Hypocrisy Once Again: Ban on Slackistan

It is a known fact that Pakistani cinema does not exist. Even our own actresses often say that we no industry such as cinema. I remember, Zara Sheikh said on a television show that our industry is working only because of God otherwise there is nothing left of it. We do have some nice cinemas and multiplexes opening up along with 3D cinemas also now but we don't have our own products to be displayed. It is something we all know, that those who go to cinemas only go to watch Hollywood or Bollywood movies.

The last movie that we were all proud of was Khuda Ke Liye that impressed critics and audiences internationally. So much so, John Abraham's New York was also inspired by Khuda Ke Liye and was more of a follow up plot of where the Pakistani movie ended. 

Now, we have an independent movie called Slackistan which is directed by a London based film maker called Hammad Khan. The movie is about a group of youngsters in Islamabad but basically about a guy who wants to achieve his dreams along with his friends in the middle of a politically messed up country. 

The movie got acclaim and appreciation internationally. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cannes, Goa, New York, London and Washington DC all looked at Slackistan positively but the film-maker and the cast of the movie were quite disappointed when their own country - Pakistan banned Slackistan. 

So the way things are at the moment is that the Pakistani censor board banned the movie on the usage of words like Taliban, lesbian and scenes showing the usage of alcohol. 

This is again another hypocritical act that we have seen again. Movies, art, music, theater are just another form of self expression but in Pakistan there is no freedom of speech and expression. Everything happens in Pakistan. Every possible shit and dirty stuff happens here in almost all the stratas and parts of the country. Talibans, lesbians and alcohol are all a reality - so what is the big deal if it is shown in a movie. Our dramas depict such stuff openly every day. Banning a movie only means people who are interested in this form of entertainment would love to watch it even more. 

My Wall and Shit

I have been reading, how N mentions Z in so many of her posts. Not that I am grateful or anything. But I believe it is but natural. It's like how can you be alive and not shit? How can you have a house without the walls? It's stuff that is there. So, I'll too write about my walls.

Now, talking about her what I want to mention here is her positive approach towards life. She is a positive person. An optimist. She never liked her name. Hope would have been her other name. But then Umeed in urdu (I am sure she wouldn't like that either). Though she does have her down phase but that goes away in no time.

Then she is like the child who forgets the ugliness very quickly. She loves to be happy and to have fun. She loves her time and wants to enjoy every bit of life in whatever way she could.

I also need to write down how, since forever, she first refuses to hear the songs or the new releases or anything new that I recommend. I tell her how big a hit this new song or this new movie is...but she says she has no interest in it. After many years, she falls for those songs and movies. It did happen a couple of times.

This time I forced her to watch Khuda Keh Liye with me after so many years. I told her you should now. It's be so popular. Check out how good a movie it is. It is a Pakistani good movie. But, I don't think she really enjoyed it. It's something like what I feel when she posts stuff like education related posts here or very scientific posts. I feel so bored.

One thing more, it's the headache and the flu. She has it everyday. She says this thing daily "Mere sar mai dard hai" I find it funny. I am sure she would have it. But it's the everyday bit.

A few days ago, I told her about this song I was listening to on the radio - a sad song but very touchy. It kinda reflects upon our lives in many ways. But then, we shared a good laugh when I reminded her of someone we knew who sang the same song but actually in the mind had a very different sort of crazy fun song. It was a funny thought but true in many ways.

I gotta admit though, I envy her when she is sleeping and I am getting ready. I like how she has no tensions about work and pressure related to handling client shit. I lowee the way she is doing what she loves. But I hate that she hates my sweet and sour potatoes. How can she hate them? She showed me a way and then left me alone to wander in the puddle of sweet and sour potatoes? What a tragedy.

She is my wall and my shit too lol