Author: News Desk

We don’t earn enough from dramas to run our kitchens: Saheefa Jabbar Khattak

The reality behind entertainment industry isn’t as glamorous as it seems as actor Saheefa Jabbar Khattak has revealed why making a living in the industry is tougher than it looks.

Appearing as a guest on After Hours with Ushna Shah, the Rafta Rafta actress opened up about the financial realities of working in Pakistani dramas, her journey in acting and the valuable lessons she learnt along the way.

“Making a living through acting alone isn’t easy,” Saheefa said while opening up about the struggles of running a household.

“In our dramas, we don’t make enough money to keep our kitchens running. It can’t run unless I’m doing four projects in a year and also working on social media… making appearances and hustling a lot,” she added.

When asked what lessons she has learnt from her modeling and acting career, Saheefa said it had taught her how to be patient.

“Acting has taught me a lot of patience and gratitude. We are very privileged… very, very privileged. We come to the set in a car, we have AC… we get food. Our job is tough, I don’t contest that… but when I see the rest of the crew members who hold things for us while we do a scene, who make sure the sunlight doesn’t affect us… when I see them getting one meal a day while we are waiting for our coffee before the shoot, it makes me realise how privileged we are.”

The Log Kya Kahenge actress also reflected on the importance of choosing meaningful projects.

“I waited for a good project and didn’t regret it. I’ve learned that if I regret something, everything turns negative. Now, I am back… I don’t want to say that whatever I’m doing, I’m proud of it [but] I like it. It resonates with me and my soul. I don’t approve of it, but I know this is how it is right now. In my 8-10 years, I’ve learned that out of 10-15 projects, there’s always one that speaks to your heart and you do it for that one project. Even if it took 8-10 projects to get to that point,” Saheefa said.

November 25, 2024
Lahore High Court orders schools to arrange transport for children

The Lahore High Court, in a recent hearing, ruled that schools should provide transport to children after the winter vacations, while the government has announced a relaxation of smog restrictions in the city.

Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court issued a three-page order on petitions regarding the smog issue.

During the hearing, the court praised the Transport Department’s efforts to curb smog. Additionally, Punjab’s Advocate General informed the court that the provincial government is taking steps to control smog, including filing cases against those who burn crop residues.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has further relaxed smog restrictions in the city.

Geo News reports that Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of the Environment Department, has issued a notification outlining these changes.

The notification states that construction work is now allowed in four districts of the province, including Lahore. Brick kilns using zigzag technology will also be permitted to operate.

Government and private offices can now operate with full staff. However, the decision to close shops, markets, and shopping malls at 8 pm will remain in place.

Indoor and outdoor dining in restaurants will be allowed until 10 pm, while barbecues must install a hood system to operate.

Heavy traffic will only be allowed to enter the districts from Monday to Thursday.

These decisions apply to Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, and Faisalabad.

Earlier, the government declared a health emergency in Multan and Lahore – the two most polluted cities in the province.

The Punjab government, in response to the severity of smog, imposed a “green lockdown” in Lahore, restricting commercial activities in identified smog hotspots and planning strict actions against violators.

Previously, Secretary of Schools Punjab Khalid Nazir Wattoo announced that winter vacations in Punjab will begin on December 20 and end on January 10. This year’s break will last 20 days, a change due to shifting weather patterns, smog, and climate change.

November 25, 2024
Sohail Ahmed shares Diljit Dosanjh’s reaction to hearing Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s name

Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s legendary and melodious voice continue to leave an unforgettable impact, even on international stars like Diljit Dosanjh.

In a media talk, senior actor and comedian Sohail Ahmed has shared how Diljit reacts whenever he hears music legend Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s name.

“Whenever I mentioned the name of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, by God, his eyes would lower. He would say, ‘I have listened to music from all over the world, but Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is from this land and I cannot understand who he was… I still can’t figure it out. He was beyond anyone’s comprehension,” he said.

“People from India greatly admire our poetry, which is unmatched. They say that the poetry of Pakistan, the old poetry we had in our songs, is very special. They love our actors and singers, and they give respect to our musicians. You can see that our singers have been featured in their films. Without our singers’ songs, they wouldn’t have been able to make their films,” Sohail added.

The Jeevan Nagar actor also raised an important point, asking why Pakistani artists needed to go international to gain recognition, stressing that they should be respected and celebrated in their own country.

“So why do we think that a star has to go international to be recognised in Pakistan? Why can’t we respect our own artists when they perform here? I have seen Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan perform at the Data Darbar in Lahore. Even then, he was already Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.”

Sohail continued to share a personal memory of a conversation he had with famous Master Manzoor Sahib about Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s talent.

“I remember very well that I once spoke to a very famous master, Master Manzoor Sahib, and he said that Nusrat Sahib was like no other. His voice didn’t have the same quality as others; he was unique. He didn’t believe in anyone else,” the Standup Girl actor added.

In 2022, Sohail worked on the film Baba Bhangra Paunde Ne alongside Diljit Dosanjh.

02 years back in 2022, While speaking exclusively to Hello Pakistan, the Diljit Dosanjh said, “I think all the characters in this film were made for these actors who are playing them – no one else could do the role of Sohail Ahmed but him only, it’s tailor-made for him like it is for the rest of the cast that is part of this movie.”

“I believe that the actors that this story deserves are all part of it – a great project comes together when the right characters are met with corresponding actors. The film has a lot of art in it–if there is a good script and a good character, the artist likes to work. An artist is only hungry for people to like his work. I hope everyone who liked the trailer of this movie will also like the whole movie.”

November 25, 2024
FACT CHECK: Did PTI workers stop Ali Amin Gandapur from ‘fleeing’ on Nov 24?

A video of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has circulated on social media, showing party followers surrounding him and preventing him from leaving.

The video has been claimed to be from the November 24 PTI protests, but journalists assert it is old.

In the video, Gandapur can be heard urging party workers to let him go to the rest area for ablution, pledging to return after offering prayers.

PTI followers blocked Gandapur’s car, fearing that the KP CM might escape from the scene, as he had done during recent protests.

Last month, Ali Amin Gandapur disappeared from KP House in Islamabad, leaving thousands of party workers behind, only to suddenly appear before the KP provincial assembly in the evening.

“We will go, Adiala,” a party follower can be heard replying to Gandapur.

The video quickly gained attention, with netizens trolling Gandapur, claiming he wanted to escape to KP again.

However, the video is old, and many journalists have since apologised for sharing it.

Journalist Waseem Abbasi corrected himself after sharing the old video clip, noting he had been informed that the video of Gandapur arguing with party workers was from a previous incident, and he deleted the post accordingly.

November 25, 2024
Winter vacation dates for Punjab schools announced

Secretary of Schools Punjab, Khalid Nazir Wattoo, has revealed in a statement that winter vacations in Punjab will begin on December 20 and will last until January 10, reports Geo News.

This year, the vacations will last 20 days, unlike previous years. The change is in response to shifting weather patterns, smog, and climate change, which have prompted the Punjab government to redesign its policies for the coming season.

Initially, the schools were shut down by the Punjab government due to smog earlier in the month. Moreover, the school timings, along with the timings for office goers, have been changed.

In previous years, the schools were also closed by the Punjab for the same reason.

November 25, 2024
Protest will continue till Imran Khan’s release: Bushra Bibi

Former first lady Bushra Bibi Monday said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest march will continue till her husband and party founder Imran Khan is released.

“I will stand till my last breath and so you should stand with me too,” Bushra Bibi said in an address to party workers at the Hazara Interchange as her convoy makes its way to the federal capital for a “decisive” protest.

“Even if someone does not stand by with me, I will stand [alone],” she said, adding that it was not only about her husband’s release but also for the country.

She said that Pashtun were honourable people who would not abandon their “companions until the very end”.

Scores of PTI workers, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi among others, have been marching on the federal capital on Khan’s call for a “do-or-die” protest.

At the time of filing of this report, the main PTI convoy had reportedly reached Kati Pahari after passing Burhan interchange where police fired tear gas shells at them. The government has said it is determined to keep demonstrators out of the federal capital and quash the protest come what may, however, PTI workers and leaders are continuing to head to Islamabad, overcoming all obstacles for the second-consecutive day.

Earlier in the day, caravans led by senior leadership of the PTI from all across the country on Sunday started their march on the capital. They, however, failed to reach their “destination” – D-Chowk in Islamabad – after meeting heavy resistance by law enforcement who resorted to the use of tear gas shells and non-lethal rounds.

On Monday, the convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur and former first lady Bushra Bibi resumed its march on the federal capital, overcoming obstacles set up by the government from the Punjab-KP border near Attock till Islamabad.

PTI leadership made it clear that they were in “no hurry” for their “do-or-die” protest as party workers and supporters across the country tried to evade arrest and police action.

“Our destination is Islamabad, but we can take a day or two to reach there and let the government machinery remain panicked,” revealed senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser.

Reports said that a majority of protesters marching towards the federal capital belonged to KP, while the leadership had failed to mobilise workers in Punjab and Islamabad due to police crackdown in the days leading to the protest. They also quoted sources within the party as saying that the people of Punjab and Islamabad were waiting for the “main convoy” to reach the capital for support.

Multiple cases have been registered against PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Aleema Khan and Ali Amin Gandapur. Omar Ayub and Arif Alvi have also been booked under terror charges over the protests.

November 25, 2024
‘Alia didn’t know who Kishore Kumar was,’ reveals husband Ranbir Kapoor

Kishore Kumar, the legendary singer who defined Bollywood music for decades, was a mystery to Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt when she first met actor Ranbir Kapoor.

Recently, at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the Barfi actor shared a surprising moment from his first meeting with wife Alia Bhatt.

“I remember the first time I met Alia, she asked me, ‘Who’s Kishore Kumar?’ It’s just the circle of life… people are forgotten. It’s important we remember our roots,” Ranbir said.

The Tamasha actor also announced a significant tribute to his late grandfather Raj Kapoor, revealing that the Raj Kapoor Film Festival will run from December 13 to December 15.

The festival will showcase restored versions of 10 iconic films by the legendary actor-filmmaker.

“We are organizing the Raj Kapoor Film festival across India. It’s a great way to celebrate his legacy and preserve his contribution for future generations,” Ranbir said.

He also talked about his plans of making a biopic on the late Raj Kapoor, a project that he has been “considering for some time”.

I talk to many people, including director Sanjay Leela Bhansali about how to make a biopic on Mr Raj Kapoor. A biopic is about accurately depicting a person’s life, including their relationships, hardships, and low points, not simply about their achievements.

Ranbir also spoke of his bond with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whom he calls his ‘Godfather’. He credited Bhansali for shaping his knowledge of film and acting.

“I am extremely blessed to have him as my godfather. Everything I know about films, everything I know about acting, it is something I learnt from him,” The Sajnu actor shared. It merits a mention that he worked as an assistant director on Bhansali’s film ‘Black’ before making his debut with Saawariya in 2007.

Ranbir commended Bhansali’s steadfast commitment to his art, saying, “He hasn’t changed at all. He is extremely hard-working. All he thinks about is his movies. He just wants to speak about the character, he wants you to create, do something different.”

Bhansali’s upcoming film ‘Love and War’ features a star-studded cast that includes Ranbir, Alia and Vicky Kaushal. The film is expected to be released by the end of 2025.

Ranbir Kappor starred in film such as, Wake Up Sid, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Raajneeto, Rockstar, Barfi, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Sanju and last starred in Animal.

November 25, 2024
PTI marches on Islamabad for second day despite heavy resistance

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday continued its march on Islamabad despite facing heavy resistance by law enforcement agencies amid closure of intra-city routes and cellular service by the government to quash the protest rally.

PTI founder Imran Khan had on November 13 issued a “final call” for nationwide protests on Nov 24, denouncing the “stolen mandate” of his party, unjust arrests of PTI workers and the 26th Constitutional Amendment by the “dictatorial regime”.

With party leadership urging workers and supporters to join the march on the federal capital, thousands gathered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) — where PTI is in power — in the days leading to Nov 24 despite the Islamabad High Court (IHC) declaring the planned protest as unlawful. With the high court refusing PTI the permission to protest in Islamabad due to Belarusian president’s visit among other reasons, the government had expressed its resolve to bar the PTI from entering the federal capital come what may.

Caravans led by senior leadership of the PTI from all across the country on Sunday started their march on the capital. They, however, failed to reach their “destination” – D-Chowk in Islamabad – after meeting heavy resistance by law enforcement who resorted to the use of tear gas shells and non-lethal rounds.

On Monday, the convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur and former first lady Bushra Bibi resumed its march on the federal capital, overcoming obstacles set up by the government from the Punjab-KP border near Attock till Islamabad.

PTI leadership made it clear that they were in “no hurry” for their “do-or-die” protest as party workers and supporters across the country tried to evade arrest and police action.

“Our destination is Islamabad, but we can take a day or two to reach there and let the government machinery remain panicked,” revealed senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser.

Reports said that a majority of protesters marching towards the federal capital belonged to KP, while the leadership had failed to mobilise workers in Punjab and Islamabad due to police crackdown in the days leading to the protest. They also quoted sources within the party as saying that the people of Punjab and Islamabad were waiting for the “main convoy” to reach the capital for support.

Multiple cases have been registered against PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Aleema Khan and Ali Amin Gandapur. Omar Ayub and Arif Alvi have also been booked under terror charges over the protests.

Earlier, massive PTI processions from KP entered Punjab via Attock, Chach Interchange and Ghazi Barotha Canal. Another PTI convoy from Haripur reached Attock Bridge where it was met with heavy resistance from the police, leading to a clash.

With the march continuing on the second consecutive day and main procession led by CM Gandapur still on its way – having reached Burhan interchange by the time this report was filed – citizens across Punjab are facing extreme difficulties as public life has been disrupted amid closure of motorways, all major roads and the shutdown of cellular service. Rawalpindi-Islamabad metro bus service has also been suspended besides the closure educational institutes in twin cities.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has revealed that the country suffers a mammoth loss of Rs190 billion a day due to the closure of roads among other steps taken by the government to bar PTI from entering the federal capital.

November 25, 2024
Divorce or retirement? Virat’s new post leaves fans in shock

Indian star batsman and former captain Virat Kohli’s new post on social media has left fans worried.

As per the details, Kohli’s November 20 post on the micro-blogging website X (formerly Twitter), left fans confused as to whether it was about divorce or retirement.

“Looking back, we’ve always been a bit different. We never fitted into any box they tried putting us in. Two misfits, who just clicked. We’ve changed over the years, but always done things our way. Some called us crazy; others didn’t get it. But honestly? We didn’t care.,” he wrote.

“We were busy figuring out who we were. Ten years of ups and downs, and even the pandemic couldn’t shake us. If anything, it reminded us being different is our strength. So, here’s to ten years of doing it our way- the Wrogn way. Here’s to being Wrogn. And here’s to the next ten! Wrogn, for the right kind of man [sic],” he added.

With the post coming after Indian singer and composer A. R. Rahman and his wife Saira Banu’s separation, netizens started speculating if Kohli was also hinting at divorce.

However, it turned out to be a promotional post for a brand.

Virat’s association with this brand

Sporting Beyond is a new company that helps athletes with their business. It’s like a team that takes care of everything from sponsorships to charity work.

Recently, a big cricket star, Virat Kohli, joined Sporting Beyond. He said he’s excited to work with this team because they share his love for sports and his values.

Sporting Beyond is still new, but it’s already making a big impact. It’s helping athletes focus on their sport while they handle the business side of things.

November 25, 2024
Clashes over Mughal-era mosque survey in India leave three Muslims dead

Indian Muslim protesters clashed with police on Sunday, leaving at least three people dead. The riots erupted in Uttar Pradesh following a survey of the status of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, investigating whether the 17th-century Mughal-era mosque was built on the site of a Hindu temple.

Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took over the government in India, the right-wing has become particularly active, with Hindu groups increasingly laying claim to several mosques they alleged were built on top of Hindu temples during the Muslim Mughal empire centuries ago.

On November 14, a local court ordered a survey of the mosque after a Hindu activist filed an application claiming that the mosque, built during the reign of Emperor Babur, was originally a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Kalki, the prophesied avatar of Vishnu.

The survey team conducted an initial survey within hours of the court’s order. They then returned on the morning of November 24 for a second round of photography and videography.

The survey began around 7:30 a.m. and proceeded peacefully for two hours until a crowd gathered and began raising slogans.

The mosque is believed to have been built on the orders of the first Mughal emperor, Babur, and is recognised as a “historic monument” on the official website of the Sambhal district. Hindu activist Vishnu Shankar Jain claimed that Emperor Babur partially demolished the Hari temple and attempted to convert it into a mosque in 1529.

The court order stated, “The submission of a report of the site might facilitate the court to adjudicate the suit”.

The complainants in the lawsuit wrote that the mosque was a monument protected under Section 3 (3) of the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904 and that they were being “denied access” to the mosque.

They also alleged that the site was a centuries-old Hari Temple dedicated to Kalki and had been “used forcibly and unlawfully” by the Jama Masjid committee.

Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, a member of Parliament from Sambhal, who has opposed the survey on the grounds that the mosque was protected by The Place of Worship Act, 1991, appealed for peace after the violence.

While police claimed that protesters threw rocks at officers, prompting them to fire tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd, Zia-ur-Rehman promised to raise his voice against “police brutality” in the next session of Parliament.

Initially, reports suggested that two Muslims were killed in the riots, but the Indian news platform The Wire later reported the number to be three.

The three individuals from the local Muslim community who were killed in the firing incident were identified as Naeem, Noman, and Bilal.

The Wire quoted a police official as saying that 15-20 police constables were injured in the stone-pelting incident.

However, fifteen individuals, including two women, alleged to have thrown stones at the police from a rooftop, were detained during the violence.

Several cars and a couple of motorbikes parked in the area were set on fire by the protesters.

Additionally, Vishnu Shankar Jain, the lawyer representing the Hindu activists, stated that the survey was complete and that the advocate commissioner would submit the report to the court.

Meanwhile, the police are searching for those involved in the stone-pelting using CCTV and drone footage. They intend to deal with the suspects under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), which allows for preventive detention to maintain national security and public order.

November 25, 2024