real that in a few scenes I almost felt I was sitting with her. Kudos to Meera for giving a flawless and natural performance. As someone who enjoys over the top drama, I absolutely loved the film.
The film’s storyline was not the most original, but it was captivating. Each scene flowed into the next and there was no part of the film which felt dragged. It might have been Saqib Malik’s debut film but his years of experience shone through in every scene. The shots and the aesthetics were beautifully done. The hair, wardrobe and makeup team deserve a special round of applause. The leading ladies look absolutely gorgeous in every scene.
Each actor nailed their roles but Meera stole the spotlight. The film was made for her, or rather she was made for this film. Whichever way she likes. Meera is proof that no matter how many faces come and go, she will be evergreen. Like her character in the film says, “Love me or hate me, but you can never replace me.”
