Atif’s music goes global

He is looking forward to the Indian release of his acting debut, ‘Bol’, but if all goes well, Pakistani singer Atif Aslam will be part of a much bigger partnership, reports the Times of India. He might just end up collaborating with big-ticket musicians like John Mayer, Coldplay and Jimmy Page (the founder of famous hard rockband Led Zeppelin). Aslam is a member of The Sonic Peacemakers’ ‘Pakistan America: Peace Through Music’ — a project aimed to bring Americans and Pakistanis closer, and support and develop the country’s artistic talent.

“Whenever I’m in the US, I keep aside a week to work only on my collaborations with artistes. Be it raising money or tying up with musicians, I’m doing everything on my own,” says Atif. “We are planning to collaborate with Mayer, Coldplay and Jimmy Page, but nothing is finalised yet.”

A hit Bollywood singer too, Atif says, “I’m keeping my fingers crossed because, after all, they are busy people.” But is it likely to happen? “We will keep everyone informed about it,” he says.

Atif has already recorded four songs with the ex-members of iconic American band Guns N’ Roses — Slash, Gliby Clarke and Chris Pitman for the album The Dreamer Awakes. “With the initiative, I plan to bring Pakistani singers — including our Sufi singers — and American artistes together for musical collaborations,” he says.

Regarding the upcoming release of Shoaib Mansoor’s Bol, Atif mentions, “It’s always exciting to work on new projects. ‘Bol’ is a very serious film and not just meant for pure entertainment.” Admitting that he was nervous about the film, he adds, “Although I have acted in my music videos and that helped, mouthing dialogues, that too intense ones, is a completely different ballgame. Shoaib Mansoor is a one-of-a-kind director. I loved his last film, ‘Khuda Ke Liye’.” daily times monitor

Evergreen beauty Sridevi turns 48

Updated at: 1311 PST,  Saturday, August 13, 2011  MUMBAI: The evergreen beauty queen of Indian Cinema Sridevi Boney Kapoor is celebrating her 48thbirthday today (August 13). Having made impression acting in several hundred films in various languages including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam, Sridevi has managed to find a place in the history of Indian cinema with some of her soul-stirring performances. Sridevi started her career as a child artiste in the Tamil movie Kandhan Karunai in 1967. She had also been part of few Malayalam movies then. Winner of Filmfare Awards for Best Actress in Meendum Kokila and Kshana Kshanam, Sridevi ventured to Hindi successfully with Solva Saawan. She followed it up with hits like Himmatwala, Sadma, Tohfa, Nagina, Mr India, Chandni, and Chaalbaaz. Nagina is remembered for her iconic dance sequence in the film's climax. Shekhar Kapur's all-time hit Mr India won her rave reviews. She acted alongside Amitabh Bachachan in movies like Khuda Gawah and Gumrah and movies like Laadla won her acclaims. After the blockbuster hit in Judaai, the actress married prominent producer Boney Kapoor and bid bye to the industry. Sridevi returned to the small screen, briefly, in the popular serial Malini Iyer.

‘American Idol’ producer says Jennifer Lopez coming back

LOS ANGELES: It is not quite official, but it is pretty close. Singing star Jennifer Lopez will return as a judge on top-rated TV singing contest "American Idol," the program's lead producer said on Wednesday. Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe, in an interview on "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest's radio show, was asked whether Lopez would return for an 11th season, and he said yes. (Reuters)

Pakistan beats Afghanistan in one-day cricket match

Pakistan-A players celebrate after the dismissal of Afghanistan's Noor Ali Zadran (unseen) during the first match in their one-day series in Islamabad May 25. Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by five wickets. [REUTERS/Faisal Mahmoo

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan-A defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in the teams’ first unofficial one-day international cricket match in Islamabad May 25.

With temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first, but Pakistan didn't allow the Afghan openers to stick to their crease.

Afghan vice captain Muhammad Nabi played a terrific innings and made 72 off 75 balls with the help of seven 4s and three 6s. He helped Afghanistan reach 152 runs.

Pakistan's Muhammad Talha took three wickets, while Sohail Tanweer and Sadaf Hussain took two each.

Pakistan-A started well but in the middle they stumbled, going 99 for just 2. Experienced players finished the task with more than 10 overs to spare.

“The Pakistani team played well, and all credit goes to them,” Afghan team captain Nawroz Mangal said. “Our team is young, and it’s a good opportunity for them.”

Sohail Tanveer, Pakistan’s captain, said, “It was a good match. The Afghan team is young and still needs to improve in international cricket.”

Pakistan thanked the Afghan team for coming, Tanveer said. It was the first international match in Pakistan since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team in March 2009 in Lahore.
The second match will be May 27 in Rawalpindi.

The match was heavily guarded by police and army personnel. “We are here to provide the best security,” said Inam Ullah Khan, deputy superintendent of Islamabad police.

Naghma Bibi, a Pashtu singer, was on hand to boost Afghan players’ morale. Afterward he assessed the Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship.

“I have noticed that the people at the low level want peace between the two countries,” Naghma said.

Imran Khan's stylish tribute to three Khans

 MUMBAI: Imran Khan matched steps of three illustrious Khans — Aamir, Shah Rukh and Salman — in his next release, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. The title track of the film will see him imitating the signature moves of the trio in the song, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan… Matrimonial Ki Aankhen… composed by Sohail Sen and shot over three days.

Imran, who features in the Yash Raj Films project opposite Katrina Kaif, shot for the peppy song in Mumbai, New Delhi and Dehradun.

It will begin with Aamir’s famous Aati Kya Khandala… from Ghulam (1998), with a bit of Rang De Basanti (RDB, 2006) thrown in.

Next, Salman is idolised in his classic ‘belt hook’ avatar from Dabangg (2010) and later SRK on a train in Dil Se (1998).

But the actor admits it wasn’t a smooth ride. The train would slow down or speed up suddenly, and bounce along the tracks.

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, another Yash Raj production also features Pakistani actor-musician Ali Zafar, and is slated to release on September 9.

The film marks the directorial debut of Ali Abbas Zafar.

Priyanka Chopra turns 29 today

MUMBAI: It’s Priyanka Chopra’s birthday today. The gorgeous Cancerian turns 29 but doesn’t plan to throw a big bash. Priyanka Chopra has just returned to Mumbai after a prolonged stay abroad which began with IIFA Toronto in June, followed by a vacation in Los Angeles. But just before her birthday, the actress has returned to Mumbai to shoot some scenes of Ra.One with Shahrukh Khan. On her birthday she plans to spend time with her family members and friends. It’s no secret that Priyanka hates throwing parties and hasn’t hosted a single bash after the one for Gerard Butler in April 2009. So the actress won’t be throwing a lavish bash; rather some of her friends and colleagues -- most likely Shahrukh Khan -- are expected to surprise her with a party. The birthday could partly be a working day for Priyanka. But she’ll keep herself free in the evening. We hear that Priyanka’s mom has already given her a few pre-birthday gifts during her stay in Los Angeles. Priyanka is presently looking forward to a number of films, including Don 2, Agneepath, Barfee and Krrish 2. There’s also an untitled film with Shahid Kapoor.

Kareena to be waxed as 'Chameli'

MUMBAI: Finally it's finalised... After many discussions, Kareena Kapoor's avatar for the famous Madame Tussauds museum in London has been decided. The actress is reported to be waxed in 'Chameli' look, the character for which she was critically acclaimed and the 2003 movie that proved to be a boost in her career. According to sources, several looks were discussed, but the maximum number of votes went to Kareena's look in 'Chameli', for which she won many awards. Besides, since it's an international forum, they wanted her in Indian wear. The sources added that the museum officials have taken Bebo's measurements and have been working on her statue. For her role in 'Chameli', B-town's favourite designer Manish Malhotra along with executive producer Rangita Nandy had done the costumes and looks. So it is said that Manish will most probably design Kareen's Tussauds look as well. Kareena will be flying London in October to unveil her wax statue, sources revealed.

TSA to upgrade body scanners to eliminate nude images

 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John Pistole announced today that the TSA will begin installing new software on the Advanced Imaging Technology scanners "designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger-specific images."

The TSA said the changes will be made to the controversial 'Millimeter Wave Advanced Imaging Technology' units, which are responsible for the individual nude body images that travelers have vehemently objected to having TSA agents view.

Once the new software is in place in all United States airports TSA agents will see just a generic outline for each passenger. "The software, known as Automated Target Recognition (ATR), will auto-detect items prohibited by TSA regulations, and increase the efficiency of the airport screening process," said the TSA statement.

“Our top priority is the safety of the traveling public, and TSA constantly strives to explore and implement new technologies that enhance security and strengthen privacy protections for the traveling public,” TSA Administrator John Pistole said. “This software upgrade enables us to continue providing a high level of security through advanced imaging technology screening, while improving the passenger experience at checkpoints.”

The software, which has been successfully tested in Atlanta, Las Vegas and Washington, will pinpoint the location on the body of any potential threats and and mark these on on a computer-generated outline for examination by TSA screening agents.

The TSA will immediately begin to install the new software in nearly 200 Millimeter Wave AIT units at 41 airports in the country. Plans are underway to test similar software for backscatter units in select airports this fall. The TSA reports they have almost 500 imaging units in 78 airports nationwide.

The TSA points out that travelers will still be giving the choice of opting out of the imaging machines and go through a pat-down by TSA agents.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/309338#ixzz1SjrGKORh

Aisam’s love match!

A career of her own ensures that she does not simply bask in her husband’s glory or sulk in his shadow.

It seems that golden boy Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi will be married to more than just tennis soon. The 31-year-old athlete, peacemaker and teen-girls’ pin-up of choice has reportedly cemented a rishta with long-time love, Faha Akmal Makhdum, a British-Pakistani native of Suffolk.
Haq and Makhdum will be officially engaged next week and reports indicate that no fans are invited (no, that wasn’t a wind storm, it was a collection of sighs).
The betrothal announcement caused a viral explosion hailing from the blogosphere and torpedoing its way to the twittersphere, to the simultaneous clickety-clicks of text messagers and facebookers across Pakistan and even India. Although most people wish Aisfaha well, there are many broken hearts (average age: 18) seeking solace in a couple of scoops at The Hot Spot.

Live blog with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi

Hello everyone!
First of all, I want to thank everyone for all the prayers and support. A special thanks to everyone who turned up at the airport to welome me! I was quite surprised to see so many people there.
Now, for the questions.
I will start off by answering the questions received in the last few days…

Aisha Jalil: Asalam-o-Alikum Aisam,

First of all Congrats on your achievement of being the first Pakistani to reach in the finals of any US open (or grand slam) tournament. You made us all very proud Pakistanis. Keep up the good work. Your speech at the prize distribution ceremony was just awesome. I mean u said exactly what every Pakistani would like to convey to the world and the impact of your words had tremendous effect not only on the people around the world but also on the youth of Pakistan. Thank you for upholding the pride of Pakistan and also the pride of Pakistani Sports people.

There is a lot of work to be done in order to rebuild and reconstruct the sports infrastructure of Pakistan. But I guess not a lot of the prevailing sports administrators are interested in hiring or utilizing young talented people for sports development.  Anyways, lets hope for the best.

Best Regards.

Aisam: Thank you Aisha. I am InshaAllah planning on developing tennis in Pakistan. Keep praying.

MUHAMMAD SHAHID CHHIPA: Well done. Keep going like this. May Allah gives you strength and courage in your future also. The best thing you did while you were on the court is that you courgeouly told the world what Pakistan and its people are. They were truly brave and courageous comments you told about Pakistan against millions and billions of people around the world.

Aisam: Thank you.

Almas Abbas: What is your inspiration and motivation behind the success?

Aisam: Very simple. To make my parents and country proud.

Hani: Hi Aisam,

Congratulations on the victory! (making it this big was a victory for our nation, it doesn’t matter what the score was in the finals)

We need patriotic, confident, educated, discipline and mature sportsmen like you in the country who will always make us proud. The nation should have enough trust and confidence in its sportsmen to feel proud of them regardless of their performance. The trust we had in jehangir / jansher / imran khan… the trust we had in the hockey players…

Keep on doing your best and your have our back.

You have made Pakistan proud! and your speech at the ceremony were the words of our nation.

I never followed tennis in my life but i will start to do so with interest inshAllah.

Good luck with your future endeavors.

Aisam: It gives me great pleasure to know that I have been able to generate interest in tennis. It’s what I’ve been striving to do all these years.

ahmed farooq butt: ASA Aisam,

one and only vital question by all the pak community in Australia:)

What are your plans for Australian Open 2011 coming year? there is so much positive vibe and happiness in all the pakistani communities here , and many want travel to Melbourne to see you in action if you end up touring Down Under!!!

all the best with whatver you plan and see fit!

in all honesty, you have made us proud with both of your second place speeches, where a few people from other backgrounds have let us down.

Aisam: I am looking forward to the Australian Open. I love Australia. Really enjoy playing in Melbourne. I will spend some time in Sydney, too, this time.

Ehtisham Ayub (Wah Cantt): Dear Aisam
Salute! you as did that nobody can do especially with our limited resources and sports infrastructure.
You have plenty of experience as you moved up with the crunches and touched the sky, i want to know how will you utilize your experience to groom the home talent and secondly do you have any plan to give an exposure to Aqeel Khan to become your partner at world level tournaments.
Aisam: The only thing I can do for him is to encourage him to play more and more international tennis and improve his ranking. Aqeel and I aim to play together at the 2012 Olympics but that will only be possible if I am in the top 10 ATP rankings so that’s the goal.
Mudassar Z. Khan: Dear Aisam, Assalam o alaikum,
May Allah bless you with more talent and courage. Your performance and speech was awsome – “We want peace as much as you guys”.
Aisam: Thanks
Humayun Irshad: Very well done! Aisam you gave a great pleasure to the nation at this particular time when the whole nation was devastated by floods, cricketer’s gambling and Sialkot incidence. Please keep it up with a patriotic, enthusiastic and down to earth spirit.
Your comments were remarkable. You are the real ambassador of Pakistan.
Please never ever become arrogant, money maker, greedy. Our nation gives too much respect to our national heroes but most of them have disappointed the nation by earning through unfair means. So have faith in Allah, and play for this country. Play for a cause.
Aisam: Thank you, Humayun.
N Qazi: Assalamualakum Aisam.
Congratulations on your achievement.
U put up a great show there; especially the comments that you made to tell the paranoid americans not to sereotype our whole nation…
On another note, I knwo it will be difficult, but are you doing anything so Tennis doesn’t die its death in Pakistan? Please use your recent achievements to get some kind of sponsorship/ funding from world tennis association or may be UN or some olympics committe and start your own academy which can produce future committed players like yourself. & if you have any links with jehangirt, please request him to do the same for Squash.
We have to motivate our young people to participate in sports and athletics….well done mate on doing your bit. Hope your image motivates a lot of pakistani young people.
Aisam: I plan on opening an academy soon, where I will train young tennis players. I’ve always tried to promote tennis.
Saniya: hey aisam!!
WOW !! and CONGRATS and THANKYOU !!!
Question: What problems did you face while playing and practising in Pakistan ?
And BEST OF LUCK !!
Aisam: There aren’t that many world-class players here and you only improve when you play against the best. But it’s my responsibility to help the youngsters. I feel I am doing my job right and will keep up my efforts to young players.
Ahmer: A precious thanks to you bro.
May Allah be with you, ameen.
good on ya mate. good on ya
Aisam: You’re most welcome, bro.
Saher: O my God!!!!!!!!!! what an amazing speech u made infront of whole world after your splended performance.. The SIMPLE but INFLUENTIAL words followed by huge round of applause and appreciation are hard to ignore.. Your words are the voice of every Pakistani. The thing is we as a nation wanted a platform to give our feelings a voice… HOW and WHEN to deliver is the thing needs focus and now it’s obvious that it’s not that hard too. You’ve bacame an example for us .. Every Pakistani living in any country/region/piece of world, whether popular or not, can make it possible.
I want to thank and congratulate specially your Parents/Guide for their well brought-up.
I like your personality as well :0)
Keep rocking and stay blessed.
Aisam: Thanks for the kind words. I want to thank my parents too, they’re the main reason behind my success.
Hassan: You made us proud. Keep up the good work and best of luck for your future.
Aisam: Thanks, Hassan.
Bilal Anwar: AOA Aisam….We are so proud of you brother…May Allah give you more success and may you keep making us proud. We love you !!!! Thank you and keep spreading positivity around the world about PAKISTAN!!
Aisam: That’s always my aim, to lift Pakistan’s image and win laurels for my country. I love you more.
Mohammed Abbasi: I don’t really have much to say except keep up the good work
Aisam: I will try my best.
Tehmina: Dear Aisam, congratulations on your and your partners’ amazing performance in the US Open. As a Pakistani in New York, I was so proud to see you make it to the finals of the doubles events. Your remarks at the end were also so well said. Thanks for lifting our morale, and good luck with your future endeavours, we will certainly be cheering for you!
Aisam: Thanks for the support. I just wanted to relay the feelings of millions of Pakistanis.
Bilal: THANKS for bringing smiles on the faces of all pakistanis!!! you gave us hope and made us proud!!! keep it up!!
Aisam: You’re most welcome.
salman jafri: 1) what do you intend to do after tennis not talking singing or marriage or acting in lollywood during the tennis career but after tennis?
2) what do you make of pakistan’s sport scene?
3)what do you think of young players in your sport in comparison with other sports and in other countries?
4) do you think you will become a sports writer afterwards or is that written for you?
5) have you ever played at gymkhanas what do you make of admissions on to tennis courts
6) at your university – you played tennis i assume what do you think now looking back?
7) what you do make of your impact on tennis do you think kids will want to take it or will they drift after you quit pro tennis like squash champs – the khans jehangir or jansher khan in squash?
when do you think tennis will be able to get a dubai golf – $1million dollar prize type for dubai or asia?
Aisam: To answer some of your questions…
2. Right now it’s very sad because there is not international event happening here because of terrorism. I hope we can get international events back soon so we can get sports going.
3. Everybody is trying to get laurels for their country. It’s easier for them because they don’t have visa issues, they have facilities. But it doesn’t change the fact that I should work hard or start blaming the authorities.
4. No, I doubt it.
5. That’s different. They’re private clubs, run by private people.
7. I am not planning on quitting straight away. I will try to get more people start taking interest in tennis. I’m just trying to become a role model like the squash greats. I will hope to make more tennis champions.
Alena: Aisam! I have always loved tennis but missed Pakistan in the sport! And finally you have filled the void! Loved every bit of your play! Do more! Unlike Pakistan’s majority of media, I and many others will be by your side through thick and thin! Cause u made us proud  All the Bessst!
Aisam: I’m glad you enjoy my game. I will try my best to keep promoting tennis and Pakistan.
Murtuza Babrawala: Excellent Aisam. You have played and performed well. You have done well to show the World that Pakistan and India can be friends and work well with each other. Our politicians have failed us with respect to positive India and Pakistan relationship. Would you do something alongwith you partner Bhopana to show in either India or Pakistan that our countries can live and develop as good neigbours?
Aisam: Rohan and I are already trying to prove that Pakistanis and Indians can be friends and work together. One big step was to see both countries’ UN ambassadors sitting together. Hopefully we can take it forward from there.
Bilal Ali: Hello Aisam! first of all congradulations and Hats off to ur acheivements In US open. Well it could’nt be beter then this, in our country specially where some people took the Moral and standards of sports to a disgraceful and shameful state specifically CRICKET. IN such circumstances u made us proud that now we can imagine Pakistan in the world of tennis.
QUESTION
do you think that now besides men’s double or mixed u would be looking to acheive the same MILESTONE in mens SINGLE because this is the only event that i think u should also make an Pakistani name on that platform. we will always pray that u acheive maximum success in ur coming future (AMIN)
Aisam: All my life I’ve tried to promote the game…whether by playing singles or doubles. Singles is not my first priority even though I will be playing singles at Commonwealth Games and Davis Cup. I’ve just realised that I can promote Pakistan and tennis better in doubles.
SALEEM SHAHID (MEO SHEHR SULTAN): Q. Did it ever happen to you Dear AISAM that sme bookies as we see in the case of Pak crickcters? If yes, how did you feel and what was your reaction to that filthy offers
Aisam: No. So far never. Everyone knows my character on the ATP circuit. Even if they do, my answer is going to be no so I don’t think they’ll approach me.
T. Adil: Dear Aisam,
For starters, thank you so much for all you did for the people of Pakistan on and off the field. It was really commendable and you came forth at a time that can easily be seen as the lowest of lows we have seen as a nation. God bless you with more than what you can dream of and much more!
I would just like to make a comment and say that please stay the same person and always behave as responsibly as you have so far. We as a nation do not have the best track record in doing so and easily forget that each and every one of us, especially those who represent the country on such huge platforms, are ambassadors to the country and should always put that before indivdual gains.
May this only be the start for you and you always help Pakistanis hold their heads up high as you did.
Good luck and God bless!
Aisam: I have always tried to make my country proud and I hope to continue doing that. I always tend to keep my feet on the ground.
nabeel ahmed: Hi Aisam, you really made us proud. May Allah bless u with all the success n happiness in ur life. Amen
Well I dnt have words to praise u. you gave us a hope n boosted the moral of the nation at this time of distress and frustration. Keep winning and try hard for making tennis popular in Pakistan.
Aisam: Thanks, Nabeel. I am glad I could bring some relief to the nation during such hard times.
Wahid sharif: As Salaam O Alaikum
Dear Aisam ul Haq
Grate job done keep it up
Aisam: Thank you so much Wahid, and I will try my best to keep it up!
Muhammad Asif: Commendable Performance, Both in field and off the field. I appreciate your efforts in making a point to the whole world that we are as peace loving as the rest of the world. Since you have now become a Hero of the nation you have more responsibility on your courageous sholders. I am with you and so are the thousands of well wishers for our beloved homeland, lets reunite and stand up as a nation not as a crowd… “PAKSITAN ZINDABAD”
Aisam: Thank you for the appreciation, Asif. I have only been able to do this due to the players of my compatriots. I hope to keep making you proud.
Rushna Khurram: Salaam Aisam,
Yes, your speech teared me up a bit too. In times of so much hatred against Pakistan when people have forgotten amongst their infinite accusations that it is we the Pakistan being victimised the most though we sustain our resilience, you said it all on behalf of Pakistan – the land and the people.
Aisam: That was my aim, to give some positive news to Pakistanis in times of such hardship. I just wanted to convey my feelings as a peace-loving Pakistani
Karim Dilawar: Hi Aisam,
Just wanted to know if you were to vote right now…who would you like to see as PM of Pakistan?
Aisam: Anyone who can take the nation in the right direction, I would vote for them. Just like any normal, patriotic Pakistani would.
Faisal Qureshi: Hi Aisam, dude you are awesome, and your overwhelming speech touched the heart of MillionS!! and will be remembered for long InshAhllah  …
ok so a question hmmm, you are good looking guy plus without any doubt u’ve won hearts of many!! Ladies.. so tell me what was your previous life like?..any affairs? girls?..those moments you knw..
Aisam: I like to keep my personal life private. It’s for me to know, and for you guys to find out. I definitely don’t break any hearts intentionally!
Haris Hussain: Dear Aisam,
Congrats on your great achievement with your neighbouring partner. Well, keep yourself flying high in the skies but beware not to fly too much as it can decrease your energy and you will flee back with enormous speed. Its an advice.
Keep up the dignity of the flag of Pakistan on your young shoulders. Best of luck for your future assignments!!
Aisam: Thanks for your advice. I always try my best to keep my feet on the ground and my head on my shoulders. Trust me I never ever try to fly high except ofcourse when I am sitting in an aeroplane.
Ayesha: Dear Aisam,
heartiest congrats on doing so well, both for yourself and for your country ..you have filled our hearts with pride..
and in return, i am enrolling my nine year old son in tennis lessons…
may Allah bless you every day with happiness, and more achievements..ameen
Aisam: Great to know that this has exactly been my mission always. I’ll be the happiest man on earth to see many more Aisam’s being produced who may also glorify Pakistan’s name.
Aila Khan: Hi Aisam
Cheering you all the way from Down Under. Your speech was the best ever!!!
Aisam: Thanks
Zeeshan Qazi: AoA Aisam,
I have been a tennis fan since my school days when Becker and Steffi Graff started winning. Watching you (a Pakistani) play the finals of a grand slam was literary a ‘Dream Come True’ as much for me and my folks as it must have been for you. You have really made us all so proud. May Allah SWT bless u and give u more successes in the future.
U showed great character when u used the historic occasion to voice those historic comments as those were the only good words the world has heard about Pakistan since long.
I would really appreciate if you could (whenever/wherever possible) send the message of ‘Unity’ to Pakistani populace as we are so deeply entangled into this ethnic, sectarian and religious strife… May Allah SWT help us.
JazzakAllah hi Khair!
Zeeshan Qazi
Aisam: Sure. That is what I am doing all the time.
Hashim Raza: You did the heroic deed exactly at the much needed time when the mood of the nation was somber and melancholic due to the misdeeds of our cricket heros whose wicked acts brought shame and ignominy to the already distressed nation.
Aisam: Let us hope that all of us the Pakistan’s start to feel more responsible towards our country and our freedom.
Khalid Hasan: Hello Aisam!
This is a sincere advise for you to concentrate more towards your game instead of indulging into the fame-game. You have to go beyond what you have achieved so far, and that would only be possible when you work hard further to win an individual WORLD TITLE. You need to have that to become a REAL PRIDE FOR THE NATION. Please take yourself off from the media fame and WORK HARD TOWARDS YOUR GAME ONLY.
Aisam: Trust me that fame will never go to my head. It will only be used in a positive manner to spread my message of peace, harmony and promotion of tennis.
Ahmed Khalid Sheikh: salam
well done.u did really well is US open.what future do u see of tennis in paistan.i wanted ask are there any other pakistani players playing tennis that would become seeded after 2 or 3 years.will u partipicate in australian open in doubles or singles.best of luck.
please reply
thnx
Aisam: I shall inshaallah play Australian Open 2011 in doubles & mix doubles. Unfortunately there is no other Pakistani on professional tennis circuit.
Adel Shikha: Is Roger Federer a Racist, refused to shake your hand and did not want to play with you or said something insulting about you? There is a rumor that all this is true but I hope it is not and want your unbiased version of what really happened in your two encounters with him ?
Aisam: Federer is not at all a racist. He is actually a wonderful person as well as much as he is a wonderful tennis player. He never refused to shake hand. Actually he even come to me in the locker room after I defeated him last year in Basel to wish me good luck.
M. Bilal (Lahore): How do you practice your volleys? I really want to learn to play nice volleys. Please tell me how to practice them? and who is your favorite tennis player?
Aisam: My all time favourite tennis player is Stefen Edberg.
Regarding volley practice suggestin, please come and meet me at tennis court if you are in Lahore. You can also contact Mr. Rasheed Malik at Bagh-e-Jinnah coaching centre in Lahore.

Telenovelas get hot as soaps fizzle out

As viewers around the country are mourning the cancellation of two of the most iconic soap operas to hit daytime television, they are tuning in at record numbers to check out the soaps’ Latino counterparts, telenovelas, which are gaining audiences and surpassing the competition. So what gives?  Low ratings from soap operas are pointing towards a younger generation in addition to a growing Hispanic market. 
In recent years, Latin telenovelas have left stale storylines behind for more current and risky programming, while maintaining elements of the popular love stories.  The innocent heroines of our abuelitas’ shows have been replaced by female drug lords, controversy, violence and complex dramas.  Telemundo’s hugely successful “La Reina del Sur” is an example of the power behind the directional changes being taken in the production of these shows.  “We don’t believe that the typical model is reflecting the society that we live in anymore, and we are looking for these new stronger characters,” says Borja Pérez, Integrated Solutions and Digital Media Vice-President for NBC/Telemundo. 
Not only was the finale of “La Reina del Sur” the highest rated broadcast program regardless of language among key demographics in its primetime slot, but Telemundo is also looking to gain an Emmy nomination and compete amongst English-language television shows.  This move speaks volumes about the company’s belief that cultural lines are being blurred when it comes to who is tuning in.  In fact, 2% or 3% of Telemundo’s audience is English-dominant or bilingual. 
The reality factor
ABC has plans to replace “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” with a food-focused show hosted by Italian chef Mario Batali and another reality-based transformation show.  Soap operas are clearly not what advertisers or audiences are looking for as reality television continues to dominate airwaves while spending less in production costs.  It seems that while those stay-at-home moms were extremely loyal to their soaps’ characters, younger audiences gravitate towards equally entertaining and instantly gratifying reality programming.    The Latino factor
Not only does a shift in generational viewership have a hand in the imminent doom of soap operas, but there’s also a cultural change in play.  Results from a 2010 U.S. census show that there’s huge potential growth for the Spanish-language sector, while more Hispanics are watching television and make-up the fastest growing segment of the population. 
And Hispanics have a strong connection to telenovelas.  Luis Fernandez, President of Entertainment and Univisión Studios, insists “telenovelas are a tradition that Hispanics of all ages and sexes have grown up with.  Telenovelas are embedded in the culture.”  Univisión recently had great success with the finale of its own show “Eva Luna”,

‘WarGames’ remake coming from ‘King of Kong’ director

Global thermonuclear war is coming back to a theater near you. And, fittingly, a gamer is helping make it happen.
Deadline reports that the 1983 film ‘WarGames' is getting rebooted by MGM, who have tapped Seth Gordon -- the man behind the acclaimed video game documentary ‘The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters' -- to direct.
It's great news for fans of the original. Starring Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy, ‘WarGames' tells the story of a young computer geek who hacks into a government network to play some games and accidentally triggers World War III.  Not only was it one of the first mainstream Hollywood hits to tap into the burgeoning field of tech hacking and online gaming (it's even been credited as the first film to reference  the security term "firewall"), but it was also Broderick's first big hit, predating ‘Ferris Bueller's Day Off' by a good three years. A direct-to-video sequel was released in 2008, but count yourself lucky if you missed it.
Gordon, meanwhile, endeared himself to gamers with his breakthrough 2007 documentary about competing Donkey Kong players. His latest work, the comedy ‘Horrible Bosses', opens July 8^th.
‘WarGames' joins a host of other MGM reboots being planned out, including new takes on ‘Mr. Mom.' ‘RoboCop' and ‘Poltergeist.'

Octopuses limber up for women's World Cup

Updated at: 1437 PST,  Tuesday, June 21, 2011  BERLIN: Eight octopuses in Germany will compete during the upcoming women's World Cup to determine which is the worthy successor to world-famous tipster Paul, organisers said Monday. "We are currently conducting different skills-training exercises with the octopuses in the hope that at least one of them can forecast as well as Paul," said Britta Anlauf, spokeswoman for Sea Life Germany. In order to ensure a level playing field, each of the eight Sea Life centres in Germany, which is host to the June 26-July 17 women's competition, will have exactly the same equipment, which will be delivered this week. On the day of every Germany match at 11:00 am (0900 GMT), the octopuses will be put through their paces in Berlin, Hanover, Koenigswinter, Konstanz, Munich, Speyer, Timmendorfer Strand and at Paul's old home in Oberhausen. The exact format though is being kept a secret, but it is likely to be along the same lines of what Paul did during last year's World Cup, when he was credited with correctly predicting the outcome of all seven Germany matches. Two boxes were lowered into the salty soothsayer's tank, each containing a mussel and the flag of the two opposing teams. The box that he yanked open first was deemed his choice to be the winner. By the end the British-born cephalopod's performance was being carried live on rolling news channels in Germany. He cost bookmakers a fortune and even correctly predicted Spain's victory over the Netherlands in the final. Paul died aged nearly three in October, sparking hundreds of messages of condolence from his fan club on social networking website Facebook, whose ranks have more than tripled since his death to more than 200,000. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said all the fuss encapsulated everything that was wrong with the West. (AFP)

'Dabangg' wins six awards at 'Bollywood Oscars'

Updated at: 1935 PST,  Sunday, June 26, 2011  TORONTO: Screen tough guy Salman Khan's corrupt cop romp "Dabangg" (Fearless) won a clutch of awards including best picture at the "Bollywood Oscars," held late Saturday for the first time in North America. The film directed by Abhinav Kashyap won in the hugely important music categories for best female playback singer, best male playback singer and best music direction, as well as best screenplay.  Actor Sonu Sood also picked up the award for best performance in a negative role as the evil head of a regional political party in the film. He thanked his mother when accepting the award. "My Name is Khan" followed with four nods for best story, best lyrics, best director for Karan Johar and best actor for Shah Rukh Khan's portrayal of a Muslim suffering from Asperger's syndrome who is detained at a US airport after his disability is mistaken for suspicious behaviour. The making of the film was "emotional and therapeutic," Johar said after the win, adding it taught him "restraint and love." Tens of thousands of fans swarmed Toronto's Rogers' Centre stadium for the 12th annual Indian International Film Academy awards, and another 700 million were expected to have watched it on television. Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapoor ("Slumdog Millionaire") and the Deol family were among the dozens of Bollywood superstars in attendance, along with Oscar-winners Hilary Swank and Cuba Gooding Jr. Salman Khan, however, could not make it to Toronto as he was reportedly shooting his next film "Bodyguard," a romantic action movie with Kareena Kapoor. "I love you so much," screamed Mamta Sharma over and over, after winning the award for best female playback singer for the song "Munni Badnam."  A tense moment followed when a fan grabbed Shah Rukh Khan onstage, leading the "King of Bollywood" to complain that the man was hurting his leg. "This is the problem, only men grab my thighs," Khan joked as his assailant was escorted off stage.

Brides Tighten Garters: Average Wedding Cost Drops to $26,501

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Though June, one of the most popular months for weddings, is nearing its end, the summer wedding season is far from over. As couples tie the knot this year, they appear to be doing more with less though the average cost is still eye-popping.
That average wedding cost dipped in 2011 to $26,501, BRIDES magazine's 2011 American Wedding Study. In 2009, the last time the survey was published, the cost of a wedding was $28,082.
This wasn't a scientific survey of all American weddings. The 2,985 respondents to the survey were women 18 and over, engaged or married within the year who responded April 15 to April 28. Those surveyed visited Brides.com or were Brides magazine subscribers.
Brides and grooms who are nervous about the shaky economy are breaking traditions and spending less on their engagement events and wedding day.
The recession may have officially started December 2007 and ended June 2009, but many couples may still not feel confident about their financial situation. And many are opting to spend or give their money in other places.
Sally Kilbridge, deputy editor of BRIDES magazine, said most couples start to determine their wedding budget just after they get engaged.
"Since wedding budgets are set very early in the game, that decrease in the cost of weddings for 2011 actually reflects a decrease in what people were budgeting 18 months earlier, when the economic recovery hadn't taken hold," she said. "Having said that, couples are a lot more thoughtful today about how they're spending their money—when you're not sure about your job and your future, you're much less likely to go into debt."

 

Take the engagement, for example.
The average cost of an engagement ring is $4,647, down 27 percent from 2009, the last time the magazine conducted the survey.
The digital invite is another way to cut costs. Almost one in five couples use electronic invitations or emails to invite guests to the wedding or save the date notifications.
Kilbridge said evites seem like a good cost-cutter, but they only work if all guests are both tech-savvy and responsible enough to put the information on a calendar.
"We've also heard about couples who send out printed save-the-dates, but then forgo printed invitations and rely on their website instead," she said. "Frankly, there are so many inexpensive, stylish invitations on the market right now—you can use your home printer and they cost next to nothing—that for an event as important as a wedding, evites seem a risky money-saver."
Surprisingly only 42 percent of weddings will have a sit-down or buffet meal. The reception comprises 36 percent of wedding costs, an average of $13,367.
Of couples breaking traditions in serving food, most choose a cocktail hour (58 percent). Others choose passed hors d'oeuvres (46 percent), dessert stations (28 percent), food stations (19 percent), picnic/barbecues (5 percent), a sushi chef (2 percent) and wine tasting (2 percent).
Another 1 percent of those couples choose food trucks and 1 percent choose to serve guests a selection of cheese through cheese mongers. Speaking of cheese, the No. 1 theme for weddings is "beach, tropical, luau."
Despite these cost-shaving measures, the average couple's big day has still increased $8,000 from 2002 according to BRIDES magazine.
One in 10, or 15 percent, of engaged couples are choosing a destination wedding, an increase of 25 percent from 2009. Of those choosing a destination wedding, the average length of time away is six days/nights while their guests stay 3 days/nights.

Kim Kardashian's Ex-Boyfriend Now Dating A Kim Kardashian Look-Alike

It's never easy to see an ex move on to a new relationship. But for Kim Kardashian, this unpleasantness must be compounded by the fact that her ex has moved on to a new relationship... with a woman who looks a whole lot like her.
Remember that seemingly ubiquitous Old Navy ad featuring a woman who bore more than a passing resemblance to Kardashian? Well, her name is Melissa Molinaro. She's a singer/actress. And she is currently dating Reggie Bush, who in addition to being Kardashian's ex-boyfriend is also a halfback on the New Orleans Saints.
Molinaro. Charles Gallay/Getty Images Kardashian. Eamonn McCormack/WireImage
Bush and Molinaro have been dating for a few months, according to TMZ. They apparently met about two years ago, but didn't start dating until last summer, becoming "official" by Christmas. E! News dug up a picture of Bush dining with Molinaro at her birthday dinner in Beverly Hills earlier this month.
"To me, it's extremely flattering," Molinaro told E! News about the Kardashian comparisons. "She is a beautiful woman in her own right. You know, I'm flattered. That's an amazing compliment."
While this must almost certainly be weird for Kardashian, we doubt she's losing too much sleep over it, considering she's currently doing just fine in the relationship department.
If you've forgotten the formerly ubiquitous Old Navy ad starring Ms. Molinaro, you can refresh yourself here: