Category: Entertainment

The reality of the entertainment industry isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Actors Ramsha Khan and Khushhal Khan have revealed why making a living in the industry is tougher than it looks.

The duo has highlighted a major problem in the entertainment industry: delayed or nonpayment to actors and crew members. 

In a chat with Haroon Rashid of BBC Asian Network during a promotional interview for their high-budget action drama Duniyapur, the actors laid out the financial struggles faced by artists and technicians who often wait long periods to get paid.

The conversation started with Rashid pointing out the unique look of Duniyapur, a fictional story about action, revenge, and love, was set in a very realistic world.

When asked about the financial aspects of working on such a large production, both Ramsha and Khushhal said they were grateful for the opportunity and for being paid on time—a rare occurrence in entertainment. Khushhal stressed the importance of timely payments, saying, “It’s disrespectful not to pay on time because we are there on time.”

The actors explained that late payments have become so normal in the industry that artists often have to compromise on their self-respect and financial stability.

 Rashid pointed out that treating payments as an afterthought makes working in showbiz seem more like a hobby than a real job: “We’re giving 110% every single day. The least we expect is to be paid on time.”

For Ramsha, it’s not just about money, but survival. “I have to pay my bills,” she said. She shared that she refuses to show up on set if her dues are not cleared. “You either clear my cheque, or I’m not coming on set,” she stated.

One striking point in their discussion was the lack of unity among actors on this issue. “If Khushhal and I try to take a stand, three other actors will let it go. There’s no unity,” Ramsha said. Khushhal hoped that a collective effort to demand respect and timely payments would soon take root in the industry. “There are also people looking for others to come together and do this. So, I feel like that may happen soon. It’s not right to not show up on set, but when they push you so much, you should take a stand and not show up,” he explained.

The duo urged the industry to adopt more professional practices. “When you’re starting out, you get more respect because you haven’t proven yourself yet. But once you do, then they’re like, ‘Okay, take this script,’” they said.

Ever since this interview went viral, veteran actress Nadia Afgan stepped in to reveal that delayed payments and limited royalties have forced her to stop working with certain production houses known for withholding checks from actors.

“Ye baat…I have literally stopped working with everyone except for two production houses only because every production delays payment. That we have to repeatedly ask for our money. That we don’t get royalties. And the channels are making tons of money from YouTube and are not willing to pay us our dues.”

Saheefa Jabbar Khattak appeared as a guest on After Hours with Ushna Shah. The Rafta Rafta actress opened up about the financial realities of working in Pakistani dramas. 

“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 a year and also working on social media… making appearances and hustling a lot,” she added.

 Did you know that one of Pakistan’s top hosts earned more in a month than many of us do in a year? Comedian and singer Babbu Rana, who has worked with Aftab Iqbal for more than nine years, recently appeared as a guest on Ahmed Ali Butt’st podcast, where he divulged surprising details about Aftab’s impressive earnings

 

The host asked, “How much does Aftab Iqbal earn in a month?”

 Babbu Rana replied, “I cannot confirm an exact figure, but he used to earn significantly in Pakistan.  Dubai is very expensive, and staying there gave him a clear understanding of its cost of living. Earlier in Pakistan, hosting a show on Express, he could fetch 1.5 to two crores.”

The conversation shifted to Aftab Iqbal’s return to Pakistan.

 

“Insha’Allah, there’s some good news. A slightly cool breeze has arrived. It will take one or two months for Pakistan,” Babbu said.

He also shed light on Aftab Iqbal’s unique working style, which has contributed to his success: “If someone wants to learn, like they genuinely want to learn, then that person can do a lot. Later, even the teacher (Aftab Iqbal) will agree that yes, this person is dedicated. But if someone says, ‘I already know everything, I’m established, I’m a big name, I don’t need to learn,’ then their work style will not fit in. For example, if Aftab Sahib casts a big star, he will tell them, ‘Brother, sit down and watch my show for three months. Only then will you understand my style of working.”

 

Earlier, Sohail Ahmed appeared as a guest on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, where he openly discussed the controversies involving Aftab Iqbal and other comedians he collaborated with. 

Sohail Ahmed said, “I think of Aftab Iqbal as a younger brother, and I would like to advise him to be humble.” He went on to say that Aftab needs to understand that one person alone does not run a show. “You need to respect your whole team.”

Addressing some of the claims Aftab Iqbal has made, he added, “I was a star way before joining Hasb e Haal, but I still respect the team I work with and always put in my 100%. Therefore, Aftab needs to understand that you cannot be disrespectful and a know-it-all if you want to be respected in return.”

Actor Kashif Mahmood has made a lasting impact with amazing performances in several Pakistani productions. There, however, is one drama in particular, that “changed everything” for him.

Appearing as a guest on Mazaq Raat, the Jeevan Negar actor has shared the inspiring story behind one of his most iconic dramas and the efforts he put in to make it a success.

“The person who didn’t even have money to buy a liter of petrol for his motorbike, planned to make a drama that would cost 22 lac rupees. How would he do it? He must have been a warrior… not an ordinary man,” he said while talking about Ashiyana, his hit drama serial from 1997.

When asked how Kashif managed to fund the project he said he mortgaged his house and his mother’s jewelry.

“I raised funds for it in every way possible. I mortgaged my house and my mother’s jewelry. I did so much for it… and by the grace of Allah, He preserved my honour. I still remember borrowing one lac rupees for the [drama’s] pilot,” the Mehroom actor said.

He also shared the struggles of pitching Ashiyana to a major channel.

“When I went to sell that drama, there was a big man sitting there. I told him about the drama, what it had, its cast, everything. He kept saying ‘so what?’ to everything. Frustrated, I handed him a cassette with the pilot and said, ‘If it’s worth it, play it; otherwise, throw it away’,” he said.

The breakthrough came when industry veteran Badar Khalil finally watched the pilot episode, Kashif added.

“After watching it, she called me and said, ‘Kashif, where are you? What a masterpiece you’ve created!’ After that, we discussed some 15-16 points before signing the contract. I signed a contract for 4.5 lakh rupees per episode”

However, the struggle wasn’t over, the Heer Da Hero actor said and added, “They wanted four episodes, but I had already borrowed money to make the first one. How was I supposed to make three more? Somehow, we managed to produce them. The drama was a massive hit.”

Despite the drama’s success, the channel shut down and Kashif did not receive the payment he was owed.

“When it aired, the channel it was on shut down. Though the channel reopened, I never got the payment I was owed. Eventually, I marketed it myself and aired it on PTV. I managed to pay off all my debts and with the money left, I started my own business,” he concluded.

 
 As 2024 comes to a close, Spotify finally revealed Wrapped 2024, highlighting the music that the world and Pakistan listened to. 

 This years’ Wrapped celebrates the artists, songs and trends that made 2024 a record breaking year.

This year, rapper, singer and lyricist Talha Anjum has made history by becoming the most streamed local artist in Pakistan for 2024, surpassing Atif Aslam, who held the top spot for three consecutive years. 

 
Talha Anjum has become a leading figure in Pakistan’s hip-hop scene, starting with just a phone and his passion for rap, he quickly rose from the underground to mainstream success.  

Young Stunners, a duo featuring Talha Anjum and Talha Yonus, made history by becoming the first Pakistani artist to perform at the prestigious Billboard event in Melbourne, Australia.

          
Rising star Umair is in second place and the legendary Atif Aslam is in third. The iconic Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and dynamic Talhah Yunus complete the top five local artists in Paksitan. 

 Other prominent names included Abdul Hannan, AUR Band, Hasan Raheem and Maanu, highlighting the diverse talent in Pakistan’s music scene.

When it comes to the most streamed international artist of 2024 in Pakistan, Indian singer Arijit Singh is still the most streamed international artists, followed by Pritam, Karan Aujla, Shubh, and Sidhu MooseWala. Talha Anjum, Umair, and Atif Aslam also made the list, ranking sixth, ninth, and tenth.

Spotify named Annural Khalid, the first female artist featured on its RADAR this year, as Pakistan’s top female artist of 2024, marking her as a leader in the music industry. 

Spotify’s Pakka Hit Hai (Top Artist 2024) are given below:
1.    Kaun Talha by Talha Anjum
2.    COME THROUGH by Umair, Adullah Maharvi and Talha Anjum
3.     Dil Diya Gallan
4.     Mere Rashke Qamar by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
5.     SHIKWA by Talha Anjum and Jokhay
 

YouTube has released its end of year list, showing that Rajab Butt was among Pakistan’s most- watched creators, marking a significant milestone in his digital career.  

With 4.16 million subscribers and 667 videos on his channel, Rajab Butt content has reached the local audience and established him as a prominent figure in the digital entertainment world.

 Rajab Butt- also known as Rajab Ali- started his YouTube in 2015, sharing lighthearted skits and relatable videos. Over the years he added more content like travel vlogs, pranks, and lifestyle videos. His ability to connect with his audience through humor and real life moments has made.

Rajab’s content a hit. His videos often feature his family, especially his wife to be, Emaan, who appears in many of his videos. The couple are going to get married this month. Butt also shared great moments with his friends Haider, Shazi, Jahangir, and Mann Dogar, who often join him in his vlogs, adding to the fun and making his videos even more enjoyable. 

 Rajab’s videos are not just popular in Pakistan; they attract viewers from around the world. Over 65% of the watch time for Pakistani videos comes from international viewers.

Rajab’s journey, enriched by family values, close friendships, and creative authenticity, continues to inspire millions. From laughter-filled pranks to heartfelt moments, he exemplifies the power of storytelling in building a digital empire.

Rajab isn’t just a YouTube sensation, he has also made a big impact on other social media platforms, with active accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where he regularly interacts with his fans and keeps them updated about his life and YouTube content.

On Instagram, Rajab has a huge following of 1.1 million fans. His posts, which often feature behind-the-scenes glimpses and personal moments, have helped him grow his fan base across multiple platforms.

Along with Rajab’s family, the list also includes other notable names such as Anaya Eshaal Family, Arshad Reels, UR Cristiano, and Ducky Bhai. These creators have captivated millions of viewers with their entertaining and inspiring content.

 
South Korean actor Park Min Jae, known for his roles in hit K-dramas such as ‘Little Women’ and ‘Call It Love’, has tragically passed away at the age of 32.

 
According to reports, Jae’s management agency Big Title confirmed that the actor passed away on November 29 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest while traveling to China.

He had no known prior medical conditions.

 
“A beautiful actor who loved acting and was always the best of himself, Actor Min Jae Park, has gone to heaven. Thank you very much for the love and care you have shown to actor Min Jae Park. I can’t see his acting anymore, but I will proudly remember him as an actor of Big Title. May the deceased rest in peace,” the agency wrote.

 
In an emotional post, Park Min Jae’s younger brother, Pakzaehyung, also shared his sorrow and requested that people remembered his sibling’s legacy. “My beloved brother has gone to rest. I hope as many people as possible will come to see my brother,” he wrote.

 
Fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry have been left devastated by the sudden death.

The funeral will be held at Ewha Seoul Hospital with the service scheduled for December 4, 2024. Park Min Jae’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him, both on and off the screen.

Imagine a place where the most outrageous dreams can be funded, and mega fortunes are made – welcome to the world of stock exchange, where Mashal Khan is making waves with her unique blend of financial savvy and inherent charm.

Mashal recently shared details of her personal journey in the financial world. Despite experiencing major losses in the stock market, she managed to achieve double the profit afterward. Her story serves as a great inspiration for individuals looking to diversify their portfolios. 

Appearing on Khalid Butt’s hit podcast Fraudcast, she provided valuable insights on trading and navigating markets. From her experience, Mashal has started free groups to guide others on their trading journeys and aid them in achieving success.

Mashal Khan stated, “I think that if I earn money and spend it, it will decrease, and I’ve never liked that idea. I feel that if I spend money, it should increase. How can you spend money and make it grow? There’s a beautiful place called the Pakistan Stock Exchange, where dreams come true.”

She advised beginners to download ‘Investified,’ saying, “You can decide your budget—let’s say, for example, you have a budget of 5 lakh or any other amount you want. Then you start what I like to call ‘ghost trading.’ Ghost trading is when you don’t invest your money but observe the market. You simulate investing by virtually buying or selling something, just to see what the results will be. It’s a way to learn, and we use ghost trading for that purpose.”

In a lighter moment, Mashal added, “I love ghost trading; I do it every day.”

Mashal also touched on the topic of cryptocurrency, stating, “Bitcoin is illegal, and I don’t want people to use Bitcoin.”

Regarding her disciplined routine, she shared, “My morning alarm is set for 8 o’clock. Whether I sleep at 4 o’clock or 5, I have to sit up at night and watch the show. I have to be up at 8 o’clock, and I’ll tell you why— to do my pre-market work. Pre-market trading is the process of trading assets before the markets open. Simply put, it’s trading before the normal market hours begin. Traders use pre-market movements to gauge how markets might operate on full opening.”

Mashal frequently shares ideas on her Instagram stories about stock investments. People have affectionately given her the title “Queen of the Stock Exchange.”

Saad Qureshi, a talented actor and model renowned for his standout performance in Bismil, credits veteran actor Naumaan Ijaz for enhancing his acting skills and filling the gaps in his craft.

Appearing as a guest on Gup Shap hosted by Vasay Chaudhary, Meer Abru actor shared valuable insights into his acting journey and the guidance he received from Naumaan Ijaz.

“He taught me the right tools, beyond the basics of acting, he taught me the advanced techniques that I was missing. Even though I have studied acting myself, gone to acting schools, and am self-taught, there were some things missing that are specific to our drama industry requirements. He filled those gaps,” he said.

“Acting is like an ocean, you’re always learning something new. I love him for that because he considers me like his own. The way he teaches Zaviyar, he also teaches me. I just love that about him”, Saad added.

Vasay Chauhdhary then asked, “The feedback you’re getting from your close circle, you know, family, distant family, and your fans, is quite interesting?”

“Initially, there was a mixed reaction because people didn’t fully understand the character. But as people started to grasp the family dynamics, a sense of sympathy developed with Moosa character,” Saad replied.

The Bismil actor also shared an emotional moment he experienced with his father: “After Bismil, like yesterday night, I’ll tell you what happened. It was so overwhelming. My father kissed me on the forehead and said, ‘Son, you performed really well today.’ It’s about that feeling. When you succeed, as I have, my father opened the door, looked at me, gave me a push, and then closed the door. It’s a matter of fate. He loved me so much.”

The co-host asked,“Is there a character you’ve played that really connected with the audience, a character you didn’t expect would do so?”

Saad replied, “I played a character in ‘Pagal Si Mein.’ When I first got the offer for this role, I heard the title and thought, ‘What’s my role in this? It’s going to be a girl’s story.’ But then I read the script, and after reading it, I got emotionally attached to the character unexpectedly. That drama became a huge hit, and the character is still very famous among the audience.” 

 Saad Qureshi starred in dramas such as, Khuda Aur Muhabbat season 2, Ghairat, and Jaana Main Kaun, and currently, he is starring in Bismil.