Mansha Pasha – Not just a pretty face

Mansha Pasha is directing a six-part series with a trust, making public service announcements to be released every month till January. Her recently released PSA tackled post-partum depression. The 29-year-old says she wants to cover topics that are taboo in Pakistani society and are rarely talked about. “I am trying to make the PSAs narrative driven with an emotional tug at the core. I think that to make a PSA relateable and effective, your viewer needs to be able to establish a basic emotional connection,” the actress said, adding, “Also, in the PSAs, we're trying to have a character who becomes a role model. So for example, with postpartum depression, we have shown how the life experience of a woman changes before and after the pregnancy, and how the husband can step in to comfort the wife.” About having a drive to work for social causes, Mansha revealed, “I come from a family of doctors and lawyers - my mother is a retired doctor who's doing social work nowadays, so social consciousness was instilled in me at a young age.”

Make room for more debuts

Farhan Saeed has a surprise for his fans. The Thori Der singer has just landed his first film project as an actor and he's set to play its male lead. It's said that the female lead will be announced in the coming days. What's interesting about the film is that it's not only written by Punjab Nahi Jaungi writer Khalil ur Rehman Qamar, but will also mark his debut as a film director.

Khalil ur Rehman's scripts always leave an impact – he has TV hits like Pyarey Afzal, Sadqay Tumhare, Zara Yaad Kar and Mera Naam Yousuf Hai to his credit. So its naturally exciting to wait for what he will bring to the big screen this time. While Farhan also received positive reviews on his stint in TV drama Udaari. Here’s wishing him all the luck for this one!

A new call!

Singer Junaid Khan has been roped in for upcoming drama serial, Khasara. The show's cast also includes Mikaal Zulfiqar, Sarwat Gillani and Sonia Mishal among others. The Dil Ki Lagi leading man revealed that the drama "revolves around four characters played by myself, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Sarwat Gilani and Sonia Mishal." Elaborating on his character, Junaid said, "My character is a simple man from a village near Karachi. He has a simple government job, a very normal life, with a wife and two children, and is very content with it,” and added, “He doesn't have many desires and is of the mindset that one should make the best of what one has. That's not to say he's lazy, he's very hardworking."

Junaid also gave a sneakpeek into what the rest of the cast is upto. "Sonia plays my wife in the series and she is the more ambitious one. She wants more for the family with dreams to move to the big city, gain more success and stretch boundaries." The plot for Mikaal Zulfiqaar and Sarwat Gilani will be rather different, as Junaid explained, "On the other side, you'll see Mikaal's character, who plays my school friend, and his recent marriage with Sarwat. They live in Karachi and Sarwat comes from a well off family."

Hot Pursuit

Glued to the Screen

Dilnawaz

This is something exciting and different being brought to our screens – Dilnawaz follows the story of a jinn and highlights the clash

of human strengths and supernatural powers all all shrouded in mystery and suspense amidst family conflicts. The plot revolves around a love triangle between two humans and a spiritual entity. Starring Neelam Muneer, Waseem Abbas, Wahaj Ali, Minal Khan among others, this is one to watch!

Around Town

Lahore gets beautified

Masarrat Misbah Make-up (MM), Pakistan’s Halal certified makeup brand, had a splendid exclusive three-day make-up show recently at Fortress Mall, Lahore. The event was a success, as a huge number of people lined up to get expert make-up advice from the make-up maestro Masarrat Misbah herself, and availed the chance to get free makeovers for themselves.

“It is always a pleasant surprise to see such a huge response from people, and interact with them on a personal level, and develop a stronger connection. I am extremely thankful to every one of our prestigious customers who came to our stall at the make-up show,” Misbah stated. The event also offered free make-up application tips and tricks to the people visiting the MM stall.

The Right Note

Not hitting it right!

Verna’s new track Sambhal Sambhal Kay released to mixed reviews. The video shows Mahira Khan in love with Haroon Shahid, who plays her husband in the film and has also lent his vocals for this song. The couple is seen enjoying a picnic and some music while a photographer friend captures the memories. The song, which also features Zeb Bangash, is almost sappy but, from lyrics to melody, has nothing extraordinary about it. Yet the cast and some media outlets kept praising it vehemently which irked many others. Give it a listen and decide for yourself.

Treasure Trove

Have you seen the new Rani trailer?

Many people already know Kami Sid as an activist who has worked relentlessly for the transgender community in Pakistan. Sid also made headlines when she debuted as a model in November last year and now, the trailer for her upcoming short film, Rani has been released. The upcoming flick has been directed by US-based director Hammad Rizvi. Rani tells the story of a transgender who makes a living by selling toys on the streets of Karachi. One day she finds an abandoned baby, lying in a cradle outside an orphanage. Overcome by emotion, she picks the baby and takes it home. Later, after a series of distressing events, she realises the discrimination the child would face as a result of her decision. Check out the trailer!

Where, what, when

MX360 Power Shred for Women

MX360 by Mehreen Hussain is focused on complete fitness; fat loss, muscular endurance, conditioning and improving strength. So all you ladies, register yourselves for power packed fitness classes near Habitt, Tipu Sulltan Rd. Karachi, starting from 6 Nov. To sign up, go to: http://bit.ly/1qheVz3

Women Digital Entrepreneurship Training

If you are a person with a passion to do something, a clear vision and a basic understanding of what digital entrepreneurship is, this program is for you. Join ladies at LOOP – Leadership & Object Oriented Programs, 782 G4 JoharTown, Lahore on 6 Nov. For more details, contact: 03314353994, 03318099555

Kids Gymnastics

Get your kids, aged between five and 12, enrolled in gymnastics classes at Shaheen Gymnastics, Office 31, First floor, AL Rehman Mall, G-11 Markaz, Islamabad, starting from 7 Nov. For further information, call: 03341111759