Often serving as a splendid backdrop for music concerts, corporate extravaganzas and society weddings, Mohatta Palace is now being used as the site for reigniting the spark of the golden era of Pakistani cinema – the time when the romantic charm of Waheed Murad and Mohammad Ali’s mysterious smile ruled our screens. Titled ‘Filmy Fridays’, the film club that is to become a regular feature for the public at the prestigious landmark will be launched March 6 with the screening of the 1966 film Armaan. Starring the vivacious Waheed Murad and Zeba, Armaan went on to become Pakistan’s first platinum jubilee film that ran for 76 weeks in cinemas and made Murad bag the Nigar Award for Best Film Producer. It also boasts a soundtrack that has stood the test of time; iconic classics like Ahmed Rushdi’s ‘Akele Na Jana’ and ‘Ko Ko Korina’ still find many eager listeners today. Speaking about this new program to Instep, Mohatta Palace Museum’s Assistant Curator Heba Hashmi said, “It always bothered me that while there have been many tribute concerts to actors and singers alike over the past decade, no one ever actually sits down to watch the films themselves, wherein the beauty and grace of the genre really lies. The Mohatta Palace Museum seemed to be the perfect atmosphere to start this trend of engaging with these films, and we really hope people can share our enthusiasm in the beautiful environment of the Museum. Filmy Fridays will give Karachiites a safe, relaxed and absolutely stunning space in which they can unwind and engage with a Pakistan of simpler times; which, in my opinion, is the best therapy for an overwrought urban mind.”
I observe a lot when picking out clothes: Fawad Khan
It is not only his chiseled feature and well-kept hair that has women swooning over the 33-year-old but also his extremely debonair sense of fashion. Whether in a rugged beard or clean shaved, in a classic kurta pajama with waistcoat or a tux, Fawad has always managed turn heads with his fashion choices. But his style mantra is actually just keeping it simple. In a recent interview with UAE-based magazine Tabloid, Fawad revealed that he prefers keeping fashion basic and not too over-the-top. “I observe a lot and I try to pick out what looks good on me,” said Fawad. “I like to keep it basic and simple. Never too flashy. Remember, whatever suits you is the best, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be the trend or the rave of the season.” Always dressed to impress, you would expect the star to have long list of designers lined in his wardrobe but Fawad surprises by disclosing that he has no idea what is lying inside his closet. “The strange thing is that I don’t know what’s in my wardrobe. I have such a small closet and my clothes are [rolled up] in a tight ball,” he added. Regardless of his messy closet, Fawad sure does know what outfits to throw together from the pile of clothes inside your closet; it is no wonder that clothing brands are out and about to associate themselves with you. Fawad has recently been named the brand ambassador for the men’s range of UAE-based label Drama Queen.
Bollywood stole my book Kane and Abel and made Khuddar: Jeffrey Archer
Celebrated author Jeffrey Archer met his Mumbai fans at a book store on Monday to promote his latest book Mightier Than The Sword. Among other things, the author discussed cricket, the ongoing world cup and Bollywood with the crowd that had gathered to meet him. The author mentioned how Bollywood might be investing on the first book of his popular Clifton Chronicle series, Only Time Will Tell, and that he was scheduled to meet UTV head Ronnie Screwvala for a meeting. While he is open to adaptation by Indian filmmakers, he seemed unhappy by the unofficial adaptation of his books by Bollywood directors in the past. “Bollywood stole my book Kane and Abel and made a film,” exclaimed the author and asked his Indian agent to prompt the name. Khuddar came as the answer from his representative. – IBN Live