Latest news with #Faisal
Leaders
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Esports World Cup 2025: Prince Faisal Reveals Tournament's Grand Vision
The global spotlight turns to Riyadh as the city hosts the second edition of the Esports World Cup (EWC). This massive event, running from early July to 24 August, signals Saudi Arabia's serious ambition to become a central hub for the booming esports industry. Furthermore, with a record-breaking prize pool, the tournament attracts the world's best talent for an eight-week celebration of gaming and competition. The Esports World Cup is the successor to the successful Gamers' festival, as the Kingdom has significantly increased its investment, boosting the total prize pool to over $70 million for the 2025 event, a notable increase from the $62.5 million offered in the inaugural 2024 competition. This substantial financial commitment underscores the nation's dedication to fostering sustainable careers for players and clubs, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and create new job opportunities. A Unique Vision for Esports Prince Faisal bin Bandar, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, shared his passion for the unique nature of esports. 'Your first introduction to the person you're playing against is not their look, background, history, race, gender, but it's their skill in the game,' he stated in a recent interview. He emphasized that esports allows respect to be built on merit and skill alone. Consequently, this creates a level playing field unlike any other sport. The chairman also highlighted the unparalleled connection between players and fans. He described how streamers can give personal shout-outs, creating an intimate bond that is impossible in traditional sports stadiums. 'That connection to the fans…and that ability to really stake your claim are two things that I just love about gaming and Esports,' he added. More Than Just a Tournament The event is more than a series of competitions; it is a cultural festival. It infuses a distinct Saudi style into the global esports scene. 'It's a red carpet, but it's a very Saudi style,' Prince Faisal explained. 'It's part of what we get to bring to the table is a little bit of the fun, a little bit of our style.' This approach aims to make the event more entertaining and engaging than typical tournaments. A prime example of this unique flavor is the 'crushing of the keys' ceremony. In this ritual, the losing team in a key match must hand over their symbolic key to the victors to be crushed. 'That moment when the team hands over their key to the other team to be crushed is the most diabolical moment, and I love every minute of it,' said Prince Faisal. He believes this adds a layer of fun, intrigue, and brutal competition that defines the spirit of esports. Fierce Competition for the Crown The tournament features a diverse lineup of over 20 of the world's most popular games, including Dota 2, League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, and Fortnite. The main attraction is the Club Championship, which awards a significant portion of the prize money to the top 16 organizations based on their overall performance across all titles. This innovative format encourages clubs to build strong rosters in multiple games. Looking ahead to the finals, Prince Faisal anticipates a tight race. He noted the growth of many teams since last year's event. While homegrown champions Team Falcons are a strong contender, he also pointed to the strength of international powerhouses like Team Liquid, AG Global, and T1. 'I'm not sure I could tell you who's going to win,' he admitted, 'but I can guarantee it's going to be a lot closer than it was last year.' Short link : Post Views: 24
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Tazeen calls Faisal a 'riot' to work with
What's it like picking up where you left off with a co-worker from 28 years ago? If your name is Tazeen Hussain and that co-worker is fellow actor Faisal Rehman, then the answer is very simple: it is as if no time has passed by at all. "It felt not like 28 years, but 28 minutes. Or 28 seconds!" recalled Tazeen about her onscreen husband from Qarze Jaan (2024) in a resurfaced clip from The Rafay Mahmood podcast. Eagle-eyed fans of classics from Pakistani television will recall the pair from Shahpar (1997). But although 1997 may be locked away in the previous century, Tazeen is adamant that the Faisal of today is no different from the Faisal she remembers from almost three decades ago. "Faisal hasn't changed much, and he told me I haven't changed much!" continued Tazeen. "He is a riot to work with. That's how it was before, and that's how it is now." According to Tazeen, the effervescent energy Faisal brings to the set is rooted in his love for thinking on his feet. "A lot of our scenes have a lot of improvisations. He's amazing with that," she explained. Tazeen is adamant that her long-time co-star is also adept at tweaking a scene before anyone can quash his ideas. "He's very clever!" admitted Tazeen. "He knows if he tells [me what he is up to], I won't agree! So he just does it on camera!" However much she may be taken by surprise during a shoot, Tazeen's chemistry with Faisal is such that she is able to draw on instinct during her scenes with him. "My reaction to him would be totally natural," admitted the actor. Having cultivated this shared history and fun-loving chemistry with her seasoned co-star, Tazeen credited Faisal for allowing her to feel comfortable behind the camera, even when she experienced inner turmoil at the demands of a scene. "You know my wedding night sequence [in Qarze Jaan]? I was so stressed over it, and I told [director] Saqib [Khan] that I couldn't do it, it was too awkward. But he got me to calm down and shot it beautifully. And it became what it did because Faisal was with me. It is so important to have a relaxed relationship with the actor you are working with." In Tazeen's experience, the fact that Faisal exudes this air of comfort, coupled with his refusal to belittle anyone he works with, combine together to make working with him a joy. "He respects all his co-stars, whether they are new or experienced. That, and he owns what he is doing and he is totally shameless and unapologetic about it. That's what makes him what he is!"
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Faisal Rehman is a riot to work with: Tazeen Hussain
What's it like picking up where you left off with a co-worker from 28 years ago? If your name is Tazeen Hussain and that co-worker is fellow actor Faisal Rehman, then the answer is very simple: it is as if no time has passed by at all. 'It felt not like 28 years, but 28 minutes. Or 28 seconds!' recalled Tazeen about her onscreen husband from Qarze Jaan (2024) in a resurfaced clip from The Rafay Mahmood podcast. Eagle-eyed fans of classics from Pakistani television will recall the pair from Shahpar (1997). But although 1997 may be locked away in the previous century, Tazeen is adamant that the Faisal of today is no different from the Faisal she remembers from almost three decades ago. 'Faisal hasn't changed much, and he told me I haven't changed much!' continued Tazeen. 'He is a riot to work with. That's how it was before, and that's how it is now.' According to Tazeen, the effervescent energy Faisal brings to the set is rooted in his love for thinking on his feet. 'A lot of our scenes have a lot of improvisations. He's amazing with that,' she explained. Tazeen is adamant that her long-time co-star is also adept at tweaking a scene before anyone can quash his ideas. 'He's very clever!' admitted Tazeen. 'He knows if he tells [me what he is up to], I won't agree! So he just does it on camera!' However much she may be taken by surprise during a shoot, Tazeen's chemistry with Faisal is such that she is able to draw on instinct during her scenes with him. 'My reaction to him would be totally natural,' admitted the actor. Having cultivated this shared history and fun-loving chemistry with her seasoned co-star, Tazeen credited Faisal for allowing her to feel comfortable behind the camera, even when she experienced inner turmoil at the demands of a scene. 'You know my wedding night sequence [in Qarze Jaan]? I was so stressed over it, and I told [director] Saqib [Khan] that I couldn't do it, it was too awkward. But he got me to calm down and shot it beautifully. And it became what it did because Faisal was with me. It is so important to have a relaxed relationship with the actor you are working with.' In Tazeen's experience, the fact that Faisal exudes this air of comfort, coupled with his refusal to belittle anyone he works with, combine together to make working with him a joy. 'He respects all his co-stars, whether they are new or experienced. That, and he owns what he is doing and he is totally shameless and unapologetic about it. That's what makes him what he is!' Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
UK-Pakistani leaders urged to counter stereotypes
The British elected councillors and mayors across the party line have appreciated the Pakistan High Commission (PHC) for gathering community leadership, enabling them to connect with their colleagues and peers from across the UK. The PHC in London hosted a convention of Pakistani-origin British Councilors, which was attended by delegates from across the UK, representing all the political parties in the United Kingdom, said a message received here on Sunday. More than 200 councilors, mayors, deputy mayors and leaders of the councils from Greater London to Midlands, Manchester, Bradford, Birmingham and Glasgow, participated in the event. Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan High Commissioner Dr Mohammad Faisal praised British-Pakistani leaders for their vital role in strengthening democracy, fostering multiculturalism, and serving as a bridge between the UK and Pakistan. The high commissioner emphasised on projecting the achievements of British-Pakistani women. "The strength of our nation abroad is reflected in the dignity, unity, and contributions of our diaspora," he stated. "When you rise, Pakistan rises with you." Faisal condemned attempts to stigmatise the Pakistani community based on isolated incidents, urging leaders to actively counter negative stereotypes by amplifying success stories in education, business, healthcare, and public service. He called on the community to empower women and youth, preserve cultural heritage, and explore opportunities in Pakistan's growing economy.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Playing the strings of peace
Amid the Indian outrage over Diljit Dosanjh's traitorous collaboration with the irrefutably Pakistani Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, there are two men who once melted away that geopolitical line like butter in a heated pan. And as music-loving millennials may have guessed, those two men were none other than Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia. Banding together to form the pop tour de force that became Strings (can hits such as Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar and Duur ever be erased from the cultural stream of consciousness?) Maqsood and Kapadia proved that any heartstrings across any border can be conquered, if you pluck them just right. Now, during a resurfaced clip on The Rafay Mahmood Podcast, Maqsood recalled the sheer force of love Strings received from their Indian fans, and how they never once compromised their principles across the border despite being given every inducement to do so. Launching pad "I think we got a bit lucky in the sense that in 1992, Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar was a huge hit - but what was when we disbanded Strings and took a break," recalled Maqsood. "We had some idea that we were a big hit in India — but we didn't know just how big." The musical duo not knowing 'how big' they were in India became something of a recurring theme during their 2000 comeback with the Duur album. "We made the album behind closed doors. We never thought music would be our profession. I had my own job, Faisal had his family business," noted Maqsood. "We just decided to make some music, and that we would see what would happen. It was only later that we decided that we should burn all our bridges and focus on our music." The first indication that anyone across the border was taking any notice was when Indian Network Doordarshan sought their record company's permission to air their music. Maqsood recalled being stunned at learning that Indian clubs and discos still resorted to Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar. "We still didn't realise how big we were; Faisal and I were both busy with our studies," remarked the singer. "But when we released Duur - all the label companies asked, 'Are you the same guys who sang Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar?'" It transpired that teenaged fans of 1992 had now grown into adults who worked at label companies — a turn of events that opened up doors for Strings. "We had maybe 12 or 13 companies that we could choose from to release it [in India]," explained Maqsood. "That is how the legacy of Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar worked in our favour." Love from India The Indian promotion of the Strings comeback album inevitably led to a whirlwind tour of the country. "When Duur got released there, we stayed there and promoted and travelled all over India," said Maqsood, looking back. "We lost count of how many cities and towns (big and small) that we visited. We played at clubs, at colleges — everywhere!" One moment of an almost electric connection with a 10,000-strong chanting Indian crowd, however, has become cemented in Maqsood's memory. "There was this one time when we were playing in a Delhi Park singing this medley of Indian songs that we did in our set [...] and there were these 10,000 Indian youths just chanting along for Pakistan!" said Maqsood in awe. "Faisal and I couldn't believe it. There was this Indian audience, there was Strings, and there was nothing else in between. Zero boundary. No political or geographical line — in that moment, India and Pakistan were just one." Upon returning to Pakistan, the duo had started to get an inkling that perhaps stardom could be on the cards for them after all, despite the Pakistani musical landscape of the time wedded to more 'dhol'-oriented music (think Abrarul Haq) and less of Strings' signature pop sound. "We had no idea what was going to happen, but we knew that this is the music we want to make," said Maqsood. "We had the trailer, so to speak, of success. Success was not even on the cards at the time, but we could feel this buzz around us. And that buzz? It was pretty inviting. So we decided to quit our jobs and focus on this." Bollywood boundaries That buzz, as we all now know with the benefit of hindsight, gave birth to a catalogue of music forming the bedrock of early 2000s Pakistani pop - although once again, it was not just Pakistan paying attention. Bollywood, too, entered the equation, recruiting Strings to compose what ultimately became the song Yeh Hai Meri Kahani from the film Zinda starring John Abraham and Sanjay Dutt. Through it all, however, the band remained committed to staying true to their principles — and if that meant walking away from a potential Bollywood moneymaker, so be it. "We never tried to reinvent ourselves," insisted Maqsood. "We always gave priority to our aesthetics — people realised this, and that is why they liked Strings." Maqsood recalled being offered to compose a track for the 2006 Bollywood film Kabul Express — although that particular partnership dissolved before it could begin. "Everything was sorted, and then I said, show us the script," said Maqsood. "I asked, what is the Pakistani angle in this? And then we saw the script, and knew that we couldn't do this. We said no." To a man who loves the country he has grown up in, maintaining such a balance is no difficult task. "When you already have these things ingrained in you, you don't have to 'balance' anything out," You just know that there are some things you cannot do. It becomes muscle memory." Being staunchly patriotic is not the only principle the Strings pair stuck to. Guns and cigarettes, too, remained a big no-no. "In Aakhri Alvida [from 2007 Bollywood film Shootout at Lokhandwala], there was a scene where they wanted to pick up these guns and look at them - and we said we wouldn't do it," stated Maqsood. "They said, 'It's a video, just pick it up!' But we said no. This had nothing to do with being Pakistani, but sixteen-year-olds could be watching this!" The same principles applied to smoking. "There was this other shot in Zinda where John [Abraham] puts down his keys and picks up a cigarette pack. We asked them to move it. There are some things where we would have to tell them, this is how we want to do it." There was one other boundary that principle-loving Strings swore they would never cross, no matter how tempting the prize: recording a song written by someone else. "In [Bollywood 2008 film] Dostana, they wanted me to sing it — but we said no, because we did not sing other people's compositions!" mandated Maqsood. "These were our principles, and people respected us." In other words, for any aspiring musicians searching for the blueprint to success, Maqsood has the answers you seek. Create music that speaks to you, and let nobody sway you from what you believe.
