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Category: Entertainment

  • Don’t ask if you don’t want to know: Mahira on why she ‘always talks about’ SRK

    Don’t ask if you don’t want to know: Mahira on why she ‘always talks about’ SRK

    Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has cleared the air regarding claims that she is always spotted talking about Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan.

    Recently, during the Aalami Urdu Conference 2024, she was asked if she ever gets tired of being asked about the ‘King of Bollywood’.

    “Do you ever get annoyed with this topic… that whenever there’s an interview, they always ask how it felt to work with Shah Rukh Khan? Do you think its fine? I mean he’s a superstar… so people ask… but do you think it’s too much?” host Waseem Badami asked.

    To which Mahira said she could never have “enough of him”.

    “Well, I will never have enough of him, but I think when someone asks me, I answer. Then people think I’m talking about him, which I never do… what I feel is that they shouldn’t even ask me.”

    Mahira is the only Pakistani actress to work with Shah Rukh. Consequently, The Raees actress is also the only Pakistani star who has repeatedly been asked about her experience of working with him.

     The film Raees was released in 2017, Mahira Khan plays the female opposite Bollywood king Shah Rukh.

    Mahira portrays Aasiya, Raees’ wife, a character who is strong, supportive, and plays a crucial role in his personal life. Her performance was widely appreciated for its emotional depth and grace, standing out amidst the intense action and drama.  

     The film was directed by Rahul Dholakia and written by Harit Mehta, Niraj Shukla and Rahul Dholakia.

    Earlier,Indian film director Rahul Dholaika considered top Bollywood actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Kaitrina for his film Raees, but none were the right fit. Instead, actress Mahira Khan caught his attention and was chosen to play Aasiya opposite Shahrukh Khan.
     


    During his appearance as a guest on Mashable India, director Rahul Dholaika explained why he picked Mahira Khan for his film Raees.

     “We wanted an 80s Muslim girl. Number one criteria is Hindi, secondly, her Urdu should have a little twang, if she has it, is even better. The other is she has to be innocent. Okay, now you have Shahrukh, who is 50, so you need someone whose screen age is 30-something or 35. You need somebody who is at least 30 plus or around 30 as an actress, now, an actress around 30 who is innocent. There are very few of them. There was Deepika, there was Kareena, and there was Anushka. So, there were these three or four heroines that were there.” 


     
     As the casting process went on, it became clear that finding an actress who fit all the requirements for Aasiya was not easy, Dholaika explained, saying, “So now, if you have these three or four heroines, then either they are too expensive, or the role is too small for them. So we went through that gamut, and we said, ‘Yeah, Sonam, Katrina,’ you know, went through the whole list of it. And then at the end of it all, we decided this is not working for us. If it’s working for Farhan, it’s not working for Shahrukh, it’s not working for Shahrukh and Farhan, not working for me. Now, you don’t want him to romance Alia, you know, or something like that.”

     “I think Gauri’s mom had seen Mahira, and my mom had seen Mahira independently. I told the casting director, ‘Do you know her? What do you think of her?’ So, he said, ‘She’s here in BB Fashion.’ That’s how it happened,” the Raees director added.

  • Deepika Padukone looks stunning in first appearance after giving birth

    Deepika Padukone looks stunning in first appearance after giving birth

    Weeks after giving birth to her daughter Dua, Bollywood A-lister and new mom Deepika Padukone made her first public appearance at Punjabi music sensation Diljit Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati concert in her hometown, Bengaluru.


    In her first official appearance as a mom, Deepika Padukone joined actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh for the latest show of the Dil-Luminati Tour at NICE grounds, Madavara, in Bengaluru.


    He shared a clip on his Instagram, praising the superstar and mentioning her skincare brand before welcoming Padukone on stage. The Piku star briefly danced with Dosanjh as he sang his chart-topper ‘Lover.’


    “I’ve seen her on the big screen and never thought I would see her this close. She has done such lovely work and made a mark in Bollywood, all by herself. All of us should be proud of you,” Dosanjh said about Padukone. “You came to our show; thanks a lot for that. Much love.”


    Deepika Padukone and her husband Ranveer Singh, who married at Lake Como, Italy in 2018, announced their first pregnancy in February this year and welcomed their baby girl, Dua, in September.


    Meanwhile, Diljit Dosanjh, who started the Indian leg of his sold-out Dil-Luminati Tour in October, is nearing the final spell of his shows in the country. After performing in Indore, Chandigarh, and Mumbai, the Punjabi superstar will conclude the tour in Guwahati on December.


    Check the videos below:

  • Mix of drama and delight: Meem Se Mohabbat opens with promising themes

    Mix of drama and delight: Meem Se Mohabbat opens with promising themes

    The first episode of Meem Se Mohabbat mixes familiar yet enjoyable elements: a lovely girl, a grieving young man, and a blend of family moments.


    Written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Ali Hassan, this HUM TV drama is produced by Momina Duraid. The cast includes Ahad Raza Mir, Dananeer Mubeen, Asif Raza Mir, Zarrar Khan, Khadija Saleem, Faiza Gilani, Tehseen Wajahat, Rabia Rizwan, Zainab Mazhar, Muhammad Hunbal, Naveen Naqvi, Arshad Mahmood, Irfanullah, Neha, Abu Hurairah, Raana Zafar, and Touseeq Haider.


    Roshi and Mahi are sisters with contrasting views on life. Mahi is disciplined and hardworking, while Roshi, played by Dananeer Mubeen, is the opposite. After failing to get into an engineering program, Roshi disappoints her ambitious mother (Naveen Naqvi) but entertains her easygoing grandfather (Arshad Mehmood). Their household also includes a loving grandmother (Beo Rana Zafar), who often banters with the grandfather over Urdu poetry.


    On the other side is Talha, a single dad raising his son Mohid with the help of his father. Out silent hero Talha, played by Ahad Raza Mir, faces the challenge of his son’s speech issues, revealing his inner sadness. He is set to marry Sabeeka, who has yet to appear on screen.


    Meem Se Mohabbat balances light-hearted moments with serious ones. Roshi’s carefree attitude contrasts with Talha’s quiet sorrow. The characters remind us of Haseena Moin’s leads—strong, determined young women and mature, sad heroes.


    The show tackles unique topics, like single fatherhood and young girls not pursuing higher education. We hope Roshi’s character finds purpose as the story unfolds. There’s also a potential conflict with Roshi’s aunt Saleeqa (Faiza Gilani) having an old grudge against Roshi’s mother.


    Though slightly over-the-top, Dananeer Mubeen delivered a gripping performance. We look forward to seeing her character develop.


    The child actor playing Mohid deserves special mention for his excellent performance. The scenes between Talha and Mohid were particularly touching.


    The Roshi household provided some comic relief, though the gol gappa scene felt clichéd. We hope to see more varied depictions of lively young heroines.


    The first episode of Meem Se Mohabbat captivates with a mix of heartfelt moments and dynamic characters.

  • ‘I tried to commit suicide three times’: Sarwat Gilani’s shocking revelations about postpartum depression

    ‘I tried to commit suicide three times’: Sarwat Gilani’s shocking revelations about postpartum depression

    Postpartum depression is a tough battle, one that many women have to endure behind the joy of having a baby. Actress Sarwat Gilani faced the struggle herself, feeling so overwhelmed that she considered ending her life before finding the strength to move forward.

    Appearing as a guest on SpeakEasy with Ayesha Omer, Sarwat Gilani bravely talked about her struggle with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, narrating how deeply it affected her.

    “It’s very important to be a happy person within your own body. It took me a while because I was going through depression, and postpartum depression is crazy. I tried to commit suicide three times. Yes, now I’m like me, but then came the guilt and the fear. I have a little baby, and I wanted to look at her for a while. But you know, Allah places courage inside you, and He gives you the strength to get through it,” Sarwat remarked.

     The Ishq Gumshuda actress emphasized the importance of self-awareness and seeking help during difficult times. “Help will come, you just have to be the one looking for it. And in all these things, the most important relationship is with yourself. So, be more self-aware, know what you like, what’s right for you, and what’s not.”

    On the topic of marriage, Gilani shared valuable insights on what makes a relationship work.

     When asked about the top five things that make a marriage successful, Sarwat said, “First, setting boundaries with your spouse, respecting those boundaries, and setting those boundaries with your in-laws too. I wouldn’t compromise on that, but I would be more understanding, not too demanding, especially financially. Nowadays, it’s hard for one person to manage a household, so if you can support yourself, it’s important to express that. Also, never fight before sleeping, always resolve issues before going to bed.”

    The Meri Zaat Zarra-e –Benishan actress also highlighted the importance of mutual support in a relationship.

    “Celebrate each other for who you are and how you want to excel and change. Appreciate them, help them achieve their goals,” Sarwat Gilani concluded.

     Earlier, in a  TV interview, Sarwat explained that she didn’t have postpartum depression after she gave birth to two sons so she didn’t know much about it. However, she went through severe postpartum depression after her daughter was born.


    She described meeting her daughter four days after birth because they were in different hospital wards after surgeries. During this time, her baby needed breastfeeding, but Sarwat was very depressed and had upsetting thoughts of dropping her baby to end the stress.


    “I was crying uncontrollably and told my husband that I wanted to harm our daughter to stop all the tension,” she shared with tears in her eyes.

  • Netflix to release documentary on Hrithik Roshan family

    Netflix to release documentary on Hrithik Roshan family

     Netflix is about to give fans a closer look at one of Bollywood’s most famous families.

    The OTT streaming platform will release The Roshans, a documentary that highlights three generations of the Roshan family and their impact on Hindi cinema.

    From Roshan Lal Nagrath- the patriarch who started it all in music- to Indian actor Hrithik Roshan, the series will share untold stories and the family’s journey in the industry.

    Netflix India shared the news on Instagram: “A profound journey through legacy and love with the family that brought music, magic, and unforgettable moments to Hindi cinema

    Watch The Roshans, coming soon, only on Netflix.”

     Director, producer, Shashi Ranjan expressed his excitement saying, “Directing this documentary series has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Being invited into the Roshan family’s world and entrusted with their legacy is a privilege. It is an honor to bring their story of creativity, courage, and commitment to the world, having Netflix house the legendary movie family’s stories was undoubtedly the only way to go”

    The Roshan family said: “We are thrilled to work with Netlfix and share the untold stories that have shaped our lives.This platform lets us reach viewers worldwide, and we’re honored to share our journey with the audience.”

    Earlier,the Bollywood propaganda action movie ‘Fighter,’ featuring Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan, became a hot topic as it got banned in several Gulf countries.
    Initially, reports suggested that the ban affected many Gulf nations except the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, recent reports from trade analysts indicate that the movie is now facing a “suspension” in the UAE, as major theater chains have stopped bookings.

    The film’s distributor in the UAE had recently confirmed that the film will get released. The exact reason for the ban is not disclosed, but reports suggest it’s due to “some objectionable content in the film.”


    There were earlier speculations that ‘Fighter’ was supposed to be released in the UAE with a PG 15 rating before the ban.

     Trade analyst Girish Johar confirmed the same. He stated on X, “In a setback, Fighter officially banned across Middle East regions for theatrical release. Only UAE will release the film with a PG15 classification!” Recent reports now claim that UAE has also banned the film, with confirmation from the film’s UAE distributor, as per Times of India.

    The movie’s story, which revolves around India’s response to the attack in Pulwama, India-occupied Kashmir.

  • Mawra Hocane reveals two jobs she loves

    Mawra Hocane reveals two jobs she loves

    Actress Mawra Hocane is no stranger to the spotlight, but when it comes to her favourite jobs, she has two very special ones.

    She revealed them during her appearance as a guest on Something Haute with Hassan Choudary.

    “These two jobs, babysitting and acting, are my favourite jobs in the world,” Hocane said.

    The host, Hassan Choudary, curious about her legal background, asked, “But tell me, you’re a lawyer. What happened to that?”

    “I couldn’t pursue my degree, unfortunately. Five years ago, I was overly ambitious. I thought I could manage both things, but I realised that to do any job properly, you need to dedicate yourself fully. So, if I ever want to become a lawyer and pursue it, I’ll need to work just as hard as I do in my acting career. For that, this (acting) would have to be left behind,” the Nauroz actress responded.

    When asked if she had completed her law degree, Mawra confirmed, saying, “Yes, I was supposed to complete my bar exam abroad.”

    The host then asked, “So, what’s your decision on that front?”

    The Jafaa actress replied, “I’m open to studying. I would like to, whenever I find the time. I need about nine weeks to go to London and complete my bar. So, whenever I find those nine weeks, which would ideally be in August, September, or October, I’ll go. Whenever I feel this is the year I can study and take those exams, I will because I love studying.”

    Reflecting on her acting career, Hocane highlighted the challenges she faced during the shoot of Sabaat.

    “The process of Sabaat and Shahzad Bhai’s (director) approach was also very different. The characters are drawn from who you are, and since I was nothing like Anaya, it became a very painful process for me at that time. If you are not at all like the character, and you’re far apart from it, it takes a long time to get there as an actor,” she shared.

    The Neem actress also expressed her frustration about being labelled a “social media queen” rather than being recognised for her acting talent.

    “A huge part of my work in Pakistan has been produced by people, and I was really heartbroken over not getting the due attention as an actor. When I did my film, a lot of critics, even from outside Pakistan, said great things about my performance, but in Pakistan, every intro still started with ‘social media queen’ or ‘sensation’ or ‘influencer’,” Mawra Hocane concluded.

  • Netflix’s ‘Famous’ on rise, fall, comeback of Yo Yo Honey Singh gets release date

    Netflix’s ‘Famous’ on rise, fall, comeback of Yo Yo Honey Singh gets release date

    Streaming giant Netflix has announced the release date for the much-awaited docu-film ‘Famous,’ which delves into the life of Indian singer-rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh.

    Netflix India confirmed in an Instagram post shared on Friday morning that ‘Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous,’ a docu-film that follows the rise, fall, and comeback of the rapper, will premiere on the streaming platform on December 20 this year.

    “The name you know, the story you don’t. Witness the rise of a legend who changed the face of Indian music forever,” read the announcement post, featuring the first official poster of the title.

    The film is directed by Mozez Singh and produced by Oscar-winning Sikhya Entertainment, led by Guneet Monga and Achin Jain, and covers the life of Hirdesh, famously known as Yo Yo Honey Singh, highlighting his rapid rise to fame and the challenges he faced during his comeback.

    The production company shared, “With ‘Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous,’ we delve into his story in its rawest form—from his meteoric rise to his struggles and ultimate comeback as Hirdesh Singh. It was fascinating to discover how little we knew about the real person behind the stage name.”

    “Capturing Honey Singh’s journey has been an incredible experience. He is a fascinating man who has already lived so many lifetimes in this one life. I’m so thankful that he trusted me with his life story,” added Singh. “We have covered everything in this film—love, pain, family, success, failure, loss, mental health, and the fight to come back.”

    “This docu feature highlights his evolution, his lasting impact on popular culture, and a lot of stories that no one has ever heard before. We’re thrilled for you to meet the legend, the man who is responsible for creating a revolution in the Indian rap and hip-hop scene, a man entirely unique in his making,” the post read.

    On the work front, Yo Yo Honey Singh made a comeback earlier this year with his multi-lingual album, titled ‘Glory,’ featuring artists from around the world, including Pakistan. The 18-track album was released in August.

  • Javed Akhtar pens a special message for Pakistani actor Ahsan Khan

    Javed Akhtar pens a special message for Pakistani actor Ahsan Khan

    For decades, we have been captivated by his iconic lyrics, like “Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga” and “Yeh Kahaan Aa Gaye Hum.” However, Ahsan Khan is the first actor fortunate enough to have Javed Akhtar write a few verses specifically for him.

    Pakistani actor Ahsan Khan recently shared the stage with legendary Indian screenwriter and poet Javed Akhtar at the Tahbib Multilingual Festival in Dubai, which celebrates global art and literature.

    On Wednesday, Khan shared a memorable behind-the-scenes moment from the event on his Instagram. He posted a video showing Akhtar creating a sweet couplet for him on the spot.

    Akhtar wrote, “Ahsan Khan ke liye aik sher, unka karam hai unki mohabbat, kya mere naghmay, kya meri hasti. Dua goh, Javed Akhtar.”


    The moment was captured on camera, with Akhtar sitting on a sofa, writing on a hardback book, while Khan enjoyed his tea from the sidelines.

    A fan commented, “Wow… only in Dubai can Indian and Pakistani stars meet,” with a heart emoji. Heart emojis flooded the comments section as fans showed their appreciation for Akhtar’s gesture.

    Both Khan and Akhtar were in the UAE for the Tahbib Multilingual Festival, held from December 1-3. The festival celebrates languages, cultures, and diversity. Khan’s video included highlights from his time in Dubai, from boarding the plane to participating in panel discussions on the cultural impact of music, art, and cinema.

    Javed Akhtar is one of India’s most influential figures in lyricism, music, and screenwriting.


    Check the post below:

  • Beatles legend McCartney stars in new UK coin collection

    Beatles legend McCartney stars in new UK coin collection

    There are few accolades missing from Beatles songwriter Paul McCartney’s stellar career, and now he is to be recognised with a collection of £5 ($6.35) coins, the UK’s Royal Mint said Friday.

    The 82-year-old composer of timeless hits such as “Yesterday”, “Let it Be” and “Hey Jude” helped design the coin, and said being the star of the collection was “a huge honour”.

    “It’s not anything I would have ever expected to happen when I was a kid,” he added.

    The coin’s design features the psychedelic “magic piano” featured in the 1967 Magical Mystery Tour film, music notes chosen by McCartney, a bass guitar and the logo of his post-Beatles band Wings.

    “Our coins recognise the greatest icons and events in British history, so it’s fitting that Paul McCartney’s remarkable music career is now celebrated on an official UK coin,” said Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint.

    “What makes this coin extra special is that Paul has been involved throughout the design process… and we hope fans will enjoy the layered references to songs, instruments and bands,” she added.

    McCartney has sold more than 100 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide and has just begun the European leg of his “Got Back” tour.

    The coins can be bought on the Royal Mint’s website, with prices starting from £15.50.

    The Royal Mint will also next year auction a gold coin that weighs five kilogrammes, took over 250 hours to make and is signed by McCartney.

    The £5 coin is issued as a souvenir for special occasions. They are not in ordinary circulation.

  • Pushpa 2 beats Jawan in Hindi box office opening day record

    Pushpa 2 beats Jawan in Hindi box office opening day record

    Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Indian actor Allu Arjun, has made history by earning INR 175.1 crore on its opening day, becoming the biggest opener ever in India, beating ShahRukh Khan’s Jawan which earned INDR 64 crore net in Hindi box office, taking the title of the highest Hindi opener. 

    The film, released on December 5, 2024 is already making waves globally. Pushpa 2 could have grossed over INR 200 crore, including overseas collections.

    The film was released on over 10,000 screens worldwide, and has captivated audiences across the globe.

    On its opening day, Pushpa 2: The Rule earned INR165 crore net in India. The Telugu version brought in INR 85 crore, while special premiere shows in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bengaluru generated INR 10.1 crore. The Tamil and Malayalam versions earned INR 7 crore and INR 5 crore, respectively.

     Pushpa 2 is directed by Sukumar, and includes talented cast such as Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Sunil Jagapathi Babu and Rao Ramesh. 

    Despite the excitement of the mega opening, the situation took a dark turn when chaos broke out as soon as Allu Arjun arrived at a theater, leading to a stampede. Tragically, a 35-year- old woman lost her life, while her son, 9, was severely injured.

    Reports indicate that thousands of fans gathered at the theater to see the film and its cast, causing the situation to spiral out of control. Meanwhile, tickets for Pushpa 2 in major cinemas in Mumbai and Delhi have been priced at over 2500 Indian Rupees.

    Earlier, details were revealed about how much Tamil film superstar Allu Arjun had charged for his new film ‘Pushpa 2’.

    Blockbuster films like Baahubali and Pushpa not only broke box office records, but the actors starring in these movies have also received huge remuneration, of which Allu Arjun is considered one of the highest-paid actors.

    The Tollywood superstar has become India’s highest-paid actor after he charged 300 crore Indian rupees for ‘Pushpa 2’, which is more than the total budget of many Bollywood films.

    Earlier, Indian Tamil film legend Rajinikanth had charged 250 crore rupees for his film ‘Jailer’.

    The trailer of Allu Arjun’s film Pushpa 2 was released on November 17 on YouTube in Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil languages, and it managed to get millions of views within a few hours.