Information for new script writers by Umera Ahmed

Pir-e-Kamil (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Umera Ahmed is one the most famous Pakistani writers. I am a big fan of her stories. Many of her books have been shown on T.V. as soaps. Personally my most favourite book of hers is Peer e Kamil (SAW) and my favorite soap, written by her is Dur re Shehwar (from Hum T.V.)

I have read English books all my life and I cherish those times of reading. Since I have moved to Pakistan I get to read story books in Urdu as well. It’s totally a new experience and I am loving it. This is because the books written by Pakistan authors have stories that I relate to, at times.

Just like the story of Duur re shehwar for example, it’s a story of how daughters think that  their dad IS the most lovable man in this world (no doubt he is) but sometimes when they get married they start comparing their husbands with their fathers. They think about how their fathers took care of their every need without reconsidering anything while their husbands may not be like that. It’s a beautiful story with amazing dialogues and cast.

Duur re shehwar

Najma Aijaz, 31st March 2012

Umera Ahmed has posted information which new script writers may find it helpful:

By Umera Ahmed: 

A lot of young writers have been writing to me for seeking some advice on their scripts. Some need help in approaching a particular channel or director. Then there are those who want me to work on their storylines and ideas or help them write a script.

It is not possible for me to read and give feeedback on your scripts( don’t get heartbroken,plz). I am also unable to offer you any help as far as writing a script is concerned( scriptwriting can’t be learnt in a day or two). There are many books in the market that will help you better than my councelling or advice. NCA and NAPA are conducting scriptwriting courses and workshops on a regular basis now. Getting yourself enroled for one such courses would indeed benefit you.I generally do not work on others’ ideas but I am open to reading them and I don’t mind if you send them to me just for the sake of sharing.

However, I would still like to help you get your first break. So let me be a facilitator and streamline the whole procedure for you. I am providing you with the email addresses of some of the top directors and producers alongwith the content managers of the major entertainment channels. I have informed them about this thread and have requested them to give you a quick feedback on your oneliners/scripts.

Write a oneliner/synopsis/summary of your story alongwith a cover letter containing some info about yourself and your contact details and email it to the person you want to work with.

My personal recommendations….

Those who are interested in writing telefilms should send their ideas to ARY, TV One, Hum TV, Mehreen Jabbar and Abdullah Kadwani. For serials you can write to Abdullah Kadwani, Babar Javed or Momina Duraid .

1 Abdullah Kadwani ak@7thsky.biz 7th Sky Entertainment

2 Aamra aamra.s@hum.tv Hum TV

3 Asghar Mirza miim72@yahoo.com TV ONE

4 Atif Hussain atifhussain23@hotmail.com Individual

5 Babar Javed babarjawaid@hotmail.com AB Productions

6 Erum Shahid erum@arydigital.tv ARY

7 Faysal Manzoor faysalmanzoor@hotmail.com 7th Sky

8 Haissam Hussain haissam100@hotmail.com Individual

9 Haseeb Hassan haseeb.hasan@geo.tv Geo TV

10 Mehreen Jabbar mj@mehreenjabbar.com Individual

11 Momina Duraid mominaduraid@gmail.com Moomal Productions/Hum TV

12 Samreen Noman samreen.nauman@arydigital.tv ARY

13 Saife Hassan saifehasan@yahoo.com Individual

14 Shahid Bhanji shbhanji@gmail.com Hum TV

15 Sarmad Khoosat sarmadkhoosat@gmail.com Individual

I thank all my directors, producers and channel representatives for their positive and prompt response.

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National Geographic Photography – Tigris by dawn, Iraq

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHY – TIGRIS BY DAWN, IRAQ

arabexperience

A man feeds the birds at dawn in Iraq. The river is the Tigris, together with the Euphrates a very important river for the area of Mesopotamia, famous for its fascinating cultural background. Thanks again to National Geographic Photography for letting me start this cloudy friday with such a beautiful picture. The light is magical.

 

 

 

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eimaan

… I’d have a garden to walk in forever.

I went to Al-Ain Paradise in Al-Ain U.A.E. The place got it’s name in the Guinness world records for the largest display of hanging baskets on 20th March 2010. Here are some pictures I took while we were at the place:

And ‘t is my faith, that every flower enjoys the air it breathes – Willian Wordsworth

Flowers are words even a baby can understand – Quentin Crisp 

Each flower is a soul blossoming out to nature – Gerard de Nerval 

Count the garden by the flowers, never by the leaves that fall. Count your life with smiles and not the tears that roll. – Anonymous

Najma Aijaz

10th February 2012

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Fun in the desert- Desert Safarii

Being raised in U.A.E. meant that I spent many of my childhood years playing in the desert sand (only during winters though). Some time back, there was a lucky draw at pizza hut to promote P-zone in which I won tickets for six for the desert safari :).

This is the arrangement at night for dinner after we are done with all the activities. It was beautiful listening to soft music under dim lights with cool breezy air.

Sand dune bashing: It was one  hell of a ride! It’s first activity that’s done at the desert safari:

The music played during sand dune bashing was Arabic which made the experience more fun. It seemed like the car was ‘dancing’ with the music.

                                               Our driver was a local (not surprising as Emaratis absolutely love this sport).

Next there was quad biking which was the first time for me.

Camel riding at the desert safari

To showcase the country’s culture there are Emarati women putting henna on the ladies and wearing traditional outfits.

And of course, there’s sheesha (I don’t really like it personally). 

Tanoora dance

Tanoora dance

 

 sufi music performance with lights

U.A.E.’s national bird: Falcon

It was a once in a lifetime experience. Something anyone should do if they happen to go to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  Everything was just amazing.. the activities, the people and the food :). It’s also a way to know more about the culture and traditions of the people of the Emirates.

There are different packages for Desert Safaris with different timings but the activities are usually the ones that I have mentioned. It’s always a lot more fun going in winters.

 Najma Aijaz, 30th March 2012

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art ka pakistan

From my post last year on March 23rd:

In Pakistan this day marks the passing of the Lahore Resolution. Republic Day of Pakistan was first observed in 1956 when Pakistan officially became an Islamic Republic (previously Pakistan had the status of a Dominion). The main events of this day include a full military parade and the awarding of honours at the Presidency (Presidential Palace) by the President. Every year, on March 23, the Pakistani people commemorate their National Day in remembrance of “The Pakistan Resolution” passed on March 23, 1940, in the historic city of Lahore which is also the day the country was declared a republic.

I was at Minto/Iqbal Park, Lahore on March 23rd this year for Lahore Agitprop Theatre performances (more on that here) and encountered a strange phenomena that I can inarticulately call a “moment” that changed my perception. And for a while, I didn’t feel cynical, bored…

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Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus… So?

The debate about whether to study in co-education or not is a question many students face in Pakistan. I wonder why is it such a big question anyway. This topic is talked about many times at colleges for debate competitions. I find it quite irritating (as there are so many other interesting topics for debates). I mean I never considered this issue when I was thinking about which university to join. The students here may have their reasons.  But personally I don’t really see this a  ‘big’ issue to consider when opting for a university. This debate has been going on for quite a while now.

 Every now and then when I come across someone going to join a uni. they have this ‘decision’ to make among many others. All I think students should look for is good quality education. And they can have fun in either of the systems. 

single gender college

co-education

Najma Aijaz, 28th March 2012

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Cherry Blossoms in Paris

Fumbling toward home

Ahh, Paris in the spring. It really is as beautiful as they say it is. On Saturday morning I decided to take a walk/jog through the Luxembourg gardens. The jogging part failed because I also brought my camera and that meant I was constantly stopping to take pictures. So while I may have not hit my target heart rate (who am I kidding, the only time I do that when I’m climbing the seven flights to our flat!), the scenery more than made up for it.

 

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Monal, Islamabad, Pakistan

‘The Monal is situated at a great place. The quality of food served is good and it is worth the price they quote. This is an excellent place for people who want some isolation away from the hustle of Islamabad city. It is best to visit the place for dinner. The view at night is definitely enjoyable and you feel good while having your food ‘:  Rabia T

The Best place, not only to dine out with evening city lights but to do a wonderful brunch on Sundays as well with pristine Margalla landscapes around. Food is very consistent and delicious: Ali H. 

• Islamabad trip- An evening in Monal! (sairaalikhan.wordpress.com)

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R.A. Creation’z – Your ultimate style destination

Tired of roaming in endless shops and still not finding the perfect gift…not finding the perfect Accessoryto go with your oh so beautiful dress….not finding what u really want or were expecting to get….

Roam and look no further….R. A. Creation’z gives you the ultimate solution!

I always liked having hand-made products for myself so I was really excited when I saw what R.A. Creation’z has to offer: http://racreationz.shutterfly.com/ Even if you don’t plan on buying anything. It’s still worth it to have a ‘look’ at some of the products: 

Color me spring collection

‘You can browse for accessories, gifts, home decor and order the exact item you want and can get it customized to your own personal taste…all from the comfort of your home!!!’

HOW TO ORDER:

Note the product name and call or sms on 0321-2037175 to place an order
DELIVERY:
Through TCS (Additional Charges depending on the order) 

Najma Aijaz, 25th March 2012

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R.A. Creationz

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