Ustad Zakir Hussain No More

On December 15, lovers and practitioners of music were shocked to hear that tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain had passed away. He was 73. He was the son of the great tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha and a star in his own right. Ustad Zakir Hussain was admitted to a local hospital two days prior to his death because of complications caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He had performed at numerous concerts all around the globe, composed music for films such as In Custody and Little Buddha, and won four Grammy awards. May he rest in peace!

Let Bygones Be Bygones

Imran Abbas is distressed. Why? Here’s something that the model-turned-actor shared on social media recently: “Sensationalising stories from the past can have lasting negative effects on individuals, even if they have since moved on to live different lives. Unfortunately, we are presently living in a time where people ruin their livelihood and enjoy spreading negativity and sordid tales.” The reference here was to people digging up celebrities’ past lives to defame them. We agree with Imran A. The problem is that the life of a showbiz star comes under constant scrutiny, whether one likes it or not. Becoming famous in the world of glamour is like signing a pact with the devil.

No More Freebies

Javeria Saud has put her foot down with a thud. She is not going to give podcast interviews for free, says the actor. If they don’t agree to her condition, then she’d rather spend time with her family or work on a script. The argument that she has given is that these digital content makers are making money for themselves, so if they invite a celebrity for an interview, s/he should be duly compensated. We think Javeria S has a point. It might create the question of who should get what amount, though… you know, the A-listers and the C-listers of acting etc.

The Collab

The internet went crazy when the singing (brotherly) duo of Ali Zafar and Danyal Zafar shared a video clip on their Instagram page in which they’re recording a song with none other than the global hip hop star T.I. It has got their fans eagerly waiting in anticipation of what’s to come as a result of the collaboration. Pakistani pop and international hip hop coming together is a fascinating prospect. A, D and TI singing with each other will be an intriguing venture, FR,FR…

PM Autograph

From December 13 to December 15, a film festival was organised in India to commemorate the centenary of actor/director Raj Kapoor. Prior to that, on December 11, some members of the Kapoor clan (Saif, Kareena, Ranbir, Aalia, Neetu and Karishma) met with the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who praised the services rendered to the film industry by the late Mr Kapoor. During the meeting, he, at the request of Kareena Kapoor-Khan, also signed an autograph for her sons Taimur and Jeh. Hmmm… Does the Indian PM know that the kids’ surname is Khan?

Touchy Drew

Actress Drew Barrymore is known for getting way too touchy-feely with her guests on her talk show. The latest example is: when Oprah Winfrey appeared on the programme, the host kept stroking her arm. Later, actress Cynthia Erivo appeared on the show, during which Drew B addressed the subject: “I’m so touchy. People have warned me. They’re like, ‘Back off a bit.’ I’m like, ‘Why?’... That’s how I want life to be… I’m single. I’m not dating anyone. I don’t have that in my life, but I don’t know how I would ever hold back from holding hands, hugging, snuggling.” Listen up Drew B: not everyone is single and 49 years of age.

Another Kid?

There’s a twist, a good one at that, in the plot of the Abhishek-Aishwarya Rai thus-far story. After months of speculation that they’re parting ways, suddenly, there’s been a shift in the saga, and both appear to be back in a hunky-dory relationship. Why do we say this? Well, Abhishek B has been quoted to have said that he’s thinking of having another baby with Aishwarya R. Come on mister, you have a 13-year-old daughter! There are other ways to deflect people’s attention from a rocky situation.

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2024