The most anticipated movie of the year ‘Ishrat Made In China’ (IMIC) had its grand premiere here on 02nd March 2022 and is scheduled to hit cinemas across Pakistan from tomorrow. Produced by Ek Alif & Eleven Eleven Films and directed by Mohib Mirza, the film stars Sanam Saeed, Mohib Mirza, Hasan Sheharyar Yasin (HSY), Sara Loren, Shamoon Abbasi, Nayyer Ejaz, Shabbir Jan, Mustafa Chaudhry, Mani, Ali Kazmi and Imam Syed.
The premiere was marked by the presence of a lot of celebrities including the star cast. Among those spotted were Ahmed Butt, Nadia Hussain, Misbah Khalid, Seemi Pasha, Nomi Ansari, Jimmy Engineer, and many more. Shot abroad the romantic action-comedy film has a lot of firsts including that it has a multi-starrer main cast – 11 people to be precise — `is Mohib’s debut direction, has an epic climax with a 20-minute action scene, and will be available on digital platform Mintrio.com after its release. The film also marks the big-screen debut of the veteran Shabbir Jan and the king of couture HSY. Several Pakistani celebrities and social media stars have made a cameo in this film adding more colour to the vibrant universe of Ishrat.
Leading Lady of ‘Ishrat Made in China’ SANAM SAEED.
IMIC took almost four years of production. Every frame promises cinematic brilliance and is among the first Pakistani films to involve the local visual effects industry at a such a huge scale. IMIC’s hashtag #ishratmadeinchina has already taken over the internet as it has reached a million views in 24 hours.
Sharing his thoughts about the film, Director and the mail lead of IMIC, Mohib Mirza said; “this film is for everyone who has a dream; no matter how hard it may seem, everything is possible, just say #comonhhh and believe in yourself!”
‘Ishrat Made In China’ is a coming-of-age story, and the film promises a thought-provoking experience along with a roller coaster ride of witty and slapstick comedy. The story celebrates the idea of being unique and following one’s own heart. Penned by Ahsan Raza Firdousi, this mega-budget magnum opus has been released by Eveready Pictures while Geo Films is the media partner.
Official trailer of Pakistani movie ‘Ishrat Made in China’ was launched last week and the trailer looks promising with Mohib Mirza stealing the limelight and leading lady Sanam Saeed not lagging that far.
‘Ishrat Made in China’ is a joint collaboration is brought to by Geo Films, Mintrio, Ek Alif Films, Eleven Eleven Films and Eveready group of companies. It’s a film produced and directed as a debut by Mohib Mirza with Tahseen Kamal and Parmesh Adiwal as co-directors, written by Ahsan Raza Firdousi with Mohib Mirza as co-writer.
Mohib Mirza stars as the titular character Ishrat. The film is the spin-off of Mirza’s comedy series Ishrat Baji. Leading lady is Sanam Saeed along with Sara Loren, Hasan Sheharyar Yasin (HSY), Shamoon Abbasi, Ali Kazmi, Imam Syed, Salman Saqib (Mani), Shabbir Jan, Nayer Ejaz, Mustafa Chaudhry and Laila Wasti.
‘Ishrat Made in China’ is set to be released 3rd March in cinemas all over Pakistan.
Fashion Pakistan council announced this year’s event as ‘Fashion Pakistan Winter Gala’, with the theme ‘Traditions Redefined’. From the day it was announced, I had been I had been waiting desperately for this year’s Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW).
Initially it was announced to be a two day event, starting from 01st December 2021 and closing on 02nd December 2021 but later-on, due to sudden withdrawal by some of the sponsors this event was rescheduled/reduced to be a one day event only on 02nd December 2021.
Event’s venue Beach Luxury Hotel, also came-in as surprise too, as desperate cries from event-management team were heard echoing at many places in search of suitable venue for this event.
As usual for many Pakistani’s, this event didn’t start on time, but we were expecting an even longer delay due to vacant seats all around the ramp. Probably this was the first time, seeing so empty seats at the start of FPW event. Even the red carpet (pink carpet) felt like an empty expanse with host Ali Dino sporting a bizarre look on his face.
One of the pioneer of FPW, Maheen Khan was first to showcase her creations at this year’s Fashion Pakistan Winter Gala (FG Winter Gala) and featuring with her was Jafferjees with their leather goods.
Zaaviay, decided to come main stream with their collection titled as ‘New Dawn’. Previously they were active for their online selling. They being one of the new entrant in the world of fashion week showcased their wedding-wear to cash-in the wedding season that is going on pretty well all throughout Pakistan.
Best display of the evening came from Sameer Sain, who showcased his bespoke men’s wear. Some of his notable displays were his velvet coats and fur coats and these coats went well along with the show’s title of Winter Gala.
Hina Mirza showcased her winter clothing collection, which was a combination of western-styled shirts fused-in with eastern styled pants.
Aamna Aqeel with Bakhtawar did not showcase any of their winter clothing, instead they focused more on stylish evening-wear for summers. This makes me wonder why they showcased their summer wear in an event which was held in winters and with title of “Winter Gala”. Maybe they weren’t prepared enough.
Zohaib Zakir aka Zohaib Jubileo came up with his collection known as ‘Tabeer’ and to some extent his collections were impressive. He played well along with event’s theme of ‘Traditions Redefined’, by infusing modern day look into traditional menswear.
Last designer to showcase was announced to be Arizai by Atiya, we were expecting something grand, but this one also failed to impress much. Showcasing summer evening gowns/dresses in a Winter Gala felt disastrous. Wasn’t expecting this low from Atiya Khan.
On concluding note, this was first ever event by Fashion Pakistan Council (FPC) which had almost no known models apart from Mushk Kaleem there wasn’t a single familiar face among females, but at-least female models walked with some grace and aura.
Male models lacked almost everything, their walk, their facial expressions, coordination between them etc. etc. lacked a lot, they seemed to be in some sort of a hurry like missing a train of some sort.
Overall ramp-coordination and choreography also lacked a lot, Hasan Sheharyar Yasin was missed a lot during the ramp-walk. He could done wonders here. Show stoppers were missing too.
Instead of organizing such a lackluster show, FPC could have done better by postponing it all together. I have been following FPC/FPW shows since inception and was really disappointed a lot with this one.
All throughout the show and even today (i.e. 17th Dec 2021) FPC/FPW website http://fashionpakistan.com.pk/ displays this;
The 20th edition of ‘Lux Style Awards’ was a star studded evening that honored winners and announced Life-time Achievements for three noteworthy Entertainment and Fashion legends. The much loved event featured celebrities from the Fashion, Music, and Television fraternities. Due to Covid, this year’s submissions did not receive any entries in Film. The 20th year, a milestone for the Lux Style Awards, that has hosted many glittering gala evenings, was celebrated exclusively with limited presence of media, nominees and performers, adhering to government’s standard operating procedures (SOPs). To assure this, the recorded show was an all-day production and was divided into multiple dedicated slots.
The hosts for the evening included Mehwish Hayat and Ahsan Khan and the duo of Ahmed Ali Butt and Mansha Pasha. Every bit of the show-flow, was designed around the #LSA4Pakistan and focused on building up and appreciating the Pakistan fashion and entertainment industries. The ‘Lux Style Awards’ are much acclaimed for recognizing both the high achievers and encouraging new emerging talent and in its 20th year, the show stayed true to its ethos of recognizing Pakistan’s varied talent.
The day-long red carpet was magnificent as for the first time it included a live catwalk that was a perfect spot to showcase the many varied fashion hits that strolled down. Hosts Dino and Ayesha Omar plus a plethora of channels, electronic and digital were seen in action as celebrities walked down in momentous outfits. While some rushed towards the show, Asim Azhar shared his first Lux Style Awards experience and music nominees; Bayaan, Baluch Twins and Abbas Ali Khan sang snippets of tracks during interviews.
The TRESquad featuring Hareem Farooq, Nimra Jacob, Maha Tahirani and Sarah Zulfiqar made an appearance at the ‘Lux Style Awards’ red-carpet together while Ali Rehman, Uzair Jaswal, Shahbaz Shigri, and Imran Ashraf entertained the media with their antics.
At the red-carpet we loved the ultra-feminine looks with Mira Sethi in jeweled long gloves by Hussain Rehar, to Mushk Kaleem in a gorgeous trail by Sana Safinaz. the ‘Lux Style Awards’ look was classy and elegant with all the excitement and bonhomie, which was was evident to all.
The night began with the national anthem sung by music veteran, Shehzad Roy. Starting off the show, Amir Paracha, CEO, and Chairman of Unilever Pakistan took over the stage to welcome the audience to the milestone 20th year of glitz and glam. He said; “Lux Style Awards began as a means to spread the message of Lux to the audience via fashion, music, television and film but it has become so much more. It has encouraged entertainers to persevere with their talent and continue to bring joy to their fans. The real meaning of the LSAs is the hope that comes with it and how it has battled during tough times, like natural disasters, political instability, or a pandemic. The LSAs have gone on without breaking momentum, transforming from a LUX platform to Pakistan’s platform internationally. Our hashtag this is year is LSA4Pakistan.”
With that, the show opened with a star-studded Lux Style Awards anthem ‘Sitare, sitare, aasmaan kay tarey, keh raha hai yeh pal, aaj hum hain yahan’, which featured a line-up of celebrities. The anthem was composed by Bilal Maqsood and sung by Aima Baig, Uzair Jaswal, Asim Azhar and the Young Stunners. Many celebrities joined the stage such as Mahira Khan, Meera Jee, Ayesha Omar and couturier Ali Xeeshan and show choreographer Frieha Altaf.
Following this, Ahmed Ali Butt, who has continuously entertained audiences with his quick wit and humour and Mansha Pasha, the versatile actress, hosted the music segment. The segment included awards given to the best singer of the year, the best song of the year, best emerging talent and best music video director. It started with music dynamo Bilal Maqsood and Mira Sethi, wearing Hussain Rehar, presenting the best emerging talent in music award to Aziz Kazi for Shantarum, a meditational track. Friends, Asim Azhar and Uzair Jaswal presented the award of best video director to Hamza Bin Tahir for Teri Tasveer by Bayaan. Recently engaged Aima Baig and Shahbaz Shigri graced the stage to present song of the year to Bayaan for Teri Tasveer and singer of the year to Abbas Ali Khan for Mein Yeh Janoun Na. CEO of Airsial, Ameem Hasan joined them on stage to present the latter.
The Unilever Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award was dedicated to Farida Khanum, known as the Queen of Ghazal during her active years. Famously known for her songs, Aaj Jaane Ki Zidd Na Karo and Woh Ishq Jo Humse Rooth Gaya, Farida Khanum has been a singer with an inner muse who expressed her identity in every song. A dedication of love to her was performed by Mehwish Hayat and Resham to the melodious Punjabi numbers of “Balle Balle” and “Meinay Pairoon Mein Payal Tau Bandhi Nahin”. Both Mehwish and Resham gave the legendary singer a heartfelt tribute through their energetic yet elegant dances, and Unilever Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amir Paracha read out a befitting tribute, standing beside the lovely Mahira Khan on stage. Farida Khanum’s message as she accepted the award was then played out. Ending the segment was the fabulous Tabish Hashmi, a spectacular comedian who has recently rightfully earned fame. Tabish walked down to the audience and roasted some of the nominees, creating moments of laughter.
The second segment of the show starred the Laal Kabootar star Mansha Pasha and the brilliant Mehwish Hayat together. The ladies asked Asima Haq, Director of Beauty and Personal Care at Unilever Pakistan to introduce the ‘Lux Style Awards’ newly initiated Lux Change Makers Award. Asima Haq said, “This award has been created to recognize the change-makers in the industry. As a brand ‘Lux’ has always endorsed a positive attitude towards everything feminine and this award recognizes the female strength of women in the industry that has created change in the world with their art and content.”
Asima Haq then announced the award posthumously for the late Haseena Moin, playwright par excellence, as the first recipient of the award. The iconic Haseena Moin wrote memorable female characters. A tribute to her played out, which featured celebrities like Behroze Sabzwari and Marina Khan who spoke about Haseena Moin’s larger-than-life energy and how she created dreams. She was a woman who knew her worth and wanted to showcase women who carried the same attitude, leading to characters like Dhoop Kinaray’s Dr. Zoya. Haseena Moin’s award was accepted by her niece Sadaf, who spoke of how her aunt, her father’s sister, inspired so many to live out their lives with courage and independence.
To present the Lifetime Achievement Award in Fashion, Safinaz Muneer Co-founder of Sana Safinaz, and Shamoon Sultan, founder of Khaadi were given the honors to award legendary Fashion Designer Banto Kazmi. Banto Kazmi has been an inspiration for many younger than her in the industry, as well as to the girls whose lives she has added much joy into, by bringing color to their bridal dresses and weddings.
Debonair, male model, Hasnain Lehri and chic female model, Mushk Kaleem came on stage to start off the awards in the fashion category; best emerging talent and best hair and makeup artist. The best emerging talent in fashion was bagged by a promising model, Sarah Zulfiqar.
Salman Ahmed, musician, famously known for band Junoon and actress, Azekah Daniyel continued the segment and went on to award best fashion photographer and achievement in fashion-pret. Achievement in fashion pret was won again by Generation who wanted to thank their customers, adding that every time somebody wears a generation outfit, they add a sentence to their colorful story.
Ahsan Khan, the host for the second bit of the fashion segment, joined Mehwish Hayat and invited two former LSA winners’ Nadia Hussain and Fouzia Aman to present the Best Menswear Designer award to Ismail Farid. The gorgeous Sunita Marshall and high-end designer Hasan Sheharyar Yasin (HSY) announced model of the year (female) and this award was won by Mushk Kaleem, who was dressed in an extravagant stand-out hot pink gown. Ayesha Omar and Azfar Rehman were welcomed onto the stage to present the model of the year (male) award to Sachal Afzal. Ayesha Omar looked stunning in an all-gold, gemmed body-hugging dress.
Achievement in fashion-luxury and bridal were announced by Emaad Irfani and Saboor Ali. Tabish Hashmi roasted some of the fashion category nominees and the breaks of entertainment were appreciated.
The last segment of the show was hosted by Ahmed Ali Butt and Mansha Pasha. The elegant Youmna Zaidi announced the best emerging talent award, followed by dapper Imran Ashraf announcing Best Writer and Best Television Director. To no surprise to the audience, Umera Ahmed won the best writer award for Alif, an artistically pleasing drama and Farooq Rind won the award of best television director for Pyar Ke Sadqay.
A heart-tugging performance by Asim Azhar in the middle of the awards made the audience emotional as he sang “Nimmi Nimmi” an original by the late Farhad Humayun, the Overload vocalist who was remembered for leaving this world too soon. An obituary video played behind Asim as he sang, featuring industry stalwarts who were no more. Tweets by celebrity friends were also shared on screen.
Television’s biggest night was swept by the two Hum television serials Ehd e Wafa and Pyaar Kay Sadqay, with Ehd e Wafa walking away with Best television serial and Yamna Zaidi sweeping the Best Actress Awards for Critics and Viewer’s Choice categories. For the men, it was Bilal Abbas for Pyar Kay Sadqay and Danish Taimoor for Geo’s Deewangi.
The grand finale featured a plethora of power-packed performances by the Parey Hut Love stars Mahira Khan, Meera and Sheheryar Munnawar for the perfect finale. Director Asim Raza and Producer Fizza Ali Meerza talked about how 2020 ruined the film industry by shutting down cinemas and halting projects. While no films were made, the desire to make films lives on, and as everybody knows music and film go hand in hand.
Mahira Khan, Sheheryar Munawar, Ahmed Ali Butt, and Meera jee, performed on the lively songs that stayed popular all year round and were played multiple times at weddings: Haye Dil Bechara, Ik Pal, and Morey Saiyaan. Each performance looked spectacular because of the graphics behind and the magic created by Nomi Ansari, with every performer’s outfit stitched with intricate detail to be noticeable on stage.
This year’s Lux Style Awards were partnered by Sialkot-run state of the art airline, AirSial as the travel partner, Tresemme as hair partner, Magnum as snack partner, Lipton as beverage partner, Geo Television as media partner and A.F Fergusons as award’s auditors.
The backstage was buzzing with the help of booths put up by sponsors. Celebrities prepared backstage by the Tresemme booths as Tresemme announced two best tressed (dressed) awards for celebrities who exhibited trend and style backstage. Nimra Jacob and Ali Rehman won these titles along with iPhone 12s.
The 20th Lux Style Awards was conceived & directed by Frieha Altaf at Catwalk, show dancing choreography by Nigah, show script by Nabeel, Fizza & Ahmed Ali Butt, television production by Nadeem J, hair & makeup by Nabilas & NGents, event design by Jalal Salahuddin, official photography by Faisal Farooqui at Dragonfly, performance costumes by Nomi Ansari, show styling by Mavi & Rao, team Reactivate for all the content on Lux’s own social media handles and finally Talking Point for awards management, and digital media and print media.
This year’s event was its 20th years since its inception and this make LSA as the first Pakistani Awards Show to reach that milestone! Some of the highlights of this year’s 20th Lux Style Awards are to start from Pakistan’s most sought after face, i.e. Mahira Khan, she was the star of this show with three impeccable and outstanding performances. Her popularity has gone beyond borders and she truly is a superstar of this era and has been associated with Lux for ages.
Apart from regular segments and performances this year’s Lux Style Awards added some uniqueness to their fold by adding an event’s anthem for first time. This star studded anthem feature 20+ celebrities and was another nod to their hashtag #LSA4Pakistan. This anthem was composed by Bilal Maqsood and aimed to commemorate the 20th year of Lux Style Awards. A star studded performance was a tribute to the emerging talent and the many personalities who have performed on the LSA stage
Tabish Hashmi, now a known comedian for his sardonic wit and humor was something not experienced before at an award show. He kept the show alive by dropping in to roast nominees, something that we don’t see enough of in Pakistani shows.
A news award was also initiated, which seemed very important, the Change Maker’s Award for artists who push the envelope for their narrative of those Pakistani women who bring about a change in society
One of other main highlight of this year’s LSA was it being very well-organized with an ample amount of space for everyone present. This very well-organized show with plenty of spread out photo opportunities, at no point people were squished together. This meant nobody was pushing anybody and the air conditioning was at chilled temperatures throughout the show. The show followed proper standard operating procedures (SOP) throughout.
Kamran Hashim's Blog 