Abdullah Muzaffar’s ‘Tere Bajon’ is a masterpiece!
This romantic ballad is sung in a soulful voice, ‘Tere Bajon’ really helps us catch a break from the high-paced, fast summer jams, the mellow and soulful approach in this song is what makes it stand out. The lyrics are not empty. Instead, they have a powerful and meaningful message hidden behind. The song is kind of a story a lover is narrating to his loved one, and with Abdullah Muzaffar’s soulful voice, we can’t help but feel the love and pain in his voice.
‘Tere Bajon’ is authentic in the best ways. Abdullah Muzaffar sings honestly, and while the music is easy-going, the lyrics show its real meaning. Abdullah croons- ‘Main bhul gayi sari sajna, we dunya dari sajna, main sajde jaake rab dun, bus tera sath hi mangna’- the lyrics are like a love confession, backed with the firm yet soft vocals, and beautiful guitar riffs that make you bob your head along to the music.
Making his way through an extremely competitive industry environment in the country, the young artist Abdullah Muzaffar is in a league of his own. Having dropped his new single ‘Tere Bajon’ some weeks ago, we won’t be exaggerating to say that it has not only made it to our playlists, but has been continuously on repeat!
With few years of released music under their belts, Abdullah Muzaffar seems to have already established a consistent sound and feel to his music that is not a sound that we often get to hear, which is extremely impressive. The pop-rock feel matched with extremely relatable and reachable lyrics makes him stand out. Abdullah Muzaffar with his new song ‘Tere Bajon’, reminds us that being simple and keeping it real sometimes really works, particularly in terms of music.
Watch full video here:
- Published in Articles, News & Reviews
KASHMIR the Band to Release their Debut Album; ‘Khwaab’
Having won the Pepsi battle of the bands season 2 in 2017, KASHMIR the Band has emerged as one of the most promising alternative rock bands in the country. After two years of several singles releases and performances, the award-winning group is all set to release their debut album titled “Khwaab.”
The news has arrived alongside the announcement of another single ‘Dhoop,’ that would be accompanied by a music video directed by Umar Anwar shot in Thailand. The album consists of nine songs, plus two bonus songs which is a grand compilation of all the songs the band has released individually over the past two years. The album is a perfect mix of some brand new, and some old songs by the boys, along with the titular song “Khwaab” that was released in 2018 that marked the beginning of this first album.
Sharing the news of the album release, the band members were visibly excited, “If we could use one word, to sum up, this whole experience, we can easily say it has been surreal. To have been performing at all these venues, to have been able to put all this music out there has always been a dream, and getting to release this album is just the first step on this musical journey. We have put our heart and soul into making this music, and we hope people can feel some of what we have put out there through it,” said the band.
The album would be released on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, YouTube, and would be available as collectible USBs and CDs.
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About Kashmir The Band:
This alternative rock band from Karachi has been an excellent addition to the local music scene after their win in Pepsi Battle of the Bands. Apart from many hit covers and mashups, they have also released hit singles, including Kaghaz Ka Jahaz and Parwana Hun, which has earned them critical praise and a level of success unprecedented among their peers. They also bagged the Lux Style Award for Best emerging talent in music.
For more information visit:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kashmirtheband/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kasmirmusic/
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS3a53hF1B0
- Published in Entertainment, Music
The Finale of Ehd-e-Wafa to be Screened in Cinemas Across Pakistan
The finale of ISPR and Momina Duraid’s joint production Ehd-e-Wafa, a coming-of-age action drama which has been a breath of fresh air due to its unique storyline is set to release in cinemas across the country. The last bumper episode which is scheduled to air on March 15 on HUM TV and PTV will be released in select cinemas nationwide from March 14, 2020 with an exclusive footage. The promo of the finale will be released tomorrow.
Written by Mustafa Afridi and directed by Muhammad Saife Hasan, Ehd-e-Wafa is an epic tale of four friends separated by an unfortunate incident. The story follows their journey of hardships, hustle and their will to serve the country in their own ways. The play boasts a stellar cast comprising Ahad Raza Mir, Ahmed Ali, Osman Khalid Butt, Zara Noor Abbas, Vaneeza Ahmed, Alizay Shah, Wahaj Ali, Hajra Yamin and others. Ever since the airing of its first episode in September last year, the play has garnered great fan following and has taken social media by storm with its engaging script and a brilliant display of acting by the lead cast.
- Published in Entertainment, TV and Dramas
PCB looking to add two new venues for HBL PSL 2021
With the fifth edition of Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 just around the corner, the level of excitement in this cricket-mad nation continues to surge every day. As many as 34 matches will be played over 32 days, but the fact that these contests will be held in four cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi – adds to the fervour.
Wasim Khan, the Chief Executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board, believes the upcoming edition will take the game to more and more audiences in the country, which, in turn, will help in normalising the staging of top-flight cricket in the country.
“The easy thing for us could have been to host HBL PSL 2020 matches in just Lahore and Karachi, but we wanted to take this league wider as we were bringing it to Pakistan for the first time,” Wasim told PCB Digital. “We want to make the game accessible to fans all over the country so they can watch their heroes in action and this edition is going to be a catalyst for it. By next year, we want to be in a position to add a couple of more venues. We are looking to develop more and more venues which provides us an opportunity to take the game around the country.”
“We are looking at Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad, which hosted the National T20 Cup and needs a little upgradation after which it can be an international venue, and Hyderabad, for which we are working with Sindh government for it upgradation,” he added.
The HBL PSL has played a vital role in the complete resumption of international cricket in the country. After eight HBL PSL matches in Karachi last year, Sri Lanka toured Karachi for a three-match ODI series in September and returned for the second of the two-match Test series in the metropolitan city in December.
Over the past few months, Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium has also been included in the roaster of venues which have hosted international cricket in the recent years and it will host eight matches.
With South Africa expected to tour Pakistan in late March for a three-match T20I series, the PCB Chief Executive revealed that he had pitched Rawalpindi as a venue for the matches to Cricket South Africa.
“The tour of South Africa is very much a waiting game now and by the end of the month we should have a clear position. Their head of security is expected in Pakistan during the initial games of the HBL Pakistan Super League. He has all the security plans for each of the different venues. He and the board of South Africa are very comfortable with touring. We have to make it work logistically as South Africa finish the tour of India on 18 March and we don’t finish the HBL PSL till 22 March,” he said. “For them to go back and come again won’t be possible so we will have to see whether we can have them sit in the UAE for six or eight and provide them the support and practice facilities or we fly them straight in here and provide all that here.”
“Lahore and Karachi venues have been diluted because we have been playing our entire cricket here and because of that the wickets here are also suffering. We now have Rawalpindi as a venue available. For me, it makes sense to go there and play the three matches. I have suggested Rawalpindi as a venue to South Africa and they are comfortable with the suggestion,” he added.
Photo Credits: M. Arbaaz
The PCB announced a new Cricket Committee last month which will now be headed by former Test spinner Iqbal Qasim. The revamped Cricket Committee will now have representatives of current domestic cricketers, match officials and women’s cricket and it will hold its first session on 19 February in Karachi.
The committee has invited Misbahul Haq, chief selector and head coach, and Haroon Rasheed, PCB Director – Domestic Cricket Operations, for updates and briefings on the Pakistan national men’s team’s run and the learnings from the implementation of the new domestic structure.
The committee will meet quarterly to advice PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani on cricket-related matters.
Speaking on the PCB Cricket Committee, Wasim said: “It is a new-look, a new-feel cricket committee. We are meeting on 19 February a day before the PSL in Karachi and we will put down three more meetings in the diary so we are very clear on the direction we are taking.
“We have revamped the Cricket Committee after Misbah left that group. It was very important for us to streamline it. I was filling in the role of the chairman of the committee after Mohsin Khan decided to stand down. It is never good governance for any organistaion when CEO is also a chair of such a committee.
“If there are four or five PCB staffers sitting on the committee the recommendations it makes wouldn’t be independent. So, I was very clear in my mind that I will not continue in that role. Now there will be Zakir Khan, PCB Director – International Cricket Operations, to help set up meetings and I will be sitting there as co-opt member.
“We will have Misbah for the first meeting to update on the selection matters and talk us about the performances in Australia. We will be having Haroon Rashid to have a thorough look at the domestic season and he will be updating us on the learnings from this season and how are we implementing them moving forward.
“We will also be discussion how we will implement a thorough report on the status of pitches in Pakistan which was submitted to us by Andy Atkinson when he was here in January. There are a lot of things that we are going to touch upon but I want us to be focus in those meetings.
“The cricket committee was always set up as an advisory committee. It always had a strong sway and strong rationale for why it was set up. It will provide wide-ranging and firm recommendations to the chairman, which he will take very seriously as it is the group which has the expertise.
“The issues which are being discussed in this committee are very much relevant to the people of Pakistan and to Pakistan cricket.”
Photo Credits: M. Arbaaz
Source: https://cricketpakistan.com.pk/en/news/detail/pcb-looking-to-add-two-new-venues-for-hbl-psl-2021
Get your Match tickets from here:
https://tickets.yayvo.com/hbl-psl2020
The official hashtags for HBL PSL V will be #HBLPSLV and #TayyarHain!
Watch full Anthem here:
Strings – The Best Live Act in the Country – won Karachi last night
Strings, Pakistan’s favourite pop rock band, took the stage in Karachi last night in one of the most vibrant live performances of recent times, as a part of their collaboration with Salt Arts.
Playing a huge part in the revival of the concert culture in Karachi – Strings have played big and small arenas in the country, garnering love every time. Filled with a dizzying array of guitar riffs and drum beats, the band showcased a combination of new and old songs, including hit singles from their recently released album ’30’.
The sea-front venue provided an intimate space for the band to give a captivating performance to the thousands of Karachiites in attendance.
“For the legends, for the champions, for being there for thirty years, and for showing us all the way… Thank you Strings! Karachi you are forever #1” was posted on the Salt Arts social media after the event.
The internationally acclaimed band has been in the Pakistani music scene for the last 30 years. Their presence has not yet halted as theirs still remains one of the most enduring stories of the Pakistani musical scene. The band has been performing at concerts and festivals, bringing their live performances to the eager crowds around the country after the release of their album ’30’.
About Strings:
This internationally acclaimed Pakistani pop-rock band is composed of two members, plus four live band members from Karachi, Pakistan. Strings have been one of the most enduring stories of Pakistan’s musical scene. Having laid the blueprint for pop-rock in Pakistan, their inimitable body of work includes five studio albums, four-season of Coke Studio, multiple international film soundtracks, and more. Known for their melodious tracks and thoughtful poetry, Strings have managed to stay relevant in the Pakistani music scene over all the changing musical eras.
For more information visit:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stringsonline/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stringspage/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stringsonline
Website: https://stringsonline.net/
- Published in Entertainment, Music
Ali Zafar launches ‘Lightingale Records’ to promote young talent of Pakistan
Ali Zafar is a celebrated artist with so many super hits songs to his credit. Not only a champ at music, but Ali has also made it into the acting world starring in ‘Teefa in Trouble’ opposite the gorgeous Maya Ali.
Being part of the Pakistani music industry for so long, Ali understands the hardships young artists face while trying to kick-start a career in music. The artist wishes to make an effort in nurturing and grooming fresh talent in the field and has thus launched ‘Lightingale Records’.
He promised to launch at least 10 artists this year through this record house, which is quite a target. Needless to say, this is a great opportunity for upcoming artists and musicians in the making to train from one of the best artists the country has.
In an interview with the singer, he revealed that he has worked with a few upcoming names such as Yashal Shahid and Urooj Fatima, and his collaboration with them had positive results for these artists in the making, in the form of greater views. This is something that encouraged him to support and groom struggling artists.
Ali Zafar believes that no one is a star unless he/she shines for others, and we couldn’t agree more! He added:
As artists or human beings in general, we are intrinsically prone to become self-indulgent or internally focused, but that is the mistake that most of us make – to think that we are it and here forever. I feel the only thing that carries on beyond our existence, is the honesty in our work and the sincerity of our intentions. An artist leaves a legacy, and surely that should not just be about him or her. In an era where we are bombarded with tools that bring out the vanity in us, I think it’s important to see the beauty and talent in others and help them achieve their goals and dreams also. Become a part of their struggle and journey and help them in any way you can.
Hoping this venture proves fruitful and Pakistan can add singers just like Ali to its already flourishing pool of singers and musicians. All the very best to Ali Zafar and his entire team!
- Published in Entertainment, Music
HUM Women Leaders Award Honours Iconic Women from Pakistan and Abroad
The inaugural edition of HUM Women Leaders Award held at the Governor House, Karachi, honoured and celebrated 11 iconic women from Pakistan and abroad and a dynamic man for their contributions and achievement in the fields of diplomacy, finance, social work, healthcare, adventure sports, human rights, journalism and women’s rights. The awards ceremony was graced by Dr Arif Alvi, President Islamic Republic of Pakistan, HE Paul W Jones, the US Ambassador to Pakistan, honourable consul generals, Governor Sindh Imran Ismail, dignitaries and crème de la crème of the entertainment industry of Pakistan.
The event started with a thankyou note by Sultana Siddiqui, President HUM Network Limited to the President and the honourable guests for gracing the special evening. While addressing the attendees, Ms Siddiqui said, “The reason for this event is that we recognize the contributions made by women in society the world over, celebrate their stories, share the lessons they learned after crossing each milestone, and most importantly inspire the younger generation to go beyond these milestones.”
During her speech Ms Siddiqui also made a special announcement of Women Leadership Initiative Fund of HUM, collaborated by Charter of Compassion, which will be given to the award recipients to seed social initiatives for girls and women in the country. It will be one million rupees annual seed money and HUM and CFC will coordinate and facilitate the group in developing and implementing initiatives that are agreed upon by them. Quality, impact, compassion and collaboration will be key guidelines for the initiative.
Following Sultana Siddiqui, the US Ambassador to Pakistan Paul W Jones while addressing the attendees said, “United States is committed to giving equal opportunities to both men and women. Empowered women play a vital role in a country’s social and economic development.”
Chief Guest of the event, Dr Arif Alvi President Islamic Republic of Pakistan while addressing the attendees said, “The Quaid e Azam once said that nations cannot progress without women working side by side with the men. From one fourth quota system for women in medical and engineering colleges back in the 80s to almost 80 percent representation of women in these institutions today, our nation has come a long way but only 10 percent these women make it to the workplace. This needs to be changed. We have witnessed that when given the opportunity women work twice as hard as men.”
Hosted by Mira Sethi, the awards ceremony began with the first award being presented to mountaineer Samina Baig, Pakistan’s first female mountaineer in recognition of her tremendous achievements in adventure sports and for her efforts towards gender equality, climate change and women empowerment, presented by Hina Bayat. The second award of the evening was given to Jalila Haider, the first female attorney of Hazara community by Sania Saeed in recognition of her selfless devotion to women and children’s rights and her outstanding work with local communities to provide opportunities to vulnerable women and children. This was followed by a special obituary package, paying tribute to all the iconic women of the past who have made a mark with their resilience and tremendous success, and are a source of inspiration for women and men around the world. Barrister Khadija Siddiqi received her award from Mahira Khan in recognition of her bravery and determination to stand tall against a powerful and corrupt opposition and unsupportive society. The next recipient was Narges Abyar, the acclaimed Iranian film director who received her award from Madiha Saeed and Zeba Bakhtiar in recognition of her contributions for sensitively highlighting the plight of women and children caused by society, war and radicalism in her films and also for defying the war genre’s conventions by featuring female characters that rejected the gender norms expected of them. The first segment of the awards was followed by a special performance of singing sensation Sajjad Ali and Zaw Ali who enthralled the audiences with their soulful voices.
The second segment of the awards, hosted by Sanam Saeed commenced with Dr Fouzia Saeed receiving her award from the Italian Consul General Anna Ruffino and Javed Sheikh in recognition of her exemplary services for promotion of Pakistani culture, women’s issues, courageous stand against sexual harassment and commitment to women’s advancement. Ace actor Bushra Ansari was next to receive her award from Asima Haq and Bunto Kazmi in recognition of her years of contributions to television and cinema. The next award was given to Mary Robinson, the first woman President of Ireland and a forceful advocate for gender equality, women’s participation in peace-building and human dignity. She was unable to attend the event due to work commitments and addressed the attendees via a video message, thanking the awards committee for the honour. The next award was presented to Dr Seemin Jamali by Duraid Qureshi, CEO HUM Network in recognition of her outstanding services in the public sector and medical profession which was followed by a choreographed act of Hania Amir.
The last segment of the ceremony hosted by Mira Sethi and Sanam Saeed began with the first award presented to the only man awardee of the night, Omar Aftab, a globally recognized campaign strategist for women’s and child health, economic and social development and his work for social justice and human rights, presented Masarrat Misbah. Zubeida Mustafa was next to receive her award from Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail for her contributions in the field of journalism and her in-depth investigations and campaigns on education, health care, women’s empowerment, children’s rights and human rights. The next award was given to Dr Shamshad Akhtar in recognition of her illustrious career in the male dominant field of finance where she became the first woman in Pakistan’s history to serve as Governor State Bank. The award was presented by the first lady Mrs Samina Alvi. The last award of the night was presented to Maleeha Lodhi for her brilliant diplomatic career and contributions in giving Pakistan a positive profile at the UN as Pakistan’s former Ambassador and Permanent Representative. The award was presented by Sultana Siddiqui. The programme concluded with a special performance by Hadiqa Kiyani.
The awards ceremony will be televised on International Women’s Day on HUM globally. HWLA aims to recognize and honour the contributions and achievements of iconic women from Pakistan and around the world who are change makers in their respective fields and a symbol and source of hope, courage, determination and inspiration for women across the globe. These iconic women are mentors and role models for girls who aspire to be achievers. In the words of Melinda Gates ‘Women speaking up for themselves and for those around them is the strongest force we have to change the world’. The aim of these awards is to encourage women to think big and continue the legacy of HUM Network which has always advocated empowerment of women through its content.
Photo Credits: M Haris Usmani and Ahsan Qureshy
Official Hashtags: #HWLA2020 #HUMWomenLeadersAward #HUMWomenLeadersAward2020
- Published in Entertainment, Fashion and Lifestyle
‘Doodh Ka Jala’ Stage Reprise to See Mojiz Hasan as “Nanha” Originally Played by Rafi Khawar
Comic genius and actor Mojiz Hasan is making his comeback in theater, to star in the stage adaptation of the 60’s iconic comedy television series “Doodh Ka Jala.” Featuring as “Nanha” of the legendary duo of Allan Nanha, Mojiz will be taking over the stage as one of the most loved characters of Pakistani television.
Originally played by the famous comic star Rafi Khawar, Mojiz Hasan will play Nanha, a gullible person from the village who always wanted to earn an honest living. Nanha wasn’t familiar with the norms of the city and was used by Allan for all his tricks, but always ended up exposing his truth. A Stage Nomad productions, the stage reprise of the drama would be a modern twist on a classical Pakistani show with the most iconic characters.
Talking about this role, the excited actor said, “Being a big fan of satirical comedies and an equally big fan of theater, getting to perform on stage in the adaptations of one of the most legendary shows on Pakistani television is equally thrilling and nerve-wracking. I hope people will come out to watch it because they are going to love it!”
This would mark as the actor’s return on live stage after having initially starting his career with the theater play Pawnay 14 August. The anticipated show will be in theaters from 13th to the 23rd of February at Arts Council in Karachi.
About Mojiz Hasan:
Comic and actor Mojiz Hasan made his acting debut with the theater play Pawnay 14 August and rose to fame for his portrayal of Bangali in Anwar Maqsood’s Sawa and its sequel Parwaney. He has also starred in hit movies, including Parchi, Laal Kabootar, Heer Maan Ja, and in short films by Teeli Productions.
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- Published in Celebs, Entertainment
Bilal Ali of Kashmir the Band Joins Fawad Khan and Others for Pepsi’s PSL Anthem
With PSL 2020 just around the corner, there is another exciting news for all the anticipating fans as Bilal Ali from Kashmir the Band joins a group of popular singers for the official Pepsi PSL Anthem.
Titled “Khel Ja Dil Se”, the song has been composed and produced by Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan aka Xulfi and is sung by an ensemble group of some famous veteran and young singers, including Fawad Khan, Aima Baig, Haroon Shahid, Asfar Hussain, and Bilal Ali. The lyrics of the anthem have been written by Xulfi and Adnan Dhool.
“Getting to be a part for one of the biggest events of Pakistan is an honor in itself, and getting to share this experience with some of my favorite stars was a dream come true. “Khel Ja Dil Se” perfectly encapsulates how we feel about cricket, and I am sure everyone would be able to resonate with it,” said the excited lead vocalist Bilal Ali, of Kashmir the Band.
The teasers for the song are set to release later today on media platforms. The anthem has been brought by Pepsi that has managed to gather some of the biggest and loved names of the industry for this anthem.
- Published in Entertainment, Music
CELEBRITIES AND INDUSTRY BIGWIGS PRAISE AND LEND SUPPORT FOR TICH BUTTON’ AFTER THE RELEASE OF ITS TEASER
After the release a week ago of the first teaser for the upcoming and anticipated blockbuster ‘Tich Button’ which marks the film debut of charismatic Farhan Saeed of ‘Sona Chanda’ fame and the much awaited comeback of sultry Iman Ali, (Bol, Khuda Kay Lie, Mah-e-Mir) the biggest names in the Pakistan entertainment industry took to Twitter to praise and lend support to the movie.
The vibrant and energetic 65 second teaser, a roller coasting riot of colour with aerial views of lush green valleys, train rides, a carnival and scenic views of Turkey is also instilled with hints of family bonds, romance and a progressive view of Punjab and features co-stars post-Khaani Feroze Khan and Sonya Hussyn (Moor, Ishq Zah e Naseeb) who add mystery to the narrative.
Pakistani celebrities were full of praise after watching the trailer:
‘Brilliant teaser. Zabardast!” gushed Humayun Saeed while Mahira Khan effusively quipped “Bhaiiiii waaaaah!!with Urwa cutely replying: Shukriya zalima
Debutant producer Urwa Hocane’s sister Mawra Hocane was gushier and glowingly supported her sibling saying how proud she was of “little miss producer,” and that “hard work always pays off” adding that her brother-in-law Farhan Saeed looked “so good MashAllah”
Fahad Mustafa was equally encouraging and full of praise for the fledgling producer telling Urwa that she was “’ a great producer in making” and commented on the current necessity for the genre of cinema which ‘Tich Button’ encapsulated.
Hareem Farooq opined that she loved the teaser and effused that ‘’maza aa gaya” while Armeena Khan said that she thought the teaser looked “GREAT” and that she was looking forward to the release of the film.
This heartening admiration for ‘Tich Button’ suggests a heightened sense of camaraderie and level of support within the Pakistani film industry that heralds its hopeful ongoing growth and success for Tich Button.’
Tich Button’ will be released in cinemas on Eid ul Fitr 2020
- Published in Entertainment, Movies