Category: Entertainment

  • Sonya Hussyn slams Rishta Aunty for shaming ‘chubby girls’

    Sonya Hussyn slams Rishta Aunty for shaming ‘chubby girls’

    Pakistani actress Sonya Hussyn has taken a strong stand against TV personality and rishta maker Mrs. Khan, condemning her for making offensive remarks about women’s body sizes. Mrs. Khan had recently stated that “being chubby means you’ll be rejected,” a comment that has sparked backlash on social media for promoting harmful beauty standards.

    Taking to Instagram, the Aangan star sharing Mrs. Khan’s controversial statement, firmly addressed the issue. “Dear Ma’am, with all due respect, it’s 2025 and time to wake up!!!” Sonya said. “Statements like ‘being chubby means you’ll be rejected’ are not just offensive and outdated, they’re harmful.”

    The actress didn’t hold back, stating that such statements destroy self-esteem. “Confidence aese remarks sy shatter hota hai. Kiyun k in baton ny ek typical mindset create kar k false beauty standards ko normalize kar diya hai or insecurities paida kar di hain.” [Confidence gets shattered by such remarks. Because these statements have created a typical mindset that normalises false beauty standards and have given rise to insecurities.]

    Sonya further emphasised that imposing outdated thinking on today’s generation is damaging and irrelevant. “These mindsets no longer serve the world we’re trying to build,” she said. “This generation must lead with better values like confidence, good character, career, professional achievements, self-growth and strong family values — regardless of gender!”

    Calling for a shift in societal attitudes, she urged people to stop reducing women’s worth to their physical appearance. “Can we please now stop this shaming culture and shrinking women by tying their worth to their size,” she said, “and rather start supporting real well-being — both mental and physical.”

    The actress also criticised the obsession with marriage, saying, “Sirf shadi kar lena maqsad nahi hona chahiye.” (Getting married shouldn’t be the only goal.)

    She stressed the importance of personal growth, mental well-being, and emotional intelligence in building healthy relationships. “Our goal is to become fulfilled, self-aware individuals who can be strong, happy, and emotionally healthy partners too — rather than repeating the cycle of toxic, unhappy marriages we’ve seen for generations.”

    Earlier, actor and TV host Javeria Saud had publicly condemned Mrs. Khan’s comments. Javeria Saud questioned why women are still judged for being “moti ya kaali” (fat or dark) in today’s world, calling it pure ignorance.

  • Samiya Hijab forgives Hassan Zahid, drops case: Reports

    Samiya Hijab forgives Hassan Zahid, drops case: Reports

    Social media influencer and content creator Samiya Hijab has reportedly dropped her case of attempted kidnapping and threatening against Hassan Zahid.

    In an exclusive interview with a social media outlet, Samiya said that she has reconciled with accused Hassan Zahid, forgiving him, “for the sake of Allah.”

    According to the news outlet, Samiya confirmed that both sides have withdrawn their allegations. Zahid apologised while offering assurances that he will not harass, defame, or harm her again, and pledged to move forward responsibly.

    With this agreement, Samiya reportedly said she will withdraw her case, a move that clears the way for Zahid’s bail approval this week. She said that Hassan is ashamed of how he has acted.

    Meanwhile, according to the outlet, Hassan will get a bail on Saturday to this agreement. Samiya was approached by Hassan’s mother and his father had apologized to her. That was the reason that compelled her to change her mind because her life was not at threat by her ex-fiancé anymore. “I have taken this decision to get out of the trauma and I just want to focus on my career from now onwards,” she said.

    Earlier, an Islamabad district and sessions court on Friday sent the suspect, who allegedly threatened and attempted to abduct Samiya Hijab, to jail for 14 days on judicial remand.

    The suspect was arrested on September 2 and a case was registered in the capital’s Shalimar Police Station at her complaint under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 365 (Kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person), 392 (punishment for robbery), 500 (punishment for defamation), 509 and 511 of the Pakistan Penal Code. He has since been remanded twice.

  • Ireland will boycott Eurovision if Israel participates

    Ireland will boycott Eurovision if Israel participates

    Ireland has announced it will withdraw from next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna if Israel is allowed to take part, citing the genocide crisis in Gaza. 

    In a statement released on Thursday, Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ said it would find participation “unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”

    RTÉ also expressed “deep concern” over the targeted killing of journalists in the territory, the blocking of international media access, and the continued suffering of hostages. The broadcaster is responsible for selecting Ireland’s entry into the contest.

    Ireland now joins Slovenia in threatening a Eurovision boycott over Israel’s involvement. Spain’s culture minister, Ernest Urtasun, also voiced support for a ban, stating Spain should not participate if Israel does — reflecting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s earlier call for Israel’s exclusion from international forums, similar to Russia’s ban following its invasion of Ukraine.

    Both RTÉ and Slovenia’s RTVSLO confirmed that discussions within the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, are ongoing.

    This year’s contest faced backlash over the participation of Israeli artist Eden Golan, who was met with loud jeers during her semi-final performance. Golan ultimately placed second, behind Austria’s JJ, who has also publicly supported calls to exclude Israel from the competition.

    Ireland shares the record for the most Eurovision wins — seven titles — alongside Sweden. RTÉ first raised concerns about Israel’s participation with the EBU in May, shortly before the 2025 final in Basel, Switzerland. Spain’s RTV had similarly called for an EBU debate in April.

    The EBU has now extended the usual October deadline for countries to confirm their participation to December, as member broadcasters continue consultations.

    Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, acknowledged the sensitivities around the issue, saying the EBU “understands the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” and is working closely with members to manage the geopolitical tensions.

    The genocide in Gaza has so far claimed over 64,000 lives since October 2023, according to health authorities. Hopes for a ceasefire have faded after an Israeli airstrike reportedly targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar earlier this week. The UN’s children’s agency reported Thursday that 13 percent of children in Gaza are now suffering from “acute malnutrition” because of Israel’s restrictions on aid deliveries.

  • Chahat Fateh Ali Khan to take legal action against restaurant for ‘leaking’ old egg attack video

    Chahat Fateh Ali Khan to take legal action against restaurant for ‘leaking’ old egg attack video

    Social media personality Chahat Fateh Ali Khan has announced taking legal action against a UK-based restaurant for sharing the video of an egg attack on him, months after denying the incident was caught on camera.

    In a video statement posted to his Instagram, Chahat revealed that the attack occurred on June 19 outside Paratha Stop Palace – a Pakistani restaurant located in Blackburn. According to him, he was exiting the venue after a performance when two masked individuals approached and smashed eggs on his head.

    Chahat said that the restaurant owners, Iram and Faiz, had invited him to perform at the venue. After the show, staff and security personnel requested photos with him. It was during this time that the attack took place.

    “One person threw an egg at me, and the other hit me on the head while throwing an egg,” Chahat explained, adding that the incident left him feeling unwell for four days.

    He further alleged that when he contacted the restaurant days later and requested CCTV footage, the management claimed no cameras were installed outside the premises. However, to his surprise, the same restaurant uploaded a video of the incident to their Instagram account nearly three months later, seeking public assistance in identifying the attackers.

    “This proves they were lying,” Chahat said, accusing the restaurant of being complicit in the attack. “I now have clear evidence against them and will pursue legal action to get the restaurant shut down.”

    He also revealed that he had received threatening phone calls from unknown numbers in the days following the attack. “They pretended to ask about my well-being but mocked me by asking if Bado Badi was seriously injured.”

    Bado Badi was a song released by Chahat in 2024, which drew strong reactions from trolls and the social media personality’s followers alike.

    Chahat said that he has recorded all the phone numbers and plans to present them as evidence to the relevant authorities.

    It merits a mention that the statement comes hours after a viral video showed two masked individuals approaching the singer and hurling eggs at him before fleeing the scene. The restaurant, in its Instagram post, appealed to the public to help identify the attackers.

    Many Pakistani celebrities, including Yasir Hussain, Ahmed Ali Butt and Asim Azhar, have condemned the act. Actor and TV host Mishi Khan has also taken to Instagram to call the attackers out, saying it was a “cheap and disgraceful tactic”.

  • Mahira Khan slams industry practice of delaying payments

    Mahira Khan slams industry practice of delaying payments

    Superstar Mahira Khan has responded to veteran actor Syed Mohammad Ahmed’s recent remarks about delayed payments in the entertainment industry, expressing concern for the technicians and crew members working behind the scenes.

    In a statement shared to her Instagram story, Khan noted that if prominent actors face such challenges, the situation is likely worse for technicians and others with less visibility. “Imagine… if senior actors, popular actors… hit maker directors go through this – just imagine what technicians go through.”

    Mohammad Ahmed, in a widely shared interview, criticised production houses for withholding payments from actors for extended periods. He stated that actors are often made to wait three to eight months for payment, and in some cases, are not paid at all. According to Ahmed, “The treatment actors receive when requesting payment is often demeaning, with some having to justify their personal financial needs.”

    In the same interview, Hajra Yamin stated that contracts are typically one-sided, favoring production houses. “If a shoot is canceled due to an actor, they are penalized, but when producers cancel, it is generally accepted without issue,” she said.

    Yamin added: “Technicians and junior crew members are affected even more than actors, with some being told to work without pay, receiving only food in return.”

    Saheefa Jabbar Khattak said that she once proposed including healthcare and anti-harassment clauses in her contract to ensure production houses cover medical expenses in case of injury. However, she said her proposal was ignored. She further revealed, “I have to go for therapy for six months after completing each drama due to mental stress.”

    Director Mehreen Jabbar noted that many in the industry choose to remain silent due to “fear of losing future work.”

    Actors Ramsha Khan, Yasir Hussain, Nadia Afgan, Alizeh Shah, and Khushhal Khan have also publicly addressed these issues. Industry insiders report that production houses rarely face penalties for delayed payments, while actors and crew continue to work under uncertain financial and physical conditions.

  • ‘You are not alone’: Ainy Jaffri opens up about sexual abuse as a child, encourages survivors to speak up

    ‘You are not alone’: Ainy Jaffri opens up about sexual abuse as a child, encourages survivors to speak up

    Actor Ainy Jaffri Rahman has taken a brave step by opening up about her own journey as someone who was sexually abused a child.

    In a video, Ainy recounted a disturbing incident that occurred when she was just five or six years old. A male servant working in her home lured her into the servant quarters by offering her a lollipop. There, he sexually assaulted her, a traumatic experience she says remains in her memory like a “horror film”.

    “I think I was five or six years old and this is one of the stories that I’m going to share. In our house… I was a little girl and was taken by a man, who was our servant. He took me to the servant quarters,” she said.

    “He gave me a lollipop and took me to the servant quarter,” she said. “He pulled down my trousers and did things to me. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew it was wrong. I just stood there, eating the lollipop.”

    Despite her young age, Ainy immediately told her mother about the incident.

    “There was no penetration… maybe he didn’t want me to scream… but thank God I had the presence of mind to go to my mother and tell her,” she said.

    In a caption alongside the video, Ainy explained why she was choosing to speak out. Her message was not meant to shock or trigger, but to help others who have experienced similar abuse understand that they are not alone, and that their trauma does not define them.

    “I’m sharing a painful part of my story not to shock or trigger, but to remind anyone who’s been through something similar: you are not what happened to you. Abuse is something done to you — it is not who you are.”

    She described the deep shame and fear that often keeps victims silent, and how therapy, speaking out and safe spaces can be essential steps in the healing process.

    “Healing begins when we talk. When we do the hard work to separate our sense of self from the abuse. It’s like an exorcism… a release, a reclaiming of yourself.”

    To the survivors, she said, “You are never broken.”

    Ainy ended her message with an urgent appeal to survivors of abuse, especially those who were still silent out of fear or shame.

    “If you’ve been through something like this, please don’t keep it bottled inside. Seek help. Speak out. Find safe places to unburden. You are never broken. What happened is part of your story, but it is not you.”

  • Internet reacts to video of Javeria Abbasi explaining ‘marriage with her step-brother’

    Internet reacts to video of Javeria Abbasi explaining ‘marriage with her step-brother’

    A resurfaced interview of veteran actor Javeria Abbasi has reignited public interest due to a revelation about her unusual family and marital history. During a candid conversation with TV host Nida Yasir, Javeria opened up about how her ex-husband, actor Shamoon Abbasi, was also her step-brother.

    The interview began with Javeria detailing her early entry into the entertainment industry. She recalled attending Express Talent as a member of the audience, where she approached the late Nayla Jaffrey for an autograph. Instead, she was encouraged to audition. That moment marked the beginning of her acting career, and she soon earned her first award for a PTV drama directed by Nida Yasir’s father.

    When asked if she was married at the time, Javeria revealed she had just gotten engaged to Shamoon. The host then shared that the couple’s unique family dynamic was the inspiration behind drama serial Hum Tum, which starred Atiqa Odho, Sajid Hassan, Aamina Sheikh, and Mohib Mirza.

    Clarifying the family ties, Nida explained, “Javeria’s mother and Shamoon’s father married, making them step-siblings.” Javeria confirmed this, adding, “People often get confused by our family setup. The rest of our siblings are from our respective parents. That’s why there’s always confusion about whether Anoushey Abbasi is my sister or Shamoon’s, she’s both.”

    Nida light-heartedly addressed the controversy surrounding Javeria and Shamoon’s relationship, saying, “So take your mind out of the gutter.” Javeria responded with humor, “He was the first man I saw, so I thought I’d just hold onto him,” she laughed, before adding, “It was more about bringing the family together under one roof. It made sense and worked for a while.”

    The actor shared that her wedding took place at her maternal uncle’s house, despite the rukhsati leading her back to her family home. The couple, who tied the knot in 1997, when Javeria was just 17 and Shamoon was 22, were married for over a decade and co-parent their daughter Anzala. They officially divorced in 2009.

    Reflecting on her marriage, Javeria noted that being married to someone within the family didn’t exempt her from the traditional “saas-bahu” struggles. In fact, she claimed it was harder. “My mother was determined to prove that her daughter was the best. While working 12-hour shifts, I still had to manage all the household chores.”

    Following her divorce, Javeria moved back in with her mother. In a happy turn of events, she found love again and married businessman Adeel Haider on March 15, 2024. The couple’s relationship began as love at first sight for Haider, who reportedly spent three years convincing Javeria to marry him.

    However, social media users were amazed to hear the story and have mixed opinions about it. One netizen said, “It might be allowed in Islam.”  While many badmouthed the actors and questioned whether they could not find someone else to marry.  Another user wrote: “This is Pakistan, anything can happen here.”

  • ‘Fitay moun’: Celebs slam egg attack on Chahat Fateh in London

    ‘Fitay moun’: Celebs slam egg attack on Chahat Fateh in London

    A shocking video showing social media personality Chahat Fateh Ali Khan being egged by unidentified individuals in London has sparked outrage across social media and among Pakistani celebrities. The clip, which dates back three months, surfaced online recently, showing two eggs being smashed on Chahat’s head while he was posing with a fan outside a newly opened food outlet.

    In the now-viral video, Chahat appears in a cheerful mood, taking pictures with fans, when suddenly two individuals run up to him, smash eggs on his head, and flee the scene. Their faces remain hidden. The people present at the scene, some of whom were recording the interaction, appear shocked by the incident.

    While the exact date of the incident is unconfirmed, a London-based journalist claims the video was captured during a photo session at a new food outlet, approximately three months ago.

    Several Pakistani celebrities have taken to social media to condemn the disgraceful act, calling it “ghatya harkat” and demanding accountability.

    Actor and writer Yasir Hussain posted on his Instagram story, saying: “Main in k songs nahi sunta. Magar yeh kaafi ghatya harkat hai. Is manchalay ko saza milni chahiye” (I don’t listen to his songs, but this is a disgusting act. The person responsible must be punished).

    TV host and comedian Ahmed Ali Butt also expressed his frustration, stating: “Just saw the disgusting video of egg thrown on Chahat! There is no decency left in people. Like him or not, he never disrespected anyone. Sadly, we live in a dead society where anything and everything goes for views and likes. Sad!”

    Singer Asim Azhar took it a step further by apologising directly to Chahat via his Instagram story: “Nobody deserves this. You are an entertainer, you make people smile, laugh, and you do not deserve this at all.”

    He further slammed the perpetrators, saying: “I am sorry that jaahil (illiterate) individuals like these are on the loose and have the audacity to do sh*t like this. Please keep making everyone smile. We don’t have enough people doing it.”

    “And for these two ill-mannered, disgusting individuals — fitay moun aap ki parwarish aur aap pe.”

    The egging incident has triggered widespread backlash, with social media users demanding the arrest and punishment of the culprits involved in the attack on Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, who is known for his quirky and comedic online persona.

    Chahat himself has issued a formal statement for the growing support from fans and fellow celebrities. “I thank all the fans, fellow celebrities and news outlets for showing their support to me covering the incident which happened with me three months ago on June 19.”

  • ‘Do not twist my words’: Ushna Shah clarifies stance after backlash on Charlie Kirk condolence

    ‘Do not twist my words’: Ushna Shah clarifies stance after backlash on Charlie Kirk condolence

    Pakistani actress Ushna Shah has issued a clarification following backlash over her recent remarks on the death of right-wing hatemonger Charlie Kirk, requesting media outlets to share her statement in full and not out of context

    She also emphasised the gravity of her message and its alignment with her long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.

    “I have been one of the loudest Pro-Palestinian voices in our industry since day one,” Shah wrote in an Instagram post, adding that she did so even at the cost of her reach, work, family’s work and safety.

    “For the sake of clicks, please do not twist my words or silence one of the few voices that has openly called out the perpetrator of this genocide. Keep the context intact: not just for me, but for the cause we all stand by.”

    In her post, Shah explained the strategic importance of engaging with public figures and platforms, even those who may be ideologically opposed.

    “Public voices matter, even when they oppose us. Debate changes minds. When podcasters and commentators give us their platforms and we challenge them with truth, we do more than just shut them down. We reach their followers, and that is how minds are changed. That is why these voices — including Charlie Kirk and Piers Morgan — matter.”

    In the second slide of her post, she directly addressed Kirk’s death, saying, “I disagreed with Charlie Kirk, especially on Palestine. But a young father shot in cold blood is a tragedy. In the days before his death, he had begun mildly criticising Israel. Sources close to him reportedly said he feared Israel would kill him. We had started to see a slight shift in him, and Megyn Kelly as well, as they began questioning Israel more openly. Now he is gone.”

    In her final slide, Shah expressed concern for Candace Owens’ safety due to her outspoken criticism of Israel. “I fear for Candace Owens’s safety, because she has openly criticised Israel not only for the genocide but also for the occupation since day one. Tucker Carlson has also been an imperative right-wing voice for our cause. Celebrating murder for words makes us no different than those we condemn.”

    “My fight is with IOF soldiers and complicit governments, not with public speakers. Charlie did not deserve to die this way,” Shah concluded her message with a firm reiteration of her stance.

    The actress had previously faced criticism for expressing grief over Kirk’s death.

  • ‘I was under a lot of stress and pressure’: Fawad Khan on working in Abir Gulaal

    ‘I was under a lot of stress and pressure’: Fawad Khan on working in Abir Gulaal

    Fawad Khan, one of Pakistan’s most beloved stars, is stepping back into the world of romance with Abir Gulaal, his latest romantic comedy co-starring Bollywood’s Vaani Kapoor.

    In an interview with Gulf News, Fawad said cinema was begging for such a film because everything is now very intense, dark or dramatic – a thriller or too much of blood and gore. “This is more like a palate cleanser. The best foods are the ones with the simplest ingredients where you can taste everything individually. And that only happens when there’s no complication in it. So, this is that kind of a meal.”

    Fawad candidly admitted he was concerned about whether the film would even reach audiences, “I was very worried. There was a lot of pressure around the film’s release,” he shared. “But my belief in the story and its message helped me push forward.”

    He also opened up about relationships and the idea of “the one”. “Having a relationship is a journey in life,” he said.

    “Over the course of time, you come to that equilibrium point. It may feel like love at first sight and it can work out, but you have to accept people with their flaws. That’s what we’re becoming more intolerant of… we just feel everything has to serve one’s own purpose. If something bothers you about your partner, you have to take it in your stride and make it work. That is a very big part of commitment. If you keep waiting forever, you might just wait forever.”

    To a question about the viral teaser that showed Fawad serenading Vaani with Kumar Sanu’s Kuch Na Kaho from the Bollywood film ‘1942: A Love Story’, which drew widespread reactions and a flood of memes online, Vaani said, “The world is healing is what I’ve heard.”

    But even that heart-melting moment wasn’t without nerves. “I was definitely under a lot of stress and pressure,” Fawad revealed. “I don’t sing very often. I think of myself as a bathroom singer. But it’s such an iconic song, so I was nervous.”

    Vaani also said she got lucky to be selected as co-star opposite Fawad.

    Abir Gulaal is set to be released in Pakistan and other global territories on September 12. The film will not be released in India.