By Sonya Rehman With 412 films to his credit, veteran Pakistani writer, Nasir Adeeb, needs no introduction. Having started out as a clerk in the once prolific Pakistani film industry, Lollywood, Adeeb’s early days as a struggling writer were filled with hardships and self-doubt. At the time, the film industry was exceptionally hard to break … More A Conversation With Lollywood Screenwriter Nasir Adeeb
By Sonya Rehman Local cinema is on the rise, what with the help of independent filmmakers who have brought a number of genres and stories to the big screen. While some have gone the safe, commercial route, i.e. aping formulaic Bollywood productions, others have taken the longer, albeit more offbeat and original path. Through local … More Director’s Cut
By Sonya Rehman 2015 was an incredible year for independent Pakistani cinema. With the release of a number of productions such as Jawani Phir Nahin Ani, Bin Roye,Shah, Moor, Manto and more, the new year seems to be kicking off to a great start in terms of local cinema. Currently being screened across cinema houses in the country, the drama, Ho … More ‘Bachaana’ And The Rebirth of Pakistani Cinema
By Sonya Rehman Mahira Khan lights up the screen – be it on the small screen in a drama serial or on the big screen, in a feature film, she’s a complete natural, an earnest star, the eternal girl next door with an unshakable earthy vibe. A loveable artiste who embodies each character given to … More Beauty Beyond Borders
By Sonya Rehman Recently in Dubai for the promotions of their film, Katti Batti, Kangana Ranaut and Imran Khan speak about their roles in the upcoming Bollywood movie and dish out advice on love and relationships… Could you tell me a bit about your character, Payal? Kangana: I can’t really reveal everything about the character … More The Katti Batti Diaries
By Sonya Rehman Released this month, the Pakistani film, Dekh Magar Pyaar Say (DMPS), has to be one of the most ridiculous films I’ve ever seen. Heck, even Punjabi gandasa flicks have better storylines, and that’s where DMPS truly fell short. Starring the gorgeous Sikander Rizvi (what genes) – better known as ‘Sonya Jehan’s brother,’ … More Review: Dekh Magar Pyaar Say
By Sonya Rehman In Dubai this month to attend the HUM TV Awards, Pakistani actor and heartthrob, Hamza Ali Abbasi, cut a sharp and handsome figure. Dressed in jeans and a plain white T-shirt, Abbasi was all debonair vibes and charm. This year, the actor’s schedule is choc-a-block full with film production commitments. For one, … More Hamza Ali Abbasi talks cinema, politics and Pakistan!
By Sonya Rehman It takes us (my photographer and I) a good 20 minutes or so to find his office. The tiny lanes are claustrophobic and busy as we drive past tea-sellers, donkey carts, badly parked cars and motorbikes, printing shops and offices that seem to spill over in a mesh of weekday chaos. We … More Lahore’s Last ‘Lollywood’ Poster Artist Looks Back on a 50-Year-Career
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