Alamgir goes through successful surgery

It was only a while back when singer Alamgir had shared a heartfelt message on his official Facebook page asking fans to pray for his health; he was due for a kidney removal in Atlanta, US, as he suffers from a polycystic kidney disease.

In the latest update, the legendary singer’s wife took to social media to reveal that the surgery has been successful, thanking fans for their wishes and asking them to pray for his speedy recovery. He is currently in ICU and it will take him about 4 to 6 months to fully recover and come back to Pakistan before he can finally get a transplant next year.

The musical gem of the ’80s and ’90s, Alamgir has given us countless hummable melodies that are still fresh in our memories including ‘Dekha Na Tha’ and ‘Albela Rahi’. Earlier, the government had promised financial support to Alamgir in his tough time but the singer had shared that while the government had promised him an amount of 50 lakhs, he only received 20. It is unfortunate to see our national artists having to suffer with no support from the ministries but one sure hopes for Alamgir’s healthy recovery.

 

 

Riteish’s Bangistan banned in Pakistan

A film about two dumb-witted terrorist on a mission starring Riteish Deshmukh and Pulkit Samrat, Bangistan’s first trailer promises a barrel full of laughs and a message that giving up your life for an act of terrorism is a futile exercise. However, given the sensitivity of the issue and how it hits so close to home, buzz has it that the film has already been banned here in Pakistan.

According to Movie Talkies, the director of the film Ritesh Sidhwani has confirmed the news of the unprecedented ban and feels it was a misjudgment at our censor board’s part. “Basing their judgment on the trailer alone, they have decided that the film is anti-Pakistan,” the director said. “If anything, it’s anti-terrorism and since Pakistan is as much a victim of this global menace as any other country, it is in their interest to screen the film. Its message is that it’s foolish to give up your life for a cause you’ll not live to fight for. I’d like to show the film to the ministry and the Censor Board in Pakistan to prove that our intentions are fair.”

The news of the Pakistani ban has come soon after Mahira Khan-starrer Bin Roye was not released in India simply because it was an import from across the border. The film that does not depict any sensitive issues and is only an emotional tear-jerker was pulled out of theatres because of the pressure of extremist Hindu parties. In comparison, Pakistan has been a lot more welcoming of Bollywood films. In fact, Bajrangi Bhaijaan has been a soaring success on the Eid weekend. Nevertheless, it’s time both industries be more open-minded in embracing each other more than just on celluloid and paper.

 

 

 

Resham is compelling in Swaarangi trailer

The winner of National award for her role in Sangam, actress Resham has remained under-rated despite immense acting talent. Even with most Lollywood divas sitting it out, the actress has continued acting foraying into television post Lollywood’s fall. She is now ready to take on the big screen once again with Phida Hussain’s Swaarangi and the recently-released trailer is a brilliant display of Resham’s talent.

A gut-wrenching tale of a woman’s struggle to save her kids from the wrath of her drug-addict husband, the trailer shows Resham taking centre stage with her emotional outbursts and her confidence in portraying the tribal, burqa-clad woman who braves the risks of a journey marked by drug lords and crime. The actress has always had potential and it will be interesting to see what she has to add to this new wave of Pakistani cinema.

The film that has long been delayed is scheduled for August 28 release and also stars Ayub Khoso and Waseem Manzoor. The film has been produced by Mazhar Abbas with music by Sahir Ali Bagga.