NETFLIX IN PAKISTAN

News is that Netflix are looking for original content from Pakistan. If it’s true, then it’s a good omen. It’s time we made use of the space afforded by modern-day visual media since mainstream TV channels seem to be fixated on only the same kind of domestic strife storylines.

Apparently, filmmaker Jami is in talks with Netflix about a web series venture. He has not given any details of what the project is all about, but has confirmed to a media outlet that he’s working on somethin with producer Faisal Rafi for Netflix. That’s cool. We know whatever Jami makes will definitely look good. Hope it blazes new trails in terms of storytelling too.

VARUN’S VERVE

Check out the confidence that Varun Dhawan is exuding these days. Ever since his performances in films such as October and Sui Dhaaga have been appreciated, he is on cloud nine. The problem is that he has gone a little above the ninth cloud. Why? Answer: he’s begun bragging about his acting chops.

Take his latest statement that has become the talk of tinsel town: “People took some time to realise that I’m a good actor.” To be honest Varun D, some of us are still taking their sweet time to realise that.

HEALER, HEART STEALER

It seems Hollywood hunk Brad Pitt is finally feeling better after a bitter separation from Angelina Jolie and the tussle between the two over the custody of their children. This has happened for a couple of reasons. One, the effects of the separation are wearing off; two, he was last week spotted at a charity programme totally immersed in discussion with jewellery designer, the pretty as pink Sat Hari Khalsa, who is not just a designer but also a spiritual healer.

Apparently, she has given some useful nuggets of advice to Brad P on life and its intricacies, and the actor in the process has given her his undivided attention. We all know what happens next when you give someone your undivided attention. Don’t get me wrong … you get healed.

TAXING SHAAN

Actor Shaan Shahid is known for not beating about the bush. He doesn’t like to mince words, which, most of the times, is a praiseworthy trait to have in a person. However, his tweet that only taxpayers should be allowed to vote (in general elections) is a bit of an illogical argument to accept. He must be aware of the meagre number of tax filers in the country. He must also be aware of the indirect taxes that people pay in Pakistan.

Shaan S is one of the country’s leading film stars. People listen to him when he speaks. We are sure that he weighs his words before uttering them, because sometimes certain words can prove pretty taxing for the common man to hear.

NOVEMBER RAIN

Now this is a tad confusing. We, in fact everyone, were under the impression that the dimpled doll Deepika Padukone and her boyfriend, Mr-Energy-Personified Ranveer Singh, would tie the knot in November this year. Doesn’t seem to be the case any more. The groom-to-(or-not-to)-be’s complaint that the media is overenthusiastic about the wedding and that he only learns the deets about the nuptials from the tabloids suggests that the marriage ceremony is not going to take place anytime soon.

Another thing that has emerged, by the way, is that all’s not well on the Deepika-Ranveer romantic front. Tongues have already started to wag that the gal is not interested in getting married at this stage of her career. Ah, the pangs of unrequited love.

GIRL POWER!

Kudos to comedienne Amy Schumer and supermodel Emily Ratajkowski! On Oct 4, both showbiz celebs took part (and the former even addressed the large crowd) in a rally held on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. The rally was held to protest against Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the US Supreme Court (he was two days later sworn in as a Supreme Court justice as the senate majority did not believe allegations of sexual assault against him to be true and voted in his favour). 

Amy S was detained by the police on the occasion, though the police did not speak about it or show any record of the detention when the media questioned them. Footage run by news channels, however, clearly showed Amy S being arrested. Bravo to them both for standing up for what they believe in!

Published in Dawn, ICON, August 14th, 2018