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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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			<title>Sarmad Khoosat unveils 'Manduva', a curation on Pakistani cinema</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2374617/sarmad-khoosat-unveils-manduva-a-curation-on-pakistani-cinema</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2374617/sarmad-khoosat-unveils-manduva-a-curation-on-pakistani-cinema#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 22 10:11:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Curation is a part of Lahore Biennale Foundation’s Virtual Museum]]>
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				<![CDATA[Kamli director-producer Sarmad Khoosat has unveiled his recent curated project, titled Manduva, on his Instagram. The curation, in collaboration with the Lahore Biennale Foundation and British Council Pakistan, aims to highlight the history of Pakistani cinema. The curation was launched at the National College of Arts (NCA) yesterday.

&ldquo;Manduva is an exploration of seven and a half decades of Pakistani cinema. An attempt to initiate archiving and reading of our very indigenous cinematic syntax. We have loved and owned it sometimes but also hated and abandoned it intermittently. It&rsquo;s our heritage and let&rsquo;s reclaim it, to inspect, dissect and interpret,&rdquo; Khoosat wrote, introducing the curation to his followers.





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A post shared by Sarmad Ali Sultan (@sarmadkhoosat)




Speaking to The Express Tribune over a phone conversation, Khoosat explained the curation in more depth, saying &ldquo;This is primarily for the Lahore Biennale Foundation&rsquo;s Virtual Museum, which has several components. My component is cinema, and I&rsquo;m calling it Manduva.&rdquo;

Explaining his thought process behind naming the curation, the Manto actor said, &ldquo;Manduva is the Punjabi word for cinema. And it&rsquo;s not only for cinema per se, as in, what you see on screen, but the whole experience of cinema. A cinema house can also be called a manduva, for instance.&rdquo;





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A post shared by Lahore Biennale Foundation (@lahorebiennalefoundation)




&quot;The inspiration or, you could say, the ethos of it is how back in the day, people used to also do these touring theatres, touring movies. There was another interesting Punjabi word called tourentaaqi, which is again, a kind of twisted or mispronounced version of touring talkies. So as opposed to cinema being just a space where you have to go and then watch stuff, that space can come to you too, like in a tent which just a projector and speakers,&quot; he continued.





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A post shared by Sarmad Ali Sultan (@sarmadkhoosat)




The trailblazing director has curated three components within his section on cinema, which is then broadly called Manduva. Shedding light on each of the three components, Khoosat said, &ldquo;There are three parts to it &ndash; one is a bit called Seven and a half, which are the reels created by these newer, younger filmmakers kind of sifting through decades and decades of films, looking for themes. Each filmmaker has picked one theme and then edited these montages or reels. Another is called Uncensored, which is this kid called Usman Allauddin from Beaconhouse National University (BNU), who has done an interesting thing on Zindagi Tamasha. And then there is Hamid Ali Hanbhi, who is a painter and mixed medium artist, and has done a scene depicted in a painting.&rdquo;

&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t have many virtual museums, I don&rsquo;t think. I&rsquo;m assuming it&rsquo;s almost like the first of its kind,&rdquo; the Joyland producer concludes.

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			<title>Ajoka Theatre takes ‘Manto Online’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2256918/ajoka-theatre-takes-manto-online</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2256918/ajoka-theatre-takes-manto-online#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 20 11:38:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Adnan Lodhi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[life and style]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Company has live streamed a play based on the late writer’s stories]]>
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				<![CDATA[Renowned performing arts group Ajoka Theatre streamed an online play this weekend. Produced entirely on the cloud meeting platform Zoom, the play was called&nbsp;Manto Online&nbsp;and based on Shahid Nadeem&rsquo;s much renowned play&nbsp;Kaun Hai Yeh Gushtakh.
As the name suggest, the play - directed by Nirvaan Nadeem - is an amalgamation of different stories essayed by legendary writer Saadat Hasan Manto.

The play was essentially an experimental production wherein actors from various cities including Lahore, Karachi and Houston participated via Zoom app. The production was designed in such a way that each actor was able to record their scene in isolation whilst at the same time, maintaining constant continuity.

The production received massive response and appreciation on Facebook and YouTube. The actors expressed their gratitude for Ajoka and director Nirvaan Nadeem for the opportunity to be included in such an experiment.

According to Nirvaan, who is also the executive director at Ajoka, the company has been facing many obstacles countless times before. &quot;Ajoka Theatre has always continued its work, even in the most difficult of circumstances in the country. With Covid-19 being the latest challenge, Ajoka has still managed to come out on top,&rdquo; he told&nbsp;The Express Tribune.

Adding on, Nadeem talked about how this is the first of many online plays by Ajoka. &ldquo;Entertainment is an important factor for the relaxation and peace in society. Ajoka has introduced a new trend of online performances. In future, more such shows will be performed with the purpose of giving relief to theatre lovers in these testing times.&rdquo;
&nbsp;The cast of the play included Feza Farooq, Usama Shah, Jehanzeb Khan, Jawad Tariq, Ahmad Ali, Saad Syed, Asad and Anam Jalil. The play can be viewed on Ajoka&rsquo;s YouTube and Facebook channels.

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			<title>I am not excited by TV anymore: Sarmad Khoosat</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2228539/not-excited-tv-anymore-sarmad-khoosat</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2228539/not-excited-tv-anymore-sarmad-khoosat#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 May 20 09:43:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[TV]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2228539</guid>
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				<![CDATA[The director believes that the current content on TV is lackluster]]>
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				<![CDATA[Critically acclaimed director Sarmad Khoosat opened up about his woes with the local entertainment industry. In a live session with director and producer Rafay Rashdi, Khoosat expressed his disappointment with the lack of a real fraternity in the industry.

" I started in 1999 to be exact. It's going to be almost 21 years. I never felt that spirit of fraternity. At award shows yes. Everyone wants to rub shoulders against each other. So no I don't think there is a sense of fraternity and it's sad," he said.

Khoosat then went on to talk about how the state of television has deteriorated over the years. " I'll be honest, Iam not excited by TV anymore and not as a practitioner. But what I see on TV, it's just about what manages to excite people on a short term and people are happy with it," he said.

Adding further, the Manto director critcised creators for churning out content in a haphazard way. "I feel that it's such a hotchpotch. I don't feel that anybody is sitting down even for their own channel designing content. Or thinking or where the year is going to be headed towards or what are they gonna say about their body of work. Content wise I don't feel excited," he said.

Watch full video here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAi88SDHrXu/

At the same time he did maintain that his personal disappointment with the state of affairs on TV would only matter if he was a contributor. However carrying on, Khoosat identified 'dull writing' as the main problem for content he deemed 'lackluster'.

"I don't find the writing inspiring. There are definitely some good writers but you know it's lackluster. There is so much to write. So many episodes to write, that it's dull writing" he said.

"And dull writing translates into dull direction, dull performances. Everything looks the same. "

Khoosat further highlighted that the powers that be get actors on board on the basis of their Instagram followers describing it as 'horrifying'.

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Cultural departments turn a blind eye to Manto's 65th death anniversary</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2139808/cultural-departments-turn-blind-eye-mantos-65th-death-anniversary</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2139808/cultural-departments-turn-blind-eye-mantos-65th-death-anniversary#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jan 20 09:49:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Adnan Lodhi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2139808</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Late writer's day goes largely unnoticed]]>
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				<![CDATA[The 65th death anniversary of legendary author and playwright Saadat Hasan Manto was observed on Saturday.

While fans and well-wishers of the late writer took the opportunity to celebrate his literary contributions, cultural departments across the country generally remained silent. No tributes or memorial events were held in Manto's honour - not even by Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra Arts Council and Punjab Institute of Language Art and Culture.



According to sources, certain officials within Lahore Arts Council are also blockading the Manto Festival. "A group of right wing and traditional clerics that have dominant roles in the Lahore Arts Council are not in favour of Manto Festival," a senior official of the department told The Express Tribune.

"Even other colourful activities like the Gilgit-Baltistan Festival have been stopped at Alhamra. Although poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz's daughter Muniza Hashmi is the chairperson at Alhamra, she only managed to arrange Faiz Festival and has now ignored Manto Festival," he added. "Lahore Arts Council has received immense criticism over this from civil society and Manto's admirers from all over the world."

Furthermore, the official highlighted that although committees such as Punjab Arts Council and Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture have high budgets for cultural activities, they have chosen against hosting an event for Manto.

Just last year, Lahore Arts Council cancelled the Manto Festival on account of the writer's work being perceived as controversial. However, after facing public pressure, the administration did reverse it's decision. But unlike last year, a change of heart seems unlikely.

Born in Ludhiana on May 11, 1912,  Manto is regarded as a prominent figure in the world of Urdu literature in both India and Pakistan. He was primarily known for unearthing societal taboos and evils in his writings, as a result of which he is often called controversial - even today. In spite of his writings being perceived as obscene by a large segment of society,  many - especially those that belong to the realm of Urdu literature - celebrate Manto as a hero.

"Manto is one of the greats when it comes to Urdu literature. He told us about the realities of life that were largely ignored. He was a brave writer who talked about the evils in society," said renowned writer, poet and former DG Punjab Language Arts and Culture, r Sugra Sadaf, said.

A strong critic of Partition, many of Manto's works alluded to the dark side of the division between India and Pakistan. His final work, Toba Tek Singh, sheds light on mental illness within the context of Partition.

Manto's boldness often resulted in run-ins with the law led him at odds with the authorities. Aside from his unique style and the themes he tackled, the storyteller is also revered for being one of  Pakistani literature's  most prolific contributors.

[caption id="attachment_2139910" align="alignnone" width="334"] Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui portrayed Manto in a biopic of the writer[/caption]

During the course of his career, Manto produced five series of radio plays, three collections of essays, 22 compilations of short stories and one novel. In 2012, the government of Pakistan rewarded him with the Nishane Imtiaz in honour of his contributions.

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Shahid Nadeem to speak at World Theatre Day event</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2139114/shahid-nadeem-speak-world-theatre-day-event</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2139114/shahid-nadeem-speak-world-theatre-day-event#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jan 20 08:28:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Theatre]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2139114</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ajoka Theatre director has been invited to Paris for March 27 event]]>
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				<![CDATA[Renowned Pakistani playwright Shahid Nadeem has been invited to deliver the official message on World Theatre Day 2020 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in Paris.  The event will be held at the ITI's UNESCO headquarters in the French capital on March 27 this year.

"In view of your extremely important and essential work in the performing arts and your viewpoint for the audience and for the importance of culture, we are sure that your message that is spread all over the world and is also published in newspapers, radio and TV, could have a good influence and increase the awareness amongst people regarding the value and importance of theatre," an excerpt from the invitation letter signed by ITI Director General Tobias Biancon and Deputy Director General Chen Zhongwen, read.

According to the letter, Nadeem will have to share his personal view point on issues that would interest theatre communities from across the world. The message will be translated into 60 languages and distributed globally. Nadeem has deemed the invitation an honour not just for himself but all of Pakistan.

“This invitation is not just an honour for me and Ajoka Theatre but for Pakistani theatre in general. This message will also be read at World Theatre Day events across 100 member countries and introduce Pakistani theatre to thousands of activists and audiences,” Nadeem told The Express Tribune.

Nadeem is the Executive Director of Ajoka Theatre, which was founded by his late wife Madiha Gohar. He has written more than 50 plays for the troupe, several popular TV serials and even Sarmad Khoosat’s film Manto, through the course of his career.

In 2010, Nadeem received the Pride of Performance award in the literature category. At present, the critically acclaimed playwright heads the Film and TV program at the Institute for Arts and Culture.

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			<title>I have the right to respectfully talk about things connected to religion: Sarmad Khoosat</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2136180/right-respectfully-talk-things-connected-religion-sarmad-khoosat</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2136180/right-respectfully-talk-things-connected-religion-sarmad-khoosat#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jan 20 11:48:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Ather Ahmed]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The director maintains that with 'Zindagi Tamasha' the idea was never to stir a controversy.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The term political correctness has found new meaning in the past few years, perhaps a rather extreme one. As far as art is concerned, some would argue that the realm of acceptability has shrunk immensely.

In the West, content is often made the subject of controversy for not being inclusive enough. The most recent example is Todd Philips The Joker being touted as a film that promotes incel culture.

Meanwhile locally, the litmus test of acceptability for any piece of content relies on it's alignment with our value system, and so religion or religious beliefs remain at the forefront of the argument.

The common ground of both these worlds that seem to be on the opposite ends of the spectrum is that sentiment often thrives  at the cost of an artist honesty. Sometimes, here more so than in the West.

Sarmad Khoosat's much awaited social drama Zindagi Tamasha which is set to release later this month was made the subject of some controversy a few weeks ago. The film's trailer disappeared and subsequently reappeared with a few omissions.

Khoosat has since cleared the air regarding the situation, talking about how he respects the censor board's decision. "They were a certain people who got offended who thought I was pointing fingers at them. That wasn't the idea and  I was completely fine with re-editing the trailer." Khoosat told the Express Tribune.

The director highlighted that the the deletions in question were a few audio beeps in the film. "I wanted to keep the tone of the film very realistic and hence the dialogue and content is not written like a melodrama. In real life one does tend to use a lot of slang terminologies" he said.

However Khoosat does feel that generally the the term controversial is often thrown around.  "Anytime one picks out a theme which people are uncomfortable to talk about in public spaces or even in closed spaces I don't know why it has to be deemed controversial."

According to Khoosat, his upcoming film touches upon several themes but at the core of it is a 'personal story'. "Broadly speaking, its about this weird intolerance that has suddenly taken over in such odd forms. This really misplaced anger towards ideas that conflict with one’s own ideology," said Khoosat.

"At the same time we are talking about an intimate story about a small family that has been affected by something, focusing on the divergent reactions by all the members. The idea is to tell a story without pre-conceived judgments."

Khoosat admits that on a surface level Zindagi Tamasha's premise does have religion as it's back drop albeit in a way that does take into account it's sensitive nature.

"I would like to believe that I am a good enough believer that I have the right to respectfully talk about things that are connected to religion. For me the idea was never to make a controversy to get any form of hype through it" Khoosat added.

On the subject of pigeon holding mainstream cinema in Pakistan to a single genre, the Manto director noted that the situation primarily "boils down to numbers".

"Most of the movies that have managed to rake down numbers they are comedies I believe. People who are financing films tend to believe that these type of films (comedies) is a formula proven right" he said.

Adding on to this Khoosat dismissed the notion of comedy being the only genre that would come under the mainstream definition of 'entertainment'. "When people say they want to be entertained, it could be a variety of things why does it have to be just funny things?" he questioned.

In spite of the obvious shortfalls, the director acknowledged that the state of Pakistani cinema  presents a rare opportunity for indie filmmakers which even the West doesn't offer.

"People do not always find cinema space or theaters for smaller and indie films in the West. They are usually shown in selected theaters dedicated to experimental films. But in Pakistan there is almost a luxury, at the moment that since there isn't enough content, we do have that mainstream space to put films out there" he concluded.

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.

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			<title>Zindgai Tamasha: Sarmad Khoosat clears the air on recent controversy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2128980/zindgai-tamasha-sarmad-khoosat-clears-air-recent-controversy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2128980/zindgai-tamasha-sarmad-khoosat-clears-air-recent-controversy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 20 09:12:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The director also announced the release date for the film]]>
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				<![CDATA[Sarmad Khoosat recently went live on his socials to address the recent controversy related to his upcoming film Zindagi Tamasha. The director maintained that the trailer was taken down by Khoosat films. However he did added that the decision was made after some people raised concerns over certain scenes featured in the trailer.

"For the record, it was our decision to remove the trailer from our official channel.  When you  view a two and a half hour long film compressed in a few minutes, certain things can be taken out of context" he said.

Khoosat dismissed the notion that the film was made out of 'anger'at certain aspects of Pakistani society. " I am telling a story, not a news report. I am not expressing anger at all. Perhaps viewing a few short excerpts from an otherwise long film has led some to make assumptions about my intentions. All I am doing is telling a story with a very meticulous approach." he said

According to Khoosat, after the trailer was uploaded, the film was called for a second review. It had been given  universal clearance certificates, from Islamabad, Punjab and Sindh boards. However the Federal Board had proceeded to direct a few minor omissions in the film to which Khoosat and his team complied.

"Iam neither angry nor sad over the decision. After the trailer was uploaded we were called by the central board that told us our film will be given for review once more. I respect the institutions, I might have ideological and intellectual differences but I understand where they are coming from" Khoosat said.

The Manto director also talked about how the film is intended for widespread audience and as such the deletions in the film would help him reach his goal.  "I would've had disagreements if i was making the film for a few people, but my aim is for a widespread release which is how the medium should be approached.Money was never the goal, only to portray certain important themes in our society to as many people as possible was" he said.

Additionally the director also announced that the film would be released on January 24 this year and a new trailer with deletions would be uploaded soon.

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.

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			<title>I knew not many would understand 'Manto': Nawazuddin Siddiqui</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2026537/knew-not-many-understand-manto-nawazuddin-siddiqui</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2026537/knew-not-many-understand-manto-nawazuddin-siddiqui#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Aug 19 09:14:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Actor believes for films like 'Manto' to work and skin colour to not matter, Bollywood requires a complete overhaul]]>
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			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[For Bollywood's unconventional hero, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, it's never about making a commercial film. Maybe that's why when his films don't mint numbers at the box office, it doesn't really affect him.

Siddiqui's portrayal as the controversial Pakistani writer, Saadat Hasan Manto - as the actor predicted - wasn't that well received. And he was prepared for the underwhelming response it garnered from the audience.

But except for Netflix's Sacred Games, Siddiqui hasn't really managed to deliver a blockbuster.

[caption id="attachment_1805455" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: NEW INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

"When I did Manto or Photograph, I knew not many would understand these films. Somewhere I knew that box office result might not be satisfactory because the language of such films is a little different," he recently told Hindustan Times.

"Even the pace of Photograph is not something that everyone would be able to relate to. Thackeray, too, had its own reason for not doing well at the box office. But as an actor, I’d continue making these films even if they don’t work. Kuch films aapke dil ke qareeb hoti hain, jiski sensibility aapse match karti hai (there are certain films that are close to an actor's heart and matches his sensibility)."

[caption id="attachment_1805357" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Talking about how such films never work, the actor shared, "It’s painful when films don’t work. It makes me think ‘why people didn’t watch them?’ Then I wonder that glamourous films would always work or even an action-thriller, that's why some times I opt for that too. But then, I also need to satisfy my creative urge. My intention is to make good films; hopefully I’ll be understood in the long run."

So, does that mean that a large part of the audience is not ready for such artsy films yet?

"The audience here has got used to fast-paced films. Sometimes I feel like our audience has matured but perhaps there's still some time left. And some times it feels like we make films for an audience that is yet to understand them," continued Siddiqui. "Same happened for Roma. When it went to Venice Film Festival and then received Oscars, people started taking interest in it. So, unless it becomes sensational, many don’t watch such films."

[caption id="attachment_1782194" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Apart from Sacred Games, what else is Siddqui working on? Rumour has it that he will be teaming up with Irrfan Khan again after The Lunchbox. To this, he shared, "The project is at a nascent stage. And I have also heard that Irrfan might be part of it. But nothing has been finalised yet."

Siddiqui went on, "I just finished my web series, then I have Bole Chudiyan and Sudhir Mishra’s Serious Men. I’m also doing a film called No Lands Man, directed by Bangladeshi film-maker Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui."

The actor has always been very vocal about facing biases related to skin colour, appearances in the industry. Has anything changed for him?

"Not just the film industry, such taboos exist everywhere. Things won’t change anytime soon," Siddiqui went on. "And in Bollywood, it’s rampant, it has always been there. Our public still wants to see a fair skinned actor onscreen. So, it’s all a part of society. This mentality reflects in Bollywood. A total change is required."

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Bollywood actor Shekhar Suman to portray Manto in a play</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1964788/bollywood-actor-shekhar-suman-portray-manto-play</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1964788/bollywood-actor-shekhar-suman-portray-manto-play#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 19 06:26:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Theatre]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The play will be at the theatres in June in India]]>
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				<![CDATA[Actor Shekhar Suman will be essaying the role of late Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto in Randhir Ranjan Roys play Ek Haan, reported Times of India.

Manto, who died in 1955 at the age of 43, penned an impressive body of work touching various genres. He churned out about 22 collections of stories comprising a novel, essays, personal sketches and movie scripts. His work also gained attention for weaving stories around the ordeal of partition as well as sexuality.

[caption id="attachment_1891311" align="alignnone" width="640"] A file photo of writer Manto. PHOTO: FILE[/caption]


Nawazuddin Siddiqui brought Manto to silver screen in Nandita Das' rendition of controversial writer's life. Manto follows the most tumultuous years of the writer and those of India and Pakistan which he inhabited and chronicled.

Shekhar is glad that Nandita made the film.

"If Nandita had not made this film on Manto probably he (would have) died in the memories of people. A play, movie or a series is the best way to reintroduce these great figures back to the society," Shekhar said in a statement.

[caption id="attachment_1686195" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption]

But he has not seen the film. "I haven't seen Manto though, which in a way is good as I want to have my own interpretation of the play and not get influenced by anything that I have seen before."

Talking about the writer, Shekhar said, "Everybody knows who Manto was and now we are making it simpler to understand who Manto was. An intense writer who presented the world during the time when the reality was so harsh to digest."

Shekhar also played role of poet and lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi for a play Ek Mulaqat alongside Deepti Naval who essayed the role of novelist-poet Amrita Pritam.

&nbsp;

"I enjoyed playing Sahir saab thoroughly and have followed Manto's work closely. It would be interesting to play him on stage," said the actor, who will begin readings and rehearsals with Suchitra Krishnamoorthi later this week.

Suchitra will play a journalist in the play who navigates the life of the writer. She has started preparing for the role.

"My character is of an Indian journalist who visits him in Pakistan, just around the time of partition. Through his stories, the journalist is trying to understand both the countries, the socio-political and emotional situation. She is also trying to understand herself through their conversation."

Suchitra continued, "There is a lot of imagery from that era of how women dressed, how would people speak among a lot of other things. So while I have a few references in mind I would like to explore some more as we proceed with the rehearsals. We would also be speaking a lot of Urdu and I am going to work very hard on my dialogues to get them right."

Roy said "We will be in theatres in June this year."

The production is by Panache Media, screenplay and direction is by Roy.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>LLF session discovers ‘a rebel inside Manto’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1917667/llf-session-discovers-rebel-inside-manto</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1917667/llf-session-discovers-rebel-inside-manto#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 19 03:52:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Muhammad Shahzad]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1917667</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ayesha Jalal says Manto learnt story writing from Maupassant and Russian writers]]>
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				<![CDATA[The speakers at Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) on Sunday dissected the different aspects of the relevance of Manto’s work in a contemporary setting at a session, “Manto and the Recovery of Imagination”.

The third day’s session was moderated by Osama Siddique. The speakers included Ayesha Jalal, Khaled Ahmad and Salima Hashmi.

Speaking on the occasion, famous journalist and author, Khaled Ahmed said Manto’s Pakistani version (post-partition) was focused on sufferings. These included the sufferings of the individual as well the society. He continued that he was punished significantly by judges in Pakistan, not by Raj. He quoted an incident in which a judge in Karachi who met him in the night told Manto that he was the greatest writer and punished, fined him in the morning.

Khaled Ahmed said Manto after partition kept on constantly telling through his writing what to do and what not to do.

Ayesha Jalal said that Manto was not alienated figure. He learnt story writing from Maupassant and Russian writers. She asserted that Manto's specialty for her was that he began with doubt. “This was really what made him the person of the time,” she said. She continued that Manto was a larger than life figure when she was born.

Jalal said Manto was interested in stories and she in history. She said Manto was right in his writings about human dimensions of that time. She quoted an example of Manto’s famous short story, “Boota from Toba Tek Singh”. She was of the views that Manto would say none of his character was fictionalised. He would take the characters from real-life.

Jalal also talked about the rise of Manto as a rebel and quoted his relationship with his father. She said Manto would bunk school and did not act upon his father’s advice. She said he was frightened of his father but was a rebel at the same time. “Rebel was inside him,” she remarked.

Osama said Manto was often associated with the partition. He has a phenomenon so beautifully. At the same time, he asked the speakers if he transcended the boundaries and the partition.

Ayesha Jalal replied that partition gave him fame. “He is much more than partition.” She quoted Manot’s writing, “Letters to Uncle Sam”. She said these were history photos for me.

Osama said Manto was in the popular imagination. Quoting Manto’s short story “Niya Qanun”, he said he had also encountered law, colonial and colonised, and partition, pre-partition and post-partition life.

Jalal said Manto had questioned the partition but accepted it as a fact. She associated his assertion about his migration to Pakistan. Osama asked a question to Salima Hashmi about Fiaz’s relationship with Manto. She in return read a letter that Faiz had written to his wife, Alice Faiz from prison in 1955.]]>
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			<title>Manto Festival closes with messages of positivity</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1900812/manto-festival-closes-messages-positivity</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1900812/manto-festival-closes-messages-positivity#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 19 10:04:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Adnan Lodhi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Theatre]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1900812</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Two-day event showcased four socially-conscious plays written by the late author]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Manto Festival, which was held at Alhamra Hall in Lahore concluded on Wednesday evening. The two-day gala saw performances presented by various theatre groups from across the city.

Maas Foundation's play Yeh Tha Manto received much applause. Khol Do is a story that is dramatised and highlighted in Yeh Tha Manto. It was set back in 1947 and focused on rape victims during Partition.

[caption id="attachment_1900958" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption]

The short story is told through the eyes of Sirajuddin, whose daughter Sakina goes missing when the train they were travelling on is attacked by rioters who raped innocent girls during looting. Sirajuddin asks some social workers in Pakistan to form a search party for his daughter. It turns out that upon finding her, the social workers go on to rape her too, leaving Sakina to die near the refugee camp Sirajuddin is staying in.

The concluding scene, wherein Sakina lays barely conscious in the doctor’s office, expecting to be raped again, is particularly evocative of the trauma of the victims whose perpetrators were men within their own communities.

[caption id="attachment_1900959" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption]

Such horrific incidents are not easy to depict on stage. Even in Hatak, Saadat Hasan Manto stays with the theme of the good-hearted prostitute who is exploited both materially and emotionally by the men in her life. Sugandhi craves love and approbation from men for being a good person. Consequently, she spends her earnings on her lover Madho, who, while taking full benefit from it, tells Sugandhi to give up her trade.

The narrative unfolds around a single incident that takes place when Sugandhi’s boss Ramlal wakes her up in the middle of the night to take her to a client waiting in a motor car. When she gets to the car, the customer shines a flashlight in her face, makes a dissatisfied grunt and drives off.

[caption id="attachment_1900960" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption]

Ramlal tells her she has failed to make the grade with this gentleman. This triggers a crisis that has been simmering inside Sugandhi for a while. In the hours that follow, she experiences a breakdown of sorts and, in the process, finally breaks free of her own oppressive need for approbation. Her life-defining final act  is to get rid of Madho once and for all.

Manto's approach towards humanity and women is commendable.
Yeh Tha Manto's director Amir Nawaz shared with The Express Tribune that the whole cast did their best in bringing his work to life.

[caption id="attachment_1900961" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption]

On the final day, Azad Theatre performed a play titled Dafa 292 which opened to a flood of students and general public gathered at Alhamra Hall.

It is pertinent to mention here that this festival was earlier cancelled by the administration and was re-scheduled after the protests carried out by the civil society and writer's community.

But this year's Manto Festival only had four performances and there were no more events or activities other than the plays. The public and literary community wasn't too happy about this and proceeded to demand special lectures and intellectual sessions on the life of the great writer. This time, all this was ignored due to the mismanagement of administration.
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Alhamra reverses decision to cancel Manto Festival post protests</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1888544/alhamra-reverses-decision-cancel-manto-festival-post-protests</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1888544/alhamra-reverses-decision-cancel-manto-festival-post-protests#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 19 09:21:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Adnan Lodhi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Theatre]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1888544</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Festival that was earlier cancelled will now take place in February]]>
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				<![CDATA[Numerous activists and the Anjuman Taraqi Pasand Musanifeen – an organisation of progressive writers of Pakistan – in particular, have been carrying out protests at Lahore Press Club after the cancellation of the Manto Festival by the Alhamra Arts Council. They are also unhappy with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)'s decision to ban Nandita Das' recent film Manto, which was not even issued a censor certificate.

The protestors chanted slogans against the CBFC and also condemned Alhamra's administration for cancelling the festival, claiming that 'Naya Pakistan' should not have such narrow-minded practices as they discredit the services done by great writers like Saadat Hassan Manto.

[caption id="attachment_1888672" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption]

Leading the protests were activist-painter Salima Hashmi (daughter of Faiz Ahmad Faiz), senior journalist Hussain Naqi, Farooq Tariq, Hassnain Jameel, Saeed Ahmad, Comrade Tanveer and others, holding up banners and posters with slogans in favour of the late author. Some of them read, "Us progressive writers, poets and activists are with you, Manto." There were also holding leaflets on Das, saluting her efforts.

Fortunately, the protests have been successful and the council has taken back its decision to cancel Manto Festival at least. It will now be held in February.

[caption id="attachment_1888674" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption]

The event was cancelled earlier this week over concerns that the author's work promotes indecent content. Some even went as far as calling Manto a 'liberal and vulgar writer.' As for the film, it was deemed to be 'against Pakistani ideology' and allegedly has some points of contention with regards to the Partition of India and Pakistan.

Decision on 'Manto' will not be reversed: Censor Board

The banning prompted many Indian writers and scholars, as well as film producers and distributors, to express their concerns over social media. However, CBFC did not face any problems over its decision and stood by what it had claimed earlier. According to them, no film that goes against the culture, history and ideologies of Pakistan will never be allowed.

[caption id="attachment_1888675" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption]

Nonetheless, Das took to Twitter to share her gratitude for those supporting her film in Pakistan. "Beyond borders, the fight for freedom of expression is the same. Thanks to all those in Pakistan who are working to free Manto. Thanks to everyone who has taken to the streets to protest against the ban on Manto in Pakistan. I am there with you in spirit and so is the entire Manto team," she tweeted.

https://twitter.com/nanditadas/status/1084676525369245696

“It is amazing to see people out on the streets to protest. Salima Hashmi, artist and daughter of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and others! Respect and gratitude," Das concluded.

https://twitter.com/nanditadas/status/1084768149436796929

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			<title>Lahore's Alhamra 'postpones' Manto Festival over 'vulgarity'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1886916/lahores-alhamra-postpones-manto-festival</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1886916/lahores-alhamra-postpones-manto-festival#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jan 19 16:33:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Adnan Lodhi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1886916</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sources, however, say the event has been cancelled]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Lahore's Alhamra Arts Council has allegedly cancelled a festival celebrating writer Saadat Hasaan Manto after concerns over the 'bold nature' of his work.

According to sources, religious extremists forced the cancellation of the Manto Festival as they claim the celebrated author's works promote vulgarity.

A senior official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Express Tribune that,"Punjab ministry officials oppose holding the event because of the nature of the writer's work."

The arts council had announced it would hold the event, and four renowned theater groups: Azad, Ajoka, Mass Foundation and AKS would perform at the festival.

The theater groups were all set to perform and rehearsals continued until the announcement.

Alhamra administration, however, says that the festival, scheduled to be held from January 14-17, was only postponed and not cancelled.

"Manto was a great writer and we appreciate his services in the field of literature... we neither cancelled the festival nor objected over his work," Alhamra Arts Council Director Arts and Culture Zulifqar Ali Zulfi said.

Manto was a prominent Pakistani writer, playwright and author, known for his Urdu short stories and sketches that were known for revealing bitter truths about society.

A large number of his works were about Pakistan's independence as well as issues considered taboo in conservative circles. He is believed to be the first litterateur to be tried for obscenity by Pakistan. In total, he was tried five times but never convicted.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan should be depicted with respect in Bollywood films: Indian directors</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1877053/pakistan-depicted-respect-bollywood-films-indian-directors</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1877053/pakistan-depicted-respect-bollywood-films-indian-directors#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 Dec 18 08:40:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1877053</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[This year saw the release of three major films, namely Mulk, Raazi and Manto, which showed a soft image of Pakistan]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Rajeev Masand’s The Directors Roundtable somehow always manages to highlight important aspects of film-making in Bollywood. The Indian journalist brings together a host of actors to discuss issues plaguing the industry and what can be done to eradicate them.

This time, however, the focus wasn’t just on India but Pakistan too. Well, at least the portrayal of Pakistan in Indian films which, refreshingly, has been rather positive of late.

[caption id="attachment_1681957" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

This year saw the release of three major Bollywood films, namely Mulk, Raazi and Manto, which showed a soft image of Pakistan. In Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi, for instance, there was no sense of jingoism even though the storyline was based on internal politics between the two neighbouring countries.

The Pakistani characters in the film were treated with as much sensitivity as their Indian counterparts and to have a big star like Alia Bhatt star in such a film made it even better.

[caption id="attachment_1618560" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

Masand brought Gulzar together with Manto director Nandita Das and Mulk’s Shoojit Sircar to discuss this change in ideology. Asked if they were happy that they were able to show these stories and felt that it was high time to Pakistan was shown with sensitivity, Das said, "Absolutely. It was needed for sure and I think that is why all three of us engaged on the subject."

Adding to this, Gulzar said, "To be able to do it was also something like this was very liberating. I am coming from a place where, there was a time where you couldn't even say ‘Pakistan’ in a film and one was restricted to using worlds like ‘uss taraf (that side)’ or ‘parosi (neighbour)’ etc…So, to be able to say ‘Pakistan’ now in a film is a big step forward."

[caption id="attachment_1772620" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: RISHI KAPOOR/TWITTER[/caption]

Talking about how so many Pakistani singers lend their voices to Bollywood songs, Sircar said, "We are collaborating on a creative process. We are not dividing but rather uniting so what is the harm in it?”

Another important point raised in The Directors Roundtable was the fact that no international has ever been allowed to shoot in Pakistan and any scenes picturised on Pakistan have to be shot in parts of India or Kashmir.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNdhMiRB69w

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Gaitonde, Manto, Thackeray: The many shades of Nawazuddin Siddiqui</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1875717/gaitonde-manto-thackeray-many-shades-nawazuddin-siddiqui</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1875717/gaitonde-manto-thackeray-many-shades-nawazuddin-siddiqui#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 18 09:57:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1875717</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Acclaimed star is currently gearing up to portray Hindu right wing leader, Shiv Sena's Bal Thackeray]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[National Award-winning actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui says that he had to work really hard to get the personality and mannerisms right to play the role of late politician Bal Thackeray on the big screen.

During the trailer launch of Thackeray on Wednesday, Nawazuddin said, "Getting the mannerisms, his thought process and internalising his vision to portray the character was very tough and I had to work really hard on that."

[caption id="attachment_1618562" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

He further added, "I know that people are talking about my look and the credit goes to the make-up artiste. A good professional make-up artiste can give me the look, but how I am portraying the character depends on how I am preparing for it…I have honestly attempted to do that."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqpl_sAcQF8

Sharing the story behind casting him, Sanjay Raut, the writer and one of the producers of the film, said, "I have always liked Nawazuddin Siddiqui's work, but once I was watching one of his films 'Freaky Ali' where he played the role of a golf player."

"When I looked at his face, I thought he could be a choice, but I had to understand if he had the body-language to pull the role. I called him for a meeting at a hotel. I observed his walk and body language…that moment I decided that he would play the character," added the casting director.

[caption id="attachment_1618549" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption]

"I chose him within two minutes I can say…in the same way, I chose Amrita (Rao) for the role of Meena Tai Thackeray. We selected our team very fast," mentioned Raut.

The film is based on the life of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma had made a film titled "Sarkar" on a fictional character of a politician. One can see a similarity in the image of that character with Thackeray.

Asked if the film can be compared with Sarkar that had megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Nawazuddin said, "I don't think anyone can overshadow someone because an actor has his own style and method of performance."

Directed by Abhijit Panse, Thackeray will be releasing on January 25.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Pakistani or Indian 'Manto'? Sarmad Khoosat requests fair treatment for both</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1870965/pakistani-indian-manto-sarmad-khoosat-requests-fair-treatment</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1870965/pakistani-indian-manto-sarmad-khoosat-requests-fair-treatment#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 18 09:03:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1870965</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Film-maker agreed with Nandita Das' comments on both the films]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Indian film-maker Nandita Das' Manto seems to have become the talk of the town in Pakistan. A few days ago, the director shared that she was unhappy that the film was not cleared for release in Pakistan but was grateful for all the fans who showed their support. While the film is now available on Netflix for the worldwide audience, Das clarified that she does not wish for the Indian Manto to be pitted against the Pakistani Manto, which was directed by Sarmad Khoosat.

In a Facebook post, Das wrote, "The last thing we want to do to Saadat Hassan Manto and his legacy is to make it India versus Pakistan, or Indian Manto versus Pakistani Manto, or Sarmad Khoosat versus Nawazuddin Siddiqui."

[caption id="attachment_1805457" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: HELLO MY STAR[/caption]

She feels that there should be more Mantos. The film-maker added, "I am very happy that two films, featuring different times in Manto's life, have come to us. I am sure, so is Sarmad. We both have had the pleasure of sharing our respective perspectives and experiences of making Manto, both in Delhi and Lahore, in 2015 and 2016, before I even shot my film. So let’s not trivialise the conversation. Manto can be by all and for all."

[caption id="attachment_1805455" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: NEW INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

Khoosat agreed with Das' thought and sent his love to her and Siddiqui. He wrote, "Unfortunately, I’ll have to watch it on Netflix and I must admit I am equally nervous and excited. Sarhad say azaad hai yeh pyaar (This love transcends borders). Manto Zindabad."

Twitterati remained divided on the matter of Das' Manto releasing in Pakistan. However, to clarify, Khoosat explained, "I must reiterate that my Manto got a lot of acceptance and appreciation in India. We travelled with the film from Delhi to Mumbai to Kolkata to Goa and Jaipur."

[caption id="attachment_1782195" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

He continued that his film did not get a commercial release despite Zee Studios having bought the rights to distribute it. But Khoosat shared that it was more of a political mess that affected much more than films between the two countries.

The 39-year-old actor also tweeted, "Indian audiences and film fraternity gave the film and us a lot of love. If I may brag, at the Jaipur Film Festival, Manto won the Best Actor Award too. Other than some truly phenomenal films, Piku was there too - and we all know what stalwarts it had. Manto should be owned by all of us."

[caption id="attachment_1782197" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Khoosat then criticised a local media organisation for ignoring Pakistan's Manto. He said that his film should also be on digital platforms but feels that "perhaps the industry bigwigs felt it wasn't worthy of their attention". He continued, "I had kept my mouth rather shut about it earlier but I have been very embarrassed in front of innumerable fans who keep asking why my Manto wasn't available online."

The film-maker requests for a parallel movement to have the Pakistani Manto release online too.

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Decision on 'Manto' will not be reversed: Censor Board</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1868708/decision-manto-will-not-reversed-censor-board</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1868708/decision-manto-will-not-reversed-censor-board#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 18 10:42:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Adnan Lodhi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1868708</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The film was released worldwide on Netflix on November 30]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Like many Bollywood films, Nandita Das' Manto was also not released in Pakistan. Even though the biopic was based on the life of sub-continent's famed writer Saadat Hasan Manto - making it as relevant to Pakistan as India - the film was not granted clearance in the country.



PHOTO: SCREENGRAB

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Fawad Chaudhry took notice of Das' disappointment over the ban on Manto in Pakistan. He tweeted back to her, "I am trying to pursue importers to bring this movie to Pakistan. I hope someone will definitely take risk of showing a less commercial film to the viewers."

While the film-maker appreciated the Minister's efforts and thanked him for his response, many artists and writers wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan to allow the film to be released. Das was also overwhelmed by this action from the Pakistani citizens. She stated, "Pakistanis defending a film from India shows that we are united in our pursuit of peace and justice."

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

An official of the Central Board of Film Certification revealed further details while choosing to stay anonymous. "To be honest, there was nothing objectionable in Manto that couldn’t have been salvaged by a few minor edits,” the member told The Express Tribune. The overarching concern of the officials was that the film does not subscribe to the correct version of the Partition.

Whether or not Manto will see the light of day is still to be seen. But the film was released on Netflix on November 30, so the debate over getting it cleared in Pakistan seems unnecessary. Perhaps some pressure from the Information Minister will help the film’s cause? "Well, not really! What has happened has happened. Our issue is that it violates our censorship policy and that's about it. What plays on Netflix is not our headache."

PHOTO: NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

A few days back Das had written an article in Scroll India stating that she wanted Manto to be watched by the Pakistani audience as well.

"We did manage to get one of the best distributors on board due to the popularity of Indian films there and the buzz that Manto had generated. But after much back and forth with them over the past few months, I just got the news that Manto was not passed by their Censor Board. The reasons cited are that 'the film has anti-Partition narrative theme and explicit scenes, which is against the norms of Pakistani society'," wrote Das.

SCREENGRAB

The film-maker added that Pakistan's Censor Board also raised the issue of "explicit scenes", which confused Das as she claims there was no nudity in the film. She said, "It got a U/A certificate in India. Manto’s works were similarly labelled and they faced much neglect and years of obscenity trials. He was finally embraced in Pakistan in his centenary year in 2012 and posthumously conferred the highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz. How can such honour be bestowed upon him when his work is still being considered inappropriate?"

&nbsp;

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Nandita Das disappointed over 'Manto' not releasing in Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1867609/nandita-das-disappointed-manto-not-releasing-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1867609/nandita-das-disappointed-manto-not-releasing-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 15 Dec 18 09:45:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1867609</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The Firaaq maker knows that she won't get an opportunity to present her 'case to the Pakistani Censor Board']]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Indian film-maker Nandita Das says she is disappointed that her film Manto will not be releasing in Pakistan.

"Disappointed that Manto will not be seen in theatres in Pakistan. I was keen as he belongs to both countries equally," Nandita tweeted on Saturday.

https://twitter.com/nanditadas/status/1073814456642232320

With Manto, Nandita traced the life of writer Saadat Hasan Manto. Nawazuddin Siddiqui had brought the character to life.

The film followed the most tumultuous years in the life of the controversial and those of India and Pakistan where Manto inhabited and chronicled. The film starred Rasika Dugal as the late poet's wife along with Tahir Raj Bhasin, Rishi Kapoor and Divya Dutta in key roles.

[caption id="attachment_1805357" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Nandita also shared link of an article - which she penned for a news website, explaining why the film won't be crossing borders.

"I just got the news that 'Manto' was not passed by their Censor Board. The reasons cited are that 'the film has anti-Partition narrative theme and explicit scenes, which is against the norms of Pakistani society'," she wrote.

The Firaaq maker knows that she won't get an opportunity to present her "case to the Pakistani Censor Board".

[caption id="attachment_1782196" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

"In the last six years that I have been working on Manto, not only his family but many others in Pakistan have been waiting anxiously to see it on the big screen. So while this explanation is in defence of freedom, it is also for them," she said.

Manto, who died in 1955 at the age of 43, penned an impressive body of work touching various genres. He churned out about 22 collections of stories comprising a novel, essays, personal sketches and movie scripts.

[caption id="attachment_1805357" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Out of his literary gems was a story on Mirza Ghalib, a poet who is often compared with the stature of William Shakespeare. His work also gained attention for weaving stories around the ordeal of partition as well as sexuality.

Manto was the only Indian film in Un Certain Regard category at 71st Cannes Film Festival. The film released in India in September this year.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Nandita Das win big for 'Manto'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1857422/nawazuddin-siddiqui-nandita-das-win-big-manto</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1857422/nawazuddin-siddiqui-nandita-das-win-big-manto#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 18 09:34:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1857422</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nawazuddin was given the award for the 'Best Performance By An Actor' for his film]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and film-maker Nandita Das have been awarded at the 12th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA).

Nawazuddin was given the award for the Best Performance By An Actor for his film Manto.

[caption id="attachment_1805357" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: SCREENGRAB[/caption]

"Honoured to have received Best Performance By An Actor Award by ASPA 2018 for my favourite film Manto. This one is Special, winning for the second time. Thank you Asia Pacific Screen Award and thank you Nandita Das for believing in me," he said.

https://twitter.com/Nawazuddin_S/status/1068138816932843520

Das received the FIAPF award for achievement in films in the Asia Pacific region.

"Honoured to get the FIAPF APSA Award for the life and work choices I have made. Feeling encouraged to continue to tell the stories that needed to be told," Das tweeted.

https://twitter.com/nanditadas/status/1068115008402464768

The film-maker is known for her acting in the controversial film Fire (1996) and Earth (1998) and later in Between the Lines, about gender inequality in middle class India. Her first film as director Firaaq appeared in 2008.

[caption id="attachment_1618560" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

Her second feature, Manto premiered in UnCertain Regard in Cannes this year and has been picked up by festivals including Sydney, Toronto and Busan.

Manto traces the life of writer Saadat Hasan Manto. Nawazuddin Siddiqui has brought the character to life. It also stars actress Rasika Dugal.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>In pictures: Manto's daughters attend father's biopic screening in India</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1806914/pictures-mantos-daughters-attend-fathers-biopic-screening-india</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1806914/pictures-mantos-daughters-attend-fathers-biopic-screening-india#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Sep 18 04:57:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1806914</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nuzhat and Nusrat were invited to special screening of Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer, 'Manto' across the border]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Actor Rasika Dugal, who plays the character of Safia Manto - wife of controversial Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto, in Nandita Das hemled biopic, is hosting the late Urdu writer’s daughters in India.

Manto's daughters, Nuzhat and Nusrat are currently in India for a private screening of Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer, arranged by the makers of the film, reported Hindustan Times.

Dugal told Indian media that it is nice to finally get to meet the family. Manto has three daughters, who live in Lahore. They have been extremely involved in the entire process of this film. Nusrat and Nuzhat flew to Mumbai to watch the film at a special screening.

The actor and the film’s director Das are making sure they get to see the “Bombay” that their father loved. The two daughters will also be visiting Delhi.

[caption id="attachment_1806953" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES[/caption]

“It is so nice to finally get to meet the family. Nandita’s efforts have finally brought them here. It gives me great joy to show them around Bombay (now Mumbai) - the city that their parents loved,” Dugal said in a statement.

“We went to Prithvi theatre and all of us including Nawazuddin met for dinner later. So many stories were shared about Manto and Safia,” she added.

Bollywood celebrities including Rekha, Imtiaz Ali, Deepti Naval, Shabana Azmi and others also attended the screening of the film.

[caption id="attachment_1806952" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES[/caption]

The film is creating lot of buzz among the audience since its trailer release. The other attendants were Shaad Ali, Ila Arun, Aahana Kumra, Prateik Babbar, Ali Fazal, Rahul Bose, Isha Koppikar, Jim Sarbh, Lillete Dubey and Shaan were also at the screening.

Manto is based on the 1940’s post-Independence period of India. Besides Nawazuddin in the title character, the movie also stars Tahir Raj Bhasin as the 40’s Bollywood superstar Shyam Chadda.

The film premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and will release in Indian theatres on September 21.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Nandita Das working to release 'Manto' in Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1805436/nandita-das-working-release-manto-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1805436/nandita-das-working-release-manto-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 18 11:04:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1805436</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Film has been appreciated by critics at both the Cannes and Toronto Film Festivals this year]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Acclaimed film-maker Nandita Das is all set to release her biopic on Saadat Hassan Manto, aptly titled Manto. Starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the renowned writer, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this year and will be released worldwide on September 21.

Trailer out: Nawazuddin Siddiqui versus Sarmad Khoosat's 'Manto'

While Manto has already received a lot of appreciation from critics, fans are eagerly waiting to see what Manto has in store. But many in Pakistan are still unsure if the film will hit screens across the country.

[caption id="attachment_1805455" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: NEW INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

Nandita recently tweeted that she is currently trying to get Manto to release in Pakistan. She wrote, "We're working towards releasing the film in Pakistan soon."

[caption id="attachment_1805456" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: TWITTER/NANDITA DAS[/caption]

Whether cinemagoers on this side of the border will get to see the Nawazuddin-starrer is still yet to be decided. Of course, this is not the first time a Bollywood film is having trouble from releasing in the country.

[caption id="attachment_1805457" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: HELLO MY STAR[/caption]

Earlier this year, films such as Padman, Pari, Veere Di Wedding and Mulk were banned from screening as the content was very "bold" or didn't adhere to Islamic culture.

Audience from Pakistan will relate to the film: Nandita Das on 'Manto'

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>I have to 'lie' to keep a positive public image, says Nawazuddin Siddiqui</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1805303/lie-keep-positive-public-image-says-nawazuddin-siddiqui</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1805303/lie-keep-positive-public-image-says-nawazuddin-siddiqui#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 18 07:22:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1805303</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Actor recently opened up about his upcoming role as Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Bollywood star Nawazuddin Siddiqui has nailed all his performances courtesy his acting prowess. From playing a detective in Mom to a mafia thug in Sacred Games, his roles have always managed to leave a mark on audiences.

In a recent interview with Mumbai Mirror, the actor - who recently took on the character of acclaimed Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto for the Indian remake on the late artist's life - opened up about his upcoming role and the hard work that went into it.

[caption id="attachment_1709062" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Tell us something about Manto?
Nawazuddin Siddiqui (NS): I’d read his stories, so when I bumped into Nandita (Das, director) back in 2013 and she told me she was planning a biopic on Manto, I agreed to be a part of it.

Four years later, after completing her research, she introduced me to the man, his world and his thoughts. I had no idea till then that Manto had been an alcoholic and was so prolific he could write a story while being jostled in a crowd. I also didn’t know about the obscenity cases against him or that he was quite the family man.

[caption id="attachment_1709066" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Do you see glimpses of yourself in him?

NS: Yes, there are times when I’m so immersed in a role, I cease to be a part of the real world. Physically I’m there, but mentally I’ve zoned out.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui charged a mere INR1 for Nandita Das' 'Manto'

Manto spoke the truth fearlessly and often brutally, and that got him into trouble. You used to be pretty outspoken yourself once...

NS: If you read the interviews I gave in 2012, you will see that I said what I thought. But then I began to realise that mere sach bolne se problem ho rahi hai (problems arise due to me telling the truth) so I began manipulating it. I’d say what was permissible, what people wanted to hear, till I entered the Manto zone.

Then, for about two-three months, I was back to speaking the truth without embellishments. But society can be very judgmental: It didn’t matter that I had admitted to certain shortcomings myself. I wasn’t appreciated for my honesty. Instead, my confessions went against me. So, I figured there was no point in spoiling my public image when I was getting work — mujhe jhooth bolna chahiye (I should lie).

[caption id="attachment_1709063" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Don’t the lies make you feel guilty?

NS: Of course, I feel terribly guilty. When I am alone, I reprimand myself for all the lies I’ve told so that logon ke samne meri achchi image bani rahe (so that my image in front of the public is kept positive). What to do?  Zamana yehi sunna chahta hai (this is what they want to hear).

Any last-minute jitters as you prepare to resurrect Manto on-screen?

NS: Reviews se bahut dar lagta hai (I'm very afraid of the reviews). I was very nervous when I went with to Cannes - it was unexpected but encouraging when reviews in publications like The Hollywood Reporter analysed the film and my performance in great detail.

[caption id="attachment_1803205" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES[/caption]

Here, we are more focused on entertainment. We want films to make us laugh and cry while Hollywood is looking for films that make them think. Here everyone is a critic - a film and all the hard work we put in it, is dismissed with two stars.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Manto's grandson calls out Indian media for false news</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1803200/mantos-daughters-visit-india-release-fathers-biopic-confirms-nandita-das</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1803200/mantos-daughters-visit-india-release-fathers-biopic-confirms-nandita-das#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Sep 18 08:54:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1803200</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[An article previously had comments from Manto's daughter to confirm their visit to India on father's film release]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto's daughters - Nuzhat and Nusrat - will be attending the premiere of Nandita Das' film on the late artist in Mumbai. The movie is slated to hit screens on September 21, reported DNA India. 

According to the publication, Manto's daughters will be entering Amritsar via the Wagah border and will then fly to Mumbai with their respective spouses.

[caption id="attachment_1618560" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

Speaking to DNA, Nandita said, "We are keeping our fingers crossed that the family of this great literary icon who is legacy of the whole Indian subcontinent will find the passage smooth."

Nuzhat, who currently resides in Lahore, added that her eldest sister Nighat wouldn't be able to attend the screening.

However, Nuzhat's son, Muhammad Farooq took to Twitter to shut down reports of his mother speaking to Indian media.

https://twitter.com/MohammadFarooq_/status/1040513170417246208

https://twitter.com/MohammadFarooq_/status/1040513845880647680

[caption id="attachment_1686195" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption]

He further added that the comments by someone from the team cannot be attributed to his mother.

https://twitter.com/MohammadFarooq_/status/1040520459056541696

Previously, DNA India had claimed to have spoken to Nuzhat about the story. The error has now been fixed. 

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Nawazuddin Siddiqui charged a mere INR1 for Nandita Das' 'Manto'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1790323/nawazuddin-siddiqui-charged-mere-inr1-nandita-das-manto</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1790323/nawazuddin-siddiqui-charged-mere-inr1-nandita-das-manto#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Aug 18 06:22:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1790323</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Actors Rishi Kapoor, Paresh Rawal and writer Javed Akhtar did not charge a single penny for their cameo roles]]>
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				<![CDATA[With a stellar cast which includes Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Rishi Kapoor, it's no wonder actor-director Nandita Das’ Manto made its way to the 71st Cannes Film Festival.

How much do you think the cast and crew charged for their work in the film though? To many people's surprise, some of the celebrities working in the film only charged a nominal fee if anything, reported Times of India.

[caption id="attachment_1790351" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: THE INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

While Siddiqui asked for merely INR1 for the film, writer Javed Akhtar and singer Gurdas Maan didn't charge a single penny. The Mom actor plays the lead role of late Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto in the film and Das is more than grateful for his offer to do it for such a small fee. "This is the character that an actor would give an arm and leg for. But to not charge even a nominal fee is very gracious of Nawaz," stated the director.

She added, "Trust me, there is more to life than money! The compensation comes in the form of experience and the joy of working on interesting projects. I, too, have done many such projects and have never looked for monetary compensation."

[caption id="attachment_1790359" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: TWITTER/ RISHI KAPOOR[/caption]

Other renowned actors agreed to do small parts purely to support the film, which include the likes of Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal."Rishi Kapoor and Gurdas Maan said yes in our first meeting. I also reached out to many whom I knew well and have used up all my goodwill to get a stellar cast that truly does justice to the characters in the film," Das shared.

Trailer out: Nawazuddin Siddiqui versus Sarmad Khoosat's 'Manto'

She continued, "While many have done cameo roles, they all bring their talent and credibility to the characters. Politically, we may have differing views, but there is a mutual respect as an artist and I am truly grateful they did the roles to perfection."

[caption id="attachment_1466871" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIA.COM[/caption]

Speaking of Akhtar, the director stated, "I have known Javed Saab since before I did Fire... and I have always felt that he would be perfect in front of the camera. I thought it would be quite interesting to have a progressive writer of today defending Manto. You will see him in a new avatar."

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Rishi Kapoor to play a sleazy film producer in 'Manto'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1783034/rishi-kapoor-play-sleazy-film-producer-manto</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1783034/rishi-kapoor-play-sleazy-film-producer-manto#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 18 09:54:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1783034</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The 65-year-old star gave a glimpse of his character on Twitter]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Rishi Kapoor is one of Bollywood's finest veteran actors. The 102 Not Out actor manages to excel at every role he's ever played, however, in Manto, Rishi will be seen in a different avatar, reported Hindustan Times.

Rishi Kapoor's anti-Pakistan tweets continue and it's not funny anymore!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmkpdxrhYDC/?tagged=rishikapoor

The 65-year-old star gave a glimpse of his character on Twitter. He wrote, "Playing this incorrigible, sleazy film producer in Manto along with the terrific Nawazuddin Siddiqui." He then continued that it was a guest appearance that he has made for director Nandita Das. Rishi also pointed out his outfit that shows his pants being tied at the chest - a fashion trend of the 50s.

https://twitter.com/chintskap/status/1029717502228656128

One fan on the social media platform was quick to notice that the scene resembles an actual incident from 1951. He wrote, "Here is a picture of Bollywood auditions in 1951. The resemblance shows the great detailing by the director."

https://twitter.com/TrendinglnIndia/status/1029784925980028928

Manto's trailer was released on August 15, raising questions regarding Saadat Hasan Manto's relevance today. The film stars Nawazuddin in the lead. Veteran actor Paresh Rawal plays a crucial role in the film as well along with Divya Dutta and many others. Manto is all set to hit screens on September 21.

Why can't India and Pakistan resolve their dispute, questions Rishi Kapoor

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Trailer out: Nawazuddin Siddiqui versus Sarmad Khoosat's 'Manto'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1782081/trailer-nawazuddin-siddiqui-versus-sarmad-khoosats-manto</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1782081/trailer-nawazuddin-siddiqui-versus-sarmad-khoosats-manto#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Aug 18 08:26:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shaheera Anwar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1782081</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Here's our take on which film boasted a better trailer]]>
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				<![CDATA[The trailer of Nandita Das' much-awaited Manto, which premiered at Cannes Film Festival, was released recently. While Nawazuddin Siddiqui stars in a titular role in the biopic, Sarmad Khoosat played protagonist in the Pakistani version. While Khoosat's Manto released in 2015, Das' directorial is set to hit screens on September 21.

Here's presenting a break down of both Manto trailers.

1. Cast

[caption id="attachment_1782190" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Khoosat's version of Manto included some big names from the local entertainment industry. Gifted actors such as Saniya Saeed, Rehan Sheikh, Nimra Bucha, Faysal Qureshi essayed pivotal roles. Others such as Mahira Khan, Saba Qamar, Azfar Rehman, Yasra Rizvi, Hina Khawaja Bayat, Mansha Pasha and Khoosat, on the other hand, added popular appeal to the film.

[caption id="attachment_1782193" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

In Das' Manto, Siddiqui stars as the iconic writer. Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal make appearances too. While Khoosat's cast featured many big names from the Pakistan, Das kept it simple with actors noted for their craft.

2. Dialogues

[caption id="attachment_1782194" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Siddiqui is one of the finest actors in Bollywood. Excel, he always does at dialogue delivery. Transforming into characters he essays with effortless ease, Manto appears to have been written for a man of such histrionic ability.

Khoosat, on the other hand, failed to carry impact. The script, by and large, failed to do justice to Manto's life and times.

[caption id="attachment_1782197" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Considering how Urdu remains alive in Pakistan unlike India, Khoosat's version was expected to have greater finesse. Das' Manto, however, appears to have employed Urdu's poetic beauty in a befitting manner.

3. Visuals

Khoosat's Manto trailer focused on an eclectic range of characters featured in the film. Das', on the other hand, is premised more on the master writer.

[caption id="attachment_1782196" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Much cannot be said about direction with Siddiqui's Manto yet to hit screens. However, the trailer devotes attention to how the grand doyen of Urdu short story tried to raise awareness. It also shows glimpses of his family life and him struggling to make ends meet.

[caption id="attachment_1782199" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Khoosat's trailer was merely an introduction to who was who in the film, overlooking the pivotal role content plays when it comes to a film. While it showed Manto's tryst with alcoholism, the trailer failed to spark audience interest. Siddiqui's Manto has not only done that but taken it a notch higher.

See for yourself. Who did you think made a better Manto?

Khoosat's Manto:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7chqbd-05Q4

Siddiqui' Manto:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFbUei2DDhc

[poll id="1569"]

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Audience from Pakistan will relate to the film: Nandita Das on 'Manto'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1709568/audience-pakistan-will-relate-film-nandita-das-manto</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1709568/audience-pakistan-will-relate-film-nandita-das-manto#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 18 06:36:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk/ IANS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1709568</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The Saadat Hasan Manto biopic opens to a packed house at 71st Cannes Film Festival]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Actor and film-maker Nandita Das, who is gearing up for her next directorial venture Manto, has said she was not trying to put Sadat Hassan Manto, the author and playwright, on a pedestal.

She also believes that the audience from this side of the border will be able to relate to it just as easily.

Nandita Das' 'Manto' makes it to Cannes Film Festival

Speaking at the teaser launch of of the film along with Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rasika Dugal and Tahir Raj Bhasin, Nandita said Manto was not a message-driven film.

[caption id="attachment_1618560" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

"The idea is to tell a story for audience. We are not putting 'Manto' on a pedestal," said Nandita.

"He was somebody who used to speak the truth despite all challenges he faced. For youth, it is extremely inspirational to see someone like him. I think it's a film where the audience will be able to take home something and everyone will relate with his personality."

Nawazuddin Siddiqui's 'Manto' teaser releases prior to Cannes screening

When asked how Nawazuddin has been able to play the character of Manto in the film, she said, "He has similar kind of personality in terms of views, anger, arrogance, sensitivity and humour. I think it was smooth ride for Nawazuddin to play this character. He used to tell me that he would not be able to do another film simultaneously because he had immersed himself so deep into the character of Manto."

[caption id="attachment_1618561" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

Nandita, on being asked, whether audience would be able to accept this across the border, she said, "It's a story of a human being who happens to be a writer. There is no relation of borders between two countries. It's a very universal story."

Manto is as relevant today as he was during his time: Nawazuddin Siddiqui

"I don't think audience from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will not be able to relate with it, it's very relatable story. I think everyone will relate with this film on different levels.

"We are not offending anybody," she said.

[caption id="attachment_1618558" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

The film opened to packed house at the 71st Cannes Film Festival.

“Manto is set in the 1940s and 1950s, but it is about what is happening (on the subcontinent) today,” the director said.

“Cannes is like home, and it is great to have my second film premiere here,” she said.

The director further added, “My films are rooted in a milieu but I do not seek to explain everything. If you are true to the emotions you are dealing with, a film connects instantly with the audience.”

https://twitter.com/mantofilm/status/995680198459822080

“People across the world are fearful of all the unsettling developments around them. That is why Manto’s writings are as relevant today as they were back in his time,” Nandita said.

“Initially, the script spanned a ten-year period from 1942 to 1952. In the film, that has eventually been whittled down to four years,” she said, throwing light on the six-year process from conception to completion.

https://twitter.com/Nawazuddin_S/status/995723378840559617

“I do films as a means to an end. It is better to get your point across through the means of a film rather than engage with trolls on social media and in the real world,” she said.

The film stars Nawazuddin in the titular character along with Rasika and Tahir  in lead roles. Manto has been selected to compete in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Nawazuddin Siddiqui's 'Manto' teaser releases prior to Cannes screening</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1709033/nawazuddin-siddiquis-manto-teaser-releases-prior-cannes-screening</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1709033/nawazuddin-siddiquis-manto-teaser-releases-prior-cannes-screening#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 May 18 08:08:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1709033</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The film has been selected for the Un Certain Regard award at the festival this year]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[With Cannes Film Festival in full swing, the teaser of Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer Manto has been released prior to the its screening in the French Riviera.

'Manto' has power to transcend borders: Nandita Das

The teaser kicks off with Siddiqui in true Manto character - mentioning how documenting his words through a typewriter clouds his thoughts.

[caption id="attachment_1709062" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Addressing the hypocrisy prevalent in the society, Nawazuddin essays the author with pure class and commitment that is evident through the teaser.

It also suggests that the film also delves into Manto's personal life - his relationship with his friends and family, and his uncensored attitude towards everything happening in front of his eyes while struggling to provide a sustainable living for his loved ones.

[caption id="attachment_1709063" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Due to his writing, Manto faced many hardships as people termed his pieces obscene and a misrepresentation of reality - even though he only wrote what he saw.

Being an actor with utmost skill in the craft, Siddiqui seems like the perfect choice for the role.

[caption id="attachment_1709064" align="alignnone" width="625"] SCREENGRAB[/caption]

Nandita Das to promote 'Manto' at the Cannes Film Festival

Directed by Nandita Das, Manto has been selected for the Un Certain Regard award at the festival this year. It is based on the life of subcontinent's famed writer Saadat Hassan Manto who promoted freedom of speech and spoke of society's atrocities.

Watch the teaser here:

[fbvideo link="https://www.facebook.com/Mantofilm/videos/vb.744659822311315/1670622273007330/?type=2"]

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Manto was an honest man who wrote what he saw: Nawazuddin Siddiqui</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1704235/manto-honest-man-wrote-saw-nawazuddin-siddiqui</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1704235/manto-honest-man-wrote-saw-nawazuddin-siddiqui#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 07 May 18 09:26:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1704235</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Actor's latest film, 'Manto' has been nominated for Un Certain Regard category at the Cannes Film Festival]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[When Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui walks the red carpet at Cannes this year, he may take a moment to ponder just how far he has come and where he is headed.

Nandita Das' 'Manto' makes it to Cannes Film Festival

In just over a decade, Siddiqui has gone from a struggling bit-part actor worried about finding food to an acclaimed international star coveted by directors for his versatility across all genres.

"When your film gets selected in a good category, you feel confident that you are on the right track and your choice of films is good," Siddiqui said in an interview.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhd139QA9Za/?taken-by=nawazuddin._siddiqui

His latest film sees him play the lead role in Manto, a biopic about the troubled life of Indian-Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto. The movie, directed by Nandita Das, has been selected for the Un Certain Regard category of the film festival which opens on May 8.

"I enjoy Cannes because it is such a big and prestigious platform. It's a whole world revolving around films," said Siddiqui.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV68EAkg8ix/?taken-by=nawazuddin._siddiqui

Manto (1912-1955) is considered to be one of the Indian subcontinent's greatest short story writers ever. He was lauded for being bold and progressive, and a proponent of free speech, writing truthfully about the brutal violence that followed the partition of British India.

To others he was a subversive troublemaker whose stories featuring pimps and prostitutes broke too many taboos. Manto was charged with obscenity a total of six times by authorities in colonial and independent India. He died from organ failure caused by excessive alcohol consumption aged 42.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOM-K8cjv-H/?taken-by=nawazuddin._siddiqui

"Manto was an honest man who wrote what he saw. He was transparent and there was no hypocrisy in his life," said Siddiqui, who is currently 43. "He thought about things in the 1940s which we fail to see or think about even today. He spoke and wrote the truth, and truth never gets old. To play him you have to be truthful too."

Siddiqui is one of Bollywood's great success stories - a poor man, who from humble beginnings in a village in Uttar Pradesh state, defied the odds to make it big in the industry after moving to Mumbai in 2000.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJLW8TKD71v/?taken-by=nawazuddin._siddiqui

He admitted that the chances were stacked against him. "I'm a five-foot six-inch, dark, ordinary-looking man. People didn't imagine I would make it," Siddiqui stated in a 2015 interview.

But after years of playing small parts Siddiqui achieved his breakthrough in 2012 with Talaash, Gangs of Wasseypur, Miss Lovely and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. He has not looked back.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWXCyTQgF6x/?taken-by=nawazuddin._siddiqui

"I spent about 10 to 12 years struggling. My lowest point was to find food and survive. Now I can do the work according to my choices," he said at his office, a collection of posters from his biggest hits hanging on a wall behind him.

Siddiqui has held his own with superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan and also successfully crossed over into Hollywood, appearing in the 2016 hit Lion.

He is considered to be one of the few actors who can straddle both commercial Bollywood and independent film genres, putting him in high demand.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYK2td8gMXO/?taken-by=nawazuddin._siddiqui

After Manto, Siddiqui will be seen in the Netflix adaptation of Vikram Chandra's novel Sacred Games. It releases on July 6 and will be the site's first original Indian series. The actor is currently shooting for what he describes as his "most difficult" character yet - divisive Mumbai politician Bal Thackeray, who died in 2012.

Thackeray founded and led the Hindu far-right Shiv Sena party, which has campaigned against Muslims and sought to bar migrant "outsiders" from Mumbai. Siddiqui is both. "Credit goes to the family and the producer who must have realised I could do justice to this complex and difficult role," he said.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdFNV80A4jw/?taken-by=nawazuddin._siddiqui

Siddiqui will be in Cannes from May 13 to May 15 before returning to India to finish shooting Thackeray which releases in January 2019.

He has become a fixture on la Croisette since debuting with Gangs of Wasseypur in 2012, walking the red carpet more than half a dozen times. The Lunchbox was screened there in 2013 while Raman Raghav followed in 2016.

Manto is as relevant today as he was during his time: Nawazuddin Siddiqui

A suit that Siddiqui had made by a Indian tailor for his first visit has been a feature of all of his appearances. This time, however, he is ditching it for a stylish tuxedo fashioned by one of India's top designers - symbolic perhaps of how far he has come.

"The suit has its own story. But there should be change. We can't hold onto the past," said Siddiqui.

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Manto is as relevant today as he was during his time: Nawazuddin Siddiqui</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1686174/manto-relevant-today-time-nawazuddin-siddiqui</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1686174/manto-relevant-today-time-nawazuddin-siddiqui#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 Apr 18 08:21:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1686174</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nandita Das’ directorial has made its way to the Un Certain Regard segment of the prestigious 71st Cannes Film Fest]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[We already know Nawazuddin Siddiqui is leaving no stone unturned to essay the role of Saadat Hasan Manto – and as a result, his look as the late Pakistani writer is just spot on.

Nandita Das’ directorial has made its way to the Un Certain Regard segment of the prestigious 71st Cannes Film Festival. The team is ecstatic.

[caption id="attachment_1618561" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

The historical period drama about Manto, who is known for his writings around the partition of India and Pakistan, is the only Indian film competing in the Un Certain Regard category of the gala, to be held from May 8-19.

Nandita Das' 'Manto' makes it to Cannes Film Festival

In an exclusive interview to The Indian Express, Nawazuddin  talks about the role he's about to take and believes Manto is just as relevant today as he was in his time.

“Manto is as relevant today as he was during his time. Like, I will narrate you his speech, which he had given in Jogeshwari (in Mumbai). We have used it as it is,” Nawazuddin said as he gets into his on-screen avatar.

[caption id="attachment_1618560" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

Nawazuddin further said of the short story writer, “He used to say, ‘These (religious fanaticism) are disgusting things, motives. Debate on my story and kill me, I will be fine with it. I will think I got a good death. I will be happy. But don’t do these things because I am an artiste and I don’t like such dirty scars.’ He used to call himself an artiste no, so, he would say, ‘I am an artiste. Don’t make me anything else’.”

Will play Thackeray with as much intensity as Manto: Nawazuddin

“I relate to him. This is my favourite line of his speech. I had even tweeted because of this at that time. But it was taken out of context. I understood people’s mindset right then itself because they didn’t get what I was trying to say, they still don’t get it I am sure. I had written that only after knowing Manto – ‘I am an artiste and in one life, it’s enough to be just one person.’ And that too, one should try to be that one person in all honesty. I don’t think there’s ever been a more beautiful line than this," he added.

Manto also stars Rishi Kapoor and Rasika Duggal (as Manto’s wife Safiyah) in pivotal roles.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Nandita Das' 'Manto' makes it to Cannes Film Festival</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1684631/nandita-das-rendition-manto-makes-cannes-film-festival</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1684631/nandita-das-rendition-manto-makes-cannes-film-festival#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Apr 18 05:09:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ians]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who plays the bespectacled Manto in the eponymous film, is ecstatic!]]>
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				<![CDATA[Acclaimed Indian actor turned film-maker Nandita Das' directorial Manto, a biographical on controversial Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto, has made its way to the Un Certain Regard segment of the prestigious 71st Cannes Film Festival. The team is ecstatic.

The official line-up was announced by the festival's artistic director Thierry Fremaux in Paris on Thursday.

A historical period drama about Manto, who is known for his writings around the partition of India and Pakistan, is the only Indian film competing in the Un Certain Regard category of the gala, to be held from May 8-19.

Will play Thackeray with as much intensity as Manto: Nawazuddin

Nandita, who has been a jury member at the movie jamboree twice - in 2005 and 2013 - had last year introduced Manto to the Cannes audience via 'In Defence of Freedom', a prelude to the feature film.

Now heading to the fest with the film in full form, Nandita's happiness knows no bounds.

"We are in Cannes! Manto is selected in the official section Un Certain Regard. Exciting moment for the entire crew and cast," tweeted the film-maker, whose 2008 directorial debut Firaaq, on the aftermath of the Gujarat riots, was also screened at Cannes.

https://twitter.com/nanditadas/status/984368557025734656

Nawazuddin, who plays the bespectacled Manto in the eponymous film, is also excited.

"'And it is possible that Saadat Hasan dies, but Manto remains alive'. Glad to inform that Manto is selected for competition at Cannes 2018 in Un Certain Regard section. Congratulations Nandita Das and Team Manto."

https://twitter.com/Nawazuddin_S/status/984369839761448960

Actor Rasika Dugal, who essays Safia Manto - the protagonist's wife - told IANS, "It will be such an honour to present our film there. In the times we live in, a film which strongly defends freedom of speech, should reach a wide audience not just in our country but across the world."

Rasika added that the film speaks of "fearlessness with sensitivity and that's something to nurture and celebrate".

The film also features Tahir Raj Bhasin as Shyam Chaddha, Manto's friend, confidant and inspiration for a number of stories; Rajshri Deshpande as author Ismat Chughtai and veteran actor Rishi Kapoor in a cameo.

The background score is by table maestro Zakir Hussain, with music composed by Sneha Khanwalkar.

Manto vs Mantu: What’s in a name?

The Un Certain Regard is a competition section separate from the Cannes fest's main Palme d'Or competition section.

Manto will compete with Bi Gan's Long Day's Journey into Night, Andrea Bescond and Eric Metayer's Little Tickles, French-Morrocan director Meyem Benm'Barek's Sofia and Ali Abbasi's Border, among others.

The Cannes Film Festival will this year open with Asghar Farhadi's Spanish-language thriller Everybody Knows, starring Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz and Ricardo Darin.

Netflix has boycotted the festival to protest films produced by streaming platforms from being banned from the competition section.

At a press conference, Fremaux answered questions about the lack of women in the line-up, offering his usual reply that the festival has to deal with the titles that are being submitted.

Happy Birthday Saba Qamar: 5 times the actor proved her mettle onscreen

He also said how the gala will never be the same after Hollywood's sexual scandal following the exposure of producer Harvey Weinstein, describing it as an 'earthquake' moment for the industry, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

"The world will never be the same again, the Cannes Film Festival will never be the same again," Fremaux said, adding that the movement sparked by the allegations against Weinstein had also caused an internal evaluation by the festival itself.

"We will discuss our own practices with the festival team. We will discuss equality of salary, we want to question our own process about the parity of the juries," he added.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Will play Thackeray with as much intensity as Manto: Nawazuddin</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1618541/will-play-thackeray-much-intensity-manto-nawazuddin</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1618541/will-play-thackeray-much-intensity-manto-nawazuddin#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jan 18 05:57:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ians]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[It'll be interesting to see Siddiqui's contrasting characters as an acclaimed Urdu writer and a Hindu extremist...]]>
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				<![CDATA[Actor-director Nandita Das has said her upcoming venture on Saadat Hasan Manto is not a conventional biopic as it chronicles four turbulent years of the writer's life before and after Partition.

"A feature film is not a documentary. Manto contains nuances which some may notice, some may not," Das said. "I tried to weave a story set in the period between 1946 and 1950, a tumultuous phase for the two countries as well as Manto," she said yesterday, during a session of Tata Steel Kolkata Literary Meet.

[caption id="attachment_1618558" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

The film is about people and the way they look at humanity in the worst of the situations, Das shared. "I tried to be very intimate about the way I showed the events in the film. Not all Partition stories are about big events," she said about her film, which has acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui in titular role.

Asked about the reasons behind casting Siddiqui as Manto, Das said, "I wanted someone who can be very arrogant and selfish at one point of time and extremely vulnerable at another, someone who can portray a range of emotions through eyes," she said. "We had worked together in Firaaq 10 years ago and he has this amazing ability to get into the skin of a character."

Manto vs Mantu: What’s in a name?

Siddiqui, on his part, said he delved into the thought processes of Manto through his works and tried to imbibe his mannerisms.

[caption id="attachment_1618561" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

"I stayed away from modern gadgets and spent time looking for things that was in one way or the other associated with the writer. Since there is no video available of Manto, I could take some liberty. A lot went into the preparation of the film but it was well-planned by the director," he shared.

Manto was an acclaimed Urdu writer and playwright born in British India. He is best known for his stories about Partition.

6 upcoming Bollywood characters to look forward to in 2018

Claiming not to be bogged down by criticism, Siddiqui has said he would play the role of Balasaheb Thackeray with as much intensity and passion as he did while portraying Manto.

"My job is to act. So whatever character I get, I will play that with all my acuity. I will play the role of Balasaheb Thackeray with the same intensity that I had while playing Manto," Siddiqui stated.

[caption id="attachment_1618560" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

"Your thinking or your political viewpoint can be different but because I am an actor, I will follow the process which I have acquired with my experience in acting, to play any role," he said.

Siddiqui will be seen next as Shiv Sena founder Thackeray in director Abhijit Panse's upcoming film Thackeray.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play Hindu extremist Bal Thackeray in biopic

While the teaser of the film has been largely appreciated, some people criticised the decision of choosing the Raees actor in the role of the founder of the Hindu right-wing Marathi ethnocentric party.

Asked about his views about the recent intolerance over the content of films in the country, the actor said he sometimes feels scared at the present situation but claimed he would not let anyone deter him from following his passion for acting.

[caption id="attachment_1618562" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS[/caption]

"Yes. I feel very much scared sometimes. I was never abused so much in social media before. Whenever I tweet, someone or the other has an opinion. The truth is we are becoming so narrow-minded nowadays that we are not ready to accept anything," said the actor.

"Acting is our profession. It is also our passion. I chose something as my profession that I am also passionate about. So if people try to deter me from doing it (acting), I am not going to listen to them. I will do it," he added.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Manto vs Mantu: What’s in a name?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1617462/manto-vs-mantu-whats-name</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1617462/manto-vs-mantu-whats-name#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 18 04:35:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Dr Aftab Husain]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[A look at mainstream Urdu names and why some of them have so many different spellings and pronunciations]]>
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				<![CDATA[“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

While putting this now proverbially famous dialogue in Juliet’s mouth, Shakespeare must not be aware that he was anticipating the radical theorisation of Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure, who claims that all ideas about the structure of language are dominated by a principle of sheer arbitrariness.

The theory, as we know, was later to colour almost the entire spectrum of social sciences and cultural studies in 20th and 21st centuries. This was the idea which led to the emergence of the structuralist anthropology of Levi-Strauss, who employs Saussurian insight to understand thought-patterns of different cultural groups; radical psychology of Jacque Lacan, who famously claims that the unconscious is structured like a language and also ‘deconstruction’ of Jacques Derrida, who proposes that ‘pure language’ cannot be reduced to single meanings and stresses ‘multiplicity’ and ‘insatiability of meaning’ in a text.

This essential element of arbitrariness in the human language, however, could not diminish the role, value and our interest in names and naming. In spite of all these ideas, onomastics – the scientific study of names – has been establishing itself as a multidisciplinary area and ‘literary onomastics’ now seeks to study the function of names and naming in literature from many different perspectives.

But what about the names of writers? Leaving aside the traditional use of pen-names, pseudonyms, and the takhallus – the short name a poet adopts, and in some cases, uses in his poem to put his signature at the end – there are issues of spelling and pronouncing their names, including both the proper names and surnames.

Urdu, as is the case with many other languages, uses a script that is not so articulate to bear the burden of certain sounds. The difficulty arises, especially, in exotic names.

Traditionally, we have had problems in pronouncing continental names – Sarte, Camus etc – but now, thanks to our relatively direct exposure to the European languages, we tend to pronounce such names in the way there are pronounced by the native speakers.

The problem stands also with our own names. We write certain names, in more than one way: Hussain, Hussein, Hosain, Husain and even Hocane! We’ve got Intizar Hussain, Aamer Hussein, Attia Hosain and me, Aftab Husain!

‘Afzal’ and ‘Afzaal’ can be well differentiated when written in the Perso-Arabic script but create problems in Roman letters. The standard spellings of ‘Iqbal’ are the same as we find in the name of Allama Iqbal, but a famous Pakistani political scientist and activist Eqbal Ahmed always preferred to write his name starting with E. There is a disagreement on ‘Ahmad’ and ‘Ahmed’ too. The list is infinite and shows an anarchy in our onomastic orthography

The surname of the famous short story writer Sa’adat Hasan Manto is not without a problem. Should we call him Manto – as he is generally pronounced – or Mantu – as the writer had reportedly wished to be called and is arguably, the correct pronunciation of his last name? Seen in the list of problematic names of writers listed above, his surname presents even an added problem: it is not only spelled differently but also pronounced differently.

A Pakistan researcher Dr Ali Sana Bukhari claims that ‘Manto’ used to tell his daughter Nuzhat that his surname rhymed with ‘One Two.’ Bukhari, relying on the authority of The History of Kashmiri Castes [Tareekh-e-Aqwaam-e-Kashmir] by Muhammad Din Fauq, tells us that ‘Mantu’ is not the caste or sub-caste of our writer, but an appellation.

Bukhari uses a Punjabi word: ‘al’ that signifies an appellation given to a person or family for certain behaviour and characteristics. That appellation gradually stuck as a surname to the family. Fauq relates even detail of the nomenclatural process of Mantu.

Well, Manto was a proud Kashmiri Pandit, that is, Brahmin by caste, we all know. Iqbal was famously a Kashmiri Brahmin too, Sapru by caste. We have a lot of other surnames of famous Kashmiri Brahmin ending with ‘U.’ These include India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Indian nationalist leaders Saifuddin Kichlu and Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, one of the prominent politicians of India after partition Kailash Nath Katju and famous linguist Braj Bihari Kachru. Why not call it Mantu, instead of Manto?

Interestingly, one of the celebrated grandnephews of the short story writer – himself a famous leftist intellectual and legal activist – writes his surname neither as Manto, nor Manto, but Minto. I am talking about Abid Hassan Minto.

In my childhood, I was under the impression that the writer Manto and Lord Minto are one and the same family names as it was not uncommon to hear people calling the former Minto.

So, we have three possibilities, three variations – Manto, Mantu, and Minto. We may, perhaps, brush aside the last option considering it’s merely an attempt to Anglicise one’s name, as we sometimes spot Geoffrey instead of Jafri, or ‘Shah’ written as ‘Shaw.’

Mantu, however, seems to be a strong competitor.

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Ajoka to stage play on Manto</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1551610/ajoka-stage-play-manto</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1551610/ajoka-stage-play-manto#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Nov 17 04:55:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1551610</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Shows writer dealing with his opponents, how they malign his character]]>
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				<![CDATA[Ajoka Theatre’s play Kaun Hai Ye Gustakh, staged at PNCA on Monday, brought to life the opposition progressive writer Saadat Hasan Manto faced for wrting about social issues which were considered taboos during his time.

This is the ninth play of ongoing National Theatre Festival, 2017. The play is written by Shahid Nadeem and directed by Madiha Gohar and is being presented under the banner of Ajoka Theater.

The story revolves around Manto, the iconic Urdu fiction writer of the subcontinent. He was shown dealing with his opponents, how they malign his character and his writings, how these oppressors hide their own fear of not being able to deal with his way of expressing society in a blunt and bold way, and writing about its weaknesses and social and moral evils.

The play includes abstracts from many of Manto’s own stories. The craftsmanship of the artists was worth seeing as they kept the audience stand still due to their gestures and dialogue delivery.

The audience appreciated the performance and efforts of PNCA for promotion of serious theatre.

Viewers were of the opinion that theatre with a cause is the need of the hour. The month long festival is aimed to provide opportunity to the theatre groups from all over Pakistan. Javed Babar from Peshawar will present Inquiry Officer on November 7 and Sabir Khan will present Ek Boond Zindagi on November 8.

Blood and carpet

On Sunday evening, a classic short story by Meerza Adeeb entitled ‘La’hu aur Qaleen’ (Blood and Carpet)was staged by the Batin Farooqi Production House. Directed by Batin Farooqi, the cast of the play included Batin Farooqi and Sabir Khan in the main roles while the supporting artists were Nasir Walliam, Imtaiz Ali Kashif, Mishal, Sobia, Imran Rushdi, Shahzad Pappu, Mona, Javed Chaudhary, Karim Khan, and Seema Jatt.

The play was a story of a marginalised painter Akhtar who could not make any paintings when adopted by a rich person Tajammal whereas another poor artist Niazi helps Akhtar by making art on his behalf that could earn sufficient money to both.

At the drop scene, Akhtar tells the rich man that all the paintings were made by Niazi who has committed suicide after hearing the news that Akhar has won the prestigious award on his artwork.

Another marvellous play was ‘kafan’(shroud) staged by the Lahore-based Mass Foundation. The play was an adaptation from the classic short-story by the renowned Urdu fiction writer Munshi Premchand. Aamir Nawaz directed the play while the cast included Dr Zoya Qazi, Safina Malik, Muhammad Zaheer Taj, Afzaal nabi, Aamir Ali, Tanvir Khalid, Ahmed Ali, and Mujtaba Sheikh.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7th, 2017.]]>
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			<title>Manto soon to hit your television screens as a drama</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1542026/manto-soon-hit-television-screens-drama</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1542026/manto-soon-hit-television-screens-drama#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Oct 17 11:47:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[TV]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1542026</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Drama will air every Friday from November 3 on a private channel]]>
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				<![CDATA[Hold your breath! Those who have been longing for Sarmad Khoosat’s Manto, which is a biopic on the controversial writer, is finally coming to your television screens - that too in a form of a drama that’ll air every Friday from November 3 on a private channel .

The film stormed at the box office and garnered positive reviews from the critics. The story dates back to the 20th century writer Manto who was raised in the glam world of Bombay and Lahore.

Bollywood remake of 'Manto' to release mid-2018

It revolves around the last seven years of the writer’s life during which he penned some of his most controversial stories such as Toba Tek Singh, Oopar Neeche aur Darmiyan, Thanda Gosht and Khol Do.

Starring Sarmad Khoosat as Manto, Sania Saeed as Safia, Saba Qamar as NoorJehan and Arjumand Rahim as a dancer.

Can't understand why everybody wants to work in Hollywood: Nawazuddin

Saadat Hasan Manto was one of the most scandalous short-story writers, columnist as well as a radio script writer.

The film explores the life of Manto after coming back from a psychiatric hospital to his wife Safia and three girls.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Bollywood remake of 'Manto' to release mid-2018</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1531951/bollywood-remake-manto-release-mid-2018</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1531951/bollywood-remake-manto-release-mid-2018#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 Oct 17 07:10:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ians]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1531951</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA['Manto' portrays life of celebrated Pakistani writer, Saadat Hasan Manto]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Actor, film-maker Nandita Das, who has completed the shoot of her upcoming directorial Manto on the life of celebrated Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto, has said the film will be in theatres by the middle of next year.
Nandita attended the opening ceremony of the Jio MAMI 19th Mumbai Film Festival, and was asked if she is happy with whatever she has shot for Manto.

Can't understand why everybody wants to work in Hollywood: Nawazuddin

"If you ask as a director how happy you are after shooting the film, then it's a tricky one. But I just know that it can't get any worse. It can only get better when you are in post-production," she said.

Film editing is her favourite part of the film-making journey.

"All the mistakes you have done while shooting, now you can sort of try to make it better.

"It's been an incredible journey. A lot of credible people have been a part of it. I think I am fortunate enough to work with a great cast and crew. Hopefully, by mid next year, it should be in theatres," added Nandita.

I've encountered racism all my life: Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Sharing her working experience with actors Nawazuddin Siiddiqui and Rasika Dugal, she said, "Both of them are wonderful. Honestly, both are very accomplished actors and wonderful human beings. When you spend so much time with actors, you also want to work with good people.

"So, I feel fortunate that they have fully dedicated themselves and they are real troopers."

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>'Manto' has been a great experience: Nawazuddin Siddiqui</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1441875/manto-great-experience-nawazuddin-siddiqui</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1441875/manto-great-experience-nawazuddin-siddiqui#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 17 07:26:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ians]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1441875</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The actor will be seen bringing forth the simplicity of the writer, who was a strong advocate of free speech]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Whether it's bringing alive illustrious writer Saadat Hasan Manto onscreen in Manto or essaying a rustic sharpshooter in his most "besharam" film Babumoshai Bandookbaaz, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui's new projects are about exploring the unexplored.

At a time when a mega-budget entertainer like Baahubali has set new precedents for the Indian film industry, the versatile actor says a film's budget or the stars and directors associated with it don't motivate him to decide on a project.

"However big a scale of a film, or however famous a director is, or a star, I don't do a film till I don't understand it."

'Manto' has power to transcend borders: Nandita Das

"If someone says it's a Rs 50-crore or Rs 70-crore film, I leave that and do a Rs 50-lakh film, because satisfaction is very important for me. Maybe the Rs 50-crore film doesn't allow me to tap a new side of my potential that a smaller budget film lets me discover," Nawazuddin said.

"If nothing happens to me from within after listening to a film's story, then I don't do it - budget irrespective," added the actor, who for the past three to four years, has come into his own.

Starting with a role in the 1999 film Sarfarosh, Nawazuddin has carved his own niche bit by bit and is today perhaps among one of the most visible faces from Indian cinema at international film circuits.

Gangs of Wasseypur, The Lunchbox, Badlapur, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Manjhi: The Mountain Man, Haraamkhor and Raees are some of the projects which have let him show his range as an actor. Now he's out to stretch that out with Manto and Babumoshai Bandookbaaz.

While Nandita Das's directorial Manto has already made the right noises at the Cannes Film Festival last month, one look at the trailer of the latter film tells you how bold can Nawazuddin get.

4 Biopics we are eagerly anticipating this year

The actor, who has his roots in the hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh, said: "Baabumoshai... is a very 'ajeeb, tedi-medi' (strange and crooked) film. I don't know how many people will like it because we are used to soft, sweet films or patriotic movies, but this film breaks all barriers."

"This film breaks it all, and I would say, 'Bahut hi besharam film hai yeh (This is a very shameless film')."

In Manto, meanwhile, the actor will be seen bringing forth the simplicity of the writer, who was a strong advocate of free speech.

"Manto has been a great experience... People know a lot about his work and he continues to be known for his daring and boldness," Nawazuddin said, drawing a deep breath of satisfaction - understandably of getting his due in the industry.

When it's all in the trailer, why are Pakistani films failing at it?

"I am doing the kind of roles that I really want to do. The industry is giving them to me. I never wanted to do black and white kind of roles. Our (Indian film) hero has no drawback at all. So, I am not interested in those roles," Nawazuddin said.

"And there's one villain who has all the evil. I am not interested in that role as well. I am drawn to close-to-real-life roles where the character is a mix of black and white. I prefer grey."

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>'Manto' has power to transcend borders: Nandita Das</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1422088/manto-power-transcend-borders-nandita-das</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1422088/manto-power-transcend-borders-nandita-das#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 29 May 17 12:09:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ians]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1422088</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA['My team has a 'Mantoiyat' in them and that is what we want to invoke in every person that sees the film']]>
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				<![CDATA[Back from the 70th Cannes Film Festival after giving the global film industry's creme de la creme a dekko at her ambitious project Manto, Nandita Das says she is confident that her film - about celebrated Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto - will appeal to audiences across the world.

For her directorial project, Nandita has roped in the talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play Manto, and Rasika Dugal to essay his wife Safia. The three of them were at Cannes and celebrated a Manto night in the French Riviere.

Nandita Das to promote 'Manto' at the Cannes Film Festival

In an interview, Nandita discussed her Cannes experience.

Q. How was Cannes?

Just got back. It was exciting and exhausting. With all its glitz, its primary purpose of being a haven for films and filmmakers cannot be undermined. It was a bit insane to take ten days off in the middle of one's shoot to want to go to Cannes to share the journey thus far. But it was a worthwhile one. After all Cannes won't happen for another whole year!

Q. How was your biopic on Saadat Haasan Manto received in Cannes?

I feel fortunate that we have HP Studios as one of our main producers and as HP is one of the official partners of Cannes, they could host a wonderful evening at Le Majestic, one of the prime hotels, on May 22, where we showcased a compilation of three-minute footage.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUlR35jjw08/?tagged=nanditadas

Q. Is Paulo Coelho is supporting your Manto biopic?

Yes, Paulo Coelho sent a video message supporting the film and Manto's ideas. Finally the evening ended with Nawaz reading from Manto's writings in Urdu which I translated for the foreign audiences in English. The response was overwhelming. Sales agents, distributors, film festival directors, friends and film lovers, all seem to have connected with the spirit of Manto. The curiosity about the film was palpable.

4 Biopics we are eagerly anticipating this year

Q. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who plays Manto, got rave responses in Cannes.

He was loved by all. There was a tete-a-tete with the lead actors, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Rasika Dugal along with me and our producers Jean-Pierre Le Calvez, representing HP Studios and Ajit Andhare, representing Viacom18, at the India Pavilion.

Namrata Goyal of FilmZtoc, a new independent company, had to leave that morning. We also have Film Caravan, Movie Makers - two other independent companies as co-producers and the mix gets complete with Sandrine Brauer and Marie Masmonteil as my French producers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUkC0GxDVzC/?tagged=nanditadas

Q. You seem to have attracted quite a lot of producers for this one?

It has not been easy to raise funds for this film. And while it is quite small for the canvas and vision we have for the film, I am glad at least the film is being made. It is important for me that the investors make their money, so that such films are not tagged as festival films and dismissed at the box office. I strongly feel it has the power to transcend borders and markets, reaching out to audiences both in India and the world. And for this I am fortunate to have a cast, crew and producers that share my passion.

Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi are part of 'Manto', reveals Nandita Das

They all seem to have a 'Mantoiyat' in them and that is what we want to invoke in every person that sees the film.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUcbYvEDHYb/?tagged=nanditadas

Q. Do you feel Cannes helps a film to find a larger audience?

Manto's free spirit and the compulsion to tell the truth have inspired me to want to share his story. Now that the necessary buzz has been created in Cannes and thereby back home, to ensure the film reaches to more and more people, I can get back to what I need to do for now. Another twelve days of shoot and that too some of the most difficult scenes. But I have come this far, despite many challenges, so I know I will go till the end, come what may. Manto's spirit will continue to be the spirit of the film.

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>4 Biopics we are eagerly anticipating this year</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1401953/4-biopics-eagerly-anticipating-year</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1401953/4-biopics-eagerly-anticipating-year#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 May 17 09:36:59 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1401953</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[We can't wait!]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The year 2016 has been the year of biopics for Bollywood. Some of them in fact, performed pretty well at the box office. There was a time when we loved happily-ever-after dramas and fiction was more of an occasional entertainment.

Well, a good fictitious piece with a happy ending is still on the cards, but what grabs the attention of the audiences nowadays are real stories. Neerja, M.S.Dhoni, Dangal, Azhar, and Aligarh are few examples of such movies.

Ranbir Kapoor nails older Sanjay Dutt look in upcoming biopic

This year too is expecting many biopics. Here are our most awaited ones!

Haseena: The Queen of Mumbai

[caption id="attachment_1401959" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption]

Bollywood actor Shraddha Kapoor is all set to star in the upcoming film Haseena: The Queen of Mumbai in which she plays underworld don Dawood Ibrahim’s sister Haseena Parkar, which will shed light on India’s most wanted man’s family.

Shraddha Kapoor's terrific transformation in 'Haseena' will leave you stunned!

Shraddha’s brother Siddhanth Kapoor will play the notorious gangster Dawood Ibrahim in the biopic. It is said that Sonakshi Sinha was earlier finalised to play Haseena but the Noor star reportedly walked out due to date issues.

Kalpana Chawla Biopic

[caption id="attachment_1391483" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: VOGUE INDIA[/caption]

After essaying titular role in Oomung Kumar’s Mary Kom, Priyanka Chopra is all set to play astronaut Kalpana Chawla in a biopic on the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. A Mid Day report claimed Priyanka’s team had confirmed that she will play Kalpana in the biopic and added that the team has been involved in the “legwork of the film for past one year”.

Priyanka chopra will be ideal for my biopic: Zeenat Aman

“The film will be mounted on an international scale. A new production company, Getway, is likely to produce the biopic,” it quoted a source as saying.

Sanjay Dutt Biopic

[caption id="attachment_1401960" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES[/caption]

Ranbir Kapoor starrer biopic on veteran Bollywood actor, Sanjay Dutt is in the works and it looks oh-so very exciting! It was reported that the Tamasha star will be essaying six looks from the Munna Bhai star’s life. One of them will be the beefed-up Ranbir, one from the 90s and the last from the Khalnayak star’s time in rehab. Sanjay, too, lauded Ranbir’s utmost efforts to do his best for the biopic.

Ranbir Kapoor's first look as Sanjay Dutt from biopic is finally out!

“On seeing Ranbir’s pictures, Sanjay was absolutely amazed. The idea of the biopic being made was a thought that was being talked about. But now that the pictures have surfaced on the internet, the reality of the movie being made and taking shape, in order to take his story to the audience, is seeping in. He is getting anxious as to how people will react to the story,” a source revealed.

Manto

[caption id="attachment_1401961" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA[/caption]

Nandita Das rendition of the controversial Pakistani-writer, Saadat Hassan Manto is in the works. Das has hand-picked Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play the famous writer, who revealed the first look of his character on Twitter. According to DNA, in order to get deep into the character, the Gangs of Wasseypur star is striving hard to prepare for the complex role.

Check out Nawazuddin Siddiqui's first clip as Manto

“Thanks to Nandita’s research on Manto, I feel I know him well enough to get into his mind and body. The body part is relatively easier. I need to dress the way he did, and as long as I’m playing him, I need to live my life the way he did. Alone. Writing words that created magic on paper.” he said in an interview.

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Rishi Kapoor has special appearance in 'Manto'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1389014/rishi-kapoor-special-appearance-manto</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1389014/rishi-kapoor-special-appearance-manto#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Apr 17 12:31:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ians]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1389014</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[It is yet to be revealed what role Rishi has played in the film]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor will be seen making a special appearance in film-maker Nandita Das' Manto - a biographical film based on the life of controversial writer Saadat Hasan Manto.

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who plays the title role in the upcoming movie, earlier took to Twitter to thank Rishi Kapoor for sharing screen space with him. However, he didn't let out anything about the film.

Nandita Das' Manto shifts base from Lahore to India

"It was indeed a pleasure sharing the screen with Rishi Kapoor sir, what an amazing energy you possess even now," Nawazuddin tweeted on Wednesday.

https://twitter.com/Nawazuddin_S/status/854576142698913797

Responding, Rishi wrote: "Thank you Nawaz! Did that bit for Nandita Das and Manto -- title role played by you. We will have fun working together in the future."

https://twitter.com/chintskap/status/854592913061191680

Rishi's role in the film is yet to be revealed.

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Maas Foundation depicts Manto's life on stage</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1371391/maas-foundation-depicts-mantos-life-stage</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1371391/maas-foundation-depicts-mantos-life-stage#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 Apr 17 08:29:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Adnan Lodhi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1371391</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The Aamir Nawaz directorial was able to relate the scenes of the play to Manto’s actual life experiences]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Maas foundation recently performed the play Manto Say Miliya at the café Pak Tea House in Lahore. The production revolves around the life of late Saadat Hasan Manto, a well-known but controversial writer.

The Aamir Nawaz directorial was well received by the audiences. Nawaz, who is also the president of Maas Foundation, shared that it was a great honour to project the life experiences of such a celebrated entertainment personality. He further added that he was even more overwhelmed when he was asked to perform the play at the Pak Tea House - which has always been the hub for famous writers.

Nandita Das to promote 'Manto' at the Cannes Film Festival

The Maas foundation earlier performed the play at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts and it was also staged at the Karachi Arts Council in 2015. Manto Say Miliya has been written by Afzaal Nabi, who also plays the lead role of Manto. Other cast members include Tanveer Khalid, Aamir Shahzad and Kashif Nazir.

According to Nawaz, the audience was able to relate the scenes of the play to Manto’s actual life experiences and that’s what highlighted the strength of the production. The Maas Foundation is planning to organise a two-day Manto Theatre Festival 2017 on his birthday in May.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Nandita Das to promote 'Manto' at the Cannes Film Festival</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1363574/nandita-das-promote-manto-cannes-film-festival</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1363574/nandita-das-promote-manto-cannes-film-festival#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Mar 17 07:29:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1363574</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[This is not the first time Das will be seen at Cannes]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Actor-director Nandita Das is all set to promote her upcoming venture, Manto at the Cannes Film Festival this year, reported Hindustan Times. The film will be tracing the life of the infamous writer Saadat Hassan Manto at the time of the India-Pakistan Partition.

Currently, Nawazuddin Siddiqui is prepping for the film and has already completed costume tests for the role and shared the first look of him as Manto on social media.

Check out Nawazuddin Siddiqui's first clip as Manto

While Manto features Nawazuddin as the prolific short story writer, and Rasika Dugal essays the role of his wife, the movie also stars Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar in pivotal roles.

However, this is not the first time Das will be seen at Cannes. She has been there several times, and twice as part of the jury.

Let's hope that Manto gets screened at the famous Film Festival as well.

According to DNA, in order to get deep into the character, the Gangs of Wasseypur star has been striving hard to excel at the complex role.

“Thanks to Nandita’s research on Manto, I feel I know him well enough to get into his mind and body. The body part is relatively easier. I need to dress the way he did, and as long as I’m playing him, I need to live my life the way he did. Alone. Writing words that created magic on paper.” he revealed in an interview.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui's first look as Manto is out and the resemblance is uncanny!

“I plan to recreate Manto’s world around me. I will have my room re-furnished with the things that Manto lived with. I will dress like him, try to eat the food that he ate, sleep on the kind of bed that he did, wear the kind of clothes he did and talk like him. If I enter Manto’s physical world, I feel I can penetrate his mind,” he added.

“As long as I play him I won’t be taking on any other project. I want to do justice to the awe-inspiring personality of this great man. And to be able to do this I am willing to make any sacrifice required,” he confessed.

Watch Nawazuddin as he completely aces the character in this prelude:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZlGCaRnLL0

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below. 

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>A night brimming with diversity</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1360581/night-brimming-diversity</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1360581/night-brimming-diversity#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Mar 17 11:00:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rahul Aijaz]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1360581</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[From ‘Absolut Manto’ to ‘Return to Palestine’, the festival featured epic star-studded performances]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[It doesn’t happen often that television actors turn to theatre. But the National Academy of Performing Arts’ (Napa) International Theatre and Music Festival brought some of the big stars to the stage in a presentation of iconic short story writer Saadat Hasan Manto’s stories.

The play, titled Absolut Manto, was directed by Kanwal Khoosat and starred Sarmad Khoosat, Irfan Khoosat, Feryal Ali Guahar and Sania Saeed. With different short stories providing a glimpse of Manto’s life, the play crafted a study which touched upon his work, writings and philosophy.

‘Hotel Propaganda’ takes you on an ultimate thrill ride

“This is the brainchild of my sister and we have been doing it for the past few years,” Sarmad told The Express Tribune. “It’s basically dramatic readings on stage and it’s obviously very different from the film. It has nothing to do with the film Manto. This is the franchise that Kanwal has created and this is the first time we were performing in Karachi.”

Meanwhile Irfan believes there is more scope of serious theatre in Karachi than in Punjab. “Every city has a different vibe. I felt that, because there has been a lot of work put in through the years, people are more accepting of serious theatre here.”

Asked about the Khoosat family’s interest in the iconic writer, Irfan recounted a story. “Every family has a role model, you see. Ours is Saadat Hasan Manto. When Sarmad was young and he wanted to write, I told him he would need to read first. And that’s when I brought him Manto nama. It all goes back to those times,” he said.

Meanwhile, the festival’s ‘international’ aspect came into play when a Palestinian troupe performed on Saturday night. Jenin-based The Freedom Theatre’s production Return to Palestine revolved around a Palestinian, born and brought up in America, who decides to return to his homeland in search of his identity.

The actors limited themselves on stage in the space of a few feet, signifying the restriction of their land and people by wars. In fact, instead of using one, the actors’ bodies themselves became props. The actors folded into an airplane, a car, the streets and all things Palestine, when the scenes demanded. The experimental nature of the play, which had half a dozen actors wearing black turtlenecks and trousers depicting everything ranging from lives and sceneries in two continents, was astounding.

The minimal stage setup also makes it easy to perform anywhere from an auditorium to streets.

Palestinian theatre troupe to perform in Karachi

The transitions reminded me of the stylistic conversion of one element into others in animated films. One moment, you are looking at a face and the next, it transforms into stars colliding in space. Apart from the visual style, the play told a heart wrenching story in a sarcastic and comic way, which had the entire in tears by the end.

Summing up the entire tragic history of Palestine, its transformation from a land of laughter to a camp of tears, Return to Palestine hit all the right notes and became a memorable, awakening and personally emotional experience – necessary for everyone to witness at least once.

One of the cast members, Motaz Malhees, said they have performed all over the world, but “it was special performing in front of a Pakistani audience because we are the same people.”

The International Theatre and Music Festival continues until April 2 with different plays and musical performances each day.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi are part of 'Manto', reveals Nandita Das</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1347681/javed-akhtar-shabana-azmi-part-manto-reveals-nandita-das</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1347681/javed-akhtar-shabana-azmi-part-manto-reveals-nandita-das#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Mar 17 12:26:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ians]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1347681</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Manto is a biopic on late writer Saadat Hasan Manto]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Actor-film-maker Nandita Das just stated that veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar is a part of her directorial Manto, a biopic on the late writer Saadat Hasan Manto.

"My next movie is titled Manto. Preparations are going on, Shabana Azmi is acting in it and Javed Akhtar too is part of the movie," Nandita revealed on the sidelines of an event organised by Shabana's NGO Mijwan Welfare Society on Sunday night.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui's first look as Manto is out and the resemblance is uncanny!

Manto features Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the prolific short story writer, and Rasika Dugal essays his wife.

[caption id="attachment_1333988" align="alignnone" width="640"] Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Manto. PHOTO:DNA[/caption]

The film will be tracing the life of Manto at the time of the India-Pakistan Partition. Currently, Nawazuddin is preparing for the film and, in fact, he has already done costume tests for the role and shared the first look of him as Manto on social media.

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>I want to do justice to the awe-inspiring personality of Manto: Nawazuddin Siddiqui</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1333891/want-justice-awe-inspiring-personality-manto-nawazuddin-siddiqui</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1333891/want-justice-awe-inspiring-personality-manto-nawazuddin-siddiqui#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 17 06:12:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1333891</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Manto will begin shooting from March 15]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Nandita Das rendition of the controversial Pakistani-writer, Saadat Hassan Manto is in the works. Das has hand-picked Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play the famous writer, who revealed the first look of his character on Twitter.

According to DNA, in order to get deep into the character, the Gangs of Wasseypur star is striving hard to prepare for the complex role. “Thanks to Nandita’s research on Manto, I feel I know him well enough to get into his mind and body. The body part is relatively easier. I need to dress the way he did, and as long as I’m playing him, I need to live my life the way he did. Alone. Writing words that created magic on paper.” he said in an interview.

Nandita Das' Manto shifts base from Lahore to India

“I plan to recreate Manto’s world around me. I will have my room re-furnished with the things that Manto lived with. I will dress like him, try to eat the food that he ate, sleep on the kind of bed that he did, wear the kind of clothes he did and talk like him. If I enter Manto’s physical world, I feel I can penetrate his mind,” he adds.

“As long as I play him I won’t be taking on any other project. I want to do justice to the awe-inspiring personality of this great man. And to be able to do this I am willing to make any sacrifice required,” he says.

Nandita Das soon to direct film on Manto

Manto is in the last stages of preparations, and will begin shooting from March 15, reports The Indian Express.  “The work is going on in full swing. We are going on floors from March 15, so there’s a lot of work. It’s a very big project for me. It’s a period film, we will recreate 1940s. Nawazuddin is the lead but we have a lot of prominent names supporting the film, I am very fortunate,” Nandita told reporters.

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Nawazuddin Siddiqui's first look as Manto is out and the resemblance is uncanny!</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1315911/nawazuddin-siddiquis-first-look-manto-resemblance-uncanny</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1315911/nawazuddin-siddiquis-first-look-manto-resemblance-uncanny#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 17 08:22:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[The resemblance is uncanny!]]>
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				<![CDATA[Ever since Nandita Das made the announcement of her upcoming biopic on  Saadat Hasan Manto, fans of the late prolific writer have barely been able to contain their excitement.

The film has been making headlines for a while now, after many stars refused to be part of it and then, Bollywood actor Om Puri - who was supposed to be in it too - suddenly died.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui now portrays Manto. His first look as the latter has just been released and boy, are we impressed!

Nandita Das' Manto shifts base from Lahore to India

Taking to Twitter, Nawazuddin unveiled his look as the writer:

https://twitter.com/Nawazuddin_S/status/827116830913396738

The actor is virtually unrecognisable, having nailed Manto's unruly hair and round spectacles down to a tee. The resemblance is just uncanny! What do you think? Does the actor do justice to the famous writer?

[caption id="attachment_1315922" align="alignnone" width="640"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption]

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Om Puri was supposed to work with me in Manto: Nawazuddin Siddiqui</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1286257/om-puri-supposed-work-manto-nawazuddin-siddiqui</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1286257/om-puri-supposed-work-manto-nawazuddin-siddiqui#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 17 08:35:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ians]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1286257</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The legendary actor died early this morning]]>
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				<![CDATA[Nawazuddin Siddiqui is saddened by the demise of veteran actor Om Puri. The actor says he was supposed to work with him in Manto.

Siddiqui will be bringing the life of Pakistan's short story-writer Sadat Hassan Manto alive on the silver screen through actor and film-maker Nandita Das's project titled Manto. 

Calling him an inspiration and the best actor in the world, Nawazuddin condoled his death on Twitter.

Veteran actor Om Puri passes away at 66

Nawazuddin posted, "The best actor in world, An inspiration to me and many, he was suppose to work with me in Manto. Deeply saddened by the news."

https://twitter.com/Nawazuddin_S/status/817255883633618946

A Padma Shri awardee and National award-winning talent, Puri died on Friday of heart attack here. He was 66.

His work extended from theatre, television, Indian films to those in Britain and the US too.

Celebrities pour their hearts out after Om Puri's untimely death

A National School of Drama alumnus, Puri also featured in movies like Mirch Masala and explored his ability to dabble in the comedy genre with Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Chachi 420, Hera Pheri, Malamaal Weekly and more.

Puri also nurtured an international career, which started with a cameo in Richard Attenborough's Gandhi. 

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Why all the stars declined to be part of Nandita Das'  Manto</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1267917/stars-declined-part-nandita-das-manto</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1267917/stars-declined-part-nandita-das-manto#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 16 10:56:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ians]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1267917</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[You will never guess why all the stars turned down the role of 'Manto']]>
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				<![CDATA[Actress-filmmaker Nandita Das presumed that there will be "young charming actors" in abundance to play Saadat Hasan Manto's closest friend and charismatic actor Shyam in her ambitious movie Manto, but she says "all stars" whom she approached said 'no' for the fear of looking like a second lead.

The talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays the title role of Manto, one of the best known South Asian short story writers.

"Intriguingly, all the 'stars' I approached said 'no' without even reading the script or asking any questions," Nandita posted on Twitter with a link to a detailed column piece she has penned for theweek.in.

Nandita Das' Manto shifts base from Lahore to India

https://twitter.com/nanditadas/status/810749501111668736

Titled "No Shyam in sight", the column describes the woes Nandita has faced in casting for the character of Shyam, and how she has more clarity about "the connection between the roles they (the actors) choose and the perception of their 'worth in the market' ".

"Between finding less conservative producers and relentless location scouting, there was one problem that I hadn't quite anticipated -- the casting for the charismatic actor and Manto's closest friend, Shyam," Nandita has written.

She adds: "Naively, I thought that known young charming actors, wanting to play the layered character of Shyam, would be in abundance. Intriguingly, all the 'stars' I approached, said no without even reading the script or asking any questions about the role that was being offered."

Sarmad Khoosat to be awarded Pride of Performance

"Their sole reason for declining was that Shyam would be seen as the 'second lead'. As Nawazuddin Siddiqui, an accomplished actor, is playing Manto, I want to ensure that Shyam is no less."

Her inference from the experience has been that the road to stardom is to play the lead, have the girl and be heroic in the climax.

"I thought I could work around this by offering a credit of 'special appearance' or 'many thanks to' kind of status, elevating it from what they call a second lead. But to no avail," Nandita said as she rued that how after 40 films and 20 years of being in the film world, she has realised "how little" she knows about market forces and what drives them.

As an actress, her choices have been determined by other factors.

"For me, the excitement has always been about being part of stories that must be told and the promise of them being well-told. Guess I can only think like myself," she added.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play Manto in Nandita Das' ambitious project

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, upon reading the column, tweeted: "I'm almost relieved that I'm not making the Manto film I'd set out to make. Nobody wanted to play Manto. Nobody wanted to produce it."

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below. ]]>
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			<title>Nandita Das' Manto shifts base from Lahore to India</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1197154/nandita-das-manto-shifts-base-lahore-india</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1197154/nandita-das-manto-shifts-base-lahore-india#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 16 11:57:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1197154</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Manto stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in lead role]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Nandita Das' upcoming film Manto is yet another film having to bear the brunt of growing India-Pakistan tensions.

A few portions of the film were supposed to be shot in Lahore but now the actor-director has decided to shift the base from Pakistan to India.

Pakistani cinemas not to screen Indian films indefinitely

"We all know that Manto spent three-fourth of his life in India but had to leave Bombay, the city he loved, and spent only his last seven years in Lahore. So, to maintain authenticity, we did have plans to shoot in Lahore. But considering the present situation between the two countries, we will need to shoot those portions somewhere in India," Mumbai Mirror reports Nandita as saying.

"We are looking at several options. I have recently returned from a recce in Delhi,” she added.

Here's how Amitabh Bachchan feels about banning Pakistani artists

Manto is slated to go on floors in the third week of December. “After a short break, we will shoot till end of February. I’m currently busy with the prep and have a million things to put together," said Nandita.

Manto stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Review: Exhausted by the commonness of survival</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1166578/review-exhausted-commonness-survival</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1166578/review-exhausted-commonness-survival#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Aug 16 16:45:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tara Kashif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Art and Books]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1166578</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Compilation of Manto’s letters gives unique insight into life of the man extraordinaire]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[I will confess that I approached Manto Namay: Makateeb-e-Saadat Hasan Manto with reluctance as I expected to be rudely awakened by the prose highlighting the latent vileness of human nature that makes animals thankful for their lack of humanity.

But, as I turned the pages of the book, I was enraptured by the ‘person’ Saadat Hasan Manto, who was deeply admired for his satirical writings that broke literary and cultural taboos in the time of extreme political and cultural censorship.

His ability to shock and cause squeamishness, laying bare the evil in society in the most matter-of-fact style remains unparalleled in Urdu literature.

This book is a collection of Manto’s letters to his family, editors, peers and friends, with the last section containing those received by him. It gives a unique insight into the life of the man extraordinaire, exhausted by the commonness of survival.

His letters are an emotional rollercoaster ride for the reader, laced with intriguing simplicity but woven with thorns of reality. Whilst reading them, one is uplifted from realism-inflicted exhaustion by the child-like innocence of Manto’s affections for those he loved and didn’t love, proving his quintessential nature tragically unappreciated by his critics.

Every letter reveals his impecuniousness, a tragedy still common with great writers, actors, and artists of today. His writing has the easy, uninterrupted flow of conversations where no detail is too personal to be revealed. His laying-bare style invokes empathy, compassion and affection, with a sadness one impotently feels for a loved one defeated by fate.

The letters are ordered in timely progression from the pre-Partition to post-Partition era, highlighting the different trials Manto experienced in his life. He was a man deeply perturbed by human callousness that he could not accept till the end of his days. His exasperation for being trialed for writing the truth, his frustration of wasting his effort and time in with meaningless jobs and his dejection for not being unpaid are not only read but felt by the reader; such is the power of his words.

His helplessness in being unable to stop others from gaining material benefit from his writings becomes almost tangible with his satirical appeals and threats written to the guilty. Manto’s allure touches romanticism in his communication with his friends and family, where he writes with love and affection of a common man whose words contain the magic of a literary maestro. The most interesting is his ‘unposted’ letter to Jawaharlal Nehru, an epitome of satirical writing in any language, which leaves the reader awestruck with the way he effortlessly weaves politics, sociology, nationalism and realism into one cloth.

The letters sent to him by others reveal the affection he enjoyed of his peers, contemporaries, fans and friends who were equally saddened at the literary world’s uncharitable treatment of the man and his work.

Manto Namay leaves the reader with a yearning for devouring his writings once again, to relish the bitter truth of human society.

Title: Manto Namay: Makateeb-e-Saadat Hasan Manto

Compiled by: Pervez Anjum

Publisher: Sang-e-Meel Publications

ISBN: 9693527763

Price: Rs500

The writer is a freelance contributor and editor

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21st, 2016.

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