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Pakistan fights back after Lara's ninth double century

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Multan: Imran Farhat smashed an unbeaten half century Wednesday to lead a confident Pakistan recovery after Brian Lara posted his ninth double century to give the West Indies an imposing lead on the fourth day of the second Test.

Imran Farhat (70 not out), Mohammad Yousuf (56 not out) and Younis Khan (56) led the fightback with fluent knocks as Pakistan finished the day on a healthy 213-2 in its second innings.

The home team now trails the West Indies by 21 runs with eight wickets in hand.

The same Pakistan batting trio also scored half centuries in the first innings before Pakistan lost its momentum and was dismissed for 357.

Farhat's knock included nine fours, and Yousuf was not far behind with eight fluent fours, as they combined for 89 runs for the unfinished third wicket.

Lara's imperious 216 off 262 balls propelled the West Indies to 591 before the tourists were dismissed 40 minutes before lunch.

After Mohammad Hafeez (18) was cheaply bowled by Jerome Taylor, Farhat added exactly 100 with Khan for the second wicket before the West Indies struck early in the last session.

Khan, who completed his half century before tea, edged left-arm spinner Dave Mohammad's first delivery to the wicketkeeper on resumption of the third session.

The West Indies missed an ideal opportunity in the next over by medium fast bowler Dwayne Bravo when Shivnarine Chanderpaul, playing in his 100th Test match, spilled Farhat's catch at extra cover when the batsman was on 45.

Yousuf continued his good form this year, which has seen him scored six Test centuries, by hammering seven boundaries in his 66-ball half century

Zinda Laash resurrected: 1960's Pakistani c

If one looks at it in a certain way, Zinda Laash has become exactly what its title means: a corpse that has come back to life! Indeed, not only has the corpse of the film returned to life, but the film itself, long dead, has suddenly found an afterlife, receiving accolades its creators never imagined it would. The film is currently due to be feted at the most respected sci-fi and horror festival in the world - Sitges, Barcelona - and has just been issued internationally on a special edition DVD having undergone a long and arduous frame-by-frame restoration.

This low-budget Pakistani film, shot in Lahore in the swinging '60s at the instigation and insistence of dashing hero (of the day) Habib, was a minor success when it was released in the rain-drenched monsoons of 1967, but was best remembered as the film that created history in Pakistan: it was the first local production to be awarded the dubious 'A' or 'For adults only' certificate! A dubious honour indeed, but an achievement nonetheless. Though the film was appreciated at the time, it was soon forgotten and banished to the dustbin and dungeon of history, though once in a while its producers, realizing that Dracula and everything about him is indeed immortal, re-released the film, cannily colourizing the lobby cards to entice newer generations to bite at the cherry once again. However, lately, the film had been all but forgotten and its negative similarly dispatched to oblivion with bits of the film lost forever.

This is where film critic and horror film aficionado Omar Khan combined forces with the similarly horror oriented Mondo Macabro team in the UK to begin the long struggle of trying to first discover and then to revive the corpse and resurrect the Zinda Laash. The quest began in the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001, with endless, fruitless trips to the buzzing (with life and flies) streets of Royal Park in Lahore where incentives were dangled in front of various industry operators who, once motivated enough, were soon busy sending their orderlies on errands to various studios and godowns with specific orders to seek and retrieve the film.

"It was weeks before we hit gold (or tin, as the case may be) because finally, it was reported to us by a grinning 'Nikkoo' (our operator) that the tins had been discovered and that the film might yet be workable," said Khan.Eventually, what was retrieved was almost the entire movie, but it was in pretty shoddy shape when it was shipped out to the Mondo Macabro team for their reaction. Fortunately, they became instant fans of the film and agreed that it was well worth taking the extra time and trouble of getting it restored, especially as it was clearly evident that the cinematography of the film was one of its greatest strengths. The restoration job was given to a Russian specialist who also became an ardent Zinda Laash fan and took special pains to make sure the DVD version achieved a look that is nothing short of breathtaking, considering the mangled mess she had started with.

While the restoration was in process, interviews of various people who had been involved with the film's production were carried out to be a part of the DVD and the translation and subtitling was done with enormous care. Though the film was mentioned in film journalist Yasin Goreja's book 100 Best Films of Pakistan, it is now in the wake of the DVD release that the world has suddenly come to realize that indeed, a lost gem has been rediscovered.

Entertainment Gossip
Lux Style Awards


The much-awaited and much-touted Lux Style Awards should be dubbed as Lux Style Mafia Brawl due to the behind-the-scenes bickering.

The latest in the skirmishing that has plagued the pre-show goings-on is the response elicited by the appointment of stylist Nabila as the show's image consultant. This means she would be advising, supervising and approving the look and clothes of all the participants. A number of biggies perturbed by this arrangement pulled out of the do in a huff. Some rudely told her off when she called them up for discussion on their look. One catty actress we hear told Nabbo to improve her dress sense first before instructing others on it. Ooh la la!




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Fakhr Revisiting his Roots

Talking of singers, Isloo boy Fakhr-e-Alam seems to be revisiting his roots as far as the latest cynosure of his attention (or should I say passion?) is concerned. For the latest gal in his life after Sonia Khan is a capital city girl called Hina Mairaj.

You might be interested to know that this gal might be a chotti si cheez - whose mother is a compere and newscaster at the official tele channel in the capital city - but has really tall ambitions. She has landed in the big bad world of Karachi and is raring to go places. Somebody told us that she already knew Fakhr from way back well. Whether it is a new thing or the revival of old vibes the two for now are an item.

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Pop sensation recuperating

Pakhtoon pop sensation, the very talented Raheem Shah, is recuperating from a car accident in which he had a narrow escape.

The crooner was in Lahore to attend a show and while he was driving along the canal, his car skirted and hit a tree. The automobile was badly damaged, and Raheem sustained a head injury.

That the crooner managed to escape lightly is a miracle as his injury was not very serious, even though the mishap did leave him badly shaken up. He was rushed to a hospital where after treatment he was asked to take it easy for a few days. And that is our advice too - hope he'd do the same and ease up on his driving.


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Saima and the 'Larki Punjaban'

Last but certainly not least, Syed Noor and his much-awaited magnum opus Larki Punjaban, which should actually have been dubbed 'Aurat Pujaban' since Saima, stopped looking like a larki years ago. "Magar kiya karain kay Shahji" continues to see the lady in a different light and considers her the epitome of Punjab di kurri. You all might have seen the songs of the flick, which are doing the rounds of the film-based telly shows these days. Some of them are quite catchy and have been shot with much care and attention. But they would have made an even bigger impact with a younger lass, preferably a new comer like the hero, Shamil Khan. Anyway, with the film now slotted for release on August 14, stories have appeared in the press that the Sikh community in UK, where the movie is also to be released, have objected to the film's storyline wherein a Sikh girl is shown having an affair with Muslim boy. Syed Noor, in a TV show recently, said that he had received many emails on the film's website threatening that some people will not allow the film to be released in Britain. However, according to another section of Lollywood, it is all a ploy to generate interest in the film. Hmmm! We are not taking any sides.


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Blending glamour with elegance

With all this talk of the steamy shenanigans of the Capital wallahs, let's cool off by shifting to the nippy climes of the Margallas itself and see what has been happening there. First Hasan Shehryar, who has added the suffix Yasin ever since he took up designing, put up a jolly good fashion show at the Marriott. With Sheroo's unmistakable choreography and elegant togs and all the top names from the modelling world like Iraj, Vinnie, Iman, Natasha, Sunita Marshal, ZQ, Mikal, Nael, Shehzad, adding a comely sprinkling of glamour, it was a mesmerizing cascade of colour and glamour. The makeup team of Ather Shahzad did an excellent job but the duo - especially Shahzad - were much missed; they couldn't come as they were literally immersed with work in Lahore.

The only complaint that We heard from some of the audience, whom we knew was that there was sizeable presence of the riffraff. Their cheap comments and remarks, (too vulgar to be mentioned here) didn't go down well and did create an air of discomfort. But then this is something one has to contend with in such totally commercial ventures and as one catty gal put it: even doodh walas with money can come to such events. Anyway, as it has now become something of a de rigueur with the holding of such shows in the city. Murtuza (Muddy) Hashwani later threw a post-show party for the entire gang at his plush pad where of course the crowd was utterly suave.

Mehndi

Starring: Humayun Saeed, Aminah Haq, Ayesha Khan, Adnan Siddiqui, Aijaz Aslam, Amna Hussain, Abid Ali, Jahanare Hai, Tamnanna, Ayesha Khan, Qazi Wajid, Kamran Jillani, Fiza Ali
Written by: Seema Ghazal
Directed by: Javed Fazil

Abid Ali and Jahanara Hai have four daughters, Malaika (Amna Hussain), Sajjal (Ayesha Khan), Alishba (Aminah Haq) and Laiba (Fiza Ali), who are all getting married on the same day. Three of them, Malaika, Sajjal and Laiba have chosen their own partners while Alishba's wedding is an arranged one, to her father's friend (Qazi Wajid's) son Rameez (Aijaz Aslam).

They get married and then each has to face their own difficulties, in marriage. Malaika's husband, Adnan Siddiqui, is a financially weak person and wants Malaika's father to set him up financially. His demands start from the very beginning, creating problems for Malaika. Rameez was in love with another girl Ramsha and was forced by his parents, Qazi Wajid and Ayesha Khan, to marry Alishba. He marries her and then leaves the house on his wedding night.

Both Laiba and her husband Ayaad (Kamran Jillani) are very childish in their attitude and start fighting from the first day. Sajjal, who gets married to her cousin Shahzaib (Humayun Saeed) is the only one without any difficulties in marriage, or will she have some problems too…… The title track by Jawad Ahmed is quite good.
Keep watching to see what fate has in store for the four sisters.

Comments:
Another show of extravagance, but this time, maybe with a bit of heart. The Amna Haque track is a bit unbelievable and very melo-dramatic. Fiza Ali needs to stop acting like Kareena Kapoor and grow some acting nails in a hurry! Her story is a bit hard to swallow too. The only realistic tracks are of the other two sisters, Ayesha Khan and Amna Hussain.

PYAR HI PYAR MEIN Director: Faheem Burney Cast: Aashal, Aanchal, Nesha, Wasif Butt and Waseem Sohail.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Fahim Burney's maiden silver debut Piyar Hi Piyar is making headlines these days for various reasons. Just a few days ago, when the song s of the film were screened, Faheem Burney is contrary to all the expectations, out done many in every field especially the choreography and the music. Though, inspired by the latest Bollywood based masala songs that are always looked up as envy in Lollywood, the director has gone ahead and shot the songs using the latest equipment. Faheem Burney, who has always been known for fulfilling the commercial needs of the tube with his glamorous productions lately, has never been taken seriously by the viewers as well as the other contemporary directors. A couple of months ago when he took the decision of making his next move in the silver screen, nobody knew for sure what Faheem was upto. As making a film with a bunch of new kids on the block was surely not every one's choice. Piyar Hi Piyar, his debut in the silver screen is fast been shot and again he sticks to his statements, "to give a fresh appeal to the silver screen". That is the very reason, the whole cast consists of new comers including Ashal, Aanchal, Nesha, Wasif Butt and Waseem Sohail providing a fresh outlook on the screen. Faheem Burney told that like always he is trying to provide something different than the routine stuff. "That is why I am using new faces as people are fed up of seeing the repeated faces again and again". No doubt, the songs that have been shot up till now provide an entirely fresh look to the screen and Faheem attribute all this to the latest equipment that he is using. They were really marvelous, the screen provided a fresh look and it look totally different. "That is because of the latest equipment that I have brought from abroad". When asked about the presence of Meera in the movie, the director has to say, "I have put Meera just to add some standard to the box office sizzle and pull, she has performed in an item number in which she has really put a lot of hard work and given her very best. I am really impressed by her performance". The dance sequences and the music is quite new and novel idea than the other lollywood stuff. No doubt the film is making headlines among many quarters and it will attract a lot of masses from the visible star studded charms when it would be released, but the problem is today that unlike the other tube directors who entered in the film dome, Faheem Burney is not been taken seriously and that may be good for Faheem.

Pak selectors to consider Sami for third Test

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Karachi: Having drawn flak for a weak pace attack in the first two cricket Tests against the West Indies, Pakistani selectors are all set to recall fast bowler Mohammad Sami for the third Test.

Chief selector Wasim Bari has admitted that Sami was under serious consideration for the third Test which begins here from the November 27.

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan had lashed out at the selectors and team management for ignoring Sami for the Champions Trophy and the first two Tests against the West Indies in the absence of key bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif.

Even Waqar Younis the Pakistan bowling coach has said that he was searching for more pace in the attack as it was necessary to have bowlers with some speed in the team line-up.

The 25-year-old Sami has an erratic career despite his potential being accepted by many experts. He was dropped after a series of disappointing performances on the recent England tour.

He, however, is the fastest bowler in the country alongside Shoaib Akhtar and has performed well in some recent domestic games. He has taken 73 wickets in 28 Tests and another 109 in 76 one-day games.

West Indies ran up a total of 591 with Brian Lara scoring 216 on a flat wicket in the ongoing second Test in Multan raising concerns about the potency of the pace attack which is currently headed by Umar Gul and Shahid Nazir who are basically swing bowlers.

Interviews Lollywood : Noor

Fair complexioned, immensely talented, sensuous eyes, innocent looks and a winning smile, in fact she is a star studded charisma. This is all what Noor is about. The best thing that you notice about Noor is her extremely candid and frank conversation once she gets a little familiar with you.
Once you get a chance to talk to her she doesn't stop. She has all the prerequisites to melt the hearts of thousands by her winning smile and innocent looks (which she says she isn't). Uncommonly bold and brash, one that takes you for granted her comments on filmdom do not favour anyone and neither is she against anyone. She talks straight about herself, her career and how things have slowly shaped up for her.
Noor makes for the most beautiful teenager in tinsel town. We're sure most teenyboppers would vehemently agree with this statement. And yet, behind that beautiful and pretty exterior lies a sensible woman/ who knows exactly what to look for when it comes to choosing a film. With a head on her shoulders and a few exciting projects in her kitty Noor is a case or fame that you really earn. Barely two years in the industry Noor is well on her way to the top. That's probably because with a no-nonsense attitude like hers that spells professionalism, she can't help but be there. But, then again, there's more to her than just her pretty face.

And this is where she talks about it all, from her friendship with her co-stars (read Shan) to her cutie-pie act! Starting her career with a low profile movie Jan Jan Pakistan, that bit the dust in the very first week of its release, Noor today stands at a stable position that would make her counterparts green with envy. It was "Mujhe Chand Chahiye" that brought her back into the limelight with a bang. Till date she has worked in only a handful of films and commercials but she is famous more because of Shan rather than herself. Though she's done many other films after MCC, none has given her the response that she needed. She is satisfied with her work in MCC and says it was fun. She gained experience from that and definitely is all praise for Shan. According to her he is best director in Lollywood.

" He gives the actors minute details and explains the basic requirements needed for the scene. He also explains the angles at which the shot is going to be taken."

Noor holds a different approach towards showbiz. Unlike others who say they had no interest in joining this field, she is one person who is doing it only because of her interest, ambition and enjoyment. She claims that she came into showbiz because she was ambitious.

" I was interested in doing films and when I felt it was the
right time I decided to give it a try. "

Her family had no problem with her joining showbiz. "Since a lot of girls from respectable and educated families are entering this field my family encouraged me. Besides both of them have been a part of showbiz earlier so their exposure helped a lot", informs Noor. As a newcomer she had to face a lot of problems. "It is difficult to make a place for yourself as there are already so many beautiful faces reigning Lollywood. No one gives you the right guidance. That is why; I decided to focus on acting rather than modeling. Except for Gia Ali, none of the actresses ever helped me," she laments.

What does she enjoy more, acting or modeling? Replies she,

" Acting is in my blood and that is what I really love doing.
Modeling is Just a hobby. My major goal is to be an actress
rather than a model. That is why I am focused more into
that. In films you can do a lot to prove your talent
and worth. So, I want to pursue my career in films "

Noor is choosy about her work. "I consider a few things before signing a project, a good team and good work. If these things satisfy me, I accept the project Commenting on her lead characters in movies she said, "In our movies, the character of a heroine is used as a showpiece, it is there just to add colour and attract the masses but I am fortunate that my character in MCC gave me a chance to prove my acting abilities. Also, though my character in "Ghar Kab Aao Gay" was short but it was appreciated. And now my song in Tere Pyar Mein is being appreciated a lot." Interestingly enough she also did title roles in other movies like " Sohni Kurri ", Mehbooba and Najam Lohar but all of them bit the dust.

This tinsel beauty loves make-up, and jewellery. She is an avid collector of these things. She loves to eat but of course also does vigorous workouts that keep her in shape. Most of the time she relies on yoga for fitness. Ambitiously she says "I want to do something in this field. I have to stay here to carve a niche for myself. The way my career is going up, I am sure I'll attain it soon." As a person, Noor is extremely candid and has a friendly attitude that differentiates her from her counterparts. She is a rising star but is extremely confident and determined that one day she's going to shine the brightest.

Hu gets Pak's highest civilian award

Friday, November 24, 2006

Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday conferred its highest civilian award Nishan-e-Pakistan on visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao for his contribution in cementing bilateral ties.

Hu, who is on a three day visit to Pakistan, was presented a medal and a citation by President Pervez Musharraf at a civic reception in Islamabad. The Chinese president later addressed the people of Pakistan live on state television.

Hu thanked Pakistan for its support to China over the Taiwan issue and the role Islamabad played in helping the Chinese leadership forge ties with leaders of the western world. "These are things we cannot forget," he said.

Hu's reception was attended among others by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and his Cabinet ministers.

"We take great pride in China and Pakistan friendship," Hu said adding, "China was committed to deepen its strategic partnership with Islamabad and consolidate it."

He said close contacts were maintained between leaders of both countries and regular consultation on major issues in strategic economic and defence fields.

Pakistan is an indispensable partner for cooperation in the international arena. The two countries should jointly promote collective interests of developing countries and promote democracy in international relations, Hu said.

Ashes [1st Test, Day 2]: England in deep trouble

Friday, November 24,2006

Brisbane: Ricky Ponting scored 196 and helped Australia to 602 for nine declared, then Glenn McGrath took the first two England wickets to leave the tourists in serious trouble after two days of the first Ashes Test.

At stumps on Friday, England was 53 for three with openers Andrew Strauss (12), Alastair Cook (11) and No. 4 Paul Collingwood (5) all out in the last 17 overs.

McGrath, returning from injury for his 100th test, removed Strauss and Cook on consecutive balls with the total at 28.

Strauss was out attempting to pull McGrath, caught by Hussey running toward long leg despite a collision with Brett Lee in the outfield.

Lee walked off with a laceration above his left knee, bleeding through his white trousers

McGrath waited for Lee to leave the field for treatment, then squared up Cook and got an edge to Shane Warne at first slip.

Collingwood blocked the hat-trick ball, but was out with the addition of 14 to his total when he was caught behind off Stuart Clark, who had replaced Lee at the Stanley Street end.

That gave Adam Gilchrist his 356th test dismissal, moving him up to third on the all-time list for wicketkeepers.

Lee returned after doctors decided his cut did not need stitches, and he bowled one more over.

Difficult session

It was a difficult session for the English players who spent 11-1/2 hours in the field under cloudless spring skies in subtropical Brisbane.

Indian team in self-analysis mode

Friday, November 24, 2006

Cape Town: The beleaguered Indian team arrived and promptly disappeared into their rooms, still appearing shell-shocked by the humiliating 157-run defeat at the hands of South Africa in the second cricket one-dayer.

The players hardly ventured out of their rooms, choosing to do self-analysis within the sanctuary of their refuge. They will now practice at the Newlands tomorrow morning and look to solve the riddle of playing against fast bowling on these wickets.

Shot out for a paltry 91 in just 29.1 overs by a battery of South African pacemen on a lively Kingsmead track in Durban, the Indians suffered their biggest defeat against the hosts who have now taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

They have three days to regroup before facing the home side in the third match on Sunday, the first having been washed out.