Fest Quest

A short film titled Tikku Olam made by Bob Ahmed, a filmmaker of Pakistani descent who lives in the US, will be screened next month at two prestigious film events — The Sedona International Film Festival and The Washington DC International Film Festival. The short is inspired by the director’s own experiences of living in the US capital — the city which, as per a handout released by the makers of the project, has the highest homelessness rate in America. Congrats to him and his team for the film’s recognition.

Handy Fan

Indian actress Fatima Sana Shaikh is one of her country’s modern-day heartthrobs, whose fans can do anything to get a glimpse of her. But even stars have their star-struck stories. The actress recently told a magazine that once, at a party thrown by Aamir Khan, she was introduced to Shah Rukh Khan by the host. During their casual chat, SRK cracked a joke. She laughed a hearty laugh and, in the process, touched him. Once she realised that she had touched her hero, she did not wash her hand for the whole day. Yep! In the movie business, you sometimes need to dirty your hands to get a job done.

Doodhi Patti in Vogue

Remember the good looking chai wallah, Arshad Khan who, a few years ago, became the talk of the town after his pictures went viral on social and mainstream media? Subsequently, he took part in a fashion shoot and did pretty well. Well, the latest about him is that, since he never forgot his roots and went back to his tea-making business in the post-fame period, by the end of this year, Arshad K will open an outlet of his café in the UK. Isn’t that cool? He is going to pour the tea the firangi way now.

Oxygen Help

Like him or not, the fact is that Bollywood A-lister Salman Khan has a strong philanthropic streak in him. He gives a lot of money to different charities and helps the needy on a regular basis. To add to his good deeds, the actor has arranged 500 oxygen concentrators for coronavirus patients in his country. This kind and generous act has further endeared him to his admirers, as was evident last week when Twitter and Facebook buzzed with praise for him. Good job, Salman K! Also, wise of you to help the people forget your extremely forgettable latest offering Radhe.

Policy Matters

Good news, folks. As far as the entertainment industry is concerned, someone is at least still thinking of it. In one of his recent tweets, Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry wrote that a “New film policy will be announced next month. All major taxes on films will be abolished. Likewise, dramas and film businesses will get special benefits. Hope new film policy will go a long way to revive the Pakistani Film industry.” We sincerely hope that there is some substance to the policy. It’s about time Pakistani showbiz got a well worked-out policy. But we’re also mindful that the last time a film policy was announced with much fanfare, under the previous government, it was just before the government met its end.

The Trial

In January this year, Danny Masterson — of That ’70s Show fame — denied three rape charges against him, one of which was made by his ex-girlfriend. On May 18, the actor appeared in court in that connection, during which his accusers testified against him. And three days later, on May 21, a Los Angeles judge ordered Danny M to stand trial for three counts of rape. If proven guilty of all the charges, he could be behind bars for as long as 45 years. He’s already 45. That would mean it might be the 90s show when he’s released.

Published in Dawn, ICON, May 30th, 2021