Category: Entertainment

  • When Aamir Khan hosted Humayun Saeed in Mumbai

    When Aamir Khan hosted Humayun Saeed in Mumbai

    Humayun Saeed has opened up on his visit to India several years ago and has revealed that Aamir Khan hosted him at his home while he was in Mumbai.

    When asked by Vasay Chaudhry, on his show, Ghabrana Mana Hai, Saeed shared that he had visited Khan in India for a role in Ghajni.

    “I met Aamir at his house in Bombay [Mumbai]. He called me there,” revealed Humayun. “I was there for a role in Ghajni.”

    When asked why he was not cast in the film them, Humayun said that Aamir said: “You [Humayun] are much too good-looking for this character.” However, the actor did not state which role he was being considered for.

    When probed further about his visit, Humayun said that Aamir hosted him at his house for three days.

    “Yes he called me, and I stayed at his house for three days. Bohat maza aaya tha. I met him twice and he also served us many desi food and dishes and then we came back to Pakistan,” said Humayun nonchalantly.

    During the conversation, Humayun also shared that he had a friendly rapport with the late Rishi Kapoor and was even looking to cast him in Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2. Saeed said that they two remained in touch and Kapoor enjoyed his films. Humayun further shared that he enquired about Rishi’s health just a few days before he passed away on April 30, 2020.

    Meanwhile, when asked about his famous dance with Shah Rukh Khan, Priety Zinta and Reema at the Zee Cine Awards in 2005, Humayun said that he was very excited for it but very nervous at the same time because they had not prepared for it at all.

    “We arrived one night before [the award function] and were immediately taken to where the rehearsals were going on,” said Humayun. “I met Shah Rukh there but there was no rehearsal going on. The next day, one hour before the show, we arrived and just learned the steps and did it.”

    When asked whose company he enjoyed more – Shah Rukh or Aamir’s – Humayun said: “Both actually. But I spent more time with Aamir. We sat the whole night [at his house] and talked.”

    “But Shah Rukh was also very sweet,” he added.

    Later, while sharing his thoughts on the ongoing Indo-Pak tensions and the effect it has on the cultural exchange, Humayun said: “I don’t like it. We can’t meet each other. We can’t go to India. There are visa issues. They [Bollywood stars] can’t come here.”

    “But yes if we meet abroad somewhere, we always greet each other very warmly,” added the actor. “Whatever is happening is not right and it does make me upset.”

  • Pakistan’s official Oscar entry ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ fails to qualify

    Pakistan’s official entry in the International Feature Film Award category at the 93rd Academy Awards Zindagi Tamasha is out of the Oscars race. The film is not part of the list of 15 international feature films announced Tuesday that “will move on to the official phase one voting, which will take place on March 5-9.”

    According to a report published in Variety Magazine, “Fifteen films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category. Films from 93 countries were eligible in the category, the most in Oscars history. Academy members from all branches were invited to participate in the preliminary round of voting and must have met a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category.”

    “In the nominations round, Academy members from all branches are invited to opt in to participate and must view all 15 shortlisted films to vote,” stated the report.

    The nominates for the Oscars will be announced on March 15 while the award ceremony will be held on April 25.

    Read more – ‘Emily in Paris’ writer surprised with Golden Globe nomination

    The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee had selected Sarmad Khoosat’s Zindagi Tamasha as Pakistan’s official entry to the Oscars in November 2020.

    Directed and co-produced by Khoosat and written by Nirmal Bano, Zindagi Tamasha features Arif Hassan, Eman Suleman, Samiya Mumtaz and Ali Kureshi in the lead roles. The film is centred around a naat khwan Rahat Khawaja (played by Hassan) and his family who are outcast from the society when a video of Khawaja enjoying a song is leaked.

    The official synopsis states: “The film is an intimate portrait of a family as well as a scorching political commentary on little gods on this earth who police our private passions.”

    Meanwhile, Zindagi Tamasha has not yet hit cinemas in Pakistan. It was initially scheduled to hit screens on January 25, 2020, but immense backlash from religious circles forced the federal and provincial government to halt its release. However, in July 2020, the Senate HR committee cleared the film and allowed it to be screened post-COVID-19.

  • Mohsin Naveed Ranjha offers to help struggling designers

    Mohsin Naveed Ranjha offers to help struggling designers

    Mohsin Naveed Ranjha has opened up on the ‘heavy discrimination’ in the fashion industry and has announced that he is opening his doors for young designers struggling to establish themselves in the fashion business.

    In a detailed note posted to social media, the internationally acclaimed designer said: “The fashion fraternity in Pakistan and internationally at large faces heavy discrimination.”

    “Having gone through a time where I have struggled to make a name and a repute for myself, the hardships that paved the way and the challenges that brought me to the point I am in today made me promise myself in the past that if I ever get to make a name, I’d help and promote local art and partisanship.”

    Expressing his disappointment over the lack of support for debut designers, Ranjha said: “Seeing the sheer mockery and fun that was made of debut designers in the past bridal week has left me shattered and utterly disappointed.”

    “Liking or disliking someone’s work is totally subjective but putting someone down like that and disrespecting them is something that has made me want to address this,” he added.

    Read more – HBCW21: More stars than fashion

    The designer continued: “Leaving the good and bad to the critiques, let’s talk about how much hard work, dedication and labour each bridal wear takes to make. Each artisan spending hours and hours of their life trying to fulfil and perfect the look. How everyone associated with each stitch of the garment is being disrespected.”

    Announcing his decision to support budding artists, Ranjha said: “We would feel happy to help a fellow member of the fraternity, regardless of scale and experience, and inculcate a culture of love, friendship, and togetherness.”

    “We’ve had enough of bullying and disrespect in the name of criticism and this by no means equates to me to encouraging and supporting copy cats, it’s just realising that maybe with some support and love to these in need,” he concluded.

    Hareem Farooq lauded Mohsin for taking this step, saying: “Well said, and what a beautiful thought! You are a gem! This world needs more amazing people like you.”

    “Sending dhair saari duas your way,” she added.

    An established designer, Ranjha has dressed a plethora of celebrities from Maya Ali to Ranveer Singh besides designing outfits for hundreds of brides across Pakistan.

  • Shoaib Akhtar slams PSL6 anthem, claims he could have sung it better

    Shoaib Akhtar has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for Pakistan Super League (PSL) 6 anthem Groove Mera, claiming that he could have sung it better.

    The Rawalpindi Express has said that Groove Mera is the “worst anthem” ever.

    “If the 10 worst songs of the PSL are compiled, this song will be number one. Do you have any shame?” questioned the former cricketer.

    In a video posted to his YouTube Channel, Akhtar said that his children are also scared of the song so he uses it to make them sleep.

    “My kids are scared of this song. When they don’t sleep, I tell them I’ll play it for them. That immediately scares them,” he said.

    Akhtar continued: “I failed to understand the lyrics of the song or the song itself. What does groove mean? What is a groove? I am sure even the singers did not know the meaning of the word groove.”

    However, the former bowler said that the singers have nothing to do with the song as they were just doing their job.

    Shoaib also mocked the costumes of the Young Stunners in the song, saying: “What have you done? You hid the clothes of our Chief Selector Mohammad Waseem and dressed the rappers in them.”

    The right-arm bowler said that PCB should make a good song next time instead of taking the criticism to heart.

    “Make a better song next time and if you can’t, let me know I will sing it for you,” he concluded.

    Groove Mera features Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig, and Young Stunners (Talha Yunus & Talha Anjum).

    Earlier in the day, when asked about the people’s response to the song, Lal sang a few lines from the anthem with enthusiasm.

    Naseebo also thanked the producer of the song, Zulfiqar Khan, better known as Xulfi, for bringing something “different and unique to the table.” She also expressed her gratitude to all those who have appreciated her performance, saying that she feels “truly honoured” to be able to sing for the PSL.

    “This was a unique opportunity for my singing career and I thank God for it. When I was first approached, I had no idea about it and thought it would be just another song. However, when it turned out that it was an ‘item’ song for the PSL, I was surprised.” she remarked, adding: “Even though it was catchy and a different genre Xulfi composed the song according to my [singing] style.”

    Meanwhile, in another interview, Lal said: “I never thought it would become so popular and all this success is because of Allah. When the PCB called me, I couldn’t believe it. Because I have never been offered an anthem before.”

    Lal also expressed how she was afraid the song would fail.

    “I was so afraid people wouldn’t like it but they loved it and I am so grateful,” said the singer.

    While Akhtar trashed the song, several celebrities and media personalities including Mehwish Hayat, Meesha Shafi and Fatima Bhutto have praised Groove Mera and supported Lal for her power packed performance.

  • VIDEO: Yasir Hussain, Iqra Aziz’s super-cute scooty ride

    VIDEO: Yasir Hussain, Iqra Aziz’s super-cute scooty ride

    Yasir Hussain and Iqra Aziz never shy away from publicly showing their affection for one another. Yasir recently shared a cute video of himself giving a scooty ride to wife Iqra Aziz.

    Begum k saath be gham ho k scooty pe ghoomny ka apna hi maza hai,” Yasir captioned the video, adding: “P.s Kuch bhi kehti rahy aawaz nahi aati.”

    However, some users pointed out that the two were being careless by not wearing the helmets.

    Meanwhile, in a recent interview the couple opened up about their relationship dynamics with Iqra revealing that most of Yasir’s jokes at home revolve around her.

    Read more – ‘Shame on you’: Iqra, Yasir indulge in online banter

    “The good thing about Iqra is that she doesn’t mind my jokes, unlike the rest of the nation,” said Yasir in response.

  • Hina Altaf, Aagha Ali turn hosts with a new ‘couples show’

    Hina Altaf, Aagha Ali turn hosts with a new ‘couples show’

    Real-life couple Aagha Ali and Hina Altaf are all set to host their own talk show.

    Titled ‘The Couple Show‘, the show will see Hina and Aagha chat with other couples from the industry.

    According to a press release, the show is “expected to bring some entertaining stars and Pakistan’s biggest celebrity couples to the couch in a candid conversation with the couple.”

    Hina and Ali, who gained popularity after their brilliant performance in the hit drama serial Dil-e-Gumshuda, is one of Lollywood’s most loved couples. The two tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on May 22, 2020

    Announcing the news on social media, Ali said: “Here I am. Your host for this very amazing show called The Couple Show.”

    “The great news is that I’m not hosting this show alone…my beautiful co-host for the show is the love of my life and my wife Hina Altaf,” he added. “Jald hi inkay saath bhi picture upload karunga (I will upload a picture with her soon).

    The show is expected to air on Aaj Entertainment and Urduflix.

    If Instagram posts are to be believed, Sarwat Gilani and Fahad Mirza will be one of the couples to be a part of the show.

    The Couple Show will be the latest celebrity-hosted show to hit our screens. Earlier this year, Ahsan Khan’s new show Time Out with Ahsan Khan started on Express Entertainment and Vasay Chaudhry’s Ghabrana Mana Hai aired on ARY Digital.

  • ‘Jald mulaqat ho gee’: Cengiz Coşkun hints he will visit Pakistan soon

    Cengiz Coşkun, popularly known as Turgut Alp from Dirilis: Ertuğrul has signed up as the brand ambassador of Dr Fazeela Abbasi’s first-ever men’s exclusive skincare line. Dr Fazeela is Hamza Ali Abbasi’s sister.

    Announcing the news on social media, the Turkish star said that he was excited to be representing the brand and hinted that he will be visiting Pakistan soon.

    “l am excited to announce that l will be endorsing the first-ever men’s exclusive skincare line by Dr Fazeela as a brand ambassador,” wrote Coşkun alongside a picture of the two. “Jald mulaqat ho gee.”

    Dr Fazeela also shared the news on Instagram, writing: “Announcing the pioneer launch of the first-ever men’s exclusive skincare line in Pakistan and Gulf with Cengiz Coşkun as the face of the DFA brand.”

    Earlier in September 2020, the Turkish actor had also been signed as the brand ambassador on J. Fragrance.

    Diriliş: Ertuğrul has been trending in Pakistan ever since its first episode aired on PTV Home in Ramzan 2020. Pakistanis are loving the drama series and it has become a sensation in the country. According to some estimates, millions of people have tuned in to watch the show on PTV and YouTube.

    Read more – ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’ star Cengiz Coşkun says he has been receiving marriage proposals from Pakistan

    Recently, several Turkish actors from the super hit series Diriliş: Ertuğrul have visited Pakistan for different purposes. From Engin Altan Düzyatan (Ertuğrul Bey) to Cavit Çetin Güner (Dogan Alp) and Celal AL (Abdur Rehman Alp), almost every prominent actor from the drama series has visited different cities of the country. Fans had been eagarly awaiting Coşkun’s visit and it appears that they will not have to wait much longer.

  • Modi, Abhinandan spotted in Shehzad Roy’s new music video

    Modi, Abhinandan spotted in Shehzad Roy’s new music video

    Shehzad Roy is not one to keep it subtle. From social issues to the lack of infrastructure and utilities in Pakistan, the singer and musician aptly uses social media to raise his voice and create awareness.

    Read more – Shehzad Roy has the funniest response to a Twitter marriage proposal

    Known for his timeless songs like Laga Reh, Roy has returned to the music industry with yet another masterpiece. Titled Kon Kis Ka Aadmi Hai, the song highlights Pakistanis curiosity to know who is working for whom and their habit of making assumptions rather than seeking the truth.

    The most plausible aspect of Roy’s songs in their ability to address serious issues with a touch of humour. Kon Kis Ka Aadmi Hai adds elements of hip hop and street dance to an otherwise simple song which features Roy performing with a guitar.

    Most interestingly, the song manages to mention Modi and the current farmers’ protest in India, the capture of Wing Commander Abhinandan by Pakistan, and the two-faced nature of people, all of whom have some sort of agenda to fulfil.

    The cherry on top in the video directed by Faisal Qureshi is the presence of Roy’s son, Sikandar Alam Roy, on drums followed by his punchline at the end of the song. Pakistan-based Australian artist Gabrielle Brinsmead also makes a special appearance in the video with a Cello.

    The song has been gathering praises from its listeners who definitely seem enthusiastic about Roy returning to the world of music with yet another powerful song.

    https://twitter.com/Sana9243/status/1359015808748433409?s=19
    https://twitter.com/Fay_Seen/status/1359057961797173255?s=19
  • Zoya Nasir slams troll for giving Christian Betzmann  ‘criminal advice’

    Zoya Nasir slams troll for giving Christian Betzmann ‘criminal advice’

    Celebrities across the world are no stranger to trolling. Though most of them tend to ignore the trolls and social media hate, there are times when they give it back to them.

    Read more – Ayesha Omar claps back at troll criticising her choice of outfit

    The latest victim of social media trolling is Zoya Nasir, who recently received some scathing comments after she congratulated YouTuber Christian Betzmann for converting to Islam.

    “Welcome to peace Christian,” Zoya had written alongside a picture of herself and Betzmann. “May Allah give you all that you desire and more. Ameen.”

    Commenting under the picture, a social media user Anum Ashraf Khan wrote: “Welcome to peace? Kisi ka deen kharab kar kay you want to live at peace? Shame on you, you poor soul. He should be ashamed of himself and should commit suicide.”

    Replying to the comment, Zoya said: “I have three questions for you. What’s your objection and what right of objection do you have here when the entire world is happy? Would you say this to our faces, rather than behind your cowardly keyboard’s safety?”

    “What would you do and how would you feel if (Allah forbid) he decided to listen to you and actually followed your criminal advice?,” questioned Zoya. “I hope you realise the kind of responsibility you have here.”

    Later, the actor went to bash the user further in her Instagram stories, writing: “Let’s give her a huge round of applause for what she thinks she achieved here.”

    “This very woke woman left a criminal and heinous advice for Chris,” said Zoya.

    “Mostly Pakistani media personalities have thick skins, so we are alright,” she continued. “But what if this woman is dropping the same hate to someone [who is] emotionally weak and decided to act upon it?”

    “Does she even realise this? Does anyone?,” she concluded.

  • Moin Khan’s son, Owais ties the knot with Mariam Ansari

    Moin Khan’s son, Owais ties the knot with Mariam Ansari

    Moin Khan’s son, Owais Khan has tied the knot with actress Mariam Ansari.

    Sarfaraz Ahmed also congratulated Khan on his wedding and wished the couple well.

    Pictures of the wedding were widely circulated on social media. While it appeared to be a lowkey affair, several celebrities including Hania Aamir, Nabeela Khan, Faysal Qureshi, and Naveed Raza were spotted at the nikkah ceremony. Mariam’s brother actor Ali Ansari was also seen in several pictures.

    Mariam glowed in a tea pink ensemble while Owais looked dapper in a white sherwani.

    Sports journalist Shoaib Jatt shared the pictures of the event and said that baarat and valima ceremonies will be held in December.

    Meanwhile, taking to social media, Moin Khan welcomed his daughter-in-law to the family.

    “Welcome to the Khan family Mariam,” said Moin.