As the year 2023 comes to an end, we give a round up of what has been happening at the Pakistani showbiz scene. The good vibes and not-so-good stances are all over the town.
I Am Somebody
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s most recent documentary, “I Am Somebody,” featuring renowned football figure David Beckham, has been awarded the Guirlande d’Honneur for Best Film in the Football Feature Films category at the 40th Sport Movies & TV — Milano International FICTS Fest. Directed by a collective of female filmmakers led by Jamillah van der Hulst, the documentary chronicles the lives of six street-connected children chosen to represent their countries at the Street Child World Cup in Qatar. It highlights the transformative impact of football on their lives, capturing their stories before, during, and after the tournament. The film brings attention to the challenges faced by over 100 million street-connected children globally and advocates for their rights, including the right to identity. The film’s objective is to inform, evoke emotions, and inspire audiences to contribute towards securing better rights for street-connected children.
The Wedding Dress Conflict
Mannat Murad has faced criticism for featuring a wedding dress that closely resembles the one worn by Saboor Aly at her real wedding. Aly expressed her disappointment on Instagram regarding the situation. Aly’s wedding dress, which was a tribute to her late mother, was designed by Faiza Saqlain. The designer has now addressed the controversy, stating that she doesn’t consider it a significant issue. In a statement shared on her personal Instagram account, Saqlain emphasized that suggesting colors and incorporating minor details does not equate to a creation being under the bride’s “copyright.” She highlighted that the silhouette and craftsmanship are not unprecedented, asserting that the dress represents a classic design embraced by many brides in the past. The designer expressed her confusion about the uproar, stating that “this particular jora is completely an FS bridal, and we have all the rights to sell it and/or give it for further collaborations.”
Shan Masood as Captain
The PCB has designated Shan Masood as the Test captain for the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team, while Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the team in T20Is. Shan Masood, aged 34, has played in 30 Tests, accumulating 1,597 runs with four centuries and seven half-centuries. He will serve as the Test captain until the conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. Shan’s inaugural task as captain will be leading the team in a three-match Test series against Australia in Australia, commencing on December 14. On the other hand, 23-year-old left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will take charge as the captain for the T20I format. His first assignment as T20I captain will be the five-match series in New Zealand from January 12 to 21. Shaheen has an impressive record, securing 64 wickets in 52 T20Is. Additionally, he has previously captained Lahore Qalandars in the HBL PSL, contributing to the team’s victory in the 2022 and 2023 editions. The appointments of Shan and Shaheen as captains come after Babar Azam’s decision to step down from all three formats of the game. The captain for the ODI format will be announced in due course.
Hareem Shah and Big Boss
Hareem Shah, a prominent TikTok personality from Pakistan, has recently asserted that she has been extended an invitation to take part in the prestigious Indian reality show ‘Bigg Boss Season 17.’ Hareem made this announcement through a post on X, the social networking site (formerly known as Twitter), sharing a photo of herself in blue and white attire. After disclosing her possible involvement in the widely-watched show, Shah reached out to her followers, asking for their opinions on whether she should seize this opportunity.
Miss Universe
Hailing from Karachi, the 24-year-old beauty queen secured a spot among the top 20 contestants out of 84 participants, representing her nation with elegance on the global stage. Although she didn’t make it to the top 10, Erica’s journey has received considerable attention and acclaim. Erica Robin displayed the cultural traditions of Pakistan with grace, captivating the audience with her charming charisma and stylish outfits. Being the first-ever Miss Universe contestant from Pakistan, her participation in the esteemed competition was marked by historic importance. After her success in the pageant, Erica continues to make an impact beyond the runway. Recently crowned as Miss Universe Pakistan, she actively participated in an event for Down Syndrome Awareness Month, using her position to raise awareness and promote inclusivity. Apart from her advocacy, Erica has become an essential part of the Red Cross Family, joining the Red Cross Youth Philippines. In a recent interaction with the youth, she spent a day attentively listening to their dreams, building a meaningful connection, and organizing an activity day filled with shared hopes for the future. Another notable moment in Erica’s Miss Universe journey was when she represented Pakistan’s diverse cultures during the preliminary contest. She chose not to wear a bikini for the swimsuit segment and instead walked out in a burka, earning applause from the audience and global recognition.
Imam-ul-Haq Ties the Knot
Imam-ul-Haq, the opening batter for the Pakistan cricket team, celebrated his union with Anmol Mehmood in November. The joyful festivities unfolded over a three-day extravaganza, beginning with a lively music night, followed by the solemn wedding ceremony, and concluding with a grand reception. Notable guests in attendance included cricket stars such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Azhar Ali, and Hasan Ali. Interestingly, the absence of Imam’s uncle, retired Pakistani cricket legend Inzamam-ul-Haq, was noted at the wedding. The news of Imam-ul-Haq’s impending marriage after the ICC World Cup 2023 has been surfacing for quite some time. It was reported that Imam adorned himself in a Prince coat for his special day.
The Win of Kamli
The Pakistani film ‘Kamli’ achieved a historic milestone at the Minsk International Film Festival by securing three prestigious awards. The movie, starring Saba Qamar, Sania Saeed, Nimra Bucha, and debutant Hamza Khawaja, clinched the Best Actor Award for Saba Qamar, the Best Director Award for Sarmad Khoost, and the Viewers’ Choice award at the renowned festival, also known as Listapad, which is the largest film festival in Belarus. Saba Qamar shared a video clip on her Instagram story capturing the moment of the Best Director Award announcement, highlighting Sarmad Sultan Khoost’s victory for “Kamli.” Khoosat Films, the production company behind the movie, also celebrated the triumph on their official Instagram account. Released in 2022, ‘Kamli’ stands as a compelling recommendation for every avid movie enthusiast.
