Current Final

Category: Entertainment

  • Ahsan Khan launches clothing brand for the ‘awaam’

    Ahsan Khan launches clothing brand for the ‘awaam’

    If you’ve been following Ahsan Khan’s Ramzan transmission on Pakistan Television (PTV), you may have seen the actor don a variety of cool outfits and may also have wondered where he got them from. Turns out the actor decided to wear only his own brand – Ahsan Khan Marca – this season and soft launch it through the Ramzan transmission.

    FACT CHECK: Is Maulana Tariq Jamil selling nara’s for Rs 550?

    Khan, who has helmed a variety of ventures besides acting including an interior designing company with wife Fatima Ahsan, decided to venture into the clothing business after years of receiving queries from fans about his outfits and looks.

    “A lot of my fans and followers are always asking me and sending me messages about my clothes and outfits,” said Khan, while talking to The Current.

    “Messages like ‘Can you tell me where did you get that from?’ or ‘Yeh walay kapray please humain bhej dein‘ have been a regular in my inbox,” said Khan. “That’s where I got the idea that why shouldn’t start my own brand? Why don’t I introduce the kind of clothes I wear in the market? Ones which have my kind of style.”

    “A few friends and I got together, discussed this idea and decided to work on it,” shared Ahsan further, adding that he is not personally designing the clothes, but is overlooking the process so that the clothes emulate his style.

    The actor further said that he was looking to set up another business to create livelihood.

    “I also wanted to set up another business, another venture which would create jobs,” Ahsan told The Current. “There are a lot of people involved in the project including my friends. We have a very talented designer on board and most of our production is being done in Faisalabad.”

    When asked who his target market is, Khan said: “I am catering to my awaam. I don’t want to cater to anyone else except the people of Pakistan. My people. Casual normal people who want to wear good clothes so they can feel comfortable and good about themselves comfortable.”

    The actor added that his aim to make affordable clothes so that he can cater to the masses.

    Ahsan Khan

    Meanwhile, Ahsan also explained what Marca means.

    “Marca means ‘brand’ in Italian. So Ahsan Khan Marca means Ahsan Khan Brand,” said Ahsan, adding: “Many people have also understood it as the Urdu marka, which means achievement. So you can take it as that also.”

    While the actor was initially planning to launch the brand properly with a store and exhibitions, COVID-19 dampened his plans so he launched the brand online and hopes that he will be able to do a proper launch once the situation becomes better.

  • ‘Daughters are Allah’s gift,’ Rabia Anum tells live caller on Ramzan show

    Rabia Anum Obaid, who is co-hosting Pakistan Television’s (PTV) Ramzan Transmission along with Ahsan Khan, recently gave a sweet response to a man who asked for a wazeefa to have sons.

    A video from the Sehri transmission, that has gone viral on social media, shows a viewer asking for a wazeefa so that he can have a boy. The man said that he has five daughters and yearns for a son. After a religious scholar answered his question, Rabia Anum added that having daughters is a blessing.

    Anum further said that Allah blesses those with daughters whom is is happy with. Addressing the live caller, Rabia said that Allah is happy with you which is why you have so many daughters. She also gave an example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who had four daughters.

    Rabia also said that apart from Shahid Afridi’s cricketing career or welfare, she respects him most because of the love he showers on his daughters.

    Rabia, herself has a daughter.

  • Saboor Aly announces ‘baat pakki’ with Ali Ansari

    Saboor Aly announces ‘baat pakki’ with Ali Ansari

    Saboor Aly aur Ali Ansari ki baat paaki hogayi hai.

    VIDEO: Sajal, Saboor light up the dance floor at friend’s wedding

    Sharing a picture from their baat pakki, Aly said: “With the blessings of our families I’m ready to jump into a new life with an amazing person.”

    Ansari also shared a picture from their baat pakki and wrote: “Honestly, I’m in a mix of all kinds of emotions right now but most important of all I’m happy.”

    He also shared translation of a verse from Quran: “And of everything we created a pair, that perhaps you may remember.”

    “From this day forward you should not walk alone,” added the actor.

    While Saboor glowed in a light pink outfit, Ali looked dapper in white kurta pajama.

    Soon after they shared the news on social media, congratulatory messages poured in for the happy couple.

  • Grammy organisers eliminate ‘secret’ nominating committees after allegations of corruption

    The organisers of music’s Grammy Awards on Friday announced an end to the so-called “secret” committees that have led to allegations that the highest honours in the industry are open to rigging.

    The Recording Academy said that nominations for the next Grammy Awards in January 2022 will be selected by all of its more than 11,000 voting members, instead of by committees of 15 to 30 industry experts whose names were not revealed.

    The Academy was slammed last year when Canadian artist The Weeknd got zero Grammy nominations, even though his critically acclaimed album After Hours was one of the biggest sellers of 2020.

    The Weeknd, in a Twitter post last November, said “The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency.”

    The Recording Academy said in a statement on Friday that the changes were significant and were made “to ensure that the Grammy Awards rules and guidelines are transparent and equitable.”

    Allegations that the Grammy nominations process is tainted were made in a legal complaint filed in early 2019 by the former chief executive of the Recording Academy, Deborah Dugan.

    At the time, the Academy dismissed as “categorically false, misleading and wrong” Dugan’s claims that its members pushed artists they have relationships with. Dugan was later fired.

    American pop star Halsey, also shut out of the 2021 Grammys, last year called the nominations process “elusive” and said she was “hoping for more transparency or reform.”

    Former One Direction singer Zayn Malik called in March for an end to “secret committees.”

    “I’m keeping the pressure on and fighting for transparency and inclusion. We need to make sure we are honouring and celebrating ‘creative excellence’ of all,” Malik tweeted hours ahead of the 2021 Grammy Awards ceremony.

    Malik had also lashed out the awards saying: “Unless you shake hands and send gifts, there’s no nomination considerations. Next year I’ll send you a basket of confectionery.”

    The Recording Academy on Friday also said it was adding two new Grammy categories — for best global music performance, and best Latin urban music album — bringing to 86 the total number of Grammy Awards each year.

  • Celebrities cheer for little Musa who refused to wear glasses because of bullies

    Celebrities cheer for little Musa who refused to wear glasses because of bullies

    A six-year-old boy Musa refused to wear glasses because bullies at his school made fun of him. Musa’s father, Zeeshan shared a picture of his little boy on Twitter and asked netizens how his son looks in glasses. In a heartwarming turn of events, Twitter, including celebrities cheered on little Musa and told him that he looks super cute in glasses.

    Musa took the words of his school bullies to heart and was “very upset” when he was targeted for his glasses. He was hesitant to wear his glasses so his father decided to “ask the world” how his son looks in them.

    Musa’s tweet soon went viral and people from across the world, including celebrities like Pooja Bhatt, Zartaj Gul, Adnan Siddiqui, Imam ul Haq, Mohammad Amir and Feroze Khan sent him words of love and encouragement.

    Some users even reminded Musa of all the superheroes who wear glasses and look incredibly cool.

    https://twitter.com/GitaSKapoor_/status/1388156784506900481?s=19

    The tweet also caught Adnan Siddiqui’s attention, who said: “Musa you not only look great in glasses, but I can see a bright future ahead of you through the sparkle in your eyes!”

    The actor also made a collage of himself and Musa and said: “Specs are the cutest thing one can wear. They show that you are an avid reader, that you love books and also up your cool quotient.”

    “Hello Musa, [I] am a fan of ur glasses. You look so adorable in them. Wear ‘em to give me company too,” added the actor.

    Feroze Khan too encouraged the little boy, saying: “Man!!! Mooossssa! You vibing so hard kid! You look so Good!!!”

    Meanwhile, Zeeshan later updated that Musa read some of the comments and is very happy.

    “I showed him some of the comments before he left for school today. Can’t explain how happy he is. Thank you very much for overwhelming response,” said the happy father.

  • Victoria Beckham would ‘rather die’ than wear crocs sent by Justin Bieber

    Victoria Beckham would ‘rather die’ than wear crocs sent by Justin Bieber

    It is not uncommon for celebrities to send each other products to promote. But when Justin Bieber decided to send Queen of Fashion Victoria Beckham a pair of crocs from his new collaboration, he probably never expected the reaction he got.

    Sharing a picture of the crocs she received with her 28.9 million followers, Victoria Beckham said: “A lot of people have been asking me what I’m planning on wearing after lockdown, what do we think about this suggestion from Justin Bieber?”

    Read more – Questlove actually had to the guts to wear golden crocs to the Oscars red carpet

    While thanking Justin by saying that “it is very kind of him” to send her these, she moved the camera closer to display the features of the crocs before going on to say: “Never worn a pair of crocs. This did make me laugh”.

    The former Spice Girls star also posted a poll asking her followers if they think she will ever wear these crocs or not. 57% of the voters voted ‘no’ bringing a sigh of relief to Posh, who said: “Well, that was close! I think I’d rather die but thank you anyway, Justin Bieber.”

    While Victoria may have come across as sarcastic and mean, her act sure did bring Bieber’s new collection to light.

  • Prince Harry ‘regretful and embarrassed’ over interview with Oprah Winfrey

    Prince Harry ‘regretful and embarrassed’ over interview with Oprah Winfrey

    Prince Harry is reportedly “embarrassed and regretful” over his and wife Meghan Markle’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. The interview plunged the monarchy into its biggest crisis since Princess Diana’s death in 1997.

    Read more – Prince Harry’s exit had been a long time plan of another member of the royal fam

    Duncan Larcombe, author of Prince Harry: The Inside Story, told the UK’s Closer Magazine that Harry is probably feeling “regretful and embarrassed” after disclosing his family issues in front of the whole world. The biographer believes while Meghan seemed “in her element”, Harry “clearly looked numb and torn” upon leaving back for Los Angeles after attending late Prince Philip’s funeral ceremony.

    Larcombe is convinced that the 36-year-old Duke of Sussex and his wife may have a problematic marriage in the future because Harry will remain nostalgic about the royal life which he has given up while Meghan will keep enjoying her life in LA which had been her longtime dream.

    Duncan justifies Harry’s anger towards the Royal family as his “hot-headedness”.

    “Harry was clearly hurt and angry about Meghan’s experience with the royals — and used the interview to get it out,” said Duncan. “But after returning home, I’ve no doubt he’s been feeling embarrassed, regretful and awkward. He’s now facing the consequences. I believe he’ll regret that interview — and maybe his decision to leave the royal family.”

    “Coming home has reminded him of everything he’s sacrificed in recent years — and of the recent damage done,” added the author.

    When asked what his predictions are about Harry’s future equation with his family, the expert said: “I can’t see how Harry can live this new life and keep things harmonious with his family,” adding that it will be a “lose-lose situation.”

    “I just don’t think that Harry will be able to live harmoniously as a part of these two worlds — the royals and the LA showbiz world.”

    Duncan warns Harry of embarking on a “very difficult” journey due to his decision of marrying Markle and bidding farewell to his Royal roots.

  • Ramzan dramas: On-screen couples with killer chemistry

    Ramzan dramas: On-screen couples with killer chemistry

    Take a flashback to the past few years, we have been observing the trend of airing sitcoms or romantic-comedy dramas on different channels during the month of Ramzan. Although this trend initially received much criticism. However, with the passage of time, people have started to enjoy watching these entertainment packages. Chupke Chupke and Tanaa Banaa of HUM TV are giving us laughter dose after every Iftaar, while Geo TV has given Ishq Jalebi. 

    These dramas are offering comedy, controversies and family politics but they’ve also given us four delightful on-screen couples. Zain and Zoya from Tanaa Banaa, Hadi and Mishi, Meenu and Faazi/Ustaad Jee from Chupke Chupke and Basim and Bela from Ishq Tamasha.

    Zain and Zoya

    Zain (Danyal Zafar) is a young boy who fell in love with Zoya (Alizeh Shah) at first sight. The couple has interesting chemistry with Zain expressing all his love for Zoya and Zoya just starting to realise that how much Zain loves her. While Zoya is stubborn, Zain is a loving and caring husband. The two are poles apart and this keeps the drama interesting.

    Hadi and Mishi

    Arslan Naseer is playing the role of Hadi while Aymen Saleem is acting as Mishi in Chupke Chupke. There is a unique hidden chemistry between this couple that was initially growing in the form of one-sided love. But now that Hadi has also fallen in love with Mishi, this love story has taken a new turn and one of the reasons why you tune into Chupke Chupke every night.

    Meenu and Faazi /Ustaad Jee

    Ayeza Khan is playing as Meenu and Osman Khalid Butt is playing as Faaz aka Meenu’s Ustaad Jee. Faaz used to teach Meenu so she calls him Ustaad Jee. However, in a strange turn of event the two ended up getting married and while they were initially embarrassed by this development, they are now slowly beginning to catch feelings.

    Faaz, who didn’t like Meenu for her carelessness and ignorance towards studies, is now falling for her innocence. Meenu too has started to like him and their cute ways of showing affection is making the drama more interesting. With many twists and turns, their wedding is at stake and everyone is eager to see what will happen next and what new problem will arise for the newly weds.

    Basim and Bela

    Ishq Jalebi stars the Madiha Imam and Wahaj Ali in leading roles. Basim who is on the lookout for a shortcut to go abroad is in cahoots with Bela (Madiha Imam). She is his sidekick, best friend, and partner in crime in all that he does and also his maternal cousin who was orphaned as a child and lives with them. While Basim may not have realised how much Bela truly loves him, we the audiences can definitely see it and are absolutely loving the chemistry the two have with each other. With scenes that will make your heart have a happy dance, these two stars are a treat to watch and we’re anxious to see what Ishq Jalebi has in store for them next.

    While each couple has its own charm, my favourite has to be Meenu and Faazi. Both Osman and Ayeza have brought Meenu and Faazi to life brilliantly. Very much like Faaz, I used to detest Meenu and didn’t want him to marry her. But as the story progressed, I am also enjoying their naivety, blamelessness and non-romantic fondness. Looking forward to seeing how they will cross all obstacles among them and finally become husband and wife.

  • Mawra Hocane sends love to Neetu on Rishi Kapoor’s first death anniversary

    Mawra Hocane sends love to Neetu on Rishi Kapoor’s first death anniversary

    Mawra Hocane has sent love to Neetu Kapoor on Rishi Kapoor’s first death anniversary.

    Commenting on Neetu’s post in which she remembered her late husband, Mawra Hocane posted three hearts to extend her love and prayers.

    “All of last year has been of grief and sadness around the world for us maybe more as we lost him,” wrote Neetu, alongside a black and white picture of her and Rishi.

    “Not a day has gone by when we have not discussed or reminisced him as he was an extension of our existence. Sometimes his wise advice, his wisecracks, his anecdotes,” she continued. “We have celebrated him all year with a smile on the lips as he will stay in our hearts forever we have accepted life will never be the same without him.”

    Kapoor’s daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni also remembered her late father, saying: “If only I could hear you call me mushk once more.”

    Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30, 2020 in Mumbai after a two year long battle with cancer.

    Adnan Siddiqui also remembered Kapoor, saying: “The man who remained young at heart till his last moments, who loved life, the most swashbuckling romantic hero Bollywood ever had. #RishiKapoor sahib you may be gone but you live in our hearts forever.”

    Meanwhile, our Pakistani celebrities who got a chance to meet with the actor shared pictures of themselves with the romantic hero and remembered him.

    Humayun Saeed threw it back to the time they met Kapoor to cast him in Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2.

    “He was the best of the best,” wrote Humayun.

    Mawra Hocane shared a picture of when she met him in New York.

    “You shall continue to be the legend that you are. I’ll always remember you fondly,” said the actor.

    Zeba Bakhtiar recalled the time she shot the film Henna with the actor and wrote, “You were a superstar for us. RIP dear Rishi…my Chander Prakash. You are and forever will be in our hearts!”
    Azaan Sami Khan thanked him for always supporting and pushing him to achieve better. While other celebs who paid a tribute to the late actor include Sajal Aly, Mahira Khan, Zara Noor Abbas, Imran Abbas, Saba Hamid, Yasir Hussain, Shaan, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar among others.
  • PEMRA fines ‘Time Out with Ahsan Khan’ Rs 500,000 for using animals as props

    PEMRA fines ‘Time Out with Ahsan Khan’ Rs 500,000 for using animals as props

    The Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has slapped a fine of Rs 500,000 to Express Entertainment’s celebrity talk show Time Out with Ahsan Khan for using animals as props.

    Lawyer Faizullah Khan Niazi, who filed a “self-explanatory” complaint before the regulatory body on behalf of Santia Gulzar against the TV channel and show announced PEMRA’s decision on social media and shared a copy of the order.

    “PEMRA saw fit to accept my arguments and impose a fine on Express Entertainment for using animals as props for the purposes of entertainment in its show Time Out with Ahsan Khan,” wrote Niazi on Twitter.

    “The Council of Complaints (CoC) [in it’s 106th meeting] upheld the rights of animals and stopped unnecessary pain and suffering being caused to them,” added the lawyer.

    https://twitter.com/niazi_faizullah/status/1387733747433365504?s=19

    “The Council after hearing the matter was of the considered view that the treatment towards animals in this specific show caused unnecessary pain and suffering to the animals used as props in the show. Subjugating animals to such uncalled-for treatment is clearly prohibited under Article 4 and Article 9 of the Constitution of Pakistan,” read PEMRA’s order.

    Abuzar Khan Niazi, who is a Managing Partner at Lahore-based Crown Law Chambers also shared the judgment on social media, saying that the “treatment metted out to rabbits has been declared illegal and unconstitutional”.

    Chairperson Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab and a Spokesperson of the Punjab Government Sarah Ahmad hailed the decision, calling it a “landmark judgement on animal rights”.

    Earlier in March, Crown Chambers had filed a complaint before PEMRA against Express Entertainment and the show for using animals as props.

    “The captioned TV show has broadcasted insensitive and reckless content committing negligence and cruelty towards animals by subjecting them to unnecessary suffering and thereby, also mentally disturbing the general public at large,” the complaint had read.

    For one of its segments, Time Out with Ahsan Khan used rabbits as props. The segment features a series of multiple-choice questions and if the celebrity answers a question incorrectly, a rabbit is placed on their lap. While some may see this as a harmless act, celebrities like Maya Ali were seen screaming out of fear. The complainant felt that this causes distress to the animal and accounts as animal cruelty.

    Meanwhile, Ahsan Khan while speaking exclusively to The Current responded to the controversy, saying: “Let me clarify. These rabbits are basically pets and the person who owns them brings them to the set. When they are on set, we make sure that they are well-fed and taken care of and are not facing any issues. They are not uncomfortable at all. The person whose pets they are keeps them indoors and they are very easy to play with.”

    “Araam say haathon main aa jaatay hain,” explained Khan.

    The actor then said that being a pet lover he is very careful with the animals on set and cares for them.

    “I myself am a pet lover,” said Ahsan. “I have dogs at home. I have cats. I also have parrots and hens and they are all like my own children. We try to provide them with comfortable environments. So naturally, we are very careful with the animals – all of us on set.”

    He further said that after the show invited backlash for “using animals as props,” he and his producer decided to avoid it.

    “My producer and I thought that if this is hurting people and they are not liking it, then we can avoid it. So we have cut out the segment in the last three to four episodes we’ve recorded,” stated Ahsan, clarifying that the ones which included the animals were shot before.

    “Although this segment is one of my favourites because this is the only one in which we discuss general knowledge, which not only educates my guests but also those who are watching the show. Whoever gives a wrong answer has to hold the pet in their lap,” he shared. It is pertinent to add here that the male guests usually enjoy petting the animals but the female guests are scared of them and often jump around screaming when asked to hold them.

    “We on our end have been very careful with handling them, but if some people don’t like it then we, including my producers and all can apologise to them,” concluded Khan. “It’s a mutual thing. If something is not right, we should look into it.”