Spotlight

Digital Marketing at Bramerz

2015-02-18T09:41:00.001-08:00

Bramzer's is the leading advertising agency in Pakistan and also a Google Certified company. It was amazing to meet Mr.Badar who along with his team members, brought to us some insights regarding Web 2.0 and digital marketing.

Internet has changed everything and it has impacted marketing in huge ways too. Traditional marketing has been revolutionized or say completely changed after the advent of digital marketing.
Everything that we do today is based on a two way communcaition. Intitally, Marketer's were focusing on Print media, Radio, TV, billboards etc but now social networks, blogs and wikis are like the 'In" things.

Basically, this business creates content which allows the real potential market of users to come automatically to the business. This is more like a Pull Strategy. we all know that previously, companies were focusing on finding consumers and loading them with advertisements. However, things have changed.

Bramerz has basically entered into an untapped market in Pakistan. Its going great and one of its success story is of Domino, Pakistan. Things changed for Domino Pizza when they hired Bramerz. It's true that marketing brings sales. It did for domino's and it will for your company as well. Give it a try!

They help you with your brands activation and also for developing a proper strategy to go about it. Moreover, they build Mobile apps, analysis your numerical data, set your existence on Facebook, twitter etc and set a pathway for you to go about your brands.

Consumers hardly watch TV or read newspapers. Everything is now digital. The only way marketers can prosper is by understanding that the needs of consumers are changing and they need to adapt.
They have recently won three major accounts such as Line, The Entertainer & Orient Group of Companies.
However, if you check their website, they have a huge list of their clients which proves their credibility and also how successful they can be for your business in Pakistan.

www.bramerz.pk/

I am back! :)

2015-02-18T09:13:00.001-08:00

I know it has been really long but I guess I am here to stay! A lot of things have changed, I am almost done with my MBA and this requires me to change few things about my blog. I am going to be changing few things about how I am going to write my blogs from now on. Hope it is useful and fun for everyone.

Love,
Aich

Aashique 2 (2013) - Movie Review

2013-05-28T07:15:00.003-07:00

Cast: Aditya Roy Kapur, Shraddha Kapoor,

Director: Mohit Suri

Aashique 2 is a movie about Passion and drama that one would love to cherish for years to come.

When aashique2 was released, I was almost done with movies. I was sick of comedy and horror movies. I was tired of looking at actors doing stupid things in the movie without any substance.

Aashique was a surprise!

The music got us before the movie released. Songs such as

“ Ab tum he ho” , “Sunn raha hai tu” , “Bhula dena mujhe” was everything the couples in love or going through any phase wanted to hear.Hats off to Mithoon, Jeet ganguly, ankit tiwari and Arijit singh!

If this movie was an attempt to re-establish Aditya roy kapoor after his failed movies such as Action replay, Guzarish and London dreams. It truly has produced the result. I think he is a great actor. Look at him in each scene expressing his love and pain together. Shraddha kappor is alright but she doesn’t do much in the movie except being someone between a caretaker and a singer.

It wouldn't be wrong to say that the story revolves around Aditiya ( Rahul Jaykar) struggling with alcoholism and suddenly finds Shraddha Kapoor(Aarohi) a talented singer. It was hard for me to beleive that she was a singer. Her body languagae didn't make her look like one.

so This Rahul Jaykar guy decides to mentor and thus giving a chance for love to blossom. With time we see Aarohi’s stardom escalating and Rahul’s envy increasing. Ego comes in between and it’s a struggle within aditya that whether he is good enough for aarohi or not.

I think it was the guilt that led aaditiya to take his life at the end. If only he had guts to take her hand and publicaly declare who she was for him.

Great story, Great songs and is a box office success. It targets the youth audience properly and gives us drama in each scene.

The best part about this movie is that it is to the point. Does not lengthen romantic scenes and brings love, passion and drama as soon as the movie starts.

Watch it 4/5 stars! :D

Jab Tak hai Jaan(2012) - The undying Love

2012-12-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

Jab tak Hai Jaan (2012) holds a special place in my heart for many reasons :P but mainly because I was dying to see a romantic movie and not some romantic comedy stuff.

Most importantly, it is the last film directed by Yash Chopra who died days before the movie released. I admire Yash Chopra for giving us great romantic movies like veer zara, DDLJ etc. Nobody can match his sense of filming and how he portrays love on screen by his actors. This is the final product by Yash chopra and never again cinema will see his kind of magic on screens again.

This movie revolves around three characters, SRK ( Samar Anand) , Katrina(Meera) and Anuska (Akira). Each scene is full of drama which intrigues the audience. The first half of the movie is beautiful, its hip and it doesn’t bore you at all. After interval things get a little stretchy but even then one can find an undercurrent of emotions in each dialogue and length and breadth of the movie.

SRK outshines in the movie as usual. He is a treat to watch. He plays a character of a person with an emotional baggage who loses his true love. His character regards love as something that cannot die. Something that can never let him down. So there is a sense of arrogance but at the same time confidence that fate won’t let him down if he stays consistent to what he wants.

Katrina has finally learned how to dance and her dance in the song ( ishq shawa) takes your breath away. She is a typical Yash Chopra heroine, who is torn between love and promises. Her expressions in several shots do all the talking in the movie and she acts her part out rather elegantly.

Music is outstanding. A.R.Rahman and Gulzar deserve brownie points for great melodious numbers such as “ Saans” , “ challa’ and “ jiya rey”.

I found Anushka slightly irritating considering her happy go lucky style in the movie but my friend apparently thought she had a very important character in the film (Now that depends on you how u see her :P) She is a complete contrast to what Katrina is but this has be anushka’s best performance so far.

Beautiful landscapes and simply magnificent cinematography is a trademark of yash chopra films. If you are planning to watch it on the big screen, trust me you will be amazed by how beautiful the locations ( London and Kashmir) look especially during the song sequences.

Special cameos from Anupum Kher, Rishi and Neetu Kapoor are lovable!

Romantic Movies will come and go but never again you will see Yash chopra's style. This is a heart warming movie which you should watch with your loved ones. Jab tak hai jaan is a present day DDLJ and it reminds us that romantic pathway is crammed up with thorns but it is then on us if we want want to walk this path or let go.

Jab tak hai jaan will be remembered. Cheers for the undying love.

Tera haath se haath chorhna
Tera saayon se rukh morna
Tera palat ke phir na dekhna

Nahin maaf karunga main

Jab tak hai jaan, jab tak hai jaan :)

4/5

Khel Jari hai - Theatre Hub

2012-07-24T13:59:00.002-07:00

This July Lahore saw some finest male actors come together and perform a theatrical masterpiece, “ Khel jari hai” for five consecutive days at Alhamra, hall2 under the banner of Theatre Hub.

The script was a translation of Rick abbot’s, “ Play on” which revolved around the chaos that happens during rehearsals and how every time the actors progressed, the writer of the script came up and spoiled everything.

I was lucky enough to see the script beforehand and I am glad the script was edited to suit the needs of the cast and audience. A lot of things that were missing in the script were brought to the audience in a beautiful way.

The whole idea of the play was to perform something within a performance. So every character was acting out two different characters. It was a gamble when the director, Talal ali jan agreed on this script. It would have been quite a flop if the actors wouldn’t have met the expectations to justify the script.

Amazingly, Lahore saw the Great Shah Fahad, Spectacular Faheem muzaffar, Eice Khattana, Dawar Lashari ,Abuzar Farrukh Bilal Syed and Zain Qazi performing on one stage. If you follow the theatrical scene in Lahore I am sure when you would have come to know about the cast of Khel jari hai, you wouldn’t have thought twice before buying the ticket.

Theatre hub brought forward some new faces on the stage this year, Alee Hassan Shah and Daniyal Nasir who had an amazing stage presence and were able to create their own mark even though they were surrounded by well-established theatrical actors. Alee Hassan Shah was such a favorite of the crowd and is now working on his new project.

Alina Hamid ( Mona) , Minhail Zaman( Naveen) and Aniqa Mumtaz(Sana) were overshadowed by energetic male actors but they did know how to gracefully justify their characters to the audience. Each girl was wonderful and they have so much talent that am sure we would see them on the stage again.

I was wondering while watching the play that most probably the audience won’t be able to understand what’s going on because it was a play within a play but the actors kept the audience glued to the seats even though there were some parts that were a drag and could have been omitted.

The director knew about all these things and thus I am glad he added a live band that consisted of Ahsan Sohail, Muneeb, Hassan and Nauman. They were Outstanding! Eice khattana glamorous that he usually is in reality, did not fail to impress the audience with his drumming and acting. He surely knows how to make the audience go wild. Azeem Hamid choreographed dances in the play that were not only neat but also well performed by the actors. Dawar lashari was a blast of energy and with those curly hairs he knew how to set the stage on fire.

People who have seen the play would not fail to agree that the cast of Khel jari hai was superB in acting. I am so glad that the play didn’t talk about political issues or revolutions but gave the audience a good entertainment in exchange for Rs.150.

They really need to put some money on the Play programs otherwise the stage looked fine. I wouldn’t have mind if they had more props around. The set design was beautiful and very creative. Hats off to the creative head behind it. Lights were really good and so were the costumes. Ahmer zaman khan who was heading the production and also the marketing of the play. He looked pretty calm while walking on the steps of the hall. Theatre hub has managed to maintain a strong fan base now. There is nothing stopping them now. The play managed to have a house-full for three days and the rest days were less crowded . However, The response of the audience has been favorable and not many have criticized it.
Moreover, I had seen Some untoward incident happening to Aniqa Mumtaz ( sana) during her performance but hats off when she gave her best even though there she was hit by a fake pistol while performing.

Amazing work Theatre hub!

3.75/5

Brain Masala - The Play

2012-07-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

Brain Masala, Shah Fahad’s direction and assisted by a man of many talents, Faheem muzaffar. When both F’s come together they make a masala, that keeps you glued to your seats for 2 hours.

The play was wonderful, I could watch it over and over again. Its perfect if you have a cup of tea or coffee to sip as you see Shah fahad ( shah wali) walking on the basement of his house, a heaven for any writer. Beautiful set that showed how life of a writer is. Secluded from everything. A radio and a type writer on his desk, some papers and books scattered around. Comfortable sofa to just feel at home!

It was so hot in the hall but watching the play gave me a winterish feel. I felt good watching the play and so did everyone.

This play is about a playwright whose imagination is full of thoughts about women who has shaped his life through out his 50 years of life. He gives us a peek into his mind where women are nothing but his thoughts and how his mind which is tottaly crazy shapes up everything and confuses him to differentiate between reality and his imagination.

The theme is tragicomedy and thus you see love, tragedy, hopes, unfulfilled wishes, failed expectations, age, excitement and so much more that for once you don’t complain about the loadshading that is destroying the cultural scene in Lahore!

As I munched my peanut cookies, I was happy that they managed to get their hall full but what was with the crowd. The crowd was pathetic, Most probably because passes are freely distributed without knowing either the person is a driver or a student from university.

I have to appreciate the cast. They were wonderful. Starting from Shah fahad to the little Hiba Jafri.

Meherbano stole the show from the female category. Playing various characters but at the same time pulling it off. I love your legs Meherbano! She danced so gracefully that I wasn’t sure whether to appreciate her beauty or her steps. Lol! .

Sana jafri is beautiful and she knows how to grace the stage. Loved her acting and how she looked amazing standing close to shah fahad. Both complement each other so well. Who can forget the pathani girl, Amna Rana! Oh those dancing steps were amazing. She acted so well that even the rowdy crowd knew they had to keep quiet to see her act.

Risham fiaz played the psychiatrist, but that lady had her own importance on the stage, she acted so well and her character did stand out. Simoun Tariq, You were wonderful with that accent!

I am so amazed by the girls! WOMEN POWER! YEAH!

Shah fahad is a talented person and considering this was the first time I saw him act, I cannot tell you how much I respect his love for theatre. It shows. He is so passionate and relaxed on the stage. Not a single moment where you feel he is over reacting or tired or whatsoever.. So calm and composed. Bravo!

I wasn’t very pleased with the fight scene of girls during the last scenes of the play. It was unnecessary and ladies, next time be careful.. its pretty awkward when u are on the floor and well.. Anyway. The jazz was good to the ears and so were some sound tracks! Good job! But maybe a little more sounds in the play would have been good?

The characters who were on the stage through out, Ali ahmed khan, Ashush Zahid and Zeeshan durrani were hilarious and so crazy! They knew how to pull the audience attention when the play seemed to have its low bits.

The play gets 3/5 stars.

Come and watch the last show tomorrow (sunday) at ALHAMRA, HALL2
3pm sharp :) link to the event

https://www.facebook.com/events/283899855041322/

Till then, Brain masla! :)

Hijab tarique

Spotlight

Snow White and the Huntsman(2012)

2012-06-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

“Lips red as blood, hair black as night. Bring me your heart my dear, dear Snow white.”

Queen/Ravenna/ Charlize Theron has undoubtedly taken the limelight by having an extraordinary presence in each scene of hers. If you want to see a true villain, have a look at her! She did justice to her character by highlighting vain, hatred and sadistic self.

The Extent to which she can go to save her beauty is shown by eating the birds heart and by sucking youth from young girls. Therefore, when the magic mirror reveals that the only way to become Immortal is having snow white’s heart, she will do anything to get to her.

Snow white is played by Kristen Stewart. She looks beautiful and it feels nice to see her experimenting with her acting capabilities after twilight series. Her dialogues are less or maybe she just fails to show enough expressions to make people remember what she said in the movie :p. However, People will leave the cinema appreciating Charlize Theron more, which is alright considering her Experience and acting skills. I like the fact that her characters evilness is explained and is associated with incidents related to her childhood.

The Movie production is mostly done in United Kingdom and also there are some astounding scenes shot at a place in Pembrokeshire (south of Wales). Each scene is so aesthetically captured complemented with some Hollywood style effects.

Snow white and the Huntsman (2012) is not the typical sweet, happy-go-lucky kind of movie you expect it to be. It is inspired by the fairy tale but there are a lot of twists and turns. Director (Rupert Sanders) has shown shades of darkness, violence which keeps the audience guessing.

When Queen chooses Huntsman( Chris Hemsworth) to find snow white (who has already escaped from the castle and is wandering in the dark forest where no one has come out alive other than Huntsman himself) he fails to kill her and ultimately becomes her mentor to defeat the Queen. Chris Hemsworth looks good after his THOR presence in avengers.

The scenes during their journey through dark forest are beautiful and full of action. He manages to get more attention from the audience compared to the prince (Sam Chaplin). Amazingly, the prince is seen doing nothing at all and it annoyed hell out of me. I would prefer Queens Side kick (Sam Spruell) over him any day.

I like the fact that the Director gave the movie a twist especially when snow white falls into a deep sleep and is kissed by * someone* and not by the prince! – Watch the movie to find out-

Not forgetting the amazing intense action scenes where snow white actually leads an army against the queen and shows that a woman is not only about beauty but she has brains too. But why couldn’t they make the final confrontation with the queen more intense??! : (

It’s a pleasure to watch when the dwarfs turn up, however its gets a little dragged. My favorite scene in the movie is when the queen dips in a liquid( Milk)…. Charlize therone is love!

On a second thought I believe that the director should have tried playing with the ending of the movie in order, to give the movie a feel of completion and provide the audience with a sense of contentment.

I watched this movie with my girlfriends and it was a huge fun! I don’t know about boys, because I believe they will find it sissy and not very entertaining but come on guys you don’t want to miss this movie. This Movie will manage to win some awards, hopefully.

Want to play a dark forest game, try this link :)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/escape-the-dark-forest/id525560851?ls=1&mt=8

3/5

Taming of the Shrew - Ilaaj-e-Zid Dastayaab Hai

2012-05-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

The Play titled ‘Taming of the Shrew’ or Ilaaj-e-Zid Dastayaab Hai directed by Suzana Wilson, Naveed Shahzad and Haisam Hussain, was staged at Alhamra in the beginning of May 2012. This play is to be performed as a part of the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London and then move north to Bradford.

Ilaaj-e-zid Dastayab is a remarkable revision of Shakespeare’s play. The original Shakespeare script of this play is considered to be one the plays that shows hatred and mistrust towards women. However the play was localized to suit the interests of the audience and show the women in a new light.

This play showed that neither men nor women need to bow down in front of each other. It showed that it’s wrong to think that the husband is always right. Rustam Khan(Umair Rana) decides to marry Kiran( Nadia Jameel) a persistent independent girl if he is given money for it but when woman does the same, she is looked down upon.

The play showed that in society, women are expected to conform to certain values and morals taught to her in the family and then to the society. She is shown jealous towards Beena, her sister who is decent and opposite of what Kiran is. I believe it was more frustration that Kiran had in her when she realized that she might never find a husband.

Nadia Jamil ( Kiran/shrew) was unable to perform as she was sick and thus her role was performed by Maria Khan. She had an amazing stage presence and her body language did wonders to her scenes. She was successful in showing a strong willed woman where her character transformed from a shrew to someone who conforms to the society roles. Bravo Maria Khan!

In order to make Kiran more obedient to her husband, Rustam khan tries to mould her psychologically, by giving her no food, clothes and making her live in a lonely place. The treatment Rustam khan does with Kiran highlights the point that a woman has no choice but to obey to the rules and regulations of her husband or the society. Why do the women have to change themselves for their husbands? Why Can’t men change for them too? The role of a wife in the society is questioned and the sacrifices she has to make to survive in a male dominated society.

Umair Rana is a not a new name in the theatre industry, his acting was exceptional and it was a pleasure to watch him act. He performed with full enthusiasm and gave a strong competition to all his fellow actors.

Kireen speech at the end made a lot of men in the audience happy. I saw many standing ovations and then I heard some women going, “ why would they show women like that”. The audience realized that at the end after compliance to her husband Kiran true spirit remains. It’s the role that has changed from an unmarried shrew to an obedient wife.

Osman Khalid butt, extremely talented individual played a rich guy who was charming like he is in his V-logs. But I must ask were the slapsticks and unnecessary jokes necessary in his role? It was a great sight to see bunch of great cast all on the stage but it was true that Nadia Jameel was missed. Hamza kamal was another great actor whose acting impressed many. He knew he had to maintain the same level of great acting the way others were doing. Which he did ! To add to the mood, rock band Mekaal Hasan Band provided live background music.

I wasn’t pleased with the set. Thanks to my friend who told me that this play was not made for Pakistani stages but was for the globe where stage is in a circular form.

This dual of sexes attracted a lot of people from different age groups. The dances before the play and when the play ended really kept the play alive. It was perfectly choreographed. The drum beat did give the play a great Pakistani feel!

The performance started in front of a packed audience who were contented with the performances of the actors also hoping that they would do great in London Olympiad as well.

Pakistani government needs to promote theater in Pakistan. They need to sponsor such plays so that the whole world knows what Pakistanis can do. It wont cost the Pakistani government much if they make sure there is no problem in air conditioning of such theatres. 2 hours of No Ac were horrible! A lot of people left because of it but others who remained despite the suffocation in the hall, were happy and contented with the performances. Salman Shahid quotes, “Its high time Pakistan has a national theater company”.

Finally, All the best to the cast and crew of the Taming of the Shrew for their performances in London Globe. Hope they get the same Reaction like they did in Lahore, Pakistan.

4/5

Theatre Hub Auditions 2012

2012-05-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

It won’t be easy They said. Bringit on we say!

New script, higher aims,challenging situations and life changing experiences is what Theatre hub is allabout. Thank you to all the fervent theatre lovers out there who have given usa tremendous response during our five years of theatrical productions. Jaal, Ishq with a twist, Khatra-e- Jaan, NizamSakka , Teesri Ankh wouldn’t have been possible without your appreciation andgood wishes.

At Theater hub we strive to polishthe skills of upcoming theater actors and make them stars and give our humble contributionin reviving performing arts in Lahore.

We are honored that actors who havestarted their careers from Theatre hub have made and are making mark in the Theaterworld.

Hamza Kamal is turning heads by being part of Taming of the Shrew, aplay that will be performed in London this year, Moreover he has won the BestActor Award at Colors and Humors (2012) and was highly appreciated on my theatricalperformances. Abuzar Farukh needs nointroduction, this young boy was awarded with Best Actor at FAST DRAMA FEST andhis team was awarded the Second position during LUMS Olympiad (2012), MeharBanoreceived Best Actress Award at Colors and Humors (2012) , Sana Jafri made wavesby winning Best Actress award at FASTDrama Fest and with her team that included Merhano were awarded Third positionat LUMS Olympiad. Talha Javed’s team from Lahore Grammar Defence got the firstposition in LUMS Olympiad (2012). BilalSyed incredible theatrical Script was awarded the Second place at LUMS Olympiadthis year. Faheem Muzaffar, Aimen Shahid and Nabeel Shahid won BNUFestival(2012) and sweeping away the awards of the Best play, Best Actor (Faheem Muzaffar) , Best Choreography, Best Technicals, Best Script, BestCostumes and ultimately the Team Trophy. Congratulations Everyone! You made us Proud..

At theater hub we believe everyone has thepotential to make it big, either by being an actor or by being a part of the crew.We bring the best out of you. Are you ready to surprise us this year?

Without further ado, lets raise thecurtains, the Director Talal ali jan and the Producer/ Co-Founder Ahmer Zamankhan are back with a bang. This time with more Enthusiasm and a quality Scriptthat looks for raw talent. Do you have it what it takes to be the Next TheaterIcon? If YES! Then prepare yourself as the auditions for the Theatre Hub’s 6ththeatrical venture are going to be held at AambrosiaLounge (behind café Zouk, MM ALAM Road, Lahore) , Time: 4-7 pm.

Break the barriers and come forauditions. You might me the star we are looking for.

Goodluck!

Hijab Tarique
Spotlight

The VOW(2012) - Movie Review

2012-04-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

The Vow (2012) is a warm and a sweet movie by Michael Suscy, that you would enjoy watching with your special someone. There are many reasons for it, Firstly because Channing Tatum (Leo) looks fantastic and is handsome like anything and his sacrificial love for his wife Paige ( Rachel McAdam) whose memories have been washed away after a car crash on a snowy night. Unfortunatly, she remembers nothing about her marriage, their love and her love for her art. Sighs.

Forgetfulness/ amnesia whatever you would like to call it is hurtful than any breakup. Indifference to the love that was once shared between a couple is more devastating than any rejection in the world. While watching this movie you will question yourself that would you love the same person all over again if you have to start from scratch? And when falling in love do you love the person for who they are of what you perceive them to be?

This movie will have flashbacks with an annoying Leo’s voice talking about how there are moments of impact how they change lives. This movie has a feel of 50 first dates, Notebook and spotless mind. Memories are our treasure they make us who we are. What if those memories never come back?

The movie is really short like 100 min so I was pretty sad when I watched it for the first time because I wanted more of leo and some more scenes to confirm that everything will be perfect as before. After the accident, you see Paige changed like a completely new person, having different eating habits, career interests, wardrobe change and she ends up questioning her choices she once made before this tragic accident. Choices such as leaving her law degree, leaving her parents and breaking up with a her ex fiance.

This movie shows leo so loving and sympathetic that as a woman I was feeling for him throughout , whenever he put special efforts to win his love back all over again, I was going through a lot of Awws, and oh God Paige, Give that boy a chance!

Obviously this movie is not made like other movies considering it has been inspired by a true story, where one couple actually had to go through all this. It will appeal to woman audiences because it shows Leo a perfect guy who will do anything to fulfill the marriage vows he had once taken with Paige (Rachel McAdams). It is important to note that the place this couple often visits is known as mnemonic another word for memory.

The underlying theme of this movie is that love conqueres all and it is very touching when leo decides that after the accident it is not the same woman he had once loved and he should give her the freedom to choose her own life path even it means no Leo and no marriage. Ending shows both of them meeting again when Paige decides to find leo at the same place and amazingly it reminds you of the first scene where the accident happened. Same chilly snowy night.

The ending shows Paige returning back to Leo having her memory still unrecovered but trying to know the man who tried to win over her. Instead of making those memories part of their new relationship again, Leo decides to make new ones. New Impactful moments.

So yeah, It’s a good movie. You can watch it when you have limited time and want to feel all love struck and appreciative towards the moments you share with your special someone but If you are planning to watch a movie with heavy twists or conflicts, this movie is nothing of that sort. This movie did not get a heavy response because it doesn't quench the thirst of great cinema, But over all it’s a good watch with your friends.

Watch out for the scene when Paige rolls up the car window when Leo farts. It was supposed to look romantic but I was like.. Oh my god. Really?

3/5

Knots and Crosses - Telefilm

2012-04-10T08:15:00.001-07:00

Black magic may be one of the many ideas that have intrigued the youth but it is surely a difficult idea to portray on the screen at the same time maintaining the suspense and thrill for the viewers on every Scene.

Knots and Crosses had managed to build the hype before the screening thanks to the trailer which made everyone curious about what is going to be in the whole video.

The poster design by Sameen Agha is highly impressive, you can see a picture within a picture.. for me its a depiction of a mind game, a bad omen as the birds can be seen falling from the sky. Amazing depiction of what to expect from the video.

Knots and Crosses is a 12 min or less telefilm made by Xklucive studios that revolves around two daughter in laws, Asra and sara. Sara being the favorite of her mother in law ( Maria Hassan) results in jealousy and hatred from Asra ( Mahnam Zahid) and ultimately pushes Asra to go to a baba jee ( Muhammad Farooq) for a magic spell on the obedient and sweet Sara ( Tania Jafry). I was slightly surprised when I rearranged the name Asra and it turned into Sara. Gives you extra touch of thrill right there.

At this level, it is a great achievement if the idea is understood by the audience and they manage to feel the emotions each actor is portraying on screen. Tania Jafry says, “It was a team work hijab”. I believe her, because the product I saw was so clean and smooth that from the cast to the crew, dialogues and the editing team who was involved in making the final video were fantastic.

Coming to little technicalities here, Hats of the camera man and how he/she was able to capture Mahnam’s smirk, eye rolling and Tania’s horror moments. Music was there to build suspense and Am glad they didn’t over use it. They didn’t have to. You could actually feel the thrill and suspense pouring out of the screen. Good dialogues and Convincing acting by Tania and Mahnam. Moreover, Mian hamza and Saad butt who played the husbands to these characters were substantial and knew how to support the leading characters. Lightening was great as well, they used red light to depict evil and when they wanted to stand the certain scene out. I loved how they had used voice over and * shashkas*.

I am impressed by how the director managed to show different scenes to depict that the character Sara was under black magic influence such as, Door opening by itself, blood in the tap water, falling utensils and a black cloaked figure in the Bedroom. Great transition between the scenes. The ending is showed where Sara decides that in order to get over from the magic spell she needs to look upto the God only and does not go to some baba jee for the removal of the black spell, whereas Asra who had started the spell ends up in some form of insanity.

However, I wish they had shown more scenes in which Sara was favored more on Asra. The first scene showed Mother in law praising Sara and I loved how Asra got jealous but I wanted more of the jealousy to convince me fully that she will now choose the wrong path. Secondly, I wanted to see what happens to Asra. Even if she ended up being crazy, I wish they had shown some mad and physco scenes of her, instead of showing her back to the camera. The doctor scene could have been better and so the ending. At the end, Tania’s voice is played to convince the viewers that the God’s power has won over the evil black magic. But It would have been nice if both Tania and Mahnam had come face to face in one of the scenes showing the conflict, before the God’s power won over the black magic.

Nevertheless, the efforts are clearly visible and am impressed by the Directors ( Tania Tahir) work. Although it was just a creative writing project. It did help a lot of people to figure out their talents.

I am posting their Trailer and will be sharing the Video of the Telefilm as soon as its posted.

Link to the trailer!

3.5/5 Stars!

Forsaken - Theatrical Review

2012-03-29T13:30:00.001-07:00

I have been to Karachi and I have been to many places in Pakistan but I have never seen such passion and determination of the youth that is breathing in Lahore. Theatrical scene in Lahore is massive and so is the talent. There is talent, there is audience and there is passion but in order to bring the audience to your play you need good word of mouth and marketing.

I heard about the play Forsaken when it was under process. I knew people from the face who were acting in it and I knew I had to see this play. This play was produced by Mirrors entertainment and directed by Hamza Ghaznavi and Vicky Zhuang Yi-Yin. I have seen plays that have been produced by the mirrors entertainment. They pick up great actors, they have a mind-blowing script but then there is that extra tinch of something that is missing. I will call it lack of coordination or lack of farsighted ness and ill planning to be exact.

It was 6:30 when I reached the Hall, I picked up a pamphlet that gave insights to the play and it looked promising. Few printing mistakes that made me giggle. The audience was building up. I saw families. The Lower portion was full of people but the upper portion was waiting to be filled. By the way this was the last show which I was attending and I wanted to see how much people can they attract because people who end up coming on the last day are usually the ones who have relied on the word of mouth.

The hall management was warm and welcoming and there was this hustle bustle going on. People were whispering and I saw some enthusiastic parents waiting for their children to come on stage. I was expecting a larger crowd .They had some young singers performing in the beginning to warm up us a little. Good vocals. But they just wouldn’t start the play. The timings are important I believe. I know its very difficult to start a play, a lot of things and stuff is going on behind the curtains at that very moment.

The play showed the biggest fight of all between the devil and the God. Great script I must say. It showed how there is evil within us all. How easily we are fooled when our desires take control over us. How easy it is for us to be the puppets of our evil desires, intentions or worldly pleasures. The play brought the devil in front of us. The played show how easy it is for humans to let go of the righteous path and how important it is to not let go of the straight path.

I am amazed by Hamza Ghaznavi who was playing the devil / Anthony Corleone and is also the director of the play. He had this gangsterish/evilish and devilish touch which was pretty convincing. I liked how he played with his face expressions. It was amazing when he had scenes with the other people. He stood out. His acting was really good. The scene in which the devil communicates with the audience and freezes everything else was remarkable. If only he had made other characters work on their voice quality and taught them the manners of how to walk on the stage so that their faces don’t disappear, things would have been pretty easier for the audience.

Lightening was great and so were the sounds. I liked the music when they brought it during their acting. I liked the special song , “ Everything is coming to its place …” that was played during the wedding of Kyle ( Sachel Ghani) and his bride. Sachel played great as well and Hashim Imran was terrific. Sachel knew how to bring out the charm and make the audience realize that he is in love. Hashim Imran( James) is an actor who can actually pull of anything. I saw him as a friend, I saw him as a guy who wanted to do something in the world, I saw him having love for his father and I saw him when he had those naughty smiles, I saw the worry on his face and when things got bad. I liked it when he comes face to face with the devil. I was astounded when he becomes the devil. Other female actors were great too but you need to accept the fact that these gentlemen were the best part of the whole play.

I didn’t understand why they wanted so many interruptions during the play. There was lot of curtain closing and opening which made me feel that broke the flow of the play. The set could have been better, If they had shown different backgrounds. Actors were performing outside the curtain which made me feel a little uneasy. Some female characters were forgetting to face the audience but other than that the performances were great. The casting was wonderful and the evil characters looked evil like hell.
Coffee guy ( jack) played by Ahmed Akbar was actually very sweet. Such a chocolate boy. Great acting by this gentleman as well.

In short, I liked the play. The reason it did not get the heavy response was because I belive they couldn’t master the small things that I just pointed out above. I loved the play because the script was great. I loved it when the devil took over but I wanted to run away when the other characters came. I would have liked more if they had shown more of the devil action sequences. Other than that, It was a good watch.

Rating 3/5

Bangladesh Vs Pakistan - Asia Cup Final 2012

2012-03-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

This Post is to appreciate Bangladesh Cricket team performance in the finals with Pakistan, Asia cup 2012. Although Pakistan won and I myself being a Pakistani for the first time in my cricket watching period never wished so bad for another team to win.

Pakistani cricket fans will kill me for this but what a splendid performance by Bangladesh. They have improved like anything during this tournament. They did not only kicked India out of the finals by beating Siri Lanka but they also gave Pakistan tough time during the finals.

I won’t go into details because I am sure if u had watched the cricket match you would have known that Pakistan lost its toss and Bangladesh chose to ball. Bangladesh team was so organized during their bowling action that when Pakistani players started to get out one by one it was a tremendous sight to see.

Bangladesh has won my heart. I am a Pakistani but if Bangladesh had won the match, it would have been a win of Cricket. Cricket is all about Hard work, commitment and passion. What an awesome game it was. Bangladesh had to chase a score of 237 within 50 overs. The had chased a larger score when they were playing against India so I knew it wouldn’t be that hard for them.

Pakistani team as usual had miserable fielding on the field. I have no idea when this team will actually learn to play cricket. No sane team can ever play a final match like this.

Anyway, I hear fireworks outside my home now. Everyone is celebrating Pakistan’s win but Bangladesh you have won hearts of many. I believe you people are an inspiration to all cricket teams. What a great match. Nail biting till the last ball.

I am reading a lot of statuses on Facebook right now and people here in Pakistan believe that today for the first time we don’t feel that happy on Pakistan’s win because we know our team was pretty bad and this win was only for Bangladesh.

Hope Bangladesh team continues to play like this and makes their country proud. They are a lot of trophies waiting for you. This Asia cup is nothing.

Political Peace between Pakistan and India

2012-03-21T02:40:00.000-07:00

Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of Art and Living Came to Pakistan on his three day visit to promote peace and goodwill and also to promote his foundation that deals with stress reducing techniques, reducing individual violence and societal problems etc.

We as Pakistanis appreciate his idea and efforts that he came to Pakistan to spread a good message about peace and harmony but I feel it was more of his advertising campaign for his foundation. The art and living foundation was formed in 1989 in Germany and America with headquarters in Bangalore, India. It is one of the largest volunteer sources in the world.

It is true that it is important to spread love between the both countries but it will all be futile unless important issues that are spoiling the relationship are not dealt with.

1) Kashmir issue

2) India’s interference in Afghanistan

3) India’s violation regarding water accords for instance Baghliar-1 dam has disrupted the flow of Chenab River in Pakistan and also stopping the flow of water. Clearly violating international laws.

4) Constant accusation by India regarding the Mumbai Attacks in 2008

5) On the other hand Pakistan blames India for funding the terrorists in the country and backing up separatists in Baluchistan

Unless the leaders of the both countries do not plan out a proper strategy this aman ki aasha, making singers and spiritual leaders go from one country to another will not help. Pakistan is free country and you cannot blame it to be discrinmative towards Hindus. We are taught to safeguard the right of minorities but this issue is not religious. Its political and out to be solved politically.

It is very important that south Asia should have the same peace and goodwill like they have it in the west. Global harmony can only be attained that way. Unless the core issues are not treated, such peace steps that talk about cultural mergers, media collaborations can not work.

Bicycle - My Friend

2012-03-19T10:56:00.002-07:00

I happend to read a letter to editor in one of the popular newspapers today which made me kind of shocked and amused at the same time.

There was this article that talked about Afghanistan and how important it was that the global leaders try to help establish a friendly government in Afghanistan. I was just done reading that when I happen to read this news line that was talking about the importance of a bicycle.

It’s so weird that now the only bicycles I see are carrying milk churns but I may be wrong because a lot of milkmen here in Pakistan deliver on bikes. Its fast and quick. But Since Mom believed that they mix water with milk so she converted to the all packed milks available in the stores.

I remember that back in the childhood it was a dream to own a bicycle and explore outdoors but children of this generation would prefer buying a bike or a PlayStation instead of wasting time learning how to ride a bicycle. It was very hard to ride on the proper bicycle so I always preferred ones with two small wheels to assist the back wheel.

Also it is believed that if poor nations invest on buying bicycles. Heavy percentage of poverty can be eradicated from the face of the country but I think Pakistani government is a little busy with its own political issues that it would be a miracle if they pay attention to Poverty. Poverty that is Increasing. Food Prices are swelling like anything, ( 79% in 4 years – Dawn News) even the basic lentils are out of reach for the poor class.

Developed countries like United states, Europe, Italy and Australia etc have Cycling tours that not only give the people an opportunity to explore the nature by themselves but have a good physical exercise. Having a bicycle gives you empowerment. It makes you feel free.

Sitting in cars has made us forget how it feels like to have cool wind hitting your face.

China has the largest fleet of Bicycles today and we can see their close association with bicycles throughout history but they too are forgoing and moving to automobiles. Yes this world is faster and needs hi tech based goods but its just so sad that you have to let go bicycles that were once so important.

Theater Love

2012-03-12T10:42:00.003-07:00

In Pakistan, Youth is very enthusiastic. Everyone is testing their creative skills to the maximum. There has been an increasing trend of watching theatre in Lahore especially. When I talk about theatre, I talk about good quality ones and not the usual ones that commonly popular among some class of people.

There has been a mushroom growth of production companies that are run by youth which caters to the demands of enthusiastic theatre lovers.

I have done Two plays with the Student Blog Productions. First one was a musical play,” Into the woods “and the other one was, “The Three Musketeers”. I thought it would be like one of the usual plays where they hand you an easy script and you got to learn it and then act it out, wear amazing costumes and rock the stage. However, it wasn’t the case. It demanded full time devotion and constant tuning of our acting skills. I am thankful to Mr Hassaan Khalid who was an awesome producer and made me work with a great team. We would occasionally order pizza when he would be in a generous mood but it was usually the Daal chawal or some desi food that was given to us. But its not the food that counts, it the fun, experience and the amazing contacts I formed during my Alevels.

My second experience was with Talal ali jan and Theatre hub. It was a completely different experience. Talal is a young luminite who is trying to make it big in this world. He has done a lot of successful plays most remembered are Jaal , Khatra-e Jaan etc. I was working with him in Nizam sakka and I still remember how tensed I was while giving the auditions but he selected me and then it was just a roller coaster ride. Since the team was mostly teenagers and young adults, it wasn’t difficult to get used to that warm environment. Like great team, before our play we went to watch plays by other production companies. All of them sucked, however Avanti was great. Working with him, I learned how to walk on stage, how to act and I saw how a great play was made. The technicalities, sound, set design, costumes, handling the late comers, boring actors and finding new ones when old ones left. Hell of a ride it was.

I got a birthday surprise there. They said they had brought no cake for me but they DID. Aww!

I made a lot of friends there. Media is in my blood. I want to be a news anchor so bad. But while working there I met people who were aspiring actors, models and amazing people. I met the actress of Bol – a Pakistani movie. She is a wonderful friend and things are just amazing.

I might not be working on any play again. But I might. You never know.
Let’s see where my Media Love Takes me.

My friend Aleezay Wrote the following blog about me =D haha

2012-03-10T10:43:00.001-08:00

MyBlogs: Some Close Friends (e) Hijaab: HIJAAB Hijaab is my door ki rishtedaar. She is very close to me though. Hijaab cries a lot. She thinks she is cinderella and that everyt...

The Chicken Curse

2012-03-10T10:37:00.002-08:00

I love going out. There is nothing like having good food and filling your tummies after a hectic and tiring accounting class. I have never been good in math or stuff that speaks numerical language so when me and my friends decided to go for lunch after the accounting class it was hell yes! Lets go! Thanks to My friend R who has a car, she agreed to take me and my other two friends for the lunch. It wasn’t very difficult to choose a place. We were tired of eating fried chickens and burgers, steak was an option but we all settled for Nandos.

Nandos is a worldwide home of famous peri peri chicken, well yes that’s how they define themselves. So finally when the day arrived we happily got done with the class and headed towards the place!

Unfortunately, my friend M who was having a crazy day from the beginning, ended up being stopped by the traffic constable twice since she was coming by her own car.. she ended up in the wrong branch of nandos which was pretty far from the nandos we were in ! So yes, it was very saddening and depressing. How can M be so dumb, we thought she knew which branch we were talking about. M had been looking forward to this lunch so bad, it was very heartbreaking when she couldn't make it.

Moreover, Thanks to my over efficiency, I had ordered her food beforehand and the waiter was not cancelling her order. I got so furious that the only thing I knew was to say, “ Call the manager!”.

Omg that manager was so good-looking. Why can’t they have waiters like those? I was so amazed at his smiling face that I was glad when my friend R explained it to him the situation that we had to cancel the order because our friend M wouldn’t be able to make it. Haha. We told him we had no money other than the amount we had for ourselves. But the manager was so nice, he cancelled the order immediately. Stupid waiter. Why dont they train the waiters instead of putting so much energy on the managers -.-

Nandos food is great! Never liked it so much before. Love the medium flavoured Quarter chicken with two sidelines. Rice and Fries. Yum! And don’t forget the sauces. Love you Pakistan.

Can you Fix it? Hijab can :D

2012-03-09T04:50:00.000-08:00

I know how to repair telephone wires. Only some of friends know that, others hardly belive it. When my parents decided to shift to a place where when you call the Telecom company and ask them to repair internet wires and telephone wires, they tell you to change your house instead.

On Sundays, my dad is a repair man a mechanic and most importantly an electrician. But on the other days he is what an officer should look like. I love him when he is getting dressed for his work. I have loved my dad dressing and I have told mom how lucky she is to have a well dressed man. But all she ssays is, “ Hijab, don’t go after good looks, it should be the heart. My dad who over heard it said, “ so u mean I don’t have a heart? … And my mum politely replied , “ No. Heart tou kisi aur ko daydiya tha na jawani mein.” ( No, U have given heart to someone already in your youth)

Well… the point is I repair telephone wires haha.

So on Sundays, when my dad is free. He wouldn’t sort out his papers or watch tv. Instead, he will check all the bulbs and lights in the house and check for fuse. The worst part begins when I am called to stand by his side and hold extensions, new bulbs, wires, lighter, a piece of cloth. So this fine Sunday morning I remember when the tea wasn’t made well and I was little cranky and having one of my usual mood swings, dad decided to take the matter in his own hands when the telephone didn’t work. He burnt the wire with the lighter and quickly wiped the plastic off with the cloth.. Then with those naked wires he twisted them and did something I don’t remember and tied it in the white box which is kind of the main thing which needs to have wires inserted to it so the phone can work. * Fanfare* … and it worked so fine.

After my dad got posted to another city, I used to repair telephone wires, internet wires and go up the roof top myself. I used to replace oil in my car and end up washing it too. But fortunately never broken a nail. Ah achievement. I have even polished my car with a tea cup in hand and have the servant attend my phone calls. lol. It so hard to believe and my friends make fun of me. They say hijab if u had been guy .. we would have married u without even thinking twice. well that’s cheesy =p

Bus Kab Hogi Bas

2012-03-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

Its 6:20 and I ran all the way to catch the bus as it leaves in next ten minutes sharp. Thanks to My economics teacher, who doesn’t allow us to leave early because she wants to follow some LSE rules.

After my driver ditched us before the semester, mum dad finally decided that I should now take the bus. My friends know how excited I was about it in the start.. but I knew I was going to miss the luxury of my own car. It’s a blessing if you get a single seat and it’s plain annoying if u get a jumper. Right now, I am lucky to get a seat behind a senior and his friend. My seat has a jumper attached to it. I wonder who is gona sit on it. I can lie about it being reserved too but its plain mean.( Allah mian larki na bhetay) =p

I hope my bus wala doesn’t play “ chest best best track*. Does he even realize how embarrassing it gets if you have a guy sitting with you? Last time when they played that track I was squeezed between two guys both getting red and uncomfortable. Coming back to present, The bus is getting stuffy now, few seats are left to be taken. Its not very nice when u have to sit with people who keep on talking especially when u are going home after the most irritating Economics class in the whole wide world.

I hear some girls already talking about how mean her group member is and why Rashid is into her friend. It reminds me of this couple who was in front of me and the girl kept on talking about how she would like her home to be. Talking to her guy she said “ red bricks wala hona chahiyeh” and the guy was like nahi humara ghar nae hoga bangla hoga( bunglow). You guys have no idea how annoyed I was but u have to keep your cool in the bus because at the end of the day they were two .

There are two things one should never do on the bus. Firstly, Never sleep on the bus because if u wake up suddenly your brain stops working and you lose every sense of direction. Happens to me a lot. I always end up asking the person sitting next to me, “ yeh bus liberty he ja rahi hai na”. Secondly, Always inform your parents to pick you up at the right time because if you don’t u end up standing on the bus stop infront of the parahta roll where all the waiters are looking at you as a new Item. I love my seniors. I made friends with some seniors who were sharing the same tragedy( Parents forgetting to pick up). They were kind enough to give me all the support that “ kuch nae hoga” , “ safe jaga hai”. And then when u are finally believing those words a stranger comes up and winks.

Its 6:30 sharp and the bus doors are closed, we all are waiting for a “thak” . Thak happens when the bus main driver is signaling other drivers to take up their routes. “ Uncle gaanay lagaday” .. I look back to see who has made that remark and it ends up being some stupid girls who don’t understand that we all had a long day at the uni and have no intention to listen to munni badnaam. My jumper is not taken so I have it for my hand bags and notebooks but u never know …. “ hey, Is this seat taken”? I look up and see a hot guy anxiously waiting for my reply.

Cultural Blues

2012-03-07T01:44:00.000-08:00

While searching for my discussion topic which talked about the cultural invasion of Pakistan by India, I was not very impressed by the material present on the internet. There was one perspective that talked about increasing globalization and there was another point of view stating that yes we are invaded by the Indian media from every corner etc.

I appreciate good music, fashion trends and fine entertainment even if its coming from across the borders and so do a lot of people who know how to distinguish between what is wrong and right.

We ridicule our Lollywood actresses be it Veena malik , Meera or singers who have gone across borders to earn a livelihood and get some recognition of their own. Unless Pakistan does not officialy send these people , they are not representing our country. They have their identity of their own. But we as a nation believe that if our star achieves something amazing we like to take all the credit and when he does something not acceptable to us we refuse to even acknowledge the fact that they were once part of us. Not forgetting random people asking Pakistani government to ban these people from coming to the country? Really? Why? If you ask these people, they bring the religion in between. Why doesn’t religion come between in discussion when there is talk about corrupt leaders or political instability, or when there are acid attacks on our women? Why does religion only come in the discussion when the entertainment industry is discussed?

Pakistani youth is strong and we have a Voice. We are educated and We know what we want in our lives. No nation is invading any other country. Media is a free. Pakistan drama industry is booming and so is the theatre. I know a lot of my friends who are part of the theatrical scene in Pakistan and some of them are aspiring directors. Today a Pakistani believes that if its own product will be upto the standard there is no way any other country can culturally invade us. Thanks to Humsafar – a massive achievement which made every Pakistani believe that our stuff is all quality.