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Category: Entertainment

  • Mexico’s Fatima Bosch Crowned Miss Universe 2025

    Mexico’s Fatima Bosch Crowned Miss Universe 2025

    Fatima Bosch of Mexico has been crowned Miss Universe 2025, triumphing in a competition overshadowed by controversy and internal drama. The 25-year-old humanitarian and volunteer emerged as a fan favorite after a public clash with a Thai pageant director sparked a walkout by fellow contestants.

    Bosch received the crown from last year’s winner, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, during Friday’s finale in Nonthaburi, Thailand. The event, often described as the “Super Bowl” of beauty pageants, drew millions of viewers worldwide and featured representatives from 120 countries.

    Thailand’s Praveenar Singh finished as runner-up, while Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo, and Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé rounded out the top five. In a historic first, Nadeen Ayoub represented the Palestinian people, advancing to the semifinal round of 30 before being eliminated.

    The finale, hosted by American comedian Steve Byrne and opened by Thai singer Jeff Satur, followed weeks of rehearsals and cultural showcases. Contestants competed in swimwear, evening gown, and national costume rounds, with Miss USA Audrey Eckert drawing attention for her elaborate bald eagle ensemble.

    Bosch impressed judges with her message of empowerment, telling the audience: “Believe in the power of your authenticity. Your dreams matter, your heart matters. Never let anyone make you doubt your worth.”

    This year’s pageant was marked by turbulence. At a pre-pageant meeting, Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil berated Bosch for not posting promotional content, allegedly calling her a “dumbhead.” Bosch resisted the remarks, prompting Nawat to call security. Contestants walked out in solidarity, and the incident drew condemnation from Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum, who praised Bosch’s composure.

    The Miss Universe Organization later restricted Nawat’s role and issued a statement condemning his behavior. Nawat apologized but declined further comment.

    Additional controversy erupted when former Miss Universe Alicia Machado made racist remarks in a livestream discussing the incident, sparking backlash online.

    Meanwhile, two judges resigned days before the finale. Composer Omar Harfouch alleged the contest was rigged, claiming an “impromptu” panel had pre-selected semifinalists. The organization rejected his claims as a mischaracterization of the judging process. Former French soccer star Claude Makélélé also stepped down, citing personal reasons.

    The competition unfolded under new leadership after Thai media tycoon Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip stepped down in June. Mario Búcaro was appointed CEO in October, just before delegates arrived. Jakkaphong, a transgender rights advocate, had purchased the organization in 2022 for $20 million, but her company later filed for bankruptcy.

    Despite the controversies, the pageant concluded with Bosch’s victory celebrated by fans across Mexico and beyond. The next Miss Universe competition is scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico in 2026.

  • Episodes that give every Pakistani woman her voice: Case No.9 makes history

    Episodes that give every Pakistani woman her voice: Case No.9 makes history

    It was episode 17 of Case No.9 that totally blew up Pakistani television. An episode that said things with such clarity and force that have never been said before, an episode that made women feel empowered by law, highlighted the struggle rape victim’s deal with with such legal force that you couldn’t help but thank Pakistan’s law on rape and in particular Justice Ayesha Malik. Beenish (Amina Shaikh) delivered the performance of a lifetime, her best yet, and it was goosebumps on screen. Her counterpart Bukhari (Noor-ul-Hasan) also was the perfect contrast to her as Beenish laid down facts vs. fictions, truth vs. stereotypes. 

     

    She mentions a rape case verdict that says a woman’s past cannot be called into question if shes been raped. The background doesnt matter: the rape does. It doesnt matter if the woman is a virgin or not, it doesn’t matter if she is divorced or not, all that matters is that she is raped – or not. It is these true, landmark cases that we need our society and its women to be aware of and Beenish does a stellar, stellar job.  She quotes statistics that are hard, and scary truths about Pakistan: Eight children are sexually abused in the country everyday, women, regardless of what they wear are harassed on a daily basis and you also see Bukhari trying to find stats to counter her, but unable to do so.

     

    This was Beenish’s moment, every Pakistani woman’s moment too. Hope is here in Case No.9 and here to stay.

     

    That’s not it. In a day-dream sequence we see Sehar (Saba Qamar) getting up in the courtroom and confronting her attacker, her rapist regardless of court decorum. She faces him with the strength we know she possesses but is unable to show given court decorum and in that moment, we are happy for her as she is mentally able to face her worst nightmare. Hope is here to stay for Sehar too.

     

    And Kiran (Rushna Khan) is not far behind either. In episode 18, Kiran finally leaves Kamran (Faysal Quraishi), as she is finally convinced, after confronting Rohit (Junaid Khan) that her husband has done ‘something wrong’ when he admits that he flirted with Sehar – unknowingly admits it, of course. We see her leaving with her little baby girl, a very scary thing to do for a new mother, but she takes the stand nonetheless. There is hope of freedom for Kiran too.

     

    And we also hear of an older rape survivour, who was raped by Kamran before, who contacts Sehar and says that she finally as the guts to speak up after hearing Sehar did too. Hope that others will also have hope to speak up and get justice.

     

    Case No.9 is the breakthrough drama we didn’t know we needed, where women come together to support each other in life and in its struggles. Be it a wife, a survivor or a lawyer, they are all connected and lets not also forget that the words used are also so important. Sehar calls herself a rape survivor and she proves that she truly is not a victim. She has survived and that’s why there is hope.

  • ‘Apology or criminal prosecution’: Talha Anjum served legal notice for draping Indian flag

    ‘Apology or criminal prosecution’: Talha Anjum served legal notice for draping Indian flag

    Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum has been served a legal notice for draping the Indian flag during his concert in Kathmandu last week.

    Reports quoted the notice as claiming that the rapper “inflicted widespread outrage, mental anguish, and profound injury to the national, patriotic and religious sentiments of millions of Pakistani citizens both domestically and abroad”.

    It further stated that Talha’s actions “exacerbated existing tensions between Pakistan and India, where diplomatic and military relations remain severely strained due to historical conflicts, border disputes and ongoing security concerns”.

    The notice demanded an “unconditional public apology” from the rapper, warning that non-compliance would result in filing of an FIR and criminal prosecutions without further notice.

    It merits a mention that Talha’s move had earlier this week sparked extreme reactions from people on this side of the border.

    Critics reminded him that platforms, including YouTube and Spotify, had removed his tracks on Indian authorities’ orders, and questioned why he chose to show affection to a country where the government has “banned” him.

    Responding to the backlash, the 30-year-old rapper, known for his blunt attitude and quick temper, had refused to back down.

    “My heart has no place for hate. My art has no borders. If me raising an Indian flag sparks controversy so be it. I will do it again. I will never care about the media, the war mongering governments and their propagandas. Urdu rap is and will always be borderless [sic],” he had said in a post on X. 

  • Dhurandhar: Internet reacts to upcoming Bollywood movie on Operation Lyari

    Dhurandhar: Internet reacts to upcoming Bollywood movie on Operation Lyari

    The teaser for the upcoming Bollywood film Dhurandhar has sparked backlash in both Pakistan and India as audiences were taken aback over the representation of Karachi’s Lyari and the portrayal of Pakistan within the plot. The film features Ranveer Singh as a RAW agent who infiltrates Pakistan for a covert mission, while Arjun Rampal plays a Pakistani intelligence official named Major Iqbal, a character depicted as dedicated to harming India.

    R. Madhavan portrays Ajay Sanyal, a role inspired by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, who implies that Lyari plays a key role in militant activities and claims that it is crucial for Pakistan to be infiltrated to address threats. The trailer showcases sequences reminiscent of PPP rallies, images of the assassinated former Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and associated party flags, which fueled the online discourse.

    The reaction is part of a larger conversation regarding recent Indian films focused on Pakistan.

    Viewers also referred to other Bollywood films where Indian actors were cast as real-life Pakistani figures, such as Sanjay Dutt playing Karachi police officer Chaudhry Aslam and Akshaye Khanna portraying Lyari gang leader Rehman Dakait, roles that had already attracted criticism online.

    The discussion surrounding Dhurandhar intensified after the trailer circulated online, with viewers questioning how Bollywood portrays Pakistan’s issues as narrative elements.

    Users highlighted that the gang conflicts in Lyari stem from local rivalries and political affiliations within Karachi, without any connection to India.

    One social media commenter questioned the film’s intent, saying, “Do Pakistanis genuinely not recognize what the Indian government and film industry are promoting? This trailer aims to instill negativity in our minds and still profit from us.”

    Another user suggested that the cycle of reactions was uncalled for, stating, “This is just their way of releasing tension after Operation Tindoor. Let them produce the film, and watch it if you wish. Chill out and view it as entertainment. There’s no need to take any of this to heart.”

    Concerns also emerged regarding Sanjay Dutt’s role. One user remarked, “How is this even permissible? How can Sanjay Dutt portray someone like Chaudhry Aslam? He was a national figure for us. Casting Dutt in that role feels disrespectful.”

    Another reaction questioned the filmmakers’ perspective on Pakistan, stating, “Why is India making a movie on Pakistan’s internal gang war? Have the #Dhurandhar writer or director ever visited Pakistan? Let alone Lyari? Answer: No, but suna bahut hai.”

    Scheduled for release in early December, Dhurandhar continues to spark conversations across various platforms as viewers react to the trailer’s depiction of Pakistan.

  • Mahira Khan rejects claims of ‘silent rivalry’ with Saba Qamar

    Mahira Khan rejects claims of ‘silent rivalry’ with Saba Qamar

    Superstar Mahira Khan recently addressed speculation of an alleged “silent rivalry” with thespian Saba Qamar during an appearance on a television show, where she promoted her upcoming film Neelofar alongside fellow A-lister Fawad Khan.

    During the show, a fan asked Mahira about persistent rumors surrounding the interactions between the two actresses. The fan inquired, “There have always been media reports of your and Saba Qamar’s unspoken animosity, how true is this?”

    Mahira replied, “Not in the slightest. I have been asked this question numerous times, and my response has consistently been that there is absolutely nothing of the sort from my side; it is entirely untrue.”

    Mahira elaborated on how such narratives often emerge when two prominent women are publicly discussed. 

    She stated, “This is a global phenomenon. When people observe two powerful and successful women together, they tend to pit them against one another.” She further noted that the attention often diverts to imagined disputes rather than their work, explaining that the situation “benefits everyone except those women.”

    She also praised Saba’s talents, saying, “I’m not trying to be diplomatic; I believe Saba is a fantastic actress.” 

    She mentioned that while she and Saba have not yet collaborated, she would be open to it. “If we end up working together on a project, it could potentially result in an excellent outcome.”

    The public dialogue surrounding the two actresses began in 2019 when Saba appeared on The Munshi Show. When questioned about her relationship with Mahira, Saba commented, “We are not friends.” 

    The statement sent social media into hyperdrive. Later, Saba clarified that there were no issues between them, asserting, “There’s no problem between us, primarily because we have never interacted or worked together. She is excelling in her own field, and I am doing the same in mine.”

    Since that time, Mahira has been asked about the issue repeatedly and has consistently maintained that there is no conflict from her end. Saba’s responses have also remained unchanged, with both actresses stating that they operate independently and that the discussion if a rivalry arises from assumptions rather than any personal experiences.

  • Ahsan Khan slams societal attitudes on mental health

    Ahsan Khan slams societal attitudes on mental health

    Ahsan Khan slams societal attitudes on mental health 

    Actor Ahsan Khan has slammed Pakistani society for its careless attitude about mental health. 

    “Mental health is not considered a problem in our society. People say with ease that it is not a disease,” he said during an appearance on a television show. Talking about how people react to discussions on mental health, the actor observed that people say, “You are Muslim, you cannot have this disorder.” He then elaborated his own response: “I always ask, can Muslims not get diabetes, do they not suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure), do they not get other diseases or do they not get injured?” 

    “You can’t see a visible wound with mental health but does that mean it is not a disorder?” 

    Ahsan then went on to promote seeking both medical and spiritual help for mental health problems. He outlined passages from the Holy Quran that can help someone who suffers from depression.  

    “If you have suffered a chemical balance, or some nutrient has been depleted inside you or you have a gut problem, it can lead to depression. You can treat it with medical science and as for spiritual treatment, there is no better cure than the Holy Quran,” Ahsan stated.

  • Malika’s cage: Why Pamaal is hitting Pakistani women straight in the heart

    Malika’s cage: Why Pamaal is hitting Pakistani women straight in the heart

    The drama Pamaal has created waves for the right reasons. It’s a drama that so many women are relating to and opening up about their own lives or the lives of people that they know. 

    Malika (Saba Qamar) is married to Raza (Usman Mukhtar) and they have a troubled marriage because of his extreme possessiveness. But the way that he deals with her, flip flopping between love and anger, caging her in her home and then letting her go out, mostly with him, is the quintessential narcissist that a lot of Pakistani women have lived with – or so it seems by the comments that are going around about the drama.

    The pain Malika faces is also intense where she loves him but is unable to leave him. When she does leave him, her mother convinces her to go back with the typical reasons – patience, sabr, shame, badnaami. What hits you harder is that Malika’s mamoo is more receptive to her needs and her self respect. It’s so heartbreaking to see Malika raise herself up and try to break the pattern and the life she is in and then be pushed down by herself and her mother. And it’s so bittersweet that she says that she would never do that to her daughter. 

    What also hits hard in these episodes is that she has resigned herself to believe that she can’t do things herself. She tells Raza that she can’t go out on her own, she’s too used to going with him, she goes shopping with her sister-in-law and her sister in law’s watch stops working and she doesn’t realise that it’s time to pick up her daughter. And Malika gets very, very upset, borderline hyperventilating and you can feel the trauma she’s living in and is now so used to that she doesn’t even realise that there is a way to be free. The queen we saw in the beginning is now the slave and doesn’t even know it anymore.

    The hope is that we know that she either leaves him or manages to push herself out of her cage to become an acclaimed and famous writer and is now telling her story. A story that is so painful for so many to watch. 

    In the recent episodes, 12-14 we know that she’s spent a lot of years with Raza, with a daughter in school and we know about the turning point in her life when Raza is arrested for corruption.

    How will she raise herself up to become the woman she was meant to be? And what’s worse is, if Raza wasn’t arrested and standing over her with the key of the cage, would she have been able to get out? 

    Only time will tell and we can’t wait see how she finally breaks through and re-emerges as the Malika that she is. 

  • Fawad Khan doesn’t use social media for a very relatable reason

    Fawad Khan doesn’t use social media for a very relatable reason

    Superstar Fawad Khan is not only Pakistan’s favourite actor but also its most reclusive one as the notoriously private star doesn’t use social media much except to promote his projects. 

    During a recent appearance on a comedy show where Fawad was promoting his upcoming film release Neelofer with fellow A-lister Mahira Khan, the actor was asked by a fan, “Why don’t we see you a lot on social media?” 

    After the host cracked a joke about not having a Wi-Fi connection at home, Fawad told the fan, “I don’t want to reply to this question because a lot of people are active on social media and they might get offended.” 

    He then went on to say, “I am just not fond of it [social media]. If I meet fans, if a fan wants to talk to me, I would love to talk to them with great happiness.”

    “Its the kind of thing that makes me think that I too might become addicted to social media. I would like to keep it out of my life,” Fawad emphasised. 

    The host then asked, “Is that why you stay away from it?” 

    The actor then went to elaborate more seriously: “Yes. I am an emotional man. I feel that once you are active on social media, it becomes difficult to control yourself.” 

    His co-star Mahira, who was looking gorgeous in a pink sari that complimented Fawad’s pink shawl, is an active social media user with 11.7million followers on Instagram. 

    Neelofer will release on November 28 after being stuck in production for years. The film stars Fawad, Mahira and Madeeha Imam. Fawad also serves as co-producer while the highly anticipated romantic film is written and directed by Adnan Rasool.

  • Pakistan-India mashup by Indian singer garners millions of views

    Pakistan-India mashup by Indian singer garners millions of views

    An Indian singer content creator who goes by the handle ritvikmunjal on Instagram has created a mashup of two Pakistani and one Indian song that has racked up over 3.1 million views in just four days.

    The songs that have been featured in the mashup include Sabaat Batin’s smash hit Gal Sun, 2025’s monster hit Pal Pal and Indian singer Vikram Sarkar’s latest banger Naam Chale. 

    As the mashup went viral, Sabaat wasted no time in commenting on the catchy mashup, writing “Aaha ” in the comments. The Chandigarh based singer replied with a heartfelt “thank you paaji”. 


    Gal Sun has become a monstrous hit within two months of its release, racking up more than 6.4 million streams. The Punjabi hit has been featured in numerous TikToks, setting records on both sides of the border.

    Pal Pal by Afusic has been streamed more than 8.5 million times on Spotify alone while Vikram Sarkar’s Naam Chale has also racked up more than eight million streams.

  • Journalist Shahzeb Khanzada looks absolutely unbothered in latest click by wife

    Journalist Shahzeb Khanzada looks absolutely unbothered in latest click by wife

    Days after a viral video showed journalist and anchor Shahzeb Khanzada being publicly harassed by an unidentified alleged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporter, actor Rushna Khan has taken to social media to share a picture of her husband, suggesting that the journalist remains unbothered in the face of conflicting opinions.

    As per the details, netizens are divided over a viral video that showed Khanzada being accosted by a frustrated man who hurled abuses at him at what appeared to be a clothing store. In the video, the man told the anchor he should be “ashamed” of “what he has done against [former ousted prime minister] Imran Khan and his wife”.

    With the video drawing widespread condemnations from journalists, politicians and the general public alike, who also praised Khanzada for not engaging with the man, some chose to defend the unidentified man’s actions.

    Amid a war of words over the internet, Khanzada’s wife on Monday took to her Instagram account to share a picture of her husband’s athletic build, underscoring his commitment to fitness.

    “This is what commitment looks like,” she wrote, prompting netizens to point out how the journalist and his family seemed unbothered by what was termed unacceptable behaviour of the alleged PTI supporter.

    It may be noted that the man from the viral video did not provide an explanation for the allegations he levelled against the anchorperson. However, former PTI minister Shahbaz Gill shared an old clip of Khanzada talking about the Iddat case, filed against Bushra Bibi and Imran by her former husband Khawar Maneka, on his show.

    The video had come two days after The Economist published an article covering Imran’s marriage to Bushra Bibi and her alleged influence in his decision-making as the country’s premier.

    As several people on social media came to Khanzada’s defence, they also lauded his reaction, terming it graceful.