In this special season-finale bonus, we sit down with Lahore-based Art Director and Production Designer Hashim Ali. Recognized as 1 of 12 Pakisani Production Designers to follow, Hashim’s work over the past decade has made a huge impact in the world of Fashion, Production Design, and Art Direction in Pakistan. Tune to hear more about his unique career, the work he’s done with major fashion brands in Pakistan, and an incredible project called Dua-e-Reem, meaning Bride's Prayer, that was released for International Women’s Day in 2020.

Though all cultures may be different, one universal art form binds the oldest civilizations with modern artists. Written tradition passed down in rhythmic fashion has always been dear to the human ear, and the Subcontinent is no different. In this episode, the Maazes delve into the vast and meaningful world of Pakistani poetry. From prior political uses to lyrical excellence in modern-day ghazals, the Maazes examine the verbose veterans of Pakistan’s past, and discuss the many ways that poetic forms like Shayari influence South Asian media even today.

Though Qawwali and Paki Rock have continued to capture the hearts of Pakistani music-lovers worldwide, there is another segment of the Pakistani Music spectrum that makes an impact of its own: Pakistani Pop. An amalgamation of everything from classic genres to modern western influences, Pakistan’s pop scene has its own stars and unique sound. In this episode, the Maazes delve into the names and songs that define this genre, and discover its impact on music and society at large.

If you’ve never heard of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, it’s possible you are living under a physical and metaphorical rock. The Qawwal legend is perhaps the most famous singer of this particular art form, but he is certainly not the only one. Join the Maazes as they discover the history, reach, and future of Qawwali, a beautiful form of music that requires not only an astounding vocal range, but also impressive flexibility from its cross-legged singers.

As listeners of Pakistani music, we’re simply fans on the outside looking in. In this very special bonus episode, Pakistani musicians, producers, and more join the Maazes to share an inside look at what the music industry in Pakistan *actually* looks like. We hear from Omran Shafique’s 10-season run as guitarist for Coke Studio to Natasha Noorani launching Pakistan’s premier music festival to Shahjehan Khan’s 15-year journey as a punk rock musician in America. We hear the good, the bad, and the deep shared love all these artists have for music.

Much like Drama, there is one medium that every Pakistani can’t help but bow down to: Pakistani Rock.
Though different from the ghazal music that our parents revered, Pakistani rock fed the soul of an angsty generation that was simply yearning to be heard. The Maazes investigate the likes of Vital Signs, Junoon, Jal, and more, uncovering how this genre was responsible for creating a new music era of Pakistan, including the country’s anthem “Dil Dil Pakistan.”

At some point all Pakistanis have cringed at the general Lollywood industry, but one thing is held sacred by all: the Pakistani drama. From Humsafar to Zindagi Gulzaar Hai to Dil Lagi, Pakistani dramas have intricate plots, devastating dramatics, and besharam betrayals aplenty. The Maazes examine the long-standing Pakistani drama scene, the lack of relative success of the adjacent Lollywood industry, and of course, the best memories the Maazes have of their parents binging Pakistani dramas at all hours of the day. 

Which desi hasn’t heard of Coke Studio by now? The global sensation has mesmerized audiences well outside of Pakistan. The musical program has launched the careers of many aspiring artists like Momina Mustehsan, while featuring such legends as Abrar ul Haq, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Abida Parveen. The Maazes recount the best of the Studio, and sit down with Ali Sethi, who has been featured in multiple seasons of the show.

The depiction of Pakistani men and women in some Bollywood movies can be an interesting maze to navigate. Movies that securely position Pakistan as the “bad guy” can make a real impact on children viewing those movies. In this episode, we examine the emotional toll that movies such as Border, Gadar, Dil Se, LOC Kargil, Veer-Zaara, Mission Kashmir, and many more extracted from the Maazes. As tensions between India and Pakistan persist, where do actors and actresses in the industry stand, and how has Bollywood bridged — or expanded — the divide?

Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam - who’s next? Many celebrities in Pakistan have ridden the fame ladder straight to the largest film industry in the world: Bollywood. One of the effects of this is the exodus of talent from Lollywood, but perhaps the largest implication is the backdrop of tension between India and Pakistan, and how it hangs like a cloud above those specific actors. Season 2 kicks off with the Maazes examining the growing trend of jumping industries, the events that have transpired as a result, and the future of actors who have already made the switch.