Soulful Noha
In the month of Muharram, Muslims across the world commemorate the tragedy of Karbala and the immortal tale of Imam Husain’s sacrifice and martyrdom. In that connection, on the first of Muharram, a noha [lament] recited by renowned sitar player Ustad Nafees Ahmed was released on YouTube. The noha titled ‘Ro ro ke poocchti hain’ has been penned by Syed Aalim Wasti. Ustad Nafees’ is a soulful rendition of the kalaam, and a new and invaluable addition to the illustrious tradition of noha khwani.
Blocked!
After the four-day war between Pakistan and India, it was nice to see Hania Aamir and Diljeet Dosanjh in the trailer for the Punjabi movie Sardarji 3. It gave hope to everyone that things between the two neighbouring countries might improve. Not to be. The Indian government has blocked the release of the film in Diljit’s own country — although the film released in other parts of the world, including Pakistan, on June 27 — and the bigoted Indian media, led by the likes of Arnab Goswami, are going after the superstar singer for working with a Pakistani actress. There’s even been calls for revoking Diljeet D’s passport. It’s a sad reflection on Indian society. Hubris is depriving their audiences of some major talent from across the border.
Toothy Test
Sometimes the ordeals that the artist community goes through are terribly, terribly unhinging. Grammy-winning singer LeAnn Rimes has revealed that something awkward happened to her while recently performing in Washington. “I was on stage in the middle of One Way Ticket. I feel something pop in my mouth. If you’ve been around, you know I’ve had a lot of dental surgeries, and I have a bridge in the front and it fell out in the middle of my song. I panicked and in the middle said ‘Hold on’, and ran to the side of the stage and popped it back in… and then just went on singing.” Well, LeAnn R, you could have whistled during (and through) that gap. It might have sounded more melodious.
Bond Director
It’s official folks: celebrated filmmaker Denis Villeneuve (yes the guy who’s made masterpieces such as Dune and Sicario) will direct the upcoming Bond movie. While it is still not known who will play the new Agent 007, in a tweet the director has given us an inkling as to what kind of Bond films he likes. “I’m a major Bond fan, and there’s nothing like a good James Bond to cheer you up. I will say that Casino Royale, the first Daniel Craig, is still one of my favourites of all time.” Hmmm… But Daniel C ain’t coming back for the franchise. So, it will be a challenge Royale for Denis V.
Kiara as Meena
A biopic on the life and work of yesteryear heartthrob Meena Kumari, with the permission of her family, is on the anvil. Kiara Advani has been approached to essay the role of the actress who starred in iconic movies such as Pakeezah and Sahib, Bibi Aur Ghulam. By the time of filing this report, Kiara A hadn’t confirmed her availability for the project. Well, we only hope that if she does, her husband Siddharth Malhotra doesn’t get to play the role of Meena K’s husband filmmaker Kamal Amrohvi… because Meena K’s life wasn’t surrounded by mediocre talent.
Lewinsky’s LimerEnce
It’s been a touch more than 25 years since the Bill Clinton (former US President) and Monica Lewinsky (a White House intern) scandal grabbed all the headlines in the world. Now Monica L has spoken in an interview about the essence of the affair as she sees it. “It was a 22 to 24-year-old young woman’s love. The way we see love evolves with every relationship we have. I think there was some limerence there and all sorts of other things, but that’s how I saw it then. I think it was also an abuse of power.” It has to be said that Monica L has come across as a really thoughtful and mature person since the episode that could have easily destroyed any young woman.
Published in Dawn, ICON, July 6th, 2025
