Javed Bashir opts for Delhi after the Mumbai incidents

After Shiv Sena’s recent uproar against Pakistani artistes in Mumbai, causing them to cancel their performances last minute, Delhi has become more of a preferred spot for singers from this side of the border. It is no wonder then that former Mekaal Hasan Band vocalist Javed Bashir has opted to perform in Delhi.

According to the Indian Express, after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticized the Shiv Sena for their atrocious behaviour and invited Ghulam Ali Khan for a concert in Delhi instead – slated to happen in December – NGO Routes2Roots decided to host Bashir for a concert titled ‘Music for Peace’ on October 18, in Delhi.

“This whole Ghulam Ali sahab incident really disappointed me, which is also why I have agreed to do this concert,” said Bashir in an interview with the publication. “I strongly believe that politics and art should not be merged. The response that my songs have received in India in the past has been more than overwhelming, which proves that people want to listen to good music. I am looking forward to my Delhi concert and hope that it happens without any glitches.”    

Earlier Bashir in an interview with IANS, Bashir said that it was no longer feasible to perform in Mumbai because of security issues. “Music has no religion and only artists can bring peace and harmony between the two countries. I have performed in Mumbai four times in the past 12 years, but now I think it’s not the right situation,” he said.

 

 

Faran Tahir to play Othello on stage

 

Whether it’s in films, on television or on the stage, Faran Tahir is becoming the quintessential Pakistani-born hero in the USA. We all know about his role as Commander in Super Girl and he even guest starred as a detective in television’s current sensation How to Get Away with Murder. The actor will now be seen essaying Othello in a stage production in Washington DC.

The play is going to be a Shakespeare Theatre Company production, with internationally acclaimed director Ron Daniels overseeing the direction, and will be staged at the Sidney Harman Hall in Washington. On playing the titular role in the theatrical production, Faran said, “I am very excited to take on this challenge and the timely themes of this wonderful tragedy including the heartbreaking destruction of a man.”

One of William Shakespeare’s finest works, Othello revolves around the Moor of Venice, his wife and loyal lieutenant Cassio and is a tragedy that explores issues like racism, envy, love and repentance. It has been adapted time and again for film, theatre and television including the Bollywood film Omkara.

 

 

 

 

Selena Gomez confirms rumours on Lupus

Rumours have long been circulating regarding pop singer Selena Gomez’s health issues and according to a recent report by CNN, the rumours aren’t false. Selena has revealed that she does have Lupus and that is the reas­on why she has been missing from the spotlight.

“I was diagnosed with lupus, and I’ve been through chemotherapy. That’s what my break was really about. I could’ve had a stroke,” the singer said in an interview with Billboard magazine. Lupus is a chronic disease that can affect any part of the body — typically the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. It affects the immune system of an individual such that instead of fighting off viruses and bacteria with antibodies, the patient’s body creates auto-antibodies that attack healthy tissue.

The reason why Selena decided to come out was so that she could help fans facing similar issues. “To be honest, it still makes me uncomfortable to talk about it,” Gomez said. “I feel I’m able to reach my fans and understand people when I am one on one and they’re dealing with the same thing because I’ve been there. I’m trying to take something that’s negative and turn it into a positive.”

About 1.5 million Americans have Lupus, and it affects mostly women between the ages of 15 and 44.