Short take

Ustad NFAK’s lost album finds new light

British Council is playing an instrumental role in unveiling the long-awaited Chain of Light album, by the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This collaborative project with Pakistan’s Saiyna Bashir Studios and Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records aims to revive a musical masterpiece, which was originally produced in 1990.

As part of this initiative, Saiyna Bashir Studios is also producing a documentary biopic titled Ustad, which will offer masterclasses for Pakistani music artists and professionals later in 2024. The documentary is set for release in late 2025.

Maarya Rehman, Deputy Director of British Council Pakistan, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “Chain of Light is more than just a rediscovered album; it’s a bridge between Pakistan and the world. We hope to celebrate Ustad NFAK’s legacy and the universal language of music that unites us all.”

The global launch events for Chain of Light kicked off in Pakistan on August 27th in Islamabad, followed by Lahore on August 29th and Karachi on August 31st. The tour will then continue to Manchester and Birmingham in the UK, Paris, France, and conclude with the official album launch in London on September 20th.

A short video produced by Saiyna Bashir Studios were screened at the Chain of Light launch events, recounting the fascinating story behind the discovery of this lost album. The video will also be released online.

Attendees had the opport-unity to catch a special teaser of the upcoming documentary, Ustad, which delves into the life and legacy of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a legendary voice in musical history, played a pivotal role in introducing qawwali, Sufi devotional music, to Western audiences.

He collaborated with renow-ned international musicians like Peter Gabriel, Eddie Vedder, and Michael Brook, and his powerful vocals have graced the sound-tracks of acclaimed films. Nusrat’s legacy continues to resonate today, as evidenced by his popularity on streaming platforms like Spotify.

According to Spotify Analytics, a significant portion of his listeners are young adults, with 37% falling between the ages of 18 and 22 and 24% aged 23 to 27. The 28-34 age group and listeners under 18 each comprise 14% of his audience on the platform.

Islamabad-based Saiyna Bashir Studios has dedicated the past three years to researching, developing, and securing fund-ing for Ustad, a documentary that delves into the life, music, and enduring legacy of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The team has conducted extensive interviews with some of Nusrat’s closest collaborators, including Peter Gabriel and Michael Brook, as well as biographers, ethnomusi-cologists, childhood friends, physicians, secretaries, and his dedicated tabla accompanist.

Rashid Ahmed Din, Nusrat’s manager and translator, who also translated the lyrics for the Chain of Light album, was inter-viewed for the documentary.

Chain of Light features previously unreleased record-ings of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and his qawwali party, captured at Real World Studios in 1990. Painstakingly restored from the original analogue tapes, this lost album includes a flawless rendition of the beloved classic ‘Ya Allah Ya Rehman,’ as well as the only known recording of ‘Ya Gaus Ya Meeran.’

Faraar serial cast finalized

After weeks of anticipation and speculation, the official cast of the upcoming drama, Faraar, has finally been revealed.This highly anticipated series is poised to be one of the most exciting serials of the year. The drama boasts a star-studded lineup, featuring some of the industry’s most talented actors. Leading the cast are Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ahmed Ali Akbar, Danyal Zafar, Sohai Ali Abro, Merub Ali, and Mamya Shajjafar, each bringing their unique flair to this promising project. While these six actors headline Faraar, the drama’s intricate and interconnected storylines also introduce a diverse array of supporting characters. Among the supporting names is Sami Khan, who will play a pivotal role. More cast members will be announced soon, so stay tuned for updates.

Initially, there was much speculation about the potential cast, with rumors suggesting that stars like Sajal Aly and Sabeena Farooq might be involved. However, the official cast announcement has put an end to all speculation. Produced by Samina Humayun Saeed and Sana Shahnawaz, Faraar is directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain and written by Mustafa Afridi. Keep an eye out for more news on this exciting project.

Drama review criticism: the rise of social media and expert opinions

The advent of social media has made it remarkably easy for anyone to express their opinions on anything including TV shows, films, or music. While I personally may not be a fan of a bevy of such productions, it’s clear that a significant number of Pakistani viewers are engaged with this content. One particular show that has consistently captured the spotlight is Kya Drama Hai, hosted by Mukarram Kaleem. The show features a panel of experienced judges who offer their commentary on the latest TV dramas. Whether viewers agree or disagree with their opinions, it’s difficult to dispute the expertise of the judges, who are seasoned figures in the entertainment industry. The panel includes well-known actors like Nadia Khan, Rubina Ashraf, Atiqa Odho, Marina Khan, Maria Wasti, and Faysal Qureshi. In a recent episode of Kya Drama Hai, Marina Khan posed several questions about Fahad Mustafa’s character in the serial Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. She expressed confusion regarding certain aspects of Mustafa’s life and financial situation, seeking clarification.

Addressing the matter during the episode, Marina Khan stated, “I’m curious to know how Mustafa acquired all his assets.Where did he get his motorbike, the P35, and all the other possessions he’s now selling for money? If he was financially stable at one point, where has that money gone? Or if he still has the ability to earn, why is he relying on others? Why isn’t he working now? He held a job for a period; surely, he can still find ways to earn through that.”

Marina Khan’s questions sparked a significant reaction from fans and social media users. Many viewers believe that the judges on the show appear without thoroughly researching or understanding the dramas they are reviewing.

In this particular instance, many fans suggested that Marina Khan may not have watched the relevant episodes, as she seemed unaware of how Mustafa acquired his assets. Fans of the drama pointed out that the show clearly explains Mustafa’s financial background and criticized the judges for failing to grasp the context. Many also emphasized that the judges should differentiate between drama and reality. They argued that if the judges had watched the episodes beforehand, they would have a better understanding of the storyline and could avoid raising unnecessary questions.

The debate surrounding Marina Khan’s comments has sparked discussions about the responsibility of critics and the importance of being well-informed when passing judgment on any form of entertainment. Criticism, in itself, is not inherently negative.

Actors, musicians, and artists worldwide regularly receive feedback. The key to handling criticism effectively lies in two areas: developing a thick skin, as some feedback can be unnecessarily harsh, and striving to offer fair and constructive criticism that can help the artist grow. It’s also essential for critics to ensure they have thoroughly watched the content they are reviewing to provide informed opinions.

Netizens should also take a step back and avoid getting overly defensive. While not all Pakistani dramas are substandard, we must acknowledge that on a global scale, we still have room for improvement.

We haven’t produced shows on the level of House of Cards or Delhi Crime, so a bit of constructive criticism could actually benefit our industry.