Pashtun Rang: A Night to Remember with Laila Khan

There’s something electric about covering live performances, but when the event is as unique as Pashtun Rang, organized by Jazba Entertainment UK, performed by Laila Khan, it brings an entirely different set of challenges and excitement. As the founder of Fotorender, I’ve had the pleasure of covering various events, but this one really stood out.

It wasn’t just another night of photography and videography—it was a ladies-only event, which added a whole new layer of complexity to the task. Traditionally, events I cover are inclusive of the audience in one way or another, but Pashtun Rang was different. Here, the audience was not to be captured, and only Laila Khan’s performance was to be filmed. This provided a unique, exciting opportunity to focus entirely on one performer, yet it also brought its challenges.

A Star from Peshawar: Laila Khan Shines on Stage

The star of the evening, Laila Khan, is a Pashto playback singer who’s not only well-known for her soulful voice but also for her ability to sing in multiple languages. Born on 14th June 1997 in Peshawar, she’s made a name for herself as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Pashto music. Laila first rose to fame in 2013 with her debut song Za Laila Yama, and since then, her career has only soared. Her repertoire includes a fusion of languages—Pashto, Urdu, French, English, and Dari—which she beautifully blended in her performances.

In addition to her hits like Khabara Da Pakhtu Da and Dheere Dheere Se Meri Zindagi May Aana, Laila has been part of significant projects such as performing in memory of the victims of the 2014 Peshawar school massacre. Her presence at Pashtun Rang brought a touch of grace and a powerful reminder of how music can bridge cultures and spread messages of peace.

Capturing the Show: A Unique Challenge

Arriving at the venue, I expected the usual: a combination of event coverage and a dedicated photoshoot. I had my full kit with me, prepared for anything the night could throw at me. That meant bringing the essentials like:

• Canon EOS R5 for its brilliant resolution and high ISO performance.
• Sony A7S III for the unmatched video capabilities.
• A selection of lenses, including the 24-70mm f/2.8 and the 85mm f/1.4 for portrait work.
• Gimbal for smooth shots during Laila’s performance.
• External lighting kit, because you never know what the venue lighting might be like.

However, upon arrival, I found out that we were only covering Laila Khan’s performance—no audience shots, which made sense given the cultural context of the night. Traditionally, women at these events prefer to remain covered, and our priority was to respect that. This shift in plans wasn’t a problem, though; it simply focused the task at hand and allowed me to dive into capturing the magic of Laila’s performance.

A Behind-the-Scenes Photoshoot with a Twist

The highlight of the night wasn’t just Laila’s captivating voice—it was also the impromptu photoshoot we conducted right outside the venue. Now, I’ve done photoshoots in all kinds of conditions, but doing one outside a bustling London venue, where cars were constantly passing by and pedestrians were strolling along, was a different kind of challenge.

Laila was an absolute pro, of course, but positioning her perfectly while dodging traffic was no small feat. I had to make sure my camera settings were spot on—adjusting for the changing light and making sure the background distractions didn’t steal the focus from her.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about getting the perfect shot in less-than-perfect conditions. The passing cars, streetlights, and even a few curious onlookers all became part of the process. What could have been a chaotic shoot turned into an opportunity to create something raw, real, and utterly unique.

I remember thinking, as I adjusted my camera, how glad I was that I brought my full kit. You never know what a photoshoot will demand, and being over-prepared paid off that night. We managed to capture some stunning shots that truly reflected Laila’s poise and charisma, even in the midst of all the external distractions.

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead:

Every event teaches me something new, and Pashtun Rang was no exception. The unpredictability of the night—changing from full event coverage to focusing solely on a performance and a quick photoshoot—was a reminder of how important flexibility is in this line of work. You can plan and prepare all you want, but at the end of the day, being able to adapt is what makes the difference between good coverage and great coverage.

At the heart of it all, though, was the fun. There’s something exhilarating about tackling these challenges, and I left the event with a deep sense of satisfaction. It wasn’t just about the technical side of things, like camera settings and lighting—it was about working with an artist like Laila Khan, being part of something culturally significant, and overcoming the obstacles with a smile on my face.

As I packed up my gear and headed home that night, I couldn’t help but think how every event brings something new, no matter how many I’ve done. And that’s why I love being an event photographer. Pashtun Rang wasn’t just an event—it was an experience, and one I’ll always remember.