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A big biopic is celebrating the legacy of Ghazal Queen Begum Akhtar

Ghazal Queen Begum

The Dubai-based Malhaar Centre for Performing Arts is preparing to present an Indian musical centered around the life and music of Ghazal Queen Begum Akhtar this Saturday at the Emirates International School auditorium in Jumeirah.

The show traces the legend’s inspiring journey of courage in the face of adversity, a woman’s battle in turbulent and systematically oppressive eras, and her quest for genuine artistic excellence.

In Malhaar’s distinctive style, the Indian Broadway show will chronicle the legend’s personal and professional progression, spanning from Bibi Sayyed to Akhtari Bai Faizabadi, ultimately becoming Begum Akhtar.

“Haaye Akhtari” will guide music enthusiasts through the diverse aspects of the artist and her art, from the moving episodes of her life to her soul-stirring connection with music.

The storyline features anecdotes shared with Sikidar by his Guru, Rita Ganguly, who was a disciple of Begum Akhtar. Sikidar explained, “It narrates the journey of how a young girl named Bibbi evolved into becoming one of the country’s finest singers, shedding light on some concealed aspects of her life.”

Soulful renditions of Ghazals, Thumris, and Dadras that have become synonymous with Begum Akhtar generously lace her life story.

Musical Journey of Ghazal Queen Begum Akhtar

At the age of seven, Akhtar discovered Chandra Bai’s music in a traveling theater group. However, her uncle insisted she study under Ustad Imdad Khan and Ata Mohammed Khan. She later went to Calcutta with her mother and learned from Mohammad Khan Abdul Waheed Khan, and finally became Ustad Jhande Khan’s disciple.

At fifteen, her initial public performance impressed poet Sarojini Naidu during a concert for the 1934 Nepal-Bihar earthquake victims, boosting her passion for singing ghazals.

 

 

Films

Nasir Adeeb On Daughter’s Support For Reema Amidst Controversy

Nasir Adeeb

Nasir Adeeb is a veteran Pakistani film writer who has crafted the stories of numerous hit Pakistani films. His famous films are Jungle Ka Qanoon, Jarnel Singh, Sher Khan, Thakur, Dushman, Silsila, Qalandar, Maula Jutt and The Legend of Maula Jatt. His film Maula Jutt, starring Sultan Rahi and Mustafa Qureshi, made him a timeless star of the Pakistani film industry. He is currently garnering recognition due to his famous podcast for Suno TV in which he reveals facts about Pakistani film industry and actors.

Nasir Adeeb recently appeared in Shaan e Sahoor with her daughter Zoya Nasir. In the show, he opened up about his daughter’s stance regarding his viral statement about Reema.

Talking about it, Nasir Adeeb said, “She made me realize that it was a mistake, and I am proud of the fact that she supported Reema on whatever I said, although, I never intended to hurt anyone. I also apologized for it. However, what made me most proud was her attitude that she supported the other party. I am her father, but I am also a human being who commits mistakes. Although, I don’t believe in spreading lies, I always spoke truth but now I understand that not every truth should be shared on TV.” 

Zoya Nasir also said, “It’s a channel where my father works. He goes there and talks, his speech is recorded there and he comes back. At that time, we used to have a very contained environment like our drawing room. Nowadays, there is a fact checking on internet, so we have to be careful while speaking, as things stay on the internet forever. You shouldn’t say anything that could have a negative impact online.”

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Films

Syed Noor On Importance Of Looks In Showbiz

Syed Noor

Syed Noor is the ace director of Pakistani cinema. His success rate was massive and he introduced so many stars on silver screen. He is the name behind some of the most successful films from the country and he is still as relevant as a celebrity as he was when he started out in the industry. He gave his two cents about Pakistani films and stars as he appeared as a guest on Hina Niazi’s show.

Syed Noor was asked about the looks of the actors and he had a very interesting take. He said a hero cannot be a good actor just based on his looks. He thinks the best ever actors in the world were not too good looking. They focused on their craft which made them successful but his thoughts on looks of female stars differed a bit.

He added that if a female actress looks good, it makes it easier for her to succeed in acting as the audience is more welcoming. This is what he thinks.

 

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Films

Nayab Secures Spot at Florida’s South Asian International Film Festival

Nayab

Umair Nasir Ali’s Nayab has earned a spot in the selection for the South Asian International Film Festival of Florida, according to the festival’s official website. The Pakistani film joins a collection of twenty-six films, including Shivani Mehra’s Me, Raani, Debra Gussin’s This Is Our Time, and Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s Binodiini.

Released in January last year, Nayab features Yumna Zaidi, Javed Sheikh, and Usama Khan in a sports drama that follows Yumna’s titular character on a coming-of-age journey.

“In the bustling heart of Karachi, a determined girl dreams of breaking stereotypes to play cricket for Pakistan, while her brother, a former rising star, struggles with his past. As they navigate the gritty world of local cricket, their unbreakable bond and the city’s turbulent history become their strongest allies in this deeply Pakistani tale of ambition, resilience, and family,” the synopsis reads.

Marking the film’s one-year anniversary, Umair took to Instagram to reflect on the achievement. “One year ago, Nayab became a monumental chapter in my journey as a filmmaker. My first feature film, a story that felt right, that resonated deeply,” he wrote.

He shared how the project allowed him to refine his craft as a narrative director, focus on shaping the storyline, work passionately with actors, and experience an emotionally fulfilling journey.

“I carried detailed notes for every actor, amplifying their strengths and guiding them to refine areas that needed nuance. Each day on set began with music, not just to set the tone but to block out distractions and focus entirely on execution,” he recalled.

Expressing gratitude for his team, he emphasized how each collaborator poured their heart into the project. “Nayab wasn’t just a film; it became a part of me. Over the past year, this film has traveled to places I could only dream of, shining across festivals worldwide.”

Umair concluded by thanking Vertical Cinema for creating a video to celebrate Nayab‘s one-year anniversary. “Moments like this remind me why we do what we do,” he wrote.

Also Read: Yumna Zaidi Promises to Win Against India in ‘Nayab’ Trailer

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