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Category: Entertainment

  • ‘Just better yourself’: Anoushey Ashraf hits back at Yasir Hussain

    ‘Just better yourself’: Anoushey Ashraf hits back at Yasir Hussain

    ICYMI, Anoushey Ashraf and Yasir Hussain have been debating over Yasir’s comments on Turkish actors. While Anoushey initially said that their exchange was a very “fun public debate”, it appears that it ended on a bitter note after Yasir remarked that Anoushey should have sent him a message on Whatsapp instead of criticising him publicly.

    Later, while commenting under a social media post which discussed Yasir’s denial of calling Turkish actors ‘kachra‘ and his request to Anoushey to not connect every statement of his to Diriliş: Ertuğrul, Anoushey posted a long comment in which she hit out at her colleague and advised him to “Just better yourself and be the best ambassador you can be for Pakistan in your capacity.”

    “If anything, open a production house that only takes in new talent. That’d be amazing and loved by all,” she added.

    Concluding her comment, Anoushey said: “Respect before friendship Yasir. Respect for all.”

    While Yasir did not respond to Anoushey’s latest comments, he posted this image on his Instagram story Tuesday afternoon.

    Earlier, when it was reported that Yasir had likened Turkish actors to kachra, Anoushey had called out her colleague for his comments and reminded him “that no one is kachra for one.” However, Yasir denied making these comments about Turkish actors and hit back at Ashraf saying that Pakistanis have always preferred international brands over local ones.

    Anoushey had responded to Yasir’s comments by saying that “It’s dangerous to insinuate I’m not Pakistani enough because I chose to purchase an Indian saari.”

    “We all support local and always will,” said Anoushey.

    Anoushey’s comments were widely circulated on social media, which upset Yasir, who then expressed his disappointment with Anoushey for calling him out on social media instead of sending him a message on Whatsapp.

    “Don’t need this kind of fame buddy,” said Anoushey in response to Yasir’s comment. “Just stood up for what I thought was right.”

    It is pertinent to mention here that earlier Anoushey had defended Yasir when he had likened Turkish dramas to landay ke kapray. After Yasir had been strongly criticised and been at the receiving end of personal attacks, Anoushey had urged her followers to respect Yasir’s decision and not abuse him because that’s what Ertuğrul would have done.

    “Yasir shared an opinion,” wrote Anoushey. “Your Ertuğrul wouldn’t have lectured, hated and abused him. He would have seen it as ‘exploring two sides to a story’.”

  • Naumaan Ijaz says he cheated on his wife and got away with it

    Naumaan Ijaz says he cheated on his wife and got away with it

    Naumaan Ijaz, who is popular for his unfiltered take on the Pakistani drama industry, has found himself at the receiving end of criticism after an old interview of his went viral on social media. In the interview, the actor talks about cheating on his wife and getting away with it because he is such “a great actor”.

    When host Iffat Omar asks Naumaan the secret behind his successful marriage, Naumaan said that he is very lucky as far as his wife is concerned.

    Iffat then remarked that artists are ‘aashiq mizaaj log‘ and asked Ijaz if he ever felt his heart waver, to which the actor replied, “Multiple times”.

    “But then how do you control it; know your limits,” asked Iffat.

    “I don’t control it,” laughed Naumaan in response. “I fall in love daily. I am a very loving person. If I come across a woman who is beautiful inside out and has a difficult personality, I fall in love with her.”

    “Toh phir aap karletay hain ishq,” questioned Iffat.

    “Main karleta hoon ishq,” said Naumaan, adding that his wife doesn’t find out because he is such “a great actor and an intelligent man.”

    When Iffat probed further and asked about the reaction of those he gets involved with, Naumaan said that they know and reciprocate but their husbands don’t find out.

    “I need to learn a few things from you,” chuckled Iffat in response.

    Naumaan with his wife and son

    Later, while discussing the #MeToo movement, Naumaan said that this movement has arisen because “we have distanced ourselves from deen (religion).”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CE4FuY5pXKp/

    Read more – Humayun Saeed vs Naumaan Ijaz: What’s going on?

    Soon after the clip went viral, social media users slammed the actor for endorsing infidelity and passing misogynistic comments.

    https://twitter.com/MashasDissent/status/1303138837963603971?s=20
    https://twitter.com/SohaTazz/status/1303074779595968512?s=20

    Some social media users also called out Iffat for not handling Naumaan’s comments in an appropriate manner.

    https://twitter.com/amnaaa_02/status/1303077172035358723?s=20

    While Naumaan is yet to address the matter directly, he posted a cryptic message on social media.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CE3YYVFhFUF/
  • Yasir Hussain denies calling Turkish actors ‘kachra’, is upset with Anoushey Ashraf for calling him out on social media

    Yasir Hussain denies calling Turkish actors ‘kachra’, is upset with Anoushey Ashraf for calling him out on social media

    Yasir Hussain and his comments on Turkish actors have found themselves in hot waters once again. The actor was reported to have likened Turkish actors to ‘kachra‘ (garbage). According to details, Yasir while sharing a picture of ‘Pakistani Turgut and Pakistani Ertuğrul’ had commented: “Inko koi nahi poochega (no one will give them any attention). Kyunke ghar ki murgi daal barabar or bahar ka kachra bhi maal barabar,” insinuating that Pakistanis do not appreciate local talent enough.

    Minutes after Hussain posted this story, people began to call out the actor and strongly criticised him for his remarks.

    However, Hussain denied making these comments, saying that the publications twisted his words.

    He said that every comment of his is not connected to the cast of Diriliş: Ertuğrul and that he respects them all before concluding “Ignore me”.

    The actor also joked that he will pass controversial comments every week to irk those who get offended by his comments and abuse him.

    Yasir Hussain vs Anoushey Ashraf

    Among those who called out Yasir for his comments was Anoushey Ashraf who “reminded Yasir that no one is kachra for one.” However, Yasir hit back at Ashraf saying that Pakistanis have always preferred international brands over local ones.

    Anoushey responded by saying that “It’s dangerous to insinuate I’m not Pakistani enough because I chose to purchase an Indian saari.”

    “We all support local and always will,” said Anoushey.

    Anoushey’s comments were widely circulated on social media, which upset Yasir, who then expressed his disappointment with Anoushey for calling him out on social media instead of sending him a message on Whatsapp.

    “Don’t need this kind of fame buddy,” said Anoushey in response to Yasir’s comment. “Just stood up for what I thought was right.”

    It is pertinent to mention here that earlier Anoushey had defended Yasir when he had likened Turkish dramas to landay ke kapray. After Yasir had been strongly criticised and been at the receiving end of personal attacks, Anoushey had urged her followers to respect Yasir’s decision and not abuse him because that’s what Ertuğrul would have done.

    “Yasir shared an opinion,” wrote Anoushey. “Your Ertuğrul wouldn’t have lectured, hated and abused him. He would have seen it as exploring’two sides to a story’.”

  • Ertuğrul is coming to Pakistan

    Ertuğrul is coming to Pakistan

    Ertuğrul fans, brace yourself! Because latest reports have suggested that star of the super hit Turkish TV series Diriliş: Ertuğrul Engin Altan Düzyatan is coming to Pakistan in October.

    According to a press release by London-based events management outfit Frontiers World, “Engin Altan Düzyatan has finally confirmed his much-awaited visit to Pakistan. He looks forward to meeting many of his fans in three ticketed-only events in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The Turkish star will hold an exclusive on-stage question and answer sessions during the events.”

    The three-day tour has been titled ‘Jashn-e-Ertuğrul’ and will take place from October 9-11.

    Frontiers World is organising the trip in collaboration with TRT, the official Turkish broadcaster.

    Set in 13th century Anatolia and based on the struggle of Ertuğrul Gazi, father of Osman I – the founder of the Ottoman dynasty, Diriliş: Ertuğrul has won the hearts of Pakistani audiences ever since its first episode aired on PTV Home in April 2020. In an exclusive interview with The Current, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Faisal Javed Khan revealed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had gifted the drama series to Pakistan as a goodwill gesture.

  • Akshay Kumar launches FAU-G after India bans PUBG

    After India banned PlayerUnknown’s BattleGrounds (PUBG) along with 117 other Chinese apps, Akshay Kumar announced the launching of a multiplayer action-game, Fearless and United: Guards (FAU-G). According to the actor, the game is in “line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “AtmaNirbhar Bharat’”. ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ is the vision of PM Modi of making India a self-reliant nation.

    Kumar shared that through the game, players “will also learn about the sacrifices of our soldiers.” He added that 20 percent of its net revenue would be donated to ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ trust – which gives homage and support to the country’s brave hearts.

    Talking about the new game, Kumar said: “For youngsters in India, gaming is becoming an important form of entertainment. With FAU-G, I’m hoping that as they play the game they will learn about the sacrifices of our soldiers and also contribute to the families of the martyrs; and with this, each one of us has the ability to support PM Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar”.

    According to details, FAU-G is based on real scenarios encountered by the Indian Security Forces to deal with both domestic and foreign threats. It is expected to launch at the end of October with its first-level set in the Galwan Valley backdrop followed by third-person shooting gameplay in the subsequent releases. The game will be available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

    Earlier, Ajay Devgn had announced a film based on the tensions between Indian soldiers and Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley. According to details, the film will narrate the “story of the sacrifice of 20 Indian army men who fought the Chinese army”.

    Meanwhile, recent reports have stated that India and China have agreed to work towards reducing tensions along their contested border, following a meeting of the defence ministers of the two countries. Both sides had deployed additional forces along the frontier running through the western Himalayas after a clash in June, during which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in hand-to-hand fighting. China has not released casualty figures for its troops.

  • PEMRA directs ARY to review ‘Jalan’s’ content after multiple complaints

    PEMRA directs ARY to review ‘Jalan’s’ content after multiple complaints

    The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed ARY Digital and the makers of Jalan to review its content and script and modify it in accordance with Pakistani values.

    In a press release, the media regulatory body said that it has been getting multiple complaints regarding the drama, its content and script through the Pakistan Citizens Portal, PEMRA social media accounts, and PEMRA call centres. It added that the content of the drama, especially the main storyline, is being strongly criticised by audiences on social media.

    “Audiences have strongly criticised the drama saying that it has made a mockery of sacred relationships,” said the press release.

    Jalan is about two sisters Nisha (Minal Khan) and Misha (Areeba Habib). While Misha is the sweet and obedient sister, Nisha is a spoiled brat and wants to be better than her sister, so she sets her sights on her brother-in-law Asfandyar (Emmad Irfani) because he’s rich and good-looking. Ignoring the fact that her sister is married to Asfandyar, Nisha openly flirts with him and urges him to divorce his pregnant wife. Despite, it’s convoluted and twisted storyline, the drama trends on TV and social media every week.

    Similarly, PEMRA also banned the repeat telecast of Ishqiya and Hum TV’s Pyar Ke Sadqay saying that the content of the dramas is against the “morals” of society. Though both dramas have completed their prime time run, they are being re-aired at different times. The notification added that the dramas cannot have a repeat telecast on the ARY Zindagi or HUM Sitaray sub-channels either.

    Read more – ‘Pyar Ke Sadkay’: All’s well that ends well

    Furthermore, the regulatory body warned drama makers that if they do not oblige with their recommendations, PEMRA will take strict action under Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance and stop the drama from being aired without any prior notice.

    Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance prohibits the broadcasting or re-broadcasting or distributing of any programme that PEMRA deems is against society values. The section states: “The Authority shall by order in writing, giving reasons, therefore, prohibit any broadcast media or distribution service operator from broadcasting or re-broadcasting or distributing any programme or advertisement if it is of the opinion that such particular programme or advertisement is against the ideology of Pakistan or is likely to create hatred among the people or is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order or is likely to disturb public peace and tranquility or endangers national security or is pornographic, obscene or vulgar or is offensive to the commonly accepted standards of decency.”

    PEMRA said that the channels have been repeatedly informed about viewers’ concerns regarding the content and have been directed to produce content according to Pakistan’s social, religious, social and moral values. It is pertinent to mention here that in June Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a video meeting with renowned writers across the country, urged them to promote family values and national identity through their writings and dramas.

    “As there was no improvement in the script of the dramas by the channels, a final instruction was given to the channels on August 18 to produce the content of the dramas in accordance with the values ​​of Pakistan,” read the press release.

    Read more – ‘Ishqiya’ ends on a bittersweet note

    PEMRA has also requested all stakeholders, including TV channels and production houses, to immediately review the content of their future dramas.

    “Regardless of the cost and time invested in the drama, if the content of a play is against national values and expectations of the audience, the play will be banned without any warning,” stated the press release.

    Watch The Current’s review on Jalan here:

    https://youtu.be/5hnENdVFBh8
  • Usman Mukhtar’s ‘Bench’ selected at the first Cannes International Independent Film Festival

    Usman Mukhtar’s ‘Bench’ selected at the first Cannes International Independent Film Festival

    Congratulations are in order for Usman Mukhtar, whose short film Bench has been selected at the first Cannes International Independent Film Festival. The film earlier also won the ‘Best Short Film Award’ at the South Shore Film Festival, New York.

    Sharing the exciting news on social media, Usman said, “With great humility, joy and pride do we announce that Bench has been selected at the first Cannes International Independent Film Festival – CIIFF.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEraLQaJh32/

    Rubya Chaudhry, who is Mukhtar’s co-star in the film also expressed her excitement on social media.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CErdGZcl_QL/?utm_source=ig_embed

    The film which has been directed by Mukhtar and written by Ali Mudar the film sees two people at difficult crossroads of their lives, cross paths.

    Speaking to a local media publication, Mukhtar shared that the “film is about two people who meet on a bench. It’s a dialogue based film which takes a very interesting twist and turns.”

    He had also shared that the film has been submitted to a lot of film festivals including the Toronto, Cannes and Busan Film Festivals but due to the current situation, they’re screening the film online but he is yet to hear back from them.

    Watch the trailer of the film below:

  • ‘Meet the Khans’: Faryal Makhdoom, Amir Khan are getting their own reality TV series

    ‘Meet the Khans’: Faryal Makhdoom, Amir Khan are getting their own reality TV series

    British-Pakistani boxer Amir Khan and Faryal Makhdoom have announced that they are getting their own show: a BBC Three documentary titled Meet The Khans: Big In Bolton.

    Faryal took to social media to make the announcement and express her excitement.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEpPifthkbE/?utm_source=ig_embed

    According to MSN, the ‘all-access’ documentary, is set to air on BBC Three and will follow Faryal and Amir as they juggle their family life and their careers. The couple’s three children will also feature in the documentary. The series has been advertised as a no-holds-barred and access all areas behind the scenes glimpse at the pair.

    The show was announced at a session for Edinburgh TV Festival earlier this week, where BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell spoke about new titles that will be coming to the channel.

    Sharing her thoughts on Meet the Khans, Campbell said: “It’s about family and struggles and relationships. It epitomises what BBC Three wants to be. It’s going to be really cool.”

    Meanwhile, BBC in its official statement said that the documentary will “take us into the world of Olympic medalist and boxing World Champion Amir Khan and his fashion and beauty influencer wife, Faryal Makhdoom. It’s an all-access area look into the dynamics of this young couple in Amir’s beloved Bolton as they juggle a young family, their relationship and career pressures under the glare of modern media.”

    It is pertinent to mention here that the couple’s life is nothing short of a reality series marked with a long feud with the in-laws followed by an emotional reunion, cheating allegations, extramarital affairs and public scandals.

    Read more – Boxer Amir Khan expresses desire to become sports minister

    Amir is also no stranger to reality tv – he has also taken part in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Countdown, Beat the Star, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Celebrity Juice.

  • Asim Azhar, Noori and Ali Azmat’s upcoming song will honour the jawaans of Pakistan

    Asim Azhar, Noori and Ali Azmat’s upcoming song will honour the jawaans of Pakistan

    Asim Azhar, Ali Azmat and Ali Noor and Ali Hamza of Noori have come together for a ‘Melody of Pride’ which will honour the jawaans of Pakistan.

    All artists featuring in the song shared their excitement for their upcoming song and teaser on social media with Ali Hamza saying that it is “one of the most exciting projects” he has done as a music producer. The singer also shared that the song is “a first of its kind rock anthem, which is the re-make of a popular patriotic song from the ’80s.”

    https://twitter.com/AsimAzharr/status/1301176440310960129?s=20
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEorQpRpp39/

    The short teaser shows shots of cadets training, jawaans fighting and a glimpse of the flag ceremony at Wagah Border. The singers feature in only shot.

    Meanwhile, ISPR in a statement, said that the melody is “a unique music composition”.

    “Pakistan’s top melody voices: Ali Hamza, Ali Azmat, Ali Noor and Asim Azhar have collaborated for this Defence & Martyrs Day. They pay a very special tribute to the services rendered by our Armed Forces and its operational readiness. The song showcases the sacrifices of Pakistan as a nation in fighting terrorism and the transformation of our Armed Forces into a cutting edge military structure, second to none.

    It adds: “Renowned music maestro, Ali Hamza with his unique creativity, has composed a first of its kind rock music, blending modern techno beats with the military instruments of the Army School of Music. The video also incorporates stylized shots of the singers patriotically supporting their heroes.”

    Ali Noor also shared some BTS shots from the making of the song on Instagram.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEoIOPtDjlt/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEZCWuhjAbr/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEnwsGzDkEe/

    Asim and Ali Azmat have previously also collaborated for the PSL V anthem Tayyar Hain for which they received a lot of backlash.

  • Esra Bilgiç shuts up a Pakistani troll on Instagram

    Esra Bilgiç shuts up a Pakistani troll on Instagram

    After months of being patient and forgiving Pakistani viewers for their comments on her choice of clothes and outfits, Esra Bilgiç has finally hit out a troll who asked her not to wear “such dresses”.

    Under a recent Instagram post, a social media user by the name Astounding Ali commented: “Please don’t wear such dresses Halima baji, not good.”

    In response to his comment, Bilgiç remarked, “Let me give you a little advice: Don’t follow me. Thank you.” Go Queen!

    Esra has been on the receiving end of such comments ever since her character Halime Sultan became popular in Pakistan after PTV aired the Urdu-dubbed version of the superhit Turkish series Diriliş: Ertuğrul. A group of fans, who apparently do not understand the concept of acting, had a meltdown because the actors, who play different characters in the show based in the pre-Ottoman era, are much different in their real lives of the 21st century. These ‘fans’ have left hundreds of unwarranted comments on Esra’s choice of clothing and have called her out for it.

    The actor even had to close the comments sections on some of her posts to avoid such comments. Meanwhile, Ahsan Khan defended the actor and urged Pakistanis to “at least spare the cast”. In a tweet, the actor had said: “I know people in Pakistan think it’s okay to troll actors here and judge them, [but] at least spare the cast of Ertuğrul. It’s bloody shameful what’s going on! Who the hell are we to do this to them?”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CB3QHT2DxXi/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-kAumyDzbz/

    Read more – QMobile’s decision to appoint Esra Bilgiç as brand ambassador leaves the entertainment industry divided

    Despite all such comments, Esra’s popularity in Pakistan has been soaring and the actor has been chosen to be the brand ambassador of two major Pakistani brands: Khaadi and QMobile. Her visit to Pakistan is also much-awaited.