Matters of the art on April 21, 2016Two distinct narratives are at play: one is reflected in the glossy surfaces that adorn the narrow hallway; the other is more subtle and concerns the boy behind the lens. At some point they converge and their combined power lends added poignancy to the proceedings. With a few well-directed clicks, Furrukh Mughal has brought the […]
Dissonance of Muslims on April 17, 2016Nothing works. Major cities have been sealed and an angry mob rules the streets. Scenes from Pakistan on September 21, 2012 have a distinctly dystopian flavour. TV cameras cut to newsrooms happily discussing the need for peaceful protests as sweet sounding hymns play in the background and then cut back to the mob going berserk. […]
Dissonance of Muslims on April 15, 2016Nothing works. Major cities have been sealed and an angry mob rules the streets. Scenes from Pakistan on September 21, 2012 have a distinctly dystopian flavour. TV cameras cut to newsrooms happily discussing the need for peaceful protests as sweet sounding hymns play in the background and then cut back to the mob going berserk. […]
Domestic bliss, displacement and desi wives on June 23, 2014Happily ever afters have not lost their appeal but Shewta Kumar takes fairytale endings with the land far away as a launch pad and enlists a newlywed Mythili busy trading in her journalistic credentials for ‘desperate’ housewife as a starter. This is Shweta’s third novel and her first e-book/novella. She is an Indian writer/travel columnist […]
Stargazing at the awards on April 10, 2014“So, which one of them is Pakistani?” Some of us were having a hard time putting a name to the music. “All of them,” said the person sitting next to us, a little reproachfully. “The musical performances? Oh that, none of them,” he said cheerfully. He did not seem shocked. We had gathered that day […]
Take no prisoners on January 25, 2014“When you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss gazes back.” The plaque reads: ‘Deputy Director Counter Intelligence Terrorism — Police Intelligence Bureau (IB), Senior Superintendent (SSP) CT and Anti Extremism Cell (CID) (2011)’. The resume is equally moving. It belongs to a man who has been in the crosshairs of extremists, banned outfits of […]
2014: as seen on TV on January 4, 2014Sakina Samo is quoting from T S Eliot, Shanaz Ramzi checks off milestones, there is some talk about a new channel and disagreements over love. Pakistan’s premier entertainment channel (Hum TV) recently unveiled a fresh lineup of dramas and called journalists over for a preview of coming attractions. However, the press conference quickly devolved into […]
Fast track on September 14, 2013The Redeemers can easily be in the fantasy/fiction aisle because of its ludicrous premise. It begins with India at the top of the superpower pyramid for starters and its citizens seen breezing through US immigration sans visa. It then goes on to cast four conscientious youngsters responsible for its remarkable transition as narrators who step […]
Family ties on June 7, 2013The lights dim, and a warning is issued. There will be no gloss in Asim Raza’s presentation. The audience braces itself. This is not a film per se, Asim clarifies, adding that “a long play with substance will be at par with a telefilm.” The audience relaxes. The directorial debut of Raza’s latest venture took […]
The ballad of east and west s on August 31, 2012The Perfect Gentleman; a Muslim boy meets the West — A Memoir Author: Imran Ahmad Publisher: Center Street; First Edition (April 3, 2012) Hardcover: 352 pages A local singer who regularly goes on foreign tours admitted that after the Abbottabad raid, acknowledging his Pakistani origins can be a conversation ender, with the ‘gora’ (white) […]