Pakistani Film 'Azaadi' based on Kashmir Freedom Struggle

An upcoming Pakistani film called 'Azaadi' highlights the story of a man who is committed to the Kashmir freedom struggle. The film which stars Moammar Rana and Sonya Hussayn, marks the directorial debut of Imran Malik, son of veteran film maker, Pervez Malik. 

"The film has elements of patriotism, a very powerful love story, some action scenes - a film has never been attempted on such a big canvas in Pakistan before," said Imran. Sonya Hussayn also revealed that the film conveys a strong message of women's empowerment. "My character Zara is an independent journalist, who is of Pakistani origin but born and bred in the UK. She's outspoken, feisty and a very empowered woman". Azaadi is being shot by Australian cinematographer, Ben Jasper (who also shot Hrithik Roshan-starrer Bang Bang) and features music by Sahir Ali Bagga and tracks by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Quratulain Baloch and Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan. The film is to be released in 2017. Moammar Rana is known for super hit films such as 'Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa' and alongside Shaan, he is one of the most popular male actors in Pakistan.

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Singer Annie Khalid's Wedding Turns into Fight with Lahore Police

Lahore police raided the wedding ceremony of Pakistani pop singer Annie Khalid of 'Mahiya' fame, after lights at the party were not turned off after 10 pm. Scuffles broke out between police and the relatives of groom, Malik Naveed Awan, and police arrested two members of the marriage hall.

Annie married Awan, a Dubai-based Pakistani businessman, in mid-July this year and the party traditionally called ‘Rukhsati’. Annie was so shocked that she had to spent the wedding night in a hospital. The wedding party revelries has crossed the midnight deadline set by the Punjab government for such events at marriage halls. Police barged into the wedding venue to arrest the groom, Malik Nouraiz Awan, for violating the law.

As the police tried to arrest the groom, friends and the family tried to save him from spending his first wedding night in a lockup. As a result the wedding hall turned into a fighting ground. Guests stood like a wall between the aggressive policemen and the groom.

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Bollywood Actor Amir Khan calls for Film Revival in Kashmir

Srinagar: Bollywood icon, Mr. Perfect, Amir Khan on Thursday praised the beauty of Kashmir and hoped that film makers must consider this place again for film making like the good old times.

"I have come to Kashmir after more than 10 years. Last time I came here to shoot 'Mann' (in 1999). The place is wonderful; the people are nice and hospitable. I hope Bollywood starts shooting films here like the good old times. My uncle (Nasir Husain) used to shoot his films in Kashmir," Mr perfect said.'

He said that he was on personal visit to enjoy the beauty of Kashmir.

"I am on a pleasure trip here and I want to visit all the famous tourist resorts of Kashmir including the famous Dal Lake," Amir told Agence India Press.

Aamir said he has not come to shoot here for any movie.

Aamir Khan said that he felt sorry for not visiting Kashmir Valley when he was shooting for the movie “3 Idiots” in Ladakh.

"We went directly to Leh to shoot `3 Idiots` and I did not get an opportunity to visit the valley that time," said the veteran 46 year-old actor.

“There was a time when almost all the movies of Bollywood were shot in the Valley.

I hope that time has come and I wish more and more film makers start visiting Kashmir to shoot their movies. Kashmir is really a paradise and there is no need to visit any other place when you visit Kashmir,"he said.

Aamir Khan also prayed for the well being of star cricketer Yuvraj Singh who is currently battling lung-cancer, quoting for his quick recovery, he said, "He is a great fighter. My prayers go out for his quick recovery so that he returns to where he belongs, to the cricket field." (AIPNEWS)

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Film-maker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy becomes the first Pakistani to get an Oscar Nomination

Film-maker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has become the first Pakistani to win an Oscar nomination for best documentary in the short subject category.

Saving Face is about the problem of acid attacks on women in Pakistan.

In a statement to the BBC she said that she was "speechless" to receive the nomination which was the "stuff dreams are made of".

The film chronicles the work of acclaimed British-Pakistani plastic surgeon Mohammad Jawad.

It follows him as he travels around the country to perform reconstructive surgery on survivors of acid violence.

The BBC's M Ilyas Khan says that the problem is systematically under-reported in Pakistan - official figures say there are 100 cases of acid violence every year, although it is estimated that the actual figure is far greater.

Our correspondent says that this is partly because structural inequalities make it difficult for women to access the judicial system, while there are long standing cultural practices that enhance gender discrimination.

Saving Face is an account of such violence told by survivors going through the recovery and reconciliation process.

It is also about the resilience and strength of women struggling for justice.

The observational documentary was filmed entirely in Pakistan, primarily in the centre of the country and in the cities of Rawalpindi, Karachi and Islamabad.

"An Academy Award nomination is stuff dreams are made of," Ms Obaid-Chinoy told the BBC.

"It has reaffirmed my belief it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, if you put quality work out there, it will be appreciated.

"I hope I can make Pakistan proud by bringing home an Oscar."

BBC News Asia

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