Have you heard? Pakistani theatre group enacts Ramayana in Karachi; Farhan Akhtar's Bhaag Milkha Bhaag to re-release

(From left) Ashman Lalwani as Rama, Rana Kazmi as Sita, and Waqas Akhtar as Lakshman

Cross-border Ramayana

A Pakistani theatre group is winning hearts for staging an adaptation of the Ramayana in Karachi. Drama troupe Mauj presented the production at the Karachi Arts Council over the weekend, blending traditional storytelling with AI enhancements. Director Yoheshwar Karera told PTI, "To me, bringing the Ramayana to life on stage is a visual treat and shows the Pakistani society is more tolerant than it is often given credit for." The show, featuring dynamic lighting, live music, and vibrant costumes, has received love from the audience and the critics alike. Producer Rana Kazmi, who also plays Sita, said she was drawn to making the tale a "living, [and] breathing experience."

Racing back to cinema halls

Farhan Akhtar in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Farhan Akhtar's Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), based on the life of athlete Milkha Singh, lovingly called the Flying Sikh, is set to return to theatres on July 18, over a decade after its original release. On this, director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra said, "It is a very special film for me; it felt personal, a tribute to the indomitable spirit of a man who turned pain into purpose. Telling Milkha Singhji's story was also a big responsibility, one that reminded us that resilience, discipline, and courage can move mountains."