The Lux Style Awards (LSAs) will not be excluding Feroze Khan from their list of nominees despite widespread criticism, including from Oscar-winning director Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy.
In a statement released on Wednesday night, the awards said, “The Lux Style Awards submissions are received from artists and channels as part of an open call for entries for consideration in the awards. All shortlisted nominations, for the Viewer’s Choice Category of the LSA 2022 are a result of exclusive viewer voting without any intervention by the Awards.
“As part of our third party, the independent and transparent voting process, which is audited end to end by PricewaterhouseCoopers, LSA cannot participate in short-listing, vetting or excluding any submissions or nominations.”
In a follow-up statement, the LSAs said they believe in “respecting the freedom and divert of audience views, and does not regulate or limit engagement (except in cases of content with obscene or inappropriate language) on our social media platforms.”
Their move comes after Obaid Chinoy announced she was returning her Lux Lifetime Achievement Award, which she was awarded in 2012, in protest.
“Lux is a beauty brand that sells soaps to women yet it has chosen to allow the nomination of a man known to have violently abused his ex-wife. Its parent company, Unilever, has a global campaign that says no to domestic violence and advocates against it. The company signed up to the United Nation’s SDGs, including SDG 5 on gender equality,” she wrote, noting that Unilever’s offices in Pakistan do not seem to share the same values.
“In 2012, I was awarded a Lux lifetime achievement award, which I will be sending back to Unilever as the brand and I no longer share the same values. As a society, we must stand together against domestic violence and we must call out those who provide platforms to abusers, “she wrote.
“Unilever and Lux have done a disservice to the awards and to society and it is not ok for them to allow the celebration of abusers.”
Actor Feroze Khan has supported designer Maria B’s stance on the ban of the feature film Joyland. He compared her mindset to a Rolls Royce with a 100-year road life. The Khaani star dissed several celebrities who are supporting the film and termed them as “rotten scooties”.
Khan tweeted, “Maria B’s mindset – Is like Rolls Royce 100-year road life while “other” you know who are like those rotten scooties. Push push no move, you dirty.” He also asked for the film’s ban earlier in an Instagram story.
An order dated Nov. 11 from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting says that the country’s censor board had granted a censor certificate to the film on Aug. 17. But it has since reversed the decision.
“Written complaints were received that the film contains highly objectionable material which does not conform with the social values and moral standards of our society and is clearly repugnant to the norms of ‘decency and morality as laid down in Section 9 of the Motion Picture Ordinance, 1979,” the order states. “Now, therefore, in the exercise of the powers conferred by Section 9(2) (a) of the said Ordinance and after conducting a comprehensive inquiry, the Federal Government declares the feature film titled ‘Joyland’ as an uncertified film for the whole of Pakistan in the cinemas which fall under the jurisdiction of CBFC with immediate effect.”
“Joyland” was due to release in Pakistan on Nov. 18.
Saim and his team members are raising their voices against the ban imposed by the government. Terming the ban a “grave injustice,” Sadiq, in an Instagram post, says that the ban is “absolutely unconstitutional and illegal” and has urged the country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to review the decision.
Apart from the movie’s team, several A-list celebrities condemned the ban and extended support to the team.
#ReleaseJoyland ! There is no reason not to. Be proud of the work that our artists create not afraid! Give your own people the respect they get in foreign lands. Support us, stand by us and we as Pakistani artists will make this country proud! https://t.co/6jQizg0Xbx
Actor Sonya Hussyn recently shared that she has sent her film Tich Button‘s producer Urwa Hocane a legal notice due to a “breach in the contract” whereby she was not paid her contractual dues for the project.
In the legal notice, the Azaadi star’s legal team addressed the matter by reminding Urwa that she “entered into contractual relations” with their client. “Under express terms and conditions”, she agreed to pay Sonya a certain amount upon completion of the shooting, which began on February 2, 2020, and ended on June 5, the same year.
The notice states that even though Sonya performed her part of the contract “in exceptional circumstances” such as the outbreak of Covid-19, she was not paid her due “despite repeated requests and reminders” accounting for a “breach in the contract”.
It noted that after quite some time, “in stark convention and blatant violation of contract”, the Meri Shehzadi diva “fraudulently” attempted to pay Hussyn Rs500,000.
Hussyn returned that cheque and “unequivocally refuses to be a prey of [Urwa’s] fraudulent scheme,” according to the notice. Sonya is demanding the payment agreed upon in the contract which is “still outstanding”.
Additionally, she demanded Rs5 million for “general damages” on account of “distress, dismay, mental torture, humiliation and embarrassment” within 14 days of the receipt of the notice for the “undesirable and unwanted circumstances” created by Urwa.
Upon failure to comply with this, Sonya instructed her legal team to “institute civil and criminal legal provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 for criminal breach of trust, cheating, fraud, and misrepresentation” and file a civil suit in court and seek recovery of payment, general damages and attachment of Urwa’s immoveable and moveable assets.
Urwa’s Response
Urwa has now addressed the matter in an interview “I am not aware that Sonya Hussyn has sent any notice to me, I mean I am just a call away, we have been shooting the film for so long which a lot of things might happen. We should speak to each other and find out, I am sure there should be some misunderstanding, we all are mature enough and can resolve issues, why sabotage a project like this? I am also worried about such a notice, it’s not like that, she’s been a team, and I know the process has become longer but we understand and will address this misunderstanding, maybe Sonya Hussyn would have called me.”
Farhan Saeed’s Reaction
While opening up about the absence of his co-stars Sonya Hussyn and Feroze Khan from the film’s promotions, Farhan Saeed said, “they are an integral part of the film, at the trailer launch, Sonya didn’t appear because she was a Toronto for awards, Feroze Khan was absent from promotions because he was in Saudi Arabia for the Umrah, I even said to Qasim, ‘we should ask Feroze to pray for film’s success, I wish they join us in in future promotion but they worked beautifully.”
Farhan retorted, “Maliha, problems are in every project. I can’t agree with the thing that a project doesn’t have any problem let me tell you every project has issues, especially in films, however, I would say that you should own the project wholeheartedly. If you ask me, there are zero regrets and hard feelings, every one has his own career choices and graphs.
Sonya’s Statement
In a recent interview with Hasan Choudary, she discussed her dispute with the Tich Button’s makers.
Talking about it Sonya said, “I think, everyone knows now why I’m missing from promotions of Tich Button, the thing is out already, the public knows why I’m not seen, payment dispute was the main issue, also, sometimes, your chemistry and vibe don’t match with some people and that’s why I’m distant.”
She further added, “I took Urwa’s name because Urwa was the only producer who approached me, she was the main face behind it, she was the one who signed the contract with me, that’s why I sent her a notice, I addressed Urwa specifically because I had a contract with her. I talked to all producers before sending the notice, it was last option to approach legally. However, on Ahsan’s show, I mistakenly said something but he created it a big thing.”
Domestic violence can be described as power misused by one adult in a relationship to control another. It is the establishment of control and fear in a relationship through violence and other forms of abuse. Domestic violence is not simply about an ‘argument’. It is a pattern of coercive control that one person exercises over another. Abusers use physical and sexual violence, threats, emotional insults, and economic deprivation as a way to dominate their victims.
Pakistan is no stranger to this violence. In fact, our dramas promote violent men who become heroes in the end. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-2018, about 28 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 experience violence at the hands of their partners in their lifetimes. That’s a very high number. According to the survey, 80 per cent percent of married women who have experienced physical violence since age 15 report their current husband as the perpetrator, while 8 per cent name a former husband as the perpetrator. Previously, the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2012-2013 estimated that 32 per cent of women have experienced physical violence in Pakistan and 40 per cent of married women have suffered from spousal abuse at some point in their life. However, experts say that the actual number may be a lot higher as most women in Pakistan never tell others or even seek help.
Syeda Aliza officially filed for divorce from actor Feroze Khan on September 3. Aliza’s pictures from the court hearing went viral on social media. The mother-of-two presented evidence of domestic violence against her, done by her husband Feroze Khan, in court. Aliza took to social media and shared she had to “endure infidelity, blackmail and degradation” by Feroze. After the pictures of Aliza’s bruised arms and eye, along with a medical report detailing her injuries, went viral, she received massive support from people who might have not spoken if evidence wasn’t revealed. These documents resulted in an outpouring of support from members of the entertainment industry. Multiple actors from the entertainment industry came forward to condemn Feroze’s alleged violent attacks on his ex-wife. Colleagues of Feroze categorically berated the actor’s ill-treatment towards his wife and lambasted him for subjecting Aliza to domestic violence. Actor Iqra Aziz in an Instagram post has said that she is retracting from a project with Feroze Khan after he was accused of domestic violence. Khan’s drama Habs director, Musadiq Malik, spoke up against Feroze despite having worked with him in Habs, an ongoing serial.
In a classic act of cowardice, actor Feroze Khan released a statement denying all abuse allegations levied against him a day after fellow celebrities and social media rallied behind his ex-wife. Calling them false, he said as a believer in human rights, he has “never knowingly hurt another human being”. Despite Khan’s denial, the entertainment industry rallied behind Aliza en masse, offering their full support.
This incident makes us question the morality of some men, their upbringing, and sheer arrogance. Why does a woman always have to show evidence of violence? Her word should be enough. But it has also given us hope. The way that celebrities have come out in support of Feroze’s wife, regardless of the fact that people usually remain silent when one of their own is tainted, is inspiring. Can it be? Will the public outcry against Feroze lead to a public and outright ban? Or like others, will Feroze also get away with it? ‘Kya Yaar, what’s the big deal, men will be men’ keh kar khatam kareinge baat? We don’t think so. This time women, men, and Pakistan has had enough.
Celebrity duo Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt celebrated the 12th Rabi ul Awal in Madinah with daughter Amal and Muneeb’s siblings. The Baandi duo shared some special pictures from the Holy City on Instagram.
Other celebrities like Feroze Khan, Dua Malik and Noor Bukhari also t posted pictures from their trip to Makkah and Madina. They all were spotted there with families. The celebrities thanked Allah Almighty for giving them an opportunity to perform Umrah in Makkah.
The celebrities performed mandatory rituals along with their families and celebrated the birth of Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) in the holy cities.
Actor Humaima Malick recently shared her fiery look from the Fawad Khan starrer magnum-opus The Legend of Maula Jatt, which is slated for a release on October 13.
The Bol star garnered praise for her unique look in the film. Even Bollywood star Emraan Hashmi, who has previously worked with Humaima in Raja Natwarlal, praised her look with a comment on Instagram.
Earlier this year, Malick opened up about the criticism she received by the public after she did a bold role in her Bollywood debut opposite Emraan Hashmi. The actress appeared on Nauman Ijaaz’s talk show, G Sarkar.
The Bol star stated that although on a personal level she had a good experience working on the film and the Murder 2 actor is her friend however people bashed her by saying that she has gone from ‘Bol to Bold’.
“There was a lot of hatred for me as I performed the role of a bar dancer.”
“I have always been a bold girl who has paid my own bills, I started working from the age of fourteen.” She elaborated further that she was busy earning for the family and hence stayed focused on work only and didn’t thought much before doing intimate scenes.
Although the backlash has made her realised that she needs to consider the sentiments of her fans before doing any project.
Actor Iqra Aziz is returning to the television screens with a magnum opus project after taking a brief post-pregnancy break. The Raqeeb Se heroine will star opposite Imran Ashraf and Feroze Khan in Geo TV’s next project, Sanwal Yaar Piya. Written by Hashim Nadeem, this Wajahat Rauf directorial will be produced by Shazia Wajahat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHbpA1MMkp8&t=1s
The director took to Instagram and confirmed all speculations. Feroze Khan, Iqra Aziz, and Imran Ashraf are working in his forthcoming project Sanwal Yaar Piya which is written by renowned playwright Hashim Nadeem.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce this labour of love called Sanwal Yaar Piya in association with Geo TV, featuring this dream cast Feroze Khan, Iqra Aziz, and Imran Ashraf along with some of the most talented actors in the country. It is an honour teaming up once again with the great Hashim Nadeem sb (after Raqse Bismil) who has given us this intense story!” he wrote.
Wajahat also posted a picture of the first look of the drama with the three actors in it.
While Aziz previously worked with Feroze in blockbuster drama Khuda Aur Muhabbat Season 3, while she collaborated with Imran Ashraf in Hum TV’s Ranjha Ranjha Kardi.
The filming will commence on September 12th. It is indeed a great cast which has never appeared together on screen.
Actor Haroon Kadwani is currently riding high on the success of his telefilm Ruposh. However the young star is often compared with Feroze Khan, in terms of his looks and craft.
Haroon reacted to these comparisons in his recent interview with a digital magazine.
“As far as resemblance goes, that’s natural, I can’t do anything about it,” Haroon shares his thoughts. “But in terms of acting, Feroze is not my inspiration. However, for me, it is an honor to be compared to such an established star like Feroze Khan,” he said.
Netizens recently gave polarising response to his viral dancing video.
Bollywood movie Brahmastra’s latest song, Kesariya has landed in hot waters for allegedly copying Pakistani music band Call’s hit song Laree Choote.
The chorus of the song Kesariya from the upcoming Bollywood movie Brahmastra is similar to that of the Pakistani melody.
It is pertinent to mention that Laree Choote was officially featured in Bollywood film Ek Chalis Ki Last Local starring Neha Dhupia and Abhay Deol feature in the music video.
Now actor Feroze Khan has slammed Bollywood for again plagiarising Pakistani music after Abrar-ul-Haq’s Nach Punjaban.
Recently Varun Dhawan’s JugJugg Jeeyo stirred controversy when singer Abrar-ul-Haq’s song Nach Punjaban was featured in its trailer.
The singer had criticized Karan Johar after the trailer, which featured the song, made rounds on social media platforms.
“I have not sold my song Nach Punjaban to any Indian movie and reserve the rights to go to court to claim damages,” he tweeted. “Producers like Karan Johar should not use copy songs. This is my sixth song being copied which will not be allowed at all.”
The official music video saw Abrar-ul-Haq credited for his song. His name was added to the music composition and lyrics under the credits.
He then announced to take legal action against Karan Johar and T-series for using his song in the upcoming movie JugJugg Jeeyo.
Actor Feroze Khan took to his Instagram stories to grill Finance Minister (FM) Miftah Ismail for his recent statement amidst the petrol hike. Khan is appalled at the comic remarks by Miftah Ismail on the recent inflation hikes.
The Finance Minister recently mentioned in a speech that citizens rush to petrol stations whenever he appears on television. The Khaani hero feels his humorous remarks are insensitive and grilled the politician by saying that he will get no place in hell to hide.”
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday tweeted in support of Ismail. He further revealed that Ismail was facing immense criticism from within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) because of the continuous increase in petrol prices.
The Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3 star recently responded to a fan who termed his smile as ‘poison’. Feroze laughed it off and responded that “where does such phrases come from?”
He recently appeared on Tabish Hashmi’s show TBH (To Be Honest) and he talked about his one insane female fan. The Khaani star recently hit back a troll who commented a derogatory remark on his picture.
The Ishqiya star said that while he was the VJ for a show, he had an experience with a female fan when he had to use the washroom in the middle of the show.
The Dil Tera Hogaya actor added: “I was going to the washroom with my team, they were escorting me to the place , later on, I sent the team back and went to the washroom, while I got back , I noticed the sound of someone walking behind me, when I saw around, it was the girl’s face whom I was watching for many months, the face was already fixed in my mind because I saw her a lot on my sets, she just used to come & watch me.”
He kept on saying, “I asked to her, Yes ?, she said that she needs my number, she grabbed me from my collar and asked for it “, “I then gave my uncle’s number because I was stuck in a weird situation at that time, also I thought how can someone be so aggressive for the number”, said Feroze.
“My uncle then called me and said someone called and asked about you, uncle smiled too”. Feroze further said that then another day he called and said “please settle this thing, it’s getting out of hands, she is desperately asking for your number from me.”
Feroze stated that he loves the appreciation that his followers shower him with, but that devotion may be dangerous.
