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Category: Entertainment

  • Zubeen Garg’s manager arrested in connection with singer’s death

    Zubeen Garg’s manager arrested in connection with singer’s death

    In a major development in the ongoing investigation into the death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg, his manager Siddhartha Sharma and festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta have been arrested from New Delhi on Wednesday morning.

    The arrests come nearly two weeks after Garg reportedly drowned in the sea off Singapore on September 19.

    Both Sharma and Mahanta have been booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence. Following their arrest, they were flown to Guwahati and produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court.

    Indian religious festivities and a concurrent court closure forced the hearing to take place at the residence of the judge, who remanded the duo into 14 days’ police custody.

    Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta, who is heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the high-profile case, confirmed the arrests and said the investigation would proceed “in accordance with the law.”

    The police have also seized both men’s mobile phones and recovered Zubeen Garg’s phone, which could be critical in uncovering the circumstances surrounding his death.

    Zubeen’s wife Garima Saikia Garg expressed satisfaction over the progress. Speaking to reporters, she said, “We are all waiting to know what happened to him in his final moments. I have full faith in the investigating team and hope we will soon have answers.”

    The Assam government had earlier constituted a 10-member SIT to delve into the circumstances leading to the singer’s untimely death. Garg, 52, was a cultural icon in the northeastern region and had been in Singapore to perform at a festival organised by Mahanta’s team.

    With both prime suspects now in custody, the investigation is expected to gain momentum in the coming days.

    The singer was known for his famous Bollywood song Ya Ali from the film Gangster.

  • Sanam Jung turned down soap ad because she doesn’t like ‘showing shoulders’

    Sanam Jung turned down soap ad because she doesn’t like ‘showing shoulders’

    Actress and television host Sanam Jung recently revealed that she declined a major endorsement deal with a popular soap brand because she was uncomfortable with the nature of the advertisement.

    In a candid conversation on the comedy talk show Hansna Mana Hai, Sanam opened up about the personal boundaries she’s maintained throughout her career, especially when it comes to her on-screen appearance.

    “When I first entered the industry, I made a conscious decision not to appear in soap commercials,” Sanam shared. “Most of them require showing your shoulders, and even though the setup just pretends that the actor is bathing, it still gives off that impression. Personally, I don’t like that.”

    She further elaborated on an early opportunity she turned down from a well-known brand. “When I received an offer from a very big soap brand, I told my manager that it didn’t feel right to me,” she said. “My manager replied, ‘If you keep saying no to everything, you won’t be able to grow in this field.’”

    Despite the industry pressure, Sanam stood her ground. “Everyone has their own values and principles. I believe we should hold on to them,” she said. “Even today, I only take on projects that feel right to me.”

    Apart from her professional choices, the actress also shared a humorous yet terrifying travel anecdote from a recent trip with her daughters. Recalling the incident, Sanam said she was rushing through Doha airport with her daughters, aged eight and one, fearing they might miss their flight to Karachi.

    “I was running with my younger daughter in my arms when I tripped on a tile and fell in the most dramatic, filmi way,” she laughed. “The baby fell out of my arms too, it was a scary moment.”

    Fortunately, two fellow travelers came to her aid. “They asked me where I was going and when I told them, they said, ‘There’s still time for the flight, why were you running?’ What could I say? I just have this fear that the gate will close and I’ll be left behind.”

    Sanam Jung is married to Syed Abdul Qassam Jafri, who works as a pilot for an international airline. The couple are parents to two daughters.

  • Controversial new reality show Lazawal Ishq premieres amid backlash and buzz

    Controversial new reality show Lazawal Ishq premieres amid backlash and buzz

    The much-anticipated and arguably controversial Pakistani reality show Lazawal Ishq has officially premiered on YouTube.

    Despite intense backlash and criticism on social media, the show has sparked widespread buzz for bringing a bold new format to Pakistani screens.

    Set against the backdrop of a grand mansion with picturesque landscapes, a shining pool and a heavy dose of glitz and glam, Lazawaal Ishq has been shot at a scenic location Turkiye and blends elements of reality TV as well as matchmaking.

    Aiming to explore emotional connections and relationship compatibility among young adults, the format includes several stages from glamorous first impressions and introductions to partner selection and dramatic interactions.

    All of it is guided by the show’s host and popular actress Ayesha Omar, who appears in full red-carpet glam, donning a striking red gown for the first episode.

    The episode features ten contestants: five girls — Jannat, Urooj, Laiba, Batool and Fatima — and five boys, namely Hamza, Sheeraz, Fahad, Maaz and Junaid. Pairings were made based on mutual preferences following the boys’ entrance.

    Urooj, one of the participants, made it clear from the beginning that she’s looking for a real connection and potentially a life partner, echoing the show’s core concept.

    Ayesha Omar, sharing a clip from the episode on Instagram, revealed that her mother appreciated the show’s unique premise. “Did my mum like the first episode? BILKULLLLLL!” she wrote, adding that her mother found it interesting and insightful to see how modern youth express themselves.

    “The interaction was healthy, she said… she’s really looking forward to following the show.”

    The episode marks Ayesha’s first interaction with the participants of Lazawaal Ishq, and she has expressed admiration for them. During the episode, Ayesha also admitted she’s open to marriage herself and encouraged participants to embrace the journey with fun and honesty, even if it includes “some mistakes”.

    However, not everyone is impressed.

    From the moment the show’s promo dropped, Lazawaal Ishq has faced harsh criticism, with many calling it “un-Islamic” and a copy of Western dating shows. Hashtags like #BoycottLazawalIshq and #BoycottAyeshaOmar began trending soon after the premiere.

    While some viewers have praised the fresh concept and the show’s attempt to reflect the emotional complexities of today’s youth.

    The actress has already addressed the backlash, saying that it is not a “dating show”.

    As a debate continues to rage online, one thing is clear, Lazawaal Ishq is already one of the most talked-about shows in the country. Evidently so, it has racked up over 200,000 views within 24 hours of the first episode dropping.

    Watch here: Episode One.

  • ‘I felt really bad’: Syed Jibran regrets slamming Haris Rauf after Asia Cup defeat

    ‘I felt really bad’: Syed Jibran regrets slamming Haris Rauf after Asia Cup defeat

    Pakistani actor Syed Jibran has issued a public apology for harshly criticizing fast bowler Haris Rauf following Pakistan’s crushing defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final.

    Taking to Instagram, Jibran expressed remorse over his reaction, writing: “Guys… Honestly I felt really bad next morning when I realised that I used a harsh statement for one particular player only, when in fact whatever happened was not only an individual but a combined effort. Sorry for that. I think I’m better than that.”

    After the final, Jibran had shared a post using strong language and emojis resembling cursing hand gestures aimed at Haris Rauf and the person who handed him the final over. His frustration came after Rauf’s expensive spell in the final match, where he conceded 50 runs in just 22 balls, making him the most costly bowler for Pakistan and a central figure in the team’s loss.

    The disappointment wasn’t limited to Jibran. Several other Pakistani celebrities also took to social media to vent their anger. Actor and writer Yasir Hussain, referencing Rauf’s viral plane crash gesture from an earlier match, said, “Main ne pehlay hi kaha tha cricket pai dehan do. Ishary bazi se cricket match nahi jeety jaaty” (I had said before, focus on cricket. You can’t win matches with hand gestures).

    Actress Amna Malik, in her Instagram story after the match, said: “One slap for Haris Rauf. Thanks for the damage. Haris Rauf, jahaz urao ab” (Haris Rauf, go fly planes now).

    Actor Aijaz Aslam also sarcastically commented, “Thank you sir, itni izzat afzai ka shukria” (Thanks for this great humiliation).

    Pakistan’s defeat in the high-stakes final against India has triggered widespread criticism from fans and celebrities alike, as expectations were high for a comeback in the tournament.

    On the professional front, Syed Jibran is currently appearing in the drama Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi, which has been receiving positive reviews for its unique storyline.

  • Yashma Gill says she was judged for praying in western attire on drama set

    Yashma Gill says she was judged for praying in western attire on drama set

    Pakistani actress Yashma Gill recently opened up about a personal experience where she was questioned for offering prayers while dressed in Western-style clothing during a drama shoot.

    Yashma spoke candidly about the misconceptions surrounding people working in the media industry during an appearance on a podcast. She highlighted how individuals in showbiz are often wrongly perceived by the public as being irreligious or morally lacking.

    Gill stated that since entering the acting profession, she feels she has grown as a person and continues to evolve for the better with each passing day.

    “Actors are only glamorous temporarily in front of the camera. In reality, many of them are better human beings and more religious than people think,” she said.

    Sharing insights into the demanding nature of the entertainment industry, Yashma said actors are often made to work like “donkeys” for 12 to 14 hours a day, and the discipline of the profession has helped her become a better person.

    However, she expressed concern over how religious inclinations are viewed with suspicion within the media and entertainment circles. “People here often question or criticize others for their beliefs,” she said.

    Recalling a specific incident, Yashma narrated that during a drama shoot, she requested a break from the director to offer prayers. At the time, she was wearing Western attire as part of her costume. After finishing her prayers and returning to the set, a junior actress commented, “Dear, you were wearing Western clothes, how will your prayer be accepted?”

    Yashma chose not to respond to the remark but reflected on the judgmental attitude shown by some individuals. “People need to understand that it is not their place to decide whether someone’s worship is accepted or not,” she said.

    She added, “Just like a student who attempts an exam is better than the one who doesn’t even try, someone who prays, regardless of attire, is better than someone who chooses not to pray at all.”

    The actress emphasized that the acceptance of any good deed or act of worship is solely in the hands of the Almighty, not fellow human beings.

    Yashma is an established actress and has been working in the Pakistani showbiz industry for many years. She gained significant fame after her role in Pyar Ke Sadqay and has appeared in many projects including Alif, Azmaish, Behkaway and many more.

  • Goodbye Dear; Veteran comedian Lucky Dear passes away after long health battle

    Goodbye Dear; Veteran comedian Lucky Dear passes away after long health battle

    Veteran stage actor and comedian Lucky Dear has passed away on Tuesday after a long battle with multiple ailments. 

    Family members told the media that Lucky had been receiving treatment for diabetes and lung disease since a few weeks in Lahore’s Mayo Hospital. His condition deteriorated rapidly, after which he fell into a coma. 

    Lucky had acted in dozens of stage plays and in the last decade of his life, had transitioned to television with ease. 

    His funeral, scheduled to be held in Baghbanpura in Lahore on Tuesday afternoon, is expected to be attended by other luminaries of the stage.

  • Upcoming Bollywood film slammed for trying to depict Taj Mahal as ancient temple

    Upcoming Bollywood film slammed for trying to depict Taj Mahal as ancient temple

    Bollywood is continuing its dangerous trend of rewriting history to appease Hindutva narratives with an upcoming film that will present an “alternative history” of the iconic Taj Mahal. 

    The Taj Story, starring the once-beloved-now-reviled Paresh Rawal, will be released in cinemas on October 31, 2025. The courtroom drama will focus on alternative histories of the Taj – built by Muslim Mughal king Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal- including one conspiracy theory that says that the monument was originally an ancient temple called Tejo Mahalaya. 

    A promotional video shows Lord Shiva emerging from the dome of the Taj, with Paresh Rawal staring grumpy into the camera. The video was slammed immediately after it was posted online. Netizens were swift to condemn what they said was yet another attempt by the Indian film industry, and Paresh Rawal, to stoke communal fires. 

    One X (formerly Twitter) account laid it out straight, saying, “I won’t be surprised if these people issue a (sic) permission to demolish Taj Mahal in the coming years.” 

    Tech wizard Sabeer Bhattia joined the growing list of people offended by the premise of the film, writing on X: “The film The Taj Story revives the debunked claim that the Taj Mahal was once a Hindu temple. Historians reject it as pseudo-history, but critics fear it fuels communal divides.” 

    One netizen pointed out that the ruling BJP thrives on issues that create communal rifts: “After Babri, now sanghis are going to claim Taj Mahal. This would probably be the main election agenda of BJP in 2029.” 


    Paresh Rawal, accused by many of being a bigot, came under direct fire, angering many with the video he shared on his account. One social media user called him a “sick Sanghi”:  “A sick Sanghi like @SirPareshRawal can think about acting in a propaganda movie & try to convince Indians to demolish India’s pride “Taj Mahal” in the name of Lord Shiva.”

    Another account didn’t mince any words when addressing Paresh Rawal, calling him an “imbecile”. 

    “Oh, Paresh Rawal, you absolute relic of recycled outrage—look at you, perched there like a discount wizard, plucking the dome off the Taj Mahal like it’s a goddamn party hat hiding a cheap magic trick.” 

    “Paresh Rawal has become evil personified. Look at his eyes. They aren’t the eyes of a human but a demon,” one person wrote. 

  • ‘She started arguing with her husband’: Madiha Imam recalls being confused with Yumna Zaidi by fan abroad

    ‘She started arguing with her husband’: Madiha Imam recalls being confused with Yumna Zaidi by fan abroad

    Pakistani actor Madiha Imam has recalled a hilarious mix-up when she was mistaken for fellow actress Yumna Zaidi, leading to an unexpected confrontation between a fan and her husband.

    Appearing on Geo News’ Hasna Mana Hai, hosted by Tabish Hashmi, the actress recounted the incident that took place abroad. “I was shopping overseas when a woman rushed up to me, expressing admiration for my dramas and enthusiastically listing several titles,” she recalled.

    To her surprise, none of the dramas mentioned were hers. “As the woman continued naming hit serials, I realised she had mistaken me for Yumna Zaidi, as all the shows she named featured Yumna.”

    “I stayed quiet intentionally,” Madiha said, adding that she thought the fan would take a selfie and later realise it wasn’t Yumna.

    “But that didn’t happen. She even asked for an autograph, and I didn’t know how to tell her I’m Madiha, not Yumna.”

    The situation escalated when the woman’s husband arrived and tried to clarify the mix-up, telling his wife that she was speaking to Madiha Imam, not Yumna Zaidi. “However, the woman refused to believe him and started arguing… insisting she knew her dramas better than he did.”

    “I just wrote ‘love’ on the autograph and left,” Madiha said, laughing about how the fan walked away mid-argument with her husband.

  • ‘Out of this world’; Indian duo Salim-Sulaiman can’t stop praising Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

    ‘Out of this world’; Indian duo Salim-Sulaiman can’t stop praising Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

    It has been 28 long years since the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan passed away at a relatively young age, leaving his fans from across the world devastated by the loss. 

    But the great singer’s admirers still remember him in glowing words, including his fans and collaborators from across the border. 

    Salim-Sulaiman Merchant, the sibling duo who has composed music for many hit Indian films, recounted their experience working with Nusrat in a recent interview. 

    Told by an audience member that he and his colleagues in office listen to Nusrat when their headphones are on, Salim replied, “He was too good.” 

    He then went on to recount that though he didn’t remember the year, he worked with Nusrat in Mumbai on Aur Pyar Ho Gaya. “He would have lunch and then start around 4 pm. And then the session would continue till 12 am or 1 am. His style was unique and obviously, his singing was lajawaab.” 

    At this point Sulaiman chimed in to say that when the duo worked with the iconic singer on the smash hit song Piya Re, his voice was “like a small child’s, full of truth and honesty. He had a very spiritual voice.” 

    He also said that the qawali king talked to everyone with “a lot of love and respect.” 

    At this point the host interjected to say that he often imagines Nusrat singing in a huge concert in one of the newer large venues in India. “What an atmosphere that would have been,” he mused.

  • Hania Aamir joins Bangladeshi YouTuber’s family for local food

    Hania Aamir joins Bangladeshi YouTuber’s family for local food

    Pakistan’s sweetheart Hania Aamir visited Dhaka, Bangladesh and went to YouTuber Iftekhar Rafsan’s house to eat Bangladeshi food cooked by his mother.

    In a YouTube video that garnered over a million views overnight, Hania is seen engaging in light-hearted banter with Rafsan’s mother, asking if she speaks or understands Urdu, telling her how ‘amazing her son is’ and appreciating the Bangladeshi food Rafsan’s mother has made. 

    Hania even takes a bite into a raw green chilli, saying it doesn’t taste that spicy and later regretting it by saying, “Mazay mazay mai kar jaati hoon ghalat cheezain.”

    She then has a serving of local gulab jamans and says that she has never been able to find the same in Pakistan and asks if she can take them with her.

    Rafsan then tells her how people have been asking him how ‘Hania Aamir is’ and he then analyses her personality saying she is a super extrovert and has a bubbly character. 

    People in Pakistan and Bangladesh have both appreciated the video with comments about Hania and Rafsan’s humbleness and how sincerely his mother has made an effort for Hania. 

    Hania was in Dhaka to attend an event there and has charmed social media in both countries with her energy and joy being in the city.