PakSpice.Com » Pak Showbiz

Shoaib Akhtar & Diya Mirza Getting Married

Sameer — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:50:40 +0000

Demand for Hyderabadi beauties is going high in Pakistan. After the well disputed marriage of Sania Mirza with Shoaib Malik, now the new pair coming up in the news is Pakistani speed star Shoaib Akhtar and Bollywood beauty dia mirza.

Pakistani media has publicized it on a high note that Shoaib Akhtar will soon marry dia mirza and bring her to Pakistan. While there is no reliable information from either of the families, news has spread like a wild fire and this new link up has become burning topic at all levels.

It is worth to mention here that Shoaib Akhtar has earlier brought forward the marriage proposal with Sonali Bendre which hasn’t materialized. One has to wait for few more hours or days to get the right information.

It is accidental that Shoaib Malik and Shoaib Akhtar share the same initial while Sania Mirza and dia mirza too share the same. Let us hope that this news turn into a senseless gossip.

Pakistani Cricket Star and Former Captain of Pakistani cricket team Shoaib Akhter, is all set to marry the Indian tennis star Diya Mirza, claimed a local TV channels of Pakistan.

The TV channels said that the mother of Shoaib Akhter has met the family ofDiya Mirza, and proposed her for her son. The channels also claimed that Sania’s family has accepted the proposal and the two families are all set to engage the two S’s soon.

The channel quoted the sources of Shoaib’s family and said that engagement ceremony between Shoaib and Diyaare expected to be in next month.

Both Diya and Shoaib are one time engaged in the past but their engagements could not last long.

Pakistani Cricket Star and Former Captain of Pakistani cricket team Shoaib Akhter, is all set to marry the Indian tennis star Diya Mirza, claimed a local TV channels of Pakistan.

The channel quoted the sources of Shoaib’s family and said that engagement ceremony between Shoaib and Diyaare expected to be in next month.

Both Diya and Shoaib are one time engaged in the past but their engagements could not last long.

Jawad Ahmad takes a seat in the producer’s chair for Virsa

Sameer — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:25:31 +0000

“I am hoping Virsa can add to the ‘Revival of Cinema’ and perhaps inspire future ventures,” says Jawad.

As we gear up for Ali Zafar and Atif Aslam’s debuts in Indian and Pakistani cinemas respectively, one name that can be added to a growing list of Pakistanis looking to enhance their skill and/or celebrity by plying their trade on foreign shores, is that of Jawad Ahmad.

In Pakistan and some parts of India, Jawad Ahmad is solely known as a singer-songwriter who has the knack for reaching people with his catchy ditties. ‘Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena’ was a success story in Pakistan and went on to capture India’s imagination when featured in Woh Lamhe, the hit film based on the life of Parveen Babi. However, now with the upcoming and highly anticipated release of Virsa, Jawad has taken a different approach to projecting his message.

While misters Zafar and Aslam make their own on screen debuts later this year, it is Jawad Ahmad’s debut behind the camera, in a producer’s capacity, with Virsa, that will get the ball rolling on May 7. The image of Jawad sitting behind a desk trying to download the latest video from his upcoming film, for which he also directed the music, is far different from the man we are so accustomed to seeing on television, rocking away in Punjabi.

He speaks to us about a wide range of topics which include his upcoming film, collaborations with foreign industries, the state of our film industry and our country as a whole. In a most casual and down to earth manner he discusses these topics and the cause of social reform. From the gist of the meeting it is easy to see a man who is a true patriot, thinking of ways to reach people and convey a message of tolerance, love, friendship and natural progression. For those who think he is just another star trying to make a name for himself in India to further his own career would be mistaken as there is a bigger picture behind this venture.

Jawad, who previously sang a duet with the much acclaimed Asha Bhosle, stepped aside from the recording studio this time to focus on the production of his latest venture, an unprecedented Punjabi film in collaboration with a host of Indian actors and filmmakers. Working alongside Dr Amanullah Khan, an expat from Punjab presently settled in the United States and Vikram Khakhar, the three producers have gotten the support of the much heralded Aman Ki Asha campaign.

“Virsa is an unprecedented film that is shot in Australia and in Punjabi with an Indian and Pakistani cast and crew,” Jawad says about this latest collaboration between two countries that have had their fair share of differences. “What some people fail to realize is that a large part of the expatriate community in places like Canada, America or England, etc. are Punjabi speaking. Add to that the fact there is a Punjab on either side of the border makes this a relatable film.”

While that might go a long way in guaranteeing success for the film, it will also aid the effort of working on a social level. When gaps are created by differences, realizing and finding similarities is what helps bridge them. While the population of Punjab in India is close to 25 million, Pakistan’s is around 82 million. These demographics alone represent the relevance Virsa can have on its release on May 7.

“The story is about two expatriate families from Pakistan and India, and how they deal with crises of identity and morality,” Jawad explains. “When Pankaj Batra (director and writer of Virsa) came to us with the script we looked it over and decided to even out the Indian and Pakistani elements in the film.”

Having two Pakistani producers (Dr Amanullah Khan being the other) behind the project might turn Virsa into an attractive film for audiences from Pakistan. “Pankaj wrote a very good story, the balance between the two families is well handled and I can assure you that the Pakistani family plays a large role in the climax of the film,” Jawad adds.

Apart from the storyline being balanced, the casting of Virsa has been handled with extreme care as well. Making their Punjabi film debuts are Arya Babbar, son of well-known Indian actor Raj Babbar, alongside our very own Mehreen Raheal, a face that has of late become all too familiar. Another actor representing Pakistan in this film will be Nauman Ijaz who we have all seen in various dramas. Veteran Indian actors Gulshan Grover and Kanwaljeet Singh will round out the supporting cast to cap of a solid line-up of past and present stars.

Music for Virsa should be another audience pleasing factor for the film as apart from sitting on the producer’s chair, Jawad handles the music for the entire film. His Punjabi tracks always hit home with most people, especially Punjabi listeners. After seeing Jawad’s videos for his previous songs, one could have predicted that he may one day organize the music for a feature film. Apart from himself, Jawad has also brought aboard sub-continent (and fast becoming international) sensation Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as well as Richa Sharma, Amna Khan, Farah, Fuad Ahmed, Kirshna and Sahir Ali Bagga to complete what he calls an “outstanding” soundtrack.

As for his future in film Jawad claims that, “if we get a positive result from Virsa, which means even if we manage to break even, I will be encouraged to pursue this further.” When suggested if he may consider bringing aboard a local filmmaker for his next venture he replied, “Sure. Why not?”

With that in mind support for Virsa can go a long way in trying to reignite the ‘Revival of Cinema’ idea which has been bandied about for some time but no real result is evident. While Khuda Kay Liye’(KKL) had momentarily gotten people talking, the buzz died down soon after as there was no follow-up to the massive hit. Most filmmakers just continued making generic films which couldn’t really match the tenacity of KKL. Enter Virsa, more of a commercial film that may hit home with large audiences that are used to seeing such storylines play themselves out.

Having the Aman Ki Asha support may also boost its chances of doing well at the box-office but another idea it can help build on is the ‘Revival of Cinema’. When KKL was released it was heavily marketed which as a result got it favorable reviews and fair numbers at the box-office, not to mention people talking. What Aman Ki Asha can do for Virsa is quite similar. People will go to watch this film in both Punjabs and appeal to expatriates as well.

“The quality of cinema in our country is certainly not up to par with other cinemas, especially our neighbors’. There may be a few good productions that happen sometimes but overall, we need to improve. I am hoping Virsa can add to the ‘Revival of Cinema’ and perhaps inspire future ventures,” said Jawad with an earnest, down to earth tone which is hard to come by.

Whether Virsa and Aman Ki Asha help reignite a collective fire in the bellies of filmmakers here is yet to be seen. We can hope that perhaps some quality cinema for Pakistani audiences, entirely by Pakistani filmmakers can be inspired. Till then we should not be afraid to take a helping hand from our closest neighbor, both geographically and culturally.

After all, as Jawad told us, “even British actors and filmmakers went to Hollywood to ply their trade and establish a name and now there are some good British film’s coming out of England.” That goes to prove that sometimes you have to put pride aside and take initiative.

Jawad Ahmad turns producer with Virsa

Sameer — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:50:56 +0000

If you have listened to Jawad Ahmad tracks, which are hard to miss thanks to those catchy beats and watchable videos, you would know that one day, one of his productions will end up in an Indian film. Well that has finally happened, except the film in question is not entirely Indian, but a cross border collaboration.

Virsa, which is set to hit theatres worldwide on May 7, and is currently doing the rounds at the Dallas Film Festival, is as the name would suggest a movie about an expatriate Desi community and their relations to their roots. Produced by Jawad Ahmad, a very well reputed Dr. Amanullah Khan and Bollywood long-timer and journeyman Vikram Khakhar, Virsa is mainly in Punjabi as it is aimed at a Punjabi audience consisting of Pakistanis, Indians and expatriates.

You can be sure to hear Jawad Ahmad’s catchy tunes, along with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s ballads. But those are not the lone local elements to this film. Making her big screen debut is the familiar, and pretty, face of Mehreen Raheal, joined by one Pakistan’s more versatile on screen talents Nouman Aijaz. Indian filmmaker Pankaj Batra will take care of the script and direction of Virsa, which also includes the Punjabi film debut of Raj Babbar’s son Aarya, along with veterans Gulshan Grover and Kanwaljit Singh.

Unlike previous Indo-Pak ventures, this one is should do well as it holds a Punjabi element which makes up for a large part of the expatriate community in Canada, USA, England and other parts of Europe. Not to forget our Punjabi contingent in Pakistan and India should also be able to identify with Virsa and its more commercial concept focusing on two families from Pakistan and India.

We know Jawad has the knack for reaching people on a mass level, should he be able to do it with a film then this may not be his last foray behind the big screen.

Atif Aslam Is Getting Engaged Soon!

Sameer — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 09:13:40 +0000

Recently On Azfar Mani Show with guest Savera Nadeem claimed Atif Aslam is getting engaged, they said something is happening and the girl is well known actress and model too.

lets see when Atif Aslam himself officially announce it.

Sania Bhabhi must stay in Pakistan – Miss Pakistan

Sameer — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 07:35:09 +0000

Despite all the drama surrounding the upcoming wedding of Sania Mirza with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, Miss Pakistan Ayesha Gilani is all too eager to welcome Sania ‘bhabhi’ to Pakistan. “Sania bhabhi and Shoaib make a great couple and both are from sports; they suit each other.

And I don’t think they are that different culturally, as Shoaib also has some family remaining in India, ” says the 27 -year-old, adding, “Of course, they may not represent the two nations, but at least people can look up to them as a beacon of hope and peace for Pakistan-India relations.’

However, Gilani, who’s studying English and Administration in Washington, is against her ‘bhabhi’ settling in Dubai. “I’d prefer she settle in Karachi, as I think it would be better for Shoaib to be in his homeland.

And after marriage, the bride has to live in her husband’s home, and Karachi is his home, ” she says. The Lahore-born beauty has a word of advice for the groom.

“I’d expect him to be a good husband and a great father to her children, and to fulfil all what a happy married life needs. That’s all one wishes for a marriage.’

‘ Asked about her reaction to hardliners in India calling Sania unpatriotic for choosing a Pakistani, she says, “No one can blame love or fate. Calling her unpatriotic is a bit ridiculous; she’s never said that she won’t play for India. These are insecurities that certain extremists have. It’s unfortunate for them to say such things at such a happy occasion.”

About claims by Hyderabad girl Ayesha Siddiqui that she’s already married to Malik, Ayesha says, “We all are innocent until proven guilty. If Ayesha Siddiqui can come up with proof, she should be given a chance to be heard.”

Ali Azmat to play Dubai show with Shankar-Ehsan-Loy and Hrithik

Sameer — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 05:07:20 +0000

What is better than Ali Azmat, the rockiest of rockstars in Pakistan unleashing his tunes to a packed audience in Dubai? Ali Azmat playing to the Dubai audience with “the brightest lights on the Asian music scene”. Yes, Ali and the bright Asian lights will be playing at the Dubai Mega Mela come April and the rocker demands on his website (aliazmat.com) that anyone who wishes to be there be “ready to rock”.

You must be wondering who the dazzling stars that Ali speaks of are: it is none other than the Shankar-Ehsan-Loy musical tri-tet and, wait for it, Hrithik Roshan! We wish we could fly out and see this show because can you imagine how cool it would be to watch Hrithik do his thang to ‘Mein Chala’? It will be like modern dance interpretation, only better.
On the other hand, we wonder if the Shankar-Ehsan-Loy presence will make Ali tone his act down, out of politeness, because these are three musicians with a very different take on ‘rock’.

That said, this show will absolutely be one to watch for, whether in person or for a televised version, because the mix that comes out of this collaboration (if they play together at all) should be intriguing.

Ali Zafar speaks about spring, Azaan and Coke Studio

Sameer — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:17:50 +0000

Ali Zafar is all about the love. The pop heartthrob whose writings and ramblings on his Twitter and blog have always been on the sweet side of thoughtful has been positively gooey since the birth of his son, Azaan. And with all the mixing madness for his new album Jhoom, we wonder how Ali still finds the time to be so upbeat!

“Freezing the weather in a glass jar so I can smell it in humid summers,” Ali tweeted a while back, following it up a tweet a few hours later, in absolute awe of his son: “Azaan rota bhee sur mein hai (Azaan even cries in tune)”. While we’re still coming to terms with the fact that along with having the whole talent and looks thing going for him, Ali is the classic ’sensitive’ guy, Ali stamped his good guy status further by showing his contemporaries some love. He put down the ‘Chal Bulleya’ lyrics in update and spoke about his Coke Studio favourites in the next.

“My favourites in Coke Studio last year”, Ali says, “were ‘Paimona’, ‘Aaj Latha Naee’,” ‘Jalpari’, ‘Saari Raat Jaga’ and ‘Aik Alif’”.

Ali has recently also recorded a studio version of ‘Dastan-e-Ishq’, the song that had so deeply touched him last year, with Baqir Abbas on the flute.

Lots happening in Noori’s world

Sameer — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:06:00 +0000

Quite happily, we must say, that Noori are back! Well actually Noori have been ‘back’ ever since they knocked everyone’s socks off with their Coke Studio set last year. Most of us are still listening to it and marveling at the power that Ali Noor’s voice channels and the quietly colloquial manner in which Hamza sings.

The band just launched their video log, or vblog, a few days back and have been faithfully updating their website www.nooriworld.net recently.

“Brace yourself for an exciting new journey with noori!” they said with the vblog launch, “new site, new content, new album, grand surprises!!”

Noori was recently in the news for performing on an environment friendly song with Hadiqa and Aaroh as well. What’s more is that they are working on their next album right now, Begum Gul Baqoli Sarfarosh.

With all that intense work going down, the band also has something a bit more commercial happening: Noori is ice cream brand Wall’s’ new ambassador. For they project they also have a new song and video ‘Jhoom Lay’.

The band excitedly announced on their website: “The grand surprise is finally out! noori has signed up with Wall’s as their brand ambassadors for the year 2010 and this merger is celebrated by a brand new song accompanied by a video!”

Diya Mirza Photoshoot For Pakistani Textile Mills

Sameer — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:02:36 +0000

Diya Mirza Photoshoot For Firdous Textiles

Kareena models for Firdous Mills in multi-crore deal

Sameer — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:05:24 +0000

High flying Bollywood beauty, Kareena Kapoor, has been seen gracing many billboards for Firdous Collection on the streets of Pakistan; a solid yet bright backdrop offset by vibrantly colored clothes. This begged the question whether a local mill would stoop to such a level as to just place Kareena’s face here and there knowing she would be none the wiser and that too wearing someone else’s clothes. Not so, my friend. The insider story is that the hottest star in Bollywood was flown to Duabi for the shoot and paid a whopping 3 crores to model for the brand. Apparently she was very impressed by what she saw and can be seen sporting the lawn for the Firdous catalogue.

What a time to be fighting for billboard space at the peak of lawn season. You have your Iman’s, Vaneeza’s, ZQ’s and many more, but just seeing KK on a smaller billboard still rocked the label with mega star power wattage.

Could this be the newest lawn trend to hit Pakistan? Will Priyanka model for Gul Ahmed? Will Bipasha model for Al-Karam? This could be likely to happen since Iman can’t do all the lawn billboards because that would just be too confusing. This just might be what was needed to boost the vision of fashion abroad without mentioning the words ‘Taliban’, ‘extremists’ and ‘navel gazing’. Oops, we said it . . . for the last time! Promise! Click Here For Pictures

PakSpice.Com » Pak Showbiz

Shoaib Akhtar & Diya Mirza Getting Married

Related Posts

Jawad Ahmad takes a seat in the producer’s chair for Virsa

Related Posts

Jawad Ahmad turns producer with Virsa

Related Posts

Atif Aslam Is Getting Engaged Soon!

Related Posts

Sania Bhabhi must stay in Pakistan – Miss Pakistan

Related Posts

Ali Azmat to play Dubai show with Shankar-Ehsan-Loy and Hrithik

Related Posts

Ali Zafar speaks about spring, Azaan and Coke Studio

Related Posts

Lots happening in Noori’s world

Related Posts

Diya Mirza Photoshoot For Pakistani Textile Mills

Related Posts

Kareena models for Firdous Mills in multi-crore deal

Related Posts