Pakistani dramas and the crisis of masculinity
I’ve had a long interesting relationship with Pakistani dramas, not so much as a reviewer, but as the editor at HELLO!magazine where we would regularly feature Pakistani television actors and actresses and talk to them about their work, what made them click and what kinds of…
Kamli (2002) Dir: Sarmad Khoosat
Starring: Saba Qamar, Sania Saeed, Nimra Bucha, Umair Rana, Hamza Khawaja So, what is it that makes Kamli a striking piece of cinematic success? The cinematography, the content, the acting? There are several aspects of a film to take into consideration when reviewing cinema, however, I would…
LUX HUM TV Women Leaders Awards 2021: Sending out all the right messages to Pakistani men and women
The HUM TV’s Women Leaders Awards 2021 (to be aired on 20th March) sent out all the right messages to the men and women of Pakistan this year with an intelligently curated programme that reiterated that Pakistani women prove year after year that they are…
Bridgerton: Three things I loved instantly about this new period drama on Netflix
No spoilers. For all period drama addicts out there, Bridgerton is being hailed as Gossip Girl meets the Regency era in a funnier, faster, more glamorous and a little bit sexier series which, as the producers promised, is not your grandmother’s period piece as you’ve…
Hot Picks: Coke Studio 2020 & Velo Sound Station
Weighing in on the latest Pakistani music scene thanks to the ubiquitously known Coke Studio and new-kid-on-the-block Velo Sound Station. After recovering from a music smorgasbord that made our heads spin, Ayesha Akif and I decided to paint our own little opinion-scape to…
A Suitable Boy: Disillusioned after watching Mira Nair’s lackluster adaptation of a favourite book
Spoiler Alert Film and TV adaptations of books can be disappointing. Over the years, I have learnt to manage my expectations. Or so I thought. But nothing prepared me for the utter disillusionment I felt on watching Mira Nair’s adaptation of Vikram Seth’s A Suitable…
Emily in Paris: Ignore the criticism, watch the show
Light-hearted cliches, a predictable storyline and gorgeous Paris make for enjoyable viewing — the Netfilx series Emily in Paris may be the story of a clueless American in the city of lights, but despite all the criticism it’s received since its debut, I would recommend the show…
Read Mr & Mrs Jinnah: A deeply moving love story of tragic proportions
For another exciting online session by the Lahore Literary Festival, I interviewed Sheela Reddy in Delhi where she lives and works. Sheela is a seasoned journalist, now author, and was the books editor at Outlook India magazine for several years. For the online conversation, we…
Rebecca: How a movie remake can inspire us to revisit the book
A gentle reminder that the book is the key. If you haven’t read it, you really should. I’ve always thought authors would turn in their graves when new and swankier versions of their timeless classics are released as films. Yet, there is no doubt —…
