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Category: Entertainment

  • ‘Insensitive’: Waqar Zaka slams Nida Yasir’s claim he tried to sabotage her show

    ‘Insensitive’: Waqar Zaka slams Nida Yasir’s claim he tried to sabotage her show

    Television presenter and cryptocurrency expert Waqar Zaka fired back at actress and morning show host Nida Yasir over her claims that he tried to sabotage her show. In a video statement posted on his social media accounts, Waqar revealed he had complained about Nida’s conduct of hosting morning shows when she invited the parents of a deceased girl who was raped and then murdered. The show was subjected to intense controversy as Nida made the parents cry by asking them invasive and hurtful questions, which caused outrage.

    Waqar said that Nida claimed the parents had themselves requested to be invited on the show in order to gain media support to grant their daughter justice. However, he refuted these claims by sharing the video of an activist interviewing the parents, who revealed they were invited by Nida, rather than the other way round.

    Waqar debunked another claim made by Nida on her show, where she claimed the family had filed an FIR after their appearance. But as Waqar shared in the clip, the activist spoke with the victim’s parents who revealed they had filed it before making their appearance on the morning show.

    Waqar shared that these revelations had created an outrage on social media, which is when in 2020 he had encouraged his followers to file a report with PEMRA, and to message Salman Iqbal, the CEO of ARY, to remove Nida as a host.

    “It is insensitive how Nida exploited a case like this for the sake of getting ratings, and lied so much that she couldn’t even apologise after getting caught later,” said Waqar. “And also remember: a host is always aware of what goes on during the show. If the host approves something, then it appears on the show.”

    Waqar further added it’s time all the elderly hosts sitting on their morning shows should now consider letting go, and giving other young people a chance. He added Nida should host a contest to see who could replace her, and revealed he had complained to Salman Iqbal that other women should be given a platform because Nida was no ‘Oprah’ and nor did she hold any philosophy in her life.

    On Saturday, Nida made headlines when as a guest on Geo’s ‘Hasna Mana Hai’, she revealed Waqar Zaka had tried to sabotage her morning show as well as her career. She added the two were on good terms during the time he worked with the channel, but his demeanour changed when he left.

    “When Waqar left ARY, he started sending emails to the channel’s management, urging them to remove me from my morning show,” she confessed.

  • Contestants on Netflix’s ‘Squid Game Challenge’ are suing the show for injuries suffered

    Netflix released a reality television show based on the popular Korean series ‘Squid Games’, featuring contestants competing in a series of games for a coveted prize. However, news reports reveal that contestants are taking legal action against Netflix and the producers by claiming they suffered extensive injuries during filming.

    The players spoke about their experience in shooting some of the popular games from the show including ‘Red Light, Green Light’, in which players must try to reach the finish line without drawing the attention of the robot doll. British law firm Express Solicitors is representing two clients who had taken part in the contest. Both have said they had no idea about the risks they had to take while shooting during cold periods for long months. Filming for the games took place at Cardington Studios in Bedfordshire during a cold winter in Britain. Several participants required medical treatment.

    “Contestants thought they were taking part in something fun and those injured did not expect to suffer as they did. Now they have been left with injuries after spending time being stuck in painful stress positions in cold temperatures,” said the CEO of Express Solicitors Daniel Slade to The Guardian.

    Slade recalled one client who witnessed “seeing someone faint, then people shouting for medics. We have a case where someone complains of hypothermia. One had his hands turn purple from the cold.”

    The reality television series comes after the successful Korean drama, the most-watched show on Netflix, surpassing the popular British period drama “Bridgerton”. It received several Primetime Emmy Awards including Outstanding Drama Series, with Lee Jung-Jae winning Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama series, becoming the first Asian actor to do so.

    The series follows broke father Seong Gi-Hun, who decides to enroll in the games in order to provide for his mother, and win custody of his daughter.

  • ‘I don’t regret what I said’: Actress Mehar Bano reflects on controversial 2021 viral video

    ‘I don’t regret what I said’: Actress Mehar Bano reflects on controversial 2021 viral video

    Actress Mehar Bano appeared as a guest on Samaa news’ ‘Had Kar Di’ where she opened up about her viral 2021 video from Aurat March where she was seen defending gay rights. The video led to extensive backlash, with Mehar Bano receiving a lot of hate on social media. She has been open about how she sought therapy to deal with suicidal thoughts.

    Reflecting on the video, Mehar Bano revealed she did not regret what she had said, but feels she could have conveyed her words in a more understandable manner.

    “I don’t regret anything that I said. After the backlash I felt that maybe I should have worded things differently. Maybe the things I had tried to say regarding Aurat March, it wasn’t communicated well to the audience.

    “Whatever happened it was a learning experience for me,” Mehar Bano addded, “and I continued to learn from everything that happens around me and everything that I do.”

  • ‘Israel is the only country that keeps children as prisoners of war’: Gigi Hadid

    ‘Israel is the only country that keeps children as prisoners of war’: Gigi Hadid

    Palestinian-American supermodel Gigi Hadid has criticised Israeli for abusing and torturing Palestinian children as a tactic to destroy Gaza. During the four day ceasefire which began on Friday, several captives who were locked in Israeli prisons were released, including children.

    Gigi shared a picture of a Palestinian boy, who has developed mental health issues after remaining locked away in Israeli prisons. Taking to Instagram to share the picture of Ahmed Almansara, the model slammed Israel’s tactics of raping and torturing Palestinian children, a routine practice before the October 7 attacks.

    “Israel is the only country in the world that keeps CHILDREN AS PRISONERS OF WAR. ABDUCTION, RAPE, HUMILIATION, TORTURE, MURDER OF PALESTINIANS. YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS BEFORE OCTOBER 7 2023.”

    Gigi shared another news report revealing how Israelis were against the release of women and children by claiming that they were terrorists.

    “Israel sees any Palestinian as a ‘terrorist’. Any person supporting Palestinian rights as an ‘anti semite’ and any Jew that is opposed to the government’s actions as ‘self-hating’-even telling them to denounce their Judaism. So… everyone’s lying and wrong, except Israel?!

    If it wasn’t so evil and disturbing, it would be comedic.”

    Gigi shared another video by a Palestinian boy who prayed that the ceasefire is established for good and ends the war, writing that she prayed that every child deserves peaceful days.

  • In times of division and hatred, Kabli Pulao was the necessary television content we needed

    In times of division and hatred, Kabli Pulao was the necessary television content we needed

    Who would have thought that at a time when Pakistan is seeing discrimination and hatred displayed openly for the vulnerable Afghan refugees, we get to watch a television show displaying cultural solidarity and harmony in such a beautiful manner? When Green Entertainment announced ‘Kabli Pulao’ among their list of to-be-released dramas, many were curious about whether it would follow the lines of the misogynist trope involving an old man marrying a younger woman, given the wide age gap between the main lead actors Sabeen Farooq and Mohammed Ehteshamuddin. But, this is a show every person needs to watch to accept our cultural differences, and that no one is an ‘illegal alien’.

    The drama centres around elderly bachelor Hajji Mushtaq, who spent his life caring for his sisters and their children, and is lovingly referred to as ‘baray abba’ by them. When he meets Barbeena while travelling in Mardan, her brother begs him to marry her to protect her from falling into the hands of her abusive brother-in-law. Hajji Mushtaq reluctantly agrees to do so.

    Their marriage is obviously not met with approval at first. Barbeena’s entry into Mushtaq’s family is met with scorn and racism. Mushtaq’s sisters Chammo and Zubaida at first suspect she is a spy, sent to take over their brother’s wealth and force them out of the family. Barbeena has to pretend she is a newly hired maid, and after a feud reveals that she is actually Mushtaq’s wife, she is met with accusations of shaming the honour of the family.

    But the willingness displayed by Barbeena to win over the family, and especially how she brings joy into Hajji Mushtaq’s life, and then slowly for the rest of the family members, is something no other drama has ever displayed. It is Barbeena’s Afghan background that helps her win over everyone else. In episode four, the family fawns over her roghni naans and her kabli pulao. Barbeena bonds with the younger children by singing Afghan songs, sharing her traditional dresses and dancing with them. Soon she partners with Hajji Mushtaq to set up her business selling the kabli pulao to customers.

    It was some time ago when I was re-watching episode three, where the family hounds Hajji Mustaq and begs him to send Barbeena away. Ironically at this point, there was a heartbreaking video going viral on the internet featuring a young Afghan boy with tears in his eyes saying goodbye to his classmates as his family was being sent back to Afghanistan. Since that moment, we’ve seen consistently how much burden the term ‘illegal alien’ carries, the way it strips a human of their humanity and dignity.

    Videos from Aurat March show how Afghan refugees were kept in cramped conditions, denied basic respect as their children were picked up by officers and ‘accidentally deported’ over racist assumptions. Irony lies in how this is the same country where ‘Kabuli Pulao’ was became one of the best television shows to come out this year, yet it’s sole inspiration, the Afghan refugees, are treated with such malice.

    The enduring message of Barbeena’s resilience, and her blossoming relationship with Hajji Mushtaq, was that there is beauty in our cultural diversity. Barbeena’s uniqueness in her Afghan heritage, turned this drama into more than just a simple love story but a message on how Pakistani’s need to know more than ever to open up their hearts rather than shut them down. Accept our neighbours as our friends rather than turn them away because of our own internalised racism.

    This message resonates with the horrific treatment of the Palestinians in Gaza, and how their oppression is justified with terms like ‘human animals’ and ‘barbarians’. Because now more than ever, us Pakistanis need to become the anti-thesis of hateful rhetoric and learn to hold those close who had no choice but to leave their homes in search of better opportunities.

    All episodes of ‘Kabli Pulao’ are available to watch on Youtube.

  • ‘Bollywood films should be screened in Pakistan’: Humayun Saeed

    ‘Bollywood films should be screened in Pakistan’: Humayun Saeed

    Pakistani actor and producer Humayun Saeed was a guest on Samaa TV’s ‘Gup Shab’ where he was asked about his opinion on whether Bollywood films should screen in Pakistani cinemas by a member of the studio audience. The actor responded:

    “They should screen in our cinemas. I have never been against this decision. Bollywood produces a lot of films and releases four films every week, while we release less films. But a cinema should always screen more films regardless of which country they’re from. Whether they’re from Hollywood, Turkey, we should keep screening films in our cinemas, so that people keep going to cinemas.”

    Humayun previously spoke in favour of strengthening ties between Bollywood and Pakistani actors. In August, during an interview with Bollywood Hungama, the ‘Mere Pass Tum Ho’ actor recalled meeting Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan telling him in 2005 that Pakistani films should play in India.

    READ MORE: Humayun Saeed reveals Shah Rukh Khan once told him Pakistani films should release in India

    “There was a lot of excitement when I met Shah Rukh. He was very sweet to me. We were in his room and he made me sit with him and discussed Indian and Pakistan films with me. That time there was a Mehreen Jabbar and a Shaan film in the theatres and SRK was talking about them. He said that Pakistani films should be released in India and vice versa. He made me comfortable. Since I had just come the previous day to the sets, I did not know exactly what to do. Shah Rukh said ‘main sambhal lunga.’ The overall moment was very special.”

  • GQ Middle East honours Gazan journalist Motaz Azaiza as ‘Man Of The Year’

    GQ Middle East honours Gazan journalist Motaz Azaiza as ‘Man Of The Year’

    GQ Middle East has announced that this year they are awarding the coveted ‘Man Of The Year’ dedication to Gazan journalist and photographer Motaz Azaiza, a leading voice in spreading awareness about the ongoing genocide of Gaza.

    In their dedication, the publication honoured Motaz for becoming the embodiment of hope for the people of Gaza and the rest of the world with his coverage. “His work personifies the power of digital activism,” the publication wrote. “And his humanity is an important reminder that bravery appears in many forms. Sometimes we choose it, other times it chooses us, and in the case of Azaiza, choice wasn’t even an option.”

    The publication further stated this year, they were no longer setting up categories honouring different people with titles like Iconoclast, Maverick or Legend, because with Motaz among the ranks the selection carries more weight than ever before.

    “Much like his peers on the ground in Gaza, he reminds us that no matter who we are or where we’re from, it’s us- ordinary people, men, and women- who have the power to enact that very change that we want to see.”

    GQ also included voices from several prominent activists and Arab figures, who commended Motaz for becoming the rallying cry against the atrocities of Gaza.

    “Living up to his middle name ‘Hilal’ which means crescent moon in Arabic, Motaz has shone a light on Gaza amidst the most obscene form of cruelty and darkness and also has shined a much-needed light into the broken hearts of millions around the world, giving us a sense of hope.” writes Kuwati-American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin. “I know you didn’t want this role of documenting the dehumanisation, and the pain of our people. I hope for Motaz a future as bright as his smile and as soothing as your voice. Your courage and ability to document and uplift millions of souls. For me, Motaz was always, and will always, be a manifestation of the heartbeat of humanity. May the universe protect you and your tribe of unsung heroes and may your life be filled with light and love. Thank you for your commitment to the truth and for showcasing Palestinian resilience against all odds. I have never been so inspired as a journalist, or a human by your soul and how it sings.”

    Huda Kattan, founder of the beauty giant Huda Beauty writes: “His courage is so inspiring. He’s risking his life to share the story of his people and never stopping through everything. He continues to fight and give his people a voice. Motaz gives us all the power to really stand up and it’s so inspiring to see. In times where there’s so much darkness, he still finds a way to show the humanity of what’s going on. We’ve never had a chance like this to get so up close and personal to any conflict, and that’s because of him and people like him. He has forever changed us in so many ways, but mostly because of his courage.”

    Israeli-Palestinian actor Adam Bakri wrote on how Motaz had single-handedly changed the definition of stardom, with how he became a hero for the people of Gaza:

    “Motaz Azaiza, with a smile on his face, carrying a weathered, oversized red teddy bear while carefully descending from a towering heap of rubble in Gaza… That image will stay with me forever. The glamour and fame associated with movie stars and pop stars are now completely devoid of any real significance to me. In fact, the definition of the term ‘star’ is altogether altered. Brave souls like Motaz are the true stars, at least in my eyes. He defies every conventional stereotype associated with heroism. He has inspired me to embark on an even deeper introspection regarding my own life. How can I infuse greater significance and purpose into my daily existence? How might I elevate my own journey to a level of heroism, echoing a universal resonance of utter selflessness and empathy? Motaz, unquestionably, stands as the embodiment of what it means to be truly human.“

  • ‘I’ll go become a carpenter’: Ms Marvel star Saagar Shaikh speaks up on supporting Palestine

    ‘I’ll go become a carpenter’: Ms Marvel star Saagar Shaikh speaks up on supporting Palestine

    Pakistani-American Muslim actor Saagar Shaikh has given a masterclass to other Hollywood actors on how to remain true to your principles, even when it costs you your livelihood.

    The actor was speaking at the ‘Salaam Nerds’ podcast where he spoke about his role as Kamala’s brother, Amir in ‘Ms Marvel’, adding that he was okay with putting his career on the line if it meant speaking up for Palestine.

    “I don’t give a f*** if my job is on the line, because I’ll find another one. I’ll become a carpenter if I have to.”

    Truly an iconic move, and all of X (formerly Twitter) agrees.

    Prominent Hollywood actors are getting dropped by talent agencies or fired from projects for speaking up for Palestine. Hollywood legend Susan Sarandon was dropped by her talent agency after she went viral for attending pro-Palestinian protests, and Jenna Ortega chose to step out of the ‘Scream 7’ franchise after Spyglass Entertainment l fired Melissa Barrera for pro-Palestine posts on social media.

  • Jenna Ortega steps back from ‘Scream 7’, and Twitter users feel the timing was phenomenal

    Jenna Ortega steps back from ‘Scream 7’, and Twitter users feel the timing was phenomenal

    Two queens maximising their joint slay

    Jenna Ortega has stepped back from the upcoming horror franchise ‘Scream 7’, just one day after Variety reported that actor Melissa Barrera was fired from the project because of her pro-Palestine stance. Deadline states that Ortega’s decision had nothing to do with Melissa’s firing, stressing that the departure was pre-planned before the actor’s strike as the actor’s shooting was clashing with Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’.

    Jenna has remained vocal about her pro-Palestinian stance, and in the past few days has kept sharing content spreading awareness about the genocide in Gaza.

    The news comes hot on the heels of Melissa being dropped for posting pro-Palestinian content on her Instagram stories. She released a statement writing that she condemns anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and will not remain silent during a genocide.

    “First and foremost I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people.

    As a latina, a proud Mexicana, I feel the responsibility of having a platform that allows me the privilege of being heard, and therefore I have tried to use it to raise awareness about issues I care about and to lend my voice to those in need.

    Every person on this earth- regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status- deserves equal human rights, dignity, and of course, freedom.

    I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism.

    I pray day and night for no more deaths, for no more violence, and for peaceful co-existence. I will continue to speak out for those that need it most and continue to advocate for peace and safety, for human rights and freedom.

    Silence is not an option for me.”

    X (formerly Twitter) users applauded Jenna for standing true to her pro-Palestinian stance and remaining a committed ally with her cast member.

  • How much does the wedding dress of Imam-ul-Haq’s bride-to-be cost?

    How much does the wedding dress of Imam-ul-Haq’s bride-to-be cost?

    Imam ul Haq is the next cricketer in line to sign off bachelorhood and get married. Yesterday, social media went wild when pictures posted by fashion designing giant HSY revealed the gorgeous bride Anmol Mehmood, who is set to tie the knot with the cricketer in Norway this month.

    Anmol looked dazzling in maroon bridal attire adorned with gold patterns, and a pinch of green to pop off the look Her jewellery comprised of a manga tikka and heavy jhumkay, along with green bangles to top off her look.

    Samaa has revealed that HSY charges around Rs1.5 million for a custom made dress. The bride’s jewellery is from Opal by Madiha Ihsan.

    Social media users were also provided a sneak peek to the elaborately crafted Mehndi celebrations held in Norway which were set up by Tailor Made Vision.

    Wedding festivities are set to commence from November 23 with a Qawalli night in Lahore, and the Nikkah is to be held on November 25. It is reported that cricket stars including Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan will be present during the joyous occasions.

    Previously, HSY had crafted the bridal outfit for veteran actress Reema Khan for her wedding.

    HSY also won hearts when he revealed the gorgeous pink and gold bridal outfit he designed for actress Madiha Imam