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Category: Entertainment

  • VIDEO: Cher drops trailer of documentary on Kaavan

    VIDEO: Cher drops trailer of documentary on Kaavan

    Kavaan’s journey from being the world’s “the loneliest elephant” to freedom in Cambodia has been captured on camera and will be seen in a documentary by Cher titled Cher and the Loneliest Elephant. It is scheduled to release on Paramount+ on April 22.

    According to details, Cher, through the film will be taking viewers along for “a touching journey about humans, animals, and our connection to all living beings on earth”.

    In Cher and the Loneliest Elephant, the singer travels to Pakistan to rescue Kaavan, an elephant who’s been neglected and living alone for years. The Smithsonian Channel documentary follows Cher as she teams up with animal experts and veterinarians to help transport Kaavan from a shed in Islamabad, where he’s been kept in chains for almost two decades, to a new home in Cambodia.

    “Elephants are just like we are. They’re so family-oriented and so emotional,” says Cher in the trailer.

    Talking about the film, Cher told Entertainment Weekly, “I saw all the people being affected by it all over the world. People want a happy ending. People don’t want to see animals suffer. And I know people are suffering too, but this is a story that can brighten their lives.”

    “I was frightened [to do this], but then I thought, what do you want to do more? You made a promise, and you have to go,” she continued. “I didn’t see any other way to do it. I have a saying on my Twitter, ‘Stand and be counted or sit and be nothing.’ And I wasn’t going to sit and be nothing.”

    The film also features a brand new track by the singer titled Walls to highlight Kavaan’s story.

    https://youtu.be/2NGJwe-rdPk

    Kavaan was first brought to Pakistan in 1985 as a gift from Sri Lanka when he was only a year old. Since then he was living at Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad with his partner Saheli, who died in 2012. After Saheli’s death, Kaavan became alone and was dubbed as the world’s loneliest elephant. He suffered from several health issues and was also mentally distressed. In 2016 he caught the attention of Cher, who along with other animal rights activists fought a long legal battle for his release and transfer.

    He was airlifted from Islamabad to Cambodia in a Russian cargo plane in November 2020.

  • Frieha Altaf receives flak for joking about Meera’s mental health

    Frieha Altaf has landed up in the line of fire after a video of hers joking about Meera’s mental health went viral on social media. Reports of Meera being admitted to a mental facility in the United States were doing the rounds on social media and television for the past couple of days.

    In the video, Frieha could be heard laughing and telling a group of people “Meera ko mental institution main daal diya gaya hai (Meera has been put into a mental institution).”

    The video did not go down well with the public, who called out the former model for her “insensitive” and “callous” remarks.

    https://twitter.com/PropitiousOn3O/status/1380404924480163840
    https://twitter.com/AamnaFasihi/status/1380253124707938308

    Meanwhile, speaking exclusively to The Current, Meera’s manager Hasan said that the actor is doing perfectly fine and is working on a few projects in the States. He said that Meera does know who started this terrible rumour and asserted there is no truth to it.

    However, some reports claim that Meera has been discharged from the mental facility after Captain Naveed paid $50,000 for her ‘bail’.

  • Prince Philip passes away at 99

    Prince Philip passes away at 99

    Queen Elizabeth II’s husband and the longest-serving consort of any British monarch Prince Philip has died at age 99.

    In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”

    “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle,” it added.

    The statement also said that further announcements will be made in due course.

    Philip, who retired from public duties in 2017, had earlier been admitted to hospital on February 16, 2021. He went back home after nearly a month during which he was treated for a pre-existing heart condition and an infection.

    His death comes just months before his 100th birthday in June — an event typically marked in Britain with a congratulatory message from the queen, who is now Britain’s longest-serving monarch.

    The couple, who celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in November, had been living largely in isolation at Windsor Castle, west of London because their advanced age put them at heightened risk from COVID-19. They received their first vaccinations against the virus in January.

    Officially known as the Duke of Edinburgh, Philip married Prince Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became Queen and had been by his wife’s side throughout her 69-year reign, the longest in British history. During this time he earned a reputation for a tough, no-nonsense attitude and a propensity for occasional gaffes. He is also credited with playing a key role in modernising the monarchy in the post-World War Two period, and behind the walls of Buckingham Palace being the one key figure the queen could turn to and trust.

    “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years,” Elizabeth said in a rare personal tribute to Philip made in a speech marking their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997.

    Read more – ‘We’re not a racist family’: Prince William rejects Meghan’s claims of racism

    The couple had four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

  • Fawad Alam turns jilted lover for acting debut

    Fawad Alam turns jilted lover for acting debut

    The trailer of Fawad Alam’s acting debut Khudkash Mohabbat has dropped and fans of the cricketer are excited to see him show his talent on the screen. The series will be available for streaming soon on Urduflix.

    Khudkash Mohabbat marks Alam’s entry into the entertainment industry as an actor. According to a press release, the series is a “touching story of love and loss and the complexity of going after what you want in a world filled with people who won’t let you find your happiness and peace”. It has been directed by Rao Ayaz Shehzad and executively produced by Farhan Gauher.

    Talking about why he decided to foray into the world of acting, Alam while speaking to Independent Urdu, said that he was free the month the opportunity came and did not want to let it go.

    “We’ve been talking about this for two or three years, but I didn’t get a chance,” said Alam. “Now I got the chance and I hope everyone enjoys the series.”

    Sharing details about his character, Alam said that he plays a jilted lover, remarking that love is suicidal.

    “It’s a love story and must be watched,” said Fawad, adding: “When I was offered this role, I instantly said yes to it.”

    Talking about the difference between performing on-field and on-screen, Alam said: “Cricket and acting are two different things. Being a hero is not easy and takes a lot of hard work.”

    “Whether it’s cricket or acting, you have to work hard because both are difficult in their own right. Acting in front of the camera and speaking dialogues written by the scriptwriter and doing what the director tells you to is not an easy task,” he shared.

    Fawad also shared that he aspires to work in a film on the big screen and would go for it if he ever gets the chance.

    On whether he’d like to work with Mehwish Hayat, Maya Ali or Mahira Khan, Fawad said he’d like to work with all three of them together.

    “Whichever of the three heroines will work with me, it will be a source of pride for me because these are well-known names and there will be a lot to learn from them,” said the cricketer.

    Meanwhile, Alam’s colleagues and other members of the Pakistan Cricket Team including Sarfaraz Ahmed and Imam ul Haq have sent him best wishes for his upcoming project.

    https://twitter.com/SarfarazA_54/status/1380149484039012358?s=20

  • Samina Ahmed reportedly shooting for a Hollywood project in Thailand

    Samina Ahmed is reportedly shooting for a ‘Hollywood serial’ in Thailand, her husband Manzar Sehbai has revealed.

    Replying to an Instagram user asking where Samina is, Sehbai said: “She is in Thailand, shooting for a Hollywood serial. Will be back on 6th of May.”

    While Sehbai did not reveal what project Samina is shooting for, it is believed that the veteran actor is part of Disney+’s Ms Marvel. As per details, the series is currently being shot in Bangkok and Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar is also in the city for it.

    https://twitter.com/iHaroonRashid/status/1380274222128320512

    According to a report in the Indian media, “Farhan is currently stationed in Bangkok, along with an international cast and crew, for the shoot of a project with Marvel Studios, who are known to be one of the biggest film studios worldwide.”

    Marvel Studio’s upcoming original series Ms Marvel, will see Iman Vellani play Kamala Khan aka Ms Marvel. Churails actor Nimra Bucha is also part of the cast and is expected to have a titular role in the series.

    According to a press release, “The Marvel Studios original series centres on fan-favourite Kamala Khan — a 16-year-old Pakistani-American growing up in Jersey City. A great student, avid gamer, and voracious fan-fic scribe, Kamala has a special affinity for superheroes, particularly Captain Marvel.”

    The episodes of the series will be directed by Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah (Bad Boys for Life), Meera Menon (The Walking Dead, Dirty John, Outlander) and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

    The series is set to premiere on Disney+ later this year.

  • God has told both men and women to ‘guard their modesty,’ says Hamza Ali Abbasi

    God has told both men and women to ‘guard their modesty,’ says Hamza Ali Abbasi

    Prime Minister Imran Khan’s comments on rising rape cases due to vulgarity in society have sparked an intense debate on social media with everyone from Jemima Goldsmith to Rohail Hyatt weighing in on the issue. Hamza Ali Abbasi, who recently embarked on a spiritual journey to connect with God, has now also stepped in to share his thoughts on the matter.

    “In my personal understanding, God has made it clear in the Quran that sexual instinct is one of the most powerful instincts in both men and women,” said Hamza. “Hence God emphasizes on overall modesty and responsible behaviour from both men and women, equally, in this particular area.”

    Quoting a verse from the Quran, the actor further said: “Speaking as a man, in my understanding of what I believe is the literal speech of God, Quran, God has very clearly told all men who say they are Muslims that no matter what anyone is dressed like or behaves like, unconditionally lower your gaze and guard your own modesty.”

    Hamza also shared verses from the Quran to further express his point of view.

    He also took time to respond to his followers and discuss the subject.

    “Allah has made it clear that we are only responsible for our own intentions and deeds,” said Hamza, asserting that as individuals, we all need to start acting responsibly.

    The actor also said that a woman’s dressing does not contribute to rising rape cases.

    When a user asked Hamza to explain indecency, the actor said: “Any kind of sexual behaviour or actions outside marriage.”

    Hamza also clapped back at a troll who raised questions on his wife Naimal Khawar’s dressing.

    “If you mean face covering and head covering, it’s not commanded by Allah in our understanding,” clarified Hamza. “In case you are thinking about verses of Surah Ahzab, it is a commandment to establish identity in a dangerous situation, not for purity.”

    Meanwhile, Hamza is currently working on his book on Allah and religion, which he announced in December 2020. The first draft of the book was completed last month and the actor hopes to make it free for everyone.

  • Mrs World arrested for assaulting Mrs Sri Lanka on stage

    Mrs World arrested for assaulting Mrs Sri Lanka on stage

    The Colombo police has arrested the current Mrs World Caroline Jurie on charges of assault over an on-stage brawl in which she pulled the crown off the head of the new Mrs Sri Lanka Pushpika de Silva.

    In the video that went viral on social media, Jurie could be seen pulling the crown off de Silva minutes after she was declared Mrs Sri Lanka 2020 at a gala at Colombo’s Nelum Pokuna Theatre on Sunday. After the incident, De Silva in a social media post revealed that she needed hospital treatment for injuries sustained.

    Jurie was the previous year’s Mrs Sri Lanka and had gone on to win the Mrs World competition.

    According to reports, Sri Lankan senior police official Aith Rohan said: “We have arrested Jurie and [her associate] Chula Manamendra in connection with a charge of assault and causing damage to Nelum Pokuna [theatre].”

    De Silva told reporters outside the Cinnamon Gardens police station in Colombo on Thursday that she was ready to drop charges if Jurie made a public apology, but she had refused.

    “I tried to end this out of court, but she has refused,” de Silva said. “I can forgive, but not forget.”

    There was no immediate comment from Jurie or her lawyer.

    Police sources told AFP that a court hearing was likely next week and Jurie and her associate, who crashed onto the stage on Sunday, could be granted bail later on Thursday.

    Jurie had come onto the stage claiming that de Silva was divorced and therefore not eligible for the prize. To qualify for the title, contestants must be married. De Silva is estranged from her husband, but they are still legally married.

    Organisers said they were claiming compensation from Jurie for damages to the stage and backstage dressing rooms where several mirrors had been smashed.

    Jurie has also been accused by organisers of bringing disrepute to the event.

    The local franchise holder for the pageant, Chandimal Jayasinghe, said they were “deeply disturbed and sincerely regret” Jurie’s behaviour.

  • Rohail Hyatt says PM Imran’s words ‘have been taken out of context’

    Amid the recent criticism on Prime Minister Imran Khan over his remarks on rape, musician Rohail Hyatt has come forward to defend the premier.

    In a detailed Twitter thread, the musician said that PM Khan’s words were taken out of context and that he never said that rape is justified.

    “As a leader he is simply speaking to us about the ground realities of what is around us,” said Hyatt. “Yes indeed there is a sickness out there and one can contest if the better solution is to target the oppressor as opposed to the oppressed.”

    Hyatt added that as a father he would give similar advice to his child “to be mindful of how you dress in our society”.

    “There’s a sad trend by a certain group to attack IK on all such matters, labelling him as a ‘right-minded’ individual,” continued Hyatt, saying that he sees him “closer to [the] centre”.

    Elaborating his point further about extremist views, Hyatt said: “One wants to cover from head to toe and the other wants to strip-down from head to toe as a display of their preferences.”

    The musician concluded by advising people to bring themselves to the middle ground and not get caught up with the play of either extremists.

    Rohail in the past has shown his support for Imran Khan on various occasions.

  • ‘Real men do not stop women from excelling,’ says Yasir Hussain

    ‘Real men do not stop women from excelling,’ says Yasir Hussain

    Yasir Hussain, who never shies away from expressing his love for wife Iqra Aziz, has publicly appreciated his wife and mother-in-law for being empowered women.

    “My beautiful wife Iqra with her proud mother Asiya Aziz (Pakistan’s first female Careem driver) sitting in her daughter’s new car,” said Yasir, while posting a picture of the duo.

    “Powerful aurton k chehry pe alag hi glow hota hai (powerful women glow differently),” said the actor further, adding: “Apni maon, behnon, betiyon aur biwi ko roknay walay insecure hotay hain, mard nahi (Those who stop their mothers, sisters, daughters and wives [from excelling] are insecure. They are not real men).”

    Replying to Yasir’s post, Iqra said: “And this is why I fall for you all over again.”

    Iqra’s mother was Pakistan’s first female cab driver in Karachi and raised two girls as a single parent.

    Meanwhile, Iqra on several occasions has opened up on her relationship with Yasir saying that he is her biggest support and encourages her to achieve her goals.

    “I chose Yasir because he always speaks the truth and does not differentiate among people,” the actor had said. “He respects everyone and gives them their due credit. In addition to this, he knows how to respect a woman. After my mother and sister, no one has given me more confidence than him.”

    She further said: “This is important in these times that a man, your husband, supports you in your work, your dreams and wishes to see you succeed in your life.”

  • ‘Meera is perfectly fine’

    ‘Meera is perfectly fine’

    Imran Abbas has stepped in to defend Meera after reports of her being admitted to a mental facility in the United States started doing the rounds on social media and television.

    “Meera called me this morning to clarify to all of our media/social media that she is perfectly fine and there is nothing wrong with her mental health,” wrote Abbas on social media. “Kindly don’t sensationalise the story and make fun of her. Calling someone mentally unstable is not a bloody joke.”

    “She doesn’t need your sympathies or prayers to be fine. Kindly don’t show this fake concern by putting status. Let’s pray for our sick society, news channels and social media which can actually push anyone to commit suicide by their petty jokes and flimsy humour,” the actor added.

    Meanwhile, speaking exclusively to The Current, Meera’s manager Hasan said that the actor is doing perfectly fine and is working on a few projects in the States. He said that she does know who started this terrible rumour and asserted there is no truth to it.

    When asked about the video of Meera’s mother Shagufta Zahra, in which she appeals to Prime Minister Imran Khan to bring back her daughter, Hasan said that Zahra is elderly and hard of hearing. He added that Meera had recently gone to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and had narrated details of her experience to her mother who misunderstood them.

    On the other hand, speaking to a local media outlet, Meera’s mother claimed that reports of the actor being admitted to a mental facility were true.

    “I received a call from Meera on April 5 and she kept crying,” Zahra told the media outlet. “She was telling me that the US police is sending her to a psychiatric facility. She did not tell me why they were doing that, but said she repeatedly told them that she was an actor and not mentally ill.”

    Read more – Meera loses her phone, seeks help on social media

    Speaking to the same media outlet, Meera’s manager Muhammad Qasim and another family member trashed the reports and Zahra’s claims saying that “Meera is perfectly fine, both in terms of her mental and physical health”.

    Qasim alleged that the actor’s mother is spreading rumours to resolve a personal dispute. Meanwhile, the family member said that Meera is in fact in touch with her father and there is more to the story than what is being discussed on social media.

    As per the latest ‘reports,’ Meera has been released from the psychiatric facility after her husband Captain Naveed paid $50,000 to get her released. The report further claimed that the actor has been given 48 hours to leave the United States.

    The Current has reached out to Meera for further clarification.