Grammy Girl

It is indeed a matter of pride for all Pakistani music lovers and those who are in the business of producing music. Musician, producer and singer Arooj Aftab has been nominated in the Best New Artist and Best Global Performance categories for this year’s Grammy Awards. She is the first Pakistani woman to have achieved this feat. The song that impressed the Grammy judges is Mohabbat from the album Vulture Prince, a modern version of the ghazal originally sung by the legendary Mehdi Hasan. The song had also made it to former US President Barack Obama’s summer playlist earlier. Congratulations to Arooj A. Keep spreading the mohabbat!

Sanam’s Wish

Sanam Saeed is one of the finest young actresses of Pakistan. Her fans are eagerly awaiting for her performance in an upcoming web series Qaatil Haseenaon Ke Naam. In an interview given in connection with the series, she has said that she’s open to the idea of working in an Indian film, but not TV; and would like to work alongside Bollywood A-lister Aamir Khan. Hmmm… No need Sanam S, you’re already Ms Perfectionist.

Sour Grapes?

There are actors in India who don’t go to award ceremonies or they run down award shows by saying that they are frivolous pursuits. Abhishek Bachchan seems to have taken issue with them. He believes, as has been reported by an Indian outlet, that the actors who don’t believe in awards just have sour grapes because “they didn’t get one.” Hmmm… who could he be referring to? Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Abhishek B…? No, it can’t be Abhishek B — he has won three Filmfare Awards in his 21-year career.

That’s a decent average of one in seven years.

Wedding, No Wedding?

What’s the deal with the Katrina Kaif-Vicky Kaushal wedding? The Indian media is abuzz with contradictory news items about the marriage. Some say they’re tying the knot in December in a fort in Rajasthan, others believe it’s just a publicity gimmick. The whole hullabaloo has irritated screenwriter Salim Khan (father of Salman Khan) so much so that when someone sought his opinion on the matter, he remarked, “What should I say about it, since the media is left with only such issues to talk about.” Vicky K’s sister, too, sounded irked and claimed the marriage is not happening; and that if it were to happen, the media would be told. Well, we are also confused — just as confused as a 33-year-old man trying to win over a 38-year-old woman, or vice versa.

Korean Cracker

The Korean showbiz industry has taken the world by storm. After the immense worldwide popularity of K-pop, followed by the unprecedented success of the Netflix series Squid Game, another Korean production on the same streaming platform, Hellbound, became the most-watched series, getting to the top of streaming ratings in more than 80 countries within a day of its debut on November 20. Wow! It’s time someone started researching on what it is in Korean showbiz that’s striking a chord in every nook and cranny of the world. And can Pakistan take a leaf out of their book?

The Comedienne

Amy Schumer is one of the leading comediennes in Hollywood, known for her award-winning sketch show Inside Amy Schumer and her crazy stand-up acts. But her recent release, a film titled The Humans, is a family drama in which she’s playing a pretty serious role. Naturally, media men can’t resist asking predictable questions as to why she’s doing a part in a genre that’s not her forte. But the gal has an answer for every query. “I never intended on being a stand-up,” she answered. Alright Amy S, but it might all depend on audiences’ intentions, whether they take you seriously as a serious actor.

Published in Dawn, ICON, December 5th, 2021