1. Which of these Pakistani bands is credited with introducing Sufi rock to the mainstream?

a) Junoon

b) Vital Signs

c) EP (Entity Paradigm)

d) Chand Tara Orchestra

3. Which Pakistani television drama featured the song ‘Humsafar’ by Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch?

a) Zindagi Gulzar Hai

b) Humsafar

c) Mere Paas Tum Ho

d) Dastaan

5. Who among these does not host a podcast?

a) Frieha Altaf

b) Ahmed Ali Butt

c) Taimoor Salahuddin

d) Kamran ‘Mannu’ Zafar

7. Which of the following
fashion designers have acted in a film (and/or) television serial?

a) Deepak Perwani and
Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY)

b) Sania Maskatiya and
Bunto Kazmi

c) Sana Hashwani and
Safinaz Munir

d) Sonya Battla and Sadaf
Fawad Khan

2. Which Pakistani artist is
celebrated for establishing a global platform to amplify voices through her work?

a) Sabiha Sumar

b) Mehreen Jabbar

c) Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

d) Hadiqa Kiani

6. Who among these has not directed a full-length feature film that has played in local cinema houses?

a) Zohaib Kazi

b) Kamal Khan

c) Asim Raza

d) Ahsan Rahim

4. Who among these is a pioneer of the Pakistani underground music scene?

a) Farhad Humayun

b) Ali Azmat

c) Bilal Maqsood

d) Sajjad Ali

8. Which of the following cinematographers have shot Coke Studio, a limited series for a South Asian platform, several Pakistani films as well as a music video?

a) Bilal Lashari

b) Awais Gohar

c) Mo Azmi

d) Fawad Khan

e) None of the above

1. The correct answer is a.

Junoon is widely regarded as the pioneer of Sufi rock, blending traditional Qawwali music with rock elements. Tracks like ‘Sayonee’ and ‘Bulleya’, not only became anthems in Pakistan but also earned them international recognition, including performances at global events. They introduced a whole new sound for the region with their spiritually defiant music, which is cherished by fans to this day.

2. The correct answer is c.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is an acclaimed filmmaker and activist whose work has brought attention to pressing social issues in Pakistan and beyond. Though primarily known for her award-winning documentaries, including ‘Saving Face’ and ‘A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness,’ her direction of two episodes of Ms. Marvel series from the MCU universe brought more focus to the series, which in turn brought more focus to the music in the series. This included many Pakistani songs, such as ‘Peechay Hutt’ produced by Talal Qureshi with vocals by Hassan Raheem and Justin Bibis, ‘Pasoori‘ by Ali Sethi and Shae Gill, ‘Ko Ko Koreena‘ by Ahmed Rushdi, ‘Disco Deewane’ by the late Nazia Hasan, ‘Rozi’ by Eva b, ‘Tu Jhoom‘ by Abida Parveen and Naseebo Laal, and lastly, ‘Cpt. Space’ by Janoobi Khargosh. While her work extends beyond the music industry, her impact on highlighting Pakistani talent remains unparalleled.

3. The correct answer is b.

The title track ‘Humsafar,’ sung by Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch (commonly known as QB), became an instant classic when the drama aired in 2011. The song, with its melancholic melody and beautiful lyrics by Naseer Turabi, perfectly captured the emotional depth of the show’s storyline. Waqar Ali composed the song, and it became a huge hit that fans still love today. The song not only catapulted QB to stardom but also showcased the integral role music plays in elevating Pakistani dramas to iconic status.

4. The correct answer is a.

Farhad Humayun, the late drummer, vocalist and founder of the band Overload, was a trailblazer in Pakistan’s underground music scene. With its unique brand of music, Overload merged traditional percussion pieces, like the dhol with rock and electronic sounds to create a unique sound. His dynamic live performances and innovative style broke barriers, earning Overload the title of “The Loudest Band in Pakistan.” Though he is no longer here, his music and his inspiration still live on.

5. The correct answer is d.

Frieha Altaf, an actor, former fashion model, PR mogul with her own company called Catwalk and event planner among other things, hosts a podcast called FWhy Podcast. Actor and musician Ahmed Ali Butt hosts a podcast called Excuse Me with Ahmed Ali Butt while Taimoor Salahuddin, a musician and content creator is known for Mooroo Podcasts.

6. The correct answer is a.

Kamal Khan made his film directorial debut with the critically acclaimed Laal Kabootar; Asim Raza has directed several films, with the most popular ones being Ho Mann Jahan and Parey Hut Love, while Ahsan Rahim is best known for films such as Teefa in Trouble and The Donkey King. Zohaib Kazi has directed multiple music videos, a season of Coke Studio as well as documentaries, but he has yet to direct his own film that finds a space in local cinema houses.

7. The correct answer is a.

Out of all the designers mentioned, only Deepak Perwani and Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY) have acting experience. Deepak Perwani made his acting debut with Mere Pass Pass, while HSY is best known for his role in the television serial, Pehli Si Mohabbat.

8. The correct answer is c.

Fawad Khan, for example, is a curveball. He is most experienced in front of the lens and not behind it. Bilal Lashari is a cinematographer and a filmmaker, with The Legend of Maula Jatt and several music videos to his credit, while Awais Gohar is emerging as one of the strongest directors and cinematographers as the industry continues to grow. His work includes being the cinematographer for Saakin’s music video, ‘Sik Mitraan’, Sarmad Khoosat’s brilliant film, Kamli, Coke Studio 15’s ‘Aayi Aayi,’ and several other projects. But one man who has literally done it all is Mo Azmi. He is primarily a cinematographer, and his projects include films such as Asim Abbasi’s feature film Cake, Kamal Khan’s crime thriller Laal Kabootar, a limited series for Zee 5 called Barzakh, ‘Piya Piya Calling’ from Coke Studio 15, the critically acclaimed music video of The D/A Method’s ‘The Desert Journey’, one episode from Showtime’s documentary series, Vice, and the list goes on and on. There is no one in Pakistan who can match the visual aesthetic with which Mo Azmi approaches each project behind the lens. Mo Azmi is also expanding his resume by being a producer and a director, but he remains most well-known for his cinematographic achievements.