The Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with the Lahore Arts Council and the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association, will hold a week-long exhibition of Japanese Calendars 2015 at the Alhamra Art Gallery, starting from Feb 3.

The calendars exhibition is an annual cultural activity organised by the Embassy of Japan. This year, 133 calendars have been put on display in the exhibition with the cooperation of Japan Calendars Association, Tokyo. These calendars show Japan’s traditional and contemporary art, sports, automobiles, nature, heritage and architecture.

Every calendar, that is a piece of art, is an attempt to attract viewers through different subjects and mediums. The exhibition not only gives a picture of the socio-cultural development of Japan over the centuries but also exhibits the aesthetic features of Japanese printing technology. After the exhibition, all the calendars will be distributed among the visitors through a draw by the Lahore Arts Council.

Ustad Hussain Bakhsh Gullu from Patiala and Sham Churasi Gharana is planning to set up a music academy in Lahore to teach music to the youth. He will offer training in Geet, Ghazal and classical music.

Gullu belongs to the family of Ustad Salamat Ali Khan and Ustad Nazakat Ali Khan. His two sons Chand Khan and Suraj Khan are also classical and thumri singers.

Film actress Resham is eager to perform in commercial theatre but she is looking for a quality writer and director to work with as in the present theatre scene, she does not find even a single example which can match her standards.

Most of the film industry has shifted to Karachi and artistes in Lahore are now pondering over various options to deal with the present situation.

Many film celebrities graced a ceremony related to the upcoming movie ‘Dream Lovers’ at a hotel on the Egerton Road on Jan 21.

Prominent among them were Syed Noor and Shehzad Rafique, Ghulam Mohiuddin and Indian pop singer Daler Mehdi’s brother Shamsher Singh.

‘Dream Lovers’ has been launched by Nasir Mehmood under the banner of Mindwars Films. Mehmood is the writer, director and co-producer of the film.

Talking to Dawn, he hoped his film would click at the box office.

“I have directed and produced films until 1996 and now once again I am trying my luck,” said Mehmood, adding that he won Nigar Award for writing the movie Wehshi Aurat at the age of 19.

He said since he wanted to put efforts to revive film-making in the country with a special focus on Lahore, his entire cast and other film unit were from the city.

Syed Noor, the chief guest of the ceremony, held Mehmood’s efforts in high esteem, however, adding that serious and practical efforts were needed to promote Pakistan film industry.

Munaza Arif, a TV artiste who holds a Masters’ degree in English Literature, is making her debut in film. Ms Arif told this scribe that the story of the movie was based on a strong content and it would click at the box office. She said efforts were needed to revive the film industry and film production, especially in Lahore.

Mudassar Wadood and Shehla Usman, who are the lead actors in the film, said the film had many new faces besides them and it might prove a big launching pad for them.

The film is expected to be released by Eidul Fitr this year.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2015

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