Desi Standard Time

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.

We’re kicking off season two with a teaser *interview* - that’s right, a voice other than the Maazes! Listen in to orient this season by hearing from a creative from Pakistan: Film Producer Kamil Chima. 

It’s been a tough time for all of us. As if the world basically shutting down wasn’t bad enough, April 2020 brought more dark news: the passing of two Bollywood legends, Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor. We couldn’t in good faith let their passing go without sharing our favorite moments of each, and celebrating their respective legacies in a special bonus episode. Join the Maazes as they commemorate two Kings and honor their work both on-screen and off.

Peanut Butter and Jelly. Daal and Chawal. Emraan Hashmi and Makeout Scenes. Maaz Ali and Maaz Khan. Iconic duos one and all, but some resonate with us more than others. For a special Bonus Episode, the Maazes discuss Bollywood couples both past and present, dissecting their impact on viewers and society at large. From Amitabh and Rekha to Ranveer and Deepika, our hosts take an introspective look on the relationships that defined entire generations, and why on-screen romance remains so important to us to this day.

Arguably the greatest actor in Bollywood history, Shah Rukh has given us countless memories over the years and has carried the weight of the Indian Film Industry on his shoulders for almost three decades. Obviously he’s undefeated when it comes to hits, right? WRONG. Whether we like to admit it or not, SRK has had many hits ... but also many fails. When was his prime? What was his come up? When did he become a tired act? Oh my what was he thinking with that one? When will he become a father finally and stop showing up as the love interest? How did he manage to get ripped for that shirtless scene? We’ll dive into all this in more in this two-episode season finale of Desi Standard Time. 

Arguably the greatest actor in Bollywood history, Shah Rukh has given us countless memories over the years and has carried the weight of the Indian Film Industry on his shoulders for almost three decades. Obviously he’s undefeated when it comes to hits, right? WRONG. Whether we like to admit it or not, SRK has had many hits ... but also many fails. When was his prime? What was his come up? When did he become a tired act? Oh my what was he thinking with that one? When will he finally play the father and stop showing up as the love interest? How did he manage to get ripped for that shirtless scene? We’ll dive into all this in more in this two-episode season finale of Desi Standard Time. 

Much like laugh tracks from 90s TV sitcoms, no Bollywood movie is complete without its soundtrack. The Maazes examine the music that uplifted, detracted, and often transcended Bollywood movies. From the lovelorn ballads of the black and white days to the remixed classics bumping in clubs today ... our hosts leave no tune unturned.

We know what you’re all wondering: Could Hrithik Roshan beat Vin Diesel in a fist fight? While debating this exact topic, the Maazes realized something: Bollywood and Hollywood really are not that different after all. Biceps, babes, and barely-there plot lines seem to be the perfect combination for a box office hit. This week’s episode looks at two of the best franchises employing this formula, and what exactly makes them so awesome.

This week the Maazes take a categorical look at the restrictions Bollywood often places upon itself. When you think “Bollywood,” you already know to expect a classic love story, colorful dances, and scant character development. But as the industry strives to break new boundaries, other genre-defining characteristics have started to emerge, and not always to everyone’s liking. The Maazes dissect these envelope-pushers, and what they mean for Bollywood’s future.

Every desi child cringes when remembering the look their parents gave them as children when they did something wrong. In this episode, the Maazes examine the most famous eye twitches, stare-downs, sexy winks, and anything else ocular in Bollywood. From Amrish Puri’s eyeballs reaching a full foot in front of his face to Johnny Lever’s famed twitch, we discuss the many looks (literally) that Bollywood has given us over the years, and which are the most memorable.

Since we were children, Karan Johar has provided us with numerous moments of joy, pain, flamboyant commentary, and trash Hindi-language productions. As a Director and Producer, he has won over our hearts using Shah Rukh as a puppet and sarcasm as bait. However, he has also manipulated the Bollywood landscape through his commentary and interviews on his famous talk show, Koffee with Karan. The Maazes tackle their hardest question yet: Is Karan Johar the good guy … or the bad guy?

This week our judgy gaze turns to the use of English in Bollywood cinema. From its necessary use in classics like Lagaan, to Indian rappers adding obligatory (are they though?) mixed-language verses to every song, we examine the rise of English and hip-hop culture in modern day Bollywood. Does the advent of the Universal Language add to the storytelling of Bollywood films, or does it serve only to detract from the traditional feel of a Bollywood movie? Chalo, hum figure out karte hain.

You've heard them speak about their thoughts on Bollywood but … who even are the Maazes?  In this mini episode, we learn the story of Desi Standard Time: Its beginnings, the men behind the mics, and the friendship that they share. We might be behind on sharing who we are, but hey, it’s called Desi Standard Time for a reason. Listen in to the Sound of Maazic and hear what connects our hosts besides the excellent name-choosing abilities of their mothers!

The Maazes are tired of watching beautiful faces on-screen with very little talent to back them up. So instead of feeling happy for Bollywood’s nepotism and accomplishments, they’re here to be salty towards the likes of Arjun Rampal, Hrithik Roshan, and Katrina Kaif. Learn how each of these talentless models got their starts, and their most egregious offenses to date. Finally, we take a look to the future and predict whether any of these statues of ineptitude could experience a “McConaughssaince” in the future.

In this episode, the Maazes explore the profuse use of hip thrusts in 90’s dances, and how the vaunted choreography has shaped many desi males into the men they are today. Everything from Govinda’s subtle hip extensions while making O-faces to Salman’s unapologetic pelvic advances, we examine the move itself, the best and worst examples, and the underlying misogyny that made Bollywood believe the hip thrust was okay to do.

What is Desi Standard Time? We're a podcast about South Asian cinema through the lens of culture, art, film, music, and more. Here we give you a taste of what this first season will all be about through chichora dance numbers that lead Bollywood films to succeed in the box office.