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Azhar supports Chappell

Indore: Former captain Mohammad Azharuddin batted for India's under-fire coach Greg Chappell, saying it was not right to blame him for the ills plaguing the cricket team.

"The job of the coach is to guide the players, but ultimately it is players who have to perform. A team has 11 players and everybody has his role," the former batsman told reporters here. Azhar, however, refused to comment on whether it was right to appoint a foreigner as the national team's coach.

"The decision of appointing a foreign coach was taken by the Board and I cannot comment on it." On the demand for appointing a bowling coach, he said, "if it happens then okay, but bowling is not a problem. Bowlers are doing well".

The Hyderabadi, who was here to attend a school function, was speaking in the wake of India's 4-0 whitewash in the one-day series in South Africa. He also blamed India's "off-colour" openers for putting the rest of the batsmen under pressure through their lacklustre performance.

"The problem is in the opening. The openers are off-colour. They should play more aggressively. If they do so they will score runs as well," he said.

"The team should perform well in the immediate matches, specially the Test matches, to keep its morale high for the forthcoming World Cup and also for the series against West Indies and Sri Lanka," he said.

Experts criticise Team India


Centurion: Little Master Sunil Gavaskar has already said that Team India can kiss the World Cup goodbye given how badly they are playing.

Now he along with other cricket experts are acknowledging what till now has been just speculation in the media - the team seems to be deeply divided right now.

The team management isn't helping matters by making bizarre selection choices. It was one of the most inexplicable moments of the match. Why Virender Sehwag chose to take a powerplay in the twentieth over.

Lack of strategy

South Africa were at 119 for no loss at that stage and it was quite clear that the match would not last 50 overs. So why bother with the fielding restrictions.

"(It) leads me to believe that this team is all playing for themselves. Pathan (is) down and out and they make him bowl with powerplays," said Ajay Jadeja, former India captain.

Perhaps in Sehwag's defence as captain one could say that he's still reeling from the fact that he's been removed as test vice captain supposedly for an attitude problem.

In fact, Harbhajan Singh has also been in the bad books of the team management for supposedly missing an official lunch. The experts think this is a case of key players being poorly handled.

THE 14 MOST WANTED MUSICIANS



ATIF ASLAM
Rising from the ashes of Jal following the surprise smash Aadat, Atif is the latest pop sensation. He has walked the balance between pop sensibility, mass appeal and alternative credibility like few before.



STRINGS
After their momentous return to form with 2000's Duur, Strings haven't looked back. Matter of fact they have moved on from strength to strength, scoring cricket World Cup tunes, a spot on the subcontinent's Spider-Man 2 soundtrack release and most recently, as spokesmen for Unicef on HIV/AIDS in Pakistan.


FUZON
Son of the legendary Amanat Ali Khan, lead singer Shafqat is the band's most potent weapon, as his classical training and bloodline guarantee advantage over the competitors. Shallum's standing as a session guitar player was quite established before Fuzon's formation, hence he brings his six-string knowledge to this group as well.


HADIQA KIANI
Arguably the only female pop singer to lay claim to the late Nazia Hasan's mantle. The only female songbird with style, grace and staying power. She has flirted with various styles with varying degrees of success, and this is one of the main reasons she has stuck around.


ALI AZMAT
Being one of the most established singers in the country, Ali bring to the scene a wealth of experience. Regardless of what critics might say, when he announces a tour or release an album, people sit up and take notice.


AMIR ZAKI
He's the best. Very little argument there. The man knows music like the back of his hand, flirting with every style imaginable: rock, pop, jazz, blues, eastern classical, etc, etc. He's the country's most incendiary live player and can cross swords with the world's best musicians.


ALI ZAFAR
Good looks. Girls delight all. Plus he does a real mean Kishore Kumar impression. You just can't go wrong with that combination. It remains to be seen if he can back it up by doing circus tricks. If so, you can count on Ali Zafar becoming one of Pakistani pop's immortals.


AAROH
One of the strongest, most melodic bands to emerge from the recent pop 'explosion,' Aaroh have a history of success behind them in their short careers, namely victory at the Battle of the Bands, as well as a Sawal, a stunning, melodic debut record laden with '80s metal hooks.


JAWAD AHMED
Jawad's success lay in his early folksy, home-grown record, Bol Tujhey Ki Chaiye Ye, which included the smashing Sufi number, Allah Meray Dil Key Ander. From then on there was no looking back with his second record, Uchiyyan Majajan Wali, selling massively.


ABRAR-UL-HAQ
His brand of infectious, witty bhangra instantly hits all the right chords with the masses. He can say a lot by sounding innocuous, yet rest assured, there is plenty of verve and venom in between his jibes.


EP
Entity Paradigm, have made a strong impression on the youth and have tried their hand at innovation. They aren't afraid to try out new things, namely hard rock, as well as the fact that they are a tight outfit onstage. Butt Sahib's personality adds colour while Fawwad's good look adds sex appeal to their band.


MEKAAL HASAN BAND
Everything. Mekaal Hasan can be called a guitar virtuoso without fear of hyperbole, an international level player by all means. Classically trained vocalist Javed Bashir is a real powerhouse and is probably the best vocalist in Pakistani popular music today.


JAL
Yes, Jal the band. The fact that they've managed to stick around. Fans showed considerable loyalty despite the new lead singer.


NOORI
Pop-rockers, with a distinct pop-punk bubblegum flavour, from Lahore, the Noori boys stormed the scene with Suno Ke Mein Hoon Jawan. The group helped usher in the third wave by bringing in fresh concepts, some good, some not so good, and infusing fresh blood into the industry.

ISLAMABAD, January 17 (Online): The recording of first joint Pak-India drama serial "Sukhay Pathay" is completed and will be telecasted soon.

The Pak-India mega series includes versatile Bollywood Indian actor Suresh Oberai, Sunita Marshall, Amar Jeet, Mann Sharma along with Pakistan senior TV actress Uzma Gillani, Farah Shah, Neelma Hasan, Ayub Khoso, Janah Malik, Qaiser Nizamani and Mikal.

Producer of the serial Khalid Khan said that "Sukhay Pathay" is completed under the banner of KK Production Canada and will be telecasted soon.

The serial has been recorded in Canada while some of the scenes are shot in Northern Areas of Pakistan.

Khalid has said that all the actors have worked through thick and thin to get the serial completed and now it is up to the viewers to make it a hit.

"Famous singer Waqar Ali has composed the background music of "Sukhay Pathay" while some of the scenes are shot in tough conditions", he maintained.

Answering a question he said it was a great experience working with such a dedicated team of actors across the border.

"This is the first step towards a beginning of new era in the field of drama between Pakistan and India as actors from both sides gave their best shot", he revealed.

ISLAMABAD: Indian's renowned film and TV actor Suresh Oberoi, right, Pakistani TV actress Sunita Marshall, 2nd from left, and actor Mikal are seen in this undated photo taken during the filming of the first joint Pak-India drama serial "Sukhay Pathay".

A shifty review of Pak albums released in 2006

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A shifty review

A lot of them may have come out in 2005, but they have continued to be hot sellers throughout this year. As the countdown to 2007 begins, Instep's resident music critic looks at the year that was in music.


Abbas Ali Khan

Sun Re*

His awkward, lumbering frame and movements betray the fine musical talents he is blessed with. And if one is open to ignore the man's prolonged adolescent fetish for vampires and assorted pop Goth nonsense, he can come across as a worthwhile find in the annals of modern-day Pakistani pop music.

His debut album went unnoticed (for all the right reasons, though), but 2006's Sun Re has suddenly put him in the limelight, thanks also to the two videos that he made to promote the album.

Anyway, the good news is that the vampire fixation does not seem to distract Abbas from writing and singing some pretty impressive and serene pop ballads, tinged with allusions to eastern classical music and a clever understanding of quality pop without falling into the trap of sticky kitsch stuff. Well, at least he's not Annie in this respect and I would say, neither is he an Omer Inayat.


Omer Inayat

Be the One**1/2

Another fine find. It seems all these jocks went to a gym to pump iron but ended up discovering the feminine sides of their psyche. Well, this is exactly what people like Omer Inayat and Dino remind me of. Nothing wrong with that, really, but unfortunately I exhausted much of my feminine sides listening to David Bowie and Coldplay. Meaning, perhaps I should have been more attuned to players like Justin Timberlake to truly appreciate pop music by the likes of Omer Inayat. However, nothing should be taken away from the fact that the queerly accented lad is a pretty hard worker and his album holds well as an entertaining (if not enduring) pop document.


Call

Jilawatan**

Call, led by former EP riff-master and video director, Xulfi, arrived promising to create waves amongst all the Jals, Fuzon and Strings of the land's assessable pop-rock scene but now it seems they are destined to wither away with a whimper. A sad scenario indeed, considering the talent they have and which does pop up as a reminder on some of the songs on this album. But these songs are too few, while the rest flex their supposed solid pop muscles and chops in the most predictable and cynical ways, almost sounding desperate to be taken as seriously as the songs by the band's more established pop-rock counterparts.


Noori

Peeli Patti Aur Raja Jaani Ki Gol Dunya***

Noori have a problem. A dilemma they just can't seem to break free from. After two whole albums, the band is still not sure what their sound stands for. Even though this is an edgier and better album than their sweet, safe debut, and has some invigorating tunes, much of PPARJKGD is still plagued with chop-a-block pop-rock cliches and the usual punk-pop references.

The most frustrating thing is that each song reflects bold shades of well meaning talent and a potential to finally cut through the embarrassment of all those boy band Polo years they got themselves into. If they think that this album managed to do just that, well they've got another thing coming. This is still sterile and harmless pop-punk to me, something Polo would still not mind fitting into its celebratory hole.


Sajid & Zeeshan

One Light Year at Snail Speed***1/2

One of the most anticipated releases of the year, S&Z did not disappoint on the promise that was made with their first song/video a year ago ('King of Self'). There is a lot to appreciate and enjoy on this album: The dynamic compositions, the literate lyrics, the excellent vocals, et al. However, there do lie fat patches of vacant pop drool with in the mix, as S&Z at times overplay their folk-pop indulgences suddenly starting to sound like a dreary combination of Garth Brooks and some obscure House band.


Faakhir

Mantra***1/2

With each album of his, he really rubs it in for those who thought Haroon was the talented one in Awaz. But outside Awaz Faakhir has galloped past his former band mate with insulting ease both commercially and as well as aesthetically. Not only has Faakhir proven to be a better songwriter and vocalist, he is challenging Haroon on the performance level as well. At the moment the only thing going for Haroon in this respect is that at least he can claim to be taller than Faakhir. But with Mantra, Faakhir's many short-comings (including an ego which too can claim to be taller than the man himself), get thankfully diluted as the guilty pleasures of pure pop quality take over. This is a wonderful pop album, painstakingly put and cleverly marketed. Quite like the videos that accompanied it. Unashamedly pompous, but effective.


Shahzad Roy

Buri Baat Hai***

After spending years on the edges of mainstream breakthrough, Roy finally made it big with this album. It is a highly entertaining album, but like any good pop, it can get on your nerves. So don't ask what damage bad pop can do.


Rung

Green**

Won't tell you what bad pop can do, but I will tell you what bad pop-rock can do. It makes you turn Green.


Annie

Princess**

She's become huge. But for all the wrong reasons. The music sucks (Shazia Khushk in a skirt can do a much better job pulling off all this inane dhish-dhish), but a lot of us (mainly male), love Annie. There's something about Annie. But you wont find it in her music.
As if, she cares.


Salman Ahmed

Infiniti*

Salman Ahmed remains to be my favorite Pakistani guitarist. The simplicity of his playing and his penchant for coming up with some of the most rocking guitar riffs in the scene is what drove the music of Junoon. However, he started losing the plot, insisting to read the script wrong by deluding himself about his singing prowess. He just cannot sing.

Many thought that after so painfully crackling through a couple of songs on Junoon's last album, the appalling Deewar, he will dissuade himself from ever trying to sing again, but no, sir. Our man went on and actually recorded an album full of terribly sung songs this side of Gary Glitter. What's more, even the instrumentals don't work. It is as if this once balls-to-the-wall riff maker suddenly lost all of his talent as a player. Well what do you expect from a former riff-master putting all of his efforts into becoming Freddie Mercury. He wanted to have his cake and eat it too. The only problem is, it wasn't his cake at all.

The next addition to Rahim Shah's album collection is 'Yarana.' This album marks the old-age friendship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This album is probably the 'funkiest' one he's released up to date. The album contains 10 pashto, 1 urdu and 1 dari/farsi song. You guys probably know by now how much I like his songs.

BILTOON

An excellent melody to start off the album. However, this isn't a sign of what the rest of the songs in the album will be like. The vocals are excellent with his frequent use of different styles. This track is more of a 'breather' and is not as 'funky' as some of the songs in the album. The instruments in the background with his voice over them gives it a excellent beat! VERDICT: 8.5/10


DANA DANA

One of the funky tracks! This song is medium paced with an extremely catchy tune which is easy to get hooked on to. The music is very 'I'm going to shake my head'. His vocals are varied and are used at the right time and at the right place. Pashto is modernised in this track and is not like the slow, moody pashto 'sandaray' However, the lyrics are quite hard to understand even for a pathan. GUL DANA DANA! VERDICT: 9/10


EMAAN

I love this track so much that I have it on my walkman!(well actually i have all his songs on my walkman. ) The snapping of the fingers with Rahim Shah's voice overlapping really gives my rating for this track a boost! The times where he is not singing is filled with an awesome melody! The other singers in the background going 'oi oi' emphaise the track's music. The tempo is changed frequently changed throughout the track so that his voice can have a chance to try varied tones. VERDICT: 9/10


ISHQ

OHHH ISHQ DE SAMANDAR CHAPPPAYYYY..... WOW! The song and the video both rock. This song leans towards the traditional side a little bit. The tempo is faint and slow so that the audience can experience being washed within the depths of the sea. (The song is about drowning in the sea and love) Rahim Shah's excellent vocals gives that sense of fear and pleading in his voice when he is drowning in the sea. EXCELLENT! VERDICT: 9.5/10


JAANAN

Back to slow songs again. The vocals are beautiful in this song. His voice is really shown in this song. This song melts my heart. Although its not as great at the others, this is a change in the album. VERDICT: 7/10

NASEEB (URDU)

This song is the sequel to the pashto version 'Nazam'.Although this song is slow and quiet compared to the others, i like it. The choice of lyrics are outstanding and even though it is a sad song It suits him this time. The 'sa re ga' tune is unique and it really shows how urdu songs can be well composed. The pashto version seems to be sadder than the urdu. VERDICT: 7/10


PAK- AFGHAN (FARSI/DARI)

What a tune! This really got me grooving! This song is one of the best in the album and its tune is well... just AMAZING! FARSI songs are new to Rahim Shah and even besides this he seems to have pulled off another oustanding track! A must listen! The tune is traditional and very catchy. VERDICT: 10/10!


PARI PARI

Another modernised pashto track. It seems a very good tune and seems slower and less toned in a way. The electric guitar in the background is very subtle and elegent to the melody. But I think he's just airing his feelings in this song. Not really one of my favourites, but still a good attempt. VERDICT: 7.5/10


PEAGLEY

An extremely modern pashto song. Another one of favourites! Catchy, modern and an excellent tune. The tempo is fast and his vocals go along with it like 'bread n butter' A thing with all his songs is that they have additional voices in the background. Every song has its unique style, like this one. VERDICT: 8/10


YA QURBAN

What a funky voice at the beginning! His voice is also echoed at the beginning. The video is also very good with the western girl coming and then going as a traditional pathan. The instruments are played once again at the right time in time with his voice. The background music gives the pak/afghan feeling! The track is sometimes repetetive when he repeats 'Ya Qurban.' Overall a very good catchy tune. VERDICT 9/10


YAADUNA

Another song which expresses feelings. No offence but this isn't one of my faves. Its the only song in the album which I don't really listen to. But then again, every album in the world has at least one which people don't listen to.
VERDICT- 6/10


YARANA


This has got to be the BEST track in the whole album! The lyrics, the vocals, the tune, the melody... IM SPEECHLESS! ITS SO AMAZING! It's sort of like a club mix on which u can groove along at ure wish. Seriously its a MUST LISTEN. RAHIM SHAH UVE DONE IT AGAIN! VERDICT

Shaan's Interview

The other side of Shaan
The gandasa wielding, much macho hero is the only superstar in Lollywood. Yet away from the crass commercialism of his films is a thinking individual intent on breaking new ground in media at large.

By Aamna Haider Isani


Walking into Shaan's home, you're greeted by the unexpected. There's none of the machismo or narcissism one associates with the last superhero of Pakistani cinema. He may have played the thoroughbred, angry male in countless films but none of that is visible in the place he calls home. There are no large self-imposing portraits or framed film awards; you only see a couple of black and white images of his father and then more and more paintings, Van Gogh replicas to be exact. Stacks of books on art and architecture lie around his lounge and the only reference to his macho image are the horse bust sculptures, an equestrian love "that comes from being an Aitchisonian," he says.


hatting with him, one understands why he's so revered; Shaan connects with people. We meet late at night, when his weekly Sunday is over - his mother, brothers and entire family have left - and his wife Amina, wearing a casual tee shirt over a shalwar, is putting their daughter Bahisht to bed as a docile Labrador strolls around.

Even at this hour, Shaan makes it a point to step out and shake hands with my driver who just cannot get over the fact that he is meeting the Shaan. This real life scene makes the national heart throb look even more endearing.

We walk over the freshly dug up garden that he's been working on. His love for gardening goes beyond the fence; he switches on the lights in his daughter's bedroom to reveal an old peepul tree retained within. It's an intriguing picture, especially when associated with an actor better known for his porcupine stiff moustaches and batons. We finally settle down in his lounge and Shaan begins talking about his life today – the films, the ads, the videos and the secret to balancing the life he lives with the world that is Lollywood…

Instep: You've finally finished shooting for Shoaib Mansoor's film Khuda Ke Liye. How was the experience?

Shaan: Shoaib saab does amazing work - he's very particular about what he does. But he's not a simple person to work with and neither am I. Our chemistry went haywire initially – he had problems with trusting me and I couldn't work without that trust. He told me he didn't want a regular Lollywood Shaan, so I asked him whether he would be able to bear the real me? Lollywood only demands my presence, that's it. I call the shots. But when you want me to 'act' and be my true self, don't expect me to shoot at 9 am. I don't function that early. If you want 'me' then you let me be 'me'. For me a film is about deadlines and I can define my character within a day. Shoaib saab is totally different. He's a great guy but I didn't want him to have any miscalculations about my professionalism.

Instep: Why is the film taking so long in the making?

Shaan: The whole episode of Ali Zafar was traumatic. The film almost had to close as after two weeks shooting he said "meri ammi ne kaha hai ke film nahin karni." I mean, can he do that? Is it that simple? But when he didn't want to do it, we had to reshoot. He was playing my younger brother who is now being played by that musician guy – he's a really cool guy – ET, no…EP's vocalist. Jehanzeb…Zeeshan…I don't remember his name. (It's Fawad, Shaan!)



Instep: How can you not remember your co-actor's name?

Shaan: Oh, I only had a few shots with him. But he was a good looking, cool guy. Then there was a huge mix up in my dates as well. Shoaib saab booked the dates with me and then changed them. Initially I couldn't fit it in my next slot but then I did. Everything added to the delays.

Instep: How was the experience of working with Naseeruddin Shah and Iman?

Shaan: I didn't meet Naseer as I didn't have any scenes with him.
Most of my work was in Chicago. I worked with Iman a bit, but what can I say? Models think very highly of themselves. They need to understand that every different kind of work requires a different kind of expertise. They think that by being good models, they're good actresses. Look at what they're doing in dramas.

Instep: So working with a musician and model wasn't that great?

Shaan: I'm saying that you just can't be an actor or a musician or a model. You have to aspire for more. I've never taken acting as the last thing I do. I have politics in my mind. I'm running Fifth Element (his marketing agency), I made two videos for Mobilink – one with Madame Noorjehan's song and the other with Mehdi Hassan for August 14. Sure, do more but at least know what you're doing. With a little training these guys can do much better.

Instep: With directing, producing, making videos and even TV programs, you're also stepping into new territories.

Shaan: In 2006 and it's all about programming. There are 24 more channels coming out and no quality. We're making sitcoms and comedy plays. I've picked up about five professionals from the film industry. Channels are swarming with college students who need to focus. You cannot make foolish plays and think they're funny. They're not. Enough of the rubber bands and the NCA productions, Jutts, Butts, nuts and all that crap. We've already done Jutts and Butts in films – they need to come up with something better. They need to go through the grind. What has entertainment come to? We have a cross dresser on TV taking everyone for a ride. He's asked me to come many times but I refuse to go. I have some rules. I don't want to go and be haggled by some gay guy. Yet people are okay with him.

So I've utilized technicians from the film industry and given them my aesthetics. NCA boys come with an attitude: ghar sey saab ban ke aate hain. Their theses are sold in colleges; it's all fun and games for them. But we have a responsibility. We should not make foolish attempts. To make good programs these boys should come forth with their technical value.

Instep: You mean to say that with technical expertise our films can compete with the world.

Shaan: We have private financers who cannot afford the budget to make a good film. But yes, it's only that. Nothing else.

Instep: Are the storylines not pathetic?

Shaan: No, the technical expertise is the only thing lacking to make a complete circle. It's that one thing that has messed up the entire system. Majajan and Mujhe Chand Chahiye were right moment films. But I lost money on them because the elite never pay. I made more money off Moosa Khan. We have the stories. I've been trying to sell the story of Veronica Decides to Die from the day I read it but no one will touch it. I give them ideas they don't want to touch. We lack the technical finesse because we lack finances. We have the stories.

Instep: You talk about social responsibility and good stories so what do you have to say about films like Moosa Khan?

Shaan: What about Moosa Khan? Look at their films. They are anti Pakistan and that makes them anti Islam. Sure, two wrongs don't make a right but if you throw a stone at my house, I'll throw one at yours. The magic of the anti-Hindu sentiment worked. If the film had aired during times of the India-Pakistan cricket tournaments or the peace process, it would have failed. But it was aired when anti-India sentiments were at a peak.

Instep: What about Hindus living in Pakistan?

Shaan: What about Muslims living in India? What about Gujarat and Babri Mosque?

Instep: So how can films be promoted?

Shaan: Cinemas should be made essential to every locality. A cinema in Gulberg should be as important as the water tank or the police station. Then import films. Get Hollywood, Chinese films, sub title them.

Instep: Taj Mahal was brought in. How do you feel about that?

Shaan: We should not put up Indian films until we have grown enough to be at par with them. Indian films have progressed because of people like Raj Kapoor who used to take free films around to be screened. All Indians should thank him. But no one wants to listen in Pakistan.

Instep: How can Pakistani films create a market for themselves now?

Shaan: When Pushto films recently opened up in Afghanistan and I told all these guys who make Pushto films to take their films for free and make a market for themselves. These idiots didn't listen. The embassies do nothing, absolutely nothing. Our governments make it impossible for the world to access our entertainment. After partition Jalandher TV was kept alive and it served as a great bridge. Now they've made it so difficult with the visas and NOCs. Reshma, Ghulam Ali, even Nusrat Fateh Ali, so many of our stars go and perform privately. The government does not support their profession. They don't allow them to have concerts and this is the only reason why you'll find a million people at a Lata concert but Nusrat performing at a private sitting. Indians are now dubbing their films in Pushto and sending them. We don't have policies. Around seven to eight Pushto films are made a month in Pakistan. They could have generated crores for the industry, but didn't. These people are clueless.

Instep: So what you're saying is that contrary to common belief, cinema hasn't died in Pakistan?

Shaan: Cinema hasn't died. The faculty of getting to the cinema has died. If I can put up a home theatre system that gives me the same, perhaps even better experience, why will I go to the cinema? Good cinema, bad cinema, understand that everything works and everything sells. I still make money out of Lollywood. Why else would I stick around? I've done 30 films this year already. Lifebuoy sells. Lollywood is the Lifebuoy of cinema.

Instep: Then why are cinemas closing down?

Shaan: Cinemas are closing because our production has come from 140 to 30 as there are no financiers. Cinema prices have gone up that's why production has gone down. Naghma cinema sold out to Chevrolet for 15 lakhs a month in rent. The attitude is wrong. Would we sell Minar-e-Pakistan if we got enough money?

Property prices are sky rocketing. Cinemas were built on 20 canal spaces and that land can mint money now. Since everyone wants to make a buck out of real estate and cinema owners are not putting their money in making films, they are shutting them down and selling off the land. Cinema owners should be involved in producing films. That's the business of retail. That's why Chenab Textiles is successfully running Chen One. The same rules apply to films. Cinemas were built over prime space. Cinemas built over land worth 30 lakhs suddenly became a crore per canal. Nobody said no to selling them off. There is no law. You cannot take over parks so why are people taking over cinemas? Look at what Seth Abid did. He took down Auriga Cinema and promised to build another cinema. It's been 30 years and it hasn't been done. These people are just not interested. What will they do with so much money? No one wants to do anything for the people.

I have advised the Pakistan Horticulture Society to take free films from me. Just give me one wall in every park and two security guards to make sure no one steals the speakers – run these films inclusive of ticket price. The big bang theory will not work. It'll happen gradually. It just requires money. They have managed to make high priced localities in Defense out of an area that was a katchi abadi. They can revive cinemas if they want to. But entertainment is so far down on their priority list.

Instep: Don't you think it's justified, since the government is still struggling with core issues like drinking water and food?

Shaan: The common man has absolutely no form of entertainment. He used to have alcohol but even that was taken away from him. The elite is still drinking but for the common man, alcohol has been replaced by drugs and now heroin is the escape for him. First he would have a couple of drinks at night and be sober in the morning. Now, as an addict, he takes his entire family down with him. This is the sort of society we live in. You need to give that man who drives a rickshaw all day some sort of relaxation. How can it be justified to take one form of pleasure away from the common man?

This attitude is why cinema is suffering. If people didn't want to watch films I wouldn't be making money out of them. I want to bring entertainment to the masses and films are the only thing left that come from the top and go to the grass root bottom. There's too much depression, suppression. These films give them two hours of pleasure. They do. These people have no where to be entertained. We have pushed them to a point where they have nothing. Where should they go? We give them films. Now I cannot judge their choice. I can guide them but nothing more. Look at the literacy rate. This is what they enjoy.

At this point a member of his staff wheels in a trolley full of fried goodies, fruit, tea and more. This is Punjabi hospitality at its best: even at 11.30, after having a feast, it is normal to serve and eat as if there's no tomorrow. The servants hover around with hero worship in their eyes, until they are told they need not wait on us. The interview continues as Shaan digs into one potato cutlet after another…

Instep: What do you enjoy? How do you balance between someone who is the face of Lollywood and someone who appears in high budget ads and appreciates Armani suits and Van Gogh paintings?

Shaan: Lollywood is just one thing that I do. I enjoy both films and ads but the force lies in the masses, not the Mobilink ad. I was taken for the ad because of who I am. They didn't have a choice. There is no one else. In films people appreciate me more, love me more, there's more respect. Their hands tremble when they approach me for an autograph. That's the power I enjoy. I am loved by the people. When I go to my friends' places, their servants, maids, maalis and entire staff of hired help showers me with adoration. I'm not paying them to do it. This is love.

Instep: You've been criticized for the way you hosted the Lux Style Awards. What do you say about that?

Shaan: The script was crap. I told them so. I would have wanted a wittier script.

Instep: You also danced on stage for the first time?

Shaan: Yes and it's not something I enjoyed. The dancing wasn't me.

Instep: There have been rumours that you're planning to work on a film in India?

Shaan: I'm not working with any Indian or any other cross border producer unless my government comes up with an agreement. I want to be fully backed up and sponsored; not arriving in India like an orphan. It has to be done on a government level where we exchange information, sign MOUs, have workshops. I will not go alone to work alone. There has to be an exchange of information. I have four scripts lying with me; from Sudhir Mishra, Subhash Ghai and Mahesh Bhatt. I need neither the money nor more fame. Every Pakistani around the world knows me.

Instep: How do you feel about Meera going to India?

Shaan: Meera's always been doing what she wants to do. As part of the industry it's shameful what she's done but she has come far. She is not a dumb person. All the jokes that you here about her are part of the image she wants to project. She's not a dumb bimbo.

Instep: You're such a supporter of cinema then why have you never been part of the Kara Film Festival held every year?

Shaan: I've never been asked to.

Instep: What do you have to say about the Council for Promotion of Sufism?

Shaan: Sufism is how Islam came to Pakistan and it is the true softer side of our religion where one preaches forgiveness as opposed to aag ke badle aag, so its promotion is really good. But again, it needs to be offered to the masses. We already know what Sufism is. The fanatics need to be exposed to it. People who monitor blast bombs and have rallies on Mall Rod. How does this council propose to do that? They've made CDs that'll be circulated amongst the elite. Arre baba, we know what Sufism is. If you want to promote it, promote it through films that go through to the masses. They need to be spreading the message of the simplicity. Sufism is not Abida Parveen or Nusrat Fateh Ali. You can't take it to them through songs; they'll not understand the poetry. They should call in professionals. Till then they're only playing games. They take a dhol walla to Royal Albert and call him saeen. They should do it properly. If you're going to London, take the best and invite the best from India. Most of the talent in India went from here; from Bismillah Khan to Shahrukh Khan.

Instep: Does Khuda ke Liye have a Sufic storyline?

Shaan: No, it's heavily religious. It's about misunderstandings and displaced identities of Pakistanis in Pakistan and in the States. The film is about those people who belong nowhere. The film has no masala but a touch of romance and good songs. But it's half in English and not at all for the grass-root masses

Instep: And when do you think the film will be released?

Shaan: Only God or Shoaib saab can answer that. But according to my calculations it should've been released by now.

maryam ji i posted this interview already! 😆

MEHREEN RAHEEM : SWEET MELODY IN TUNES : DEBUT SINGER'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

sHe says it ALL!
Hi this is Mehreen Raheem, first of all thanks to ALLAH almighty for making this album launch possible for me. I would also like to thanks my parents, without their prayers, trust, rock solid belief in me I could never be able to be what I am today.

My sister MANA and my parents supported me on every step towards my album completion. I'm very thankful to my whole family for lending their time and spirit for my album tracks. Personally, I don't think of myself as a style icon. It's basically because the public loves me so much.

Its God's blessing and their loyal support that I m where I m today. I think relation between Pakistan and India are improving day by day. It was great fun working with Iqbal Khan in my first title song's video. He is quite popular in Pakistan and I choose him because his personality suits the character in my song. When Iqbal heard that I'm from Pakistan, he was even more knee to my video.

When asked about his character and the mood of the song, he said, "Mehreen has a great voice and is a really fabulous person and the song is very catchy. I play a guy who is best friends with another chap in the video. We have lots of fun and kid around. "Talking about the opening of opportunities following the easing of relations between the to neighbors, there is a lot of room for improvement for both the Pakistanis and Indians. "However, though the Indians have strong musical traditions, they still have a long way to go in contemporary pop music, something in which 'we' Pakistanis are very good at. "


Indians also give more reverence to artistes, and they treasured and idolized me during my visit there. "Working with anyone who is bigger than you is a learning experience. I mean, he might not be Steven Spielberg, but Mahesh Bhatt is pretty big in his own industry. That's why I m giving him my song 4 his film. Well, I really enjoyed recording there. India is a very rocking place. My songs are becoming hits in Pakistan and India and the people there really like my music. My new video will com out soon. It's going to be a surprise for everyone. Well, as a pop artist, I think it is my duty to available 24/7 for all the people, not only for my fans. You shouldn't treat me as a pop icon because I m a normal human being and it is my duty to help every one in need. I can help by sending message to my fans to become better citizens and human beings. Pakistan is a big country and we have to work together. Some artists have proud attitude and they don't work with others for the welfare of the country. I believe we have to collaborate work towards people as a force. We should try to create awareness among people. We should educate them. For instance, Shehzad Roy is doing a great job. Other singers and bands should take inspiration from those who try to help others. Such acts of kindness and charity really make a difference in today's society.


My message for my fans!
"Keep rocking…enjoy every bit of your life. Keep growing…never get disappointed. Highs and lows are a part of life. Keep trying to achieve your goal in life."

Check out my first exclusive interview on the super hit site of pakistan ..showbizhungama.com and get all the things you wanted to know about me and my career!!!

1) Date of birth n star.also tell us about uself?

Ans:- 14-Fabruary, Aquarius. Well I'm a simple person who belives in being uncomplicated and straight forward and I expect to find the same in everything and everyone I come across.

2) When did you start ur career?

Ans:- Well I started my career 4 years back while I was studing. I began singing on stage and that gave me a lot of confidence.

3) tell us about your debut album?

Ans:- Tuioi Ean is my Album's Name it means (Only You). In which I have sung 10 songs, 5 are in Urdu & 5 are in Punjabi, a national song and a Humd.

4) whats the response of ur video of the song ?

Ans:- I've gotten 100% feedback of my song and song's video. I've always belived in myself (and still do) since the very beginning. I know that somehow I'm going to make it big one day. However, after the release of "Tuioi Ean" things did move at a rather surprisingly swift pace.

5) How would you define the responsibilities of a pop singer in today's world of music?

Ans:- It is a gross. I agree that curiosity leads an artist to attempt some original things but unless u've good Ustads and a family that analyses ur work critically, doing so can be dangerous. That said, I've indeed experimented with my voice coz I'm a student of the voice. It is a fact that the quality and nature of women's voice change with age, so one should be attuned to adjustments. The same does not apply for men.

6) Your favorite singers?

Ans:- Noor-Jahan & Lata G.

7) Your favorite celebrities?

Ans:- Shahrukh Khan.

8) Ur assets of life?

Ans:- My Family.


9) Fav food?

Ans:- Chicken Karhai.

10) Your favorite time of the day & why?

Ans:- Early Morning coz its beautiful.

11) Tell us about the best songs of ur album u like the most?

Ans:- Dil ye Dil & Sapno k Raja.

12) What is the mantra for a successful singer?

Ans:- There is increasing demand for pop singers. Today, If u want to include Punjabi, urdu, melodious and sober songs in ur Album, chances are that u'll be thrown out of the project.

13) Your favorite movie actors/actresses?

Ans:- Vivah & Dil wale dulhaniya le jain gey/ Shahrukh Khan/ Madhuri Dixet.

14) Ur all time favorite song?

Ans:- Chura liya hai tum ney jo dil ko nazar nahi churana sanam.

15) How do you update yourself to carry out your day-to-day job?

Ans:- you cant call me very social, in fact I'm not social at all coz I really feel socializing is not my cup of tea. I can listen to all kinds of people, take in their views, guard their secrets but when it comes down to my very own self, I can't share my feelings with a person better then I do it with my music.

16) Ur best friend in life?

Ans:- My MOM.

17) Three things u never forget to take with u while going out?

Ans:- My Mom's prayers , Mobile and Purse.


18) Ur passions in life?

Ans:- I want to become a top pop singer.

19) Which is that one personality without whom u can't live?

Ans:- well my whole family, specially my MOM.

20) Which TV shows u enjoy watching?

Ans:- Musical shows.

21) Ur all time fav movie?

Ans:- Dil waley dulhaniya le jain gey.

22) the best compliment you have ever received?

Ans:- You're such a nice person and u've gotten such a sweet voice.

23) Define Ur self in THREE words

Ans:- Loving, Caring and Straight forward.

24) what is the best thing about being famous?

Ans:- Thankfully ALLAH has bestowed me with a strong voice and I see no reason why I should not make use of it. I do belive in making people happy and spreading smiles around.

25) Any message for Ur fans/listeners?

Ans:- I love u all, and just be there with me and for me always. Be happy in ur life don't sad.

26) What's Ur opinion about showbizhungama.com?

Ans:- It is a surprise for everyone coz it's a cooooooooooollllllllll site. Showbizhungama.com NAAM HE KAFI HAI.

27) Ur education?

Ans:- M.A. URDU.

28) what is your idea of a perfect day ?

Ans:- often prayer of 5 times and finished some important work, and that is definitely what counts most at the end of the day!

29) When u meet someone for the first time which thing u observe the most?

Ans:- The way of talking, nature and personality.

30) Ur favorite perfume?

Ans:- HOT & EAU DE Perfume.

31) What is your strongest point and weakest point?

Ans:- well strongest point!!! I identify myself a lot with water, Like water I'm very adaptable and fit in easily in whatever surroundings I'm put into; and may be that was the subconscious reason behind my first album being titled as "Tuioi Ean". Weakest is nothing.

32) Do you read?? What kind of books do you like?

Ans:- Yes, True Stories.

33) Whom do u love most in world........... beside Ur mom and dad

Ans:- My Youngest Brother.

34) Whom do u attribute ur success to ?

Ans:- My family is very supportive of me. Without my parents prayers, Trust, Rock solid belief in me I could never be able to be what I'm today.

35) love for u is …?

Ans:- Love is Life.

36) three people you really admire are..?

Ans:- My MOM, DAD and my sister MANA.



37) What are the plans you have in mind for future

Ans:- shhhhhhhhhhhhh IT'S A BIG SECRET!!!!!!!

38) ur craziest fan?

Ans:- MANYYYYYyy kis kis ka name loon???????

MEHREEN RAHEEM'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW TAKEN BY DR EIJAZ WARIS FOR SHOWBIZHUNGAMA.COM ( DECEMBER 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED )

Originally posted by: indian_masala

maryam ji i posted this interview already! 😆

oops..thats ma sis..ill tell her to move it..sorry 😳