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Category: Entertainment

  • Pornhub bans downloads after expose alleges videos of abuse

    Pornhub bans downloads after expose alleges videos of abuse

    Pornography website Pornhub has outlined new measures against illegal content on its platform after the New York Times reported finding videos depicting child sex abuse and rape on the site.

    The paper asserted that among the 6.8 million new videos posted on the site each year, a majority “probably involve consenting adults, but many depict child abuse and non-consensual violence.”

    Pornhub, the Times said, also lets users download videos directly from its site, which allows anyone to repost clips repeatedly and without limit.

    “Today, we are taking major steps to further protect our community,” said a statement on Pornhub. “Going forward, we will only allow properly identified users to upload content. We have banned downloads.”

    Only content partners and people who earn ad revenue from their videos will be able to upload videos to the site.

    “In the new year, we will implement a verification process so that any user can upload content upon successful completion of identification protocol,” the statement read.

    Paid downloads remain possible, says the company, adding that it has also strengthened its moderation process.

    On Monday officials at MasterCard and Visa launched a probe into their links with the site, warning that they would cut ties with the parent company, MindGeek if it turns out that the site is not following the law. Meanwhile, PayPal had stopped processing payments to Pornhub last year.

    Pornhub told AFP in a statement that it has “no tolerance” for content that shows sexual abuse of children.

    Pakistan reportedly tops the list of most porn-searching countries.

  • Shahveer Jafry gets engaged

    Shahveer Jafry gets engaged

    Shahveer Jafry has put a ring on it.

    The YouTuber got engaged to Ayesha Beig in Islamabad an lowkey affair with his closest celebrity friends including Noor Zafar Khan and Sham Idrees present.

    Soon after pictures from the engagement began to circulate on social media, Shahveer made an official announcement. Sharing pictures of his engagement on social media, Shahveer wrote: “We are engaged!”

    The couple matched their outfits for the occasion. While Shahveer wore a peach suit, his bride Amna sparkled in a silver dress with a peach dupatta.

    Meanwhile, Shahveer’s friends expressed their happiness over his engagement.

    “Congratulations meri jaan,” commented Zaid Ali, while Sham welcomed him “to this side of the club”. Sham’s wife Froggy remarked: “Mashaa’Allah. After 8 long years of knowing you, there came Ayesha to put up with you.”

  • It’s a wrap for Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan’s ‘Neelofar’

    It’s a wrap for Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan’s ‘Neelofar’

    Mahira Khan has wrapped up shooting for her upcoming film Neelofar in which she will be sharing the screen with Fawad Khan.

    “I take with me a piece of you, leaving a bit of my soul with you,” said Mahira, while sharing pictures from behind the camera. “My darling Neelofar, I shall miss you, oh so much.”

    In her post, Mahira also thanked those who worked on sets with her.

    “Each and every one of them put their heart and soul in it. Can’t wait for all of you to see our hard work and love on your screens soon.”

    Mahira had talked about sharing screen space with Fawad in Samina Peerzada’s web show earlier this year. The star had revealed that shooting for their film had halted due to the ongoing pandemic, that too in its last spell.

    “We were left with ten days of shooting,” Mahira shared, “But due to COVID-19, the conditions became quite unfavourable for us to continue work.”

    The film has been extensively shot in and around Lahore.

    She also shed some light on her character and shared that it was quite different from her role in The Legend of Maula Jatt.

    “I had so much fun working on this project with Fawad,” she had said. “It had been so long. Neelofar is just about these two people, it is very different from our characters in Maula Jatt. In Neelofar, it’s just the two of us, all our scenes are with each other. It was just so great to back with Fawad as older, more mature actors and people.”

    She went on to say that not just the audience, the director of the film also shared similar thoughts on her and Fawad’s onscreen pairing – he loves it!

    “My director always said you guys make a really good team. I asked him why thinks that is so? He just says that it is a nice balance. We really hope that we still have the same chemistry as Humsafar,” said Mahira.

    Though details about the film are being kept tightly under wraps, audiences are looking forward to Neelofar because of Mahira and Fawad’s pairing. The project will be the actors’ next after Bilal Lashari’s The Legend of Maula Jatt, which is yet to hit screens.

    Neelofar has been written by Ammar Rasool and produced by Qasim Mehmood.

  • ‘Dunk’s’ promo leaves social media divided

    ‘Dunk’s’ promo leaves social media divided

    The teaser of Bilal Abbas Khan, Sana Javed and Naumaan Ejaz’s murder mystery Dunk dropped yesterday and created quite a stir on social media.

    Read more – Private school in Lahore comes under fire for covering up harassment

    The short teaser gives a glimpse into the drama’s plot and reveals that Dunk will highlight the issue of harassment at educational institutes. Professor Humayun (Ejaz) is accused of harassment by Amal (Javed) and he denies any wrongdoing. It appears that Haider (Bilal) will help Amal get justice.

    Besides Bilal, Naumaan and Sana, the lead cast also includes Yasra Rizvi and Fahad Sheikh.

    https://twitter.com/fahadmustafa26/status/1335933652539224064?s=20

    While most fans praised the teaser and expressed their anticipation, others called it out for being problematic.

    https://twitter.com/kanundrum_/status/1336031963342319616?s=20
    https://twitter.com/Scrivenshaft_/status/1335999082440105988?s=20

    In any case, we all should just listen to this person.

  • Atif Aslam, Mahira Khan & Aiman Khan among ‘Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars’

    Yet another proud moment for Pakistan as Mahira Khan, Aiman Khan and Atif Aslam have made it to the inaugural Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars list. The list highlights celebrities from across the Asia Pacific region who have taken the digital world by storm, according to a press release.

    Writing about Mahira, who earlier also featured on BBC’s ‘100 women of 2020’, Forbes said: “The star of Pakistani musical Superstar will return to the screen this year in action drama The Legend of Maula Jatt, Pakistan’s most expensive film to date. Khan uses her social media presence—nearly 7 million Instagram followers and over 4 million on Facebook—to raise awareness about mental health issues, violence against women and breast cancer.”

    Similarly, while writing about Aiman, the magazine said: “With nearly 8 million followers, Khan is the most-followed Pakistani celebrity on Instagram. She and twin sister Minal run the clothing site Aiman Minal Closet, with 249,000 Instagram followers. Last year she was nominated for Best Actress at Pakistan’s Hum Awards for roles in TV shows Ishq Tamasha and Baandi.”

    Meanwhile, while writing about Atif, Forbes spoke about his recitation of the 99 names of Allah.

    “Released in May, his song Asma-ul-Husna recites Allah’s 99 names to encourage hope during the pandemic and has over 22 million views on YouTube. Aslam urged his 20 million Facebook followers to stay home to curb the spread of the coronavirus,” read Atif’s write-up.

    Other prominent celebrities who featured on the list and are popular in Pakistan include South Korean band BTS, Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Ranveer Singh, Hrithik Roshan, Margot Robbie, Chris Hemsworth, Hugh Jackman, Akshay Kumar, Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma.

    In a statement, Forbes also explained how they chose those featured on the list.

    “To determine the finalists, Forbes Asia evaluated the candidates’ combined social media reach and engagement. Their recent work, impact and advocacy, brand endorsements and business endeavours, and their recognition profile on a local, regional and global level were also considered. Only those active in film, music, and TV were eligible,” said the publication.

    About Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars list

    Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars list features 100 singers, bands, film and TV stars with a strong social media presence. With millions of followers across popular platforms, these celebrities have maintained their relevance and popularity in this challenging period by leveraging on the power of social media. Many have also used their influence to support worthy causes, especially those with a Covid-19 focus.

    “The inaugural Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars list couldn’t have come at a more relevant time. Artists rely on social media platforms to connect and communicate with fans, especially in the absence of live entertainment due to Covid-19 restrictions around the region,” said Rana Wehbe Watson, editor of the list. “The 100 celebrities highlighted on the list range in age from 20 to 78, proving that social media influence is a cross-generational phenomenon.”

  • Hania Aamir opens up on how damaging mean comments are

    Hania Aamir opens up on how damaging mean comments are

    Hania Aamir is no stranger to social media trolling and the actor, in a recent Instagram post opened up about how damaging it can be.

    Read more – ‘Har jaga muhalle ki phupho nahi bante’: Asim Azhar hits back at trolls

    “This was me trying to get myself together after shedding two tears over three mean comments,” said Hania while sharing a picture of herself.

    “Words are powerful. They can create and destroy. Why use them to knock people down when you can use them to lift each other up,” she questioned.

    “Being mean is easy and weak and projection of your own fears and insecurities. Use your words wisely,” she added.

    Earlier in an interview, Mawra Hocane had also talked about being attacked and criticised on social media.

    “I am getting used to it now, but six years ago it was very difficult,” said the actor. “Like, if I am giving an interview right now, it is possible that I may say something wrong. But I realised five years ago that anything wrong that comes out of your mouth is no longer wrong when it reaches social media, it becomes a sin.”

    “You can’t even think about making a mistake, because you have been placed on a pedestal where you can’t say anything wrong. So the first time this hit me I was like, I want to stop using it. I want to stop acting and I just want to leave. And I actually went to Sydney and told my parents ‘I don’t want to do this anymore,’” she shared.

    “I told my parents people here want to kill me because I said something wrong. And even today I don’t want to defend myself, I am scared of it. I say ‘you know what? I am wrong! But are you really going to take my life for it?’” she questioned.

    Mawra further shared that the fear has never left her which is why she prefers to play it safe in her interviews and has started opting for giving standard responses.

  • Romantic thriller on KFC’s Colonel Sanders is coming soon

    A short film on KFC’s Colonel Sanders is on its way. The film titled A Recipe for Seduction will premiere on December 13 on Lifetime.

    Starring Mario Lopez as a hot Colonel Sanders, the film will be only 15 minutes long and will be available on the network’s streaming platforms. 

    “As the holidays draw near, a young heiress contends with the affections of a suitor handpicked by her mother,” reads the official description.

     “When the handsome chef, Harland Sanders, arrives with his secret fried chicken recipe and a dream, he sets in motion a series of events that unravels the mother’s devious plans. Will our plucky heiress escape to her wintry happily ever after with Harland at her side, or will she cave to the demands of family and duty?”

    Watch the trailer here:

  • Documentary on Qandeel Baloch debuts at America’s biggest documentary festival

    Documentary on Qandeel Baloch debuts at America’s biggest documentary festival

    Pakistan’s multi-award winning production house Soc Films’ latest documentary, A Life Too Short, debuted at the 11th edition of DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival.

    https://twitter.com/SOCFilms/status/1335931777840451586?s=20

    A Life Too Short chronicles the life of social media superstar, the late Qandeel Baloch, who pushed boundaries in conservative Pakistan like no other. She was killed at the age of 26 by her brother who smothered her to death for her open exclamations of women’s equality and sexuality through her sensational social media presence.

    “Making this documentary has been a labour of love for more than three years and now that it’s ready to go out into the world, I am both nervous and excited. Undoubtedly, Qandeel had big dreams and the courage to create her own identity but I am left terrified every time I realize that not all women amongst us are afforded their basic right to choose to live however they want. Yet I live for the day when there won’t be a price to pay should a woman choose to follow her heart.” said director Safyah Zafar Usmani while talking about the documentary.

    Qandeel’s belongings

    “Making biographical films is always tricky, but it’s harder when your subject is as complex and widely misunderstood as Qandeel Baloch. There’s so much more to her story than how it came to an end, but it’s really important for the world to remember the price Qandeel had to pay just because she chose to dream big and remain true to herself, and hopefully, this film will help do that,” said co-director Saad Zubairi.

    A Life Too Short was one of the 12 titles showcased this year at DOC NYC The Short List: Shorts. Last year the selection included seven of the ten films that went on to be named to the Oscars Shortlist for Documentary Shorts and three of DOC NYC’s picks went on to be Oscar nominees. This year’s DOC NYC’s winning short will qualify for consideration in the Documentary Short Subject category of the Annual Academy Awards in 2021, without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy rules.

    Directed by Safyah, co-directed by Saad and produced by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the documentary also features executive producers Sheila Nevins and Guy Oseary, cinematographer Nadir Siddiqui and editor Mishaal Adhaami.

    Qandeel’s short but chaotic life has provided inspiration for several works including drama serial Baaghi starring Saba Qamar, Osman Khalid Butt and Ali Kazmi. Journalist Sanam Maher also wrote a book on the life of the late social media sensation titled The Sensational Life and Death of Qandeel Baloch. The book also recently featured in the New York Times ‘Top 100 books of 2020’ list.

    Recently, Sharmeen’s set of short films HOME 1947 won the Best Film [Short Documentary] Award at the South Asian Film Festival of Montréal.

  • Meesha Shafi’s take on the iconic ‘Boom Boom’ creates waves

    Meesha Shafi’s take on the iconic ‘Boom Boom’ creates waves

    Meesha Shafi’s rendition of Nazia Hassan’s iconic Boom Boom has been the talk of the weekend. The song was released as part of the Velo Sound Station produced by Bilal Maqsood and co-directed by Bilal and Yasir Jaswal.

    Shafi, known for her powerful vocals and eddy style performed a dance club cover of Nazia Hassan’s 1982 pop hit. Her powerful voice with outstanding control and projection is heard reciting these evocative lyrics as the words waft down cloud-like on the oversize LED screen: “Can you feel this force, this sweet design. How our minds are together, how we are so aligned. Felt the hush in the world. The only sound I heard was the way you made my heart go Boom Boom.”

    The singer received a lot of love and appreciation for her performance, to which she personally responded on social media. The singer, in response to a journalist, also shared that the melancholic undertone to the song was the sadness she has “carried for almost three years at being kicked when I was down by so many of my colleagues”.

  • Junaid Jamshed remembered on his fourth death anniversary

    Junaid Jamshed remembered on his fourth death anniversary

    To honour the late Junaid Jamshed on his fourth death anniversary, Pakistanis are paying rich tributes to the singer on social media.

    The famed singer-turned-religious scholar passed away on this date in 2016 after a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-661 carrying 48 passengers and crew crashed on the way to Islamabad from Chitral. Jamshed and his wife were among the 48 people killed in the plane crash.

    ‘WeLoveYouJunaidJamshed’ was the top trending hashtag on Twitter on Monday with several politicians and other renowned personalities remembering the late singer.

    https://twitter.com/WaseemBadami/status/1335884202135400449?s=20
    https://twitter.com/sadiayounas77/status/1335787847614423040?s=21
    https://twitter.com/DrNabilOfficial/status/1335840667931709442
    https://twitter.com/hamzamujahid_/status/1335665594318934016