Category: Entertainment

The Sindh government has announced the production of a new film titled ‘Mera Lyari’, positioning it as a response to the Indian movie Dhurandhar, which has faced criticism over its portrayal of Pakistan and Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood.

Since its release, the Bollywood movie has faced criticism for portraying Lyari as a conflict-ridden area. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the portrayal was misleading and part of what he described as a broader narrative against Pakistan.

“Indian movie Dhurandhar is yet another example of negative propaganda by the Indian film industry against Pakistan, especially targeting Lyari. Lyari is not violence… it is culture, peace, talent and resilience. Next month, Mera Lyari will release, showing the true face of Lyari, which is about peace, prosperity and pride,” Memon said in a post on social media platform X.

Dhurandhar, which was released on December 5, drew mixed reactions in India and is loosely inspired by the gang war in Lyari from nearly two decades ago. While some viewers defended the film, others criticised its depiction, leading to debate within and without the country.

Viewers in Pakistan called the movie propaganda and also questioned why local filmmakers had not previously highlighted real stories that reflected the nation’s history and culture.

Memon, who also serves as Sindh’s information minister, claimed that Dhurandhar misrepresents Lyari, which he described as an area renowned for social harmony and cultural diversity.

He added that Mera Lyari, the Sindhi-language film, aims to present the neighbourhood’s reality to both domestic and international audiences.

Separately, a constitutional petition was filed in a Karachi court against Dhurandhar over the alleged unauthorised use of images of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) flag, and party rally footage in the film’s trailer.

Muhammad Amir, a PPP activist, submitted a petition to the District and Sessions Court (South), Karachi, seeking the registration of an FIR [First Information Report] against those involved in the film’s production and promotion.

Cristiano Ronaldo may soon trade the football pitch for Hollywood as Fast & Furious star Vin Diesel teased a potential role for the Portuguese legend in the blockbuster film series.

Diesel shared a photo with Ronaldo on Instagram, creating excited speculation about the five-time Ballon d’Or winner joining the action franchise. The Hollywood actor, whose real name is Mark Sinclair Vincent, wrote a caption that sent fans into a frenzy.

“Everyone asked, would he be in the Fast mythology… I gotta tell you he is a real one. We wrote a role for him,” Diesel posted.

Instagram Post

The announcement sparked immediate excitement across social media platforms. One fan commented, Cristiano in Fast x before GTA 6 is unbelievable,” while another joked, “The world is excited to watch the next mythology .”

The next installment, Fast & Furious 11, reportedly carries the title Fast Forever. 

Studio executives have planned this film as the final chapter of the franchise that launched in 2001. Despite recent production delays, reports indicate the movie targets a 2026 release date, which gives Ronaldo a narrow window to join the cast.

The 40-year-old Al-Nassr striker has already begun diversifying his portfolio beyond football. 

His move into acting aligns with his recent business ventures, particularly after he announced the launch of his film studio, UR.MARV, alongside director and producer Matthew Vaughn in April 2025.

Actor and director Yasir Nawaz has come to his wife Nida Yasir’s defense following the controversy surrounding her comments about food delivery riders, asking fellow host Fiza Ali to stop criticising her.

In an Instagram story, Yasir took to humour to defuse the situation, writing: “Hello Fiza, how are you? For God’s sake, leave my innocent wife alone. You keep getting famous continuously. How much will you trouble the poor thing [Hello Fiza, kya haal hai? Allah! meri masoom biwi ka peecha chhor do. Yar tum to musalsal mashhoor hoti chali ja rahi ho. Kitna bachay ki jaan logi?]”

“May Allah forgive me, humans are not forgiving. My sister, forgive her, end this. You’ve become as famous as you wanted to, now close this chapter and move on. Catch someone else and make noise about them [Allah mian maaf kar deta hai, insaan maaf nahi kar raha. Meri behn, maaf kar do isay, khatam kar do. Jitna mashhoor hona tha ho chuki ho, bas khatam, ab chapter close karo. Aagay chalo, kisi aur ko pakro, uski band bajao]” he added.

The dispute began earlier this week when Nida Yasir discussed food delivery riders on her morning show Good Morning Pakistan. She accused riders of deliberately lying about not having change to pocket extra money as tips.

“Food delivery riders never seem to have change. If you tip them out of your own will, that’s completely fine but when they falsely claim they don’t have change, I always ask my driver to go and get it,” Nida said on the show.

She added, “When they’re made to wait and end up reaching their next deliveries late, then they understand. It has become a habit with many of them.”

Actress Nadia Khan and other guests reacted with nods and jokes as they shared similar experiences.

After this, television host Fiza Ali openly criticized Nida’s comments, saying that while tipping may not be mandatory, insulting someone is completely wrong.

“They ride through heavy rain, storms, and harsh weather just so our food reaches us,” Fiza said, speaking about the daily struggles of delivery riders.

She questioned whether people ever think about the families waiting for the riders at home. “Some mother must be waiting for her son. A child must be hoping his father comes home early. Many riders have only one bike, their only means of livelihood,” she said.

Fiza stressed that while tipping is not compulsory, insulting someone is never acceptable. “Riders are not machines. They are humans with feelings and responsibilities. If you show kindness today, Allah will help you in your difficult moments tomorrow,” she said.

She also pointed out that people easily spend 500 rupees on food but hesitate to offer even 20 rupees to riders. “Delivery may be late, but humanity should never be late,” she added.

Following widespread backlash, Nida Yasir apologized for her “choice of words” during a new episode of her morning show.

“A few days ago, during my programme, I shared my personal experience with you, an experience that was not pleasant. But my mistake was my choice of words, the way I chose to retell that experience,” she said.

She argued that she should have said “some people” instead of speaking broadly, insisting she never meant to target all riders. “There are so many riders; in fact, the majority of the riders are working very hard to make ends meet. I am not sitting here to hurt anybody,” she said.

“However many rider friends of mine were hurt, I want to apologise to them. I salute hardworking riders. I didn’t mean to make light of their struggles,” she concluded.

The controversy sparked mixed reactions on social media.

The widow of slain Karachi police officer Chaudhry Aslam has said she will produce a film based on her husband’s life and work.

Noreen Aslam told a private news channel in an interview that a controversial Indian film has misrepresented her husband’s role. “In India the film ‘Dhurandhar’ has been made against our forces their intentions have never been clear for Pakistan,” she observed. 

She said that the portrayal reduced Chaudhry Aslam’s work to operations in Lyari, while ignoring his involvement in counterterrorism campaigns. According to her, “If they wanted to make a film, they should have made it on the TTP; instead, they made a film only on Lyari.”

Noreen Aslam stressed that her husband’s career cannot be defined through a single operation. “Chaudhry Aslam played major roles; we will make a film or bring it to life in the form of a drama because India limited his character only to Lyari.”

She said the project aims to show the full extent of his work. “His character was not limited to Lyari  he fought against the TTP and confronted some of the most dangerous networks,” she pointed out, adding that the film will present what she called her husband’s real legacy and the timeline of his service.

The comments came after the release of the Indian film Dhurandhar on December 5, which has prompted debate across Pakistani and Indian audiences. Viewers have said the film reduces Karachi to repeated scenes of explosions and violence.

Chaudhry Aslam Khan Swati served in the Sindh Police from the 1980s until his assassination in 2014. He worked on operations targeting organised crime groups, militant networks, and gangs across Karachi. 

On January 9, 2014, he was killed in a car bomb attack on the Lyari Expressway along with two police personnel, including his guard and driver.

The best episode of the season wasn’t what we expected. It was way, way, better. Episode 24 of Case No. 9 signals that the tide has finally changed in favour of Sehar (Saba Qamar) and it seems unlikely that Kamran (Faysal Quraishi) will get out of this one.

We expected Rohit (Junaid Khan) to do the right thing from the very beginning because we saw how he reacted when he found Sehar at Kamran’s house. But his journey to the truth has also been fascinating. Torn between his best friend and his wife Manisha (Navin Waqar) who is on Sehar’s side, Rohit found it all difficult to understand since the beginning – but also not difficult.

The most beautiful character of this series can arguably be Rohit, played so wonderfully by Junaid Khan. We know from the very beginning that Rohit can save the day, but we also understand – and also don’t understand – how torn he is between saving his best friend, who saved him from a mob, and doing the right thing. 

It is so difficult for him that he does the wrong thing in episode 23 and goes to Sehar on Kamran’s behest, asking her to take a blank cheque and make this all seem like its a bad dream. So while he is torn between doing the right thing, he also knows the price he has to pay for it – his friendship and his business, both are on the line and those two are very important to him – as they would be to us all.

We dont know why Rohit decides to do the right thing – is it because of Sehar refusing the money for justice, or Sehar’s mother urging Rohit to look within and decide or Manisha leaving him that makes him realise that he might be giving up more than he had bargained for? 

But we do know how very hard it was for him and really admire the way he so cleanly, cut throat, directly, says the truth – almost without emotion – just facts. Hiding how he feels on the inside and how he has literally broken the two things he always wanted to protect -his friend and his business. 

We do know, from the teaser of Episode 25, that Kamran and his lawyer won’t let Rohit go so easily. They are prepared and will attack him to the fullest and it remains to be seen how Rohit handles it. But again, the way this episode showed, in great suspense, how Rohit told the truth was masterful. Because we knew he would – but we also didn’t. And what a big sigh of relief it was.

Although the episode was all about Rohit, Inspector Shafiq’s downfall is also worth mentioning. The acting, oh, the acting. Gohar Rasheed is a master as the manipulative police officer and when he’s caught lying by his boss, he still doesn’t let up. Shafiq was by far, one of the most well thought out characters and so important as well given the role of the police in crimes. Shafiq is also brought down by Rohit who ruins the man in one clean swoop and Shafiq didn’t see it coming. 

The judge that seemed iffy in the beginning as someone who might be leaning towards Kamran also shows that taking the law lightly doesn’t go down well. Great acting and the way he asks questions that really make you feel that the law is stronger than we think it is – when we at one time thought the judge was not as interested in knowing the truth, taking Kamran’s side, it has been made clear that he’s listening and judging. 

The drama has uptil now, really instilled hope in the audience that the laws are real, the court is real and perhaps if a rape survivior stands up for the truth, her truth can also be real. And it’s all uphill from here. Right?

The 24th Lux Style Awards returned to an in-person format on December 11 at Mohatta Palace in Karachi, marking the first physical ceremony since the COVID-19 pandemic forced its suspension in 2020.

The hit drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum dominated the night, sweeping multiple awards including Drama of the Year (Viewers’ Choice), Best Actor Male for Fahad Mustafa, Best Actress Female for Hania Aamir, and Best On-Screen Couple for the duo.

Television categories shine

Hania Aamir won Best Actress Female for her powerful performance as Sharjeena in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, ementing her position as one of Pakistan’s most popular actresses. 

Fahad Mustafa took home Best Actor Male for the same drama.

In the Critics’ Choice category, Zard Patton Ka Bunn won Best Drama Serial.

Baby Baji Ki Bahuain won Best Long TV Serial (Viewers’ Choice), with the jury praising its powerful family narrative, memorable characters, and emotional depth that resonated with audiences.

Film awards recognize talent

Yumna Zaidi made history by winning her seventh Lux Style Award, claiming Film Actor of the Year Female for her performance in Nayab. This achievement makes her the most awarded actress in LSA history.

Samar Jafri won Best Actor Male (Film) for Na Baligh Afraad, dedicating his prestigious award to his late friend in an emotional acceptance speech.

Kattar Karachi won Film of the Year, with the jury recognizing its powerful narrative and bold direction that resonated with audiences.

Umair Nasir Ali won Best Film Director for Nayab, marking a milestone for the sports drama about an aspiring cricketer who dreams of playing in the Cricket World Cup.

Music and digital content honored

Pakistan’s favorite song Jhol won Song of the Year, celebrating its unmatched popularity and catchy tune that captured hearts across the nation.

In the newly introduced digital content categories, Rehan Nazim and Rabya Kulsoom, known online as Ron and Coco, won Digital Content Creator of the Year. Aidah Sheikh claimed another Digital Content Creator award for her engaging videos and creativity that resonate with a massive audience. Model Erica Robins won Digital Trendsetter, recognizing her innovative digital influence and ability to shape online conversations. Hira Faisal took home Beauty Influencer of the Year.

Emerging talent recognized

Khushhal Khan earned the title of Emerging Talent of the Year for his work in Dunyapur, marking a significant milestone in his rising career.

Lifetime achievement for music legend

The ceremony honored legendary Sufi singer Abida Parveen with the prestigious Unilever Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Fashion category winners

Designer HSY took home a fashion award, with the jury recognizing his legendary contribution to style and his position as a pillar of Pakistan’s fashion industry. 

Yasser Dar won Best Model of the Year, earning recognition for his work on runways and in fashion campaigns throughout the year.

Unlike previous extravagant editions, this year’s awards took a more modest approach, with organizers inviting celebrities, nominees, media personalities, and select influencers rather than hosting a lavish ceremony.

The event featured 28 award categories across television, film, music, fashion, and digital content, with both Viewers’ Choice and Critics’ Choice selections.

The ceremony’s return holds special significance as the awards were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, organizers opted out entirely and donated the ceremony’s budget to the Akhuwat Foundation to support fashion industry workers affected by lockdown closures. The 23rd Lux Style Awards in 2025 were announced digitally.

The 2025 edition introduced digital content creator categories for the first time, acknowledging the growing impact of online storytelling and influencers on Pakistan’s creative economy.

Created in 2002, the Lux Style Awards remain Pakistan’s premier entertainment and fashion awards ceremony.

Director Sangeeta has filed a police complaint against unidentified armed individuals who forcibly stopped the shooting of her drama Bulleh Shah and held actress Saima hostage for two hours.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore alongside director Syed Noor, Sangeeta revealed that unknown men with weapons threatened and harassed her crew during production.

“It has been 50 years serving this country and nation, and this is how we are treated,” Sangeeta said emotionally. “Seven to eight lawyers came to the set and threatened everyone. They told Saima they would handcuff her.”

Sangeeta explained that she had fallen ill and left the set, asking Saima to complete two remaining scenes, when the men arrived. 

“Saima is a lioness. When they said they would handcuff her, she told them to go ahead. They held her there and told her she couldn’t leave without their permission. This went on for one and a half to two hours,” Sangeeta said.

She confirmed that she had filed an FIR against the armed men at Shera Kot police station and named lawyer Ahmed Jahangir Baloch as the person behind the harassment.

“He keeps sending notices to all the artists, claiming he is the producer. He keeps saying ‘Meet me alone, madam, and this matter will be resolved,’” Sangeeta revealed. “He claims he has invested 2 crore 40 lakh rupees. Where is the proof? Who did he give this money to?”

Sangeeta explained she has been producing the 50-episode drama on the legendary 18th century poet Bulleh Shah for two and a half years, and cited writer Parvez Kaleem and other artists as witnesses to her role as producer.

“I have directed 80 films, worked in 150 films, and produced 50 films as a producer. I have never experienced anything like this,” she said.

Director Syed Noor, who is married to actress Saima, also spoke out. 

“We are those people from the film industry who only endure hardships. We provide entertainment, we give respect, we portray the world in our films, but what do we get in return?” Syed Noor asked.  

“My wife Saima is a brave woman. The way she faced that harassment, she handled it. But if this happens again in the future, if any artist, male or female, gets harassed like this, where will we go?”

He warned about the struggling state of the film industry.

“Our industry is fighting its own battles. If another incident happens, who will be responsible?” he questioned. “Earlier, people wouldn’t let us shoot. Now those in black coats [lawyers] are troubling us.”

Sangeeta revealed that actor Nauman Ejaz, who was part of the drama, refused to continue working due to the threats.

“Nauman Ejaz got so scared he said he won’t work until this matter is resolved. So I let him go, and his son worked in the drama instead,” she told members of the press. 

The veteran director also disclosed that Ahmed Jahangir Baloch called them just an hour before the press conference.

“He was asking where we are and what we are doing. How can someone call and ask me what I’m doing?” she voiced in frustration. 

Sangeeta appealed to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the Inspector General of Punjab to take the matter seriously.

“If this is how it’s going to be with senior artists like us, if this happens to me as a producer, director, and artist, then who else is safe? Perhaps they think because I’m a woman, they can harass me. But they don’t know how strong this woman’s children are,” she warned. 

The drama Bulleh Shah, which is nearly complete, tells the story of the Sufi poet who is buried in Kasur.  The shooting was taking place near the River Ravi in Lahore when the incident occurred.

Six Gulf countries have blocked the theatrical release of Ranveer Singh’s new spy thriller Dhurandhar. 

According to reports, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE all rejected the film after reviewing its content.

An Indian media outlet quoted a source as saying that officials perceived the film as anti-Pakistan in nature, noting that similar productions have consistently failed to secure releases in the region. Despite the filmmakers’ efforts to gain approval, all six countries refused to clear the film for screening.

Director Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar follows an Indian spy who operates in Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood. The trailer positions Lyari as “the very core of terrorism in Pakistan” and shows Singh’s character arriving to “wipe out terrorism” from the area.

The film features Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal, a character the trailer claims controls Pakistani politics. R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Akshay Khanna round out the cast.

Notably, the production incorporates real figures from Karachi’s recent past.

Sanjay Dutt portrays the late SP Chaudhry Aslam Khan, who served as a counter-terrorism police officer in Karachi. Akshaye Khanna plays Abdul Rehman Baloch, known as Rehman Dakait, a gang leader who died in a police encounter. 

The filmmakers market Dhurandhar as “inspired by incredible true events”. However, the connections the film draws between these Karachi figures and cross-border terror lack any documented basis. 

The trailer also features imagery resembling the 1999 Indian Airlines hijacking in Kandahar, suggesting the film weaves multiple narratives together under its “true events” claim.

Dhurandhar becomes the latest Indian production to face Gulf region bans. The pattern has accelerated in recent years as Bollywood produces more films centered on Pakistan and regional conflicts.