Sooner or later, it had to happen. Given the crazy response Ertuğrul Ghazi has received, it was only a matter of time before reality struck home for those few die-hard fans, who well, bought into literally all that the show depicted. And it had to be those unfortunate Instagram pictures posted by the cast which shattered that illusion and bore the brunt of the disappointment. 

Yes, the characters they were seeing on screen were, in fact, being played by Turkish actors. Oh, and Turkey has always allowed its citizens (including the women) the freedom to dress the way they want, too.

Does all of this sound too absurd to be true? Well occasionally, reality ends up being stranger than fiction, and this certainly seems to be the case here.

The actors are well, actors

It all started with Ertugrul’s leading man Engin Altan Düzyatan. A few social media users objected to a photograph of his that has him posing with quite a few dogs. Dogs, according to the moral code they advocate and prescribe (but perhaps not follow), should be anathema to a true believer. A user going by the handle @razi.ahmed commented “I am sad to say that this is not the Ertugrul I saw in the show. How can you have a dog indoors when you know Islam prohibits it?”

View this post on Instagram

Ve Hera büyür..

A post shared by Engin Altan Duzyatan (@enginaltandzytn) on Apr 15, 2015 at 2:58am PDT

The outrage over such comments – from Pakistanis themselves – quite hearteningly was far more vocal and rightly set the record straight, generally noting that the trolls needed to fix their act, and perhaps their minds too.

Esra Bilic is not Halima!

Pakistan men having a meltdown at esbilgic (Halima Sultan from Ertugul) posting a picture because Astaghfirullah Halima baji pic.twitter.com/sFblUu5Bw1

— Sheldon (@Avicenna911) May 10, 2020

Another victim ended up being actor Esra Bilgic, who was put under the microscope by the moral police for what it saw as inappropriate dressing. Esra plays the character Halima Sultan in the historical-adventure series, and let’s just say a few social media trolls decided to equate the actor’s values with that of 12th century Halima Sultan. Sigh.

Given the unprecedented popularity the show is currently experiencing, literally everyone has something or the other to say about it or those too surreal to be true responses to cast members’ photographs. At the time of filing this story, Halima Sultan was the top trend on Pakistan’s twitter indicating that, well, a pandemonium has been put in motion.

Petition to grant Halima Sultan the title of Pakistan's National Mother !

— ABDUL REHMAN (@__medicolegal) May 12, 2020

View this post on Instagram

“ Sunset on the boat “ by Omer Sedat Yenidogan. ‘19

A post shared by Esra Bilgiç (@esbilgic) on Mar 25, 2020 at 7:11am PDT

Some Twitter users pointed out that Esra had actually objected to Priyanka Chopra’s comments during the late February India Pakistan tensions last year, and that it was unfortunate that she had to face some unsavory criticism at the hands of some social media users who live in the deep neck of the woods.

Halima Sultan of ertugrul defends Muslims on both onscreen and off screen pic.twitter.com/3Kdg716sAh

— ViewsVoices (@TheViewsVoices) May 12, 2020

Celebrity reactions pour in

Earlier, we had reported how Shaan Shahid had tweeted about his disapproval for the show. In the ensuing period, many more celebs have jumped onto the bandwagon, with each weighing their opinion(s). Actor and musician Haroon Shahid tweeted his ardent backing, saying that everyone needs to watch the show “as much as possible”.

Ertugrul itna dekho, itni clips share karo, hazaaron Memes banao, Tik Toks banao kay Imran Khan ki wajah say iss dramay say sarnay waalay aur pareeshan hoon! #MondayMotivation

— Haroon Shahid (@HaroonsMusic) May 11, 2020

Bilal Ashraf too was all for it, praising the series for what he called a “great story and awesome production.”

ERTUGRUL is brilliant. Great story and awesome production. Happy to see it was introduced to the local audiences. Film/ Drama is a form of art and needs to be appreciated regardless of where it was made #Ertugrulgazi What do you guys think?

— Bilal Ashraf (@IamBilalAshraf) May 9, 2020

Meanwhile, Ahsan Khan, as usual, came up with the sane perspective regarding all the unfortunate trolling some fans had thrown the Turkish actors’ way, pointing that “It’s bloody shameful what’s going on (the social media).”

Indeed, as Ahsan points out, many actors including the biggest names in the industry like Mehwish Hayat and Ayeza Khan have been slut-shamed and have borne the brunt of social media over their onscreen performances that the moral brigade has been offended by.

I know people in #Pakistan think it's ok to troll actors here and judge them, atleast spare the cast of #Ertugral it's bloody shameful what's going on! Who the hell are we to do this to them?

— Ahsan Khan (@Ahsankhanuk) May 11, 2020

Actor Adnan Malik too chimed in and noted the unique interpretation of Islamic culture and how it should be seen as a welcome move.

Whats most fascinating about #Ertugrul on Ptv is that the avg Pakistani gets to see a completely different take on the cultural values of a predominantly Muslim country. For the longest time the only Islam that existed here was the one derived & practiced from Saudi & the MIdeast

— adnanmalik (@adnanmalik) May 12, 2020

How could any discussion on social media be without Jibran Nasir’s two cents? The socio-political activist felt that all the Ertugrul craze was the product of an ‘identity crisis.’ While we note that genealogy, race, identity, and culture are complex and often contentious subjects that cannot be addressed by sweeping generalities, Jibran opined in a tweet that “…(Previously) we mimicked Arabs tracing our roots to Bin Qasim. Now we’re trying being Turks.”

We've many beautiful cultures in Pak but many still face a identity crisis which is also seen in our diaspora. Being ourselves often causes "Goras" to confuse us as Indians due to our similarities so we mimicked Arabs tracing our roots to Bin Qasim. Now we're trying being Turks

— M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) May 10, 2020

Meanwhile, Galaxy Lollywood contributor Zeeshan Mahmood was irked by Ertrugrul fans taking a liking to the show without realizing how modern Turkey has evolved, into a shape and form they might not necessarily find agreeable. A better idea, he felt was to focus on the country’s own unique history, spanning the millennia that predate independence from British India.

Meanwhile, Twitteratis were quick to counter Jibran’s comments.

You will become a Turk if you watch Ertugrul but watching GOT and Money Heist will make you a true Pakistani. https://t.co/YJXZ7DhLUa

— Tehseen Bajwa (@TBajwa7) May 10, 2020

A few even had some zany recommendations, which truly put an end to any debate and controversy about Ertugrul.

Forget Ertugrul, what we need is a narcos type series for lyari gang war featuring Uzair Baloch & PPP for the culture

— Osama. (@ashaqeens) May 11, 2020

Final word

Given the bipolar nature of the debate, it would be prudent to advise that the show only be taken at face value for the entertainment it provides, and not be treated as some deep religious sermon or an authentic lesson in history and morality that needs to be aped by the cast members or those in the audience. However, given its only early days when it comes to exposure to international entertainment for a large swathe of the masses (the show is being broadcast on PTV’s terrestrial network, too), such reactions are not surprising. We at Galaxy Lollywood will continue to update you on the latest developments about the show, so stay tuned and watch this space!

The post Is The Conversation Around ‘Ertuğrul Ghazi’ Getting Out Of Control? appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

She could have fit into a glass slipper, but she chose to shatter glass ceilings instead. She took the road less traveled; dodged the typical and embraced the unconventional. The diversity of characters she has portrayed sets her apart from her contemporaries and that’s exactly why her career graph has only seen ups.

Despite all the successes, Amar Khan remains refreshingly real and chooses to treat her characters with the same honesty and diligence, adding tremendous value to the role of a heroine.

Right from her acting debut in Chashm-e-Num where she played a blind girl, she accepted and excelled in non-typical roles. She was next seen in Belapur Ki Dayan where she essayed the role of a not so typical witch, surprising us further with her turn as a Hindu woman in period drama Ghughi. Khan took a 180-degree turn with her classic act in Dil-e-Gumshuda, which was a triumph that made viewers and critics vouch for her acting prowess.

Breaking the mold

Khan is fierce and fearless and I just don’t say this on her choice of doing unconventional roles. When I say fierce, it’s because she broke the norm by playing negative roles from the beginning of her career without fearing to get type-casted. This trait of exhibiting diversity in her work is a rarity in today’s world where actresses are manufactured within a typical mold that comprises of good looks, good apparels, good makeup, and sometimes, good acting.

So what makes Amar Khan the go-to actor to play offbeat roles? Khan said it was a conscious decision to not take up weak weepy women roles that usually do wonders for the ratings. She stated: “It bores me to tears and it’s easy to say no to things that don’t excite me.”

For her, “magic occurs when you play powerful characters like Neelofar (Belapur Ki Dayan), Nirmala (Ghughi) and Alizey (Dil-e-Gumshuda)” she added.

Theater and training gives her the edge

Khan believes training for an actor is as important as it is for a doctor or an engineer. Khan is a film graduate from Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, and also went to New York and India to complete courses in screenwriting and acting.

Does this set her apart from others? “I hope I won’t get criticized for saying this so bluntly, but actors today don’t have the vision and mind in terms of picking and contributing to better subjects. It’s mostly about their own parts and outward expressions. The knack for building characters, evoking sentiments, and lending dexterity to a larger perspective is missing. Having said that, there are exceptions everywhere and we have some commendable actresses like Sania Saeed, Nirma Bucha, Nadia Jamil, and Saba Qamar.”

Khan credits theater as the most gratifying experience of her life, “Theater shaped me in many ways, it taught me to be fearless, I learned the art of liberating inhibitions physically and mentally, connecting with the audience and realizing the love affair between an actor and script”, she said, adding this experience has enriched her craft on television.

Double responsibility in ‘Dum Mastam’

Ever since Dum Mastam was announced it was surprising to see Khan taking on a dual role as a writer and an actor. While it is indeed an achievement but it also kind of doubles the pressure on her young shoulders. “Yes! It is a big responsibility, but let me tell you, we have put in a huge amount of hard work off the sets too in creating the connection required for celluloid. Mohammed Ehteshamuddin (director) is one person who has never let any pressure get to my heart. It takes a great mentor, friend, and director to sail you seamlessly throughout. Had it not been him, I wouldn’t have enjoyed this journey to the fullest”.

Did being a star kid help?

Amar surprised us by answering this question with brutal honesty. “First things first, I am not a star kid, my father isn’t Amitabh Bachchan and neither Hema Malini is my mother. My mother, Fariha Jabeen has been a hard-working supporting actor and that struggle continues even today when I see her fighting for her delayed payments.” She confesses, “Yes, I got my first opportunity due to her but other than that one has to prove their own mettle to stay afloat no matter what in any field”.

Khan believes in focusing on one thing at a time, as of now, all her hopes are summed up in two words ‘Dum Mastam,’ which is shaping up to be one promising venture as far as reports from the sets are concerned. We hope that the critics and audience will continue to shower their love on the budding big-league player of tomorrow.

As they say, the road to success is not easy to navigate, but with hard work, drive, and passion, it’s possible to achieve what seems extraordinary to others. Amar Khan has come a long way in such a short time and is certainly not lacking in any of the three departments – all the more reason for her to shine even brighter in the very near future, perhaps right up there on the top.

The post Here’s Why Amar Khan Is The Next Big Thing! appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

Shock jock host, televangelist, or politician – whatever you may call him, Aamir Liaquat Hussain and controversy go hand in hand. While there’s no denying that he’s a skilled orator, Liaquat simply cannot let go of his knack for wheedling his guests in a manner that makes one wonder if there’s something more sinister lurking beyond the façade of his perpetual toothy grin.

Three weeks into the holy month, and you would expect that the former Aalim Online host would have learned from the missteps that Galaxy Lollywood and other press outlets have pointed out, time and again. However, what has transpired on his show Jeevay Ramzan so far indicates that there is possibly some method to this madness, with perhaps controversy being on agenda for gaining attention and ratings during a cut-throat primetime slot? Or, maybe, that’s just the doctor’s modus operandi by default?

Either way, if we were to make a blooper reel of awkward moments on his show, we wouldn’t know where to start, and where to finish.

Of star deaths and ethnicity

It all came to our notice with Adnan Siddiqui and the much talked about ‘insensitive’ remarks Aamir Liaquat made about his co-stars from across the border in Bollywood projects. The bewhiskered host created quite a hoopla when he told Adnan that his two main co-stars in two Bollywood films were both dead and that actresses of films the Meray Paas Tum Ho star rejected or didn’t end up doing owed their life to him. Adnan Siddiqui later apologized on his behalf to the families of both the actors.

Later, Ali Rehman Khan had to sit through a cloyingly sweet introduction that was marked by cultural faux-passes again for its insensitivity and left us amazed. We were not sure if Aamir Liaquat was being sarcastic, satirical, or genuinely nice, but the whole affair was marked by innumerable references to actor’s ethnicity (Ali Rehman Khan is from Islamabad, hailing from a Pashto-speaking background). And let’s just say, as the on-and-off televangelist kept on bringing “Aap Pathaan hain” into the conversation with an ever more pronounced (sinister?) grin, our irony detectors automatically went into overdrive.

The women who had to face it all

Kudos to Ali though, for taking it all in his stride. The good doctor though only kept the fun going in his later shows. When former Lollywood-era star Reema Khan turned up as his star guest, he turned to his usual killing-with-kindness routine by showering the actress with his grandiose introduction and massive grins and tributes.

Although this time, he seemed to have broken character with that incredulous expression (shock?) when Reema stated that “Mein ghar mein TV ke saamne baith ke copy-pencil ke saath notes liya karti thi jab bhi aap ka show Aalim Online ata tha.” Was Reema responding to Aamir in his own language?

The show has even had what we thought were rather creepy moments. Hira Mani, appearing on the game-show all decked in her signature overflowing sari had barely taken the hot-seat when Liaquat decided to push the phrase “Mere paas tum ho, mujhe yakeen nahi araha” on the actress repetitively even when she had, clearly uncomfortable, brushed it off with a “Mujhe tau yeh saari dunya kehti hai ab.” The top two comments on the YouTube version of the show, posted on Aamir Liaqat’s own channel, include “Mark my words he is mentally ill” and “Looks like he on drugs.”

Liaquat used the same “Meray Paas Tum Ho” line on Ayeza Khan, although not repetitively which made it decidedly less awkward. However, with Ayeza too things took a weird turn when the host told her that he prays that “Aap ki zindagi mein asli Danish Taimoor hi rahay,” adding after a pause “Yeh Humayun wala Danish na aye,” to which the Pyaarey Afzal star responded with a smile “Koi bhi nahi asakta.” That was not all, for Aamir added “Humayun ko to janti hain na aap?,” with a grin. A bit more serious Ayeza came back with a quick “Sab ko janti hu main.”

Final word

It seems like there’s no shortage of what we have perceived to be awkward moments that can discuss here. For now, though, we’ll just conclude the discussion hoping this so-sweet-it’s-bitter, innuendo-laden style will have been noticed and pointed out by the stars in question, and that they will take a lead in ending any awkwardness in a straightforward candid way in the future. May better sense prevail.

The post Is Aamir Liaquat Crossing The Line In His Ramzan Show? appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

When Ye Dil Mera started last year, the audience was initially gripped to the show since it was bringing back power-couple Sajal Aly and Ahad Raza Mir for the third time together on screen.

Apart from them, the teasers had picturesque views of beautiful locations such as Islamabad and Shogran. Last but not the least, the storyline too seemed to be not your run of the mill saas-bahu saga, instead the teasers and first few episodes hinted towards a dark, edgy thriller which would be a rare treat for fans of Pakistani dramas.

The honeymoon period

The drama did indeed start on an intriguing note with powerful performances from all the three main leads; Sajal Aly, Ahad Raza Mir, and of course Adnan Siddiqui. Viewers were quickly hooked to the play as the air of mystery kept them glued to their screens. Among the many questions that had to be answered were as to how Aman knew Aina or why Aina had those nightmares. Every other week we questioned why Mir Farooq was overly possessive of Aina or what secrets he was hiding.

While the graph of the drama seemed to be gradually going up with new facets of the play’s characters coming to light; viewers still waited impatiently for the actual story to unfold and the narrative to build the momentum that is essential for the thriller genre to work on screen.

The slowdown

Fast forward 29 episodes into the drama and I feel the last few episodes have been nothing but more repetition with the play’s slow-paced screenplay again being nothing write home about. Till now viewers have more or less everything they need to know yet we are still three to four episodes away from the finale.

In the previous few episodes, the same situations have been repeating to the point that one wants to pull the hair out. The episodes have been filled with the same flashbacks of the past we have seen many, many times. If not flashbacks, the dialogues give us deja vu such as Aina saying to Aman that “Agha Jaan kay begunahi kay saboot tumhare mun pe maarungi“. Aina has nothing to do all day except cry, sleep, or take a stroll in the garden. Why does she not investigate her Daryabagh home for the evidence she is looking for?

Also, can someone tell how Bua-ji found Farhana Khala in Islamabad? When did Bua Ji travel from Sukkur and how did the two get in contact? Furthermore, I cannot fathom how Mir Farooq being the smart guy he is still hasn’t figured out where his daughter is even when Aman has disclosed his identity to his father in law.

Although the pacing and plotting of the storyline have definite issues, there still are some moments worth mentioning. One scene in particular in the latest episode has the viewers curious, where Aman hints towards his possible death with the words “Agar mein maara bhe jaun.”

This revelation has intrigued viewers of the drama as to what the possible end could be? However besides that, pretty much the loose ends are all tied up so it remains to be seen what the forthcoming episodes showcase. In conclusion, I believe the viewers are still hooked to the play mainly because of the superb performances by the cast, and not the actual story.

The post Is The Slow Pacing Of ‘Ye Dil Mera’ Killing The Show? appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

Saba Qamar’s acting prowess is something that even her strongest critic would not cast an aspersion on. Plus, quite notably, at a time when all the bigwigs of the showbiz fraternity have shifted base to the big screen (or at least, that was the case before the pandemic shut down movie theaters), Saba is striking the ideal balance between her film and television career and enjoying spectacular success in both.

Here, we present you with 5 gems from the actress’s prolific portfolio – and note this selection is by no means totally comprehensive. We have featured on the list Saba Qamar’s 5 must-watch television shows we believe you will be glued to, the first episode onwards. And that would be awesome during these times of social distancing, right? If you feel any more shows need to be included, please mention in the comments below!

So here we go! 

Cheekh 

This Badar Mehmood directed venture is a taut revenge thriller which has proven to be Saba’s biggest hit on television in the last few years. She plays the lead character Mannat while Bilal Abbas is Wajih. And Mannat’s journey through chaos to ultimately finding her strength is what forms the core of this very interesting show.

The drama revolves around Mannat and Wajih’s tug of war, as both of them are in some way connected to the murder — if you can call it that, of Mannat’s friend. What makes it more interesting is that Mannat becomes Wajih’s sister in law and his entire family is gripped by the thunderstorm he creates. The drama has several sub-plots and boasts of an exciting supporting cast consisting of Emmad Irfani, Aijaz Aslam, and Ushna Shah. Sharp performances, crisp editing, and a roller coaster of emotions make it an exciting ride. The play is available on ARY’s YouTube channel. 

Baaghi 

Based on late Qandeel Baloch’s life, Baaghi portrayed the story of Qandeel’s journey from being a village belle to a nationwide internet sensation. The drama unravels the exciting bits from Qandeel’s life, such as her first marriage, her live-in camaraderie with a flamboyant coordinator, her Pakistan Idol audition, blossoming love story with a business tycoon and her unfortunate murder.

The drama took many cinematic liberties and also fictionalized segments of the play. Watch it for Saba’s phenomenal performance, who perfectly incorporated the characteristics of Qandeel as Kanwal. Baaghi also stars Osman Khalid Butt and Sarmad Khoosat. 

Maat

A tumultuous tale of two sisters, Saman (Saba) Aiman (Amna Sheikh), Maat makes for an engrossing watch. Aiman is sensitive, naïve, and extremely loving towards her younger sister, Saman who on the other hand is quite a firecracker and wants everything she sets her eyes on. She also has a strong bent towards wealthy men and dreams of marrying one.

Aiman, on the other hand, is engaged to Faisal (Adnan Siddiqui), who’s destiny, in turn, intersects with Saman. A complex web of relationships ensues, in which fortunes change as do the relationships themselves. The television show was also well received across the border when aired prior to Pakistani television shows being banned there. Maat is currently available on YouTube.

Dastaan 

This pre-partition saga has a gem of a script and superb performances by its ensemble cast. Such projects are rare to come across any more, which makes this show a must-watch amidst the quarantine.

Dastaan stars Saba Qamar, Fawad Khan, Sanam Baloch, and Ahsan Khan in key roles. The story revolves around the life of Bano (Sanam Baloch) and her neighborhood during the pre-1947 era.

Saba plays Surraiyah, the doting wife of Ahsan Khan’s Saleem, and best friend to his on-screen nephew Hassan, played by Fawad Khan. Watch it for the heart-wrenching partition sequences which are fabulously executed by maestro Haissam Hussain and brilliantly performed by all the actors. This one is bound to give you goosebumps. Available on Hum TV’s YouTube channel. 

Mein Sitara 

One of the most authentic insights into the world of film fraternity, this show spans a period of a few decades and has quite a vast canvas. Mein Sitara is a story based on the Pakistani film industry and what goes on behind the scenes and what we actually see on-screen. It’s a story of beyond those closed studio doors and arc-lights.

Also starring Mikaal Zulfiqar, Meera, and Noman Ijaz in key roles, Mein Sitara is notable for Saba Qamar and Meera’s interesting equation in the narrative, especially when Saba’s character grows and comes into direct clash with Meera’s numero-uno film-diva. Also, watch out for the breakdown scene of Mikaal when he falls in love with a much younger Saba Qamar despite being married.

It’s a play that leaves you with much to think about. Available on TV One’s YouTube channel. 

Honorary mention: Paani Jaisa Pyaar 

Raw yet gripping is how we will term this Sarmad Khoosat directed serial. Based on the life of a 25-year-old girl, the chirpy Sana from Faisalabad, Paani Jaisa Pyaar showcases how her world changes when she is raped by her brother’s best friend, a character that is performed by Ahsan Khan. All of this leads to trouble in Sana’s married life, and much drama ensues which is all the more engaging because of Saba’s power-packed performance. The play also stars Mikaal Zulfiqar, Juggan Kazim, and Naushaeen Shah. Saba played the role of a rape victim at a very early stage of her career and delivered a knockout performance. 

The post 5 Saba Qamar Dramas You Shouldn’t Miss Out On appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

All the craze around Ertuğrul: Ghazi is pretty much self-evident. The play’s YouTube channel is rushing past the 250 million views mark, and it is not yet even a month since the first episode of the Urdu-dubbed Turkish show started to stream. Galaxy Lollywood has been extensively covering all the hysteria surrounding the show, from the sometimes divergent celebrity reactions to the more surreal ones from the few who took it to be all too real.

Not the first time

The popularity of Ertuğrul is known to all and sundry, and it’s real. What is not as well-known is that most Ertuğrul viewers in the country are well, kind of late to the party: The play has already been broadcast on Hum Network’s Hum Sitaray channel, that too, a whopping 5 years back.

Aired with the original title Dirilis: Ertuğrul (Resurrection: Ertuğrul), the show’s first season (dubbed in Urdu) premiered in August 2015 on Hum Sitaray, during a period when Turkish shows were enjoying massive popularity following the success of Ishq-e-Memnun. 

However, it didn’t receive much fame and acclaim in Pakistan back then – which might be in part due to its cable run on a network that is not as well-known as the leading drama channels like Hum, ARY Digital, and Geo.

Also worth noting is that the Turkish original itself went on air around late 2014 on its home turf, so at that point in time in 2015 perhaps the word of mouth too was not too strong in the country, and generally across the globe too, to generate any kind of interest. Currently, the curiosity and hype has been propelled to an all-time high by various celebrities and politicians, including the PM himself, who are actively endorsing the show and encouraging the viewers to watch it, that too during a time period when most are staying at home or working remotely.

Besides, Ertuğrul: Ghazi is also simultaneously being telecasted on PTV’s terrestrial network, which has a massive reach even in remote rural areas where cable programming might not be available.

As far as the audience reception of Dirilis: Ertuğrul on Hum Sitaray is concerned, the show didn’t generate enough of a response for Hum Network to consider airing the subsequent seasons. Importantly, back in 2015 the network didn’t stream it on their YouTube channel, something which PTV has, and which has proven crucial towards lending the show its hype. The overall digital audience too was a bit lower back then and as they say, there is a time for everything, so perhaps this was the show’s kismet.

Final word

More than anything, Ertrugul’s second time’s a charm run shows that good content also needs the right branding and push to make itself stand out among the plethora of viewing options. There’s a reason why advertisers use celebrities or people with some amount of credibility to push their products and build their brand. Possibly, the same has happened here. But bear in mind, the play has earned all that acclaim because of its unique theme, its execution, and the experience it creates for its audience – something which no amount of branding or endorsement can help with.

The post Did You Know ‘Ertuğrul’ Has Already Been Aired In Pakistan 5 Years Ago? appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

All the troubles and travails of the current year aside, 2019 saw quite a few interesting Pakistani films, including some of the biggest blockbusters that were released over the two Eids. Now, some of these films, along with select audience favorites from recent years, are all set to storm your TV screen!

We must add here that we understand that the enthusiasm towards Eid will be very different this year. With the Covid-19 crisis still looming all over and the recent incident involving all the unfortunate people who lost their lives in the plane crash in Karachi, it would be hard for people to focus on something else.

However, life has thrown quite a bit of misery our way therefore some distraction, even if it’s for an hour or two, is absolutely a must for us to stay sane. It’s a coping mechanism we employ to keep our mental balance intact.

Pakistani TV channels have quite a massive line up of movies that will premiere during the four days of Eid-ul-Fitr which will ensure that your mind is pulled out of the news cycle, if even for a few hours. Take your pick – all the genres, from comedy to thriller to crime-caper are on the menu.

‘The Donkey King’

1st day of Eid at 7 PM on Geo TV

The response for The Donkey King was so overwhelming that it had to be dubbed in 7 languages so it could be released internationally. It was a great animated movie, not just for kids but for adults too.

‘Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2’

1st day of Eid at 1 PM on ARY Digital

The second installment to Jawani Phir Nahi Aani, starring Humayun Saeed, Fahad Mustafa, Kubra Khan, and Mawra Hocane will be airing on ARY Digital at 1 PM on the first day of Eid.

‘Chhalawa’

 1st Day of Eid at 4 PM on Hum TV

Chhalawa is a lighthearted rom-com that emerged as the surprise hit on Eid last year and stars Mehwish Hayat and Azfar Rehman as the leads.

‘Chupan Chupai’

1st day of Eid at 1 PM on Geo TV

Chupan Chupai was a sleeper hit of 2017. The Ahsan Khan-Neelam Munir starrer was well received by the audience for handling the complicated genre of comedy-thriller.

‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’

1st day of Eid at 1 PM on ARY Digital

Punjab Nahi Jaungi was a perfect blend of romance and comedy. It was well-loved by the audience and critics alike though some found certain scenes and situations problematic given it was Khalil ur Rehman Qamar who wrote it. It’s well worth a re-watch, if you have seen it already.

‘Superstar’

2nd day of Eid at 8 PM on Hum TV

Starring Mahira Khan and Bilal Ashraf in lead roles, the movie followed the rise of a theater actress in the cinema industry. Among the film’s highlights are its melodious music and a romantic fairytale treatment.

‘Na Maloom Afraad 2’  

2nd day of Eid at 2 PM on ARY Digital

Na Maloom Afraad 2 might not have gotten the same recognition its predecessor got, but it managed to provide audiences with a few laughs and some scintillating song and dance numbers. So, if you are looking for a complete no-brainer entertainer, be sure to catch it!

‘Heer Maan Ja’

2nd day of Eid 9 PM on Geo TV

Last year’s Eid ul Adha witnessed multiple movie releases, Heer Maan Ja being one of them. Starring Ali Rehman Khan and Hareem Farooq in the lead roles, the movie is a mixture of various genres, including drama, coming of age, and comedy.

‘Baaji’

3rd day of Eid at 9 PM on ARY Digital

For people who are looking for a hatke movie experience, Baaji would be your best bet. It stars none other than Meera, who gave a thunderous performance, along with Amna Ilyas, Mohsin Abbas Haider, and Osman Khalid Butt. This thriller is of the masala variety and will not disappoint.

‘Wrong No 2’

3rd day of Eid at 9 PM on Geo TV

Wrong No 2 was one of those rare sequels that worked well with the audience as much or even more than the previous one. The chemistry of Neelam Munir and Sami Khan was lauded in this romantic-comedy film.

Let us know which ones from this blockbuster line-up of films you will be catching on your TV screens on Eid, in the comments below!

The post Some Of The Biggest Blockbusters To Storm TV Screens This Eid appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

The Pakistani film industry is currently going through some trying times, as is the case for motion picture setups the world over. The Coronavirus pandemic has affected the cinema industry in more ways than one. The shooting schedules of the year’s most awaited films such as London Nahi Jaunga and Nilofer’s shootings have been affected and major films that were ready to release have been delayed.

In more bad news, showbiz fraternity members such as Wrong No. 2 director Yasir Nawaz and Superstar debutante Alizeh Shah, are said to be in the line of fire of the deadly coronavirus. While the pandemic has created global turmoil for most of the world economy, it has naturally brought its own unique challenges and problems for the film industry.

If one were to take a quick look at the current dire conditions, especially in the exhibition sector, there couldn’t have been a worse time for the pandemic to wreak the havoc it has. The local film industry is still in its initial reviving state. Although new superstars and film actors have emerged from the current setup, only about twenty or so movies are being released every year, and those too usually clustered around the major holiday periods. Commercial returns for filmmakers have been said to be below par, with even films that are otherwise considered ‘successful’ barely breaking even. Half a decade or more into the revival, we are still to reach our true potential or even match the better days of the Lahore film industry. 

Prior to the current crisis, the picture was not too rosy either. Cinema-owners and distributors were already facing a shortage of Urdu film releases, and those that did manage to release beyond the usual Eid or holiday periods were largely rejected by the audience, mostly owing to their lack of audience appeal and quality issues.

The previous year presented the first opportunity for local filmmakers in over a decade to have all the theatre screens for themselves, although major Hollywood franchises with a strong local fan-base such as The Fast And The Furious continued to exert their dominance over the audience. However, what was seen was largely a mix of experimental films while the production quality of most non-Eid commercial releases was not up to the mark. Most were weak at the box office.

All of this reflects the filtering process that will work through important trial and error on part of filmmakers and is a natural outcome of Pakistani cinema’s evolution. The last few years have also seen some notable successes such as Punjab Nahi Jaungi which have gone global but then the hiccups have been quite a few.

The OTT/digital platforms such as Netflix are also providing our content transnational exposure, helping expand the market. But with more exposure comes more responsibility, and the inconsistent quality of local films has definitely affected the Pakistani cinema brand. Brand building is something that is essential towards drawing in and retaining a loyal audience base and needs to be the first priority of the local film industry.

And that is where the silver lining to the current crisis comes in.

The positive side

The current period represents a golden opportunity for filmmakers to examine the main weak links of the current filmmaking setup. First and foremost, thought needs to be given towards the creation of a joint platform for exhibitors, distributors, and filmmakers that can effectively exert their influence together as a film industry and resolve outstanding issues. The body can be used to press the government for help in creating joint ventures with other industries and most crucially for creating a transparent box office measuring system. The body can also help in the creation of a much needed joint OTT platform that caters to the Pakistani content (both film and television).

The time also presents an important break for the creative brains of the Pakistani film industry to further work on their scripts, storylines, and pre-production to present the viewers with a better end product. Projects currently under post-production meanwhile can sharpen their editing – something that usually receives much flak from the critics and the audience. 

Some of that already seems to be happening. Humayun Saeed revealed that London Nahi Jaunga’s first half has already been shot and they are using the time to edit the chunk. Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan starrer Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad is also being edited. Industry people also have gotten time from their chock-o-block schedules to think about more creative ideas and formulate them into films. 

This is also the right time to make decisions regarding issues relating to film releases. Perhaps smaller budget films can also initiate talks with digital streaming platforms keeping the effect of the pandemic on cinema footfalls in mind once the business resumes. If a united, cohesive film body is established, it can also use the current period to work out a mechanism for the allocation of release dates. 

Once the theaters reopen, there will be quite a spectacular line-up of quality films that will be up for release. If their opening dates are spaced out correctly, this can help with steady business throughout the year, which has been a problem so far. Moreover, having back to back quality releases will go a long way towards building the much needed Pakistani film industry brand.

Final word

While the pandemic seems to be a major hindrance as of now, it can also work in the cinema’s favor in the long-run if people involved use the time as they should i.e. productively. In this relation, we hope for some good news from the industry in the near future.

The post Coronavirus Crisis A Blessing In Disguise For Pakistani Film Industry? appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

Fans of Sonya Hussyn and Zahid Ahmed can rejoice as the hit pair is expected to grace TV screens again. Last seen in HUM TV’s Ishq Zahe Naseeb, which tackled split personality disorder, the pair was loved by the audience for their crackling chemistry.

Almost four months later, fans of the couple are in for a treat as they will be seen in HUM TV’s next drama, Mohabbat Tujhe Alvida, which also stars Mansha Pasha. Recently, HUM TV released two teasers of the drama. Some social media users were quick to notice the similarity between the scenes shown and Bollywood movie Judaai released in 1997. That film itself was a remake of another Telugu-language movie and was notable for plagiarizing a popular Pakistani track.

What the teasers of the drama revealed

The teasers shared a glimpse of what we can expect from the drama. Sonya Hussyn (Ulfat) and Zahid Ahmed play a married couple madly in love with each other. Ulfat plays a girl who dreams of becoming rich. Meanwhile, Mansha Pasha plays the role of a rich, glamorous girl who wants to be with Zahid’s character at any cost.

Judging from the teasers, it seems like Mansha’s character will probably offer money to Ulfat in exchange for allowing her to get married to Zahid’s character. If theories about the inspiration are right, Ulfat will accept the offer but will regret it soon after Zahid and Mansha’s characters get married.

Comparison with the movie

As soon as the teasers were released, fans started comparing it with Bollywood production. That film starred Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Urmila Matondkar in lead roles and was a twisted love triangle between Kajal (Sridevi), the poor wife of an honest engineer Raj (Anil Kapoor),and Raj’s boss’s niece Jahnvi (Urmila Matondkar). Kajol was shown to be lured by wealth the same way Ulfat is. Some people even went on to say that actors should check the script’s authenticity before choosing it. Moreover, after the disappointment that was Main Na Janoo, fans of Zahid Ahmed are hopeful that this drama will make up for it.

Directed by Barkat Sidiki and written by Abdul Khaliq Khan, the drama is expected to go on air from the 15th of June as revealed by Sonya herself. The audience is waiting for the drama and if at all there is any inspiration from Judaai, as some people have claimed.

Stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood for the latest in Pakistani entertainment and a whole lot more!

The post Is Upcoming Drama Serial ‘Mohabbat Tujhe Alvida‘ A Rip Off Of Bollywood Film ‘Judaai‘? appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

There was a time when Pakistani television was considered to be superior to the country’s film industry. The reason for the edge was the meaningful and relatable content often churned out by PTV, STN, and then later, some cable and satellite networks. In the past few years, however, we have seen some unsavory themes taking over the medium.

Among many such themes fed to the audience is pitting two sisters against each other over a man. Be it Saba Qamar and Amna Sheikh in Maat, Iqra Aziz and Zara Noor Abbas in Khamoshi, or Hira Mani and Sabeena Farooq in Kashf, drama producers are normalizing love triangles with two sisters and a mutual love interest. 

Problematic trends

This is highly problematic as such stories create a toxic impact on the audience. Television serials are actively viewed by their target audience i.e. the women, and are seen as having some similarity to real-life situations by many. Thus targeting sibling relationships will just add to the negativity and conflict being paraded as entertainment. 

Such dramas also show sisters wishing death upon each other such as Iqra’s character in Khamoshi, or creating trouble for their sibling, such as Sabeena’s character in Kashf. Some critics and media observers have in the past have considered toxic television themes to be damaging to our social fabric.

An even more disturbing factor is that in most cases the male love interest is either committed or married to one of the sisters while the other one sets her eyes on him. This also violates the values and norms attached to the brother in law-sister in law relationship.

The latest: ‘Jalan’

The latest venture to join the party is Emaad Irfani’s next co-starring Minal Khan and Areeba Habib, titled Jalan.

Interestingly, this is not the first time a drama titled ‘Jalan’, that too with a similar  story too has aired on TV. There have been three seperate dramas named ‘Jalan’ that have been aired on different channels till date.

The first ‘Jalan’ starring Maya Ali and Sajal Aly aired on Geo Entertainment in 2016 (later re titled as Ladoo Main Pali) . The drama once again showed a happily married couple being sabotaged by ‘the other woman’. The second ‘Jalan’ starring Saboor Aly aired in 2017 on A-Plus and the story revolved around two sisters. Surprise Surprise.

The third ‘Jalan’ is about to be aired soon on ARY Digital and as the teaser suggests, the protagonist of the show Nisha, essayed by Minal, falls for her brother in law and then creates trouble in the married couple’s paradise. The dialogues shown in the promos also give away disturbing hints of a sibling war.

Nisha seems to be glorified despite being a morally flawed character. One of her dialogues in the promo is “Main apni jang jeetnay ke liye kisi bhi had tak jaa sakti hoon”. Which takes sibling rivalry to another low. To have such a character being promoted as the play’s central character is something we cannot quite understand.

What is even more disappointing is that such characters are performed by leading actresses who have a significant fan following and influence on the television audiences. A section of the audience might see this behavior as normal since their favorite actress is essaying those roles.

Stars are not happy

Surprisingly, TV dramas hardly show two brothers wooing the same woman or fighting over a mutual love interest. In fact, some of the recent examples such as HUM TV’s Dilruba starring Hania Amir, showed a brother sacrificing his feelings for his cousin when she tied the knot with his younger brother. 

The Kamli of tinsel-town, Saba Qamar recently called out this wave of content in an interview stating that she is tired of reading scripts where two sisters are falling in love with the same guy and that then entire drama revolves around the problem. She cited the example of Maat and said that she has also done a play like that but she wouldn’t want to repeat it in her career. 

Actor Zahid Ahmed recently discussed this repetition of similar themes on Iffat Omar’s show, stating that the television audience is craving for novelty. This is why he did Ishq Zah-e-Naseeb as it was different from regular dramas and thus became a success. He added that this is the time when the audience wants to see a variety of content and that they should be served with a range of interesting material.

Final word

With the OTT platforms picking pace in the South Asian markets, access to international content is easier than ever, therefore television producers need to put a stop to churning out the same regressive content in order to stay with the evolving times. They should also be mindful of their social responsibilities about portraying family ethos on TV screens. 

The post Why Are Sisters Fighting Over The Same Man In Pakistani Dramas? appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

OsMaya is not an unknown word for fans of Pakistani dramas. The fans fell for the palpable chemistry shared by Osman Khalid Butt and Maya in Ali their debut drama itself and coined this name way before it was considered mainstream for Pakistani pairings to have their names meshed together. Now, eight years later, the charm of this Aunn Zara pairing is still very fresh. Even now the fans just can’t get enough of these real-life great friends’ sizzling chemistry as they are always demanding more of it.

And why wouldn’t they? OsMaya share that rare chemistry in the industry that is not only mesmerizing to look at on-screen but also provides truckloads of feels off-screen. Be it their social media banter or acknowledging each other during the biggest moments of their lives, or simply just indulging in good old fashion leg-pulling whenever they are in the same room, Osman and Maya just exude the “shippable” vibes almost effortlessly.

Still don’t trust us? Well, here are some uniquely OsMaya reasons as to why this is the supreme pairing worth rooting for.

They debuted together

Osman and Maya started their television journey together in the 2012 drama Aik Nayee Cinderella. The drama, an adaptation of Faiza Iftikhar’s novella of the same name, was an instant hit and the fairytale couple of Meesha (Maya) and Mair (Osman) quickly got them both fans and attention.

While the two did not end up together in the drama, #OsMaya had already been created and the duo’s popularity was evident from the fact that they guest-starred on The Nadia Khan Show on the day the show’s finale was to air. Apart from sharing anecdotes about their shooting experience, the two had hilariously enacted the disastrous experience they had gone through in another morning show. It was clear how well in-tune they were with each other and that vibe continues till now.

The tale of their ‘shaadi‘ and ‘do bachay‘

Popular pairings being rumored to be dating is not a new thing. However, in case of OsMaya their rumors bypassed the dating news and jumped straight to the wedding (that of course, never was). Apparently some publication had taken the snaps the duo’s second drama Aunn Zara where they were dressed as bride and groom and spread the news that Osman and Maya had tied the knot. The absurd rumor was discussed in a light-hearted manner when they guest-starred on Tonite With HSY as Osman hilariously tried to look for the rumored two kids all around him.

Chemistry that works in all genres

Osman and Maya have starred in four dramas together where they have romanced each other. And all four dramas belong to completely different genres. Aik Nayee Cinderella had much fairytale romance, while in the romantic-comedy Aunn Zara where they played a newlywed young couple trying to navigate their marriage in an overbearing family amidst hilarious scenarios. The family drama Diyar-e-Dil got them all the mainstream attention as Wali and Faraa, the two characters that were talk of the town in 2015. Then there was Sanam a melodrama where they showcased their most mature chemistry yet. So overall, quite a diverse line up.

OsMaya are far from a one-trick pony and their real life chemistry allows them to mold their on-screen chemistry in any shape from intense to cotton candy soft as per the requirement of the story.

The social media shenanigans

Some of the most memorable OsMaya interactions have happened on their social media, often started by Osman himself. Be it Osman ruthlessly teasing Maya for ditching him for Hamza Ali Abbasi during Mann Mayal days, or the way they always make sure to give each other shoutout and show support for their individual projects, to the heartfelt birthday posts the two always put for each other every year, their every interaction on social media is a small glimpse of the warm yet fun relationship they share in real life. It would be remiss to not talk about that iconic two-part series post that Osman put up for Maya on the night of the Hum Awards 2015 when Diyar e Dil had a clean sweep at the awards.

They own the ramp-walk

Celebrity pairs act as show stoppers at various fashion events throughout the year. After the success of Diyar-e-Dil, OsMaya walked together as showstoppers for two different designers in two separate events. And true to their track record in dramas where every project had them showing a different facet of their chemistry, their ramp-walks were also not the typical and plain kind. ‘The Wink’ and ‘The Dip’ are two very iconic terms in the OsMaya fandom and fans immediately know what they mean whenever they are mentioned.

The way they talk about each other

Genuine warmth can never be faked and in OsMaya’s case, they don’t even have to try. Because ever since their debut until now, Osman and Maya have been completely real and honest when talking about each other. Be it them joking about how Maya did not have a good impression of a surma-laden Osman when she first met him on the set of Aik Nayee Cinderella or the two especially acknowledging and thanking each other when they won awards, there’s always genuine warmth, love, and appreciation in their voices when they talk about each other. Also, which other ship can boast of having this speech?

“We have Masha’Allah come a very long way. There’s nobody that I would want to win this award with but you, Maya. You are not just my co-star; you are my friend, my support, you are the companion to all my crazy.”

– Osman Khalid Butt, on winning Best Jodi Popular with Maya Ali at Hum Awards 2015

And the way Maya succinctly defined her lifelong friendship with Osman.

“Saari zindagi se, saari zindagi tak, dost hai.”

They just have fun when together

The media is always quick to link up a male and female celebrity when they are spotted in the vicinity. Although OsMaya have been made the target of some rumors since the beginning of their careers, it has not deterred them from celebrating their friendship the way they want to. It is a friendship that is full of teasing, banter, childish competition, but most importantly it is full of love and affection. It shows in the way they talk about each other, act around each other, and how they continue to grow their friendship stronger than before despite not always being together.

As Osman said it himself, “with Maya there’s an easy, effortless chemistry. We are very very good friends, we are very close. It just comes naturally.” And Maya said recently that she shares that immediately striking, special chemistry with Osman where she, “knew how Osman would act and how I will react to him,” owing to how in-tune they are with each other when acting together. There’s no wonder that Osman and Maya are ready to work with each other again and are just waiting for that right kind of solid project to come their way.

Well, with the kind of content these two deliver when they are in the same frame, we will be waiting with bated breaths for that elusive (for now) OsMaya Reunion onscreen that would remind the people why OsMaya remain the OG golden pairing of the last decade.

The post The OsMaya Fandom: 8 Years And Going Strong appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

The words “Pakistani web series” had been thrown around a lot in the past year or so. Some of the most popular names in the Pakistani entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera, had been working on some highly anticipated web series for quite some time, that were aiming to be released on an Indian OTT platform. However, the sociopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan as well as the global situation in 2020 had seemed to cause a question mark on the fate of these projects.

Well, those projects are going to be out soon on Zee5. And with the kind of extremely positive and welcoming response their first looks have gotten, it only reiterated the fact that Pakistani audience is craving for some well-made digital content that is not bound by the typical tropes and limitations of Pakistani television.

Nabeel Qureshi jumps on the bandwagon

Director Nabeel Qureshi, producer Fizza Ali Meerza and their team have established themselves as one of the most authentic Pakistani voices of the Pakistani entertainment industry. With projects like Na Maloom Afraad, Actor in Law, and Load Wedding, they have always tapped into the stories and characters that a common person in Pakistan relates to the most. And now Nabeel Qureshi alongside his team will be taking his vision from the big screens to the digital space as he announces the plans for his next venture.

Talking exclusively to Galaxy Lollywood, Nabeel said that the plot of the web series will be based on the Lyari gang war. The show has been written by the men who wrote the script for the critically acclaimed Laal Kabootar, Ali Abbas, and Basit Naqvi. He also revealed that the production of the web series will begin very soon. Interestingly, this time the project will be co-directed by Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza who up until now has been involved as the producer/writer for the projects. Moreover, she will also serve as the producer and the project will be produced under the Filmwala production banner.

And that’s not all. Nabeel revealed to us that he plans on releasing the web series on a Pakistani OTT platform. The details of which platform will that be, have not been disclosed yet but this web series truly will be Pakistan’s first major web series that will get its release on a Pakistani platform.

The Karachi connection

Karachi has always been Nabeel’s home turf. So, his decision of basing his first web series in Karachi comes as no surprise. What is interesting is the topic of the Lyari gang wars because despite it being one of the major realities of this metropolitan city, it has never been represented by any film or a drama in a major way.

Pakistani audiences have always been an appreciative audience for web series and films based on the topic of real-world crime and gang wars. It is definitely going to be interesting watching a web series on this topic that will also be representative of Pakistan’s own reality.

With the announcement of this web series, Nabeel Qureshi has three major projects lined up for release. First is the Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan starter Quaid e Azam Zindabad, then there is Ahmed Ali Butt’s Fatman, and third is this yet to be titled web series. Stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood for all the updates.

The post Exclusive: Nabeel Qureshi’s Next Is A Web Series Based On The Lyari Gang War! appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

Trends and favorites in the world of entertainment are always changing. What was popular yesterday may fade into oblivion tomorrow based on the direction the winds blow. In this ever-changing industry, few artists manage to get to a position through their sheer hard work and dedication where their talent and popularity can not be denied or ignored. Bilal Abbas Khan is one of those actors.

However, a recent interview that aired live on Hum News showed some disregard towards Bilal Abbas Khan as he was apparently given the cold shoulder by the show’s hosts. This has yet again shed light on just how sometimes the hard working artists of the industry are treated badly by some journalists during interviews.

Starting from the title

Pyar Ke Sadqay is one of the popular dramas of this year. The drama has been the topic of conversation for many critics ever since its beginning. The drama’s story, direction, and acting have all garnered much praise from the audience and critics alike. This is Bilal’s third consecutive hit drama after he starred as the male lead in Balaa and Cheekh. With Pyar Ke Sadqay, Bilal has solidified his position in the industry as being an actor whose inclusion in the cast can attract both attention and the audience.

A live program on Hum News invited the main cast and the director of the show to talk about the show’s popularity. However, the title of the interview as uploaded on Hum News’ official Youtube channel, didn’t bother to include Bilal Abbas’s name as part of the main cast. Clubbing the male protagonist of a drama under the “etc” rightfully irked the fans of the talented actor as the comment section of the interview was full of comments calling out the uploader for their disrespect towards the actor.

Uninspiring interview

Considering how the interview was being aired live on national television, one would expect the interviewers to conduct themselves in a proper manner and ask relevant questions from the guests. But not only was Bilal Abbas asked silly questions in the guise of jest, he wasn’t given much time to talk to. Bilal looked visibly disinterested throughout the duration of the interview.

It is high time that channels and show hosts take deliberate care when conducting any artist’s interview. To treat all the invited guests with respect and dignity that they deserve should be a given. Fans of any actor flock towards these interviews because they want to see more of their favorites talking about their body of work. But shallow questions that are not backed by any proper research and favoring one guest over the other are all indicators of irresponsible behavior bordering on disrespect.

The post Was Bilal Abbas Khan Given A Cold Shoulder In This Live Interview? appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

The conversation around mental illness has never gotten the spotlight in our dramas. However, the recent trend shows a positive change as more and more dramas are shedding light on the complexities and nuances of mental illnesses. The Sonya Hussyn and Sami Khan starrer Saraab is the latest drama to do so.

The teasers of the upcoming drama have been released. Written by Edison Idrees and directed by Mohsin Talat, this Hum TV offering aims to shed light on schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that causes people to experience an altered reality. It is a serious mental illness that causes delusions, hallucinations, and an impaired ability to function in daily life. And going by the teasers, Saraab seems to have done a good job in presenting the plights of patients suffering from schizophrenia.

The intrigue factor

The teaser shows the characters played by Sonya Hussyn and Sami Khan as lovers who seem excited to start the new chapter of their life together. The things then take a turn for worse when suddenly Sonya Hussyn’s character refuses to recognize Sami Khan’s character as the latter looks on at her sadly. There are snippets of Sonya being admitted in a mental asylum. The teaser ends with her holding the hand of Sami Khan as she walks out of the asylum and it is revealed that she is walking all alone, holding nothing in her hand.

This is Sonya and Sami’s third drama together. Previously the two have worked together in shows like Aisi Hai Tanhai, which was a drama based on social media abuse, and Ishq Zahenaseeb that brought to light Multiple Personality Disorder. With such an impeccable track record, the excitement for Saraab is definitely very much expected.

Well researched

Sonya Hussyn had talked about her character in an interview and the preparation she did to portray it. She revealed how she, along with the show’s crew, had visited mental asylums and rehab centers to better understand the conditions of these patients and to get a better understanding of the realities of these patients.

While it is important for Pakistani dramas to start conversations about topics revolving around mental illness, it is also necessary that the dramas don’t misinterpret and wrongly portray the reality of the said illnesses. Judging by the teasers it looks like Saraab is on the right track in portraying schizophrenia’s reality as it is an illness that is found commonly around us but most often goes undiagnosed. How it all turns out can only be known once the drama goes on-air but for now, the intriguing teasers definitely have our attention.

The post Teasers for Sami Khan And Sonya Hussyn’s ‘Saraab’ Are Full Of Intrigue appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

Riding high on the success of consecutive television blockbusters such as Yeh Dil Mera, Suno Chanda, and Alif Allah Aur Insaan, maestro Aehsun Talish is back with another promising outing, Mushk starring Imran Ashraf, Urwa Hocane, and Momal Sheikh in the lead roles. Moreover, adding to the excitement of this team is the fact the script of the drama is written by Imran Ashraf.

This is Imran Ashraf’s second drama as a writer. Previously he has penned the script for Tabeer which also had Aehsun Talish in the director’s seat. Urwa Hocane, who had taken a break from doing television dramas after delivering the blockbuster hit Udaari, will be making a comeback to dramas with Mushk. And the teasers filled with action and mystery have definitely left us wanting more.

Varying emotions

The world of Mushk as seen in the teasers seems to encompass emotions ranging from love, romance, intrigue, and action. While the teasers do little to tell the story of the drama, from what we can guess is that the story will revolve around a range of different characters. The teasers have done well in creating the mystery and suspense around the story and the characters.

Love and money also seem to be a central part of the story as Urwa Hocane’s voice over talks about the different kinds of love. And with the show’s cast comprising of many names, it is to be expected that the show will have one or two love stories fueling the narrative.

Interesting visuals

What immediately catches the eyes are the fascinating visuals of the show. Shot in real outdoor locations as well as elaborately designed interiors, the visual appeal of the show is high. The costumes and make-up seem authentic and in synchronization with the world that the show is portraying. The scenes where only expressions are used instead of dialogues, such as Momal and Imran’s rain sequence, are nicely edited for a teaser.

Rightly balanced

The teasers have hit the mark of creating a nice balance of light-hearted moments and dramatic action sequences. The dialogues add to the whole mystery of the show as one dialogue alludes to a hero wanting to give his all for a heroine that doesn’t even belong to him. If the job of the teaser is to get the audience excited enough to start counting down to the show’s premiere, then the teasers of Mushk have done their job perfectly.

The post Teasers Of Imran Ashraf and Urwa Hocane Starrer ‘Mushk’ Offer Excitement And Mystery appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

Pakistan’s musical history has always been rich. The music that was composed in the classical era of the Pakistani cinema remains a favorite to this day. The current trend of Pakistani music aims to have a more global touch however, there is someone that has stuck with the classical roots of Pakistani music.

The grandson of renowned Pakistani music director Khawaja Khurshid Anwar is following in his late grandfather’s footsteps. Rameez Khawaja Anwar who was born and raised in Texas had always shown a keen liking and interest in the music composed by his grandfather. His childhood was shaped by an eclectic mix of music ranging from western pop to classical Lollywood and Bollywood music.

Reminiscing the classical melodies

Rameez’s musical journey consists of him covering western pop songs on classical instruments like sarangi and the tabla. The music that he has composed for the song Woh Umeed Ki Nayi Manzil also features these instruments. The arrangement of the song is similar to how the old Lollywood songs used to be. The song is an audio-visual treat that immediately transports the listener to the world of classic Lollywood cinema.

Zeb Bangash has led her strong and melodic vocals to the song’s poetry. She decorates the melody with the kind of delicate flourishes typical of singers from that era while maintaining a pathos that is perfectly tailored to the emotional lyrics and musical accompaniment.

A visual treat

The music video was directed by Maham Khwaja, Rameez’s cousin, and another of Khurshid Anwar’s grandchildren. From the black and white images; to the makeup, hair, and wardrobe; to the stunning garden setting overlooking a winding river; to the frames full of fog – the entirety of the music video has been shot with much care so that it closely reflects the time and world of the movies which originally featured the melodies composed by Khawaja Khurshid Anwar.

The level of thought and care that went into this project is plainly evident, and it’s safe to say all that effort has paid off: it’s hard to shake the feeling that one has unearthed some long-lost music video from the heyday of the Bollywood-Lollywood film industries.

A fitting tribute

Khurshid Anwar’s concern for preserving music traditions was well-documented; after all, that concern is what animated his production the 96-volume Ragamala. In producing Woh Umeed Ki Manzil a song that attempts to revive a rich tradition of Subcontinental film music, Rameez and Maham have hit on fitting tribute to their grandfather.

The post ‘Woh Umeed Ki Manzil’ Is A Love Letter To Songs Of Classic Lollywood appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

To say that Saba Qamar is a woman of many talents is an undeniable truth. She is one of the few artists who can express herself in many ways. Her journey as an artist has comprised of her taking on many roles be it as an actor, a dancer, or the host of a political satire show. With her starting her own Youtube channel, Saba Qamar proved once again just why she enjoys an unparalleled position in the industry both as an artist and an entertainer.

Now, Saba is taking on a new challenge by stepping in the director’s shoes. The news of Saba Qamar starring in the music video for Bilal Saeed’s new song Qubool created waves on social media because the music video has been directed by Saba Qamar herself!

The inspiration

Speaking about her decision to take on this new challenge, Saba revealed that her journey as an actor and an artist has allowed her to develop a keen eye for details and emotions as well as technical aspects like framing and compositions. And this development has led her closer to her “true passion” that is directing.

However, it has not been easy for Saba to take on two challenging tasks of acting and directing at the same time.

“Being an actor you need to ensure that your emotions are at your finest and that requires soul focus and attention but when you’re directing there are endless things going across your mind, from framing to composition to acting to lighting, you’re not just responsible for yourself anymore, you’re responsible for the hard work of every individual present on set.”

What to expect

Saba Qamar shared her excitement and hopes from the upcoming music video as she anticipates that the song will be heard by the masses. She predicted that it is a song that will be played on all television channels, radio stations, and mobile phones.

“I pray that it stays with the audience just like it will always stay with me.”

The excitement for the song and the music video could certainly be felt from the first teaser image itself which showed Saba and Bilal as black and white silhouettes all decked up in wedding attire. Saba revealed hat the reason they decided to use that picture, which went viral on social media, was because of how natural and believable it looked. She added that it was just a mere reflection of what’s in the store for the music video and that there’s more of it which will be seen once the music video will be released.

The post Saba Qamar Talks About Debuting As A Director With ‘Qubool’ appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

The explosions that shook Beirut yesterday shocked the world. A massive explosion in the capital city of Lebanon which has left hundreds dead and thousands of people injured and displaced from their homes is all that people have been talking about. This sudden tragedy which has resulted in tremendous property damage and casualties truly is one of the most shocking events of 2020, a year that is already filled with many shocking realities.

Thoughts and prayers for Lebanon poured on social media from all over the world as common people and celebrities alike used their platforms to bring attention to this tragedy and possible ways to help the country that is already going through an economic crisis. Our Pakistani celebrities too sent their thoughts and prayers to the people of Lebanon.

On Twitter

Humayun Saeed, Ayeza Khan, Mansha Pasha, Ahsan Khan, Farhan Saeed, Faysal Qureshi, and Aijaz Aslam were among the celebrities that took to Twitter to show solidarity and send prayers to Beirut when the explosions took place yesterday.

My hearts shattered in pieces….. Shattered like the glass of 300,000 homes across Lebanon#PrayForLebanon #Beirut

— Ayezakhan.ak (@Ayezakhanak3) August 5, 2020

My heart goes out to the people of #Lebanon . I would like to extend my deepest condolences for those who lost their lives in today’s massive explosion tragedy in #Beirut . Praying for everyone’s safety. May Allah protect them all. #لبنان pic.twitter.com/tz31hRkj5G

— SANA JAVED (@IamSanaJaved) August 4, 2020

#PrayersForBeirut #prayforbeirut pic.twitter.com/uQiMoQHS9f

— aijaz aslam (@aijazz7) August 5, 2020

Beirut! Frightening explosion!
Prayers!

— Faysal Quraishi (@faysalquraishi) August 4, 2020

The images from #BeirutBlast are horrifying ya Allah Reham Kar

— Ahsan Khan (@Ahsankhanuk) August 4, 2020

The apocalyptic carnage caused by the #BeirutExplosion has left me speechless. May the people of #Beirut find strength somehow – sending lots of love and prayers their way#Lebanon لبنان#

— Farhan Saeed (@farhan_saeed) August 5, 2020

The apocalyptic carnage caused by the #BeirutExplosion has left me speechless. May the people of #Beirut find strength somehow – sending lots of love and prayers their way#Lebanon لبنان#

— Farhan Saeed (@farhan_saeed) August 5, 2020

Mansha Pasha pointed out how the year has been filled with tragedy yet with every new tragedy it becomes harder to find words to come to terms with them.

Honestly its hard to find the right words now for the pain you feel when u witness tragedy. With Covid-19, tragedy seems to always be lurking around the corner.
For me, It came full force with the plane crash & never left. Its now become hard for me to find the words for it.

— Mansha Pasha (@manshapasha) August 5, 2020

On Instagram

Other celebrities like Mahirah Khan, Maya Ali, Aagha Ali, Hina Altaf, Ahmed Ali Butt, Usman Mukhtar, Yasir Hussain, and Yumna Zaidi shared their prayers on their Instagrams.

Galaxy Lollywood also stands in solidarity with all the victims of this tragedy. We send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Lebanon and hope that in these testing times they get the needed aid and support to be able to begin recovering from the colossal loss the city and country had to go through.

The post Celebrities Express Their Grief Over The Beirut Tragedy appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

Minal Khan might still be a young woman in terms of age but with a career spanning almost a decade, she has worked alongside some of the most prominent actors in the industry. Starting her career as a child actor and now working as the leading lady, Minal Khan has all the experience of an established actor.

However, despite having worked in many successful dramas, it seems like Minal Khan is still waiting to truly display her acting prowess. Recently, she sat down for an interview with Something Haute where she made some interesting points about how actors are forced to limit themselves in the roles they are being offered because of the lack of good content being offered to them.

Actors forced to limit themselves

Her latest drama Jalan continues to be a hot topic every week. Talking to Something Haute, Minal Khan shared insights about her past and current projects. Speaking about her desire to work with all kinds of directors and not limiting herself to just one channel, Minal says that all she looks for is a good script.

“I want to work with every director. I don’t want people to say that Minal is only working on this one TV channel. If you guys offer me nice scripts, why won’t I work with you on different channels? You’re not offering me good enough scripts.”

Far too often the audience assumes that an actor does similar kind of role because they like doing it. However, judging from what Minal said in the interview the issue is more complex than it appears to be.

“If I am not being offered good projects, how will I prove that I can do better?” Minal raised a very valid question.

Lack of good content

There is no dearth of talent in our industry. But our actors are still being typecast in similar roles. Minal talked about how the actors are not the ones deciding the kind of content that gets aired on television.

“We don’t have content. How is that my mistake? I am not the one deciding the names of the dramas or writing them.” Minal answered when asked about why her characters all seem to be similar to each other.

There are several channels creating dramas with different directors, writers, and actors but there is no diversity in the storyline whatsoever. We are still dealing with decade-old topics like women being forced to marry men older than them, spouses having extramarital affairs, and sisters going after their brothers-in-law.

Who is to blame?

No doubt there are projects which are beyond the typical saas-bahu stories but unfortunately, the channels and the teams making those projects decide early on the actors that would be working with them. That is precisely the reason why only a few actors are mostly seen working on mainstream TV, a point that Minal also raised in the interview. One may argue that playing favorites isn’t a bad thing but when actors with potential are not utilized properly, at the end of the day it is only the industry that suffers.

It is easy for viewers to blame the actors for doing monotonous characters. But producers, writers, and directors should also be held responsible for not doing enough to make a difference. Actors with years of experience continue to compromise on the quality of the project because the alternative would be to do no work at all. TV channels recycle the same kind of content and production houses stick to the same bunch of actors, causing many young actors to choose mediocre or controversial scripts.

Actors like any other artists need to constantly practice their craft to get better at it. And it is the responsibility of the channels and producers to come up with scripts and projects that can properly utilize the actors’ skills. Otherwise, the industry will be stuck at a stagnation point from where the downfall would become inevitable.

The post ‘If I’m Not Being Offered Good Scripts, How Will I Prove That I Can Do Better?’, Says Minal Khan appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.

Utilizing artists and celebrities to promote various causes isn’t a novel phenomenon. The practice has been in vogue, equally, both on domestic and international fronts with palpably fruitful results. This of course is subjected to a celebrity’s level of involvement and their research into the concerned subject before hopping onto the job and promoting the corresponding cause. An ill-prepared individual could lead to futile efforts or even negative results.

Sonya Hussyn, whose upcoming drama project Saraab, revolves around her character that suffers from schizophrenia, made an enlightening post on her Instagram. While her intention behind the post was commendable as it listed symptoms of mental illnesses in an attempt to normalize having a conversation about them, her one rather uneducated comment under the post ended up doing more harm than good.

Autism and Schizophrenia

One of the conditions included in Sonya’s post about mental illnesses was “autism” which is not a mental illness. What could’ve been passed as a mistake ended up being a show of ignorance from the actor’s part as she defended her stance and said that autism was a symptom of schizophrenia when the comments called her out on it.

In medical science and psychiatry, both autism and schizophrenia are separate entities. Autism or more accurately Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurotic disorder that manifests in early childhood and is characterized by qualitative abnormalities in social interactions, markedly aberrant communication skills, and restricted repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities (RRBs). ASD is a group of conditions with deficits in social interaction and communication.

The patients are completely different from those suffering from Schizophrenia which is a brain disorder that affects how people think, feel, and perceive. The hallmark symptom of schizophrenia is psychosis, such as experiencing auditory hallucinations (voices) and delusions (fixed false beliefs).

Why is it problematic

One of the major problems that our society faces when it comes to mental illnesses and is the way all the complexities and nuances of mental health are often clubbed as being the same thing. Just like our human body gets inflicted by different diseases and illnesses, our brain too is susceptible to different illnesses. Each illness and condition demands separate diagnosis and treatment.

The struggles of autistic people demand separate conversation and carelessly clubbing it under schizophrenia, which is the topic most relevant to Sonya currently due to her upcoming drama, is belittling those struggles. Sonya’s post was clearly in good intentions but it is high time our celebrities learn to first properly educate themselves about the topics they choose to talk about. With the kind of reach and influence they have, these mistakes followed by the defense of them instead of rectification, end up causing more harm.

While there is no doubt social media users tend to be cruel and rude in their comments more often than not, the comments under Sonya’s post took a justified stance that a little research or a more prudent selection of words while promoting a certain cause holds utmost importance. Acknowledging her mistake when she was called out for it would not have done any harm to Sonya. But seems like our celebrities still have a long way to go in owning up to their mistakes.

The post Here’s Why Sonya Hussyn’s Uneducated Statement About Autism Is All Sorts Of Problematic appeared first on Galaxy Lollywood.