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Tag: Bushra Ansari

  • ‘A broken home is not a joke’: Javed Sheikh hits back at Bushra Ansari’s comment on his divorce

    ‘A broken home is not a joke’: Javed Sheikh hits back at Bushra Ansari’s comment on his divorce

    Veteran actor Javed Sheikh snapped back at longtime friend Bushra Ansari after she made what many perceived as an insensitive comment about his divorce during a recent press event.

    The incident unfolded at a gathering that included several senior artists such as Behroze Sabzwari, Rubina Ashraf, and Shabbir Jan. What started as casual conversation took an uncomfortable turn when Ansari made a remark that clearly struck a nerve with Sheikh.

    Ansari talked about a recent visit to Sheikh’s home. “I visited Javed Sheikh, and he didn’t even serve me any food,” she said. “His house was built in front of my eyes and was also broken in front of my eyes [referring to divorce], not because of me, but in front of me.”

    Sheikh responded with visible anger to what he saw as a tasteless joke about his failed marriage.

    “Bushra taunted about my broken marriage as a joke, but a broken home is not a joke,” he said.

    “I never commented on her broken home or questioned why her marriage ended,” he continued, referencing Ansari’s 2014 divorce from her ex-husband Iqbal Ansari.

    “Next time, whenever you share my story, mention your own too,” he added. “Your marriage did not work out either.” 

    The exchange quickly spread across social media, where users rallied behind Sheikh and criticized Ansari’s comment as unnecessary and insensitive.

    “They are very good friends apparently but…” one user wrote, expressing surprise at the public confrontation.

    “Well said… Javed sb,” another commented in support of the actor.

    “He is right,” one user agreed, while another observed, “In ki larhai ho gai hy,” suggesting the friends had gotten into a fight.

    “Baat tou ghlt ki hai Javed sir ke bary mai,” wrote another user, calling out the inappropriate nature of the original remark about Sheikh.

    Sheikh and Ansari share a friendship that stretches back nearly five decades to their early days in the entertainment industry. Both have spoken warmly about their bond over the years, which made the public spat all the more shocking for fans.

  • Bushra Ansari says people now laugh at ‘vulgarity instead of clean humour’

    Bushra Ansari says people now laugh at ‘vulgarity instead of clean humour’

    Veteran Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari has spoken about what she said was declining standards of humour in contemporary content, stating that audiences have started finding vulgarity amusing instead of genuine comedy.

    Speaking at the Sindh Madressatul Islam University’s Popular Lecture Series on Thursday, Ansari expressed concern about the shift in what people consider funny.

    “People have started laughing at vulgarity. Content creators and influencers, too, these days think that insolent behaviour is amusing, but it is not. We used to make people laugh with simple and clean humour. We still do. If our content creators are successful today with this kind of content, then it is our failure,” she said.

    Ansari, who began her career as a puppeteer with Farooq Qaiser in Islamabad before working with legends Moin Akhtar and Anwar Maqsood in Karachi, noted that humour has undergone a drastic change over the years.

    She also addressed the Pakistani drama industry’s tendency to repeat storylines. 

    “Production houses see dramas as an investment. They want to profit from them so they only make what sells. That’s why stories are being repeated and there is hardly anything new coming out,” she said.

    Speaking about her personal life, the 68-year-old revealed she married her second husband, Iqbal Hussain, at 60. “I am glad to have found in him a good partner. We carry a lot of respect for each other,” she said.

  • Javed Akhtar hits back at Bushra Ansari; blames Pakistan for Muslims’ troubles in India

    Javed Akhtar hits back at Bushra Ansari; blames Pakistan for Muslims’ troubles in India

    Despite tensions between Pakistan and India dying down, a war of words between celebrities on either side is continuing with Indian screenwriter, lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar responding to veteran Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari’s jab.

    Bushra had earlier this month taken a jibe at a “so-called writer” in India as tensions brewed between the two countries and viral videos showed Indian celebrities training guns at Pakistan. “He was just waiting for an excuse. He cannot even get a house on rent in Bombay. He’d say anything for his survival,” she had said without naming the writer.

    “Even Naseeruddin Shah is quiet… others are staying silent too… why can’t he?” she had questioned without naming the “so-called writer” but it had come following a viral video that showed Akhtar demanding strict action in response to last month’s Pahalgam attack.

    At least 26 people were killed in a terror attack in the Pahalgam area of held Kashmir when unidentified gunmen had opened fire on innocent tourists on April 22. India had alleged Pakistani involvement – an allegation denied by Islamabad while offering independent probe – and later launched cross-border strikes. The attacks had led to intense clashes between the two countries till a ceasefire was agreed to with the help of United States (US) amid heavy losses on the Indian side.

    “Who are you to give me advice? Who gave you the right over me? Why are you expecting me to stay quiet? I might have 25 problems, but I am an Indian when it comes to her,” Akhtar said while calling out Bushra in an interview with The Lallantop on YouTube.

    While he confirmed the claim that his wife Shabana Azmi was 25 years ago denied a flat in Mumbai for being a Muslim, he said the “bitterness” in Hindus was rooted in their treatment in, and exit from, Sindh during the time of Partition back in 1947.

    “If the owner of the property did not sell us the flat, it was because of you [Pakistan],” he said.

    The interview comes days after Akhtar drew the ire of Pakistanis when he said he would rather go to hell than to Pakistan. “People from both sides abuse me,” he said at the launch of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut’s new book ‘Narkatla Swarg’ in Mumbai on May 17.

    “One calls me a Kaafir (apostate), saying I will go to hell. The other calls me a jihadi, asking me to go to Pakistan. So, if I only have a choice of going either to hell or to Pakistan, I would rather like to go to hell,” he had said, overlooking the hospitality he received on all his trips to the country, including the latest in 2023.

  • ‘You’re two hours away from death’: Did Bushra Ansari just hit out at Javed Akhtar?

    ‘You’re two hours away from death’: Did Bushra Ansari just hit out at Javed Akhtar?

    Pakistan’s renowned actor Bushra Ansari has clapped back at recent hate-filled remarks by an Indian literary figure following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Though she didn’t name anyone, many on social media believe her comments were aimed at lyricist Javed Akhtar, who recently called on the Indian government to take action against Pakistan.

    Speaking during a trip abroad, Bushra said in a video that the “so-called writer was just waiting for an excuse. He couldn’t even get a house on rent in Bombay. For his survival, he’ll say anything.”

    She went on, “You’re two hours from death and still spewing nonsense. Stop this madness. Show some dignity.”

    Bushra questioned the motive behind such comments, saying they seemed driven by fear and greed. “Even Naseeruddin Shah is quiet. Others are staying silent too. Why can’t he?” she asked.

    Stressing that ordinary people on both sides aren’t enemies, she shared how Indian girls abroad had welcomed her with warmth. “People aren’t bad,” she said. “You people are the ones fuelling hate, turning hearts against each other.”

    Although Bushra did not name Javed Akhtar, her video sparked a strong reaction online, with many praising her for speaking out boldly.

    “Love you ❤❤❤ Salamat rehain. Javed Akhtar deserves this.”

    “The way she roasted Javed Akhtar Maza aa gaya ”

    “Very well said, and the way you have roasted that Javed Akhtar is absolutely amazing. ❤❤❤ ”

    Earlier, Javed Akhtar had publicly urged the Indian central government to take firm action against Pakistan over its alleged involvement in the Pahalgam attack. Speaking at the Glorious Maharashtra Festival, he said, as quoted by ANI: “This has happened not just once but several times. I request that the Central Government take immediate steps. A few crackers on the border will not work. Take a solid step now.”

    He added, “That mad Army chief (in Pakistan) says Hindus and Muslims are different communities. He does not even care that there are Hindus in his country too. What kind of man is he? They should get a befitting reply so that they remember.

    The attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on April 22 claimed the lives of 26 people. Since then, India has been blaming Pakistan for the incident without providing any concrete evidence.

  • ‘People are starving, not fasting’; Bushra Ansari lashes out at Ramazan transmissions

    ‘People are starving, not fasting’; Bushra Ansari lashes out at Ramazan transmissions

    Renowned actress Bushra Ansari has raised concerns over the growing trend of Ramazan transmissions on various news channels, claiming that they have shifted people’s focus away from worship.


    The veteran star recently shared a vlog on her YouTube channel, where she spoke about the impact of the transmissions while preparing for Iftar.

    “Every other channel is running the same Ramadan transmissions. They used to happen before as well, but back then, people didn’t watch them as much. Those were better times,” the veteran comedian said. 

    Pointing out that now people watch them with great interest, Bushra saus, “Even I sometimes sit in these transmissions, and they entertain people. They probably feel good, and it helps pass the fast comfortably.”

    However, she then pointed out the downside of the growing trend, “I believe that when we didn’t have these transmissions, we used to worship more. With no other distractions, we would recite the Quran and engage in Tasbeeh.”

    She further added, “Back then, fasting didn’t feel like mere hunger. But now, without worship, without reciting the Quran or Tasbeeh, and just by watching Ramadan transmissions, fasting is no longer about true devotion—it’s just about starving.”

    Her statements have sparked a debate on social media, with many discussing whether Ramadan transmissions bring people closer to faith or simply serve as entertainment.

  • Bushra Ansari fires back at trolls after comments on her dancing

    Bushra Ansari fires back at trolls after comments on her dancing

    Senior actress Bushra Ansari has recently given a befitting reply to those who criticized her for sharing a video of herself dancing to a song.


    Bushra Ansari shared a lighthearted video of herself dancing on Instagram last week, after which she was targeted by trolls. 

    Leaning against a wall, looking at the camera, Bushra adjusts her dress in front of the camera.


    While her colleagues and fans praised her beauty and her dress, some social media users criticized her and also taunted her for her age.


    Now she has given a befitting reply to the critics by sharing a screenshot of the criticism she received: “Puray kapray pehen ke jhoomnay se bhi logon ko siyapa par jata hai. Itni jealousy?” 

    “Allah he Allah Kia karo dukh na kisi ko dia karo.. itni jealousy? Uff Allah. !” 

    Bushra Ansari is one of the biggest names in the industry, with decades of experience behind her. No mere trolls can dissuade her from dancing when she wants to.

  • This is what Bushra Ansari thinks of actor son-in-law

    This is what Bushra Ansari thinks of actor son-in-law

    Veteran actress Bushra Ansari, known for her decades-long career in the Pakistani entertainment industry, has shared what she thinks of her son-in-law, actor Asad Siddiqui.

    Appearing as a guest on Subah Saverey Samaa Ke Saath, the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress shared her thoughts on why her talented son-in-law hadn’t yet been able to secure his place in the country’s entertainment landscape.

    When asked which actor or actress she thought had a lot of potential but had not yet received the right roles and were underrated, Ansari said it was her son-in-law.

    “I think… if I don’t sound biased… it’s Asad Siddiqui… he is my son-in-law… my son. I feel he has potential, his voice is very good, Masha’Allah, his face and smile are good… he is a good actor. I don’t think he has gotten his due place yet,” she said.

    Asad Siddiqui, despite coming from a family of showbiz legends, is a self-made star who has impressed audiences with his diverse performances in both positive and negative roles.

    While Ansari believes that his talent deserves even greater recognition, Siddiqui believes the casting practices in the country are “biased”, and argues that selections are often based on connections and appearance rather than talent.

    In a recent appearance on Ushna Shah’s talk show, Siddiqui spoke openly about his concerns: “I have distanced myself from certain industry gatherings, citing instances of ‘sweet words’ shared in person that turn into criticism behind backs.”

    Siddiqui also highlighted that casting often favors those with lighter skin tones or personal connections, a practice he called “unfair and apparent on screen.” He argued that these dynamics dilute merit and affect the quality of production.

  • There is an attitude problem in Punjab, says Bushra Ansari

    There is an attitude problem in Punjab, says Bushra Ansari

    Pakistan’s entertainment industry, especially itsPunjabi films made in Lahore, has always been known for its intellectual richness. However, veteran actress Bushra Ansari believes there’s a big attitude problem within the province that’s preventing it from growing. 

     Appearing as a guest on Ahmed Ali Butt podcast, the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress didn’t hold back her thoughts on the attitude problem she believes exists in Punjab.

     Reflecting on her own experiences, Bushra said, “I’m so sorry to say this, but I have to. I myself am from Punjab, and I must admit that there is an attitude problem in Punjab. People don’t acknowledge anyone, whether they are a big actor or a small one. Honestly, I’m saying this as a Punjabi myself, not accusing you but pointing out the reality.”

    “This is the environment of Punjab’s film industry and Punjabi television too. There is a lot of Punjabi influence. You all might not feel it as much because you live in a mixed environment, but from what I have seen from the beginning, I can say this,” she noted.

     Reflecting on her own career, Bushra shared how challenging it would have been if she had started off in Lahore. 

    “If I were in Lahore and starting my career in dramas, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m not talking about my childhood when I was a little girl wearing frocks and all the uncles used to show love and affection. But now, if I were in Lahore, I don’t think I would have been able to reach this position,” Bushra said. 

    The Seeta Bagri actress went on to praise the artistic environment of Lahore in the past, pointing out that the artists in Lahore were intellectually rich, the writers as well, and there were great people like Yawar Hayat Sahab, MNH, Muhammad Nisar Hussain Sahab, and Nusrat Thakur. “I grew up playing in their lap. But when I grew up, or when I came to be a heroine, I didn’t think I would get the growth here that I got in Karachi, the kind of growth that I got here, with respect and dignity, I never saw this in Lahore.”

    Some critics may think that Bushra’s criticism of Punjab is too harsh, and that regional bias influences the entertainment industry. They might also argue that her comments about Lahore’s film culture overlook the hard work behind classic like Jeeva, Sangam, Choorian and Chor Machai Chor. These films from the 90s played a vital role in shaping Pakistan’s industry.

  • ‘I had an issue with Shagufta constantly scolding Sharjeena’; Bushra Ansari on Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum

    ‘I had an issue with Shagufta constantly scolding Sharjeena’; Bushra Ansari on Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum

      
    Imagine playing a character that the entire audience loves to hate, but you can’t help feel conflicted about their actions. This is exactly how veteran actress Bushra Ansari felt about her role as Shagufta in the smash hit drama serial Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.


      
    Appearing as a guest on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress shared her thoughts on Shagufta’s meanness. 

    “I had a bit of an issue with my character (Shagufta) in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. It’s been a while since you’ve probably heard the term ‘shaki’ (doubtful/skeptical), but that’s how I felt. I needed logic for why my character was constantly scolding that girl (Sharjeena). As an actor, and maybe as a writer within me — I wasn’t challenging the scriptwriter, but I did raise the issue with the production team. I just asked them to justify it.”


    She continued to question the logic of the character’s actions “Look at it this way, one son rejected the girl, and then the family married her off to my other son. So, what’s the girl’s fault in all of this? Tell me, what mistake did she make? Yet, I was constantly scolding her, and I had an issue with that.”

    The Very Filmy actress also talked about industry limitations, saying, “There are limitations. They have a content department, and they have their own processes. I can only interfere up to a certain level. After that, it’s out of my hands. That’s how it is most of the time. The ‘mother’ is always shown as the villain. Whether she speaks in a cultured way or a crude one, she’s portrayed as the antagonist. It’s the same with the ‘mother-in-law’ character, she’s also the villain.”

    Reflecting on her work behind the scenes, Bushra said, “I even wrote a drama myself (Mere Dard Ko Jo Zuban Mili), which aired on Hum TV. It was the debut of Sheheryar Munawar and also featured Hamza Ali Abbasi. In that drama, I had a son (played by Sheheryar) who was mute. It was a small but unique concept. I’m not praising myself, but you have to think differently sometimes. Since my son was mute, we brought in an instructor on set to teach sign language. We incorporated it into the story. It was just a bit of homework, but it added depth to the show.”

     
    Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum was written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Badar Mehmood.

  • Bushra Ansari was served by Indian KMKT fan in Canadian restaurant

    Bushra Ansari was served by Indian KMKT fan in Canadian restaurant


    As Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum wrapped up, fans went into mourning, bereft of their favourite show. Millions across the border tuned into the finale and then through a cosmic touch, one Indian fan ran into the series’ star Bushra Ansari at a restaurant.

    Veteran actress Bushra Ansari thanked the audience for making the drama a huge success, even though she missed the final episode. She portrayed the character of Shagufta in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.

    The finale episode of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum aired on November 5, 2024.

    Bushra Ansari talked about the show in a recent vlog on her YouTube channel, offering details of her emotions after the drama ended.

    “Well, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum has ended, and I was here, I missed it, the last episode where everyone was there.     Watching it made my heart happy and sad at the same time because I wasn’t there. But you all liked it so much, it was so good, MashaAllah, our project. This is what you call when Allah’s help is with you, everything works out well. And all our lovely children, Emmad, Fahad, Naeema, and Hania, they have won everyone’s hearts. You guys liked them so much, and I’m really, really happy.”

    Reflecting on the international impact of the drama, the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress shared a fun anecdote when she met an Indian fan.

    “Alhamdulillah, and I’m so grateful to God and all of you for appreciating it so much, and I’m really happy that you all took this play so far. MashaAllah, our Indian audience is also very encouraging. One night, I went to a restaurant for dinner, and the girl serving us was so nervous, smiling, and acting a little restless.     Then she came up and said, ‘You’re a Pakistani artist, we watched Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.’ I said, ‘Yes, absolutely.’ She even took pictures. It feels good that our work is appreciated across the border as well,” Bushra Ansari added.

    She praised the team behind the success of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.

    “Farhat Ishtiaq wrote such a beautiful romance in such a unique style, I had done a play written by her before, and she writes very well. This is all a team effort, everyone behind the camera is part of it, there are so many elements that go into making it.     And my own collaboration with Javed has always been so lovely. We had so much fun on set, you must have seen an old clip I posted a few months ago where Javed and I were having a blast,” the Aangan Terha actress said.

    Bushra Ansari thoughts concluded with a powerful message about the universal appeal of good content.

    “Our kids are such a hit there. Now, I think if there were no boundaries, no fights between India and Pakistan, our kids would be at the top right now. The point is that content is what matters. It doesn’t matter whether you’re wearing simple clothes or bold clothes. People enjoy it when the content is good,” Bushra Ansari concluded.