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  • Decided to prioritise Pakistan after Mumbai attacks: Mikaal Zulfiqar

    Decided to prioritise Pakistan after Mumbai attacks: Mikaal Zulfiqar


    Actor Mikaal Zulfiqar’s journey in the entertainment industry has been full of twists, turns and hard decisions. Despite recognition for his work in Indian films, the actor says he made a life-changing decision to “prioritise Pakistan” after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
     
    Appearing as a guest on AK Buzz ‘Persona’, Mikaal shared some candid insights into his career, explaining how his approach towards work and priorities has evolved over the years.

    “After 2008, I decided Pakistan would be my priority. Even though I had aspirations for Hollywood due to my background, Bollywood opportunities came my way and I took them. But after the Mumbai attacks, I firmly shifted back to working in Pakistan,” he said.
     
    When asked how he got the opportunities in Bollywood, Mikaal said he was lucky. “I started with Bollywood early. I used to go to India for modeling and fashion shows in Delhi. Especially for bridal events. I think it was 2002 when I first went to India… just a year into my modeling career. We did this for two or three years.”
     
     
    “Later, I was part of a film called ‘Godfather’ that was produced by Aslam Bhatti. It featured some Indian and Pakistani actors and was shot in Dubai as well as Bulgaria. I got a role there, thanks to Ahsan Khan, who was initially cast but couldn’t do it. We were friends, so he suggested I talk to the team. That’s how I ended up doing the role,” Mikaal revealed.
     
    The Aap Jaise Marzi actor also praised the relationships he built along the way. “Vinod Khanna recommended me for my next project, ‘Shoot on Sight,’ an Indian-English production. It was a major turning point for me as I worked with legends like Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri. Their craft is recognised not just in Bollywood but across the globe.”
     
    “That film gave me confidence as director Jagmohan Mundhra told me how they had considered actors like Abhishek Bachchan and Vivek Oberoi but eventually decided I was the right fit. That acknowledgment made me feel like I was on the right path,” he added.

    When asked if it was challenging as a Pakistani artist in India at the time amid political tensions, Mikaal said it was “indeed tricky”. 


    “Bollywood is a bigger industry with more opportunities, fame and larger-scale projects. Around that time, I started focusing on India and took fewer projects in Pakistan. Things changed after the 2008 Mumbai attacks that strained Pakistan-India relations. The projects I had lined up in India were put on hold or cancelled,” he said, sharing how it prompted him to decide to focus entirely on Pakistan. 


    Mikaal Zulfiqar has starred in dramas such as, Saiqa, Dil Hai Chota Sa, Kiasay Kahoon, Pani Jaisa Piyar, Shehr –E- Zaat, Talafi, and Mann Pyasa. 
    Dil-e- Nadaan , written by Sadia Akhtar and directed by Saima Waseem, is his latest offering.

  • My wedding was arranged by Allah: Hamza Ali Abbasi

    My wedding was arranged by Allah: Hamza Ali Abbasi


    Have you ever wondered if love is something that finds you when you are ready or when it’s simply meant to be? For actor Hamza Ali Abbasi, the journey to finding true love wasn’t easy, but it was guided by something greater, he says.       


    Appearing as a guest on Amna Haider Isani’s Haute Talk, Abbasi talked about the challenges he faced in love and relationships before meeting his wife Naimal Khawar.

     
    The Legends of Maula Jatt actor revealed that he had never truly experienced love “in the right way” before finding his soulmate.

     
    “In life, I had never experienced love in the right way and I was never able to truly love [someone]. I had many bad experiences and I believe the fault was mostly mine. I wasn’t mature enough. I still don’t think I’m mature enough to say I’ve grown up,” he said.

     
    “I’ve broken hearts and my own heart was broken too. I feel ashamed for hurting people,” the actor said while reflecting on his past.

     
    Abbasi also spoke about his journey of self-reflection and seeking forgiveness. “I’ve asked for forgiveness and I did what I could to make amends.
    I’ve hurt people, I’ve broken hearts, and I have done many wrong things,” he added.

     
    After going through so many hardships Abbasi said, he turned to faith and made a sincere prayer.
    “I prayed, ‘Oh Allah, I’ve never experienced true love, and I never thought of marriage.’ Then I chose a path and prayed for love or marriage.
    I didn’t know how to go about it but I trusted Allah, and I think my prayer was accepted. Allah took my hand and led me to love a person in a way that I had no control over. I couldn’t control myself and it was happening on autopilot.”

     
    The Parwaaz hai Junoon actor also reflected on how life’s challenges led him to find peace and love in unexpected ways.

     
    “Allah brought me to someone simple, and I fell in love with Naimal. We got married and it’s been almost six years. Alhamdulillah, Allah accepted my prayer and honoured me. I didn’t have the capability or maturity to do this on my own.
    My wedding was arranged by Allah and I didn’t have the maturity to plan it. It was beautiful, simple and full of blessings from Allah. A wedding should be simple so that it doesn’t turn into a show. You can save money and keep it simple,” Abbasi added.

     
    Naimal Khawar and Hamza Ali Abbasi tied the knot on August 25, 2019, in Islamabad.

     
    Abbasi is currently in the headlines for starring in Faraar, a drama serial written by Mustafa Afridi and directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain and Musadiq Malik.

  • Muhammad Rizwan donates keeping gloves, jersey to Sydney Cricket Ground Museum

    Muhammad Rizwan donates keeping gloves, jersey to Sydney Cricket Ground Museum

    National cricket team captain Muhammad Rizwan has donated his wicket-keeping gloves and jersey to the Sydney Cricket Ground Museum after the second T20 match against Australia was played there.

    The Sydney Cricket Ground Museum management thanked the captain for donating the gloves and shirt.

    The second match of the three-match T20 series between Pakistan and Australia was played in Sydney on Saturday, and won by Australia. The last match of the series will be played in Hobart today (Monday).

    Pakistan playing XI for third T20

    Pakistan’s playing XI has been announced for the third and final T20 International (T20I) against Australia, and the Green Shirts will be playing under a new captain.

    National team captain Mohammad Rizwan has been rested for the final T20, and Salman Ali Agha will replace him in today’s match, while Haseebullah will take over as wicketkeeper.

    The playing XI includes captain Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Haseebullah, Usman Khan, Muhammad Irfan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jehandad Khan, Haris Rauf and Sufyan Muqeem.

    Previously, Australia defeated Pakistan by 13 runs to take an unassailable 0-2 lead in the series in the second match of the three-match T20I series.

    The final T20I between Pakistan and Australia will start at 1 pm today, Pakistan time.

  • Govinda’s health deteriorates while addressing rally

    Govinda’s health deteriorates while addressing rally

    Bollywood actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda’s health deteriorated while addressing an election rally, after which he was airlifted to a hospital.

    The Indian media reported that he was taken to a hospital in Mumbai after his health worsened during a rally in Jalgaon on Saturday. He initially complained of mild physical discomfort, but soon, he developed severe chest pain and leg pain.

    On the advice of doctors, he was immediately airlifted to a Mumbai hospital, where he was provided immediate medical care.

    No statement has been issued by Govinda or his family about his health so far, which has raised concerns among his fans and supporters.

    Govinda was injured by a bullet from his revolver at his residence last month.

    The actor’s manager had said that the licensed revolver fell while being stored in the cupboard and accidentally fired.

    Earlier, Govinda has landed in a hospital after he accidentally fired his own gun at his leg.

    The actor ran into a bit of misfortune at his home in Mumbai on while he was getting ready to leave for Kolkata early in the morning on 4:45 am.

    A licensed revolver that he owned accidentally fired, injuring him in the leg.

    In an audio message Govinda said, “I was hit by a bullet, but it has been removed. I am grateful to the doctors and all your prayers.”

    The 90s star is being treated at the CritiCare Hospital.

  • Hasan Nawaz declared bankrupt after failing to clear tax liabilities in UK

    Hasan Nawaz declared bankrupt after failing to clear tax liabilities in UK

    Hassan Nawaz, son of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, has been declared bankrupt by the High Court of Justice in London after he failed to clear his tax liabilities, Geo News correspondent Murtaza Ali Shah reported on November 17.

    The UK Gazette, an official public record journal, published the details of Hasan’s bankruptcy.

    The Gazette stated that Hasan Nawaz, who resides in Flat 17 Avenfield House, 118 Park Lane in London, while serving as a company director, has been declared bankrupt under case number 694 of 2023.

    The petition was filed last year on August 25, 2023, and the bankruptcy order was issued on April 29, 2024, after a case brought forward by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

    The petition brought forward last year against Nawaz’s son in London claimed that he had unpaid debts and liabilities as the basis for the action.

    Dawn reported that under UK law, a bankruptcy order restricts an individual from acting as a company director or managing businesses without court approval until the individual is discharged from bankruptcy. Hasan Nawaz, however, continues to act as a director of multiple companies in the UK.

    Previously, in 2018, the two were declared proclaimed offenders after they failed to join the investigation in Avenfield Apartment, Al-Azizia and Flagship Investment references filed by the National Account­ability Bureau (NAB).

    Both then left Pakistan after they were named in high-profile corruption cases the same year. They were declared proclaimed offenders for not joining the investigation and court proceedings, and subsequently, their arrest warrants were issued.

    In April 2024, Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz were formally acquitted in three corruption cases related to the Panama Papers.

    After an accountability court suspended their warrants this year, both returned to Pakistan quietly on March 12, ending their six-year-long self-imposed exile in London.

    After their acquittal, the NAB prosecutors did not file appeals against the acquittal orders of Sharif’s son.

    The NAB prosecutor informed the court that the cases did not fall under the amendments to the NAB laws, adding that Nawaz, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and her husband, Captain (retd) Safdar, had already been acquitted in the cases against them.

    Noting that the accountability bureau had not filed an appeal against Maryam’s acquittal, the lawyer said it was based on the “same documents” on which her father was freed of the charges.

  • Pakistan changes captain for third T20 match against Australia

    Pakistan changes captain for third T20 match against Australia

    Pakistan’s playing XI has been announced for the third and final T20 International (T20I) against Australia, and the Green Shirts will be playing under a new captain.

    National team captain Mohammad Rizwan has been rested for the final T20, and Salman Ali Agha will replace him in today’s match, while Haseebullah will take over as wicketkeeper.

    The playing XI includes captain Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Haseebullah, Usman Khan, Muhammad Irfan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jehandad Khan, Haris Rauf and Sufyan Muqeem.

    Previously, Australia defeated Pakistan by 13 runs to take an unassailable 0-2 lead in the series in the second match of the three-match T20I series.

    The final T20I between Pakistan and Australia will start at 1 pm today, Pakistan time.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo shares his retirement plans

    Cristiano Ronaldo shares his retirement plans

    Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement plans.

    Portugal booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Nations League with a 5-1 win over Poland on Friday. Ronaldo secured his 132nd international win by surpassing former Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos, who had 131 wins for Spain.

    The 39-year-old spoke about his retirement plans while addressing the media after the match.

    “I just want to enjoy,” he said, adding that his retirement could be in “a year or two.” He continued, “I don’t know; I’m going to be 40 soon.”

    “As long as I enjoy it with passion, I will continue playing. The day I realise that I no longer had the passion, I would retire,” he said.

    Ronaldo also revealed that he has “no plans to go into the coaching field” and that he may consider other matters after retirement.

    “I do not see myself becoming a manager of any team, it is not in my plans; my future is in other fields outside of football. Time will tell what happens.”

    Earlier, in an interview in August, Ronaldo indicated that he was considering retiring early despite his contract with the Saudi club Al-Nasr expiring after this season.

    He recently also became the first man to score 900 goals in official matches and is also a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

  • Sehar Khan promises ‘Intense episode’ on Jafaa

    Sehar Khan promises ‘Intense episode’ on Jafaa

    Actor Sehar Khan is receiving praise for her role in the hit drama Jafaa. The upcoming star who started her career with the soap serial Sanwari, has a strong Instagram following of 2.9 million. 

    Sehar is thrilled with the success of Jafaa and the positive response from her fans. She shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, thanking her fans and urging them to watch the upcoming episode, which promises an intense twist.


    She wrote in caption: “hey hey hey❤ Thank you for all the love you’ve been sending for Jafa! It makes my heart so full seeing how much you’re enjoying the story. I know I haven’t been posting much but I’m always reading your sweet messages – you guys are amazing

    Don’t forget to watch today’s episode it’s going to be intense! And the journey isn’t over yet there’s so much more to come. Love you all!”


    She also shared some memorable behind-the-scenes pictures from Jafaa. Here are a few beautiful photos for you:
    Fans are loving the behind-the-scenes photos shared by the Jafaa actors. Many are guessing at the storyline and appreciating Sehar’s performance in the drama.


    Check the pictures below


    Actor Sehar Khan is receiving praise for her role in the hit drama ‘Jafaa.’ 


    She started her career with the soap serial ‘Sanwari’ and has a strong Instagram following of 2.9 million. 


    Sehar Khan is thrilled with the success of ‘Jafaa’ and the positive response from her fans. She shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, thanking her fans and urging them to watch the upcoming episode, which promises an intense twist.


    She wrote in caption, “hey hey hey❤ Thank you for all the love you’ve been sending for Jafa! It makes my heart so full seeing how much you’re enjoying the story. I know I haven’t been posting much but I’m always reading your sweet messages – you guys are amazing

    Don’t forget to watch today’s episode it’s going to be intense! And the journey isn’t over yet there’s so much more to come. Love you all!”


    She also shared some memorable behind-the-scenes pictures from ‘Jafaa.’ Here are a few beautiful photos for you:


    Fans are loving the behind-the-scenes photos shared by the ‘Jafaa’ actors. Many are hinting at the story and appreciating Sehar’s presence and performance in the drama.


    Check the pictures below:

  • ‘He was my hero: Humaira Arshad opens up about her late father

    ‘He was my hero: Humaira Arshad opens up about her late father

    For singer Humaira Arshad, losing her father was not just the death of a parent, but the loss of the man she called her hero.  

    The singer appeared on Zardast where she spoke about the pain she experienced after her father’s sudden passing, and how it continues to affect her.  

     When host Wasi Shah asked, “What was the most sorrowful moment of your life,” Humaira replied, “The death of my father. Because my father suddenly became ill, he had a stroke and a heart attack, and suddenly he passed away. I tried my best to save him, I did everything I could as a daughter, but it was God’s will. He was not ill before that, there were no prior symptoms, everything happened suddenly. I had never seen my father with a fever, or a cold, or anything like that, and suddenly he was in that condition. It was so unexpected.”

    Humaira described the shock of receiving the news while she was in Karachi for a show.
     “When I got the call from home that my father had become like that, I was in Karachi for a show. They told me that my father had gone into a coma. I just kept praying to Allah, asking Him to help. I didn’t even get to talk to my father before I left. I kept wondering if he was going to leave just like that. It was really painful not to have had a final conversation with him,”  Humaira recalled. 

    Her father’s health deteriorated rapidly, Arshad explained: “He was in a coma for three months. We don’t know what exactly happened, but a private hospital took him in, and when we arrived, they said he went into a coma right away, and they put him on a ventilator. I was in such a state that I felt like I had lost my mind. I felt like the world had ended.”

     
    Despite the overwhelming grief, the Ainak Wala Jin actress found strength in her father’s memory.
     
     

    “I prayed for him, did everything I could, and continued with charity and the rituals. I was a big fan of my father, not just because he was my father, but because of the work he did, his love for the family of the Prophet, and his way of life. I saw him praying and worshipping. What I saw in my father, you don’t find in many people,” Humaira Arshad concluded.

  • Salman’s old comments go viral amid Abhishek- Aishwarya separation buzz

    Salman’s old comments go viral amid Abhishek- Aishwarya separation buzz

    Bollywood stars Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan’s marital relationship is the subject of much speculation in Bollywood. The duo, once considered one of the industry’s most powerful couples, have been besieged by rumors of separation and impending divorce. 

    At the same time, Salman Khan’s past comments on Abhishek and Aishwarya’s marriage are once again going viral. 


    Abhishek and Aishwarya’s separate appearances in public are prolonging the news of separation between the two. Social media users are citing Abhishek’s extramarital relationship with actress Nimrat Kaur as the reason for the marriage turning sour, while Aishwarya’s friend Dr. Friendship is also being blamed. However, no confirmation or denial has  been offered by both the families. 


    According to Indian media, Aishwarya Rai, who is currently married to Abhishek Bachchan, was allegedly in a romantic relationship with Salman Khan before her marriage.


    Aishwarya and Salman’s relationship even reached the point of marriage, but in 2001, a rift between the pair ended the romance. In 2002, she made several allegations against Salman and officially announced her separation. However, now Dabangg star Salman Khan’s statement on Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan’s marriage is going viral on Indian media.


    During an old interview, when Salman Khan was asked about the allegations of abuse against Aishwarya, he said, “What can I say about this, I believe in one thing that human beings’ personal life is personal. If I start defending him, someone was a part of your life too and you would be denying it.”


    Salman Khan, in his statement on Aishwarya’s marriage with Abhishek, said, “The best thing is to keep quiet. So many years have passed, you know, she is someone’s wife, she married into a big family. And I’m so happy that she got married to Abhishek, I think Abhishek is a great person and that’s the best thing any ex-boyfriend would like.”


    He added, “Because you don’t want, once you break up with someone, to be miserable without you, you want them to be happy without you, even though it’s selfish. But that way, you are not guilty.”


    Interestingly, the video has resurfaced on social media at a time when Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai’s 2007 marriage has been making headlines with rumors of a breakup.