Author: Abdullah Bin Shehzad

  • Best and worst looks from 2025 Hum Awards

    Best and worst looks from 2025 Hum Awards

    Pakistani television stars not only know how to captivate audiences with their performances but also how to shine on a night of glamour and celebration.

    The 10th Hum Awards, held in Houston, was nothing short of magical. Our stars dazzled on the red carpet, turning heads with their fashion choices. While many impressed with their style game, a few looks fell short of expectations.

    Here’s a round-up of the best and not-so-best looks from one of Pakistan’s most prestigious award shows.

    Best Dressed Celebrities

    Mawra Hocane

    Mawra turned heads in a stunning red gown by Gemmy Maalouf featuring a dramatic draped skirt. Channeling a modern-day Barbie, she styled the look with a delicate silver necklace by Hanif Jewelers. The overall ensemble was radiant and elegant, definitely a “wow” out of ten look.

    Hania Aamir

    Always a charmer, Hania Aamir made a strong statement in a velvet blue ensemble by Mihha. The look included a sleeveless short shirt, bell-bottom culottes, and a dupatta elegantly draped around her neck. Her silver earrings from Sherezad Rahimtoola added just the right touch of sparkle. She kept her hair loose, complementing the effortless glam.

    Dur-e-Fishan Saleem

    Dur-e-Fishan brought timeless grace to the red carpet in a black chiffon saree from Iqbal Hussain’s 2025 collection. Embellished with beadwork on the sleeves, the look was classic yet chic. Her statement earrings by Kundun.co by Fatima Ashar and nude makeup with dark eyes enhanced her dreamy aura. The white sports car she arrived in made the moment even more cinematic.

    Dananeer Mobeen

    Dananeer embraced the “party ho rahi hai” spirit in a silk blue gown by Ahmed Manan. With her hair tied in a sleek high ponytail and a minimalist makeup look, she radiated youthful charm and energy.

    Mahira Khan

    A timeless icon, Mahira Khan chose an ivory georgette saree by Iqbal Hussain adorned with intricate silk thread and lurex aari embroidery. The hand-embroidered borders, stonework, and subtle sequin spray exuded elegance. With a vintage-inspired side-parted bun, soft smoky eyes, and nude lips, Mahira embodied classic glam. She accessorised the gorgeous apparel with minimal silver jewelry by Sherezad Rahimtoola and silver bangles for a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

    Ramsha Khan

    Ramsha Khan stepped out in a bold, black suit by Nomi Ansari, featuring sequin and silver bead embroidery. Her wet-hair look and dramatic eye makeup gave a sharp, high-fashion edge to her appearance, standing out with confident flair.

    Underwhelming Fashion Choices

    Mehwish Hayat

    Known for her impeccable style, Mehwish Hayat surprised many with a red embroidered three-piece shalwar kameez by Hafsa Imran Khan. While her commitment to elegance and culture is admirable, the outfit lacked the glamour typically expected at such an event. She wore her hair down with a center part and paired the outfit with red beaded earrings.

    Sajal Aly

    Sajal made a grand entrance in a blue Ferrari, but the fashion didn’t quite match the drama. Her black starry gown, featuring beadwork and cut dana, failed to make a lasting impression. Given her style history, expectations were much higher.

    Sonya Hussaiyn

    Sonya Hussaiyn wore a royal blue Sana Safinaz dress that didn’t resonate well with the crowd. Her silver eye makeup and tightly done bun didn’t complement the outfit, resulting in a less cohesive look.

    Kinza Hashmi

    Kinza Hashmi’s golden dress by Omrose Couture was a miss. The shiny, silky frock didn’t flatter her the way her outfits usually do. Her dark red lipstick and golden jewelry clashed with the overly glitzy look, making it appear outdated.

    Men Who Stole the Spotlight

    The men weren’t far behind on the glam meter. Celebrities like Bilal Abbas, Shuja Asad, Asim Azhar, Hamza Sohail, Humayun Saeed, and Adnan Siddiqui looked dashing in tailored suits and traditional prince coats.

    Bilal Abbas Khan stood out in a maroon velvet suit, bringing richness and depth to the awards show, while Shuja Asad impressed in a classic black prince coat by Faizan Ahmed Khan, both giving major heartthrob vibes.

    The 10th Hum Awards was a night to remember, full of fun, dance, glamour, and unforgettable moments. From dazzling gowns to bold fashion statements, Pakistani stars proved once again that their style is as powerful as their on-screen presence. While some looks missed the mark, many truly raised the bar, leaving fans in awe and fashion enthusiasts inspired.

  • Fawad Khan is the ideal judge for Pakistan Idol and here’s why

    Fawad Khan is the ideal judge for Pakistan Idol and here’s why

    Social media is abuzz with questions about why Fawad Khan, widely recognized today as a leading actor, is judging the singing reality show Pakistan Idol. While Gen Z may know him primarily as a celebrated actor, millennials and 90s kids remember him first and foremost as the frontman of the iconic rock band Entity Paradigm (EP).

    Fawad Afzal Khan, born November 29, 1981 is a multi-talented Pakistani actor, producer, screenwriter, songwriter, and singer, known for his contributions to both film and television. He is the recipient of numerous accolades, including a Filmfare Award, two Lux Style Awards, and six Hum Awards.

    Khan’s career began in the early 2000s with the television sitcom Jutt and Bond. It was through this show that he, along with his co-stars, formed the alternative rock band Entity Paradigm (EP). Khan served as the lead vocalist of the band, which went on to gain national fame after appearing in the finale of Pepsi Battle of the Bands in 2002. Their debut album Irtiqa, released in 2003, was met with critical acclaim and helped establish Khan as a music icon. The romantic track Rahguzar from the album became especially popular.

    EP was not just a band, it was a movement. Before the merger that formed EP, two bands had dominated Lahore’s underground music scene: Ahmed Ali Butt’s Entity and Fawad Khan’s Paradigm. Their collaboration on the Jutt and Bond title track led to the fusion of the two bands into one powerhouse.

    Though EP eventually disbanded in 2007, they reunited in 2010 for a special appearance in Coke Studio Season 3, where they performed a cover of Sajjad Ali’s Bolo Bolo. Later that year, they released the single Shor Macha, which quickly became a hit. The song’s music video, directed by Bilal Lashari and featuring Khan, further cemented the band’s legendary status. According to Khan, he performed in nearly 250 live shows as a musician before leaving the band in 2012 to fully dedicate himself to his acting career.

    Khan made his film debut in the critically acclaimed Khuda Kay Liye (2007), one of Pakistan’s highest-grossing films at the time. However, it was his television roles that truly skyrocketed him to fame. Dramas such as Humsafar and Dastaan earned him widespread admiration, with Khan winning the Best Male Actor Award at the Pakistan Media Awards. His role in Zindagi Gulzar Hai (2012) further established his place in the hearts of fans.

    From there, Khan’s acting career took off. He starred in several major Pakistani and Bollywood films, including the blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt. He also made a notable cameo in Marvel Studios’ Ms Marvel, playing Hassan, Kamala Khan’s great-grandfather.

    But the music never truly left him. In July 2017, Fawad Khan returned to his musical roots by appearing as a judge on Pepsi Battle of the Bands Season 2, alongside Atif Aslam and Meesha Shafi. Not only did he judge the competition, but he also performed the show’s introductory song, which was released in a special video on July 23 with Aslam and Shafi.

    Later in the season, Khan delivered a memorable performance of his song Hamesha with his band on the show’s stage, reigniting the raw energy and passion that had once defined EP. Fans were ecstatic, vibing with the performance that threw them back to the golden age of Pakistani rock.

    He also stole the show with his original Satrangi along with the biggest orchestra performance ever in the third season of Pepsi Battle of the Bands. He also performed on Uth Jaag in season 4.

    In addition to this, Khan lent his voice to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) anthem Khel Deewano Ka, which became a massive hit. His vocals received widespread praise, proving once again that his talents go beyond acting.

    Khan’s signature look — dark eyes, black attire, chains, and that brooding rockstar aura remains unforgettable for millennials. It wasn’t just about music. It was a vibe, a statement, and a feeling that still resonates deeply with fans. For them, Khan will always be the iconic rockstar of their youth.

    So, why is Fawad Khan judging Pakistan Idol? Because he’s not just an actor. He’s a musician, a performer, and a pioneer who helped shape Pakistan’s modern music scene. His contributions to both music and entertainment make him more than qualified to judge a platform like Pakistan Idol. If anything, he absolutely deserves that seat at the judge’s table.

  • Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi: A supernatural ride with chills, suspense, and side-splitting comedy

    Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi: A supernatural ride with chills, suspense, and side-splitting comedy

    If there’s one drama that has managed to blend horror, comedy, and suspense with perfect madness, it’s Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi. Episode 9 has outdone itself and if you’ve been following the show, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say this drama is not just a story, it’s an experience.

    STORYLINE

     

    Directed by veteran director Saife Hasan and written by the witty Syed Nabeel, Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi is a masterclass in sharp storytelling. It tells the bizarrely entertaining story of Zara (Sidra Niazi) and Asad (Arsalan Naseer), a couple who move into a haunted haveli after the sudden death of Asad’s father. The catch? They can only inherit the Rs. 800 million property if they survive six months living in the haunted mansion and get Asad’s younger brother Ali (Wahaj Ali) married during the period. And, of course, they do it, not because they’re brave, but because Zara convinces Asad to risk it all for the money.

    They arrive at the mansion and the house is very much alive with the presence of some highly vengeful jinns, including sister jinns, Chamki (Tamkinat Mansoor) and Khushi (Sehar Khan), Chamki’s husband Aazar (Syed Jibran). These aren’t your average traditional spirits either, they’re modernized. They’ve evolved with the times, going so far as to jam cell signals in the house. Yes, jinns using jammers… now that’s something new and clever from the writer.

    Other characters that play a central role include Ali’s friend Nadia (Romaisa Khan), who has feelings for him and visits the family at the mansion with her mother, Farida (Nadia Afghan).

    Asad and Zara are also accompanied by their staff member Changaiz Chacha (Irfan Motiwali). Changaiz Chacha gives them the four amulets that Asad’s father had passed down to them for protection from the jinn. One for each member of the family and one for him. The amulets had to be rotated between other characters when protection was required, which left other characters vulnerable to the jinn. We saw this take place in previous episodes when jinns entered Changaiz chacha’s body to make him a dancing lady, totally opposite to his character and Nadia, who was on verge to end her life.

    The tension the amulets bring and who gets them is a brilliant tension-building mechanism. And it doesn’t stop there. Asad and Ali’s father’s old diary reveals dark secrets. Jinns killed their ancestors and trapped their souls in a mysterious basement room. Now, Ali is seeing those ancestors in his dreams, being called towards that room and the suspense is building and it’s hard to wait to find out what will happen next.

    The romantic subplot is also heating up in this haunted chaos. The single jinn sister Khushi is madly in love with Ali, to the point of obsession. While Nadia is also nursing her own one-sided love for Ali, it’s clear that Ali has a soft spot for Khushi (even though only he can see her). The love triangle is juicy enough on its own, but adds the supernatural twist that Khushi is actually a jinn, destined to marry Jazim, which she is not interested in. In one of the scenes khushi gave me all that Aashiq Bhootni vibe that gave me chills.

    CHARACTERS THAT KILLED IT

    Let’s start with the exceptional performance of Asad (Arsalan Naseer) in episode 9 aired on Monday. The man has truly come into his own, showing an impeccable sense of comic timing and expressive delivery that had me in fits of laughter. If there was ever any doubt about his ability to lead a comedy, this episode shuts it down for good. He should seriously consider focusing on comedy more, as his energy lights up the screen in a way few actors can match.

    On the other hand, Zara (Sidra Niazi) had a bit of a slow start earlier in the show, but she’s now embodying her character with remarkable flair. Zara is meant to be a woman who thinks she’s highly intelligent, but ends up doing hilariously silly things, and Sidra is portraying that contrast to perfection. Her character feels alive, and her chemistry with Arsalan as his wife is only getting stronger.

    And how can we not mention Changaiz Chacha (Irfan Motiwali)? Though he wasn’t largely present in Episode 9, his performance in Episode 8 is hilarious. The scene with Farida (Nadia Afgan), who was unconscious after eating poisonous chicken from their mansion, where he sneakily takes the taweez, had me laughing so hard, my family thought something was wrong with me. His comedic timing and eccentricity are priceless, and his role is clearly a vital part of the ensemble cast.

    EPISODE 9 AND WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT

     

    Episode 9 had several stand-out scenes. The one where Asad and Zara are chasing Ali was a masterstroke, a perfect blend of comedy, suspense, and chaos. It was shot brilliantly, with each actor in sync, and the way the scene weaves in Ali’s haunted visions after reading the diary added real depth to the storyline.

    Another hilarious scene was Chamki (Tamkinat Mansoor) tossing Zara’s phone, not just for laughs, but to show how the jinns are blocking tech as Zara managed to record Ali talking with Khushi. In the scene, khushi was only visible to Ali in human form but Zara was not able to see her and the phone also showed Ali talking to the air.

    The jinn characters also get their emotional arcs. One touching (and strangely relatable!) moment showed Chamki and Aazar (Syed Jibran) lamenting how hard they’re trying to drive the humans out, but it’s just not working. Even the jinns are tired.

    Now, with Nadia and her mother like moving into the haunted haveli, tension is only ramping up. What will happen when Chamki and Aazar set their sights on them? Will Khushi reveal her true jinn identity to Ali, and how will he react? Can Ali decode the mysterious visions of his deceased father and find out what’s really hidden in that basement room?

    These are the questions keeping me on edge and I can’t wait for tonight’s episode.

    The writing of the drama is sharp, the performances are improving with every episode, and the direction makes the entire package incredibly watchable. If you’re not watching this horror-comedy, you’re seriously missing out on one of the most unique dramas on air right now.

    The show airs on Monday and Tuesday at 8 pm on Hum TV.

    CLICK TO WATCH EPISODE 9

  • Ayeza Khan’s stunning outfit worn on brother’s wedding cost more than you think

    Ayeza Khan’s stunning outfit worn on brother’s wedding cost more than you think

    Ayeza Khan is considered the epitome of grace and style and the actress loses no opportunity to prove that she is an expert at the style game.

    The television star stole the spotlight at her brother’s baraat with a look that radiated timeless charm.

    The celebrated actress, known for her flawless fashion choices, appeared in a majestic golden lame long kalidar, paired with classic gold churidar pants and a matching dupatta, all designed by the brand Sunnia Manahil. The ensemble came with a hefty price tag of Rs. 295,000 and we can confidently say it was worth every rupee.

    The fabric shimmered under the lights as Ayeza moved gracefully through the event, her dupatta elegantly folded around her body adding grandeur to her overall appearance. To complete her ethereal look, she chose a regal jewellery set adorned with tiered domes, delicate latticed filigree, and soft pearls. A traditional bindi, statement earrings, and a heavy necklace elevated the outfit, while her hair neatly braided and styled with white gajras which added a touch of old-fashion charm. Heavy karras around her wrists completed the traditional look, showcasing her impeccable eye for styling.

    Her ensemble quickly became the most talked-about outfit of the evening, earning praise across social media where fans and fashion critics alike lauded her for her elegance and poise.

    Ayeza didn’t just shine on the baraat alone. The outfits she wore throughout her brother’s wedding festivities were a masterclass in occasion styling. For the Mehndi, she dazzled in a green outfit with gold embroidery, paired with a chiffon dupatta. Her Mayun look was a burst of colour and joy, a radiant orange dress accessorized with yellow gajras and vibrant bangles. The short shirt and lehenga combo was perfect for dance performances. For her brother’s Dholki, Ayeza chose a fuchsia pink chunri dress, with a tiny pearl bag that became the cherry on top of her playful, youthful look.

    With over 14 million followers on Instagram, Ayeza Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most followed and admired celebrities. Her feed can be described as aankhon ki thandak (soothing to the eyes), which continues to serve as major style inspiration.

    Designers and brands flock to collaborate with her, not just for her beauty, but for the grace and elegance she brings to every look.

    Ayeza Khan doesn’t just wear clothes, she tells a story through them. And at her brother’s wedding, that story was one of love, tradition, and effortless glamour.

  • Sidra Niazi shines in hilarious horror comedy Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi

    Sidra Niazi shines in hilarious horror comedy Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi

    In a refreshing departure from traditional melodramas, Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi brings a delightful blend of horror and comedy to Pakistani television, and at the heart of this whimsical tale is a powerhouse performance by Sidra Niazi.

    Known for her emotive portrayals of sensitive, often vulnerable characters, Niazi now proves her versatility by stepping into a role filled with comic timing, suspense, and unexpected depth.

    Directed by the acclaimed Saife Hasan and penned by the celebrated writer Syed Nabeel, the drama is anything but ordinary. It tells the bizarre yet wildly entertaining story of Zara (played by Sidra Niazi) and her husband Asad (Arsalan Naseer), who move into a haunted mansion after the sudden passing of Asad’s father. In his will, Asad’s father stipulates that the couple must live in the eerie haveli — valued at a staggering 800 million rupees, if they wish to claim their inheritance, they will have to live there for six months. Tempted by greed, Zara convinces her husband to take the plunge into the unknown.

    The narrative kicks off with the couple arriving at the house under the pretence of visiting Asad’s unconscious father. But the twist of fate soon reveals their new reality — an ominous mansion, inhabited by vengeful jinns with a mission to drive them away.

    From the very first scene, Sidra Niazi seizes the spotlight. Her expressive face, comedic timing, and ability to switch between fear, frustration, and sarcasm give life to Zara in a way that is both engaging and hilarious. One standout moment comes when a clock’s hands begin to move on their own. As Zara panics, her reactions are nothing short of brilliant, a perfect balance of slapstick humor and genuine fright that leaves viewers in stitches.

    In another now-viral scene, Zara is seen crying while cutting onions in the kitchen, only to turn around and discover that the chopped onions have miraculously returned to their original state. A jinn, disguised as her husband, questions her about the situation. Confused and exasperated, she insists, “I even cried because of those onions! How could they be whole again?” The scene, though absurd, is carried with such natural flair by Niazi that it feels oddly believable — a testament to her growing mastery as an actress.

    While the drama officially stars Wahaj Ali and Sehar Khan in leading roles, it is Sidra Niazi who is winning hearts and headlines. Her performance has been widely praised by fans and critics alike, with many applauding her for breaking out of the “crying daughter-in-law” stereotype that so often plagues women in Pakistani serials.

    The mansion itself becomes a character. A dark, sprawling, and cinematically haunting, it adds layers of suspense that contrast wonderfully with the script’s sharp humor. The jinns, determined to scare the couple out of the house, devise increasingly ridiculous and spooky tricks, giving the drama its signature eerie-comedy flavor. As viewers, we find ourselves equally amused and unnerved — a rare feat for a Pakistani television drama.

    The ensemble cast also includes stellar names like Romaisa Khan, Laiba Butt, Syed Jibran, Irfan Motiwala, and Tamkenat Mansoor, each contributing to the drama’s offbeat yet captivating atmosphere.

    For audiences weary of recycled saas-bahu clichés, Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi offers a breath of fresh air. The dialogues are witty, the cinematography is visually stunning, and the direction keeps the pace crisp without sacrificing the story’s heart.

    Sidra Niazi has steadily built a name for herself in the Pakistani drama industry. Before this genre-defying role, she was lauded for her performances in dramas like Qayamat, Zakham, and Badzaat, where she played more emotionally intense characters. However, Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi has firmly cemented her as a multi-faceted performer capable of leading both dramatic and comedic narratives with finesse.

    In this fantastical new drama, Niazi will definitely going to get the best actress in a comic role, viewers’ choice award.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Ayesha Omar says Lazawal Ishq ‘is not a dating show’

    EXCLUSIVE: Ayesha Omar says Lazawal Ishq ‘is not a dating show’

    Pakistani actress and model Ayesha Omar has firmly denied reports that her upcoming Urdu-language reality programme Lazawal Ishq is a dating show. 

    In an exclusive conversation with The Current, Omar addressed the growing controversy and backlash surrounding the show’s concept, particularly on social media, and clarified that the show’s intention had been misrepresented by several media outlets.

    “Some news outlets are claiming that I said it is a Pakistani dating show but that’s not true. Not once did I say it is a dating show,” Ayesha said, emphasising that the show was not inspired by Western dating formats such as Love Island.

    She clarified that it was centered on meaningful communication and long-term relationship building aimed at marriage. “Yes, the promo has been getting all kinds of feedback and speculation. [But] it is not a dating show at all. It is not about dating… it is about finding a life partner for marriage.”

    Omar elaborated that while the format involved participants living in a villa, the setup respected cultural values with gender-segregated floors and separate dorms.

    “It is a Turkish show, but as it is in Urdu language and for our audiences, it is in accordance with our norms, values and culture. These young adults are living in a villa but they will be having their own living spaces… they have their own dorms. A floor for girls is separate while a separate floor is assigned to the boys. They also have their own dressing spaces. Only the lounge, kitchen and the poolside are shared and that is where they will interact with each other.”

    Omar also pointed out that similar formats have aired on Pakistani television before where young adults live in the same premises but maintain separate sleeping arrangements, and described Lazawal Ishq as an insightful social experiment focused on communication.

    She said the show would revolve around interaction and verbal communication just like people get into at colleges, universities, parks or theaters. “Only this kind of interaction is being shown and actually, this is a very good experiment. This is an overview of how young people communicate, what mistakes they make or how they rectify them.”

    On the format, she further said that no pre-decided couples were involved and relationships would form naturally as participants get to know each other with the ultimate goal being marriage.

    “Couples are not already made by us. Those who are participating, after knowing each other through communication, will get into dedicated relationships for marriage and that is the premise of the show. The games they will be playing will be based on communication,” she said, adding that the show could serve as a valuable learning experience for young people in Pakistan.

    Omar’s clarification comes after the show’s teaser revealed that Lazawal Ishq will feature four men and four women living together in a luxurious villa in Turkey, with their interactions, conflicts and emotional growth being recorded. She was seen in the teaser enjoying the scenic views and entering a lavish bungalow, describing the show as a search for eternal love and a reflection of emotional trials.

    Lazawal Ishq will stream exclusively on YouTube and not be broadcast on traditional television. It is expected to run for approximately 100 episodes, featuring challenges, games, alliances and conflicts, ultimately leading to the selection of a “winning couple”.

    The airing date is yet to be announced.