Imran Abbas pays tribute to Pakistan Air Force with ‘Sher Dil Shaheen’

As the nation gets ready to join in the September 6 fervour to salute the country’s armed forces and their tireless struggles to protect us from enemies, actor Imran Abbas also has something special in store for us. Post Independence Day and the release of his film Jaanisaar, which proved to be yet another disaster on the Bollywood box office, Imran has been busy shooting for a song dedicated to the Pakistan SSW (new military wing of the Special Forces Command) and the Pakistan Air Force.

Titled ‘Sher Dil Shaheen’, the song has been sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and composed by Sahir Ali Bagga. The BTS shots reveal Imran dressed as an air force commander shooting in Kallar Kahar and Sargodha. Word has it that actor will also be seen flying a military aircraft F16. Pakistani artists have always been eager to participate when in all projects patriotic – be it to encourage our cricketers on ground or remember the sacrifices of our soldiers. Let’s see how Imran’s contribution fares with the audience who have a plethora of heart-warming, iconic ‘nagmas’ to tune into.

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Censor board says no to Swaarangi

Swaarangi, Resham’s comeback vehicle, isn’t proving to be too lucky for her. The movie was originally slated to be released on September 6 and the filmmakers then pushed the date to September 11, saying it was done in a bid to support the films currently running in theatres. The producers have now confirmed that the real reason the movie is facing delays is because of a ban placed on it by the Pakistan Censor Board. The film focuses on the subject of substance abuse and apparently the depiction of addicts hasn’t gone down well with the board, which has called it out for showing a ‘wrong’ picture of Pakistan.

The filmmakers are rightly upset and have released the following statement, “Swaarangi is the first Pakistani movie which has been banned for mass release by the censor board. This is a decision which must be revisited. Swaarangi is a film on a social issue and has been shot at real locations near Kalabagh. Cinema plays a very positive role in rebuilding a society. It is movies like Swaarangi which are the voice of common people, and which point out issues in our society that need attention. Support the cause and spread the word.”

From what little we have seen of the promos, there appears to be little to object to in the film. Substance abuse remains one of the most serious issues in the country today and rather than banning a film that is brave enough to broach a controversial subject, it is time we let the audience decide for themselves whether they want to watch it or not.

Friends’ Central Perk reincarnated in Peshawar

For most of us Friends fans, the fictional Central Perk coffee shop was perhaps the one place in the world that we’d do anything to dine in. Some lucky ones even got a chance to experience the nostalgia associated with the iconic sitcom when a real-life Central Perk popped up in New York last year to mark the 20th anniversary of the hit series but the experience was short-lived and only for those living on that end of the world. But things look a lot more promising for Pakistani fans as Central Perk café has emerged in Peshawar!

Located on University Road in Peshawar, the café has existed for over a year and its ambiance is the exact replica of the fictional one. From the orange couch that had the six leading characters often discussing the craziest of ideas while sitting on it to the café logo which made for the many opening scenes, the themed diner is the perfect spot for local fans to relive memories for real. So far the place enjoys a rating of 3.8 stars based on a myriad of reviews. So fans rejoice and book that ticket to Peshawar for that dream diner isn’t so far off anymore. – Photos courtesy: Unique Pakistan