Pakistan Film Festival in New York
Making laudable efforts to promote Pakistan’s growing cine-scene in New York, Dr Maleeha Lodhi initiated the very first Pakistan Film Festival in the Big Apple last weekend. Several of the recent hit movies, including latest releases like Actor in Law and Dobara Phir Se, were shown to public and created quite a buzz amongst the Pakistani diaspora in NY. While we love the initiative, we couldn’t help admiring the stylish statements that our stars made over the weekend. Here are a few of our favourite images…
Mawra Hocane has a proud moment in front of the green flag
There can be no greater way to contribute to Pakistani cinema than being one of the handpicked celebrities representing Pakistan on such a global scale. Mawra Hocane looks proud to be there, as is evident by the way she has chosen to hold on to the Pakistani flag while being photographed. While we are not entirely crazy about her red Muse tunic paired with a churidaar, we do love the way she has opted for minimal accessories and kept her make up and hair minimal and sleek as well. We’d say Mawra was having a bit of a Zeenat Aman
moment here.
Sanam Saeed makes a strong style statement
While we’re already recovering from the fire that Sanam Saeed ignited with her fun and fresh performance in Dobara Phir Se, the talented and graceful actress again sets our hearts ablaze in this one shoulder sari with a contemporary twist, by Shehla Chatoor.
Top game with Dr Maleeha Lodhi
Mahira Khan and Frieha Altaf, seen here with Dr. Maliha Lodhi herself, have been giving Pakistan some serious style lessons with their powerful statement looks. Mahira is exuding glamour in this intricately embroidered Elan ensemble with a Studio S coat while Frieha Altaf is a vision in this black Maheen Karim gown with a classic Bottega Veneta clutch. That is power dressing!
In honour of Sabiha Khanum and the golden era
It’s impossible to move forward without honouring the past and we were delighted to see Sabiha Khanum, heroine of Pakistani cinema’s golden era, invited as a chief guest. She attended the two-day PFF with her granddaughter Sarish Khan, who’s incidentally also Miss-Pakistan America and was seen modeling at fashion week in Karachi, where she catwalked for Maheen Karim.
Cinema’s powerhouses
What a glorious sight it is to see two strong women of cinema together in one picture. Mehreen Jabbar is reveling in the glory of her latest cinematic release, Dobara Phir Se, which also showcased at the Pakistan Film Festival in New York, while Mira Nair is all geared up for the release of her upcoming Disney production, Queen of Katwe.
Lahore Se Aagey, all the way to New York
It seems as though there’s no stopping this journey. What started out from Karachi made its way aagey to Lahore and now the film is finally being screened in New York. That’s quite a bit of travelling for lead duo, Yasir Hussain and Saba Qamar, seen here with the effortlessly stylish Frieha Altaf (who had facilitated the festival from Pakistan) and the director, Wajahat Rauf. We also love how Yasir Husain is channeling his inner Pakistani; a big thumbs up to the stately black sherwani!