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Category: Entertainment

  • Is Ayesha Omar leaving Pakistan?

    Is Ayesha Omar leaving Pakistan?

    Superstar Ayesha Omar has said that she thinks about leaving Pakistan because she doesn’t feel secure due to the current economic situation and concerns about women’s safety.


    During a podcast, she shared her feelings, saying, “I want to walk on the road and enjoy fresh air, but I can’t. I want to cycle, but why can’t I do it?” She mentioned feeling stressed and anxious in Karachi, not feeling safe, which she believes is a common feeling among many women.
    Ayesha wants to be able to walk on the streets and enjoy fresh air without feeling anxious or stressed. She pointed out that men might not fully understand the fears and challenges faced by women in Pakistan. Despite her love for the country, she feels frustrated about the lack of freedom and safety.
    She mentioned her love for Pakistan, acknowledging that the country has given her everything. “I love the land, and if I had the choice to live anywhere in the world, I would choose Pakistan.”
    It’s a tough situation, but she’s not alone in her feelings. Her brother has already moved abroad, and her mother is also planning to leave.

  • BTS’ Jungkook dominates Billboard Music Awards 2023

    BTS’ Jungkook dominates Billboard Music Awards 2023

    Jungkook from BTS just achieved a HUGE milestone in the music world! His new solo song, ‘Standing Next To You’ is now at the top of the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart in the United States.

    Jungkook has been making waves as a solo artist since 2023, proving himself to be a major player in the industry. His debut album, “GOLDEN,” dropped on November 3, and the lead track from that album snagged the number one spot on the Billboard chart. It’s a big deal because last week, Taylor Swift was holding the top position with her song “You’re Losing Me.”

    Jungkook’s solo success is making headlines as he surpasses well-known artists and establishes himself as a major force in the music industry.

  • Zahara: South African Music Star Passes Away at 36

    Zahara: South African Music Star Passes Away at 36

    South African singer Zahara, who rose from an impoverished rural background to find rapid fame with multi-platinum selling albums and delivered her unique version of wistful Afro-soul in her country’s isiXhosa language and in English, has died, her family said Tuesday. She was 36.

    Zahara, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, died Monday, her family said in a statement posted on her official page on X, formerly Twitter. It gave no cause of death. The family said last month that Zahara had been admitted to a hospital with an undisclosed issue and had asked for privacy.

    “She was a pure light, and an even purer heart, in this world,” her family said in Tuesday’s statement.

    Zahara’s debut 2011 album “Loliwe” — meaning “The Train” — was certified double platinum and became South Africa’s second-fastest selling album after the 1997 record “Memeza” by Brenda Fassie, an icon of South African music.

    Just 23 when “Loliwe” was released, Zahara was a sensation and immediately compared with Fassie, who also died young at 39.

    Zahara won 17 South African music awards, was also recognized in Nigeria and was included on a list of the 100 most influential women in the world in 2020 by the BBC. She released four more albums — one of them triple platinum and one platinum.

    Zahara’s death prompted reaction from across South Africa, including all major political parties and South Africa’s Parliament, which said in a statement “it was difficult to accept the news of Zahara’s passing” at such a young age.

    Zahara became known as South Africa’s “Country Girl,” a testament to her upbringing in the rural Eastern Cape province, but also how her award-winning music came with a highly-effective simplicity; through her voice and an acoustic guitar. Her songs were marked with references to her Christian religion but also to South Africa’s painful history of apartheid, even if she was only a young child when it ended.

    In the single “Loliwe” — from the same album — “Loliwe” was the train that carried fathers, brothers and sons to the big city of Johannesburg to find work during the time of racial segregation. Many didn’t return and their families were left to wonder what had happened to them. The song was about “lingering hope,” Zahara said in 2012. But the lyrics also included the phrase “wipe your tears,” which she said urged those left behind to “pick yourself up and look forward.”

    It resonated with a new generation of post-apartheid South Africans.

    “She inspired us with Loliwe,” South African Music Awards spokesperson and former music journalist Lesley Mofokeng told TV channel Newzroom Afrika. “You could not ignore Loliwe. Her voice could reach the heavens.”

    In an interview published by her record label after Loliwe’s release, Zahara said she began playing guitar on her own and wrote the songs for her first album without knowing what the chords were called.

    “All along I was just using my ears,” she said.

  • Nepali TikTok Influencers Upset After Unexpected Ban

    Nepali TikTok Influencers Upset After Unexpected Ban

    Nepali influencer Anjana Aryal went from homemaker to entrepreneur by sharing recipes on TikTok, but her lucrative business collapsed last month when the Himalayan republic banned the Chinese-owned short video app.

    Filming with her mobile phone in one hand and cooking with the other, Aryal rapidly became a social media star in Nepal last year, garnering millions of views from a following of nearly 600,000 people.

    That all came to a sudden halt when Nepal banned TikTok to protect “social harmony”, following similar restrictions imposed in other countries on concerns over data security, obscene content and its owner’s alleged ties to the Chinese government.


    “My life changed a lot because of TikTok, a lot,” Aryal, 39, told AFP from her home in Kathmandu. “So many recognise me because of TikTok wherever I go.”
    She earned nearly $3,000 from endorsement deals just in October, more than double Nepal’s average yearly income.


    Encouraged by her audience, Aryal also started a business selling her own brand of pickles, which saw her inbox flooded with orders.


    But since the ban, Aryal and other prominent Nepali content creators have seen their revenue streams dry up, jeopardising their livelihoods.
    “People were earning, running businesses or just being entertained on TikTok. Everyone has been affected now and they don’t know what to do,” she said.
    Owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms on the planet with more than one billion users.
    Its explosive growth has given its content creators and influencers an immense audience, and its editing features and AI-powered algorithm have proved particularly attractive.


    But the algorithm is opaque and often accused of putting users into content silos, and the platform has also been blamed for spreading disinformation.
    It has faced intense scrutiny in the United States and other nations over user data security and the company’s alleged ties to Beijing.
    TikTok announces $1.5bn deal to restart Indonesia online shopping business


    Multiple countries have sought to tighten controls on TikTok, and the platform has been banned in neighbouring India.
    ‘Start from zero’
    Growing criticism of the app has worried influencers around the world.
    Others in the United States have voiced fears to local media about losing thousands of dollars in income if bans are enforced.
    Nepal’s government justified its ban on the platform by accusing it of damaging the Himalayan republic’s social fabric.
    It came days before a huge rally called by a prominent businessman who was using TikTok to organise a campaign demanding the reinstatement of Nepal’s monarchy.


    Dozens of content creators staged a rally in Kathmandu demanding the ban be lifted last month.
    Advocate Dinesh Tripathi, who is challenging the decision in court, said the ban was an attack on people’s freedom of speech because the government was fearful of “dissenting voices”.


    Manish Adhikari, who uses TikTok to discuss cars and Nepali start-ups, said he had several endorsement deals scuttled by the ban.
    “Brands started to call me… and I wondered if I was getting out of business, is my work going to stop?” Adhikari said.
    Adhikari has shifted to Instagram but the views and followings are a fraction of his earlier audience.


    “I lost all my audience because I was not as active on any other platform,” he said. “Now I have to start from zero.”
    There are around 2.2 million TikTok users among Nepal’s 30 million people, according to the Internet Service Providers Association.
    But Monayac Karki, founder of Nepali influencer marketing agency Uptrendly, said TikTok’s popularity had been rising exponentially.


    He added that the ban had torpedoed a market with an estimated worth in excess of $5 million each year for advertisers and content creators, and which was set to grow rapidly.
    “I really hope this ban is a temporary one and it will be lifted soon,” he said.

  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine ‘Captain’ dies

    Brooklyn Nine-Nine ‘Captain’ dies

    Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Andre Braugher, famously known as Captain Holt, has passed away at the age of 61.

    He rose to fame with his role of a police officer in Homicide: Life On The Street, as detective Frank Pembleto, and was loved dearly among comedy fans for playing Captain Holt in the Andy Samberg-starrer sitcom.

    Terry Crews, who played Lieutenant Terry Jeffords in the Golden Globe-winning series, took to his Instagram account to express disbelief in the shocking news.

    “Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship. Deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like. Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man,” he wrote.

    Chelsea Peretti, who played Gina, shared a picture of Andre with his portrait in police uniform and penned: “Love you ❤ ️ I will always cherish our conversations, often with me hanging in your doorway barring your exit, and the insane opportunity to be your sidekick.”

    His on-screen husband Marc Evan Jackson, who played Kevin, penned a short and sweet tribute: “O Captain. My Captain.”

    Jo Lo Truglio, aka Charles Boyle, wrote on his handle: “I miss him so much already. What an honor to work with a man who knew what it was really all about. I feel blessed and thankful. Miss you Capt Holt.”

    Joel McKinnon Miller and Dirk Blocker, known as Detective Scully and Detective Hitchcock, respectively, also extended their condolences while singing praise for Andre’s talent.

    “Sending love to Andre’s family and friends and all of us who had the honor of working with him,” Joel penned.

    “The 9 years I was able to work with him and to just be in his presence was truly a blessing. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family,” Dirk wrote.

    Melissa Fumero, who played B99’s female lead Amy Santiago, shared a picture from an old carousel she posted which featured Andre’s precinct office.

    Kyra Sedgwick, the actress who played Captain Holt’s rival Captain Madelaine Wuntch, wrote on her Instagram stories, “Playing his other half in Brooklyn Nine Nine will forever be one of the highlights of my career.”

  • Hasan Raheem in love with a new band in Shahzad Roy’s school

    Hasan Raheem in love with a new band in Shahzad Roy’s school

    Veteran singer and overall good guy Shahzad Roy posted a super cool video on social media. In the video, heartthrob singer Hasan Raheem can be seen performing with talented young students at Zindagi Trust’s school, Roy’s pet project. The heartwarming moment showed how important it is to have music education. Plus, it proved how initiatives like Zindagi Trust can have a positive impact on nurturing young talent.

    Shehzad Roy is all about making changes in education in Pakistan. He even introduced chess as a subject in a government school.

    “‘Chess is gambling.” He shared, “I first heard this when I introduced chess as a subject in government school. Fast forward to today: Hasan Raheem has found his new band in the form of young girls of Zindagi Trust’s adopted government school, the same school, where both chess and music are now school subjects”,Shehzad Roy Wrote in his tweet.

    Raheem himself took to X (former Twitter) to share his feelings about the experience, saying, “Seeing these future leaders of Pakistan playing their instruments, cheerfully humming my song, Aisay Kaisay, made me realise that the future of our girls is shiny and bright. It was touching and emotional. Zindagi Trust, you have all my respect and love.”

    The video really captured the lively atmosphere of the school, where the arts are flourishing. Shahzad Roy’s post showed how proud he is of his educational initiatives and the amazing talent that’s emerging in the school.In the video, Hasan Raheem looked happy, surrounded by a group of talented young girls who not only share his love for music but also have some seriously impressive musical skills.

  • Ali Ansari’s new song is pure aspirational fantasy

    Ali Ansari’s new song is pure aspirational fantasy

    Singer Ali Ansari has released a new song called Escobar, and it’s getting a lot of attention. Unlike many Pakistani hip-hop songs that talk about going from poor to rich, Ansari does something different. He follows the Western style of showing off wealth, enjoying parties, and living a fancy life.


    In his song, Ansari proudly talks about being rich, making it clear that he lives a life that most people can only dream of. The music video adds to the overall effect by showing Ansari with fancy cars and piles of money.
    The term “Desi Columbia” is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the country’s cartels, making it seem like he’s as powerful and rich as a mafia boss or a big superstar. Ansari’s lyrics mention his expensive shoes that groove all night and the dollars around him. He even shares his playlist, including Jay-Z, to show his love for Western hip-hop.
    Even though Ansari admits that his dealings might be a bit “shady,” he confidently says he’s a millionaire, and everything is fine. The song might not be everyone’s favorite, but it’s different and definitely worth a listen.

  • Tiktokers Maaz Safder, Kanwal Aftab slam Fahad Mustafa

    Tiktokers Maaz Safder, Kanwal Aftab slam Fahad Mustafa

    Popular TikTokers Maaz Safder and Kanwal Aftab have hit back at Fahad Mustafa’s recent criticism of YouTubers and lifestyle vloggers.


    In a recent episode of the “Nonstop Podcast,” Maaz Safder, joined by Kanwal Aftab and Jalal Karim, addressed Fahad Mustafa’s comments. Maaz Safder choose not to react immediately and highlighted the similarity in their work. He mentioned that everyone, including actors in films, have to support their families.


    Kanwal Aftab questioned the difference between selling something on social media and on television, pointing out that people on TV are also selling something. Host Jalal Karim added that family vlogging is usually watched by families, indicating its relatability.
    Maaz Safder further emphasized that normalizing slapping on television is not acceptable. It’s great to see influencers and vloggers standing up for themselves and expressing their perspectives.

  • Zara issues clarification over controversial photoshoot, Faryal Makhdoom calls it ‘utter b/s’

    Zara issues clarification over controversial photoshoot, Faryal Makhdoom calls it ‘utter b/s’

    Spanish fashion label Zara has removed all the pictures of their latest campaign which took the internet by storm for its glaring similarity with the ongoing siege of Gaza. “Zara regrets that misunderstanding and we reaffirm our deep respect towards everyone,” states the statement of the brand.

    The statement says that the idea was purely artistic and it was conceived and executed way before October 7.

    Netizens are commenting and criticising Zara without having any qualms as a fashion blogger and YouTuber Faryal Makhdoom commented, “whatever, utter b/s”.

    Blogger Sana Khader posted, “How easy for you to come and gaslight us. We all know it was intentional. What do you have to tell us about the Map of Palestine in the background of your pictures? Was it also planned before? Don’t be ridiculous. You’re done.”

    Model Romi Allata, commented, “Boycott Zara FOREVER , Now the whole world can know the true you we don’t need a toxic apology.”

    Previously, fashion label Zara ignited a new wave of controversy with its recently launched ad campaign, with model Kristen McMenamy standing in a room with mannequins covered in white shrouds surrounded by rubble.

    The caption however suggests that Zara’s latest is a “limited edition collection” to celebrate the label’s “commitment to craftsmanship and passion for artistic expression”. However, internet users are alleging that the ad bears a striking resemblance to images of Gaza under Israeli airstrikes.


    Zara has not offered any official statement addressing the claims. However, the most controversial picture from the ad campaign, featuring the model holding a ‘body’ wrapped in white sheets appears to have been removed from the label’s Instagram and Twitter.


    “And the award for the most tone-deaf brand of the year goes to Zara. Using imagery of Israel’s genocide of Palestinians to sell their fast fashion brand of clothing,” criticised a Twitter user.


    Pro-Palestinian accounts took to Twitter to start the campaign against the Spanish retailer for it to be banned altogether for using genocide in Gaza to promote their new collection. #boycottzara has been trending on Twitter ever since.


    Some were reminded of the heart-wrenching picture of a mother holding her dead child in funerary shrouds, almost similar to the one posted by Zara.


    Others demanded the brand be boycotted for hitting a new low.


    In 2021, the company experienced a similar backlash after its head designer, Vanessa Perilman, made anti-Palestinian comments on social media.
    “Maybe if your people were educated then they wouldn’t blow up the hospitals and schools that Israel helped to pay for in Gaza,” Perilman had told Palestinian model Qaher Harhash on Instagram.

    Actor Ushna Shah laments the world we live in where they are openly killing and openly mocking.


    Zara’s branches in occupied territories reportedly suffered significant financial losses due to the previous boycott, estimated at tens of millions of shekels within a short period.


    Since October 7, many have joined the boycott campaign against several multinational brands for their links to Israel and in some cases their support for them.


    The brands include McDonalds, KFC, Starbucks, and H&M, among others.

  • Are Ahmed Ali Akbar and Yumna Zaidi getting married? Ahmed addresses rumours

    Are Ahmed Ali Akbar and Yumna Zaidi getting married? Ahmed addresses rumours

    Ahmed Ali Akbar and Yumna Zaidi are one of the on-screen couples having a huge fanbase all over the world and like many other celebrity on-screen pairs audiences root for them to turn into real-life couples. It was Gauzarish which put the two on the map but their scintillating chemistry caught the attention of fans in Yeh Raha Dil as Zaki and Hayat and in Parizad where Ahmed was playing the titular character and Yumna was his ultimate love interest, Annie.

    Ahmed has been promoting his film Gunjal nowadays and in every other interview he is asked about his chemistry with the leading actress Zaidi. While giving an interview he expressed his desire to do a full-blown romantic drama with Yumna for the fans.

    On ARY Zindagi’s talk show, the actor was asked by the host Ayaz Samo with which colleague he would like the rumours to be spread, to which Ahmed instantly replied with Yumna. Later on, he elaborated that thanks to propaganda YouTubers, the rumours of their marriage were already circulating.

    He revealed that he received congratulatory calls from people who believed in the speculated marriage between him and Yumna. However, he promptly debunked the misinformation, asserting that the news of their alleged marriage was entirely false, crushing the hopes of fans who longed to witness their favourite on-screen couple tie the knot in real life.

    Despite refuting the marriage rumour, Ahmed Ali Akbar left room for playful speculations with Yumna Zaidi, hinting that he ‘wouldn’t mind’ such rumours circulating about them.