Karachi-based NGO NOWPDP organised a ‘TukTuk March’ for individuals dealing with disabilities. The event saw several A-list celebrities in attendance including Mahira Khan, Maya Ali, Humayun Saeed, Bilal Ashraf, Ayesha Omar, Feroze Khan, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, and Wasim Akram.
NOWPDP is a disability inclusion initiative that works for the educational and economic empowerment of people with disabilities. According to a press release, the “TukTuk march was held to celebrate the right to livelihood and transport of people with disabilities.”
“With inclusivity as the primary focus, the march was meant to empower people with disabilities and encourage them to pursue their rights to work and mobility,” it added.
Strict COVID19 SOPs were followed including the wearing of masks, social distancing, and maintaining hand hygiene.
The celebrities were spotted doing bhangra on the streets of Karachi and riding rickshaws driven by differently-abled people. As per details, the rickshaws have been modified to facilitate those who have disabilities.
Pehli Si Muhabbat may not be high on masala and is developing slowly, rather at a snail’s pace, but it certainly comes with a strong message. The latest episode of the drama (Episode 9) sheds light on a topic often overlooked in Pakistani dramas – the importance of a woman’s consent in marriage.
Aslam (Sheheryar Munawar) and Rakshi (Maya Ali) have finally started telling family members about their love for each other and their desire to marry. Aslam has broken off his engagement with Bushra (Hina Afridi) and has let his Mamu know that he cannot marry her. On the other hand, Rakshi’s father Faizullah (Shabbir Jan) has decided to finalise Rakshi’s rishta with his friend’s son. When he tells his wife Nargis (Rabia Butt) of this, the conversation that follows needs to be broadcast everywhere loud and clear.
When Faizullah tells his wife that in their riwaj and culture, girls are not consulted before their own marriage, Nargis says: “Allah nay auraton kay baaray main jo ahkamat diye hain na, unkay baaray main bhi thora sa jaan lo. Waisay tum mard bhi na baray theek ho. Deen bhi sirf mardon ka rakhtay ho. Nikkah say pehlay Allah nay beti ki marzi janana zaruri kiya hai.”
In response, Faizullah dismisses Nargis’ comments, saying that she doesn’t know anything.
“Allah ki kitaab na humain bhi parhayi jaati hai Faizullah. Bismillah aur Ameen toh humari bhi hoti hai,” adds Nargis before leaving Faizullah to reflect on her words.
In a country where women are often overlooked in the rishta process and told that the elders (read: men) in their family decide their future, such scenes and conversations give the audiences food for thought and can enable the wheels of change. It is also refreshing to watch this on-screen because most dramas paint those women wanting to marry of their choice as besharam (shameless) and wanton with their end also usually terrible.
Kudos to Faiza Iftikhar for these brilliant dialogues and to Anjum Shehzad for wonderfully executing the scene. Butt has been a powerhouse of talent throughout the episode, conversing through her eyes and body language and delivering one blazing scene after another – whether it was her conversation with Faizullah, confrontation with Niggi Apa or the way she handled Rakshi.
Another person who is really standing out in the drama is Munawar. Sheheryar has owned Aslam to the very core and the scene in which he gives Niggi Apa a taste of her own medicine makes you cheer on him.
Now that Aslam and Rakshi’s secret is out in the open, it will interesting to see what happens next. All I hope is that the drama starts moving faster else audiences will lose interest.
Ahsan Khan has responded to the controversy surrounding the inclusion of animals “as props” on his talk show Time Out with Ahsan Khan.
“Let me clarify. These rabbits are basically pets and the person who owns them brings them to the set,” said Ahsan, while speaking exclusively to The Current. “When they are on set, we make sure that they are well-fed and taken care of and are not facing any issues. They are not uncomfortable at all. The person whose pets they are keeps them indoors and they are very easy to play with.”
“Araam say haathon main aa jaatay hain,” explained Khan.
Khan further went onto share the segment has been inspired by the Hop Quiz on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
“Basically, this segment has been inspired by Hollywood’s The Tonight Show,” said Ahsan.
The actor then said that being a pet lover he is very careful with the animals on set and cares for them.
“I myself am a pet lover,” said Ahsan. “I have dogs at home. I have cats. I also have parrots and hens and they are all like my own children. We try to provide them with comfortable environments. So naturally, we are very careful with the animals – all of us on set.”
He further said that after the show invited backlash for “using animals as props,” he and his producer decided to avoid it.
“My producer and I thought that if this is hurting people and they are not liking it, then we can avoid it. So we have cut out the segment in the last three to four episodes we’ve recorded,” stated Ahsan, clarifying that the ones which included the animals were shot before.
“Although this segment is one of my favourites because this is the only one in which we discuss general knowledge, which not only educates my guests but also those who are watching the show. Whoever gives a wrong answer has to hold the pet in their lap,” he shared. It is pertinent to add here that the male guests usually enjoy petting the animals but the female guests are scared of them and often jump around screaming when asked to hold them.
“We on our end have been very careful with handling them, but if some people don’t like it then we, including my producers and all can apologise to them,” concluded Khan. “It’s a mutual thing. If something is not right, we should look into it.”
Earlier, a Lahore-based law firm Crown Chambers had filed a complaint before the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) against Express Entertainment and the show for using animals as props.
Our Law Firm has filed Complaint in PEMRA Council of Complaint against use of Rabbit as Props in Show aired on Express Entertainment hosted by Actor Ahsan Khan. The said act is violation of Article 9 of Constitution, Animal Cruelty Act 1890 and Judgment of Islmabad High Court. pic.twitter.com/fwfJMz8Ytw
— Barrister Abuzar Salman Niazi (@SalmanKNiazi1) March 19, 2021
“The said segment on the TV show, subjecting a sentient living being, an animal, to unnecessary suffering is not only an offence under the law but a breach of the constitutionally guaranteed right to life under Art. 9 of the constitution, as laid down by Islamabad high court in Islamabad Wildfire Management board Vs Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad, cited in 2021 CLC 262,” read the complaint.
It further said: “The format of the segment involves a series of questions and answers with known celebrities as guests, who if fail to answer properly, as a “punishment” or “penalty”, are required to hold an animal or at times required to pile several animals such as petrified rabbits/pigeons etc, on their laps, causing distress not only to the animals but to the guest at times as well.”
“Morever, it has spread the message to masses through the said TV channel that projecteing such treatmeant onto animals is acceptable.”
The inclusion of animals on Time Out with Ahsan Khan sparked outrage after a video of Maya Ali screaming and jumping around while being teased with the rabbits went viral on social media. She had appeared on the show with Bilal Ashraf.
Sohai Ali Abro on Sunday tied the knot with Shehzar Mohammad, son of former cricketer Shoaib Mohammad and the grandson of legendary batsman Hanif Muhammad.
While the newlyweds have not shared any pictures from their big day, pictures from their nuptials are doing the rounds on social media. The couple looked resplendent in shades of ivory and gold.
Humayun Saeed was one of the few guests at the event and the actor shared snippets from the occasion on social media to wish the happy couple.
“Many congratulations to Sohai and Shehzar,” said Saeed. “May Allah bless you both with lots and lots of happiness, prosperity and a lifetime of togetherness.”
Maya Ali has shut down relationship scandals with co-actors.
Ali, who was recently seen with Bilal Ashraf on Time Out with Ahsan Khan opened up about her link ups with co-actors.
Upon being questioned about her pairing with Sheheryar Munawar, Ali said: “When I started my journey as an actor, everyone linked me with Osman Khalid Butt.”
“I think there’s a certain pairing that delivers a chemistry fans love or adore. Hence, they start to ship the two celebrities as couples,” said the actor.
The Mann Mayal actor further shared: “When we were at the premiere of Parey Hut Love, people called us a ‘Filmy Jodi’ which, for me, was a compliment. But this does not mean I will limit myself to only be seen with Sheheryar. From all the actors whom I have worked with, I absolutely adore Bilal Abbas.”
Adding onto the expectations of being an actor, Ali added, “People aren’t familiar with what goes on behind the scenes. I’ve come to the conclusion that these netizens are prepared to pen negative feedback, waiting for something to pick on.”
“I always tell people that we are public figures, not public property. Pick on our work! Be it negative or positive, we will happily entertain you. But judge till what we show you and not beyond the lines that are set for you to never cross,” said Ali.
The actor has recently made a comeback on our TV screens with Munawar in ARY Digital’s Pehli Si Muhabbat.
Meanwhile, when asked by Vasay Chaudhry onhis show Ghabrana Mana hai, that if he [Sheheryar] is single, the actor quickly replied, “Yes definitely I am single.. Alhamdulillah!”
Trust Hassan Shehryar Yasin, better known as HSY, to throw a star-studded bash. The designer-turned-actor recently celebrated his drama debut and opening of his luxurious ‘HSY Mansion’ with his friends from the industry. The designer is all set to open Pakistan “largest most luxurious couture studio” for “a one of a kind bridal couture experience.” The designer also announced that he will be officially opening his studio with a solo show in March.
The pre-event party saw all the A-listers including Fawad Khan, Maya Ali, Ali Zafar, Adnan Siddiqui, Sarwat Gilani and Ayesha Omar in attendance. Pictures from the party were widely circulated on social media. Check them out below:
HSY recently made his acting debut with drama serial Pehli Si Muhabbat alongside Maya, Sheheryar Munawar, Rabia Butt, Saba Faisal, Nausheen Shah and Shabbir Jan. Written by Faiza Iftikhar and directed by Anjum Shahzad, Pehli Si Muhabbat is described as “an intense love story”. The OST of the drama has been composed by Ali Zafar.
Maya Ali and Hira Mani have crossed five million followers on Instagram. The actors shared the news and excitement on social media and thanked their fans for the love.
“Thank you for all the five million family,” wrote Maya on social media, adding: “So grateful for all of you, and for all the love and appreciation you guys show me.”
Similarly, Hira Mani, who recently said that she has become anofficial singer, announced that she has crossed five million followers on the social media application.
Sharing a goofy picture of herself, Mani wrote: “Thank you for liking me and liking my Instagram and liking my song and liking my face and liking my kids and liking my originality.”
Meanwhile, Ayeza Khan and Aiman Khan are the most followed Pakistani celebrities on Instagram with 7.9 million followers each. Mahira Khan follows closely behind with 7 million followers.
Maya Ali, in a note posted to social media, talked about how difficult 2020 was and what she is looking forward to in 2021.
The actor started by recounting her blessing, saying: “Dear Allah, thank you for letting us survive 2020. You have given us the biggest blessing yet, to survive another year, another opportunity to change ourselves for the better and to become better people, better Muslims and to worship you better.”
“Oh Allah, it’s been such a tough year and a lot of us have lost loved ones, we have felt pain like no other, but being here today is a blessing indeed,” she continued. “Lucky are those who are given a second chance to change for the better, a chance to grow as people and broaden our horizons.”
Maya further thanked Allah for giving her the opportunity to evolve.
“Every new day is an opportunity for change, love and kindness,” she concluded.
Ali is currently shooting for her upcoming film with Shoaib Mansoor ABGin which she will be sharing the screen with Emmad Irfani.
ARY Digital has finally dropped the first teasers of its most-awaited drama Pehli Si Muhabbat’, featuring Maya Ali, Sheheryar Munawar and Hassan Shehryar Yasin.
The first teasers give audiences a glimpse into the upcoming drama and introduces the main characters of the show: Aslam (Munawar), Rakshee (Ali) and Akram (HSY).
The teaser introducing Aslam is titled ‘Every time I see your smile…I fall in love all over again’, while the one introducing Rakshee is titled ‘Love doesn’t need to be perfect…It just needs to be true!”
Meanwhile, the one introducing Akram is titled ‘You can’t buy love…but you can pay heavily for it’. It is pertinent to add here that Pehli Si Muhabbat will mark HSY’s television debut.
Written by Faiza Iftikhar and directed by Anjum Shahzad, Pehli Si Muhabbat is expected to be an intense love story. The OST of the drama has been composed by Ali Zafar.
Aray. Humbled my friend. But I strongly feel that that you are one of the best song writers and deserve more credit. From Aadat to “Pehli Si Mohabbat”. Brilliant work. Let’s hope people enjoy it as much as we did. https://t.co/NfsGuVmRsX
Sharing the teaser on social media, Munawar thanked the director for being “the right kind of crazy” and his co-stars for making “every day on set a wonderful experience”.
Addressing the audiences, the actor wrote: “I hope you like the project as much as we liked shooting it.”
Sheheryar Munawar has had tough year and he is not afraid to talk about.
Posting a shirtless picture of himself from an upcoming commercial, Munawar said: “It’s not special because it’s a shirtless shot; it’s special because for me it’s a celebration of this year’s personal journey.”
Sheheryar then went onto talk about his brush with COVID-19, his motorbike accident and how everything resulted in him going into depression.
“A few months back, life came to a standstill and being a workaholic, the stagnation took a huge toll on me emotionally,” shared Sheheryar, adding that he also suffered severe depression, but “won’t go into the details of it”.
“To make things worse I tested positive for COVID and had to go into isolation, a few weeks out of that terrible experience, I got into a motorbike accident and had to undergo surgery,” continued Munawar. “Mobility was completely restricted and relying on others to help me do the most basic tasks was emotionally traumatic, to say the least.”
He further divulged that even after the recovery, his worries were far from over.
“I had strict restrictions on body movements and I’m still not allowed to lift weights. I hadn’t worked in a long time and I had bills/salaries to pay, was in no shape, both physically or mentally, to go in front of the camera.”
However, he decided to fight back and gain back his mental, emotional and physical strength by doing light workouts, eating healthy, fixing his sleep cycle, meditating, seeking therapy and actively working on “having a positive outlook on life”.
Sheheryar also said that the support of his friends and family also helped him through his dark time.
“It’s taking a lot of courage out of me to be able to share the second picture with all of you. I want to do it to let you all know that we’re all in it together. We all go through highs and lows and we’re all vulnerable. Not sometime today, not tomorrow, not the day after, now is the time to change your outlook. Tell yourself nothing is impossible. Because nothing is,” he concluded.
Munawar last appeared in his home production Parey Hut Love alongside Maya Ali. The duo has paired up again for a television drama Pehli Si Mohabbat which will air on ARY Digital. The drama will mark Munawar’s return to the small screen after a gap of almost seven years. The actor has also done a number of steamy photoshoots recently which have sent the temperatures soaring.
