Pakistani Fashion Wins Hearts in NYC
By ManaalKhurram
The first-ever Pakistan Film Festival kicked off on Friday night, attended by prominent Pakistani celebrities, ambassadors accredited to the UN, community members, media and movie buffs.
The red carpet turned out to be a star-studded affair, with Mahira Khan, Adeel Hussain, Tooba Siddiqui, MawraHocane, Saba Qamar, Yasir Hussain and Sanam Saeed in attendance, amongst others. While each star was dressed to impress, Khan and Siddiqui were two ladies who left us floored in breath-taking ensembles.
Mahira Khan: The Bin Roye actor looked hot to trot in a heavily embellished Élan outfit. Wearing a halter-neck peplum top with intricate gold detailing, Khan draped a matching Studio S coat over her shoulders. We loved how the red layering of the coat was visible, adding color to the all-black ensemble. While the outfit would be more apt for a wedding, her hairdo saved the day for. Khan didn’t look over-the-top because she tied her hair in a bun, and accessorised with dangling tassel earrings — which are definitely on our wish list for the upcoming wedding season. She completed her look with a pair of black Louboutin heels.
Tooba Siddiqui: The model sported a spot on look for the occasion. She wore an off-shoulder powder violet assymetrical number from designer Maheen Ghani Taseer’s line. The sheer detailing of the figure-hugging outfit accentuated her waistline and one sleeve trailed to the floor, as did her gown, making her look every bit a princess. A dark purple clutch, smoky eyes and neatly pulled back hair finished off Siddiqui’s look. - The Express Tribune
Pakistani Movies Captivate New York Audiences as Film Festival Begins: According to an APP report c elebrated Pakistani movies drew packed houses on Saturday, the first day of Pakistan Film Festival’s triumphant debut in New York City.
“Actor in Law” and “DobaraPhir Say” received resounding applause from film fans and art lovers following the screening at Asia Society’s auditorium. More excitement was in store for them as the cast of the two movies appeared on stage.
Pakistani actors and film personalities, who traveled to New York from Pakistan, include Mahira Khan, MawraHocane, Nabeel Qureshi, Saba Qamar, Wajahat Rauf, Yasir Hussain, SheheryarMunawar, Asim Raza, Tooba Siddiqui, Adeel Hussain, Sanam Saeed, JerjeesSeja (JJ), Producer, Afia Serena Nathaniel and MehreenJabbar.
SabihaKhanum, the top star of yesteryear who lives near Washington, also made an appearance at a reception hosted by the Pakistan Mission to the UN on Friday to a warm welcome.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations MaleehaLodhi declared open the two-day festival, saying it is a part of continuing efforts to promote cultural diplomacy and to project the country’s soft power.
“Young film makers in Pakistan are producing an incredibly diverse and entertaining array of movies which are contributing to the cultural renaissance underway in the country which is also reflected in the profusion of creative voices found today in Pakistan’s art, music, literature and the media,” she said.
Since assuming charge as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to UN, Ambassador Lodhi has undertaken several cultural projects and organized a series of events to promote Pakistan’s soft image and highlight its modern and vibrant culture and its ancient civilizational roots.
The Pakistan Mission, under her leadership, organized a Sufi Night at the UN General Assembly hall to mark Pakistan Day earlier this year featuring RahatFateh Ali Khan.
She also organized an Exhibition of Contemporary Art from Pakistan at the UN, which showcased some of the best works of art to demonstrate how Pakistan is becoming a powerhouse of creativity. She was instrumental in bringing the Lahore Literary Festival to the Asia Society in New York.
“Cultural diplomacy is an essential part of a diplomat’s job aimed at winning hearts and minds”, Ambassador Lodhi said, adding that “Pakistan has much to offer the world in this regard, and our responsibility is to take this to the international arena.” - APP
