Pakistan’s got talent

The Express Tribune speaks to members of the fraternity to give you a list of who to watch out for in 2011.

New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate, be thankful, party with friends, make resolutions and of course, what 2011 has in store for us.

2010 has come and gone, leaving behind a whirlwind of expectations for the upcoming year. Every Pakistani has gone through ups and intense downs this year, from the floods to match fixing, from Aisamul Haq Qureshi to fashion, one can only hope that 2011 holds more promise and less slumps.

Who are the names which pop into your mind when thinking of 2010? In fashion was it the old or the new that made a lasting impression at the Fashion Weeks? A new name was debutante Akif Mahmood, a graduate of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design who showcased at the first day of the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week in Karachi. Other well known names like The House of Kamiar Rokni and Hasan Sheheryar Yasin got our stamp of approval and proved why they’re some of the biggest names in Pakistani fashion.

Photography has seen a new brand of photographers such as Kohi Marri, Ali Khurshid, Zeeshan Haider and Kashif Rashid. These photographers offer something different for “younger couples who want a fresh, new look to their pictures,” said Rashid.

The Pakistan film industry has slumped dramatically and faced numerous issues that have still not been resolved.  But on a positive note, Pakistani actors such Mona Liza and Ali Zafar have starred in Indian films with Zafar’s Tere Bin Laden being a hit.

Pakistani musician Atif Aslam has been around for many years but this year has been exceptional for him. Aslam has completed nearly three international tours and in total has done more than 40 shows around the world.

Wondering who will be famous in 2011? The Express Tribune speaks to members of the fraternity to give you a list of who to watch out for.

Fashion Designers

• Feeha Jamshed (The designer ties with The House of Kamiar Rokni)

"I’d have to say Feeha Jamshed. Her designs are on the mark and unlike others, she has risen above the Chutney- Mary, Chocolate - Charlie Aesthetic"  - Maheen Khan (Designer)

Theatre

• Musicals (Second in popularity comes standup comedy)

"I think musical and comedy theatre will rise, primarily judging by what happened in 2010" - Selina Rashid (Publicist)

Films

• Mahira Khan (Coming in second are Humaima Malik and Atif Aslam. All three actors are starring in Shoaib Mansoor’s Bol which has not yet been released)

"I would bank on Ali Zafar to be the star of the year but in Indian film and Humaima Malik and Mahirah Khan for Pakistani film" - Vasay Chouhdry (Actor and writer)

Musicians

• Jaffar Zaidi (This musician ties with the Opus band)

"The singing talent of Zara Madani, Tara Mahmood and the Opus band will certainly rise to fame, if given a better platform to perform" Shallum Xavier (Musician)

Food

• Chairman Mao (Coming in second is the trend of coffee houses in Pakistan)

"Pompei Station, that’s the only place I’ve recently visited and the food was really good" - Marina Khan (Director)

Singers

• Meesha Shafi (The singer cum model has won fans over with her powerful vocals and soulful singing)

"Meesha Shafi, we’ve been waiting for her forever. Her voice, her style — she’s a complete package" - Nomi Ansari (Designer)

Radio

• Khalid Malik (Coming in second are Beenish and Ali)

"Khalid Malik, he makes an effort and is entertaining at possibly the most difficult time of day" - Nariman Ansari (Photographer)

Photographers

• Ayaz Anis Khan (This photographer had no one who was of his caliber)

"Ayaz Anis Khan, he is an ex-chartered accountant, has started from scratch and come a long way" Sanam Chaudhry (Designer)

Beauty

• Raana Khan (It’s a toss up between Khan and Asmaa Mumtaz)

"Raana Khan, she is fun, funky and fresh and is not sticking to formulas" - Ayesha Omar (Model and actor)

Actors

• Samiya Mumtaz (Second in this category is Aamina Sheikh)

"Samia Mumtaz, her natural and realistic acting make her roles credible"  - Sahira Kazmi (Actor)

Models

• Ayaan (This category is a tie between Ayaan and Raabiya Butt)

"It’s a toss between Raabiya Butt and Ayaan. They’re both equally lovely" - Khadija Shah (Designer)

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2011.