Archive for the ‘Art & Artists’ Category

On-Air: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 {10am, 4pm, 3am (PST)}

Film industries worldwide gain recognition, fame and a stable if not hefty income generation for their respective countries. Whereas Hollywood has become a benchmark for perfection, Bollywood as the most up and coming and recognized industry, Lollywood unfortunately is not merely struggling but possibly breathing its last. Whereas many a finger is pointed at the lack of government support to the local industry, nonexistent archives, deplorable cinemas, obsolete technology, lack of professionalism, vision and local and international promotion, by far the most debatable phenomenon is the penetration of Indian movies in Pakistan (ban on all Indian movies was imposed in 1961 and removed in 2005). Whereas some view this as healthy competition for the local industry, much needed entertainment for the masses, and income for the starving cinema owners, many others view it as an assault on the already struggling local industry, suffocating the already bleak spirit of nationalism, and as a means of infiltrating the society with foreign cultural values, norms and traditions.  I invited Pakistan’s most prominent Director and Producer Syed Noor and the Chairman of the Pakistan Film Association Zoraiz Lashari. The heated debate that ensued covered all aspects: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats and failures to and of our local industry now that it is exposed to international competition. Both guests remained steadfast and vociferous on their respective stances, with the vocal Syed Noor being confrontational and Zoraiz Lashari remaining unapologetic.

No country should abandon its own industry, however how much time and how many opportunities do we give to Lollywood to evolve? We have never lacked talent or brilliance, then what remain to be the reasons behind the disintegration and deplorable condition of our film industry today - and to what extent can one blame external competition? Are Indian movies introducing controversial topics (e.g. Dostana: homesexuality) or were we cashing in on the klashinkov culture and vulgar flashing of skin to begin with? Are these international flicks even taxed? Why do cinema owners have millions to bring in Indian movies and none to invest in our own? Should Indian movies be banned altogether and on which bases? All this and more… stay tuned for the online version of the show!

On-Air: Monday, December 15, 2008 {10am, 4pm, 3am (PST)} - episode will be uploaded shortly.

I often think of human beings as onions: round with heavy odor and made up of multiple layers! Multi-dimensional, deep, introspective and sensitive, Abrar Ul Haq is not only a symbol of national pride but is a torch bearer for the downtrodden, the weak, the suffering and the ignored youth of Pakistan. His songs have always taken on a life of their own for multiple reasons, their catchiness, their nostalgic value, the trademark neighborhood charm, cultural associations they arouse, but above all due to the fact that thirteen years later, Abrar remains to be the middle class success story we can all relate to. Today I was delighted to the very core in exposing the spiritual and patriotic man behind the star-studded pop celebrity garb that our stars often hide behind. Over and above the philanthropy, Abrar has begun to demonstrate national interest through his ‘Youth Parliamentarians’ endeavor which aims to invest in and empower the average youth of Pakistan through a platform which encourages brainstorming, debating, determining and analyzing national dilemmas and proposing sustainable solutions. He wants to see the youth take ownership of their country, the hour has come he says.

Read the rest of this entry »

On Air: Thursday, November 20 {10am, 4pm, 3am (PST)}

Every once in a while a man is born who is cut above the rest, in his thinking, ideology, outlook and mission. Today is the 24^th death anniversary of Faiz Ahmad Faiz. I’m one of those people who were unable to meet him owing to the fact that I was only 9 months old when he passed away.

Read the rest of this entry »

Salman Shahid and Samina Ahmad, pioneers of theatre, drama and comedy unwind with Meher Bokhari. Voicing their hopes and aspirations, unfulfilled dreams and past achievements, the opinionated duo encourage the youth of Pakistan not to give up or step back from self-expression and communication.

They speak of how growth is a continual process and how small things add up overtime to have the biggest, most long lasing impacts.

Watch program videos after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »