Category: Entertainment

Five people have been indicted in Argentina over the death of British singer Liam Payne, who fell from a Buenos Aires hotel balcony in October after consuming alcohol and drugs, prosecutors said Monday.

Three of the five were charged with manslaughter and the other two with supplying the former One Direction pop star with illegal drugs, prosecutors said, identifying the suspects only by their initials.

The latter two have been ordered to be taken into custody but the others have been allowed to remain free, the prosecutors said.

Payne died on October 16 after falling from the balcony of his third-floor room at the Casa Sur Hotel in the Argentine capital.

His death at age 31 prompted a global outpouring of grief from family, former bandmates, fans and others, with thousands gathering in cities around the world to offer their condolences.

The unnamed people charged with manslaughter are a representative of the singer who was traveling with him, a woman managing the hotel where Payne died, and the head of its reception desk, the prosecutors said.

Those charged with supplying Payne with drugs are a hotel employee and a waiter that Payne met elsewhere in the city, they added.

Prosecutors said last month that Payne had consumed cocaine, alcohol and a prescription antidepressant before falling to his death.

The pop star had spoken publicly about struggling with substance abuse and coping with fame from an early age.

In November, Argentine officials had unveiled initial charges against three people in the death of Payne. Monday’s decision means that five will now go on trial.

One of the highest-grossing live acts in the world in the 2010s, One Direction went on indefinite hiatus in 2016.

Payne went on to enjoy a degree of solo success but his career had languished recently.

Payne’s death prompted a debate about whether the music industry has a duty of care for the mental health of stars who find fame at a young age.

The singer from Wolverhampton in central England first auditioned for the hugely popular television talent show “The X Factor” at the age of 14 but was unsuccessful.

Two years later he hit gold on the program, which teamed him up with Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik to form One Direction.

Over the next six years, the group enjoyed global fame and legions of screaming fans, selling more than 70 million copies of their five albums. They went on four world tours and won nearly 200 awards.

Payne is survived by a seven-year-old boy, Bear, with Girls Aloud star Cheryl Tweedy.

Pakistani filmmakers have impressed everyone in 2024 with amazing stories, great acting and beautiful visuals.  This year, Pakistani cinema delivered unique stories that challenged stereotypes and conveyed powerful messages. Here are The Current’s top five picks for best Pakistani films of 2024.

1. The Glassworker

The Glassworker is Pakistan first animated feature film, which is a visually stunning masterpiece, It tells a moving love story between Vincent, a glassblower, and Alliz, a colonel’s daughter, set against the backdrop of war. Directed by Usman Riaz and written by Moya O’ Shea, the film is produced by Mano Animation Studios.

The Glassworker was also selected as Pakistan’s Oscar submission. The film is inspired by Studio Ghibli and has set a new benchmark for Pakistani cinema. The cast includes Art Malik, Sacha Dhawan, and Maya Saroya.

2. Poppay Ki Wedding

Poppay Ki Wedding is a romantic comedy that explores the story of a modern man returns home for his sister’s wedding only to find his family has arranged his marriage to a stranger. The film humorously tackles traditional customs while delivering heartwarming moments. With its fresh take on relationships, Poppay Ki Wedding could be one time watch film. It’s directed and written by Kanza Zia and the cast includes Nazish Jahangir, Khushhal Khan, Rehan Sheikh, Sara Aijaz and Aleezay Rasul.

3. Taxali Gate

 

Taxali Gate takes a bold approach to sensitive issues like consent, set against the vibrant backdrop of Lahore’s historic old city. Directed and written by Abu Aleeha, the film’s stars includes, Yasir Hussain, Mehar Bano, Ayesha Omer, Nayyar Ejaz, and Ally Khan. The film is one of Abu Aleeha’s best works, blending social commentary with emotional storytelling. 

4. Na Baligh Afraad

Na Baligh Afraad, set in the 90s, follows two teenaged brothers, Mazhar and Fakhar, whose innocence leads them into a series of comedic misadventures.

  The film is directed and written by Nabeel Qureshi and produced by Fizza Qureshi. It features an outstanding cast, including Meera, Rimha Ahmed, Mohammed Ehteshamuddin, Samar Jafri, and Aashir Wajahat. With its nostalgic vibe and laugh-out-loud moments, this film is a must-watch.  

5. Nayab

 Nayab tells the story of a young woman portrayed by Yumna Zaidi determined to break stereotypes by playing cricket in Pakistan’s national team. 

The film is directed by Umair Nasir Ali and written by Basit and Ali Abbas Naqvi. Its talented cast is compromised o fYumna Zaidi, Usama Khan, Adan Siddqui, Javed Sheikh, Fawad Khan. Nayab also won the Best Foreign Film’ award at World Film Festival in Cannes.

These films defined 2024 with their creativity, bold themes, and unforgettable performances. Which one did you enjoy the most?

Actress Neelam Muneer, known for her stunning beauty and exceptional acting, has shared her marriage plans. 

 “Currently, there are no plans for marriage,” said the Kahin Deep Jaley actress during a rapid-fire session on Ambrilin by Caviar’s podcast.

Neelam also revealed her thoughts on anti-ageing treatments, saying that true beauty comes as you age gracefully.

“Beauty actually comes with grace… as you age a little. That’s what I feel. You don’t need to worry about things like, ‘Oh no, I have fine lines now’ or this… or that… has happened. [With age] people look more lovely, natural and different from others,” the actress said when asked how she viewed anti-ageing treatments.

She also talked about confidence and self-acceptance, saying that while she valued natural beauty, it was ultimately a personal choice whether someone decided to get cosmetic treatments. 

“If someone feels like they want to get something done, that’s entirely their choice. It’s a matter of personal interest. Those who are interested go for it, regardless of age. So, if someone wants to, they should get it done,” she said.

Earlier, Neelam Muneer, a talented actress known for her roles in dramas and films, is now on the lookout for her perfect match, as revealed by her mother on a  show.

Neelum and her mom were invited as guests on ‘Hasna Mana Hai,’ where her mom talked about the struggles she has seen in life.The host asked, “Can you tell us, Neelum, you were only three years old when your father passed away? And how your mother encouraged and supported you since then? Did you ever feel like giving up or did you always want to do what you wanted?” 

Her mother responded: “My husband passed away when Neelam was just three years old, leaving me to care for our four young daughters, including a baby in my arms. I didn’t remarry despite family pressure. Instead, I focused on my daughters’ happiness and supported Neelam’s acting career every step of the way,” said Neelum’s mom.When asked about her daughter’s perfect match, Neelum’s mother said, “I never pressure my daughters to get married. Now, I have convinced Neelum to consider it and we are on the lookout for a nice guy for her.”

Neelum Muneer has previously worked in hit dramas like ‘Dil Mom Ka Diya’, ‘Kaise Hoye Benaam’, ‘Thoda Sa Aasman’, ‘Meri Subah Ka Sitara’, ‘Aankh Macholi’ and ‘Bojh’.

Estranged parent-child relationship are a painful thing to observe. Being a celebrity can’t protect one from the pain of the broken relationship.

Actor Afzal Khan, also known as Jan Rambo, has revealed details of the emotional story behind his wife Sahiba’s first meeting with her biological father. 

 Appearing as a guest on Ahmed Ali Butt podcast, the Pagal Khaana actor opened up about Sahiba’s first meeting with her father Imam Rubani, revealing how he played a role in facilitating the reunion after 40 years.

 Jan Rambo said, “When my father-in-law first contacted me, he told me that he had tried to meet Sahiba two or three times but couldn’t because he was nervous about facing his daughter.”

 “When I found out that he genuinely wanted to meet her, I told Sahiba, ‘Your father wants to meet you.’ She responded, ‘I’ve never met him before, so what should I say when I meet him now,’” Jan Rambo continued.

The Baby Baji actor said that it took Sahiba an entire week to mentally prepare herself for the emotionally significant meeting with her father.

 
Earlier, a few month back on 28 March, 2024, Sahiba had her first meeting with her biological father. She informed her fans that it was her first time meeting her real father. In previous interviews, Sahiba disclosed that she had been raised by her stepfather. On her Instagram, she posted numerous pictures with her father, showing her excitement about their newfound connection.

Sahiba wrote, “Met my father for the first time in my life”. Here are the beautiful pictures shared by Sahiba:

Sahiba revealed that she met her father, Imam Rabbani, for the first time in her life on March 11th. This moment was incredibly special and emotional for her. Initially hesitant about sharing the video, she decided to upload it for her fans, considering she had already spoken about her father in several interviews.

Earlier, on 31 March 2024, veteran star Nisho Begum gives more insight into the emotional meeting.

Nisho Begum shared that Sahiba’s husband, Rambo, got a call during a show in Karachi, asking him to arrange a meeting between Sahiba and her biological father. Although hesitant at first, Rambo convinced Sahiba to meet her father, stressing the importance of family ties.

Sahiba was happy with how she grew up and her life with her husband. At first, she wasn’t sure about meeting her father. But Rambo convinced her with kindness. She agreed to meet her father, showing respect for her stepfather’s feelings.

Nisho Begum continues, explaining how she ultimately convinced Sahiba to meet Rabbani, believing it was the right thing to do. She also highlights Rambo’s supportive role, encouraging Sahiba to respect her biological father.

“I told Sahiba, ‘This is your father. You should meet him. It’s the right thing to do,’” Nisho Begum recalls.

During the reunion, Sahiba extended hospitality to her father, cooking for him and spending quality time together. Nisho recounted an earlier encounter when Sahiba was a child, unaware of her father’s identity, highlighting the complexity of their relationship over the years.

“At that time, Sahiba didn’t know who her father was. It was complicated,” she said.
At a wedding attended by guests from Gujrat, Sahiba’s father, Rabbani, expressed a desire to see his daughter. Though initially uncertain, Nisho Begum granted him permission, allowing him a brief glimpse into Sahiba’s life.

In February 2024, during an episode of Meri Maa, hosted by veteran actor Sajid Hasan, Sahiba said that although she never had the chance to meet her real father, she had a wonderful relationship with her step-father until he passed away.

The ‘Kanpain Tang Rahi Hain’ actor said, “I’ve never seen or met my real father. My mother had split up with him before I was born. My step-father, who I don’t even like to call ‘step,’ because he means more to me than my biological father, gave me a lot of love and affection.”

She added that it’s been five years since her beloved step-father passed away, and until his very last moment, she had a strong connection with him. “He was like a friend to me, someone I confided in with all my secrets, even ones I didn’t share with my mother. Because of him, I never felt the absence of a father in my life.”

“His name was Jamal Pasha, and he used to be a pilot. He also worked for TV channels,” Sahiba explained.

The year 2024 has been filled with love and new beginnings for many Pakistani celebrities. From grand celebrations to surprise announcements, here’s a look at the high-profile weddings that made headlines.

Shoaib Malik and Sana Javed
In a surprising twist, cricketer Shoaib Malik tied the knot with actress Sana Javed in February 2024. The couple shared pictures of their wedding on Instagram, with Sana adding Shoaib’s name to her profile, confirming their union.

The news shocked fans, as Shoaib Malik was previously married to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza. While rumours of their separation had been circulating for some time, neither party had officially announced the end of their marriage.

Sheheryar Munawar ties knot with Maheen Siddiqui
Pakistani actor Sheheryar Munawar tied the knot with actress Maheen Siddiqui in December 2024. Wedding festivities included a vibrant dholki, a colourful mayoun, and gorgeous qawwali nights, leading up to an intimate Nikah ceremony attended by close family and friends.

Sheheryar looked dashing in a traditional sherwani, while Maheen stunned in a gorgeous bridal outfit. The couple’s chemistry shone in photos and videos shared online. Known for their stellar work in popular dramas, the pair had sparked romance rumours earlier this year, which Sheheryar confirmed with a heartfelt social media post.

Fans have showered the couple with love and prayers as they start their new journey together.

Rajab Butt
Rajab Butt, one of Pakistan’s most watched content creators, recently celebrated his union with his beloved Emaan in a series of wedding festivities. The grand celebration culminated in a joyous event on a Thursday evening, attended by close family and friends.

Dressed in a dashing off-white sherwani, Rajab looked every bit the charming groom, while Emaan stunned everyone in a maroon bridal dress. The couple’s happiness was evident in the pictures and videos from the ceremony, which have since gone viral online.

Feroze Khan’s Second Marriage
In June this year, actor Feroze Khan, known for his hit dramas like Khaani and Aye Musht-e-Khaak, entered into a second marriage. The actor has kept details about his new bride under wraps, maintaining privacy about his personal life.

Umair Jaswal
Singer and actor Umair Jaswal also joined the list of 2024 celebrity grooms. The beloved musician tied the knot, but we still don’t know to whom. The wedding was attended by close friends and family, making it a very private affair.

For veteran actress Hina Bayat, the decision to play a controversial character in Churails wasn’t about fame, but about reflecting societal truths. Here’s how the actress responded to the criticism she received and why she has no regrets.

Appearing as a guest on Hasna Mana Hai, hosted by Tabish Hashmi, the Sheher-e- Zaat actress explained why she doesn’t regret taking on the character despite the criticism it received.

 A member from the audience asked, “Ma’am, you had a web series called Churails and your character in it was quite controversial.”

Hina Bayat replied, “I believe that whenever I take on any role, I look at it from all perspectives. If I am convinced by it, only then do I go ahead with it. So, I usually don’t regret my decisions. The character I played in Churail was from a web series, not a mainstream television drama. Therefore, the audience is different; it’s a subscribed audience. And our character was something that’s in our society. It should have been reflected. If you want to show something as wrong, you have to show it first, right? So that people can distinguish right from wrong.”

Despite the criticism she received, Hina Bayat made it clear that she has no regrets about the role.

 “I have no regrets Alhamdulliah” she added.

During the same conversation, a member from the audience asked “Having been in the industry for so long, has there ever been a time in your life when you thought you should leave the industry? Did you ever feel like this place wasn’t for you?”

“No, I never felt that way. I’ll be honest with you. I believe my career has been such that I’ve never worked in just one field. Even when I worked in electronic media, it was through anchoring and hosting. Journalism, documentary, drama acting… so much has changed over time. I never got bored,” the Zindagi Gulzar Hai actress replied.

Churails is a 2020 Pakistani drama web series that was released on the Indian platforms ZEE5 and Zindagi. It was written and directed by Asim Abbasi.

Earlier, made in Pakistan and released on Indian OTT platform ZEE5, Churails has won the ‘OTT Platform Show of the Year’ at the British Asian Media Awards (BMA).

Sharing her thoughts on the win, Chief Business Officer at ZEE5 Global, Archana Anand said: “Churails with its rich, bold narrative and the globally relevant storyline has broken stereotypes and opened up the fresh conversation around gender equality not only in South Asia but also in other markets across the globe by putting strong women at the center of its story.”

“Winning this award is a recognition of the tremendous impact that our content has created across key markets and how deeply it is resonating with the audiences,” she added.

 Actress Hiba Bukhair and actor Arez Ahmed have become the proud parents of a baby girl. To mark the beautiful new phase of their lives with the arrival of their daughter, the couple have given her the most beautiful name we have recently heard: Aynur.

Hiba and Arez took to Instagram to announce the special moment, accompanied by cute picture of their little one’s tiny feet.

 The Jaan Nisar actress penned a heartfelt note to  mark the occasion, saying, “This year changed our lives in such a beautiful way that it is really not possible for me to articulate in words. Here’s to celebrating your second month ♥

Your presence is the purest form of love that we felt

Thanking Allah for blessing us with his Rehmat

Our little angel

You are the light in our lives

We have named you

AYNUR Which means Moonlight .”

The announcement melted hearts, with fans showering the family with love and prayers.

Hiba Bukhari and Arez Ahmed tied the knot in January 07, 2022.

Earlier, celebrity couple Hiba Bukhari and her husband Arez Ahmed have reacted to false news about pregnancy on social media and said that they have had four to five children on YouTube.

They have broken their silence on rumors about Hiba supposedly being pregnant in a new vlog on their YouTube channel.

During the vlog, they can be seen sitting in a park and discussing various issues including traveling in a car.

A short video from their vlog spreading rumors about their children also went viral on social media.

In the video, Arez Ahmed tells his wife that a friend from Australia sent him a YouTube video, which claimed that Hiba Bukhari had given birth to a son.

He said that in the video, Hiba Bukhari’s face was superimposed on a woman’s face, and the woman was shown on a hospital bed with a child, claiming that the actress had given birth.

He said, “This was his fourth or fifth child on YouTube, for which Hiba Bukhari also expressed regret.”

She then asked, “Which one was our best child on YouTube?” to which her husband replied, “Which one was it?”

She jokingly replied, “In the third or fourth month of marriage, our child was delivered on YouTube, that one was the best.”

She termed the false news  dangerous and said, “I am very afraid of such news.”

 

He then added, “Once after watching a video of the birth of a child on YouTube, a friend called my father and taunted him that why did he not inform him about the birth of a grandson?”

A few days ago, Nadia Khan claimed that Hiba Bukhari is pregnant and Arez Ahmed told her about it, but till now, they have not spoken on the matter.

Some comments hit like a sleigh ride; others crash harder than a reindeer with a bad landing especially when Bollywood royalty is involved.

Rising star Khaqan Shahnawaz recently posted a video and picture on his Instagram, celebrating Christmas with celebrity friends like Kubra Khan and Gohar Rasheed. 

In the video, he said, “You guys take too much tension, I just post and let it be.” 
In the caption, he wrote, “Love you @kareenakapoorkhan, don’t believe the haters. I meant no disrespect.”

Earlier, he has been slammed for passing disparaging remarks about Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan, sparking criticism from both Indian and Pakistani fans.

During an appearance on a private TV show, a fan expressed interest in seeing Shahnawaz act alongside Kareena. He jokingly replied, “I can play her son. Yeah, I can play her son.” He added that the Jab We Met star is much older than him.

The joke, such as it was, did not sit well with Kareena’s fans, who quickly voiced their disapproval on social media. 

One fan commented, “Kareena wouldn’t even know who he is, I’ve never even seen a drama of his.” 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khaqan Shahnawaz (@khaqanshahnawaz)

Another labeled Shahnawaz as “full of himself.” The clip, shared widely on Instagram, received many angry comments, fueling the backlash.

Meanwhile, Kareena Kapoor Khan recently posted heartwarming photos on Instagram, including one of Saif walking amid dried trees with a red heart emoji. Another photo showed Taimur in front of a large, beautifully decorated Christmas tree with the caption “Mera Beta” (My Son) and a red heart emoji.

Despite the controversy, Kareena seems unaffected, focusing on her family and festive celebrations.