A for 'Aik Alif'
'Aik Alif' brought Noori back in the spotlight with the great Saeein Zahoor. It remains the best collaboration of the year with Saeein's deep vocals, Ali Noor on a musical quest and Ali Hamza singing words of hope. At a time when Pakistan is going through constant mayhem, 'Aik Alif' sends the right message: Look within. And we all did. Bravo!
B for Bollywood dance classes
Love it or hate it, danceable Bollywood music has the most straitlaced of people secretly bobbing their heads to tunes like 'Dil Bole Hadippa' and wondering if they could pull those moves better than Shahid and Rani. With Hasan Rizvi of Bodybeat Dance Studio at Shapes, and Joshinder Chaggar's Bollywood dance workouts, everybody who has had the good sense to join has become marvelously toned while getting their 'Bebo' on.
C for Cookery shows
Crazy as it sounds, one of the biggest audience pullers in Pakistan throughout '09 have been the cooking shows on TV. Our chefs hold all the magnetism of any soap star for housewives and younger newly-marrieds alike. They feature mother-daughter cooking act; chefs Rahat and Maida, a lady called Sameena who cooks on a budget and slicing, dicing men who're changing the definition of masculinity. Product endorsement, exclusive cookbooks and competitions: local chefs are conjuring up a yummy broth of entertainment… tarka laga ke.
D for Downloads
YouTube isn't the only force behind the growing Internet culture. That honour must also go to downloads. Looking for Chris Cornell's cover of Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' or Zeb and Haniya's 'Chup' (which shot to fame as a raging Internet hit) or new alternatives to mainstream commercial smash hits - downloads are the way to go. And 2009 has been about downloads - from Coke Studio sessions to Overload's new record to underground music brewing right here at home.
E for EP comeback
 Remember eight guys banging their heads onstage while playing their instruments? It was the merger of Entity and Paradigm - two separate acts - as one that became EP back in the early 2000s. With an excellent debut album to their credit, the alternative rock act ultimately split; films, television, other bands, etc. Earlier this year, EP announced their comeback. The new line-up includes Fawad Afzal Khan (vocals), Ahmed Ali Butt (vocals & keyboards), Hassaan Khalid (rhythm guitar), Salman Albert (lead guitars), and Waqar Khan (Drums). Whether or not Xulfi's absence is felt in EP's second album - currently being worked on - remains to be seen but from the way EP have been performing (Youtube their recent gigs), it seems this rock outfit is ready to shake things up again.
F for fundos, foreign press and fashion
That Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW) was a triumph pulled safely with loads of flair is a given. That it would attract the attention of scores of international war journalists covering the crisis in Pakistan was a bonus that was by turns amusing and advantageous. With the foreign press covering the event with headlines such as 'Fashion Week under the shadow of the Taliban'; it did serve to highlight the fact that if such a grand event could be held in Pakistan, then life is going on as normal. For four days Pakistan had another face in the media, of 'tattoos defying the Taliban' or so some goras claimed. We were more excited by fashion, which has a paralell history to the Taliban in Pakistan. It's not an act of defiance; it's part of our tradition.
G for Gossip Girl
From its gorgeous fashionistas to the lifestyle of Manhattan's elite, Gossip Girl is, without a doubt, one of the biggest shows on television today. The ensemble cast, filled with young actors like Ed Westwick (who plays the wicked bad boy Chuck), Blake Lively (who plays the 'it' girl Serena) and Leighton Meester (who plays mean girl queen Blair) among many others, makes it all the more engaging. And it's a nice change from medical and criminal shows everywhere. Gossip Girl is fun, devious at times and unpredictable on most days. And hey, the soundtrack makes for a great listen as well.
H for Hamza, Ali (Noori)
We prefer calling him Hamza. There are way too many Alis in the music industry. Since the launch of Suno Ke Main Hun Jawan, the man in the limelight has been Ali Noor. 2009 belonged to Ali Hamza; it was his coming out party (no, not that kind of coming out). At Coke Studio Ali Hamza displayed his versatility by playing the banjo on both Saeein Zahoor and Noori's song 'Aik Alif,' Saeein Zahoor's 'Toomba', and also on Ali Zafar's 'Yaar Dhadee', with a tremendous feel for the instrument. He then surprised most people as he released a naat, 'Madinay Mein', which showed Noori fans the power of his voice.
I for Independent fashion, music and movies
This year has seen the rise of the indie culture around the world. This trend has also crept in to Pakistan so we see indie bands like Coven, Mauj and Overload rise up the ranks. Movies have also followed the same route, which is evident in the buzz Slackistan, Made in Pakistan and the Taqwacore documentary are generating at home and abroad. As for fashion, indie labels producing t-shirts make the rounds with Daku and I heart KHI to name a few.
J for 'Jaan Jaye'
'Jaan Jaye' came, ran on the radio, got downloaded via the Internet and generally became an instant hit in 2006. In 2009, the 'Jaan Jaye' video came, aired on TV, got YouTubed like mad and became an instant hit. A fun, funky video for a fun, funky song - there was no way this could go in another direction!
K for Karafilm Festival
The 2009 Karafilm Festival saw a positive development this time around as Pakistani talent seemed to emerge and win awards for filmmaking and acting. As is expected from Karafilm, there were many great movies on show. Apart from hosting submissions from 44 countries, Pakistani filmmakers held their own. The Festival showcased 140 films, over 12 days of screenings, which included a panel of judges from Pakistan and abroad. Many filmmakers attended from around the world. This included our friends across the border, Mahesh Bhatt and Nandita Das, the latter of whom won the Best Feature Film award for Firaaq.
L for L'Oreal
L'Oreal finally decided Pakistan was worth it and L'Oreal Professionnel was launched here officially in Spring '09 with Musharaf Hai as L'Oréal Paris, Pakistan CEO.
Nabila, the chosen stylist to represent L'Oreal in Pakistan launched the 'Nabila Changes' campaign with a slicker than slick music video which played on colour as an entity of it's own. With the recession and acts of violence being felt throughout the country at that time as well; the launch of L'Oreal was hopeful proof that life and business do indeed go on.
M for Maria Wasti
One of television's finest actress today, Maria Wasti managed to charm audiences everywhere. In Ramchand Pakistani, she was not in the lead role (that role went to Indian actress Nandita Das) but Maria's Kamla was significant and gave Ramchand Pakistani that necessary zing. That one role has turned Maria into an even bigger star, not just with the classes, but the masses as well. This year she picked up an LSA for Best Actress in a Film beating Lollywood favourite Saima to win the popular award. And cheers to that!
N for Nonexistent LSAs
We sorely missed the blazing nominations of music, fashion, cinema and film walking away without a ceremony. This was the first year since the inception of the Lux Style Awards that they did not take place. While the winners were given their trophies in what can only be termed as a 'photo-op' with a meet-the-press like situation, the fun and fervour that surrounds the show didn't exist this year. Fabulous fashion, poignant plays, groundbreaking music records, super songs and super stars make the show. Photo-ops are for the red carpet and politicians. They can't replace an actual ceremony.
O for Oprah
Oprah Winfrey has held a global audience rapt with the Oprah Winfrey Show for over 20 years and even as her show is on it's way out - Oprah is drawing as much - or perhaps more attention than ever. Once the show is wrapped up, Oprah will focus on her cable TV network, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. A smart move, because it would take an entire television network for Oprah to remain as prolific as she did through the Oprah Winfrey Show.
P for Pichal Pairee
While many musicians wait for their albums to release, Overload took the game to the next level by releasing their second album, Pichal Pairee on their website, where fans can download it for free. And Pichal Pairee comes with its share of psychedelic rock, dhols, thumping percussion and soft keyboards with vocalist, Meesha Shafi in tow. Pichal Pairee, the record, is experimental to the core, tripped out and a more refined effort from the musical outfit that is Overload.
Q for 'Qismat Apnay Haath Mein'
If 'Aik Alif' is the song of the year, then in the same vein, the video of Shehzad Roy's 'Qismat Apnay Haath Mein' by Ahsan Rahim is the video of '09.
From Guantanamo Bay-like detention facility to the aggression of prisoners, the plight of load-shedding to the tongue-in-cheek and sarcastic lyrics, it's a full-on winner. The issues raised in this video are very real and hit close to home. Like 'Laga Reh', the video is hilarious but its not preachy.
 R for Rohail Hyatt
While the music industry, much like the rest of the country, suffered through economic recession, political upheaval and more, Rohail Hyatt brought Coke Studio to the forefront. Known as 'Pa' Hyatt on the sets of Coke Studio, it was Rohail who turned the initial idea of Battle of the Bands (long before Coke Studio launched) into Coke Studio. And this year, with little musical activity, Coke Studio is still alive in the minds of music aficionados, thanks to Rohail Hyatt.
S for Scandals and sassiness
Scandalously delicious as always, Lollywood beauty Meera still just under the age of 26, was also discovered to be just a little married this summer. There was also the curious case of Veena Malik and cricketer Muhammad Asif. Then there was the case of a journalist working at a broadcast channel who went to town about one of the big guns of that world sexually harassing her. He remains unscathed but his reputation has taken a it, not that it matters much to a man in our patriarchal society. What we love is women coming out and holding their own, against all odds, even at the risk of making fools of themselves or being slandered. How can any society become accepting unless there is scandal to accept?
T for Twilight franchise
Truth be told, the one phenomenon that swept everybody off their feet this year was the Twilight Saga: books, movies and music alike. The lure of the Twilight series lies in a clear hierarchal order - Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, and the fact that Robert Pattinson plays a vampire with a heart of gold. Classic. Or not, but we are hooked, and good.
 U for Uth Oye!
Uth Oye! - The name says it all. The tees by Uth Oye! are as sarcastic and desi as they come. The initiative of six people, Uth Oye! launched this year, getting young celebrities like Omran Shafique, Adnan Malik, VJ Anoushey Ashraf, among a few others to model the tees (as opposed to professional models), making the whole campaign entertaining, noteworthy and funky. The idea behind Uth Oye! is more than sarcastic, wearable tees. It's a social campaign, done in a constructive and tongue-in-cheek manner with 50 per cent of the profits going towards charity.
 V for Vampires
V is for vampires who have us very smitten. And we love so many of their kind that had vampires actually existed, humanity would cease to exist (we would be tempted into becoming vampires or become their supper). Bloodsuckers on Twilight, True Blood and Vampire Diaries are just the most fanatically followed ones - vampire mania has given birth to many more films and shows, which have a limited audience. And can we just say, if Timbaland starts singing about it ('Morning After Dark' off his new album Shock Value II) - it must be really, really popular. Viva la vampires, baby!
W for Werewolves
Werewolves… because just one kind of fantastical fiend is not enough to satiate our macabre romanticism. Who hasn't dabbled in werewolves this year? Shakira came out with her album Shewolf with a track that shared the title with the album. Taylor Lautner kicked some serious six-pack butt with his own in New Moon. Team Jacob, anyone? And True Blood, that show about our first love, vampires, has also introduced werewolves into it's repertoire of beasts. "Darling this is no joke/This is lycanthropy".
X for Xulfi (Call)
Xulfi has had quite a year. After 2007's monumental hit, 'Laaree Chootee', Call arrived in Bollywood. Two years later, Bollywood came knocking on Xulfi's door. And he answered. In 2009, Xulfi managed a double whammy. First there was Bolly flick Aasma - The Sky is the Limit, which featured Xulfi as a singer and lyricist. And then there was Aftab Shivdasani's Aloo Chaat. Xulfi composed the tunes ('Kuch Aisa' and 'Reh Jaane Do') himself, penned the words and sang both tunes for the film. While local critics and die-hard Call fans may bash him for selling out to the Indian sound, Xulfi is adamant that Call's next record, Dhoom, will change minds.
Y for 'Yaar Dhadee'
Ustad M Jumman's classic hit went through a musical makeover at Coke Studio this year and boy, what a version it is! With Ali Zafar taking on the mic and showing off his skill as a playful yet poignant singer and with a mesh of seasoned players ranging from Gumby to Javed Iqbal, Omran Shafique, percussion masters Babar Khanna and Waris Baloo among many others setting the soft, melodic musical structure, this re-done version has ultimately introduced a new generation to a phenomenal classic.
 Z for Zeb and Haniya
Amidst all the turmoil that Pakistan has faced in recent times, one of the most refreshing developments has been the projection of Zeb and Haniya onto our music scene. Soothing vocals, melodic tunes and poignant poetry seems to be the perfect medicine for the disease of destruction that our country faces. Their appearance on Coke Studio and the release of their debut album Chup has clearly put them amongst the stars of our industry. The mix of jazzy tunes with bluesy beats, sprinkled with the language and culture of Pakistan make Zeb and Haniya worthy representatives of Pakistan on the world music stage.
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