Times Square Nazia

It’s thoughtful of Spotify to have picked the late queen of Pakistani pop Nazia Hassan as part of its global EQUAL initiative — it means that, later this month, her beautiful image will illuminate Times Square in New York. Already as ambassador for the month of August, she is ‘headlining’ the app’s Pakistan playlist with the song Boom Boom as its prime highlight. That’s a fantastic gesture and a lovely way to promote quality music.

Jatt Lag

Finally, after a prolonged waiting period, it has been announced that The Legend of Maula Jatt, directed by Bilal Lashari, will have its nationwide release on October 13. As we all know, the film’s cast includes Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi and Ali Azmat — Fawad K is essaying the role of the folk hero Maula Jatt and Hamza A A will be seen as Noori Nath, his sworn enemy. This is good to know because of two reasons: one, it’s one of the most eagerly awaited movies; two, it’s going to come out at a time when no other prominent Pakistani movie is scheduled to be released. So, if even then it doesn’t manage to pull in the crowds, the movie will still be a ‘legend’.

Laal Singh in Pakistan?

Last week, a report suggested that a media group which screens films in the country has submitted a request to the Information Ministry seeking permission to release the Aamir Khan-starring Forrest Gump remake Laal Singh Chaddha in Pakistan. By the time of the filing of this news item, no final decision on the request had been taken. In terms of business and camaraderie between the two countries, it’s a good step. But after reading reviews of the film and hearing comments of those who have seen it, we’d say leave Laal Singh… how about a film from the South?

Confirming Conforming

Indian actors Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha, who have been co-habiting in this world for the last few years, have finally decided to get married on September 25. Congrats to the couple! Now you would think that, since the pair is known for their non-conformist attitude in life, they’d have a wacky wedding. Not to be. According to a news outlet, “It’ll be a family affair with traditional rituals.” Come on guys, you two and tradition don’t go together… But maybe they’re fresh out of non-conformism.

Anne Heche dies

Renowned Hollywood actress Anne Heche passed away on Aug 12. She was 53. She had met with a car accident on August 5 in Los Angeles, after which she could not regain consciousness and died a week later. One of the finest actresses of her generation, she had worked in a number of successful films including Donnie Brasco, Psycho (remake), Catfight and Six Days Seven Nights. May she rest in peace.

Winter Brotherhood!

Chris Hemsworth (Thor for all Marvel fans) celebrated his 39th birthday on August 11. His younger brother, Liam Hemsworth, instead of congratulating his bro in a conventional way, decided to troll him on Instagram. He posted a picture of the siblings in which, way back in the past, they’d taken part in a winter sport, as a result of which the older brother was looking goofy with snow all over his beard. Liam H captioned the image thus: “Happy Birthday. Don’t change a thing. You’re perfect. Love you.” Awww… That’s both icy and warm at the same time.

Published in Dawn, ICON, August 21st, 2022