Prez Praise

Even if you’re not a fan of the incumbent government in Pakistan, you have to hand it to President Arif Alvi for encouraging the film fraternity. It does mean a lot when the head of the state gives you a pat on the back.

On Sept 28, the president tweeted, “I watched the film Jawani Phir Nahin Aani. An excellent production. I’m glad Pakistani cinema is catching up and creating good entertainment.” Good going, sir. However, if you are deeply interested in the entertainment business, you, with the help of your colleagues, should come up with a concrete culture policy that can clearly define how the government can support and facilitate the showbiz fraternity in its pursuit of producing quality projects. Real tabdeeli needs more than pats on the back.

Meera’s back

It’s definitely a good sign. Ever since the (so-called) revival of cinema began to happen, some of the yesteryear’s Lollywood stars have been feeling left out. In this context, it is great to know that ad man Saqib Malik has, as he announced last week, cast Meera in one of the central characters in his upcoming film Baaji.

If news reports are anything to go by, the film is a tribute to the Pakistani cinema of the 1970s. In that case, Meera’s casting is perfect. Even in her prime, in the 1990s, she was a throwback to the stars of the 1970s. What the heck ... She can pull off any character from any era.

She’s just ageless.

Together again? Not quite

In case anyone didn’t know that there’s something called ‘casual dating’ for married couples, well, there is. In April this year, Hollywood star Channing Tatum and his wife Jenna Dewan got separated after nine years of marriage. They have a five-year-old daughter named Everly. Six months later, yes, only six months later, news is that the two have begun casually dating each other. The reason for the ‘casual’ bit is that both don’t want to “rush into things”. Seriously! You guys took nine years to part ways. Rushing is clearly not your thing.

Maroon Attack

On Sept 27, rock band Maroon 5 was immersed in a live performance at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The gig was going on smoothly and the fans were enjoying every bit of it. But when the band began singing its hit number Sugar, a 22-year-old girl jumped on to the stage and moved quickly towards Maroon 5’s frontman Adam Levine (who is also known for his antics as a judge on the reality music TV show The Voice).

According to one account, the girl was about to “attack” the singer when a security officer caught her and dragged her off stage. She was arrested by the local police but was subsequently released without bail. Perhaps, the gal was one of the contestants on The Voice for whom Adam L did not turn his chair (to select her, that is).

Cake Bake, Love at Stake

If this is not love, then what is? Bollywood hunk Ranbir Kapoor celebrated his 36th birthday on Sept 28. He spent the day with his family and some close friends.

One of the cakes that he received on the occasion was from none other than his rumoured GF Alia Bhatt. Apparently, she baked the cake herself, and it took her quite a while in the kitchen to do so. What kind of cake was it? Pineapple. Yum! But Alia B, I have heard you’ve appeared in the new season of Koffee With Karan with Ranbir K’s former girlfriend Deepika Padukone. Did she tell you that life with the Sanju star is not always a cakewalk?

Shuttle in her Court

Petite and pretty Shraddha Kapoor has bagged one of the most challenging roles of her career so far. She’s going to essay the part of former World No. 1 Indian badminton player and Commonwealth Games (2010) gold medalist Saina Nehwal in the sportswoman’s biopic directed by Amole Gupte. The film has already hit the floors.

Commenting on the internationally renowned player’s life and achievements, Shraddha K told a journo, “Saina’s journey is so interesting — right from her misses to her injuries to victories … I can relate to it in a big way.” Hmmm … girl, not sure if you can relate to the ‘victories’ part just yet.

Published in Dawn, ICON, October 7th, 2018