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December 1, 2005
Eight day a week
FILM
Director Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential, Wonder Boys, 8 Mile) brings Jennifer Weiner’s novel In Her Shoes to the big screen. It stars Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette as two sisters who couldn’t be more different. Maggie (Diaz) is sexy but irresponsible, getting through life on her looks. Rose is plain and bookish but works as a lawyer at a high-profile legal firm. She also has another full-time job in looking after Maggie who is constantly getting into trouble.
When an incident causes a major falling out between the two sisters, Maggie escapes to Florida to visit a newly rediscovered grandmother (Shirley MacLaine). Eventually, family secrets come out, relationships are re-examined and tested, and people are forced to look at themselves and their lives anew before the healing can begin.
There’s some good stuff here, helped by the lead performances and a surprisingly low-key one from MacLaine, but it all comes together a little too neatly at the end. If only life really were like that.—K.M
CLASSIC MOVIE
Boasting one of the finest soundtracks ever of any Pakistani movie, Intezar (1956) is a must-watch for the songs alone. The movie was the first pairing of two legends –– music director Khawaja Khurshid Anwar and lead actress/vocalist Madam Noor Jehan –– that gave us, in conjunction with lyricist Qateel Shifai, such classics as “O Jaaney Waley Re”, “Ghazab Kiya Teray Waaday Peh Aetbaar Kiya”, and “Chand Hanse Duniya Base”.
Khurshid Anwar not only composed the songs (Intezar was the first of 18 Pakistani films for which the maestro provided the music) but also wrote the story which was adequately directed by Masood Pervez. The story is somewhat dated but the movie never becomes overly melodramatic and remains watchable till the end. Noor Jehan is charming as the blind village girl in love with city boy, Santosh Kumar who has a roguish club-owning twin brother. Santosh Kumar is very good in his usual understated self in both roles. Available on VCD.—Khusro Mumtaz
SINGLE
Controversy surrounds the release of Black-Eyed Peas’ new song My Humps. This salty number is enjoyed by some as a parody, but far more fans are disturbed by cheeky lyrics and the objectification of women in the lyrics.
Lead vocalist Fergie proudly declares that she enjoys having a Sugar Daddy or two who buy her trinkets because they find her beautiful and her body attractive: I drive these brothers crazy.
Some fans enjoy the light harmonies of the song and focus on Fergie’s statement And no I ain’t taken. Critics and especially women’s groups, on the other hand, are appalled by the Sugar Daddy concept and the fact that this well-respected group has released a song with such a theme.
Regardless of your opinion of the lyrics –– funny or frightening –– it’s unlikely you will be much impressed by the harmonies on this single. My Humps is simply a weak song that keeps its focus on the provocative lyrics rather than the music being created. It is definitely one of the worst the Peas have done.
From a band that made it big with their socio-conscious single Where Is The Love?, My Humps is a weak attempt to get attention, at a time when their current album has not been faring as well as they would like and the previous single Don’t Lie was slipping on the charts. Pity. The Peas are much more talented than this single would suggest. So, toss out this mouldy release and crank up one of their older hits.
— T. U. Dawood
ALBUM
At the heels of Ali Azmat’s solo debut Social Circus comes fellow Junoon bandmate Salman Ahmad’s solo disc Infiniti.
Ahmad experienced musical success as a member of Vital Signs before founding the phenomenal trio Junoon. His progressive thinking and his commitment to social causes and serious music ensured the respect and admiration of fans and critics. However, he has solidified himself in many fans’ hearts as a guitarist and so there was some apprehension over his doubling as a singer on this new album.
The resulting Infiniti has silenced naysayers. Just as Azmat illuminated his depth on Social Circus, Ahmad has highlighted his own talents on his solo album. Infiniti is a triumph musically, and if Ahmad is not one of the nation’s best voices he is without a doubt one of our best musicians.
First track Nachoon Gi (I Want to Dance) is an interesting fusion mix of eastern themes with a very western feel. The music is also simultaneously inviting and haunting. Second single Al-Vida (Goodbye) is a heart-wrenching tale about a sad loss to Aids. Ahmad, who has been appointed United Nations Aids Ambassador, sings from his heart on this track. Another powerful track is Ghoom Tana, a tribute to Indo-Pak peace.
There are some definite western influences on Terey Liye and Tanha. Relationships is the theme for Nazar and the guitar-driven track Mein Tum Sey Door Hoon. However, the highlight on Infiniti is the memorable heart-tugger Tu Lung Ja, which spotlights Ahmad’s strength as a lyricist as well as a musician, all to a kickin’ bhangra-western fused backbeat.
It’s clear Ahmad is a star whatever he does. Pick up Infiniti. It’s a keeper.— T. U. D
PREVIEW
We usually hear that money cannot buy everything, yet we find most running after something that can neither guarantee health, happiness or love. This point of view was put across well in a musical drama called Paisa, Paisa, Paisa that is currently being staged at the Arts Council till Dec 4. The idea is based on the poems of Nazir Akbar Abadi. Written and directed by Anjum Ayaz, the play which comprises of skits joined with a centre theme, brings to the fore the vices that humanity commits just to gain a few rupees.
All acted well and the lighting was good which helped depict the dreariness of the situations that the characters faced. The setting was minimal reflecting experimental drama with songs interspersed. Brilliantly directed, the play is sure to impact the audience in a positive manner.
— Gloria Caleb
FASHION SHOW
With the wedding season round the corner fashion shows have become a regular feature. A preview of the Bridal Asia Fashion Show held in India recently, is featuring designers and models of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, being held on December 2 at Cineplex at 8pm.
SEMINAR
A delegation representing the Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour Berlin and the Middle East Association, is visiting Karachi and Lahore from 4th to 9th December. They will give lectures on the 5th at the Chamber of Commerce, Karachi and on 6th December will speak at the Site Association on expansion of industry and privatization of power stations.
CONFERENCE
South Asian Management Forum is holding a conference Reallocation of Management Targets on December 9-10 at Sheraton. Speakers from South Asian countries will be participating in the conference which is hosted by Nutshell Forum. For details contact 0320-2014030.
—A. S.
LAUNCH
The glamorous artist Atiqa Odho who is one of the most beautiful faces of showbiz here, is launching her makeup booth on December 3 at Labels. Services of a makeup artist are available who will give advice on application and makeup tips on Jatica cosmetics.
BOOK FAIR
OUP is holding its first Karachi International Book Fair in which books from Pakistan, India, UK and USA will be on sale at the Expo Centre from December 7. The chief guest on the occasion will be Dr Hamida Khoro and keynote speaker will be Dr Romila Thapal. The programme will start at 4pm.
FILM FESTIVAL
The 5th Karafilm Festival 2005 is being held from 1-11 December at different venues including Alliance Francaise and PIIA. Many countries are participating in the event. The opening ceremony of the festival is taking place at Mohatta Palace on December 1 at 8pm.
—A.S.
CEREMONY
The 4th Lux Style Awards is being telecast at PTV on December 3 at 6.30pm. Awards have been given to many categories of the showbiz world. The programme is one of the best so far in the Style Awards.—A.S.
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