2019 had seen many things in sports but 2020 promises a new experience with many major events like cricket and football lined up for the opening year of the new decade.
Let’s take a look at what the New Year has in store for those who crave competition.
The return of Conor McGregor Photo: FileConor McGregor did not throw any punches in all of 2019 — at least not in the octagon. The year was poor without him. 2020, however, will start with a McGregor fight in its very first month. The silver-tongued Irishman will take on Donald “The Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 246, and with both the men’s penchant to stand and trade, the fight has the makings of a true slugfest.
Date: Jan 18
Entire Pakistan Super League at home Photo: FileThe Pakistan Super League is an annual competition so there is nothing new here. However, the 2020 edition of the T20 league will be held entirely in Pakistan for the first time ever. The matches will take place in places beyond just Karachi and Lahore, meaning that the whole country will get a taste of the spectacle.
Date: Feb 20 - March 22
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Photo: FileThe seventh World T20 of the women’s game will be held in Australia this year, with 10 teams competing for the grand prize.
Pakistan’s women’s team is too early in its development stage that it could be realistically expected to go all the way, but it has enough firepower to spring a few surprises and display individual moments of brilliance.
Unfortunately, India and Pakistan have been placed in different groups so their clash would only take place if both qualify for the knockout stages.
Date: Feb 21 – Mar 8
Wilder v Fury II Photo: FileAmerican knockout artist Deontay Wilder and British boxing genius Tyson Fury had produced a fight for the ages when they had first met in Dec 2018. The bout had sweet science, a devastating knockdown, resurrection and a decision few saw coming.
The undefeated pair meets again this year in Las Vegas for the WBC, lineal, and vacant The Ring heavyweight titles. Expect fireworks.
Date: Feb 23
European Championship 2020 Photo: FileCristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal will put their European title on the line this summer. The thing of note about 2020 UEFA European Football Championship is that the tournament will not be hosted by any one single nation but multiple countries.
Date: June 12 – July 12
Tokyo Olympics 2020 Photo: FileThe year’s grandest sport spectacle will undoubtedly be the summer Olympics in Tokyo. The Japanese capital will be hosting the Games for the second time — the first Asian city to be bestowed with such an honour.
Several Pakistani athletes will also be competing at the Games this year, including equestrian Usman Khan, javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem and shooter Ghulam Mustafa Bashir.
Date: July 24 to Aug 9
ICC Men's T20 World Cup Photo: FileTowards the end of the year, the ICC will stage the T20 World Cup in Australia. The event will be the first of the two T20 World Cups scheduled to take place in back-to-back years.
Pakistan, still the top-ranked team in the format, should be among the contenders.
Date: Oct 18 to Nov 15
Hollywood's highly sought after couple, Leonardo DiCaprio and Camila Morone were spotted together in Gustavia City on Monday, as they were waiting for their yacht to collect them, but a viral photo from their outing left quite a lot of eyebrows raised.
The beautiful model, in the viral photo, was sitting next to the Titanic's star Leonardo DiCaprio in the isle of St Barts when the moment was captured on camera.
Interestingly, The Great Gatsby actor left quite some people in a haze with one of the photos that shows his ignoring his girlfriend and spending the romantic evening digging deep inside his phone instead.
Leonardo, 45, seemed captivated by his cell phone, while Camila Morone, 22, sat patiently at his side.
The supermodel, in a white crop top with a halter-neck style tie and a high-waisted knee-length skirt, was a sight for sore eyes but was unable to snag her boyfriend's attention who was busy with his cellphone.
Camila had finished the look with golden hoop earring while Leonardo was dressed down in a casual sweatshirt with the hood up and knee-length shorts.
KARACHI: Pakistan's much-adored TV personalities Ayeza Khan and Danish Taimoor celebrated their beloved daughter Hoorain's fourth birthday on Tuesday, showering love and affection on the birthday girl for her special day.
The power couple shared a series of stunning photos of themselves along with their beautiful children from the birthday bash that melted the hearts of their mammoth fan base.
Ayeza, who was recently embroiled in controversy for playing an infamous character in Mere Paas Tum Ho, posted some pictures from the event, rocking a white button-down shirt, tucked into the beige pants while keeping her hair back in a pony tail. She finished the look with golden hoop earrings.
Ayeza and Taimoor are one of the only few couples of Pakistan's entertainment industry who recurrently share their life events on social media to keep fans in the loop about their personal lives.
LOS ANGELES: The music world's much-liked pop superstars Adele, Taylor Swift, and Drake have been crowned the artists of the decade after dominating the RIAA’s album sales chart.
Officials at the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) have named the biggest sellers of the last 10 years, and British soul sensation Adele leads the pack in first and second place with her respective releases 21 and 25.
Swift stands at number three with 1989, while Red lands her another mention at four, and Speak Now places sixth.
Canadian rapper Drake also scored double honors – Views takes fifth place on the RIAA countdown, and Scorpion rounds out the top 10 at 10.
After claiming his position as Pakistan’s biggest Internet sensation in 2013 with his song ‘Eye to Eye’, as well as winning an APEX Award in 2017 for ‘Angel’, Taher Shah is all set to return with a new song. Recently, Taher Shah took to Twitter to share the news of his return before the year came to an end. The ‘Eye to Eye’ singer shared a picture of his eyes and captioned it “coming soon”.
We are not sure what the singer, who dances, sings and creates his own videos, has in store for his fans, but what we do know is that people are quite excited by Taher Shah’s upcoming project and have taken to Twitter to share the joy.
“Taher Shah is dropping new song. 2020 is already looking good,” read one tweet. Another tweet noted, “I was wondering why Taher Shah was missing and had not come up with anything new. Anxiously waiting for his latest project. The guy is awesome.”
Similarly there was another tweet which read, “Taher Shah was unabashedly wholesome in a time when it was considered pathetic and everyone wanted cynical humor but you all aren’t ready for that conversation yet.”
Well, let’s wait and see what Taher Shah has to offer in the New Year.
Former President of United Stated, Barack Obama has such an eclectic taste that just last week the New York Times published an op-ed on him as a music critic.
It turns out, they’re right. He’s not just a fan of The Boss (Bruce Springsteen) or Bob Dylan. Among his list, he included American artists Lizzo and DaBaby, Nigerian artists Burna Boy and Rema, and a folk-rock song called ‘Big Thief’ by Not. The list goes on to include ‘Old Town Road’ by Lil Nas ft. Billy Ray Circus and Kaytranada’s new record.
Other artists who made Obama’s 2019 music list includes Beyonce Knowles, Bruce Springsteen, The National, The Black Keys, Frank Ocean, The HighWomen, Mavis Staples, Prateek Kuhad, Snoh Aalegra, Joe Henry, Alicia Keys featuring Miguel, J. Cole, Maggie Rogers, Koffee, Adia Victoria, Rema, DaBaby, Lizzo, Goldlink, and many more.
Obama’s taste in books for 2019 is just as peculiar, picking up names such as The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power by Shoshana Zuboff that did raise some serious commentary from Twitter.
Obama also shared the complete list of his favourite music and tweeted, “From hip-hop to country to The Boss, here are my songs of the year. If you’re looking for something to keep you company on a long drive or help you turn up a workout, I hope there’s a track or two in here that does the trick.”
Surprising both fans and critics, Janoobi Khargosh, a Lahore based independent band spearheaded by Waleed Ahmed, has dropped their new album, Survivors, days before 2019 ends.
The album contains 11 songs and comes after the single ‘One’ which came accompanied with its own music video and was released in 2018.
Janoobi Khargosh sprung on the scene with 2014’s Billi Khamba Aur UranTashtari (2014) comprising 10 songs and followed it up with Cpt. Space Master EP (2017) that contained 5 tracks including ‘Super Cat’ and a single called ‘Hum Saray Computer Hain’ in 2017.
The first single off Survivors is called ‘One’ and was released in 2018 with the song a part of the 11-track album. Survivors features several collaborations including Umer ‘Duck’ Khan of Poor Rich Boy, singer-songwriter and producer Ali Suhail (who is also a member of Takatak and Sikandar Ka Mandar), Umer Ahmed (Waleed Ahmed’s younger brother) – who helps him out on synth; and finally music producer Zain Ahsan, who played guitars on certain songs.
As for the inspiration behind the album, its ethos come from the 90s music scene, back when Vital Signs were big, that music scene and era in general. “I used to listen to Vital Signs a lot as a kid; it was like my favourite band. So, I have that association with Vital Signs from childhood,” Waleed told Instep in an earlier interview.
The streaming giant, Netflix, recently released a master list of its most-favoured content, as well as individual rankings of films, original series, unscripted shows and comedy specials that include Murder Mystery, which stars Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston in key roles; Martin Scorsese’s directorial The Irishman and Beyonce’s Homecoming among others.
“Following Murder Mystery as the year’s most popular film were titles including Michael Bay’s critically panned 6 Underground, The Incredibles 2, Ben Affleck’s Triple Frontier, and Sony Animation’s Oscar winner Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” reported Variety.
Though the viewership numbers were not revealed, in June the streaming site tweeted that Murder Mystery had Netflix’s biggest opening weekend ever, with over 30 million accounts watching it around the world. A Netflix spokesperson revealed that “for the 2019 lists, ‘popularity’ was not determined by the total number of viewers for a given piece of content and the lists were generated by counting the total number of households to stream an individual title for at least two minutes, during the first 28 days of its release.”
As for the films that debuted less than 28 days ago, Netflix used a projection model to determine where final viewership numbers are likely to land; for instance Bay’s Ryan Reynolds action film, 6 Underground, which premiered on December 13, 2019, became the second most popular film release of 2019. It is ranked third on an overall list that includes series like Stranger Things, according to the streamer.
Apart from Murder Mystery and 6 Underground, the most popular movie releases of 2019 include The Incredibles 2, which ranks on number three, while The Irishman and Triple Frontier bagged the fourth and fifth spot respectively. The list also features Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile; The Highwaymen; Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse; Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 and Secret Obsession.
As far as the documentary title is concerned, Joe Berlinger’s Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes topped the list. On its heels was the visual feast Our Planet, FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened and the Coachella festival masterpiece Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce.
“Movies are notably dominant on the overall list, considering Netflix is a service built on binge-able episodic content,” noted Variety. “If Netflix’s popularity metrics are to be taken at face value, it would also justify some risky financial bets taken by the film group, led by Scott Stuber. Netflix acquired Triple Frontier for a reported $90 million after the film’s distribution deal fell through at Paramount, and faced wide criticism and doubt for overspending. Similarly, the scripted Ted Bundy story Extremely Wicked, starring Zac Efron and also from Berlinger, received a mixed 56 per cent score from Rotten Tomatoes but left this year’s Sundance Film Festival a $9 million check from Netflix following a bidding war.”
If the list has any forecasting power, it might be that Netflix needs to up its feature animation game. The Incredibles 2 and Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, both franchises belong to from Disney, brought them eyeballs in 2019.
– With information from Variety
Yumna Zaidi, extremely versatile and undoubtedly one of the most underrated female actors on television these days, is someone who needs to be celebrated. She’s been part of two prominent, socially relevant projects on television that stood out in the last couple of years; Dar Si Jati Hai (2018) and Inkaar (2019) will be remembered as landmark serials. Directed by Kashif Nisar, they tackled the issue of harassment and Yumna essayed the role of protagonist in both the dramas. She delivered strong performances – a sexually harassed, scarred young woman Sila in the former and a strong and confident Hajra in Inkaar.
Last year Yumna featured in two more dramas in addition to Inkaar. One was Mehreen Jabbar’s Dil Kiya Karay, a relatively light watch whereas she essays a prominent role in Farooq Rind’s Ishq Zah e Naseeb that is presently on-air. All three roles were different from one another and one saw Yumna’s versatility as an actor as she pulled them off with ease.
“Dil Kiya Karay was a very significant project for me overall; it was a wonderful experience working with Mehreen [Jabbar] on a script that had almost everything. She is an amazing director and an even better human. Inkaar, on the other hand, is my finest work till date, I believe, while with Ishq Zah e Naseeb, I explored myself as an actor. My posture, my facial expressions are unique in this one; it was very experimental!” Yumna reflected on her recent roles in an exclusive conversation with Instep.
This year promises to be just as productive for Yumna, who will be seen in three upcoming drama serials, which, according to her, are all poles apart in theme.
The first one features her opposite Bilal Abbas Khan, with whom she worked for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“I think viewers will enjoy my chemistry with Bilal in the drama; the characters we are playing are somewhat unique. He is an excellent performer and I was very impressed after working with him; he has done a great job with his character. The script is beautiful; it is a very light hearted watch with romance, comedy and subtle themes – something I have been wanting to do after Inkaar.”
Yumna essays the role of a very naive young woman, Mahjabeen, who is fortunate to get away with every sort of trouble. Written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah and directed by Farooq Rind, the untitled project features Atiqa Odho, Omair Rana and others while it is expected to go on air in the first quarter of 2020.
Another drama serial that Yumna has almost completed shooting for is directed by Siraj-ul-Haque and stars Shahzad Sheikh, Gohar Rasheed and Komal Aziz Khan alongside Yumna, who will be playing the role of a ‘typical’ heroine which, she hopes, will resonate well with viewers at large.
“It is a grey character though; she is neither too submissive nor very sharp and/or evil,” Yumna shared about the role, adding that it is a family story, which is also likely to go on air in the coming months. “Gohar is an exceptional actor while Shahzad Sheikh really amazed me; he has the urge to learn and grow and he has come a long way.”
The third project that Yumna recently started shooting for is being made in collaboration with Kashf Foundation. “It is a cause-based project, written by Amna Mufti while Kashif Nisar is directing it,” informed Yumna, refraining to reveal more at the moment. However, she shared that the project has an ensemble cast including Noman Ijaz, Samiya Mumtaz, Navid Shahzad and Wahaj Ali.
Yumna, who moved to Karachi last year, was recently in Lahore to begin shooting for the project with Kashf Foundation that has three different storylines, working simultaneously. Given Yumna’s range as an actor, her will and drive to take on diverse and difficult roles, one is sure that all three of her upcoming projects, untitled for now, will be worth watching.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have been taking an extended break from royal duties since the end of November, are reportedly staying in a $13.14 million waterfront mansion with Meghan's mother Doria Ragland and their son Archie.
According to a report, the mansion boasts of a luxurious kitchen, a game-room, a two-story living room, and a wine-tasting room in addition to its many bedrooms and bathrooms.
As per reports circulating, the royal couple has been there for almost the last two weeks and are expected to stay until the first week of the next month. The exact location of the house, however, was not revealed.
An outlet, citing a local deli owner, reported: "It’s an incredible property, and one of the most prestigious around here."
Meghan and Harry's spokesperson had previously confirmed that the two have been in Canada for their break right before Christmas.
LOS ANGELES: Jennifer Aniston is expected to attend the upcoming Golden Globe Awards in January 2020. Rumours have it that the dashing TV personality would grace the event along with her ex-husband Brad Pitt as the duo has received nominations from the award-giving body.
Both the stars are likely to shine together at the glitzy event in the next month, as Jennifer got a nod for her role on 'The Morning Show', while Brad scored a nomination for Quentin Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time' in Hollywood.
But, it is also being reported that the actress would prefer her ex-husband Justin Theroux at the awards night and also planning to ask her other ex, Brad Pitt, to double date with them with Alia Shawkat.
Jennifer, who is still single after parting her ways with Justin Theroux, seems to find love once again and her charismatic personality is attracting her exes to have The Morning Show's star company.
Recently, Pitt attended the holiday party of Jennifer and gave a hope to fans as they would restart their romantic journey anytime soon.
During their divorce proceedings, there was intense speculation in the media that Pitt had been unfaithful to Aniston with his Mr. & Mrs. Smith co-star Angelina Jolie, whom he started dating soon after the split.
Fans see the event as an opportunity for her and Justin to continue working towards their own reunion.
Brad Pitt, after his split from Angelina Jolie, is working to rebuild his friendship with Aniston who invited the actor on her 50th birthday earlier this year and they have been exchanging messages and calls since then but it never goes beyond that.
1 What was the best thing that happened to you in 2019?
2 What was the most challenging thing happened last year?
3 If you could change one thing from this past year, what would you change?
4 What lifestyle change you would like to make in 2020?
5 What’s your favourite series on Netflix this year?
6 How will you remember 2019?
7 Your New Year’s resolution...
SABOOR ALY1. Sajal and Ahad bhai’s engagement.
2. When you have a stream of projects that are doing well, it builds up a pressure to deliver something even better. To cope up with expectations was probably the most challenging thing this year.
3. I would change nothing, I have no regrets.
4. I’d like to have a better lifestyle than 2019. I will be drinking more water and exercising daily.
5. ‘The Irishman’.
6. In 2019, I had good experiences and bad experiences. From the bad I learnt a lot and I was grateful for the good ones.
7. To be a better person.
AISHA TOOR1. My cat gave birth to two kittens and I was going to give them away, but now I have decided to keep them and I think that’s the best decision I have made. They are called Bibi and Guddo...
2. Growing and evolving as a human being, keeping bitterness aside and looking for some kind of happiness and contentment, I think that has been the most challenging for me this year.
3. I wish I had travelled this year, which I couldn’t. That’s one thing I would like to change.
4. 2019 was pretty good in the way that I managed to cut down on my bad habits and I went to the gym regularly. In 2020, what I would like to do is to completely get rid of those bad habits. And seriously focus on physical fitness and get a 12 pack stomach.
5. My favourite series on Netflix was ‘Maniac’. It was lot of fun to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
6. I think I will remember 2019 as 2019.
7. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. But yes, I would like to grow and evolve as a human being.
JUNAID KHAN1. 2019 has been very kind to me both personally and professionally. Professionally it has been a very productive year. Personally, highlight of 2019 was the birth of my second son. It’s a blessing. That’s the best thing that happened to me in 2019.
2. Since the start of my career, I have been getting film offers and I was bit hesitant to pick the right team, right character, as I did not want to jump into films just for the sake of doing a film. This year I got the right team, right film, and right character to work with. So, I shot my first film and that was very challenging. Big screen has its own challenges, film for any actor is challenging. It’s a huge task. That was the most challenging thing I did in 2019.
3. Nothing. I am very happy with what God has given it to me. Even tough times in life make you stronger so I don’t have any regrets in my life.
4. I think I have already on my way. I am always very progressive when it comes to fitness. I always look out ways to improve myself physically and mentally. I am going to take this forward to the next level IA in 2020. I have a sweet tooth but in 2019 I made a commitment to give up sweets. Now I feel healthier and I feel fit. In 2020, I will stick to my commitment.
5. I still haven’t got time to sit down and watch series. Netflix is there but I haven’t got the time to watch anything on Netflix.
6. 2019 has been a productive year for me. It has brought me a lot of positive things - physically, mentally, emotionally and career wise.
7. I will try to become a better version of myself... be more positive, more productive, eliminate hatred... I think I am on the right track.
HUMA ADNAN1. The best thing in 2019 for me was working closely with refugees living in Pakistan. It’s very fulfilling when you give back in any capacity.
2. The most challenging experience was to train these stateless people.
3. If I could change anything, I would stop war and miseries from the world.
4. I would like serve humanity to make a difference in anyone’s life.
5. My favourite series these days is ‘ The Crown’.
6. The year 2019 has been a roller coaster of things especially environmental awareness and economic transformation for the country.
7. Live and let live.
AZEKAH DANIEL1. 2019 has been a great year so I can’t put a finger on one particular thing.
2. Playing Hooriya in ‘Malaleyaar’, I had to act out of my comfort zone and that too when the weather was terribly hot.
3. I wouldn’t change a thing. Everything has a Divine purpose to it.
4. Well I will try to go vegan (though I love my steaks nonetheless I’m gonna try) more workouts.
5. I love Netflix and have a habit of binge watching. This year I enjoyed ‘Outlander’ a lot but there are many other series as well.
6. A blessed Year. I’m so grateful for everything.
7. Speak less, it’s the language of wisdom.
ZHALAY SARHADI1. I released my first original song and I started with properly getting lessons for singing; it’s a soundtrack for ‘Aik Aur Sitam’. Even though I used to sing every now and then but have always been very scared to record. Finally, this year I got that out of the way.
2. It would be coming to terms with the idea that TV is becoming redundant and web series opening its doors here.
3. There was a long wait between projects this year, so I would like to cut it short t this year.
4. I’ve never been much of a planner, I like to live in the now. I do set goals for myself but I wing it. Planning brings me anxiety.
5. ‘The Crown’.
6. 2019 was a long series of ups and downs.
7. Like I said, I’m not planning anything. I will continue to do what I’m doing like maintaining a healthy regime, learning lessons as I go, but won’t be planning tiny details.
ZOYA NASIR1. The best thing would be my debut serial ‘Hania’ which aired in February. It was surreal.
2. Living between New York, Karachi and Lahore I’d say was the most challenging thing for me. Now I have adjusted to the nomad lifestyle.
3. I totalled my brother’s car. It’s not my fault as someone sped in and smashed my parked car from behind but I just wish it wouldn’t have happened. A totally unnecessary event of my life.
4. I’d like to become emotionally strong and face my problems instead of trying and ignore them out of existence. That doesn’t work apparently (hehe).
5. ‘Money Heist’!!
6. I’ll remember 2019 as a year of major career shifts, and profound closures.
7. New Year’s resolution is to be unapologetically Zoya Nasir.
OSAMA TAHIR1. My family tree expanded.
2. Luckily it was ‘Ruswai’. Not to say it was challenging in a bad way, but it demanded a lot of effort.
3. Everything happens for a reason. So nothing.
4. The same I tried to do this year - be healthier, workout more.
5. ‘Mind Hunter’.
6. As one hell of a ride!
7. Work harder, stronger, faster. (I just wanted to say faster for the sake of the song).
RIZWAN BEYG1. I got the Tamgha -e-Imtiaz for my rural development work via my social enterprise programme called ‘Bunyaad’...delighted to be given Pakistan’s highest civilian award in recognition of 3 decades of design and rural development.
2. Expanding my rural development project to include refugees via the UNHCR. Going to Balochistan and Punjab for capacity building was the most challenging aspect of 2019.
3. The intolerance we show as a nation to anyone we don’t agree with. I would love to see us be more accepting of diverse opinions and ideas. Embrace them instead of opposing them. Stop being constantly outraged as a country.
4 Travel more. Eat healthy. Exercise...and delete all the negativity in my life.
5. It was ‘Game of Thrones’...but not anymore after seeing the terrible last season.
6. As a year that so many loved ones passed away...sad to see some great talent go. Also a year of challenges with global politics like of Trump and Modi. And I had professional growth as well. We now have a great flagship store in Karachi as well as space in Islamabad and plan to open in Lahore soon.
7. Never make any...
F.E
Marriage story‘Marriage story’ is one of the most terrifying movies of the year; every decision, every word; every emotion feels honest and true to life. Observing a splintering union with compassion and expansive grace, the powerfully acted ‘Marriage Story’, ranks among writer-director Noah Baumbach’s best works. It’s a divorce saga about a wealthy showbiz couple that burrows into the emotional turmoil of their split. Adam Driver (Charlie) and Scarlett Johansson (Nicole), both astonishing, star as a married couple in the midst of breaking up. ‘Marriage Story’ feels like the most honest insight into the divorce process. What makes it a great film is that Baumbach never loses sight of the love that brought Charlie and Nicole together to begin with, and there’s a real softness to the film even when the characters get ugly. This is a deeply human movie.
Little WomenThe eighth film adaptation of the classic novel is thoughtful yet escapist, sophisticated yet accessible, expertly crafted and deeply felt. Greta Gerwig’s all-star production breathes new life into the March family with smart, deft direction, gorgeous visuals, and top-drawer performances from a cast including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Laura Dern, and Meryl Streep. As Jo March (Saoirse Ronan) sets about writing the story of her family, each of her three sisters is given a fair shake despite all wanting different things and fitting different definitions of femininity, and Jo’s struggle as a woman getting her work published in the 1860s shapes a larger narrative about female artists and authorship. There’s an innate, thoughtfully contemporary feel to the film’s feminism, even as it deals with material that’s now a century and a half old.
ParasiteOne of the most buzzed-about films of the year, this intense thriller from South Korean director Bong Joon Ho is an unpredictable, thought-provoking masterpiece about inequality. Parasite intertwines the lives of two families and mixes many genres - comedy, thriller, social commentary - without showing a single seam. The eerie film follows an impoverished family that schemes to work for - and become part of - a richer clan. The thriller artfully explores resentment between the haves and the have-nots. What begins as a domestic comedy/drama, however, quickly blossoms into something bigger as the horrible realities of late-stage capitalism begin to set in. Bong’s aesthetics evoke the social and economic divisions governing modern South Korea, and has crafted a biting statement on class divide that manages to be heartbreaking, wholesome, laugh out loud funny, and weep-worthingly sad at the same time.
The SouvenirDirected by Joanna Hogg, ‘The Souvenir’ is a uniquely impactful coming of age drama. It’s the story of a young woman (a fantastic Honor Swinton Byrne as Julie) and her relationship - in this case with an addict and liar Anthony played by Tom Burke), but it’s also about art, friendship, the lies we tell our families, and what it means to know yourself. The first half of the two-part saga unfolds as a delicate 1980s period piece - young and aspiring filmmaker Julie falls into an ill-fated romance with sophisticated drug addict Anthony. The semi-clandestine drug habit eventually becomes a complicating factor for the duo, but the real heart of this enthralling film is Julie herself, whose interior state is brought to vivid life by the director’s intimate, aesthetically diverse approach.
The Nightingale‘The Nightingale’ takes unseemly material and turns it into a liberating tale of historic reckoning. This masterful Australian period piece, unfolds in colonial Australia circa 1825, as Irish convict Clare (Aisling Franciosi), sentenced to indentured servitude, survives a harrowing rape and embarks on a dizzying quest for revenge. Director Jennifer Kent’s drama wrestles with victimhood on multiple fronts, not only contending with Clare’s experiences but the persecution of the Aboriginal people as well, juggling repressed dimensions of the Australian psyche with a sophisticated eye. The Nightingale beautifully illustrates the spectrum of humanity and what human beings are truly capable of. The cinematography, the dialogue and the performances of the actors highlight those innumerable events in history which should never be forgotten nor forgiven.
Gloria BellAn English remake of the 2013 original, ‘Gloria Bell’ is a glorious celebration of Julianne Moore at her peak. It’s a sad reality that as some women get older, they can feel less visible in the world-particularly in the movies. The protagonist of Sebasti‡n Lelio’s Gloria Bell is a bracing exception. Set in L.A., this finely etched character study stars Julianne Moore as the titular heroine, a 50-something divorcŽe who spends her days working in an insurance office and her nights at the disco looking for love. Between friends being laid off, concerns about retirement, and adult children navigating their own troubled romantic paths, Gloria makes her way through middle age with a brave face. Led by brilliant performance by Moore, Gloria Bell is a small-scale story with a profound understanding of life as it’s actually lived, and felt.
Farewell‘The Farewell’ is an unexpectedly and deliciously funny movie, directed by Lulu Wang. It deftly captures complicated family dynamics with a poignant, well-acted drama that marries cultural specificity with universally relatable themes. The film follows a Chinese family who, when they discover their beloved Grandmother has only a short while left to live, decide to keep her in the dark and schedule an impromptu wedding to gather before she passes.
‘The Farewell’ tackles how to process grief and guilt while delivering hearty laughs. Most touching is the film’s boundless love shared between grandmother and granddaughter as Billi tries to find her place in the world.
Portrait of a Lady on FireA singularly rich period piece, ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ finds stirring, thought-provoking drama within a powerfully acted romance. On an isolated island in Brittany at the end of the eighteenth century, a female painter is obliged to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman.
An enchanting, fantastic paean to forbidden love, the movie builds to a series of thrilling operatic moments, including a show-stopping musical number that catapults the story from the boundaries of its setting to achieve a timeless ecstasy. The film is directed immaculately by French director Celine Sciamma.
Her SmellDirected by Alex Ross Perry, ‘Her Smell’ is an unforgiving film about a rock star who is consumed by the struggle between art and excess. Becky Something (Elisabeth Moss) is a ‘90s punk rock superstar who once filled arenas with her grungy all-female trio Something She. Now she plays smaller venues while grappling with motherhood, exhausted bandmates, nervous record company executives, and a new generation of rising talent eager to usurp her stardom. Elisabeth Moss delivers a tour-de-force performance of rampant egomania and self-destruction that galvanizes Alex Ross Perry’s film.
food
What George said more than 100 years ago still resonates with most of us today. For foodies like myself, trying new and different varieties, while embracing our traditional cuisine, is an exciting experience. While there are plenty of foods out there that will always be huge fan favourites – think biryani, pizza, burgers etc - there are a slew of food trends that come and go as the years go by. And thanks to the global influences seeping in our cultures, it doesn’t take long for these trends from around the world to wind up somewhere in our dine-ins or roadside kiosks. From genius fusions dishes and healthy meals to downright absurdity on a plate, here is a round-up of food trends in 2019...
Going organic2019 was big on healthy eating and adopting eco-friendly practices. As we spoke about climate change and reducing plastic usage, many cafes and restaurants welcomed this change. Instead of plastic straws, paper and metal straws were introduced. Some cafes offered discounts for people who brought their own take-away mug to discourage using disposable mugs. Apart from that, vegetarian dishes are now becoming widely acceptable amidst its meaty counterparts.
Apart from eating outside, folks in Pakistan are happily starting their own kitchen garden to grow their own little produce. This is a welcome trend that we see getting very popular in 2020.
Fat is the new phat
The keto diet was arguably the biggest diet of the year, with everyone swapping out carbs for high-fat options in order to lose weight and stay healthy. Because of that, keto-friendly foods took over the market, and everyone was looking for them in the supermarket and in online recipes.
Eateries took this as an opportunity to offer customers special keto meals on their menu.
Matka ChaiWhen it comes to chai, we’re the kind of nation that gasps in disbelief if someone says ‘no’ to tea, let alone not like it.
I didn’t think there was a way that chai could get better, but then it did. 2019 was the year that brought us ‘Matka chai’ or ‘Tandoori chai’.
Going back to our traditional roots, the chai is served in hot terracotta mugs - that are heated or baked in a tandoor – which gives the drink a distinct earthy flavour.
And when the days started getting chilly, many vendors started selling matka coffee as well. No matter where you get your fix, the experience is always incredible.
Quirky fast foodWhen it comes to burger joints and pizza places, we have reached a point where we have run out of names for them. So, nowadays it’s not just about having the best food, it’s about offering the quirkiest food and a complementing ambiance – something very Instagrammable. To make things interesting, eateries offer crazy combos that are either a hit or a massive fail. The good ones that we witnessed were Nashville style chicken & waffles, crispy chicken in waffle cones and chimney cones – sweet and savoury both. Other than that, pizza fries were really popular all throughout the year from big food chains to every street vendor. One combination that I wasn’t a fan of was the donut burger and the hype was all gone as soon as it came.
Sweet indulgence
Coming to the best part of the meal, like the savouries this year, desserts had a fun element to it too. From churros, crepes and waffles to Japanese cheesecake and ice cream tacos, 2019 did not disappoint. Personally, I enjoyed cheesecakes – especially the authentic New York Cheesecake – since they aren’t too sweet. Unfortunately, the jiggly Japanese cheesecakes are not available widely throughout the country, but many have made the effort to get their hands on this treat. The dessert itself is not something out of the ordinary, but the experience surely is.
Adieu, foods!While 2019 offered us many great items to try, there were some that we have had enough of. These are some items that we won’t miss in 2020...
Burger-bun kabab crossover: Okay, let’s settle one thing. There’s a fine line between a burger and a bun kabab, and you do not need to cross it. I remember the first time I had a bun kabab that had mayonnaise in it. I almost gagged and exclaimed, “Yeh bun kabab main mayo kon daalta hai?! Chutney hoti hai isme bas.” Apparently, mayo was the new cool of the early 2000s which the vendors were adding to it. And I absolutely hated it! (The questionable ketchup was an exception, though) I still feel the same way. So, imagine my horror as I saw fast food places launching their version of bun kababs few months ago.
I begrudgingly tried one of them (not by choice); and even though I was starving, I thought it was just okay. Not only are these versions are pricey, they don’t even offer any value or the right flavours for that matter.
Heart attack on a plate: Even though nalli biryani has been selling for almost two decades, it started making rounds on social media in 2018. Since then, its popularity heightened, and it followed us well into 2019. While the nalli biryani is still a quite popular dish, the hype for it has slowly died down.
If you like fatty, greasy food, you may like this one. It’s advisable to practice moderation because the dish is a proverbial ‘heart attack on a plate’.
Rainbow foods & monstrosity: Another hype that we’ll bid farewell to is the monster shakes and the ridiculously large food items (like huge burgers, sandwiches and ice creams). And as we are moving towards organic foods, the popularity of artificial colouring and rainbow foods is going down. That’s not to say they won’t be popular next year, but these have definitely enjoyed a moment they probably won’t have again soon.
interior
In Pakistan, people usually don’t revamp their spaces every year. It is because not everyone can. However, adding some furniture or making a few changes to your home such as: flooring, wall colour, decoration items or maintaining the old pieces can be done at any time or even every year.
It is great to freshen up your surrounding more often but for that, one also needs little ideas to fuse and make their houses look aesthetically pleasing and comfortable all at once. Keeping this in mind, furniture designer Beena Asim and interior designer Ainee Shehzad share a few trends and knowledge regarding what furniture pieces your spaces need in 2020…
2020 is all about embracing natureGone are the days when one felt close to modern and high-tech lifestyle. It’s literally done to death and boring. It’s time to unlearn what we have embraced for years. It’s time to break the habit and admire Mother Nature… According to Beena Asim, “Our research sees biophilia as a major trend in 2020. The incorporation of plants, natural materials, and biomorphic shapes take favour over the stark and minimal modernism. Our rapid busy lives, all-consuming technologies, and bustling cities filled with concrete skyscrapers have us craving a natural escape. These quickly moving times not only have us craving nature but a return of the classics. We expect to see traditional shapes and furnishings such as neoclassical or French inspired forms.”
Contrary to this, Ainee Shehzad believes 2020 will be free for experimentation and incorporating many ideas at once. There won’t be any limitations and there is much room to play around with things. “The designs in 2020 will be eclectic with different mediums coming in,” informs Ainee.
Taking the neutrals aheadIn 2019, we saw initiatives spreading awarenss regarding global warming and how we can protect our environment. Following the same vein, Beena and Ainee predict that 2020 will also work on the same lines. “Cold neutrals will be out in favour of warm earthy tones. We also expect pops of deep vivid jewel tones. People are tired of the cool tones particularly the over done all-gray-everything. Burnt oranges, forest greens and pops of jewel tones like sapphire will create a warm and inviting living room space where people want to feel the most relaxed and cosy,” suggests Beena.
On the other hand, Ainee backs the idea of ‘earthy with bright splashes of eco-friendly accessories’ which will accentuate your house space and give a unique and lively feel.
Comfort comes first“The utility aspect will be led by the design element. Sophisticated and stream lined pieces will be sprinkled with classic pieces,” tells Ainee. This is interesting as people usually forget the element of usefulness and comfort when buying furniture. They more likely are inclined towards fashionable furnishings rather than sustainable fashion when it comes to their home interior. “With the new year, expect to see people ditch the stiff and angular forms of modernist furniture in favour of more relaxed and traditional forms.
Plush upholstery and rich textures like velvet are sure to create a warmer and more relaxed feel. Meanwhile, traditional elegant curved edges offer relief from the sharp and boxy furniture that is on its way out. Moreover, expect to see a return of classical motifs. We predict there will be some elements of Greek and French design. However, rather than a strict imitation of classicism, we’ll see elements sprinkled throughout. As I always insist to have at least one statement piece that could speak and define you,” adds Beena.
Clean yet boldThis coming new year, don’t be afraid to go bold with your flooring. Consider taking a classic like wood flooring and being playful with it by arranging the planks in a herringbone or parquet pattern. “Additionally, be sure to complement your flooring by pulling similar colours and tones and incorporating them elsewhere such as backsplash or countertop.
Don’t forget contrast either! If you have light wood floors, add a pop of contrast with dark toned lower contrasts.
This ensures that it won’t seem like everything is blending together,” advices Beena. Also, according to Ainee Shehzad, “The flooring needs to be dominated by earthy tones, yet clean lines.” This makes a huge difference as it has a therapeutic effect visually.
For a spacious roomFeeling cramped? Create a more open and inviting living space this year. Consider swapping dark and chunky furniture for light and airy pieces. “Go for pieces with thinner bases and legs and don’t be afraid to embrace reflective materials like metals which help reflect light back into the space. Don’t forget to think about your flooring. Swap carpet for wood flooring which reflects more light back into the space and be considerate of which way the planks run. Running your planks horizontally can help visually widen a narrow room. Also consider what paint colours you use.
Dark colours will make a space feel as if it is coming in at you while lighter tones will make the walls recede. Opt for light but rich tones this year such as creamy tans or buttery yellows,” Beena recommends.
Don’t lose your vintage
In 2020, with the returning fascination of the classics, expect to see vintage and antique finds used as decor pieces.
Antique finds and souvenirs create a relaxed collected look rather than carefully curated and bought.
Beena Asim shares, “With the rising popularity of biophilia, we also expect to see a surge in decorative items like earthenware and pottery that utilise natural materials and fit in seamlessly with the warm earth tones we expect to be popular.”
Things making a comeback in 2020There are trends which can never be old. In fact, it is good to amalgamate your old design elements with the new trendy ones in 2020. “Wallpaper is making a major comeback. People are tired of playing it safe with neutral walls and going bold with richly patterned wallpapers.
Again, we expect to see the incorporation of traditional essentials. Classic patterns and elements such as daintree, chinoiserie, and Greek key motifs are sure to be big hits. We may also see people embrace patterns with flowers or foliage to create that biophilic oasis we all need,” Beena proposes.
Also, in terms of the architectural design, certain ideas will make a comeback as Ainee says. “Columns, wall pedestals, window toppings, etcetera will make a comeback this year,” she concludes.
brides
You never want to look back on your wedding day and have regrets about what you wore, or worse, feel like your style didn’t stand the test of time. With so many options, sometimes it can be overwhelming to pick the perfect dress that will not only flatter you but also serve as an heirloom for years to come. Although, when it comes to makeup, you still have some room for experimentation. Nowadays, brides are opting for a fresh face and bold eyes. But, remember, the best thing that a bride can wear on her wedding is the confidence with which she carries herself! If you are a
bride-to-be and are looking for some style inspiration, this week You! features the latest bridal trends that will follow us in 2020 from the Bridal Couture Week recently held in Lahore...
This week You! features the bridal trends from the recently held Bridal Week in Lahore, which will rock your festive season in 2020....
Maria B channels eternal charm, grace and beauty with her collection ‘The Lady of Amritsar’ - a tribute to the finest pieces of art she has been inspired by over the years. Harmonising the grandeur and elegance of ancient embroidery and hand-crafted embellishments, the polki and kundan mix jewellery is a reminiscent of a grand Punjabi lady from Amritsar. Sana Javed flaunts Uzma Babar’s extravagant silhouettes and textures termed as ‘Khwab’. The dewy satin face and soft lips go well with the collection which is a blend of both; modern world romance, and cultural values. The use of pearls and affluent golds and silvers in the jewellery pieces perfectly match the theme. Mawra Hocane is materialising the notion of beauty and elegance in ‘Bhag e Baharan’ by Sadaf Amir. The design theme portrays colours of flowers for all seasons with stylish cuts and silhouettes. The bubbly ruffled sleeves with an ethnic touch gives off a fusion look that is experimental yet appealing to the eyes. ‘Lagan’ by Aisha Imran is traditions redefined with modern whimsy. The collection features romantic and graceful dresses complemented with a soft look – centre parting paired with loose curls and subtle shimmer eyes. ‘Hayal’ by Samsara is inspired from a unique period known as ‘The Tulip Era’ in the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Symbolised by the Tulip, Saba Qamar with this collection conveys the emotions of joy and prosperity. The messy hairdo and satin base gives a royal vibe of a woman from the Ottoman Era, which complements intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail to bring something new and exciting to Pakistani bridal couture. Nitasha Bilal’s collection ‘Abooro’ is a vision of beautiful heritage of Mughal era blending it with the power of authentic eastern craftsmanship. Here, Sabeeka Imam translates the charisma of an Eastern bride - who is also a symbol of sensuality and feminity - with popping pink smokey eyes and subtle hues of peach pink on the lips. Anaya by Kiran Chaudhry fuses vintage glam with contemporary aesthetics. Inspired by French beading, constellation and Japanese cut stones, ‘La Vie En Rose’ is as resplendent as a bridal collection can get. Each piece delivers romance, mystery and drama through assorted embellishments such as pearls, stones, crystals infused with bold eye-catching cuts. Alyzeh Gabol poses in ‘Ishq’ – a collection by Haris Shakeel featuring conventional attire with gota, zardozi and mukesh. She carries a soft glam look perfectly - glass skin, pink smokey eyes and soft pink lips. Also, keeping the highlight and contour minimal exudes a naturally classy feel. ‘Kimkhwab’ of Shakeel’s by Zeeshan Danish is embellished with ethereal all handmade embroidery done with generations-old traditional techniques; ornated on hues of dark red, pink and metallic gold shades. Farwa Kazmi’s dusky skin is an ideal canvas for a cut crease on the eyes – channelling a Black Swan vibe with the black and a copper chunky glitter – and the two-toned red lips. ‘Zoella’ by Zonia Anwaar is a modern take on majestic timeless silhouettes and rich textures, keeping bridal cocktail lehengas, concept festive attire and intricately embellished anarkalis in mind for practical wedding wear. Here, Nausheen Shah sports the ever chic top knot bun matching her vibe and elevating the overall look.Credits:
Text: You! desk
Show Director: Vaneeza Ahmed Ali
Hair & Makeup: N-Pro & N-Gents
Photography: Faisal Farooqi & Team Dragonfly
Official Jewellery Partner: Hamna Amir
Sarmad Khoosat is a man who commands respect, whether he is standing on television, film or the proscenium arch, as director or actor. He’s an artiste who understands literature, giving it its due respect before presenting it to the public. This is just one reason why one has been anticipating the release of Zindagi Tamasha, Sarmad’s return to cinema since Manto (2015), which he directed and whom he personified. Manto was controversial enough, but Zindagi Tamasha, with its social commentary on certain taboo subjects, seems to be taking the bravado a level further. Will it get clearance from the censor board’s unforgiving clippers? That is the question on everyone’s mind, especially since Zindagi Tamasha’s official trailer, released on September 30, went missing from YouTube yesterday.
Introducing Arif Hassan as Naat Khwan Rahat Khawaja, who’s well-respected as a cleric until a private video clip goes viral and he falls from grace; he’s ostracized by his family as well as community. Written by Nirmal Bano, directed by Sarmad Khoosat and co-produced by Sarmad and his sister Kanwal Khoosat, Zindagi Tamasha hits a chord with current times, when madrassahs and religious institutes are already under uncomfortable scrutiny. One has seen and appreciated the (now removed) trailer, and though it is unclear whether Rahat Khwaja is saint or sinner, we do know that the film will raise pertinent questions and start an extremely important dialogue on perceptions and realities of everything happening around us. We hope, albeit against all odds, that Zindagi Tamasha gets a Pakistan release date soon.
Note: Zindagi Tamasha has already made news on the festival circuit, winning accolades at the Busan International Film Festival.
In the wake of a recent incident, during which a Sialkot based 16-year-old was killed while he was filming a TikTok video with his friends, actor-host Fahad Mustafa called out the video sharing app. “To all the parents out there please keep your kids away from this TikTok bullsh*t; it’s not healthy. Entire nation is busy doing nothing. #DoSomethingProductive,” he tweeted post the incident.
Coming from a game show host, who has been under scrutiny multiple times for the insubstantial content on his show, Twitter users are not happy with Fahad’s statement and are rather calling him out.
“Says Fahad Mustafa who teaches nano structural mechanics and engineering live,” read a tweet in response to his post while another tweet noted, “To all the kids out there please keep your parents away from this Jeeto Pakistan bullsh*it it’s not healthy, it’s revolting! Middle age men and women begging for bikes, gold and [U]mra tickets, etc.”
Technology has its advantages and disadvantages, and there will always be those who dislike what one does or says. Fahad must have condemned the use of TikTok to bring parents’ attention to how cruel its repercussions can be if they aren’t aware of their children’s involvement in it. However, he went a little overboard, not realizing how big TikTok has become; as unproductive as it may seem to him, the app is generating a lot of money at present. Any technology used without some precaution in this day and age can be troublesome, even Twitter.
Director of blockbuster film Joker, Todd Phillips was part of the annual Director Roundtable along with filmmakers Martin Scorsese (The Irishman), Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story), Greta Gerwig (Little Women), Fernando Meirelles (The Two Popes) and Lulu Wang (The Farewell).
The 49-year-old, who recently earned his first Golden Globe nomination for directing Joker, spoke about his struggles to get the film made and the backlash he received for showing violence in the movie.
“We were struggling to get Joker made,” Todd Phillips told the Director Roundtable, “which sounds funny, because it exists in the superhero world, but it’s really not one of those movies.” According to the director, Joker, which stars Joaquin Phoenix, “was greatly inspired by the works of Martin Scorsese and Sidney Lumet, and other filmmakers that I grew up worshiping in the 70s and early 80s.”
Talking about the criticism the film faced over its violent content, Phillips told the roundtable, “I just didn’t subscribe to that, quite frankly, bulls*** thing that was happening in the media where they just pick a movie every so often and declare it means something that it doesn’t.”
Prior to its release, people slammed Phillips and Phoenix for justifying and encouraging violence. Both artists denied all the allegations and insisted that all of them are false. The filmmaker explained how some people would write a two-page story on how bad the movie is without even seeing it.
To clarify things further, during the roundtable Phillips went on to say that they “made a movie about childhood trauma and loss of compassion and lack of love in a person’s life and what that might do, but everybody always wants to talk about the spark and not the powder. The film’s really about the powder, what makes that happen.”
Todd Phillips has one career Oscar nomination for writing the screenplay for Borat. While Phillips has bagged a Golden Globe nomination in the best director category, the film is also nominated for best motion picture drama, best actor in a motion picture drama (Joaquin Phoenix) and best original score.
Though Joker faced severe criticism, according to Variety, it is “the craziest comic book smash in movie history” as it raked in $1.06 billion at the global box office.
– With information from The Hollywood Reporter.
With 2019 closing, if there is one trend that has not gone unnoticed, it is the rise of television soundtracks and their ubiquitous public demand. Though there are a string of artists working in that department, one name that keeps popping up is of Naveed Nashad.
Just for an introduction, his original soundtrack credits include mammoth hit Mera Paas Tum Ho as well as Aangan, Suno Chanda, Do Bol, Ishq Zah-e-Naseeb and Yeh Dil Mera to name a few. The music director has not just composed the tracks; he has actually sung a few of them, surprising many listeners with his hidden talent.
Son of late music director Wajid Ali Nashad, and the grandson of music maestro Nashad, Naveed was destined to take up music as a profession. However in this conversation with Instep, he explains the pressure of being a third-generation music composer, his love for OSTs and why he thinks the future of music is bright in Pakistan. Excerpts from the conversation:
Instep: Let’s talk about some of the OSTs you composed in 2019 – the year began with the Aangan OST followed by a few others and ended with Mere Paas Tum Ho. How do you manage to compose so many hits and that too when you are doing the background score of all these drama serials?
Naveed Nashad (NN): Honestly, it depends on my mood (laughs). Sometimes an OST takes three days to compose, sometimes a week and on a few occasions a month but I am glad that none of my compositions have been rejected, ever. I composed Aangan for MD Productions and began the year with it; Do Bol, Suno Chanda, Ishq Zahe Naseeb, Yeh Dil Mera and Mere Paas Tum Ho followed because the creators trusted me completely. The lyrics were according to the situation and I got to use the singers I wanted.
Instep: Some of these OSTs are in your own voice. Was that something you planned or something that just happened?
NN: When a composer sends a demo version of the OST to the production house, he usually sings it himself so that the potential singer knows what kind of expressions he or she is expected to emote. In my case, most of the production houses asked me to send the final version in my own voice as they found my expressions to be exactly what they wanted. I never wanted to be a singer but because of the encouragement I received, I tried to go with the flow.
Instep: Your grandfather and father were both well-known music composers, both of whom carved an identity in the industry. Did you follow them by choice or was it always an expected given your family legacy?
NN: I always knew that I wanted to take my grandfather’s legacy forward and that’s why I took my early ‘musical’ education from my uncle Akbar Ali Nashad, who not only was a noted violin player but also taught me the basics. My dad was well-versed in classical music along with my maternal grandfather Mukhtar Hussain; he taught me that branch of music and I tried my best to be a good disciple.
Instep: You recently composed three songs for Kaaf Kangana that were loved by listeners. What is the major difference between film songs and OSTs in your opinion?
NN: In today’s terminology, an OST (Original Sound Track) can be anything from a drama’s theme song to a commercial jingle and even a hit film number. However, the main difference between a film song and one for TV is that of sound; cinematic sound is different while jingles and drama theme songs fall on a different level.
In films, you have the margin to compose a song for five to seven situations while on TV you have to come up with an OST that has to air for the drama’s entire run. That way, a film song is easier to compose than an OST but if you are passionate like me, you will have your research completed by the time you sit to compose both these tracks. Since I also compose the background score as well, a little research helps me immensely.
Instep: If you were asked to pick three OSTs from your own collection, which ones would you choose?
NN: Although all my OSTs are dear to me, I would go for ‘Ja Tujhe Maaf Kia’, ‘Gughi’, ‘Alif Allah Aur Insaan’.
Instep: And what about the best song each from the Nashad library, which ones would they be?
NN: From my grandfather’s library I would go for Mehdi Hassan Khan sahib and Madam Noor Jehan’s duet ‘Aap Ko Bhool Jayen Hum’ from Tum Mile Pyar Mila whereas I would opt for ‘Dil Main Basa Le’ from Miss Istanbul, both versions.
Instep: Is the future of music in Pakistan bright or dark, in your opinion?
NN: I would say very bright because most of the music composers today are young; with more films and OSTs they will gain more experience and that will help the industry in the long run.
– Omair Alavi is a freelance broadcast journalist who can be contacted at omair78@gmail.com
PARIS: Former world number one Maria Sharapova will open her 2020 campaign in Brisbane after being awarded a wild card by organisers, the five-time major winner announced on Monday.
The 32-year-old Russian hasn´t played since a first round loss to career-long rival Serena Williams at the US Open in August.
"Hi Brisbane, I have missed you so much and I am so excited to start my season at your tournament and in your city," Sharapova said in a video message on her Instagram account.
"I´m looking forward to seeing you all in a couple of days."
Sharapova has slipped to 133 in the world rankings after a 2019 season plagued by a shoulder injury which limited her to just 15 competitive matches.
She won the Brisbane title in 2015.
This year´s tournament in the Australian city gets underway on Monday.
LOS ANGELES: The holiday box office proved fruitful for a wide variety of movies as overall ticket sales reached $200 million over the weekend — a 6.3% boost from last year.
Disney and Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker” led the bounty, crossing $361 million in North America after this weekend’s $72 million haul. J.J. Abrams’ third and final chapter in the sequel trilogy collected $136 million over the five-day Christmas stretch. After less than two weeks in theaters, “Rise of Skywalker” has generated $725 million globally, distinguishing itself as the 10th-highest grossing movie of the year worldwide and seventh-biggest in the U.S.
Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” is also bringing holiday cheer, generating $16.5 million during the weekend and $29 million since Wednesday to land at No. 3. That’s a solid result for Sony and New Regency, which shelled out $40 million to produce the film. Gerwig, who wrote and directed “Little Women,” proved that seventh times’ a charm for Louisa May Alcott’s literary classic. The movie — starring Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Timothee Chalamet, Emma Watson and Laura Dern — has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Slightly lower on box office charts, A24’s suspense thriller “Uncut Gems” debuted at No. 7, collecting $9.5 million over the traditional weekend and $18.8 million since opening on Wednesday. That marks the indie distributor’s biggest five-day launch to date despite the film’s C+ CinemaScore from audiences. U.S. ticket sales currently sit at $20 million, already making it one of the specialty studio’s highest-grossing films. Directed by brothers Josh and Benny Safdie, “Uncut Gems” has found itself in the awards conversation for Adam Sandler’s dramatic turn as a jewelry maven and gambling addict.
After “Rise of Skywalker,” Sony’s “Jumanji: The Next Level” and Disney’s “Frozen 2” eclipsed newcomers on box office charts. Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart’s action sequel has pocketed a huge $59 million since Wednesday, propelling its domestic tally to $175.45 million.
Meanwhile, the animated follow-up to 2013’s “Frozen” generated $16.5 million over the weekend and $26 million during the five-day holiday frame. Those dazzling ticket sales push “Frozen 2” to $421 million in North America and $1.21 billion worldwide, passing 2015’s “Minions” ($1.15 billion) to become the third-highest grossing animated movie in history.
In fifth place, Disney-Fox’s “Spies in Disguise” launched to $13 million over the three-day weekend and $22 million since Christmas Day. The animation adventure, voiced by Will Smith and Tom Holland, also amassed $16 million overseas for a global tally of $38 million.
Elsewhere, Tom Hooper’s “Cats” dropped to No. 9 on box office charts after collecting a disappointing $8.7 million over the extended holiday weekend. Universal’s musical adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stage show has earned $17 million to date. The universally skewered movie is likewise stumbling at the international box office, where it ignited with a dismal $13.6 million from 38 markets. The $100 million movie has made just $38 million globally so far.
Sam Mendes’ “1917” ignited the specialty box office, scored $1 million from 11 theaters over the five-day frame, above Universal and DreamWorks’ expectations. The WWI epic follows two young British soldiers (George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman) tasked with the dangerous mission of delivering a message that could save hundreds of lives. “1917” debuts nationwide on Jan. 10.
In New York and Los Angeles, Warner Bros.’ “Just Mercy” pulled in $228,000 from four theaters. Jamie Foxx, Michael B. Jordan and Brie Larson star in the legal drama about a black man wrongly accused of murder. The film earned a rare A+ CinemaScore from moviegoers, as well as a 98% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, which could bode well as it expands nationwide in the coming weeks.
Neon’s “Clemency,” an acclaimed drama with Alfre Woodard, bowed with $37,000 from two venues, averaging $18,539 from each location.
In notable box office milestones, Rian Johnson’s murder mystery “Knives Out” surpassed the $200 million globally after crossing $100 million in domestic ticket sales this weekend.
KARACHI: Behroz Sabzwari has rejected reports regarding his son Shahroz's divorce with wife Syra Yousuf.
In a conversation with Daily Jang, the eminent showbiz celebrity Behroz dismissed the rumours of separation between the couple.
Behroz said they have not called off their marriage, and clarified that disputes are a part of every family. He also informed that Syra is staying with her ailing father to look after him.
According to Behroz, the couple have been enjoying a "good marital life" for past seven years.
Earlier, the news of the separation between the celebrity couple had shocked everyone around and left fans speechless.
Syra and Shahroz were trending on Twitter in Pakistan as hundreds of users speculated about the couple's current relationship status.
The duo was seen as a perfect couple living a happy married life. They were blessed with a baby girl in 2014.
LOS ANGELES: Justin and Hailey Bieber are very active on social media and they never shy to share their life events with fans. Justin, in particular, loves to prank his admirers about such things.
On Saturday, Justin shared a hockey video on Instagram with the caption "Like my wife always says.... I got good hands."
The pop superstar confused fans with his sexy joke about the supermodel.
Hailey Bieber took no time to respond his life partner and wrote : "fact"
KARACHI: Behroz Sabzwari has rejected reports regarding his son Shahroz's divorce with wife Syra Yousuf.
In a conversation with Daily Jang, the eminent showbiz celebrity Behroz dismissed the rumours of separation between the couple.
Behroz said they have not called off their marriage, and clarified that disputes are a part of every family. He also informed that Syra is staying with her ailing father to look after him.
According to Behroz, the couple have been enjoying a "good marital life" for past seven years.
Earlier, the news of the separation between the celebrity couple had shocked everyone around and left fans speechless.
Syra and Shahroz were trending on Twitter in Pakistan as hundreds of users speculated about the couple's current relationship status.
The duo was seen as a perfect couple living a happy married life. They were blessed with a baby girl in 2014.
