No Bollywood! Brace yourselves to watch only Lollywood this Eid!

This year the Federal Government has imposed a timely restriction on the screening of Bollywood films during and around Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. The move was made in order to strengthen and empower the local productions. Well, no worries. Our very own film makers have a huge stock of films piled up for us to watch this Eid. Pakistani cinema has come up with at least four films all scheduled to be released on Eid-ul-Fitr.

Let me enlighten you a little about all four of them, so that you are in a better position to decide which one you would like to book your tickets for.

1.Azaadi

Directed by Imran Malik, Azaadi is all about Kashmir issue and fight for freedom of Disputed Kashmir. The film stars renowned actors Sonya Hussain, Moammar Rana and Nadeem Baig in lead roles and has been shot by Australian cinematographer Ben Jasper who had also shot Bollywood flick Bang Bang. If you wish to incite the feeling of patriotism in you, this movie would work perfect for you.

2.Saat Din Mohabbat In

This Mahira Khan starrer is predicted to break all business records of the year. Produced by Dawn Films, Saat Din Mohabbat In is a romantic-cum-comedy film. Directed by Meenu Farjad, this flick also stars Sheheryar Munawwar in a lead role alongside Mahira. Mahira’s star power is definitely going to give tough competition to other films. Let’s see who wins the box office race.

3.Wajood

Javed Sheikh has made a come-back to film direction with Wajood after around 10 years. The film features Danish Taimoor, Saeeda Imtiaz and Indian actor Aditi Singh as leading cast members. Though the trailer of the film failed to impress the audiences, let’s see what the original product has to offer. If you are a Danish Taimoor fan and want to watch romantic thriller sort of movie, Wajood will definitely appeal to you.

4.Na Band Na Baraati

This family comedy was earlier scheduled to be released in July but the makers of the film have now announced to release it on Eid itself. Produced by Zashko Entertainment, the film casts some of the big names of showbiz industry like Qavi Khan, Atiqa Odho, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ali Kazmi and many others.

I hope you are now in a better position to decide which movie you should go for. Don’t forget to book your tickets beforehand as all cinemas will be jam-packed for first three days of Eid.

Let’s say No to Bollywood and Yes to Lollywood, at least for this Eid!

Originally published at Andaz Daily

Sridevi: An icon who connected ‘arch-rivals’

I had always heard that great artistes unite humanity but the demise of Bollywood’s most acclaimed actress Sridevi proves that great artistes can also unite rivals. The Hawaa Hawaaiactress’s sudden death in Dubai, where she was there to attend her nephew’s nuptials, has not only left behind millions of Indians but also Pakistanis, in tears. As soon as the news of her death broke, heartfelt condolences started pouring in from all corners of Pakistan. From politicians to celebrities, to journalists, to laymen, everyone was deeply aggrieved and expressed grief over the actress’ unforeseen death in one way or the other.

All the local dailies and websites covered each and every aspect of the 70s actress life, from the time she was born till her funeral and cremation and that too without any bias or rivalry for the ‘enemy’ country. In fact, for two to three days the top stories, articles and blogs of almost all local news and entertainment websites revolved around the Indian superstar. Our media reported each and every aspect of the late heroine’s death case without any bigotry.

May be this response from Pakistan over Sridevi’s demise, is the result of the starlet’s final movie Mom wherein she starred besides two Pakistani actors: Adnan Siddiqui and Sajal Ali. This movie has played key role in connecting Bollywood’s leading diva to Pakistan and its denizens. The video message that Sridevi had sent to her Mom co-actors, since they could not make it then to the premier of the movie, due to rising political tensions between the two countries, also made rounds on social media after the news of her death broke.

In fact, Indians went ahead to take notice of this positive reaction from across the border over the demise of their most celebrated actress. “Take a look at the sheer quantity, and heartfelt nature, of condolences pouring in from Pakistan on Sridevi’s demise” tweeted an Indian socio-political activist, Sudheendra Kulkarni.

Kulkarni also quoted that video message from Sridevi to the Mom co-actors in his next tweet saying: ‘’our fake patriots who nightly rant on Indian TV channels that Bollywood must banish Pakistani artists must watch this video. A tearful #Sridevi saying I’m sorry coz her Pak co-stars in #Mom- Adnan and Sajal could not come for its release due to the ban on Pak artists.’’

It was heartening to see Pakistan’s affection and tribute for a star from the ‘enemy’ country, at a time when lethal nationalism reigns hearts on both sides of the frontier. This reveals that despite all bones of contention, we still have one platform which can bring together the two arch-rivals on board and that is none other than art. The exchange of artists between the two nations, has had positive impact on the perceptions and thoughts of their people and has played significant role in deflating the level of enmity that was deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds on both sides from years.

Our genuine mourning and heart felt consolations over Sridevi’s death have sent a strong message to India that we value art and humanity over and above everything.

The ultimate point of this blog is that Art knows no prejudice, Art knows no boundaries. Hence, Pakistani artists should not be banned from working in India time and again nor should Indian artists be banned in Pakistan. Political and military tensions should not become a hurdle for artists when they wish to cross the borders to showcase their talent. Moreover, we should not criticize our celebrities for working in rival film industry because this is the only way to harmonious relations.

Originally published on Samaa.TV