Jewish- American filmmaker Sarah Friedland spoke out against Israel’s genocide of Gaza during an awards ceremony at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday. While accepting the Luigi de Laurentiis prize for best first film for ‘Familiar Touch,’ Sarah Friedland said, “I’m accepting this award on the 336th day of Israel’s genocide in Gaza and 76th year of occupation,” as loud applause broke out in the packed hall.
“I believe it is our responsibility as filmmakers to use the institutional platforms through which we work to redress Israel’s impunity on the global stage. I stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and their struggle for liberation,” Friedland stressed as the applause continued.
Israel’s genocide in Gaza has now entered its 12th month, with over 40,939 people killed and 94,619 wounded since October 7, 2023.
Actress Humaima Malik gave a quick-witted answer to a question about Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi’s visit to Pakistan.
Famous Indian journalist Shehryar Faridoon interviewed Feroze Khan and her sister Humaima Malik online.
Faridoon asked Humaima what she would do if Emraan Hashmi visited Pakistan, giving he two hypothetical options: Would she make him wear a burqa at the airport so he is protected from women, or would she ask all the women to stay home so she (Humaima) can spend some time with him alone?
The actress did not choose any options and replied, “I will tell all the girls to go that Emraan Hashmi is coming, and Emi (Emraan Hashmi) will also be happy about it.”
Humaima Malik said, “The option of bringing him from the airport wearing a burqa is an exciting option, but he likes to show off; he enjoys his stardom.”
When asked what she would question Hashimi about in a podcast, she said, “How can you be so full of yourself? How do you do it?”
She also said she would like to work with Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali if given the option.
Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt is back with an intense, thrilling role in her upcoming film Jigra.
The short trailer released yesterday shows Bhatt in all her intensity as she takes off on a rescue mission to free her brother. The teaser is set to a cover of the old classic song ‘Phoolon Ka Taaro Ka’ and promises intense action and emotional depth.
After their parents’ deaths, Bhatt and her brother, played by Vedang Raina, had to survive on their own. Due to their father’s suicide leaving a long shadow over their lives, Alia Bhatt’s character is determined to save her brother from everybody.The film, produced by Karan Johar and written and directed by Vasan Bala Jigra, will be released in cinemas on October 11.
Khumariyaan recently took to Instagram to announce that they have added a new Pakhtun vocalist, Obaid Khan, to their music band. The news was met with support by many fans.
In the same Instagram post, the band shared that they aim to include “languages of our land”, i.e. languages of Pakistan, in their music.
Khumariyaan, known for being an instrumental band, was founded by rubab player Farhan ‘Bogey’ Bogra in 2005 and officially became a band in 2009. Bogra has always emphasised that the band belongs equally to all its members, each playing a vital role.
The group includes Bogra on the rubab, Shiraz Khan on the zerbaghali, Sparlay Rawail on lead guitar, and Aamer Shafiq on rhythm guitar.
Over the years, Khumariyaan has represented Pakistan at international platforms, including the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Texas.
After over a decade of promoting music from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bogra believes the band is ready to focus on promoting different languages.
Obaid Khan, a 28-year-old artist and anthropologist, is the perfect fit because of his multi-lingual abilities.
“Obaid has done his master’s in anthropology and has been singing and playing in KP for years. With him, we plan to promote Pashto, Kohistani, Hindko, and eventually even languages from Sindh and Punjab,” said Bogra.
Actress Alina Abbas Shah, star of the hit drama serial ‘Noor Jahan’, recently appeared as a guest on Aik Entertainment.
During the interview host asked Fatemah Abbas asked, “After you cross your twenties, you start experiencing weight issues, body image issues, was it the same when you entered the media industry?”
Alina replied, “Even if I lose as much weight as I can, the thought will always remain in my mind that I was 85 kg at that point.”
Talking about body shaming, The Noor Jahan opened up about her struggle with body image and the impact of weight gain after her role in the serial,
Alina said, “Maybe the clothes don’t fit, and what if I go back to being a size 12 or 14? I would still look big. That thought stays in the mind. You told me that now this thought is stuck in your mind. And then I stopped. I stopped. I said, ‘No, I’m not going to abuse myself and my body for anything or anyone.’ That’s what I’ve always loved. That should’s the only thing you have control over, right, and you’re ruining it, you’re abusing it. Why? Because people don’t like what they see, but you know, it did take a mental toll. It did, because I got really comfortable. I was a complainer, but I wasn’t doing anything about it because I myself couldn’t come to terms with the fact that I would have to work hard for this.”
“Hard work is the first step. Making up your mind and going for it is tough. I used to run away from the gym, thinking I can’t do this, to hell with it. But after that, I think those comments actually helped me make up my mind. That I can’t keep living like this because I don’t like it myself,” Alina Abbas added.
Actress and model Shameen Khan recently talked about love on Showtime with Ramiz Raja
The host Hina Niazi asked, “How many times have you fallen in love?”
“I’ve fallen in love many times, but one thing I’m sure of is that it was always genuine. I know that quantity does not matter at this time, as many times as I have, when I felt I was falling in love, I truly fell in love whenever. How many times? I don’t know. Whenever it happens, it is true and from the heart,” she said.
“I don’t think I should hide it, I tell it in my family too, and I am very expressive.
“I think love is such a feeling that it is necessary for you to be crazy in it,” Shameen Khan added.
Shameen also offered advice for relationship, saying, “If you realise that a person is not going to walk with you for long, then just part ways and have the courage to do so.”
Shameen last starred in the ‘Chaal’ drama was aired on Geo Entertainment, written by Nadia Ahmed and directed by Furqan Adam.
Bollywood’s famous rapper, Honey Singh, has revealed learning about Islamic teachings.
“Most of the information about me on the internet is false, but I deliberately did not correct it because I was waiting for the right time,” he said while discussing his personal life during a recent interview with Indian media.
“My story is very interesting. I used to play tabla at home. When my father admitted me to a school in Indian Punjab, I played tabla there as well. At the age of 12, I forgot the tabla and my religion and became an atheist. I learned about Hinduism from my spiritual guru and Sikhism from my upbringing at home. But after becoming an atheist, I decided not to believe in religion, yet kept learning about it,” he added.
“I shifted to Mohali in 2007. At that time, I was neither famous nor had any work—I was just a music producer. But during that time, I got an opportunity to learn about Islam from scholars and mystics. Despite learning about Islam, I still considered myself an atheist.”
“I took information about Islam from these scholars. When I used to sit with these religious figures, there was a different atmosphere. I was just an ordinary boy who asked tough questions to the scholars, but they always gave me answers to every question,” he said.
He then revealed that after gaining fame in 2011, “Instead of being grateful to the Almighty, I got involved with demonic forces. After that, both my life and mind deteriorated. In 2018, following an illness, I left atheism and became a believer.”
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has confirmed that he broke two ribs during a shoot for his new film ‘Sikandar.’
He, however, remains busy with the film’s production despite the injury.
Rumours circulated that he would not host Big Boss 18, but Salman clarified that he has started filming for the upcoming season.
Indian media also reported that Salman Khan arrived on the Big Boss’ set two days ago to shoot the promo video with a rib fracture, which has since gone viral.
In the video, Salman is seen stepping out of a car in a black three-piece suit and heading to the set. He was seen in pain during the shoot due to injury.
Salman Khan is recovering from rib fractures and has also resumed filming ‘Sikandar’ in Mumbai.
What do we need to survive? Just food, water, and air? No way! For us Pakistanis, dramas are equally important.
They are entertaining, and some aim to spread awareness in society. Not to mention, they balance all the feelings in one experience. Whether you watch a love story at the perfect time or a family drama, they keep us glued to the screen!
The Current has made a short list of three Pakistani dramas with stories filled with love, drama, and, of course, family.
DuniyaPur
DuniyaPur is a name that suggests thrilling stories waiting to develop, suspenseful stories as hidden truths unfold. The drama is about the rising and the underdogs eager to disrupt established powers to exact justice.
It stars Sami Khan as Mir Hassan, a brave police officer striving to uncover hidden truths and pave the way for positive change around DuniyaPur!
Manzar Sehbai plays Nawab Dil Awaiz, which destabilises Mir Hassan’s truths through fear, coercion, and policing this town’s deeds!
Alongside these are some of the most beloved acting personas of our generation: Ramsha Khan, Nauman Ijaz, and Khushhal Khan.
The storyline, packed with suspense and family drama, promises to pique viewers’ interest in the comfort of life and work.
The drama is produced by Multiverse Entertainment, scripted by Radain Shah, and directed by Shahid Shafaat.
DuniyaPur airs on 25th September 2024.
Baby Baji Ki Bahuwain
The sequel to Baby Baji, Baby Baji Ki Bahuwain, is coming soon.
The teaser highlights Baby Baji and Siddiqui Saab’s efforts to keep their children together, emphasising that children often only recognise their parents’ worth and wisdom after they are gone.
The story continues with Baby Baji’s children, and we’ll see how their lives unfold.
Will Asma forgive Naseer? Will Jamal and Azra stay together? Will Farhat and Wasif achieve their dreams? Stay tuned to find out!
Written by Mansoor Ahmed Khan and directed by Tehseen Khan, the drama stars Samina Ahmed, Saud Qasmi, Javeria Saud, Sunita Marshal, and more. ‘Baby Baji Ki Bahuwain’ is presented by iDream Entertainment.
Ishq Beparwah
If you’re in the mood for a sweet love story, ‘Ishq Beparwah’ seems to be the perfect choice.
Alizeh Shah and Affan Waheed pair up for the first time, and their chemistry is already winning hearts.
The story revolves around a girl ready for marriage and a guy who falls for her at first sight. It promises a lighthearted, feel-good romance without the usual dramatic twists, perfect for a relaxing watch.
Written by Samina Aijaz and directed by Ilyas Kashmiri, ‘Ishq Beparwah’ premieres September 16. Details on the remaining cast are yet to be revealed.
So, which will be your next reigning favourite show
Actor Zahid Ahmed, known for his performances in Ishq Zahe Naseeb, Naimat, and 101 Talaqain, talked about his character in the drama serial Gentleman.
During the launch of Shark Tank, Something Haute host Hassan Chaudhary said, “I have to ask about Faris for those who are really enjoying Faris’s performance, what would you like to say to them?”
Zahid replied, “I don’t love that character, I don’t even hate that character, I just did my job as an actor. For me, it’s enough that Humayun Bhai personally contacted me and asked me to play this character. It was a pleasure working with Humayun Saeed, Yumna, Adnan Siddiqui, and Sohail, so it was amazing; you just do your job when you sign it. I was up for it because I had never had the opportunity to work with him.”
Talking about Faris, Ahmed said, “You signed it, you do the job, man.”
Gentlemen is directed by Haissam Hussain and written by controversial writer Khalil Ur-Rehman Qamar. It airs on Green Entertainment on Sunday at 8:00 p.m.
