It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged on the site. If anyone has any suggestions for desigupshup feel free to give us a shout!  Since I tend to be the sports writer I’ll get everyone in on the latest scoop that’s taken the whole cricketing fraternity by shock. Recently there was a terrorist attack in Lahore, Pakistan where the 3rd day’s play of the 2nd test match in a series of 2 was about to begin. The terrorists targeted the Sir Lankan cricket team and the attack was carried out somewhat successfully. A lot of the grenades thrown did not actually blow up, but several players, personnel and officials were injured. Injuries varied from just pieces of shrapnel to bullet wounds in the leg and chest. The driver carrying the officials died and one umpire was shot.

It was Team Pakistan’s luck that on this particular day their bus left 5 minutes later rather than together like they usually do or it might have been worse. I would say that this could be this a mere coincidence as luck was on their side that day. However let’s just quickly look at the trend from the past summer onwards in terms of security rated by the words of the Sri Lankan team personnel. The Asia Cup was held in Pakistan in the summer of ‘08 – great. The Sri Lankan team came for 3 ODIs in January – great (and this a direct result of India cancelling their series with us for security reasons after the Mumbai blasts). The 1st test of this series in Karachi – great. However when they came to Lahore, the security was quite different. So different that our own Imran Khan said and I quote: “The security provided to the Sri Lankan team was ten times less than what is given to interior ministry adviser Rehman Malik”

These are the facts and I am not going to be criticising anyone or anything here. What’s clear is that simply Pakistan messed it up. Why, we don’t know. However because of this little mishap no country will be visiting Pakistan for nearly 1-3 years potentially and that is if things get better. The people as always have been the ones to lose and no one else. The terrorists got their attention and they don’t even deserve it. Other security issues from back when Benazir was assassinated and onwards have resulted in Pakistan losing the Champions Trophy already, something that would have done Pakistan wonders on the world stage and financially.

So on a lighter side, I feel the there are a few music artists who are trying their best to try and do something about this. I will take Shehzad Roy’s example here. In his newest album: Qismat Apnay Haath Main, it is an album meant for the masses and youth love in Pakistan. He has released three videos so far, the first being Laga Reh – a very thought provoking song, second was Ek Baar – one of the love ballads in the album, Zindagi ft. Abida Perveen – beautiful music and video, was released long before the album as a special feature for Zindagi Trust (his philanthropic organization), and the newest one was for the title song Qismat Apnay Haath Main – very well written. I might also add that Shehzad Roy has penned the lyrics for nearly all the songs himself. This is the one I would like to showcase today! I would encourage all readers to see all the other videos I have mentioned here, as I’m sure you will like them like I did.

It really makes you think doesn’t it!

I’ll write back soon…Hassaan.

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I always break into laughing fits when I see this, so I hope you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do. Behold…the Cobra Dance!

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The duo calls themselves “Dynamic” which is a very befitting name because they are definitely versatile, talented, and full of surprises.

Check out their audition dance – You will LOVE it!!! Goes to show you what two ordinary people with a dream can achieve.

Dynamic went on to win second place in Britain’s Got Talent beating out some very stiff competition.

Enjoy the video

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The film was made in 1982 and stars Rishi Kapoor, Poonam Dhillon, and Tina Munim as the lead actors. Vikram (Rishi Kapoor), a rich but down to earth kind of guy falls in love with Sunita (Poonam), a poor orphaned lady with a beautiful voice. They are happily in love and plan to get married. Vikram’s mother is dead set against the union for reasons of social status and misplaced pride.

Vikram goes against his mother’s wishes and is about to marry Sunita when a horrific tragedy strikes. They are in a car accident which leaves Vikram with minor injuries, but Sunita’s face is completely disfigured. Vikram’s mother lies and tells him that Sunita is dead. Sunita is sent to another city and undergoes multiple plastic surgeries. The operations are successful, but her face and identity are changed forever. Here enters the new Sunita played by Tina Munim.

That’s part of the story up until the intermission. The rest is for you to see if you want to. I’ve seen this movie many times, and am still not tired of it. It’s a great choice for one of those nights that you want to explore a classic option.

Enjoy the song! If you decide to watch the movie, I am positive you will like it

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By: Hassaan Q – Staff Writer for DesiGupShup.com

I’m talking about the females in the music industry. They’re basically not there, except for Hadiqa Kiani and then the less commercial Fariha Pervaiz. The newest one to come on to the block is not just one, but a duo.

They go by the name Zeb & Haniya, otherwise known as Zebunnisa Bangash and Haniya Aslam. As their website www.zebandhaniya.com will tell you, the band is primarily based in Lahore, however travel to Islamabad and Karachi for their work. Zeb is from Peshawar (or somewhere in North-West Frontier Province) and Haniya’s hometown is Islamabad. They are first cousins.

Well enough about them, let’s get to their music! It is a very new sound and mixes a lot of genres, so they cannot be classified in one genre of music. They’ve been described as Alternative, Art Folk, Ethnic Blues, World Music, and Easy Listening. Their first song that hit the airwaves was Chup getting rave reviews.

The album was finally released some months ago after some delay and immense work. They have lots of big names in the industry who helped them out from Mekaal of Mekaal Hasan Band, Shallum Xavier of Fuzon, “Gumby” Hildegen Oiseth from Norway, and several others. The album is titled ‘Chup’ and their first video was released very soon after for their song Aitebar and was directed critically acclaimed director Saqib Malik. The video is something not seen as much in Pakistan and is new to our eyes, but I think it works and looks great!

Here’s to their success and hoping others like them follow suit.

Oh and since we are talking about the females of the Pakistan music industry, I suppose I should let everyone know that Hadiqa Kiani’s official facebook page has announced that her new album will be coming out soon. An official release date has not been set, but will likely come about around Eid. It is titled “O’ Assmaa”

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This is a break from Shehzad’s usual romantic numbers, and has a hard hitting, yet entertaining view on the current situation in Pakistan.

Hats off to Shehzad for having the guts to make this video!

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