Category: Entertainment

  • Old Pakistani drama clip goes viral, prompts audiences to slam new serials

    Old Pakistani drama clip goes viral, prompts audiences to slam new serials

    A clip from a classic television serial staring the late Khalida Riyasat has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), giving birth to the realisation that current serials are just not as good as the oldies.

    The viral clip from the serial Parosi features a conversation between the legendary Khalida Riyasat and her on-screen grandmother in a scene that has deeply resonated with audiences for its emotional depth and powerful dialogues.

    Social media users are showering praise on the drama’s writing, acting, and direction, calling it a true representation of meaningful storytelling that once defined Pakistani television. “Writers, actors, directors… it was wholesome all round,” one user commented. Another added, “These were real dramas; what we see today is complete trash.”

    Many users expressed their admiration for the way old dramas like Parosi reflected cultural values, taught moral lessons, and left a lasting emotional impact. “Life was so serene and restful. PTV dramas were at the pinnacle of glory. Every dialogue carried a deep thought,” one viewer wrote, reminiscing about a bygone era.

    “Beautiful and meaningful script,” added one user while another said: “Now we have a cringe content creators.”

    Parosi, which originally aired in 1990 on NTM, was written by the iconic Haseena Moin and directed by Raana Sheikh. The show featured an impressive cast, including Khalida Riyasat, Marina Khan, and Badar Khalil, among others. It is widely remembered for its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and strong storytelling, elements that many feel are missing in today’s television landscape.

    “In a time when stories touched the soul and characters felt like family, Parosi remains a beautiful reminder of when drama was not just entertainment — it was art,” one user said.

  • ‘Men these days behave like angry women,’ Momina Iqbal says

    ‘Men these days behave like angry women,’ Momina Iqbal says

    Actress Momina Iqbal has given an open and candid interview, discussing her personal life, relationships and emotional experiences, especially about men and her love life.

    Speaking about her family, Momina said that she shared a close bond with her younger siblings. She mentioned that her younger brother treats her with immense love and respect, just as she does with him and her younger sister.

    Recalling a recent emotional moment, Momina said that during a bout of depression, her younger brother brought her floral bangles (gajray), which deeply touched her and lifted her spirits.

    She emphasised that her brothers are extremely caring and respectful, which has set a very high standard for her when it comes to relationships. Because of this strong emotional connection with her brothers, Momina said, it had become very difficult for her to consider anyone else for marriage who did not meet that emotional availability criteria.

    She shared that her youngest brother, who is only 19, pays close attention to her needs such as opening the car door for her. “This kind of pampering has made me feel that perhaps I may never get married,” she said, adding that she had grown used to the protocol given to her by her brothers.

    “It is something they inherited from our father.”

    Speaking about love, the actress revealed that she had once experienced deep love, but the relationship ended due to certain reasons. This experience changed her perception, and she now believes she no longer wants to fall in love again. According to her, when the other person lacks emotional depth, things are bound to fall apart.

    On a question about falling in love, she said, “I have never been in love with anyone. We cannot say that we just met and fell in love. I am a bit different in these kinds of things, I don’t know the limit in love and I cannot define that,” calling it the main thing in life. “Love is in your heart.”

    Momina also went on to express a controversial opinion, saying that today’s women have not allowed men to remain “men”. She claimed that the constant pampering of women had led to men now behaving like “angry women”, making it difficult for them to retain their true identity.

    Reflecting on her past, she said that when she was in love, she believed the other person would take care of her. But when that same person shattered her dreams and she came to the realisation that love might not be real. “Now I believe no one is truly anyone’s protector,” she concluded.

  • Saboor Aly shares AI image with late mother as her daughter hits six-month milestone

    Saboor Aly shares AI image with late mother as her daughter hits six-month milestone

    Actress Saboor Aly marked a touching moment in her motherhood journey as her daughter Serena Ali turned six-months-old.

    To celebrate the occasion, Saboor took to Instagram to share a series of heartwarming pictures capturing the journey of becoming a mother. But one image stood out, a digitally created photo showing Saboor, her daughter, and her late mother together, made using an AI Image maker.

    The moving tribute offered a glimpse into Saboor’s grief and gratitude, as she imagined her late mother present in one of the most meaningful chapters of her life.

    In her Instagram stories, Saboor also shared glimpses of Serena’s half-birthday celebration, including photos with her husband, actor Ali Ansari, and their daughter, with the caption: “Happy 6 months Serina.”

    Saboor, who married Ali Ansari in January 2022, became a mother in March 2025. Since then, she has often reflected on her journey with honesty and emotion, speaking openly about how becoming a parent has deepened her connection with the memory of her mother.

    In one of her recent interviews, Saboor opened up about motherhood, revealing details about her pregnancy and the birth of her daughter.

    Recalling the moment when she discovered she was pregnant, Saboor revealed that she was on a girls’ trip abroad when she began to feel unwell. “A sensation unlike anything I had felt before. Coincidentally, Ali was set to join me that day in Turkey,” she said.

    “We were not planning for a baby specifically. We had left it to the flow of life, believing that only Allah knows the right time to bring someone into your life,” she said. “When Ali arrived, the first thing I did was tell him the news. It was a very emotional moment for me.”

    When asked about her initial reaction to finding out she was expecting, Saboor described it as a “mixed feeling”. She said she was shivering and anxious, eagerly awaiting Ali’s arrival to share the news. “But when I saw the test report, my mother was the first person who came to my mind,” she added.

    Reflecting on the absence of her late mother, Saboor shared a deeply emotional insight, “No one can fill her absence, but throughout my pregnancy, delivery, and even after, everything somehow became easier. I believe she was there with me in spirit. That’s the only reason it all felt so manageable.”

    Saboor’s mother Rahat Ali passed away in March 2017 after a battle with cancer.

  • Battle of the dimples: Faisal Rehman thinks his is more famous than Hania’s

    Battle of the dimples: Faisal Rehman thinks his is more famous than Hania’s

    Veteran Pakistani actor Faisal Rehman has set social media ablaze with his cheeky claim that his dimples outshine those of Gen Z sweetheart Hania Aamir, and he’s got the fan following to prove it.

    In a candid interview, the iconic heartthrob from the 1980s spilled the tea on everything from Bollywood dreams to beauty battles, boldly stating, “My dimple is more famous than Hania Aamir’s. She’s new in the industry. I’ve been around for decades.”

    Faisal didn’t stop there. He added that women of all ages have swooned over his dimples for years, even revealing that he has “a dimple on both cheeks, one more visible than the other. When I gain a little weight, the second one pops too.”

    The actor revealed, “I’ve even received letters written in blood — though I have no idea whose blood it was.”

    When asked by the host about his recent shirtless photos, he clarified, “They weren’t nude photos — just topless ones.” The host then asked what the reaction was, to which Faisal replied, somewhat embarrassed, “I was heavily criticised on social media.”

    The host also asked if he had ever been in love. “No, I haven’t,” he responded. “I’ve only ever loved myself.”

    The actor went on to express his gratitude for remaining unmarried, saying, “I’m thankful I never got married, I can do all the things my married friends can’t.”

    The actor, known for his evergreen charm, reminisced about his attempt to break into Bollywood, sharing that he often visited India in the ’80s and even auditioned for films. Despite his best efforts, he faced resistance from Indian filmmakers reluctant to cast a Pakistani actor.

    The most eyebrow-raising moment came when Rehman threw some cinematic shade, confessing he never liked Aamir Khan’s acting — calling Shah Rukh Khan “just like you and me.”

  • Awkward on-screen moment: Tara Mahmood recalls playing second wife of father’s close friend

    Awkward on-screen moment: Tara Mahmood recalls playing second wife of father’s close friend

    Actress Tara Mahmood has opened up about her career struggles, going on to share an emotionally bizarre experience because of an awkward acting role.

    During a podcast with Ahmed Ali Butt, Tara revealed that she once played the role of the second wife of veteran actor Usman Pirzada in a drama. “[It was] a role that made me feel extremely uncomfortable as he is a close friend of my father”.

    She admitted feeling unsure about how to address him on set, “Should I call him uncle or something else?” she recalled with a laugh, describing the awkward position she found herself in.

    Also reflecting on the early days of her career, Tara said she used to work on just one or two projects at a time due to limited opportunities. “At that time, delayed payments were a major source of stress, especially since I was living alone in Karachi with high living expenses”.

    What hurt the most, she added, was having to constantly chase after her own money.

    Fortunately, things have improved. “Today, I am involved in multiple projects simultaneously, so if one payment is delayed, it doesn’t create as much trouble”.

    However, she expressed dissatisfaction with the entertainment industry’s attitude toward supporting actors, saying they don’t receive the respect or recognition they deserve even though they’re essential to any production.

    Tara also opened up about her personal life, revealing that five years ago she had no intention of getting married. But now, she’s open to the idea. “If the right person will come to life, I will go for it,” she said.

    It merits a mention here that Tara is the daughter of retired Pakistani bureaucrat-turned-politician Shafqat Mahmood, who served as the federal minister for education and professional training, as well as for national history and literary heritage, from August 2018 to April 2022.

    During the show, she also admitted that she, for a long time, did not tell anyone in the industry that she was Mahmood’s daughter.

    Tara Mahmood is known for her roles in the popular Pakistani drama serials Mere Humsafar, Suno Chanda, Chupke Chupke, Anaa and Diyar-e-Dil. She also appeared in the film Seedlings in 2013 and the drama Altered Skin in 2018.

  • Fatima Bhutto slams Shah Rukh Khan for wishing Modi on his birthday but remaining silent on Gaza

    Fatima Bhutto slams Shah Rukh Khan for wishing Modi on his birthday but remaining silent on Gaza

    Pakistani writer and activist Fatima Bhutto has slammed Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for his birthday message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling out his silence on the genocide in Gaza.

    On the occasion of Indian Modi’s 75th birthday, Shah Rukh Khan appeared in a widely circulated video, extending wishes to the Indian leader. In the message, SRK said: “Today, on the occasion of PM Modi’s 75th birthday, I extend my best wishes to him. Your journey from a small city to the global stage has been very inspiring. Your discipline, hard work and dedication towards the country can be seen in this journey. Your energy at the age of 75 even beats young people like us. I pray that you always stay healthy and happy.”

    However, the message sparked a sharp response from Fatima Bhutto, who took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice her disapproval. Sharing the video, she wrote: “SRK wishing Modi a happy birthday in this drippy manner when he hasn’t said a word about Gaza is so telling and so embarrassing.”

    Bhutto, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, has previously criticised global figures and institutions for complicity or inaction over Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

    The timing of Shah Rukh Khan’s video also drew attention due to his appearance later that evening at the premiere of his son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood. The event was a high-profile affair, attended by the Khan family, including Gauri Khan, Suhana Khan, and AbRam Khan, along with numerous celebrities from the Indian film industry.

    Meanwhile on the other side, several Hollywood stars are attending charity events for Palestine and have spoken up against the genocide in Gaza.

    A major benefit concert titled Together for Palestine was held on Wednesday night at Wembley Arena in London, bringing together an impressive lineup of 69 artists, speakers, and activists in a unified call to end the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The event served as both a cultural showcase and a powerful political statement against the Israeli military assault on the Palestinian people.

    Among the most prominent appearances was Benedict Cumberbatch, star of Marvel’s Doctor Strange, who emotionally recited a poem by the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish.

    The concert took place as the Israeli genocide on Gaza nears its second year. According to international human rights organizations and media reports, Israel has dropped the equivalent of more than six atomic bombs on the densely populated Gaza Strip since the start of the campaign.

  • Ahmad Shah visits brother Umer Shah’s ‘last resting place’

    Ahmad Shah visits brother Umer Shah’s ‘last resting place’

    The sudden death of child star Umer Shah earlier this week shocked his fans and celebrities alike. Videos of the child television star’s funeral flooded social media sites, leaving many teary eyed at the sad occasion. Now, his elder brother, beloved content creator Ahmad Shah, has put up photos of his visit to his younger brother’s grave.

    Taking to Instagram, Ahmad shared pictures of himself and brother Abu Bakar, sitting next to their little brother’s grave: “Umer Shah’s last resting place,” wrote Ahmad in the caption and requested his followers to pray for the family and departed soul.

    In one of the pictures, Ahmad and Abu Bakar can be seen holding back their tears. Abu Bakar was also holding the soil upon his little brother’s grave. While the pictures also showed both the brothers had laid rose petals on his grave along with a bouquet which stated, “Forever in our hearts, a lovable soul in heaven”

    Umer, known for his bright smile, infectious laughter and heartwarming appearances on popular shows like Jeeto Pakistan, was more than just a child star. His unexpected demise of aspiration sparked an outpouring of love and sorrow from fans, celebrities and television personalities.

    Umer died when his vomit got stuck in his lungs, blocking the airways. Oxygen supply to his body subsequently got cut off, which ultimately led to cardiovascular arrest. Medical experts explain that this tragic condition occurs when stomach contents accidentally enter the lungs — a process known as aspiration. When vomit is inhaled into the lungs, it can cause severe inflammation and blockage of airways. The resulting oxygen deprivation can lead to cardiac arrest within minutes if not immediately treated.

    This is not the first tragedy that befell the family. In November 2023, Ahmad Shah lost his little sister Ayesha. Videos of both the brother, Umer, and sister, Ayesha, are circulating on social media with netizens saying “both are now playing in Jannah”.

  • Benedict Cumberbatch recites poem for Palestine at Wembley Arena

    Benedict Cumberbatch recites poem for Palestine at Wembley Arena

    A major benefit concert titled Together for Palestine was held on Wednesday night at Wembley Arena, bringing together an impressive lineup of 69 artists, speakers, and activists in a unified call to end the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The event served as both a cultural showcase and a powerful political statement against the Israeli military assault on the Palestinian people.

    Among the most prominent appearances was Benedict Cumberbatch, star of Marvel’s Doctor Strange, who emotionally recited a poem by the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. “This land, the lady of lands, the motherland of beginnings, the motherland of all ends. She was known as Palestine. She forever more will be known as Palestine. My land, my lady, you are a reason to live,” Cumberbatch read to a captivated audience, drawing widespread praise for his performance.

    The event featured a wide range of notable figures from music, film, television, sport, and activism. Musical performances came from high-profile acts such as Damon Albarn, Bastille, PinkPantheress, and Hot Chip, giving the event a festival-like atmosphere. Hollywood stars Florence Pugh, Guy Pearce, and comedian Ramy Youssef also took part, lending their voices and presence to the cause.

    The stage was also graced by influential personalities including former football legend Eric Cantona, Love Island host Laura Whitmore, and Amelia Dimoldenberg of Chicken Shop Date fame. The night was a mix of emotional tributes, passionate speeches, and artistic performances, all focused on raising awareness and support for the people of Gaza.

    Keeping in step with modern fundraising methods, the event did not rely on traditional donation buckets. Instead, Together for Palestine raised approximately £500,000 through ticket sales alone, with all tickets selling out within two hours. In addition, organizers solicited online donations and offered a wide range of merchandise designed by prominent fashion figures such as Ayham Hassan, Bella Freud, Katherine Hamnett, and Priya Ahluwalia. Items on sale ranged from T-shirts to keffiyehs, symbolizing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

    The concert took place as the Israeli genocide on Gaza nears its second year. According to international human rights organizations and media reports, Israel has dropped the equivalent of more than six atomic bombs on the densely populated Gaza Strip since the start of the campaign.

    Together for Palestine marked not just a cultural moment but a global rallying cry from artists and public figures demanding an end to the violence and justice for the Palestinian people.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Ayesha Omar says Lazawal Ishq ‘is not a dating show’

    EXCLUSIVE: Ayesha Omar says Lazawal Ishq ‘is not a dating show’

    Pakistani actress and model Ayesha Omar has firmly denied reports that her upcoming Urdu-language reality programme Lazawal Ishq is a dating show. 

    In an exclusive conversation with The Current, Omar addressed the growing controversy and backlash surrounding the show’s concept, particularly on social media, and clarified that the show’s intention had been misrepresented by several media outlets.

    “Some news outlets are claiming that I said it is a Pakistani dating show but that’s not true. Not once did I say it is a dating show,” Ayesha said, emphasising that the show was not inspired by Western dating formats such as Love Island.

    She clarified that it was centered on meaningful communication and long-term relationship building aimed at marriage. “Yes, the promo has been getting all kinds of feedback and speculation. [But] it is not a dating show at all. It is not about dating… it is about finding a life partner for marriage.”

    Omar elaborated that while the format involved participants living in a villa, the setup respected cultural values with gender-segregated floors and separate dorms.

    “It is a Turkish show, but as it is in Urdu language and for our audiences, it is in accordance with our norms, values and culture. These young adults are living in a villa but they will be having their own living spaces… they have their own dorms. A floor for girls is separate while a separate floor is assigned to the boys. They also have their own dressing spaces. Only the lounge, kitchen and the poolside are shared and that is where they will interact with each other.”

    Omar also pointed out that similar formats have aired on Pakistani television before where young adults live in the same premises but maintain separate sleeping arrangements, and described Lazawal Ishq as an insightful social experiment focused on communication.

    She said the show would revolve around interaction and verbal communication just like people get into at colleges, universities, parks or theaters. “Only this kind of interaction is being shown and actually, this is a very good experiment. This is an overview of how young people communicate, what mistakes they make or how they rectify them.”

    On the format, she further said that no pre-decided couples were involved and relationships would form naturally as participants get to know each other with the ultimate goal being marriage.

    “Couples are not already made by us. Those who are participating, after knowing each other through communication, will get into dedicated relationships for marriage and that is the premise of the show. The games they will be playing will be based on communication,” she said, adding that the show could serve as a valuable learning experience for young people in Pakistan.

    Omar’s clarification comes after the show’s teaser revealed that Lazawal Ishq will feature four men and four women living together in a luxurious villa in Turkey, with their interactions, conflicts and emotional growth being recorded. She was seen in the teaser enjoying the scenic views and entering a lavish bungalow, describing the show as a search for eternal love and a reflection of emotional trials.

    Lazawal Ishq will stream exclusively on YouTube and not be broadcast on traditional television. It is expected to run for approximately 100 episodes, featuring challenges, games, alliances and conflicts, ultimately leading to the selection of a “winning couple”.

    The airing date is yet to be announced.

  • Bollywood copies Pakistani song in Sonam Bajwa’s ‘Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat’

    Bollywood copies Pakistani song in Sonam Bajwa’s ‘Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat’

    A newly released Bollywood song from the upcoming film Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, featuring Sonam Bajwa and Harshvardhan Rane, has sparked controversy, not for its choreography or cinematography, but for what many online are calling outright plagiarism.

    The song, a new version sung by Neha Kakkar and released on September 15, 2025, is being compared to the Pakistani hit Bol Kaffara Kya Hoga, originally released in February 2021 by BOL Beats as the OST of a Pakistani drama.

    Meanwhile, social media users were quick to react, pointing out striking similarities between the two tracks. Side-by-side video comparisons flooded platforms, with many accusing the Bollywood production of lifting the melody and concept without proper credit. “Is this Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat or Bol Kaffara,” one user asked, while others labeled the move creative theft rather than an inspired rendition.

    Directed by Rajeev Bhatia, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is a romantic drama that explores obsession, love, and betrayal. The film is scheduled for theatrical release across India on October 21, 2025.