THE GRAPEVINE

Published April 4, 2021

Strings Split

Last week, lovers of music in Pakistan in particular and the world in general were shocked to find out that pop band Strings had broken up after 33 years that had resulted in some remarkable songs. The announcement was made simultaneously by both the band members, Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia, on social media, as well as by the Strings’ own social media accounts. It read, “While the band technically may not be together anymore, both of us share an inseparable bond that will connect us no matter where life takes us.” Well, we hope life will take both of you to good places, where you can realise your dreams… no strings attached.

Kanwal Naseer, alas!

Pakistan’s first woman television announcer Kanwal Naseer passed away on March 25. She was 70. She, along with Tariq Aziz, was the first presenter who went on air in 1964, formally beginning TV transmission in the country with the famous phrase, “Yeh Pakistan Television Hai.” Ms Naseer was an eloquent speaker whose Urdu language skills and beautiful accent influenced many a young announcer that joined the television industry after her. May she rest in peace!

Wedding Bells

This is quite interesting. The lovely and talented Saba Qamar has, reportedly, nodded in the affirmative to a marriage proposal. The actress has been quoted to have said, “I have found the person I’d like to settle down with. If everything goes well, I’ll be tying the knot very soon.” When asked how it all transpired, because she has been pretty vociferously against getting into relationships, Saba Q argued, “Here was someone who I got along with and he was able to convince me otherwise.” Hmmm… well, all the best. And we pray you remain convinced.

Paparazzi, please!

Pop star Justin Bieber is livid, and doesn’t like photographers one bit. After all, he is not only a singer but a husband of a beautiful wife, Hailey. He is angry because, on March 25, when the couple came out of a club in West Hollywood and tried to board a private bus, many cameras clicked. Justin B came out of the vehicle and asked the shutterbugs if they were shooting his wife from a vulgar angle. The photographers were stunned and replied why they would do that, to which the vocalist pointed out, “That’s the question, right.” Yes photogs, no skirting around such an important question. Behave.

Call Him By His Name

Everyone knows that Rajkumar Rao is a fine, fine actor and a good human being. He has had a series of hits in recent times, which has made him one of the most sought-after Bollywood artists. Last week, in an interaction with a journalist, when he was referred to as a ‘star’, Rajkmur R stopped him and urged the journo, “You can call me whatever, but call me Raj. I think Raj is a nice name.” Indeed, it’s a nice name. But the word ‘star’ has a celebratory ring to it, hai na Raj?

Ain’t In The Family Way

Sometimes mothers can be hard to handle for their children. Recently, Kendall Jenner’s mum Kris Jenner, addressing her daughter on Twitter, wrote “You got this” accompanied by an emoji of a baby bottle. This made the fans think that Kendall J is pregnant. To clear the air, she immediately responded, “Mom, this looks like a pregnancy announcement.” Apparently, the tweet was a reference to her babysitting abilities that she had displayed in one of the episodes of Keeping up with the Kardashians. She had been babysitting for her sisters Kim and Khloe. So, false alarm guys!

Published in Dawn, ICON, April 4th, 2021

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