STRINGS ATTACHED

Whoever thought that Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia (of the former band called Strings) would never be seen together in a project again was terribly mistaken. The duo can be seen in a campaign on YouTube run by a Dubai-based company, taking viewers on a journey to Dubai and exploring the myriad interesting places that it offers to visitors. Whether they’ll be singing their songs in the episodes that they are in is still not known. For now, Strings can be heard in the distance.

MOHIB’S MAGNANIMITY

What’s wrong with people? How can they comment on someone’s private life and choices on social media which can be read by anyone? On Eid, Mohib Mirza posted pictures on Instagram in which he and his wife Sanam Saeed are in a festive mood. Suddenly, comments began to appear on the thread about his first wife. Not just that, someone suggested that they follow him because he’s now married to Sanam S. To Mohib M’s credit, he handled the situation wisely and coolly, and politely wished the naysayers well. However, we sadly suspect, even such positive gestures don’t make any meaningful impact on certain people.    

EID WASHOUT

It is still uncertain how to judge the box office performance of the four Pakistani films that were released on Eidul Fitr. Money Back Guarantee, according to reports, has done better business compared to the rest, though that may not be saying much. The numbers of the other movies — Huay Tum Ajnabi, Dorr and Daadal — aren’t even that impressive. After Pakistan’s last year’s achievements on the global scale (Joyland, The Legend of Maula Jatt), there was hope that our film industry would now begin to stand firmly on its feet. Not to be. And it’s not looking too good for the future either. We think that those who make policies for the promotion of culture and arts in the country should sit together, along with cinema owners, and discuss what’s needed to get the desired footfall.

MOTHERLY DAYS

Ever since Bollywood starlet Aalia Bhatt has become a mother, she has calmed down as a person. She and hubby Ranbir Kapoor seem to be enjoying parenthood. Obviously, it’s not an easy job to be a parent. So when a journo recently asked the actress about the difficult days that one can face as a parent of a toddler, she replied, “As a mother, I have a right to have terrible days.” Absolutely right Aalia B. But what about Ranbir K’s rights as a father?

THE MARKLE RECIPE

Meghan Markle seems to have a feisty spirit. Or she knows how to be in the news all the time. After her Netflix documentary and her husband Prince Harry’s book, Spare, it has been reported that Meghan M will now contribute to The World Central Kitchen Cookbook by the internationally renowned distinguished chef Jose Andres, for The Archewell Foundation — Michelle Obama is also one of the contributors. We wonder what recipe the Duchess of Sussex will come up with — perhaps to curry favour?

SHOW CANCEL CULTURE

Jada Pinkett Smith — wife of Will Smith, in case anyone doesn’t know — along with her mum and daughter, has hosted a show titled Red Table Talk on Facebook Watch for five years. Now the social media platform has put an end to the programme, and it was Jada PS who, herself, announced the cancellation on Instagram, adding, “We at Red Table are in talks for finding a new home and we’ll see you soon. It was the journey for me.” Hmmm… We hope the disbanding has nothing to do with Facebook getting scared of a certain sudden slap.

Published in Dawn, ICON, May 7th, 2023