Tribute to Madame

Malika-i-Tarannum Noor Jehan has countless admirers all over the world. Noted social and cultural figure Tony Navaid Rashid is one of them. The influencer has paid tribute to the iconic singer by redoing one of her songs Na Ja Merey Dhol Janiya. He has not only sung it but has also come out with a nice little video as well (you can check it out on YouTube). To be honest, it’s a decent effort. He hasn’t tried to croon the track out like her; instead he’s kept it simple — just like a devotee should.

Firdaus passes away

Distinguished Pakistani film actress and yesteryear heartthrob Firdaus Begum died on Dec 16. She was 75. Three days prior to her passing, she suffered a stroke and was hospitalised. Famous for her remarkable performance in the film Heer Ranjha, based on the iconic folk love story from Punjab in which she played the part of Heer, Firdaus Begum worked in a number of movies, including Khandan, Malang and Aurat. May she rest in peace.

Marrying the Tiger

Recently, Bollywood action hero Tiger Shroff held an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session on Instagram because he felt it was long overdue. As expected, he was inundated with interesting queries, most of them from girls. One gal who lives in England put the actor on the spot by saying: “Marry me. Come to the UK.” The actor, cool as a cucumber, replied, “Maybe in a few years when I can support you… so much to learn and earn until then.” What? So much to earn? As if he’s been doing films free of charge ever since he started working in them. But nice side-step, Tiger.

Shootout R&B style

If you are an R&B fan, you must’ve lent an ear to Ann Marie’s (real name: Joanne Marie Slater) songs. She’s a pretty good vocalist. But a couple of weeks ago, as reported by the media last weekend, she made headlines for all the wrong reasons. She accidentally shot a man in the head. The incident happened at a hotel in Chicago when, according to Anne M, “a gun fell off a table in the room which caused the gun to go off” hitting the man said to be a childhood friend of the singer. Police found her hysterical when they arrived she was taken away from the scene. Thankfully, the man is expected to survive. Unfortunately, the authorities are not entirely convinced by Anne M’s story and a judge has placed her under house arrest and ordered her to wear an ankle monitor. The rhythm might be off but it’s nothing if not the blues.

To Sir, With Love

On Dec 11, one of the greatest actors that India has ever produced, Dilip Kumar, celebrated his 98th birthday. It was a bit saddening to note that in this age of social media, only Lata Mangeshkar, Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan sent their love to the legend. But what SRK wrote on his Twitter handle pretty much made up for others’ lack of attention. “Happy Birthday. I cherish and remember every time we’ve met in vivid detail, and you have always loved me like your own. Love you too much.” Well, SRK, you do kinda act like you are one of his own. Not saying you copy him but…

Angel Dolly

In an upcoming Netflix film Christmas in the Square, singing legend Dolly Parton is playing the part of an angel. One of her co-stars in the project is the nine-year-old Talia Hill. One day on set, the child went out to get a glass of hot chocolate and saw a car speeding towards her. Before she realised that she could be in the car’s way and might get hurt, a hand pulled her back smack at the right moment. It was the hand of Dolly P. When Talia H looked at her in a thankful way, the singer remarked, “Well I’m an angel, you know.” Cool. Now the child star’s favourite song for ever will be I will always love you.

Published in Dawn, ICON, December 20th, 2020