Break Out the Babli

Here’s another reason to celebrate Pakistani cinema (at least on the festival circuit). A film titled Babli/Babar directed by Kamran Faiq and starring Sonya Hussayn has been selected for the Cannes World Film Festival. It may just be an online festival and have nothing to do with the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival but so what? Not just that, Sonya S is also one of the producers of the movie. The rest of the cast includes Hasnain Rana, Zeeshan Hyder, Tanveer Syed, Imtisal Hussain and Razia Malik. Congratulations to all those who are part of the project who have one more reason to act Babli (or Babar).

Self Make-Believe

We agree with Mahira Khan. You might ask, agree on what? Well, the actress has expressed, in a video, her opinion on being successful. She has rejected the idea that she is a ‘self-made’ person, arguing that no one tastes the fruit of success entirely on their own. In that regard, she thinks the support of family, friends and colleagues is important. Yep, it’s right. Mahira K herself owes a lot for her global recognition to her talent and beauty… Sorry, we mean, her beauty and talent have always had the support of her family, friends and colleagues all along.

Nepo Director?

Streaming giant Netflix has announced that the renowned Indian production house Red Chilies Entertainment, owned by superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s wife Gauri Khan, will produce a series set in and around the Indian film industry. The so-far-unnamed project is claimed to be a “multi-genre venture filled with high-stakes drama and self-aware humour.” And it’s going to be directed by SRK and Gauri K’s son Aryan Khan. Oh, so that’s the self-aware humour part… Perhaps not. We wish the young man all the best and hope he will prove that Aryan Can.

A Tale of Two Separations

Oscar-winning music composer 57-year-old A.R. Rahman and his wife Saira Bano have separated after 29 years of marriage. According to a statement released by the latter’s lawyers, “Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time.” The couple have three children: Khateeja, Raheem and Ameen. In an unrelated report, A.R. Rahman’s bassist, the 28-year-old Mohini Dey has also announced her separation from the composer Mark Hartsuch. She quashed rumours of the two separations being related, however, saying AR was like a “father figure” to her.

Mr Sober

Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington, who will turn 70 on December 28, is in the news quite a lot, primarily for his appearance in the film Gladiator II. But recently he became the focus of the media’s attention for one more reason. In an interview, referring to his drinking habits, the actor has revealed that, in the past, he did a lot of damage to his body and has now been sober for 10 years. “I stopped at 60 and I haven’t had a thimble’s worth since. Things are opening up for me now — like being 70. It’s real. And it’s okay. This is the last chapter — if I get another 30, what do I want to do? My mother made it to 97.” Denzel W, age is just a number, but we guess you wouldn’t want to say you’ve aged like fine wine.

The Relocation

Ever since Donald Trump has been elected the president of the United States of America for a second time, a big number of artists, who vehemently opposed his politics, have begun to feel uneasy. Apparently, talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her partner Portia de Rossi have shifted to the UK because of Donald T’s victory. Let’s see what some of his other opponents do, but for Ellen D we can say that the staff of her chat show may not be that displeased by her move.

Published in Dawn, ICON, December 1st, 2024