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MIRAGE releases the jazz-funk song PAGLI featuring saxophonist Lenny Massey

Posted on February 14, 2020
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Pakistani pop-rock band MIRAGE  has just dropped the jazz-funk track, Pagli, from their second album, Doosri Dastak.

 

Pagli is a jazz-funk heartbreak anthem for when one is reminiscing about the relationship they once had.

 

“Our sixth track from the album Doosri Dastak, Pagli, is about a boy who wants to get back with his ex-girlfriend but the girl has moved on and is not interested anymore. He’s trying to remind her of the good times they’ve spent together but to no avail.” said Rehan Nazim.

 

Pagli, recorded live, mixed and mastered at Saad Hayat Music Studio, features the talented Lenny Massey on saxophone along with band members Rehan Nazim on vocals, Saad Hayat on backing vocals and keys, Mohsin Raza Shah and Hasan Mahmud on guitars, Shane Kerr on bass and Ajay Harri on drums.

 

“It’s really exciting to be experimenting with & bringing back jazz! Pagli features super awesome Lenny Massey on Saxophone. It’s our pleasure and honor to be working with him and we are also looking forward to share the stage with him at our upcoming album launch show in March 2020.” said Saad Hayat.

 

Indeed, Pagli marks the sixth release from Doosri Dasktak, having previously released ‘Barhe Chalo’, ‘Befiker’, ‘Panchi’ featuring Alycia Dias, ‘Pyar Hua’, and ‘Zara Suniye Tou’ featuring Natasha Khan.

 

The music video for Pagli has been conceptualized and co-directed by Saad Hayat with cinematography and direction by Asghar Ali Ghanchi, art direction by Hasan Ahmed, styling by Aafreen Shahab, hair and makeup by Sikander Khan, line production by Azeer Arif and Adnan Yunus, edit and post by Bilal A. Mughal with support from by Shahrukh Hayat, J.F. Irani, Kashif Ahmed Khan and Shakir Ali.

Entertainment News

‘‘Amna Ilyas all set to come to theatre with Hasina Moin’s Hit Ankahi’’

Posted on February 14, 2020
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Actress and model Amna Ilyas, will now be dabbling in theater with one of Hasina Moin’s classic character “Sana” from her famous drama “Ankahi”.

The 90’s hit drama will see its revival in the form of a theater play directed and scripted by KopyKats production, famed for bringing plays like “Pawnay 14 August”, “Aangan Terha”, and others on stage. Remembered as one of the most popular dramas on TV in Pakistan, the emotionally hard hitting drama will see Amna Ilyas as one of the leads in the remake.

The Baaji actress will be seen essaying the role of Sana, originally played by the popular actress Shehnaz Sheikh. Talking about this new step, Ilyas said, “I am both extremely thrilled and a little nervous about performing theater. This would be a completely new territory for me, but I am really looking forward to it, and I hope I can do justice to the role!”

The play will be staged in Karachi by mid of March this year.

Amna Ilyas has proved her mettle as an actress with her performance in hit films including Zinda Bhaag, Saat Din Mohabbat In, Baaji, and Ready Steady No. From a supermodel, to an acclaimed actress in both film and television, the versatile Amna Ilyas is all set to take over theater now.

Entertainment News

The Treble: SANIA MASKATIYA showcased Resort 2020 at¬¬_New York Fashion Week F/W 2020

Posted on February 14, 2020
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The multi-award winning fashion design house Sania Maskatiya proudly showcased at the prestigious New York Fashion WeeK platform with its RESORT 2020 collection on 10th February at the Pier 59 Studios, as part of The Council of Aspiring American Fashion Designers’ (CAAFD) showcase.

Indeed, this marked the third consecutive year for Sania Maskatiya, the first and only Pakistani Designer and Design House, to officially participate at one of the big four main global fashion events, New York Fashion Week. Sania Maskatiya was hand-picked and invited by CAAFD for the 2020 edition having previously showcase at NYFW S/S 19 in 2018 and NYW F/W 19 in 2019.

Symphonic with what is both comfortable and chic, RESORT 2020 epitomises SANIA MASKATIYA’s signature femininity in both versatility and verve. Featuring breezy hand-woven fabrics, delicately cut and layered, embroidered with geometric and pastoral motifs, it lends ‘white-on-white’ a freshly fanciful energy. The collection boasts silhouettes from fairy tale to avant-garde, making the SM RESORT 2020 woman ever classic and always à la mode. The collection will be available at the Karachi flagship store for preview and pre-order from 15th February and onwards.

CAAFD is known for its rigorous review process in choosing designers to showcase their work at NYFW and Sania Maskatiya continues to proudly represent the Pakistan’s Fashion Industry.

The Sania Maskatiya brand is best known for its specialised, versatile prints, textile design based on pure textures, exceptional hues, and fine craftsmanship. The design house engages in some of the best craftsmanship in Pakistan, coming from generations of artisans who have specialized and perfected their craft. The brand is known for including rich textiles, fabric design and embroidery within their pieces. Sania Maskatiya has quickly become Pakistan’s most lauded designer and most prized fashion export.

Events

Hum Style Awards 2020 If anyone can do it, it’s HUM!

Posted on January 28, 2020
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The annual Hum Style Awards were held last Saturday in Karachi, bringing the largest array of celebrities together. 18 awards were handed out in the fields of entertainment, fashion, sports, music and TV. This year there was a timeless beauty award and an award for excellence in interior and furniture design as well.

HUM is maintaining its well deserved reputation of transparency in awards winners’ selections for the fourth year now. Apart from those present, multitudes of interested fans over the world, tuned into the digital media to watch the sizzling style statements made by the celebrities on the red carpet and the thrilling performances during the night. Many a super celebrity and socialite dressed to kill, graced the red carpet for photographs and comments as the massive media gathered at the event, covered them for their respective platforms. The red carpet was beautifully designed by House of Zunn, where one and all bedazzled the camera lenses for the perfect photo to mark a night full of excitement and festivity. Here are some of the looks that we liked.

The hosts for the show were Adnan Siddiqui, Aamina Sheikh and Usman Mukhtar who kept the audience’s interest alive through the event even though the script can certainly do with some improvement to make it more engaging and fast-paced.

Shazi and Ghani did a marvellous job at choreographing the dances. Young Stunners, Ahsan Khan and Sara Loren, Zara Noor Abbas, Urwa and Farhan energized the hall as it buzzed with an electric vibe during these performances.

 

And then there was Abrar ul Haq, our favourite of the evening. Gotta love the Pakistani numbers of all these performances and gotta love the audience that loves all things home made!

Stylists Mehek Saeed and Amal F Qadri were the official stylists this year, making us turn our heads, looking at the stunning participants with appreciation. The powerhouse of style- Nabila’s was the official hair & makeup partner, without whose touches of perfection, things might fall apart. Dino Ali, always delivers on his role impeccably, as the digital host for the event along with Hira Tareen. The PR of the event was handled flawlessly by the ever vigilant and hard working Tehmina Khaled of Take II PR.

Here’s our list of some of the best dressed at the evening:

Reema, Sajjal Aly, Zara Noor Abbas wearing Asim Jofa, Imran Ashraf, Ali Rahman wearing Nomi Ansari and Adnan Siddiqui.

HUM Network must be commended for handling such a large scale event that brings us some well deserved awards in order to appreciate the tireless efforts and work of the people working in all these fields. They look forward to HSA each year in anticipation and it further pushes them to constantly improve their work. The event brings together for this evening a beautiful image of our country encouraging healthy competition and providing superb entertainment. We wish that they continue with this wonderful venture with even more improvements incorporated into it, ironing out the very few wrinkles making it simply flawless, hence truly HUM!

Here’s a list of who won what:

Most Stylish Film Actor Male: Ahad Raza Mir

Most Stylist Film Actor Female: Mahira Khan

Most Stylish Film Actor Female (Jury): Kiran Malik:

Most Stylish Television Actor Male: Mikaal Zulfiqar

Most Stylish Television Actor Female: Sonya Hussain

Designer of the year (Bridal): Shehla Chatoor

Style Icon of the year: Ayesha Omar

Retail Label of the year (Apparel): Chapter 2 by Khaadi

Most Stylish Sports Personality: Hajra Khan

Designer of the year (Menswear): Ismail Farid

Designer of the year (Demi-couture): Zaheer Abbas

Designer of the year (Pret): Sublime by Sara Shahid

Excellence in the field of Interior Design and Furniture Manufacturing: House of Zunn

Timeless Beauty: Reema Khan

Most Stylish Performer: Asim Azhar

Best Model Female: Zara Abid

Best Model Male: Aimal Khan

Designer of the year (Lawn): Zara Shahjahan

Fashion Photographer of the year: Alee Hassan

Hair and Makeup Artist of the year: Qasim Liaqat

Rising Star 2018-2019: Hamza Khan Bandee and Mushk Kaleem

Awards Winners:

Red carpet:

 

 

 

Entertainment News

Seeme Productions opens doors to offices in The UK and UAE

Posted on January 22, 2020
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One of the largest independent production houses in Pakistan, Seeme Productions, has expanded its business and creative services to the international market, now operating in the UK and UAE.

This expansion comes intending to take this independent business venture to the next step portraying Pakistan on the production map worldwide and introduce Pakistani industry talent to the world. Seeme is now providing enhanced production facilities in the UK and UAE as part of its strategy to promote the production of global content, bringing work opportunities to Pakistan, and also providing the directors with the opportunity to deliver on the international market.

Speaking about this new step, the CEO, Mr. Naveed Arshad, said, “Seeme has always been aspirational, and going international is a part of that aspiration. The UK and UAE market is flourishing, and this provides the perfect opportunity for us to create a customer base abroad as well. At the start of this new decade, we hope that we can continue to deliver the same high standard of quality and reliability we are known for in Pakistan and take our vision abroad.”

Seeme’s step also opens doors for Pakistan to become a production hub, and to prove its mettle and potential in the international market. Seeme’s new premise will strengthen its operations and create an even more comprehensive business offering for the production specialists.

Entertainment News

Habib Paracha’s ‘The Last Full Measure’ All Set to Hit Cinemas in Pakistan on 31st January

Posted on January 20, 2020
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The most anticipated war drama film “The Last Full Measure” would be hitting cinemas across Pakistan on 31st January 2020, making this the first time that a Hollywood film by a Pakistani Executive Producer would be released in Pakistan.

Written and directed by Todd Robinson, the film stars Sebastian Stan, Christopher Plummer, William Hurt Ed Harris, and Samuel L. Jackson, among others. Habib Paracha is the executive producer behind the film, which narrates the true story of William Pitsenbarger, played by Jeremy Irvine, who is a war hero of the highest order, an Air Force medic who personally saved over sixty men.

Talking about the film release, the excited producer, Habib Paracha said, “I am so thrilled for this movie to be released in Pakistan! I hope to leverage my learning from this project to showcase the stories of the heroes of our armed forces and show the Pakistani audience and the World at large the great sacrifices that the soldiers of our country have made towards being a peaceful, progressive and positive country in the World.”

Talking about the film release, CEO HKC Entertainment, Hammad Chaudhry, said, “We are glad to be bringing this exciting new story to cinemas across Pakistan. It is a real honor to be able to bring a movie produced by a Pakistani producer to audiences over here.”

The Last Full Measure will be distributed locally by HKC Entertainment.

“The Last Full Measure” marks as Habib Paracha’s fourth venture in Hollywood after ‘The Trust,’ ‘Terminal,’ and ‘Strive.’ One of the few Pakistani producers representing the country in Hollywood, Habib Paracha, has made a name for himself with critically acclaimed productions starring popular American actors including Nicholas Cage, Elijah Wood, Margot Robbie, Samuel L. Jackson, and many others.

Entertainment News

Closing Ceremony of Tape Ball Cricket Tournament by Hamid Ismail Foundation

Posted on January 20, 2020
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The closing ceremony of the Tape Ball Cricket Tournament presented by Hamid Ismail Foundation (HIF) took place on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Annu Bhai Park in Nazimabad, Karachi. The ceremony included an award distribution to the winning teams and a musical performance by a renown music artist, AsimAzhar.

Many notable personalities attended the ceremony including Mr. Hamid M. Ismail, Founder of HIF,Dr. Farooq Sattar, Head of MQM Organization Restoration Committee, FirdousShameem Naqvi, Member National Assembly, and Rehan HashmiChairman District Central.

The Tape Ball Tournament had commenced on November 30, 2019 and welcomed 48 teams from all over the city. The winner and runners-up of the tournament were awarded prizes worth Rs. 100,000. The aim of this initiative was to engage the youth of Pakistan in healthy sports activities and to provide them with a platform to display their talent.

Hamid Ismail Foundation is a non-profit organization which was founded by Mr. Hamid Ismail. The aim of the foundation is to work towards quality education, environmental sustainability, healthy entertainment opportunities, and women empowerment. HIF has been actively involved in organizing activities and implementing projects that reflect their values.

Entertainment News

HUM NETWORK LTD CELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT CHANNEL, HUM TV

Posted on January 20, 2020
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Pakistan’s numero uno entertainment network HUM Network Limited, celebrated the 15th anniversary of its premier entertainment channel HUM TV, on January 17, 2017 in Karachi in a special transmission of Subh Se Agay. The anniversary transmission was attended by prominent faces of the country’s entertainment landscape including Imran Ashraf, Mawra Hocane, Sami Khan, Danish Nawaz, Khushbakht Shujaat, Mohammad Ehteshamuddin, Usman Mukhtar, Ali Safina, Senator Faisal Javed Khan, Sultana Siddiqui President HUM Network Limited and CEO HUM Network Duraid Qureshi. The veteran Bushra Ansari and Hamza Ali Abbasi participated in the transmission via teleconference.

 

Congratulating HUM on its 15th anniversary, President Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi said “HUM has always been unique in presenting topics that highlight social issues to bring awareness amongst people. Its approach in presenting such topics while maintaining the entertainment factor makes it popular not only in Pakistan but throughout the world. HUM Network deserves congratulations for maintaining its high standards.”

 

The start of 2020 will witness mega projects by HUM Network that will touch the audiences’ hearts including HUM Style Awards, HUM Showcase, Pyar Ke Sadqey – a play that brings sensitive issue of mental harassment by family members onto mainstream television, Zebaish, Kashaf and Dilruba to name a few. After the successful shows in Dubai, Canada and U.S.A, this year will also witness Pakistan’s biggest television awards, HUM Awards which will be staged in one of the most iconic destinations – London, England.

 

Through all of its growing years, Hum TV has played a major role in empowering women, showcasing stigmas and issues that people shy away from, presenting them with sensitivity and gaining acceptability with the masses. This year HUM Network will celebrate success stories of our women and women leaders around the world in a one-of-a-kind awards show, HUM Women Leaders Award, 2020.

Most of HUM TV’s content is made to impact the society in a powerful way! The success of its content comes from the subtle ways it approaches taboo topics, creating relatable characters that leave an unforgettable impression, delivering the message and all the while maintaining their entertainment factor. It is the uniqueness of the content or the truth in the characters, who are loved and followed by a large number of fans, not just in Pakistan but all around the world.

Hum TV has the credit for being a pioneer in many aspects, be it the first food channel, the first awards show for an entertainment channel, showcasing new talent, creating fashion events on a high scale to taking our industry to the world by organizing awards in different parts of the world, or breaking rating records.

Entertainment News

Kashan Hasan takes over as CEO of Reckitt Benckiser Pakistan Limited

Posted on January 20, 2020
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Reckitt Benckiser (RB), a global leader in consumer health and hygiene, has appointed Kashan Hasan as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for its Pakistan business. Kashan will be spearheading the health business with immediate effect. Kashan has been associated with RB for the last 12 years, serving in various successful leadership roles across the globe in Pakistan, UK, South Africa, Egypt and the Middle East. In his most recent role, he was serving as the Regional Sales Director for the Hygiene Home business for the MENA region.

This announcement comes as RB Pakistan Limited evolves into the next stage of strategic development and accelerated growth. In this new role, Kashan will be leading the Company towards expansion within the country and strengthening its position in the market, while driving the business through its purpose-led brands. He will also be the key leading force behind RB Pakistan’s social vision and commitment of “Hoga Saaf Pakistan” (powered by the Company’s leading brand, Dettol) for a cleaner and healthier Pakistan.

Talking about his new role, Kashan stated, “RB Pakistan is committed to contribute to Pakistan through our leading health and hygiene brands for our consumers and the social impact we have achieved by reaching millions across the country. Pakistan is a very important market for RB with big potential for growth, I will be ensuring that we stay ahead of the game and focus on providing innovative solutions for our consumers to put health in their own hands, in true RB spirit.”

Kashan Hasan brings in over 18 years of leadership and management experience across various industries including consumer goods, consumer durables, consumer health, hygiene, home, food and confectionary. As a Sales and Marketing professional he brings in diverse experience in Sales, Trade Marketing, Key Account Management, and Customer and Consumer Marketing.

Entertainment News

Ramsha Khan shines bright in Badar Mehmood’s Ishqiya

Posted on January 20, 2020
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After hits like Khudparast, Kaisa Hai Naseeban& Shahrukh Ki Saaliyan in 2019, Ramsha Khan starts 2020 with a bang, playing the leading lady in Ishqiya – the upcoming project of director Badar Mehmood – of Balaa&Cheekh fame.

 

Teasers for the drama came out this weekend, and have since been the talk of the town. Produced by Big Bang Entertainment, of Fahad Mustafa & Dr. Ali Kazmi, Ishqiya has been penned by Mohsin Ali, it also features Feroze Khan, Gohar Rasheed and Hania Amir in pivotal roles along with Khan.

 

“I had started by television career with Feroze (Khan) in Who Ik Pal, so it was great to be coming full circle sharing screen with him again, but this time we stand on opposing ends instead of romancing each other,” stated Ramsha Khan said about the leading man. “But what made this project special for me was getting Badar Mehmood to direct me.” Khan further added.

 

“Ishqiya” is slated to go on air from January 2020 on ARY Digital.