Shafqat Amanat Ali discusses his Ghulam Ali Tribute album
The newly released Shafqat Amanat Ali: Tribute to Legends – Ghulam Ali album is one of the best this year.
The popular Pakistani singer has delivered seven stunning cover versions of songs made famous by great maestro Ghulam Ali. By finding that hallowed middle ground between artistic and commercial music, Shafqat has delivered a masterpiece album that has cross-generational appeal. A nice added touch is that there are two songs featuring the ghazal legend’s son, Amir Ghulam Ali.
The lyrically rich album includes classic songs like Bhul Jaan Sub Gham, Jo Na Mil Sakay, Mainay Har Kanta, Naina Tosay Lagay and Chupkay Chupkay.
Eastern Eye caught up with the Pakistani singing star to discuss his music journey, stunning new album, greatness of Ghulam Ali, why he doesn’t feel pressure, inspirations, and the art of injecting emotion into songs.
How do you reflect on your musical journey so far?
The only way to describe my journey is to call it a blessing. I have been blessed at every stage. It has been full of learning and great experiences, with many new things at every point. I got the opportunity to work with brilliant musicians and producers. I got to sing for the silver screen and received a lot of love for that, with every song. I was able to release my own albums, which got me so much fame and love from audiences. Watching my first ever music video on television was an unmatched high that can’t be described in words (smiles). It is nothing short of being blessed.
What led you towards releasing your new album?
The idea behind this new album and tribute we are doing through it came from a thought which often bothers me. Most people know songs but don’t know who produced, wrote and composed them. These beautiful melodies are so well written. In the case of one absolutely beautiful song Jo Na Mil Sake Wohi Bewafa, it has been produced by Nazeer Ali saheb. He is the man behind many timeless melodies from our country, and the idea was to bring his name and brilliant work into the spotlight. The purpose was to bring all such composers and producers forward and showcase their work.
What else drew you towards this project?
The second incentive for me was that I got a chance to sing these classic melodies. And more importantly, I wanted to sing them the way I imagined them and how I felt these compositions should be musically arranged and presented. I got to do all that with this album.
Tell us more about the album?
This album is more about the composers behind the original tracks. We have extremely talented and excellent producers but since we didn’t have a very strong film industry in Pakistan, these names never really got the attention and kind of fame they deserved. Their body of work is not known as much as it should be. I have been listening to these melodies since I was in university, and we used to really admire these compositions. This album is all about those forgotten composers and music producers. It is my tribute to them.
How did you decide on which compositions to select?
I had heard all these melodies when I was young, so was very familiar with them. These are beautifully sung by legends. Most of these were sung by Madam Noor Jehan, whom I am a huge fan of. The first single, Bhul Jaan Sab Gham Duniya De, has been sung by Madam Noor Jehan and Ghulam Ali Khan saheb. I am a sucker for good melodies and that was the only deciding factor behind the selection of songs for this album.
Ghulam Ali
What makes Ghulam Ali one of the all-time greats?
(Laughing) This question really doesn’t need to be asked. Look at his body of work. The kind of work he has done is amazing. He is technically strong and sings beautifully. He has composed most of his own melodies, which have been massive hits. Besides his work, he is such a humble human being and so positive. He is an absolute legend, just like Farida Khanum ji, Abida Parveen ji, Hamid chacha (his uncle Hamid Ali Khan saheb) and Asad bhai (his brother Ustad Asad Amanat Ali Khan), who left us too soon. I wish he was still alive. They are all legends and of the same calibre.
What was it like having Amir Ghulam Ali feature on the album?
It was good having him over. Of all (Ghulam Ali) Khan saheb’s sons, Amir is the only one who has reproduced some of his father’s works. He always accompanies Khan saheb and it’s great to see that. I also wanted to know about their relationship and learn more about the equation between Khan saheb and Amir, when the latter was young and, of course, how he is guiding him now for his future. It was extremely interesting to see that, so it was very good to have him over.
You are a great singer, but did you feel any pressure singing these songs?
Thank you for the compliment. I am truly humbled. I have a trick. I believe that when one is singing a track which has a cult following or has been sung before by a great artist, one should keep in mind not to make it worse than the original, even if it can’t be bettered. Basically, if your performance can’t be greater than the original, at least don’t make it worse because there are bound to be comparisons and people should never say you didn’t do justice to a classic. I am now leaving it to you guys and audiences to judge how I have done in this album. And once I have undertaken a job, then I don’t believe in getting pressured because that can’t do any good. So, no, I wasn’t feeling any pressure.
Who are you hoping connects with this album?
I hope music lovers all over the world, people who appreciate excellent music, and those who love classics, all hear this and like what I have done here. That’s my only agenda with this album.
How much does it help you when compositions like these have such beautiful poetry and sentiments?
It lessens half your work when the melody and lyrics are good. It becomes easier for the singer to put in the rest of the ingredients and put soul into the song. Good lyrics and a good composition are blessings for any singer in the world, because that’s what make the song memorable. If the melody is strong, the sentiment is so much easier to present, so it really helps.
You say your emotions in songs come from experiences. What inspires you as a singer?
Like I said, good melodies and lyrics, and sometimes the composer. If a composer I haven’t worked with but admire approaches me, I get excited and inspired. When Sohail Rana saheb approached me for a song in a movie he was producing and composing for, I was excited, because I wanted to hear what new melodies he had created. A good song inspires you to create something new too.
Why should we pick up Shafqat Amanat Ali: Tribute to Legends – Ghulam Ali?
For the timeless compositions. If you are sick of the clutter and want something soulful, then this one’s for you.
Why do you love music?
There are only two kinds of people in this world. Those who love music and those who don’t. I am on the side that, obviously, loves it. I don’t think there is a right answer for why anyone loves music. It’s in my blood. I was born with it.
As the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025 draws near, a wave of independently made films is already dominating conversations among critics, programmers, and distributors. These are not your typical star-studded blockbusters. In fact, they’re character-driven, stylistically bold, and often politically or emotionally charged stories. Many have already premiered at Cannes or Sundance, while a few are TIFF-bound discoveries. One Indian film, in particular, is catching the attention of international curators with its quiet force.
Here’s a look at 10 indie titles being talked about before the TIFF line-up is even announced.
Kristen Stewart steps behind the camera for her first feature, adapting Lidia Yuknavitch’s emotionally intense memoir. The story centres on a young woman navigating trauma, sexuality, and swimming, all told through a non-linear, stream-of-consciousness narrative. Imogen Poots plays the lead, and the film’s visual style has already drawn comparisons to Derek Cianfrance. It premiered out of competition at Cannes 2025 and is generating serious interest from indie distributors.
Lynne Ramsay’s return after an eight-year hiatus is being hailed as one of the most anticipated auteur-driven works of the year. Jennifer Lawrence stars in this adaptation of Ariana Harwicz’s novel about a woman struggling with postpartum psychosis. The script is by Alice Birch, and early responses from Cannes suggest this is Ramsay at her most unrelenting. A24 and Apple reportedly battled over rights, hinting at serious awards potential.
After Beau Is Afraid, Ari Aster switches tone again with this “modern Western,” featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal. The film debuted at Sundance 2025 and won the Grand Jury Prize, making it a serious contender for further festival attention. The story follows two estranged brothers forced to reunite in a post-capitalist landscape. It’s moody, slow-burning, and already being called one of Aster’s most emotionally mature works.
Solondz is back with a genre twist. Dangerous Animals takes on his trademark bleak humour with a surreal, body-horror narrative that drew comparisons to Julia Ducournau’s Titane during early Cannes market talks. It follows a child star turned recluse who becomes the subject of a bizarre suburban experiment. Programmers expect this one to land in TIFF’s Midnight Madness section due to its provocative tone and overall risk-taking structure.
Celine Song’s follow-up to Past Lives is a sharp, darkly comic look at art, commerce and class. Starring Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal, Materialists premiered at Cannes 2025, where its razor-sharp satire of luxury culture and beauty standards won Best Screenplay. Industry insiders say its strong aesthetic and festival reaction make it a top Vanguard or Discovery pick for TIFF 2025.
A quiet surprise from India, Sabar Bonda is the first Marathi-language feature to screen in Sundance’s World Cinema Dramatic section. Directed by queer filmmaker Rohan Kanawade, it explores the relationship between a young boy and his teacher in a rural village, subtly exploring themes of gender, caste, and queerness. With TIFF’s history of championing regional Indian cinema, especially post-All We Imagine As Light, this is one of the most likely South Asian entries to break through.
Linklater’s latest film is a love letter to French cinema, both stylistically and thematically. Nouvelle Vague is set in 1960s Paris and follows a young American student who becomes entangled in a world of cinephiles, protests, and fleeting romance. It's less a plot-driven film and more an ode to a particular cinematic moment. Industry insiders say it’s tailor-made for TIFF’s cinephile crowd, possibly as part of a Cinema Makers tribute.
Wes Anderson returns with a twist on the heist genre. The Phoenician Scheme features an ensemble cast trapped in a fictional desert state during a crumbling political regime. It was screened privately during Cannes Village and quickly became one of the most talked-about titles among buyers. TIFF might host its North American premiere, offering a major red carpet moment while still fitting its indie tone due to Anderson’s distinct auteur status.
Scarlett Johansson’s first feature as a solo director was selected for Cannes Jury Screening and was met with strong praise. The story follows a reclusive former stage actor navigating grief and late-life reinvention in New York City. It’s intimate and character-focused, with a restrained visual style that allows its performances to shine. TIFF’s interest in debut directors makes this a strong candidate for a Platform slot.
Trier reunites with Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value, a film that builds on the emotional resonance of The Worst Person in the World. The narrative centres around a family dealing with the return of a long-absent parent, told with Trier’s signature emotional clarity and subtle humour. It received warm reviews at Cannes and could emerge as one of TIFF’s most acclaimed European entries.
Why this matters?
Unlike blockbuster-heavy seasons, TIFF 2025 is shaping up to be a filmmaker’s festival. From deeply personal stories to hybrid genre experiments, this year's buzzed-about indie titles reflect a shift toward narrative risk and regional specificity. And with the inclusion of Sabar Bonda, there’s a clear sign that Indian independent cinema is no longer confined to the margins. It’s earning its seat at the global table.
TIFF 2025 runs from 4–14 September, with the official lineup dropping later this summer. Until then, these are the names to watch.
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Arjun Rampal says Rauf is the darkest character he has portrayed
Arjun Rampal has stepped into a deeply unsettling place with his portrayal of Rauf in Netflix’s Rana Naidu season 2. The actor, known for playing intense characters, says this role was unlike anything he’s done before.
“He’s the most terrifyingly real character I’ve ever played,” Rampal said. Rauf is unpredictable, violent, and entirely devoid of empathy, yet not completely soulless. What sets him apart is a surprising emotional sliver: the fierce love he holds for his niece. “She’s the only one he protects without question,” he explained. “It’s the only time you see something human in him.”
For Rampal, the challenge wasn’t just about playing a violent man. It was about showing the emotional contradictions buried under that rage. “The fine line between menace and vulnerability is where Rauf lives. That’s what made him so difficult to portray,” he said.
A new layer of conflict in Rana Naidu season 2
In the latest season, Rampal’s character is a new addition to the already explosive dynamic between Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggubati, who play a feuding son and father. Rauf’s entry heightens the emotional stakes, bringing in a cold, calculated energy that shifts the entire tone of the show.
Directed by Karan Anshuman, Suparn Verma, and Abhay Chopra, and produced by Locomotive Global Media, Rana Naidu continues to explore themes of loyalty, power, and personal demons, with Rampal’s Rauf adding a new layer of darkness.
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Mythri Movie Makers eye massive collaboration with SRK for their next big ventureGetty Images
A historic pay packet or just industry chatter?
Multiple outlets suggest that Mythri is in talks with SRK for a £28.5 million (₹300 crore) deal, a figure unprecedented in Indian cinema. The film is also said to be directed by Sukumar, whose skill in bringing together commercial appeal with deep storytelling made Pushpa a national sensation.
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But there’s a twist: according to sources, no meeting has yet taken place between Shah Rukh and Mythri. Sources close to the actor claim he is entirely focused on King, his upcoming action film with daughter Suhana Khan and director Siddharth Anand. As per this report, SRK will only start exploring new projects towards the end of 2025.
Shah Rukh Khan may become India’s highest-paid actor with this upcoming filmGetty Images
Sukumar’s direction, Mythri’s ambition, but what’s next for SRK?
If the project with Mythri Movie Makers does move forward, it could redefine how pan-India films are conceived, taking advantage of Bollywood’s reach with South India’s storytelling prowess. Sukumar’s directorial vision paired with SRK’s stardom might be the crossover moment Indian cinema has long awaited.
However, it’s important to note that nothing has been officially announced. The speculation may be premature, especially since SRK is currently tied up with King, expected to start production in early 2026. Until he wraps that, other projects remain on hold.
Pan-India film with ₹1000 crore budget reportedly being planned with Shah Rukh KhanGetty Images
For now, fans are watching closely. Whether or not this massive collaboration materialises, the very idea that Indian cinema is inching toward £95 million (₹1,000 crore) productions, with actors commanding £28.5 million (₹300 crore) fees, is itself proof that the stakes have never been higher.
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Alongside the image, Hurley highlighted three major personal landmarks: 30 years working with Estée Lauder, 20 years of her swimwear label Elizabeth Hurley Beach, and her new romance. “Feeling very blessed and grateful for having the best friends and family in the world,” she wrote.
Hurley and Cyrus find love after reconnecting post-divorce
Hurley and Cyrus met on the set of the 2022 holiday film Christmas in Paradise. Although there was some sparks at the time, they lost touch and reconnected in 2024, after Cyrus ended his short-lived marriage to singer Firerose. It was Hurley who reportedly reached out during his divorce, a message that led to a deeper connection.
By April 2025, the pair made their relationship public on Instagram. The singer later posted a birthday message calling Hurley “the love of my life.”
Hurley confirms her relationship with country singer Billy Ray CyrusCosmopolitan
The couple also made a red carpet appearance together in Rome on 24 May, further confirming the romance. While Cyrus has faced strained relationships with some of his children, particularly daughter Miley, reports suggest he’s trying to rebuild those ties. Miley, who cut off contact with her father in 2023, has softened her stance, recently saying that while it was difficult at first, “everyone deserves to be happy.”
Family support and healing amid past drama
Hurley’s son, 23-year-old Damian, commented warmly on her birthday post, calling her his “best friend forever.” Friends and celebrities, including Heidi Klum and Sarah Michelle Gellar, also sent their love. Meanwhile, insiders say Cyrus is now prioritising family time and hopes his relationship with Hurley marks a new chapter, both personally and publicly.
Damian Hurley calls his mother his best friend in a birthday tributeGetty Images
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Enrique Iglesias returns to India with a massive concert planned in Mumbai
After more than a decade, Enrique Iglesias is finally returning to India. The Spanish superstar, best known for global hits like Hero, Bailamos, and Rhythm Divine, is scheduled to perform in Mumbai on 30 October 2025 at the MMRDA Grounds, BKC. This will be his first show in India since 2012, when he toured Pune, Gurugram, and Bengaluru as part of his Euphoria world tour. The upcoming concert is part of Iglesias’s current global run and will take place just before his Abu Dhabi stop.
Organised by EVA Live and BEW Live, the Mumbai gig promises a packed venue with over 30,000 fans expected. According to organisers, Iglesias will perform a setlist spanning his three-decade-long career, mixing early 2000s classics with recent hits. EVA Live’s founder Deepak Chaudhary called the show a “historic moment,” highlighting India’s growing appetite for iconic international acts. “The enthusiasm among fans is real. This show is about celebrating that global connection through music,” he said in a statement.
Indian fans gear up for Enrique Iglesias’ comeback performance after 13 yearsGetty Images
The production team has hinted at a full-scale arena experience, with elaborate visuals, lights, and staging tailored for a large-scale outdoor show. The concert will also offer special curated experiences for Mastercard users, including backstage access and artist interactions.
Tickets, presale access and how to register
Registrations are now open on the District App, with tickets to be released in phases. The first phase of Mastercard-exclusive presale starts on Friday, 20 June at 12 pm IST via Priceless.com, and ends on Sunday, 22 June at 12 pm IST.
A second Mastercard-only window will open on 22 June (12 pm IST) and close by 27 June (12 pm IST), this time on the District App. General sales will go live on 27 June at 5 pm IST.
Enrique Iglesias confirms Mumbai concert with career-spanning setlistGetty Images
Fans have been thrilled about the announcement online. “A dream come true,” one user posted. “No Delhi show but I’m booking tickets to Mumbai anyway,” wrote another. Following a string of recent high-profile international shows in India, from Coldplay and Ed Sheeran to Maroon 5, Enrique’s return is another big win for Indian concertgoers.