Category: Entertainment

Azaan Sami Khan has opened up about the constant social media backlash he faces for being the son of renowned singer Adnan Sami, who moved from Pakistan to India years ago. In a recent interview with Something Haute, the singer-turned-actor shared how hurtful it is to be called a “traitor’s son” despite his deep love for Pakistan.

“Do I have to prove my patriotism all my life?” Azaan asked while expressing disappointment over the criticism. “I belong to a patriotic family and I love Pakistan immensely,” he added.

Speaking about his relationship with Adnan Sami, Azaan said it has three dimensions. “I understand my father as an artist, I love and respect him from my heart, and the entire situation has made me understand the reality of the world,” he shared.

He described his father as a “sensitive artist” who faced challenges, especially political circumstances, that led him to take Indian citizenship. Azaan clarified, “I am not defending him. I am just trying to understand him.”

He revealed that he never bowed to pressure from people asking him to publicly condemn his father. “I love my father deeply and respect him as my faith teaches me so. I will always be his son,” he said.

Talking about his mother, veteran actress Zeba Bakhtiar, Azaan called her his biggest critic. “After every drama project, I take her feedback seriously,” he noted.

Azaan also spoke about his growing friendship with Daraab Khalil, son of writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, during the making of Main Manto Nahi Hoon. “Both of us understand what it feels like to deal with public controversies around our parents,” he said.

What happens when a legendary Pakistani actor jumps on the trend of the year? Adnan Siddiqui just gave fans the answer, and it is nothing short of iconic. The Tamasha host posted a video of himself recreating the viral “aura farming” dance, originally made famous by 11-year-old Indonesian sensation Rayyan Arkan Dikha.

In his caption, Adnan confessed he had no clue about aura farming but couldn’t resist trying the smooth boat dance that took over the internet. He wrote: “Aura farming? I don’t know about that… But I know this boat dance was too smooth not to try. Major props to 11-year-old Rayyan, the undisputed king of cool, for blessing the internet with these moves. And now, I dedicate this ‘performance’ to my dear friend Humayun Saeed, who I know won’t resist the chance to top up his aura levels Humayun, your mission: recreate the dance, post it, tag me, and pass the baton to someone else. Let’s keep the chain alive and the rizz rolling!”

The challenge has left many fans waiting to see if Humayun Saeed will accept it.

As expected, the comments section lit up. One user poked fun at his hosting gig on Tamasha, writing: “Badshah after eliminating Ghania ” while another joked, “Badshah after deducting prize money for no reason.” 

Others couldn’t stop laughing at his moves: “Doctor kya khahty thek ho jay gy? ” Another fan left a cheeky warning: “Disclaimer: Please don’t try this at home .”

The original “aura farming” dance became a worldwide sensation after Rayyan Arkan Dikha stood at the edge of a speeding boat during a traditional Pacu Jalur race in Indonesia, performing effortless hand gestures and blowing kisses with unmatched swag. 

Social media dubbed it “aura farming,” and soon celebrities across the globe started copying the moves.

Hamza Khan, a young singer with just 100 Instagram followers, has been selected for Pakistan Idol 2025. He shared a video singing the title track ‘Saiyaara’ from a 2025 Indian movie, captioning it: “POV: I am selected for Pakistan Idol.”

Pakistan Idol 2025, the country’s biggest music competition, is making a grand comeback after 11 years on Geo TV, presented by MHL. 

This season introduces a new judging panel featuring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Bilal Maqsood, Zeb Bangash, and Fawad Khan, while Syed Shafaat Ali will host the show. 

The platform has launched countless careers, offering young talent nationwide a chance to shine and gain global recognition.

Police in Lahore have arrested popular TikToker Khurram Gujjar on charges of fraud and criminal breach of trust after he allegedly swindled an overseas Pakistani out of €200,000.

According to media reports citing Defence C police, complainant Rana Arsalan accused Gujjar of taking the money under the pretext of purchasing a commercial plot. Despite repeated assurances, Gujjar failed to deliver the property even after a year.

Arsalan told police that when he demanded a refund, Gujjar not only refused to return the amount but also threatened him. Acting on the complaint, police registered a case and took Gujjar into custody.

Police said Gujjar faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and issuing threats.

Khurram Gujjar, who has over two million followers on TikTok, is known for flaunting a luxurious lifestyle. His videos often feature a pet lion, expensive cars, and heavy bikes.

A  new film by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania is set to premiere at the 82nd Venice Film Festival on 3 September, bringing global attention to the tragic story of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was martyred in Gaza by IDF in January 2024. 

The 90-minute feature draws from real audio recordings of Hind’s final moments. Trapped inside a car in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza among the bodies of her family, Hind pleaded for help before the call was abruptly cut off. Days later, she was found dead. This moment, which became a symbol of the failure to protect innocent lives, has now been transformed into a deeply emotional cinematic experience that merges documentary realism with artistic storytelling, asking urgent questions about memory, accountability, and justice.

The project has drawn significant attention from Hollywood, with Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón, and Jonathan Glazer joining as executive producers after viewing an early cut. Jemima Khan and Frank Giustra have also come on board as executive producers, while the production team includes Nadim Cheikhrouha (Four Daughters), Odessa Rae (Navalny), and James Wilson (The Zone of Interest). Institutional backing came from Film4, MBC, and Pitt’s production company, Plan B.

Kaouther Ben Hania, who earned an Oscar nomination for her films The Man Who Sold His Skin and Four Daughters, is celebrated for her ability to capture intimate human experiences with visual depth. In The Voice of Hind Rajab, she brings together actors Saja Kalani, Moataz Melhass, and Clara Khoury, with an evocative score composed by Amin Bouhafa, creating a film that resonates with both grief and resilience.

However, the film’s release has stirred strong emotions within Hind’s family. Her mother, Wesam Rajab, reshared an Instagram story that criticized the Hollywood involvement, stating: “The State Dept. has yet to issue a statement on investigating the murder of Hind Rajab and already Hollywood is looking to profit off of Palestinian suffering. None of them have even bothered to reach out to @wesam_rajabb or amplify her family’s suffering. We don’t want your exposure, we want you to STOP THE GENOCIDE.”

Despite this frustration, Wesam has also shared stories from people praising the film for giving Hind’s voice a platform. One message she reposted read: “Thank you @kaoutherbenhania for speaking up and giving Hind a voice. Her screams are still haunting me… ignored at the time, but now, through your film they can finally be heard… even if it is too late for her @wesam_rajabb.”

After its Venice premiere, the film will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7 in the “Special Presentations” section. It will then travel to the San Sebastian, Busan, and London film festivals, ensuring wide global exposure and critical attention.

A judicial magistrate on Thursday extended the physical remand of YouTuber Saadur Rehman, known as Ducky Bhai, for four more days at the request of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in a case linked to the promotion of illegal gambling apps on social media.

The next hearing is scheduled for September 1.

Authorities allege that the popular YouTuber, along with other influencers, promoted gambling platforms such as Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365, and B9 Game for financial gain. According to investigators, these promotions caused significant losses to users who invested their money in these applications. Officials stated they have collected 27 video links from Ducky Bhai’s account that featured the promotion of these platforms, although many of these videos have since been deleted.

The First Information Report (FIR) reveals that investigators booked the YouTuber under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, including Section 13 (Electronic Forgery), Section 14 (Electronic Fraud), Section 25 (Spamming), and Section 26 (Spoofing). Additionally, he faces charges under Sections 294-B and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Ducky Bhai was arrested on August 16 at Lahore airport. Initially, authorities obtained a two-day physical remand, which was later extended by four days, followed by an additional five-day extension on Saturday. With this latest development, the YouTuber will remain in custody for at least four more days as investigations continue.

Pakistani actor and model Khaqan Shahnawaz has weighed in on Pakistan-India tensions, saying that the two nations should focus on real challenges rather than fighting each other.

In a video message posted on Instagram, the rising star urged the public to shift its attention towards more pressing problems.

He said, “A few months ago, during the war between Pakistan and India, both countries were making memes. The Indians were saying, ‘We will stop Pakistan’s water, how did you take a bath?’ Meanwhile, the Pakistanis were saying, ‘Let the monsoon come, with water from India, a lot more will come.’”

Shahnawaz explained that nature itself gave the answer when the monsoon rains brought destruction across both countries. “Then the same thing happened, the monsoon came, there was so much destruction that both countries had to give and take. The point to understand here is that the real war between Pakistan and India is not with each other but with poverty, and in the coming days it will be against climate change.”

He stressed the need for cooperation instead of hostility, saying, “Instead of making memes against each other, talking against each other’s religion or country, we should sit together and find a solution to climate change. Otherwise, in a year neither India nor Pakistan will remain, only memes will remain on the internet.”

A local court in Lahore has discharged stage actress and dancer Samar Rana in a case pertaining to the torture and gang rape of a 14-year-old domestic worker,  media reports have stated. 

Samar Rana was presented before the court by the Investigation Police Nawab Town. Judicial Magistrate Zaib Shehzad Cheema heard the case and ordered her immediate release.

The court ordered action against the investigating officer for failing to present the suspects before the court within 24 hours of her arrest.

Police had requested physical remand of the suspects but the court observed that such remand cannot be granted unnecessarily or mechanically.

The court noted that after reviewing the record, no evidence was found against Samar Rana. On the basis of lack of evidence, the actress was discharged from the case.

Earlier, Lahore police arrested theatre actor Samar Rana on Sunday after a 16-year-old domestic worker accused her and others of rape and torture.

According to media reports, Nawab Town police registered a case under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code against Rana, her employee, and four unidentified men.

The FIR was reportedly filed by the girl’s mother, stating that her daughter began working at Rana’s residence in OPF Housing Scheme on August 8. On the night of August 14, a man living in the upper portion of the house allegedly gave the girl a drugged drink and raped her. The next morning, Rana’s employee reportedly drugged and assaulted her again. He then called four other men, unknown to the victim, who allegedly raped her over the next two days.

The FIR further alleges that the girl remained drugged and confined in the house, where the suspects recorded videos and took photos of the assault. Rana allegedly hit the girl in the stomach and threatened her to stay silent.

The victim escaped on August 18 but remained quiet out of fear. Her mother discovered the abuse on August 23 after noticing her daughter’s injuries and immediately approached the police.

Law enforcement raided Rana’s residence and took her into custody. Police confirmed that efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects.

The animated hit KPop Demon Hunters has officially become the most-streamed movie in Netflix history, the platform announced.

Released in June, the action-musical follows a fictional K-pop girl group called Huntr/x, whose three members secretly fight demons while performing as pop stars. The movie has been watched more than 236 million times, breaking all previous records on the streaming giant.

This means KPop Demon Hunters has overtaken the 2021 action-comedy Red Notice, starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot, which had 230.9 million views.

The rest of the top five most-streamed films on Netflix include last year’s Carry-On with 172.1 million views, 2021’s Don’t Look Up with 171.4 million views, and 2022’s The Adam Project with 157.6 million views.

The movie’s success is not limited to Netflix. Its soundtrack has also broken records, with four songs, Golden, Your Idol, Soda Pop, and How It’s Done, all reaching the Billboard Top 10 at the same time. This is the first time a soundtrack has achieved this milestone.

Some of the producers behind the soundtrack have previously worked with major K-pop groups like BTS and Twice. The popularity of these songs has made Huntr/x the highest-charting female K-pop group in US Spotify history, even surpassing BLACKPINK.

Netflix has also released a sing-along version of the movie in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. This version became Netflix’s first film to reach number one at the US box office.

With this massive success, talks of a sequel are already underway.