Pakistani renowned actress, host and film star Mishi Khan has been accused of burglary.

Sources say, that a businessman from Islamabad named, Jawad Safi Khwaja has accused Mishi Khan of stealing valuables from his apartment.

Khwaja who is a well known businessman in Islamabad, lodged a complaint against the TV star, accusing her of stealing cash worth Rs, 5 lakhs, 20 gm gold bracelet along with three rings and an expensive Rado wristwatch.

According to Jawad Safi Khwaja, Mishi Khan was aware of where the valuables were because she visited his apartment quite frequently and was with him in the apartment the day he placed those valuable items in his cupboard.

The building’s security guards confirm seeing Mishi Khan leaving with two shopping bags in her hand.

Khwaja tried to contact Mishi Khan, but was sent back with offensive language and threats from her side.

The Police SP confirmed the complaint registered against Mishi Khan and said that further action can be taken against the accused, if the complainant is willing.

However, Mishi Khan has denied these allegations, saying that it has become a trend to use celebrity names and create scandals to get famous. She denied even knowing anyone by the name of Jawad Safi Khawaja who has lodged the complaint against her.

‘God has blessed me with everything I need and I need nothing else. Why I will get so meager amount from anybody,’ she remarked.

Check out the famous Mishi Khan song – Mere Mahiya

Pakistan’s music platform Coke Studio returns this year with a new season starting 13 May 2012, bringing back a musical fusion of exciting elements and diverse influences, ranging from traditional Eastern, modern Western and regionally inspired music. Coke Studio Season 5 aims to introduce new genres and fusion where featured artists explore their heritage while showcasing their unique styles.

Since its inception in Season 1, Coke Studio has explored layers of meaning, cultural identity and spiritual philosophies that lie behind each artistic expression. This season, maintaining the same approach of subtlety, Coke Studio enables the audiences to witness a journey into the heart of our identity as a nation and cultivate a sense of pride.

Further, this season Coke Studio will be exploring unique aspects of our culture by highlighting regional language songs and artists, introducing some gifted, yet virtually unknown young singers who have arrived on this platform through their talents, passion and creativity. Season 5 will also showcase the creative and intellectual rediscovery of featured artists who return to Coke Studio for a second time while the young artists aim to discover their heritage by incorporating parts of Sufi poetry and philosophy in their music and writing.

To this end Season 5 witnesses Rohail Hyatt back at the helm and features: Atif Aslam, Bilal Khan, Bohemia, Chakwalis, Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad, Hadiqa Kiyani, Humayun Khan, Meesha Shafi, Tahir Mithu, Overload, Qayaas, SYMT and Uzair Jaswal.

Season 5 also marks the return of the house band with Asad Ahmed on guitar, Babar Ali Khanna on dholak, Javed Iqbal on violin, Kamran ‘Mannu’ Zafar on bass, Omran ‘Momo’ Shafique on guitar, Sikander Mufti on multi-percussions and Rachel Viccaji and Zoe Viccaji on backing vocals. Joining the house band this season are two new talents: Farhad Humayun on drums and Mubashir Admani on keyboards.

Speaking about Coke Studio, Rizwan U. Khan, Country Manager of The Coca-Cola Export Corporation, has said, “This year, Coke Studio completes five glorious seasons of a mystical music journey. Coke Studio has enthralled audiences all over the world and continues to promote our rich and unique culture. I am sure that this season will bring many more surprises for our audiences.”

Executive Producer Coke Studio, Rohail Hyatt has said; “Entering into our 5th season, we at Coke Studio believe our journey continues to explore the wealth of talent and cultural diversity that we as a nation are blessed with. Everyone has put in their best again because we believe in sharing and presenting ourselves to the best of our abilities. It is without doubt that the love and respect that our audience has showered us with, serves as our inspiration. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported our efforts. I hope you find something in your life that becomes your source of inspiration and allows you to better enjoy the beauty of life itself.”

Coke Studio Season 5 debuts on Sunday, 13 May 2012 and will air right through the summer with a new episode every fortnight. Experience this unique, exciting and unparalleled musical journey along with exclusive behind the scenes footage, on television channels and radio stations every fortnight. With over one million Facebook fans and forty five million YouTube views to date, Coke Studio will be available to view simultaneously on the internet for viewers all over the world.

Ali Zafar will play Shahid Kapoor’s older brother in the much talked-about Hindi remake of ‘Vettai’. Madhavan who played the older brother’ part in the original, is out of the remake of ‘Vettai’. The director of the film says, “Madhavan is out of the country for three months (getting his knees treated).We can’t wait. Shahid Kapoor has been finalised to play the younger brother.

We’re going ahead with Ali Zafar for the other hero’s role.” Interestingly there was a 10-year age-gap between screen brothers Madhavan and Arya in the original. Ali Zafar who will play Shahid’s elder brother in the remake is hardly a year older than Shahid. When we made inquiries about how this skimpy age-difference would be covered in the remake, a source close to the project informed, “Ali may be just a year older.

But he played Imran Khan’s elder brother in ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’. Maddy (Madhavan) suggested the director take a look at Ali and Imran’s bhai-bhai act. That’s how Ali came into the picture.” Ali, who is now wrapping up another remake, that of ‘Chashme Buddoor’, for David Dhawan would be meeting his screen brother shortly. As for the leading ladies, the director bursts the bubble by saying he has so far not finalised any actress.

Source: Pakistan Today.

Pakistan’s first Oscar belongs to a monumental campaign that is changing the legal, social and political fate of survivors of acid-related violence. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s documentary Saving Face brought Pakistan’s acid-violence problem to the world stage. Today she is bringing the film’s message to towns and villages in Pakistan through an educational-awareness campaign. Her film not only gave her subjects sympathy and understanding but, more important, gave them dignity. The “victims” in Saving Face are some of the strongest, most impressive women you will ever come across. She showed us their scars, and we saw their true beauty.

Obaid-Chinoy, 33, is also shaping the dialogue on Pakistan. Saving Face depicts a Pakistan that is changing — one where ordinary people can stand up and make a difference and where marginalized communities can seek justice. New legislation spearheaded by female parliamentarians will impose stricter sentencing on perpetrators of acid-related violence. This is a huge step forward.

Giving voice to those who cannot be heard, Obaid-Chinoy has made over a dozen award-winning films in more than 10 countries. She celebrates the strength and resilience of those fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds — and winning.

I dare anyone to watch this film and not be moved to tears and inspired into action.

Written by:  Angelina Jolie (Hollywood actress and director)

The big news is that Mobilink has signed Atif Aslam as brand ambassador for its Jazba brand, which gonna see a re-launch tomorrow.

According to information shared by Jazba team, exclusively with, Jazba brand will be re-launched with emphasis on the individuality and passion of the youth of Pakistan.

Jazba’s new brand philosophy indicates that Life is too short for ‘buts’ and ‘what if’s’. Your mission is to commit. Are you ready to take the plunge? Unlock the Unknown!

Atif Aslam, probably youth’s most favorite pop singer, has recorded an exclusive song for Jazba as well as a TVC, as part of the launch of Jazba’s new persona.

This video and TVC will be aired on all mainstream channels tomorrow, however, will show you an exclusive glimpse before that.

In addition, Jazz Jazba will have a new website www.jazba.com.pk – will be available tomorrow – (earlier it was jazzjazba.com) where you will get more info and details about the new Jazba brand.

LISTEN | Atif Aslam– “Juro Gey To Jano Gey”

Sufi rockstar Salman Ahmad, who is all set to rock India in an upcoming tour later this month, has a little surprise for his fans in Pakistan and abroad. Previously, Ahmad was going to New Delhi to perform live for his fans but now the musician has announced that he will be making his Bollywood debut in Vicky Kumar’s musical love story Rhythm.

Ahmad’s fan following started strengthening from 1997, when his song “Sayonee” created a rage in India and garnered uninterrupted airtime on television. Now, Junoon, spearheaded by Ahmad, will hit the stage in Mumbai on April 28. Having undergone numerous line-up changes since the band’s inception in 1990, Junoon currently consists of founder Ahmad on guitar and vocals, John Alec on bass, Sunny Jain on drums and Kedarnath Havaldar on percussion. Sadly, the current line-up does not include singer Ali Azmat and bassist Brian O’ Connell, two band members who helped the band earn recognition as the pioneer of rock in the subcontinent.

The two-hour long show aims to attract a crowd of 10,000. The Pakistani Sufi rock band is also scheduled to perform in Pune, Delhi and Bangalore.

Event organiser Darpan Trisal says, “We might add on some more cities on the road. Band member, Salman Ahmad has also consented to perform a jugalbandi at the forthcoming Wow awards, the awards which recognise outstanding customer service.” Junoon’s last concert in India was on February 6, 2010 in Delhi in support of the Lighting a Billion Lives campaign, reports Hindustan Times.

According to Pakistantoday.com, Ahmad, who is based in the US these days, says, “India is the land of junoonis and we want to infuse it with some high-octane junooni (passion) soul.”

He adds, “Many of my Indian friends including actor Naseeruddin Shah, politician Shashi Tharoor, Nobel Peace prize winner Dr Rajendera Pachauri and actor Nandita Das have told me that our music has played a vital role in promoting harmony between India and Pakistan. I hope to further promote peace, joy and unity on the land of Hazrat Amir Khusrau and Khwaja Gharib Nawaz.”

By Ruby Kapoor

By now, the “revelation” of Mustafa Zahid’s lip-synching on his U.S gig is about as newsy as Jon Gosselin picking himself up a new lil’ silk-screened something at the Ed Hardy mega-mart.

So why has it grabbed so many headlines this past week? The story came to a head in America, where a few music fans and critics noticed Mustafa Zahid was lip syncing as well as singing over his tracks. Word spread that dozens of disgruntled concert-goers—most of whom paid from $35 to $50 US dollars per ticket—left the pop star’s Sunday-night show in Chicago, spurred by Mustafa’s’ “crap” performance and repeated miming of lyrics.

So the question is, would you pay the big bucks to see a show you knew was going to be lip-synced? Is it worth it just for the dancing and fancy effects? What happened to the expectation of live performances being performed LIVE? Remind us again what exactly are we paying for?

What do you think?
Is there any justification for lip-syncing during a live performance? Should prospective ticket buyers be warned if the artist won’t really be singing live?

Mustafa Zahid’s response to us on his Facebook:

Our response: “First of all, We are Muslims and our religion forbids us to drink any kind of alcohol. Secondly, we have never attended, nor plan on attending any of your shows. Its sad to see you have forgotten those who helped you when you were struggling as a band and musician.  Good-luck for the future. ”

FYI: Mustafa Zahid is same person who has called Atif Aslam “BESURA” in this video clip – Watch Now

This article represents merely my own opinion and not of Pakmanzil. It’s hardly authoritative or complete and could well be inaccurate.

With a huge archives of interviews. We have finally released this one with Sameer Shami.

LISTEN | Interview – “Sameer Shami”

We caught up with our friend Sameer Shami last year on tour. Sameer who plays bass guitars for Atif Aslam band had previously performed the night before in Oakland, California alongside Sunidhi Chauhan.

The 2nd leg of Atif Aslam’s  2011 North American tour did not take place due to some technical issues. Therefore, the tour might take place again later this year in 2012.

Listen to the interview and let us know what you think.

“On my way to uncover my destiny. Certainly not MUSIC. May Allah guide us all to the right. Blessed are those who opt for an alternative life, yet they are surrounded and tempted by opportunities,” said the talented singer/songwriter and music producer, Shiraz Uppal.

Pakistani singer Shiraz Uppal  has announced that he saying ‘goodbye’ to the music business. To date the singer has three albums to his name – “Tera Te Mera” (2003), “Juki Jhuki” (2005) and “Ankahing” (2009). He has also produced music for other musicians including Atif Aslam, Noori, Zeb and Haniya, JAL, Amanat, Fariha Pervez and many more.

He took to Facebook to announce his retirement:

“I would like to thank you all for liking and enjoying my music. It was a Beautiful journey but everything comes to an end one day. So I said Good Bye to my Musical Career by my own choice. I just wished and prayed to my creator that how can I make u happy? And he poured a light in my heart that opened my eyes and the path was lying clear in front of me. May Allah guide us all to the right. Amin!”

For Shiraz — this is his “new beginning” and we wish him the best of luck.

Talent hunt shows in Pakistan are notorious for creating one-hit wonders, with artists coming in the limelight for the duration of the show and then vanishing in thin air. Be it ventures like “LG Awaz Banaye Star”, “Pakistan Sangeet Icon” or “Azme Alishan”, we haven’t seen budding artists follow through after and fully capitalize on these opportunities. True, these shows certainly gave us fresh music to listen to but did we get skilled musicians in return?

In 2011, we witnessed a different form of a musical talent hunt in the form of “Uth Records”. Although there is no debate over the fact that the show was inspired by the popular “Coke Studio”, “Uth Records” differed slightly as it took up the herculean task of introducing fresh talent in the market and polished their skill by providing them with seasoned musicians like Gumby and Omran Shafique as mentors.

Jumbo Jutt

Jumbo Jutt’s band members include Mohammad Ali Suhail on vocals and lead guitar, Syed Saad Shams on bass, Adeel Hussain on drums and Omar Kapadia on rhythm guitar. They collaborated with the legendary Faraz Anwar in their debut track “Jumbo Jutt” at the “Uth Records”. The band members are now gearing up to record their first album. Additionally, they have an upcoming gig on February 18 at the Mad school in Karachi.

Athar Sani

Winner of the talent show “Pakistan Sangeet Icon” and a significant contributor to diversity at the “Uth records” Season One, Ather has stood out primarily due to his voice which sounds like a unique blend of Ahmed Jehanzeb and Sonu Nigam. The musician, in the past year, hasn’t released any new music as he is currently on tour in South Africa.

Yasir & Jawad

Comprising of Jawad Iqbal, Wali Orakzai and Yasir Rehman, the band, hailing from Khyber-Pakhtunkwa, had become the identity of “Uth Records” last year. “We learned a lot from the ‘Uth Records’ experience and it is helping us now,” says Iqbal while adding that they recently recorded two tracks with Sajid & Zeeshan’s Zeeshan Pervaiz. “Pervaiz is also directing one of our music videos. Our new tracks are experiments just like ‘Reidi Gul’ and we hope people will appreciate them,” says Iqbal. However, Orakzai, who recently joined the armed forces, will not be featuring in their latest videos.

Usman Riaz

Riaz wasn’t really a product of “Uth Records” as the 21-year-old genius had already impressed everyone with his instrumental prowess in his debut single “Firefly”. Although his collaboration with Ali Noor in “Uth Records” was far from impressive, the instrumental player knows never to look back. He made a comeback with his version of Junoon’s iconic “Saeen” — which was a beautiful, carefully thought-out piece of art with masterful guitar playing. The artist is now set to release his Long Play (LP) in March 2012. The album, Circus In The Sky, will be launched along with a short film/music video “Ruckus” which will be directed by Riaz himself.

RamLal

RamLal, the brainchild of Muhammad Sibtain and Mohammad Agha, made a mark with their track “Naughty boy” at the “Uth Records”. Following that, the band released their second single “Arab Blues” on YouTube, which was widely circulated on various social media wesites. About their future projects, Agha says, “We’re planning to record a couple of tracks and then maybe a video as well.”

Natasha Ejaz

This young and talented artist was introduced to the Pakistani audiences in the fourth episode of “Uth Records” and stayed in the limelight due to her single “Right Way to Fall”, which went viral on YouTube. So what lies ahead for the talent powerhouse who recently won an award for ‘Best Pop Song’ at IndieGo Music Awards? “I’m releasing a third single ‘Alone On A Two-Seater’ along with a video. Meanwhile, my album, It Might Get Glitchy, with Rishabh Rajan is also in the works.”