Category: Entertainment

  • Fawad Khan’s ‘Abir Gulaal’ pushed back for international release

    Fawad Khan’s ‘Abir Gulaal’ pushed back for international release

    Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback film Abir Gulaal will hit Pakistani cinemas on August 29, while international audiences will have to wait until September 12, as distributors have confirmed a delayed worldwide release.

    The romantic drama, directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and starring Vaani Kapoor alongside Fawad Khan, will be screened in more than 1,000 cinemas across 75 countries. While the international release date has now been revised for a third time, the Pakistan schedule remains unchanged.

    The film was originally set to be released on May 9, but was postponed to late August. Despite its international release, Abir Gulaal will not be screened in India due to bans on Pakistani artists. This prohibition was imposed by the Central Board of Film Certification after the 2019 Pulwama attack, reinforced following the April 22 Pahalgam attack this year, and continues under pressure from organisations such as the All Indian Cine Workers Association and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees.

    The movie is produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures. The production team includes Vivek B Agarwal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy.

    Fawad Khan portrays a UK-based chef, while Vaani Kapoor plays the lead female character. The cast also features Lisa Haydon, Ridhi Dogra, Parmeet Sethi, and Farida Jalal.

    In the lead-up to its debut, the film’s soundtrack, composed by Amit Trivedi, has generated strong interest. Several songs have already been released online and resonated with listeners, keeping the project in the public eye despite multiple delays.

    Abir Gulaal marks Khan’s return to Bollywood after nearly a decade. His previous films in India include Khoobsurat (2014), Kapoor & Sons (2016), and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).

  • Ducky Bhai admits mistakes, apologises for inappropriate videos, endorsing gambling apps without verification

    Ducky Bhai admits mistakes, apologises for inappropriate videos, endorsing gambling apps without verification

    Popular Pakistani YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, widely known as Ducky Bhai, has issued a public apology, admitting his past “mistakes”.

    He acknowledged promoting gambling applications without verifying their legality and creating inappropriate content during his early roasting days.

    During the hearing, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) requested more time, saying it is still probing claims that the YouTuber promoted gambling apps in his videos. The court accepted the request and extended his remand by five days.

    Speaking to a private media outlet after the proceedings, Ducky Bhai admitted his past actions and apologised to the nation. “During my roasting days, I made inappropriate videos and I want to apologise to the entire Pakistani nation for that,” he said.

    He also explained how he promoted gambling apps without verifying their legality. “Some applications came for promotion and I endorsed them without checking because they were also being shown during PSL matches. I did not realise whether these apps were allowed in Pakistan or not,” he added.

    Ducky Bhai further said, “The gambling app appeared in PSL as well, so I did not think it was an issue. I deeply regret this and seek forgiveness for my actions.”

    According to the FIR, investigators booked Ducky Bhai 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), along with Sections 294-B and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

    The case alleges that Ducky Bhai and other influencers promoted gambling platforms such as Binomo, 1xBet, Bet365, and B9 Game for financial gain, which caused losses for users who invested money on these apps. Investigators said they collected 27 video links from his account that promoted these platforms, although many videos have since been removed.

    Authorities arrested the YouTuber at Lahore airport on August 16. Initially, they placed him on a two-day physical remand, extended it to four days, and then added another five-day extension on Saturday.

    https://images.dawn.com/news/1194062/youtuber-ducky-bhai-will-remain-in-nccia-custody-for-another-4-days

  • Gigi Hadid endorses Pakistani animated film ‘The Glassworker’

    Gigi Hadid endorses Pakistani animated film ‘The Glassworker’

    Supermodel Gigi Hadid has shown support for The Glassworker, Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated feature film, by sharing stills from the movie on her Instagram story.

    Her gesture has given the film global attention and highlighted rising appreciation for Pakistani cinema.

    Directed by Usman Riaz, The Glassworker took more than ten years to complete. The film tells the story of Vincent, a young apprentice glassblower, and Alliz, a gifted violinist, whose lives connect during a time of war.

    The story touches on themes of love, loss, and the struggles of life during war, all brought to life through beautiful, hand-drawn animation.

    The movie has already been praised for its animation and storytelling, winning recognition at several international film festivals. It has also been selected as Pakistan’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards.

    As The Glassworker continues to make waves internationally, it stands as a proud moment for Pakistan and a reminder of the power of storytelling through art.

  • Maria B in trouble over remarks on transgender community

    Maria B in trouble over remarks on transgender community

    An inquiry has been initiated against fashion designer Maria B at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

    According to reports, Naeem Butt alias Seema Butt filed an application with the NCCIA, alleging that Maria B spoke against the transgender community on social media. The applicant claimed Maria B propagated against the transgender community on social media and that transgenders were hurt due to her propaganda.

    The NCCIA has launched an inquiry into the case and summoned Maria B on August 26.

    The controversy began when Maria B shared clips of a gathering online, condemning the event, claiming minors were present, and describing it as an attempt to normalize values inconsistent with cultural and religious traditions. She also linked the gathering to foreign influence, stating she would continue highlighting such events despite anticipated backlash.

    Following the videos, police arrested several transgender individuals for organizing what was described as an “objectionable” private gathering. The arrests prompted widespread attention after clips of the event, reportedly showing 50 to 60 participants, circulated on social media.

    The matter went to a magistrate in Lahore, who dismissed the case, stating the police provided no incriminating evidence. The court observed that no eyewitnesses were present, no statements were recorded, and no proper documentation allowed entry into the private property. The magistrate suggested the defendants were implicated based on “forged and concocted facts” and denied the police’s plea for a 10-day physical remand, releasing all the transgender persons. Their lawyer, Haider Butt, confirmed their release.

    Conversely, transgender rights advocate Nayyab Ali dismissed the accusations, noting that those in the videos were not affiliated with the rights movement and questioned whether Maria B’s sharing of the clips amounted to dissemination of “fahashi.” 

    Human rights activists and legal experts have expressed concerns that morality laws are ambiguously worded, prone to arbitrary application, and often disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

  • Mahira Khan shares heartfelt birthday note for director Asim Raza

    Mahira Khan shares heartfelt birthday note for director Asim Raza

    Star Mahira Khan just reminded everyone why her bond with film director Asim Raza is one of the most cherished friendships in the industry. The superstar took to Instagram to share a heartfelt birthday wish, and fans cannot stop talking about the love-filled message.

    Posting a series of warm, candid pictures with Raza, Mahira wrote, “You are and will always be the One for me.” Her note radiated nothing but pure affection and gratitude for the man who has been a constant in her personal and professional life.

    She continued with a beautiful prayer, “May you be surrounded by music and love, family and all of us who love you so dearly. May there always be sukoon in your heart and in your life. Ameen. InshAllah.”

    “And may we continue to dance to the music only we can hear. And and and… one swan song, we must! Ameen. I love you always and forever,” she added, leaving fans emotional.

    The director didn’t hold back either. Replying to Mahira’s note, Asim wrote, “Thank you, for the light you bring, For lifting my soul and making it sing. May our bond keep blooming, season by season.”

    Fans were quick to shower love on the post, with one user commenting, “So cute ”. Another said, “This post is so wholesome ❤ both of you are absolute gems istg!!” One wrote, “Oh to be an angel like you ,” and someone else added, “O m g this lady .”

    Mahira, who has worked with Asim Raza on hits like Ho Mann Jahaan and Parey Hut Love, hinted that their creative journey isn’t over yet.

  • Atiqa Odho’s mother has a crush on this Pakistani actor

    Atiqa Odho’s mother has a crush on this Pakistani actor

    Senior actress Atiqa Odho has once again showcased her sense of humor by making everyone laugh during a TV program.

    Atiqa Odho, Nadia Khan, and Marina Khan recently admired Danish Taimoor’s performance in the drama Sher on the show Kya Drama Hai.

    While praising Danish Taimoor’s charm, Atiqa said, “He is every generation’s crush. He is even my mother’s crush.”

    She jokingly added, “If someone makes me Danish’s heroine in a drama, it would be fun. There are stories about older women and young men falling in love.”

    Atiqa continued, “If you can’t make me his heroine, then at least make me his khala instead of his mother in a drama.”

    Nadia Khan and Marina Khan burst into laughter after Atiqa’s remarks.


    Marina Khan joked, “If the romantic pair of Danish Taimoor and Atiqa Odho appears on screen, there will be a storm.”


    Nadia Khan added, “People will make all kinds of comments, and the criticism will never stop.”


    Responding to this, Marina said, “People should understand that it’s just a story and nothing more.”

    Atiqa Odho’s witty comments quickly went viral on social media, where fans enjoyed her lighthearted take.

  • Hania, Bilal look adorable in first look at ‘Mere Zindagi Hai Tou’

    Hania, Bilal look adorable in first look at ‘Mere Zindagi Hai Tou’

    Hania Aamir and Bilal Abbas Khan have set social media on fire with their first look from the highly anticipated drama Mere Zindagi Hai Tou. The stunning on-screen pair has fans buzzing with excitement after Hania shared a heartwarming click from the drama set, leaving everyone eager for what’s to come.

    In the shared picture, Hania looks effortlessly elegant in a beige dress, with softly parted hair and her signature dimpled smile. Sitting beside her under a big tree, Bilal Abbas Khan stuns in an all-black outfit, holding the script in his hand. The serene setting, paired with their natural chemistry, has left fans longing for the drama’s release.

    What added even more magic to the moment was the soulful voice of the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan playing in the background, possibly the title track Meri Zindagi Hai Tou. The song hints at deep emotions and a storyline that fans are already predicting will be a hit.

    The comment section under Hania’s post was flooded with excitement. One user wrote, “Omg finally!” 

    Another couldn’t hold back and commented, “Broo I am not ready ❤.”

     A fan expressed their thrill by saying, “The duo I was waiting for!!!” while another wrote, “Cannot wait absolutely ufff.” 

    Someone even added, “I don’t think anyone is happier than I AMM!” and a user summed it up perfectly with, “Two khubsurat peeps in one frame ❤.”

    With just one photo and a few seconds of music, Hania and Bilal have managed to steal the spotlight. Fans now count the days until the drama airs, and the excitement is only growing stronger.

  • Fans cannot get over Mawra Hocane’s ‘Thumak Thumak’ dance

    Fans cannot get over Mawra Hocane’s ‘Thumak Thumak’ dance

    Mawra Hocane knows how to keep her fans hooked, and her latest Instagram video is proof. The actress jumped on the trending “Thumak Thumak” vibe, and fans cannot stop talking about it.

    In the video, Mawra looks effortlessly gorgeous in a silky white dress, grooving to the beat of the hit track “Thumak Thumak Jani Aa Mahiye Day Nal”. Her expressions and smile add a magical charm to the whole moment.

    What makes the post even more exciting is her caption, which hints at something new coming soon. Mawra wrote, “Thumak Thumak is coming to your lives/ teasers #JamaTaqseem,” leaving fans curious about her next project.

    The comment section quickly turned into a love fest. Superstar Mahira Khan jumped in, calling her “cutie.” 

    Another fan couldn’t hold back, writing, “MashaAllah, nazar na lage.” One gushed, “So cuteeee Mashaa Allah,” while another wrote, “Cuteness ki dukaan .” One user added, “Oh MashAllah haseen ,” and a fan even claimed, “You can post anything and that can be a trend, Mahawray!”

    With Mawra’s video creating quite a buzz on social media, fans are now waiting to see what the Jama Taqseem teaser brings next.

    Mawra Hocane recently tied the knot with actor Ameer Gilani, her co-star from hit dramas like Neem, Sabaat, and Agar Tum Saath Ho.

  • Instagram permanently disables account of popular content creator Talha Ahmed

    Instagram permanently disables account of popular content creator Talha Ahmed

    Instagram has permanently disabled the account of Talha Ahmed, a popular content creator known for his unique and family-friendly videos, citing an age-related policy violation.

    Speaking to a digital media outlet, Talha’s brother Taha Ahmed revealed that the platform claimed Talha was under 13 years old, which led to the account’s suspension. “Instagram says Talha is under 13, which is why they disabled his account, but he is actually 16,” Taha said.

    When asked what steps they took after the suspension, Taha explained, “As soon as the account was disabled, we appealed on Instagram. The platform asked for identity documents or any proof to verify his age through a form.”

    Taha added that Instagram required a photo on the submitted documents. “Since Talha does not have a CNIC, I submitted his school documents that included his name, photo, and age. But even after that, Instagram has not restored the account,” he stated. 

    When asked about the possible reason for the sudden suspension and whether Talha plans to return with a new account, Taha responded, “We have no idea if the account was reported or what happened. It has been permanently disabled. As for content creation, Talha plans to return soon on social media with a new account.”

    Meanwhile, followers on Talha Ahmed’s Facebook page are sharing reactions and comments on the account suspension.

    Talha has built a massive following with his family-oriented videos, which even earned him recognition at the highest level. 

    In July, he met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. The Prime Minister praised Talha for his creative work, presented him with an honorary shield, and gifted him an electronic tablet. Shehbaz Sharif said that young Pakistanis are showcasing their talent to the world and called Talha “a shining example of the limitless potential of the Pakistani nation.” Talha expressed his gratitude for the recognition and encouragement.

    He has over 800,000 followers on Instagram.

  • FIA arrests Dr Omer Adil under PECA Act

    FIA arrests Dr Omer Adil under PECA Act

    The Federal Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested Dr. Omer Adil on charges of hate speech on social media.

    The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency released a photo and a statement confirming the arrest.

    According to the statement, case number 203/2025 was registered against Dr. Omer Adil under sections 11, 12, and 13A of the PECA Ordinance.

    The inquiry had begun after a citizen filed a complaint, and following the investigation, the charges were proven, leading to his arrest.

    This is not the first time Dr Omer Adil has faced legal trouble. In 2024, FIA arrested him over allegations of using vulgar and inappropriate language against women on social media. The controversy began after Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari lodged a complaint with the FIA on July 27, accusing him of making defamatory remarks about the Punjab chief minister and several female anchors in a vlog uploaded on his YouTube channel Ganda Aandaa.

    Following her complaint, FIA initiated an investigation and later took Dr Adil into custody on August 6 for allegedly using foul language against a female anchor. The Cyber Crime Wing in Lahore confirmed the arrest after a formal case was registered.

    During the same period, Dr Adil faced backlash for targeting anchorperson Ghareeda Farooqui with inappropriate remarks. Despite being asked to issue an apology initially, he refused, which led to his arrest. He was later released on bail after tendering an unconditional apology to the anchor.