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  • Sheheryar Munawar apologises for attending birthday party amid pandemic

    Sheheryar Munawar has apologised for attending a birthday amid the deadly third wave of the coronavirus in Pakistan. The actor was recently spotted at Fahad Mirza’s 40th birthday celebrations, where he was photographed sans mask enjoying a candid moment.

    After he was called out for being irresponsible, Sheheryar Munawar, in a statement apologised for his actions, saying: “Last week I went to wish my neighbour on his birthday on an invitation I had accepted two weeks prior.”

    Munawar said that he was not expecting such a crowd and left five minutes after wishing the birthday boy.

    “In a candid moment I was asked to take my mask off and pose for a picture,” continued Sheheryar. “Rightly so, I was called out for doing that and not following the SOPs. There is no justification for my actions and I stand corrected.”

    Taking full responsibility, Sheheryar apologised for his “ignorance, lapse in judgement and lack of better sense” and thanked his social media family for “keeping my moral compass in check”

    “Times are tough and we must all follow SOPs outlined by the government,” added the actor before extending prayers for those affected.

    Later, while responding to a social media user, Munawar asserted that there are “no justifications for my actions”.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Munawar had tested positive for COVID-19 when Pakistan experienced its first wave.

    Meanwhile, Mirza’s birthday party was an extravagant affair with many celebs including wife Sarwat Gilani, Zeba Bakhtiar, Frieha Altaf, and Mansha Pasha in attendance. After pictures from the celebrations went viral on social media, people present at the event were heavily criticised for not following the SOps.

    Frieha had defended the celebrations, saying: “First of all, it was a very small gathering and it was on an open rooftop. All SOPs were followed, there were masks, temperature checks at the gate and I believe most of the guests already vaccinated or had antibodies.”

  • ZQ explains why she got tested for COVID 11 times

    ZQ explains why she got tested for COVID 11 times

    Zainab Qayyum, popularly known as ZQ, has explained that why she underwent multiple COVID testings during the pandemic.

    Responding to a news report which said that the actor got herself tested 11 times because of fear, Zainab Qayyum said: “Uff. Mein wehmi loony nahin different projects may acting karnay kay tehat yeh ehtyaati tadbeer ka hissa hai.”

    The actor further explained that she got “11 tests in the past nine months because I’ve been working on eight different projects with eight different sets of cast and crew. We have to be careful for ourselves as well as our costars.”

    Qayyum also bashed a local media publication for publishing a misleading headline.

    “Dunya News poori khabar dayni chayay na kay sunsannnnni waali headline,” said Zainab.

    Earlier, Zainab Qayyum had hit out at her colleagues and fellow actors for partying amid the pandemic.

    IN PICTURES: Fahad Mirza celebrates birthday sans social distancing

    “Honestly, as an actor, I don’t have a choice but to go to work where we work under the strictest SOPs,” said ZQ. “I haven’t met anyone apart from my costars on set for fear of being a silent carrier since last year. Have had 11 covid tests (all negative).”

    “Please don’t host [or] attend social events and then come on set to work with us,” she added.

    When a social media user appreciated ZQ for not attending any gatherings, she replied: “Because I am choosing NOT to go. I am responsible, not only for myself but also [for] my co-stars who I have to come on set and work with daily. I’m not going to put them or their families at risk, nor do I expect them to put me at risk either.”

    Qayyum is part of multiple on-air dramas including Geo Entertainment’s Qayamat and ARY Digital’s Shehnai.

  • Kareena Kapoor uses ‘Tom & Jerry’ to explain the importance of getting vaccinated

    Kareena Kapoor uses ‘Tom & Jerry’ to explain the importance of getting vaccinated

    Kareena Kapoor Khan has come up with a fun and engaging way to educate people, especially children on the importance of getting vaccinated. The actor used a short clip from Tom&Jerry to create awareness about the vaccination drive and the importance of getting yourself vaccinated.

    Read more – Vaccination registration for ages 40-49 begins

    “We don’t realise that our kids are also absorbing what’s going on and they are scared too,” wrote Kareena in the caption. “We were talking to Tim to try and explain why all the adults need to be vaccinated and I think this sums it up pretty well. It’s really that simple.”

    “But as we explain to our kids, we too need to be patient and help everyone who is trying to help us — medics, pharma, authorities and the millions of volunteers — please register and wait for your turn,” she added.

    In the short video, Tom has been shown as COVID and he attempts to shoot Jerry (our immune system) with a weapon. When Jerry gets his first dose of the COVID vaccine, he becomes bigger and when he gets the second one, he becomes even more bigger explaining how our immune systems get stronger with each dose.

    India is currently battling a deadly second wave of COVID-19 with cases hitting a new high with every passing day. The country has reported over 360,000 new cases and close to 3,300 related deaths in the last 24 hours, its biggest single-day hike since the onset of the pandemic.

    Starting May 1, all residents over the age of 18 will be eligible for vaccination. Private vaccination providers will also be able to sell and administer vaccines. But state ministers have warned there simply aren’t enough vaccines even if more people become eligible.

  • Adnan Siddiqui fondly remembers Irrfan Khan on first death anniversary

    On Irrfan Khan’s first death anniversary, Adnan Siddiqui, who shared the screen with him in the 2007 film A Mighty Heart, has penned an emotional note for the late Bollywood actor.

    “Outstanding actor, human being par excellence,” wrote Adnan Siddiqui praising Irrfan Khan. “Irrfan bhai, I must have done something right in my life to have known you professionally and personally.”

    “Your vacuum in cinematic world remains as stark even after a year,” he added.

    Earlier, Adnan had shared that Khan’s death had left him “disturbed and gutted!”

    “A fine soul gone too soon,” Siddiqui had said, while recalling the moments spent with him.

    Meanwhile, Khan’s wife Sutapa Sikdar in an emotional Facebook post said that the world “stopped at 11:11 on April 29” for her as she fondly recalled beautiful moments spent with her husband.

    Khan’s son Babil also remembered his father in a heart touching post.

    Other celebrities who remembered Khan on his death anniversary include Dia Mirza, Arjun Kapoor and Randeep Hooda.

    Irrfan was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018. He breathed his last at the age of 53 last year on April 29 after being hospitalized due to a colon infection. Khan, who has appeared in over 100 Hindi and foreign language films, has charted a fruitful career filled with cinematic gems.

  • Kate and William celebrate 10 years of marriage

    Kate and William celebrate 10 years of marriage

    To celebrate a decade of their marriage, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released photographs showing the couple snuggling in happy embrace, a contrast to the tensions that have gripped Britain’s royal family in recent weeks.

    The images show Prince William, second-in-line to the throne, and the former Kate Middleton in complementary shades of blue. One image is reminiscent of their engagement photo.

    They also shared a short heartfelt video of their entire family including their children.

    Second-in-line to the throne William, 38, and Kate, 39, married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, after first meeting at university and then dating for more than seven years. They got engaged in 2010 after William proposed with Diana’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring.

    “When I first met Kate I knew there was something very special about her,” William had said in an engagement interview.

    They now have three children — seven-year-old Prince George, Princess Charlotte, five, and Prince Louis, three — and their family represents several generations destined to head the centuries-old institution for years to come.

    After 10 years carrying out solo and joint royal duties as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as they have been formally known since tying the knot, the couple are among the most popular monarchy members.

    Kate recently drew widespread praise for her demeanor and style at Prince Philip’s funeral, with a striking photograph of her arriving by car wearing a black veil and face mask making waves around the world.

    The image drew comparisons with William’s late mother, Princess Diana.

    William is far more preferred than his 72-year-old father, with around a third of Britons wanting him to succeed his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, instead.

    Meanwhile, Kate is the third most popular family member behind the 95-year-old queen and William. Two-thirds of people had a positive opinion of her, according to a YouGov poll published Tuesday.

  • Meet the breakout stars of ‘Chupke Chupke’

    Meet the breakout stars of ‘Chupke Chupke’

    Ever since the phenomenal success of Suno Chanda, Ramzan dramas have become a thing on Pakistani television with a cult following. Chupke Chupke is Hum TV’s latest offering and it is safe to say the drama has gathered a huge audience with fans tuning in to watch the show every night at 9 pm.

    While Chupke Chupke features many established stars including Osman Khalid Butt, Ayeza Khan, Tara Mahmood, Farhan Ally Agha, Asma Abbas, Ali Safina, and Mira Sethi, the drama also marks the debut of two new faces – Aymen Saleem and Arslan Naseer. Sidra Niazi is also a fresh new face who has made a mark in the drama.

    Aymen Saleem

    Daughter of former cricketer Saleem Yousuf and an alumnus of the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Aymen has won everyone’s heart with her performance as the sweet and innocent Mishi.

    The hopeless romantic in the house, Mishi is secretly in love with her cousin Haadi played by Arslan Naseer. Not only Mishi but fans have been shipping Haadi and Mishi and we’re hoping to see their love story take off soon.

    Sharing a clip of the first ever scene she shot, Saleem thanked audiences for their “outpouring love”.

    Saleem is also the first recipient of the esteemed Diana Award which “celebrates the achievements of 20 outstanding young leaders, visionaries and role models from across the world, aged 12-25, who have demonstrated their ability to inspire and mobilise new generations to serve their communities.”

    Arsalan Naseer

    One of Pakistan’s earliest YouTubers, Naseer is the brains behind Comics by Arslan (CBA), and no stranger to the camera. His spoof videos, movie reviews and commentary on pop culture have a cult following in Pakistan. In fact, there is even a CBA Army on social media.

    Naseer, who spent several years studying and working in Ireland and the United Kingdom, plays the fun and easy-going Haadi in the series. Earlier, while talking to a local media outlet, Arslan shared that though he got several offers from the TV industry and Bollywood, this one came at the right time.

    “I suppose this came at the right moment as I was about to take the leap of faith and was planning on quitting my corporate job. Though it happened all of a sudden, God has been kind and the timing was right,” shared Arslan, adding that he was thrilled to be a part of it because it was written by Suno Chanda writer Saima Akram Chaudhry.

    Besides having great chemistry with Saleem, Arslan’s bromance with Faadi (Butt) is also winning hearts.

    Sidra Niazi

    Budding actor Sidra Niazi is just a few projects old but the actor sure has left a mark on the screen. The actor played Hania in the drama, Faadi’s former fiancé.

    Niazi is also part of Geo Entertainment’s Qayamat in which she is playing a grey character with finesse.

    Written by Saima Akram Chaudhry of Suno Chanda fame, Chupke Chupke has been directed by Danish Nawaz.

  • Dr Arif Alvi, wife open up on personal life, marriage

    President Dr Arif Alvi and First Lady Mrs Samina Arif Alvi recently opened up on their personal life, relationship dynamics and revealed how they got married.

    Appearing on Nida Yasir’s show, Dr Alvi and Mrs Samina shared that they are second cousins. When Yasir, in her typical style, asked if their marriage was an arranged or love, the president said that it was a “mix,” adding that they have an age difference of five years.

    President Alvi also shared that he would write letters to his wife after their marriage.

    Talking about their relationship dynamics, President Alvi and his wife shared that they joke around with each other at home but no one takes any offence. President Alvi said that he feels that Samina has a better sense of humour than him.

    “There are times when she objects to what I would wear and I’d ask her if I had ever criticised what she wore,” joked President Alvi to which Samina added that he never really listens to her.

    “We’ve been married for almost 50 years now and I have never asked her to change the way she dresses,” said the president to which Samina responded: “That’s because I always dress well.”

    Read more – Pakistani dramas are depressing, says First Lady Samina Alvi

    The couple have one son and three daughters together, all of who are married.

    Talking about their children, the duo said that while Samina did the personal grooming of the children, President Alvi looked after their studies.

    “It was from Grade 9 to 12 that I taught them,” said Dr Alvi, adding: “Samina was the one who groomed them otherwise.”

    “It was a big task to help our son with the studies,” said Samina. “I think because sons are the troublemakers. Daughters, on the other hand, are timider. They listen to whatever you tell them.”

    “We tried to make our children understand the importance of education to a point that the only thing they thought about was education,” said President Alvi. “That wasn’t what we wanted so we started focusing on other aspects as well. Even after our daughters were married, all they could think about was studying. I told them there was more to life than studying, raise your kids.”

    Meanwhile, President Alvi also gave viewers a glimpse into his childhood saying that growing up he was a very naughty child, according to his elder. He said that he deeply misses his school days adding that his father was very strict and he was very close to his mother.

  • Bollywood stars step in to support India’s battle against COVID

    Bollywood stars step in to support India’s battle against COVID

    Bollywood bigwigs including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Sunil Shetty among others have stepped in to support India in the battle against COVID-19, donating money and collecting resources, and urging citizens to get themselves vaccinated as soon as possible.

    Here is a list of those who have offered help:

    Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna

    Bollywood’s power couple, Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna donated 100 oxygen concentrators and urged everyone to do whatever they can to help fight COVID-19.

    “Wonderful news – Dr Drashnika Patel and Dr Govind Bankani of London Elite Health through Daivik Foundation are donating 120 oxygen concentrators and as Akshay and I have managed to get our hands on 100 as well, we have a total of 220,” wrote Twinkle on social media. “Let’s all do our bit.”

    Khanna also shared that she was in a ‘bit of a hole’ for some time as her family was facing health issues. Kumar recently recovered from COVID after getting treatment at a Mumbai hospital.

    Previously, the couple had sent out monetary aid to various initiatives and contributed towards the welfare of policemen, hospital staff, frontline workers, and even daily wage workers of the film industry.

    Meanwhile, former cricketer Gautam Gambhir revealed that Kumar also donated Rs 1 crore to his foundation for coronavirus relief including food, medication and oxygen.

    Suniel Shetty

    Shetty has also arranged oxygen cylinders to bridge the shortage in India. He has launched an initiative urging his fans to contribute to ‘Mission MillionAir’ in an effort to provide free oxygen to those who can’t afford adequate healthcare in India.

    Ayushmann Khurrana

    Khurrana and his wife Tahira Kashyap have donated to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s Relief Fund to help aid people crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

    In a note posted on social media, Khurrana thanked each and every person who has constantly inspired the couple to contribute more towards helping people ravaged by the health crisis.

    “We have been in the eye of the storm since last year. This pandemic has broken our hearts, made us endure pain and suffering like never before, showed us how solidarity with one another can make us handle this humanitarian crisis,” read the couple’s statement.

    “Today, again, this pandemic asks us to show fortitude, resilience and mutual support. People, across India, have stepped forward to do as much as possible for each other and Tahira and I thank each and every individual who has inspired us to do more,” it added.

    Khurrana and Kashyap requested more Indians to step forward and help aid people in need.

    Salman Khan

    Khan restarted his food trucks to distribute food packets among the frontline workers in Mumbai.

    Sonu Sood

    Actor Sonu Sood is leading the charge, transporting sick patients, providing medication and encouraging people to get vaccinated as the coronavirus death toll crosses 200,000 in India. Sood, who also fought off the virus, took to his Instagram to urge more people to come forward and help those who are suffering due to COVID-19. He posted a screen recording of his phone that shows the actor has been getting messages from people asking for help continuously. He says he is trying to help as many people as possible. “The speed at which we get requests across the country. Trying my best to reach out to everyone. Everyone…Please come forward. We need more helping hands. Do your best to the best of your capabilities,” he wrote.

    Kirron Kher

    Kher, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, stated she had allocated Rs10 million from Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) to purchase ventilators for COVID-19 patients by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh.

    Meanwhile, others like Ajay Devgn, Katrina Kaif, Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Abhishek Bachchan, Kunal Kapoor, Mira Rajput and Bhumi Pednekar have been using social media to amplify the voices of those in need.

    India passed 200,000 COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday, becoming the fourth country to do so, as it battles a devastating second wave of infections.

  • Donald Trump bashes Oscars for being ‘boring and politically correct’

    Donald Trump bashes Oscars for being ‘boring and politically correct’

    Former president of the United States, Donald Trump has bashed the Oscars, calling the ceremony boring and offered advice on how to revive the plummeting ratings.

    In a statement emailed to reporters from his office, Trump said: “What used to be called The Academy Awards, and now is called the ‘Oscars’ —a far less important and elegant name—had the lowest Television Ratings in recorded history, even much lower than last year, which set another record low.”

    “If they keep with the current ridiculous formula, it will only get worse—if that’s possible,” added the former president.

    “Go back 15 years, look at the formula they then used, change the name back to THE ACADEMY AWARDS, don’t be so politically correct and boring, and do it right. ALSO, BRING BACK A GREAT HOST,” continued Trump.

    Remarking that the broadcast has become too political, Trump said: “These television people spend all their time thinking about how to promote the Democrat Party, which is destroying our country, and cancel Conservatives and Republicans. That formula certainly hasn’t worked very well for The Academy!”

    Last year, when Trump was still president, he had live-tweeted his criticism on the Oscars and bashed voters for giving the best picture to Parasite. At a rally, Trump while talking about the South Korean film had said: “What the hell was that all about? We’ve got enough problems with South Korea with trade. On top of that, they give them best movie of the year. Was it good? I don’t know.”

    Meanwhile, this year’s ceremony drew only 10.4 million viewers, a record low, according to final Nielsen numbers released on Tuesday — a staggering if widely expected drop for a ceremony that many viewers found short on humour and star power.

    With movie theaters shut for most of the year, many viewers had not seen or even heard of nominees such as Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland, which was the night’s big winner with three prizes but which has taken just over $2 million at the domestic box office.

    Several blockbuster films whose stars could have drawn interest at this year’s Oscars saw their release dates shunted to next year due to the pandemic, from Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and the mega-budget sci-fi Dune to an array of popular superhero titles.

    This year’s unorthodox Oscars ceremony was moved from a Hollywood theater to a glammed-up Los Angeles train station to abide by strict Covid-19 protocols and reunited Hollywood filmmakers and actors en masse for the first time in more than a year.

    Reviews of the show were mixed, with several critics complaining about the show’s lack of humor and musical performances.

    While many Oscars begin with gag-heavy monologues, producers turned this year to Regina King, who was one of many stars who referred to racism and police violence — specifically last week’s conviction of Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. Other political statements made during the Oscars did not focus on Trump, but on topics like gun violence and policing.

    “I know that a lot of you people at home want to reach for your remote when you feel like Hollywood is preaching to you,” she predicted.

    Regina King

    Variety slammed the decision to go without a host for a third straight year, calling the ceremony “lost and guide-less.”

    But the decision to strip out musical performances and most clips of nominated movies — and allow winners to speak at length without being “played off” the stage by an orchestra — drew some praise.

    The Oscars drew more than 43 million viewers as recently as 2014, but audiences have become increasingly fragmented in the streaming era.

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

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

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s sudden exit from the Royal family and move to California sent waves of shock across the world leaving royal fans baffled and shocked.

    Interestingly, renowned royal biographer, Angela Levin told talkRadio that Prince Harry actually quit being a member of the royal to do something Prince Charles had always wanted for a long time. Levin claims that Harry’s farewell to royalty was actually a selfless attempt to “cut the monarchy down in the future and save cash so that people be worth the money they paid for taxes”.

    “This is something Prince Charles had wanted as well,” added Levin, explaining that the Queen does not approve of the “cutting down the monarchy”. According to Levin, the Queen very rigid when it comes to changes especially ones involving monarchy restructuring.

    Levin even referred to the Queen’s lifelong attempt to hold the Royal family together as nothing more than a “sentimental gesture”.

    She said that all that would change when Charles assumes the throne and the new slimmed down royal family will include only Prince Charles, his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Charles’ eldest son, Prince William, and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and their three children.

    Those not in the smaller, inner circle may have to enter the public workforce to support themselves financially and could lose their patronages or titles.

    The news comes amid rumours that Prince Harry might cancel his upcoming trip to the UK in July after the “very, very cold reception” he received from the royal family at Prince Philip’s funeral.

    A royal expert has claimed that Harry may also reconsider his return for the unveiling of a statue of his late mother Princess Diana.

    “Some quarters of the family did give him a frosty reception and perhaps that did shock him somewhat,” Russell Myers told talkRADIO, adding the birth of Harry and Meghan’s second baby could provide a “convenient excuse” not to “face the family”.

    The statue of Princess Diana was commissioned to mark the twentieth anniversary of her death and recognise her efforts for her country and those across the world. It will be installed in the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace on July 1, 2021, marking what would have been her 60th birthday. The statue had been commissioned by Harry and William two years ago and at this stage, it is one of their only joint ventures.