Tum Saath Ho

Slowly but surely, as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic are subsiding, the music industry appears to be getting back on its feet. The latest evidence is a song titled Tum Saath Ho sung by Zeb Bangash and Haroon Shahid. Although it’s been projected as a peppy tribute to Pakistani music from the 1980s, it’s more than that, because it has all the 21st century trappings as well, especially lyrics-wise. Composed by Haroon S, it’s a nice little track which will keep you company like a jolly good friend sometimes does.

Serial Killer

Ever since the trailer for an upcoming film Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer has come out, cine-goers have been eagerly looking forward to its release on December 24. Directed by Abu Aleeha, it stars Yasir Hussain, who plays the role of the man who allegedly committed heinous crimes and took many innocent lives. By the looks of the trailer, Yasir H has done an interesting interpretation of his role. It seems that he’s been shown as a talkative man (the long line that he utters in the teaser suggests so) and not someone who keeps his nefarious ideas close to his chest. Abu A has previously said his is a fictional telling of the real life story. It remains to be seen, in totality, how the director has told this yet-to-be-told story.

CS 14 line-up

Here it is, folks: the line-up for the 14th season of Coke Studio, which will be produced by the uber-talented Xulfi for the very first time, is out (we’re only quoting what the mainstream media is saying). Apart from the industry’s big names, such as Abida Parveen, Naseebo Lal and Atif Aslam, the fresh-from-the-oven talents Hasan Raheem and Soch will also be seen trying to impress music lovers. Then there is Faisal Kapadia (formerly of Strings) who will this time round flex his vocal muscles as a solo performer. So all in all, an interesting mix! We hope it doesn’t turn out to be a mixed chaat.

The Crooning Politician

It is heartening to see that, in a country whose politicians often make the headlines for all the wrong reasons, a politician is projecting the soft image of the nation in a mellifluous way. A video of PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz, in which she’s singing a Bollywood song Chura liya hai tum ne jo dil at an event held to celebrate her son’s wedding in Lahore, recently went viral on the internet. It reinforces the conviction that all is not unwell with us. She is not only a courageous political leader but also someone who values the world of art — something that society needs in a big way. Keep croonin’ Maryam N.

Vicktrina!

Finally, after a great deal of speculation, Bollywood A-listers Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal got married on December 9. Apparently, two days prior to that, the pair threw a private party for members of their families and a close circle of friends; and the next day, on December 8, held the sangeet ceremony. The wedding took place at Six Senses Fort Barwara, in Sawai Madhopur, a town in Rajasthan. The pictures that appeared on social media after the event suggests that the two are super jubilant. We wish them a happy and successful married life!

The Dating Game

According to an American magazine, Hollywood hunk Brad Pitt wants to find, and be with, a special woman for a long term relationship. But the problem is, he doesn’t like the dating process. Elaborating on the irritable process the report added, “He can’t even step out for a friendly coffee without it being gossiped about.” Meanwhile, Hollywood hottie, and former Mrs Pitt, Jennifer Aniston has given a statement about male double standards in society, arguing “men can get married multiple times without catching flack.” Both stories are totally unrelated.

Published in Dawn, ICON, December 19th, 2021