Mehwish Hayat is a powerhouse performer of Lollywood. The Load Wedding actress recently made a dancing video with her brother Danish which is winning the internet.
The Jawani Phir Nahi Aani Diva also displayed her singing skills.
On the work front, Mehwish will be seen next in London Nahi Jaunga opposite Humayun Saeed and Kubra Khan.
Pakistani celebrities are popular across the border too, and not just amongst the Indian masses but they are loved by even famous Indian celebrities. India’s Punjabi film industry has grown significantly over the last decade and many Indian Punjabi movies have even released in Pakistan such as ‘Carry On Jatta 2’.
Here is a list of Seven Indian Punjabi actors who revealed their favorite Lollywood celebrities:
Sonam Bajwa is amongst the most sought after Punjabi actresses of her generation, in an interview with BBC Asian Network’s Haroon Rashid, the Carry On Jatta 2 actress said, ” I am the biggest, biggest fan of Sajal Aly, she is phenomenal and I feel so happy sharing that I’ve learnt so much from her, she’s extraordinary and I think you’d agree. She’s the best actress and the finest actress of our times and I really look up to her”.
Sonam further added, “I’m watching Alif, Mere Pass Tum Ho and Yeh Dil Mera. You’d be quite surprised, I live in Bombay but I mostly work in Punjab, it’s a small industry, we don’t have much to do or know but I know all about what’s happening in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, I know all the celebs, I know everything. I have some really close Pakistani friends, I know Sajal personally, Rabia [Butt] also. I religiously follow Pakistani dramas and I think they’re so amazing.”
Gippy Grewal visited Pakistan in 2019 and expressed his desire to work with Mewhish Hayat as he liked her work in the Humayun Saeed starrer Punjab Nahi Jaungi. Mehwish even thanked the Punjabi superstar for his statement.
Yograj Singh in an interview revealed that he was a big fan of Musata Quershi. Yograj even said that he used to copy Mustafa Quershi’s acting style in many of his movies.
Gippy Grewal in an interview revealed that Sohail Ahmed is Gurpreet Ghughi’s one of the favorite comedy actor. Gippy added that he loves Sohail’s comic timing.
Indian Punjabi actor Arminder Singh, who has appeared in two movies with Iftikhar Thakhur mentioned during the promotions of their first film that he admires Iftikhar Thakur’s work. Their movie Chal Mera Putt 2 was released on 13 March, 2020.
Simi worked with the legendary comedian in the film franchise, Chal mera putt and during the film’s promotions she expressed appreciation for Nasir’s craft.
Kapil Sharma praised the late Amanullah Khan in his interviews and also tweeted on the sad demise of the veteran comedian. The Firangi actor termed him as a living legend.
Chandan, who is famous for his character on The Kapil Sharma Show expressed his grief on the passing away of Amanullah Khan and even mentioned that he has been a big fan of his.
माफ़ करना, मैं ये भूल ही गया था कि हंसाने वाला रुलाता भी है । RIP #amanullahkhan sahab.. pic.twitter.com/fJPasFLCly
— Chandan Prabhakar (@haanjichandan) March 6, 2020
TV Host Suhail Warraich has revealed his wish to work with three leading ladies in his debut movie.
Warraich was recently invited to Shahzad Iqbal’s show, Jashan-e-Cricket. The host asked Suhail about his favourite heroine that if you were made the hero of the movie, which heroine would you like to work with? He instantly said, Kareena Kapoor. Shahzad then said if he has to choose from Mahira Khan, Mehwish, and Reema, who would he choose then?
The Aik Din Geo Kay Sath host blatantly said: “Mehwish Hayat or i can also work with Reema as well.”
The host further asked if he wants more heroines to be in his debut movie? To which Suhail said: “Yes sure we do have a margin for more heroines.”
American sitcom Friends is amongst the most viewed television shows of all time. Being a blockbuster series, it lasted for ten seasons and enjoyed worldwide viewership with multiple re-telecasts. The series is currently available on Netflix and has a significant viewership in Pakistan. It revolves around the bonding and regular life routines of six friends in their thirties.
If a local producer decides to buy its copy rights and remake it with a Pakistani cast, Here’s the ideal leading cast:
Rachel Green – Mahira Khan
Rachel is a beautiful fashion enthusiast with an inconsistent love life, she became a rage in pop culture for her dressing sense and hairstyles. Mahira has it in her to essay a role like this going by her great sense of fashion and her impeccable looks making her the right choice for the role.
Ross Geller – Fawad Khan
Ross is a suave paleontologist with three failed marriages and an interest in philosophical conversations which his friends don’t find intriguing. Ross is Monica’s elder brother and Rachel’s on and off love interest.
Joey Tribbiani – Sheheryar Munawar
Joey is a struggling actor and a foodie with flirtatious traits, Sheheryar has played similar roles in his films like Ho Mann Jahan. The Parey Hut Love actor has the charm to pull of this iconic character.
Phoebe Buffay – Saba Qamar
Phoebe is the funniest of the lot with a heart of gold and a failed music career. Saba displayed her comic histrionics on Hum sub umeed se hain and Miss Fire, giving us assurance about a promising comic timing on celluloid.
Monica Geller- Mehwish Hayat
Monica had elements of a bossy, competitive, and obsessive-compulsive nature who wants things to be perfect but still manages to choose the wrong men for herself except for Chandler. Monica is stylish and has the ability of binding the group together.
Chandler – Fahad Mustafa
Chandler is the guy who can make you laugh and can effortlessly confuse you with his sarcasm. Fahad Mustafa is an apt choice for this role going by his performances in Na Maloom Afrad series and Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 which showcased his convincing witty performances.
Mehwish Hayat has penned a sweet note for her ‘best friend’ Azfar Rehman on his birthday.
“Everyone has a friend during each stage of life. But only the lucky ones have the same friend in all stages of life and I consider myself extremely fortunate to always have had you by my side. You’re not only my best friend but my family. All of my happiest memories are those of which you have been a part,” wrote Mehwish, sharing pictures of herself with Azfar on Instagram.
She further wrote that when she thinks of all the times they’ve spent together; be it their New Year trips, shoots, promotions, or just hanging out, discovering the best breakfast venue, and the endless conversations they have had, each moment has been filled with laughter, joy, and fun.
She also remarked that Azfar makes her proud of all his achievements, adding, “keep shining bright. You make this world a better place with your existence. You certainly make mine a blissful one.”
“Thank you for being you Janemannnn! Wishing you all the best for your future endeavors. A very Happy Birthday Azfu hamesha khush raho!“
Replying to his Jaanemann, Azfar wrote: “I’m blessed to have a friend like you with a heart of gold. May Allah bless you more and more and more.”
This dynamic duo of best friends have worked in successful movies together such as Chhalawa and Punjab Nahi Jaungi.
Azfar turned 32 on June 7 and he is currently working in ARY Digital’s new drama serial Aakhir Kab Tak in a negative role, co-starring Ushna Shah.
In an industry with cut-throat competition, and inconsistent friendships, some bonds standout due to their consistency and public display of affection. Here’s a list of BFFs from the local entertainment industry who give us major BFF goals.
Sajal Aly – Zara Noor Abbas
Sajal Aly and Zara Noor Abbas became best friends much before Zara became an actress. Their bond started when Sajal shot multiple series in a row with Zara’s mother, Asma Abbas. They are frequently spotted together at various events, capturing their special moments like all best friends. Zara revealed in an interview that Sajal played a pivotal role in her marriage with the actor Asad Siddiqui.
Read More: Sajal and Ahad’s Dhoop Ki Deewar to premiere this month on ZEE5
Faysal Quraishi – Aijaz Aslam
Faysal Quraishi and Aijaz Aslam have been friends since the initial years of their illustrious careers and have always flaunted their camaraderie on chat shows and game shows. The two have collaborated professionally on multiple successful projects, Main Aur Tum, Kis Din Mera Viyah Howay ga, Yariyan and Meri Unsuni Kahani to name a few. Both recieved critical acclaim for convincingly playing two best friends in ARY’s Log Kya Kahenge.
Maya Ali – Wahaj Ali
Wahaj Ali and Maya Ali are childhood best friends, the two have been spotted together at different events and ceremonies including her brother’s wedding, where the two posed like true childhood best friends and performed at the chartbuster song, Muqabala.
Mehwish Hayat – Azfar Rehman
Mehwish Hayat and Azfar Rehman is another duo that is known for their friendship in the entertainment world. They have worked together on blockbuster projects like Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Wajahat Rauf’s Challawa. Mehwish claimed on Nida Yasir’s show that Azfar is her best friend. Mehwish even pranked Azfar’s mother-in-law on his wedding day and told her that Azfar has cheated on Mehwish, by agreeing to marry her daughter, which everyone believed until Azfar told everyone that Mehwish is just pulling his leg, proving how real their friendship is.
Sanam Jung – Imran Abbas
Sanam Jung debuted alongside Imran Abbas in the hit television series, Dil-e-Muztar. They continued their professional association with another successful drama, Alvida, The two gradually turned into really good friends. On HSY’s talk show, Imran mentioned that even while he was in India, shooting for his Bollywood debut, co-starring Bipasha Basu, Sanam used to call him to check on his health. During an Interview with Ahsan Khan, Sanam said that she considers Imran Abbas her true friend in the industry and she wants him to shift to her city, Karachi, from Imran’s hometown, Lahore.
Ayesha Omar – Maria Wasti
Maria and Ayesha faced the biggest controversy of their career together when a bunch of private pictures from their vacation in Thailand surfaced on the internet much before the social media’s boom in Pakistan. The criticism that they received for posing in swimwear was panned by the general public and a section of the media. This dynamic duo of best friends appeared on HSY’s chat show, where Ayesha revealed that it made them stronger. Ayesha recently made an appereance on Maria’s game show, ‘Cororon Mein Khel’.
Saboor Aly – Minal Khan
For the section of the media which claims that two actresses in the same league can’t be friends, Saboor and Minal prove them wrong. The two are always spotted at each other’s special occasions. Saboor shared on Timeout with Ahsan Khan, that Minal shares all her life secrets with her. Minal also made Saboor meet boyfriend before they officially got engaged. Being a true best friend, Saboor took Minal’s sister, Aiman Khan’s televised advice about her weight in the right spirit.
Prime Minister Imran Khan on March 20 tested positive for COVID-19. According to details, the premier is suffering from ‘mild symptoms’ and is self-isolating at home. PM Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi has also tested positive for the virus.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, while talking to the media, said that they “are monitoring his clinical parameters, and medical treatment will be given to him if required.”
“Right now, there is no need for any treatment, as such,” added Dr Sultan.
Soon after the news of PM Imran testing positive spread, prayers started pouring in for his speedy recovery. Among those who sent him good wishes include Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maulana Tariq Jamil, PPP co-chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and PML-N’s Ahsan Iqbal.
“Best wishes to PM Imran for a speedy recovery from COVID-19,” said PM Modi.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with him during this time of difficulty,” said PM Rajapaksa.
“May Allah grant him full and speedy recovery,” said Maulana Tariq Jamil.
PPP’s BBZ and Sherry Rehman and PML-N’s Ahsan Iqbal also prayed for the PM’s swift recovery.
PM Khan’s former teammates Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja and Waqar Younis also prayed for his swift recovery.
Pakistani celebrities are often trolled and moral policed for their choice of outfits and clothes. Minal Khan was recently at the receiving end of criticism for her choice of outfit.
The actor, who recently appeared on Timeout with Ahsan Khan with close friend Saboor Aly, ended up grabbing the attention for the wrong reasons. Though the show has not aired as yet, the moral police has been calling them out for their choice of clothing ever since behind-the-scenes pictures and videos from the episode went viral on social media.
However, Minal is not having any of it.
Responding to a user, who commented “Begairti ki hd,” on one of her pictures, Minal said: “Kaheen aur jakr bhaashan dein pls, agli dukaan mein jayein. Yahan window shopping nahi horhi.”
Earlier, Ayesha Omar had also given a befitting reply to a troll who criticised her for her choice of outfit.
Responding to a social media user who had criticised her outfit for being revealing, Ayesha had said: “I’m definitely not promoting/ asking/urging women to expose their bodies. That is their own choice as wearing this dress was mine. As wearing whatever you want is yours.”
In another comment, when a user remarked that such outfits provoke rape cases, Ayesha hit back saying: “Oh so that explains 4-month-old babies, 5-year-olds and 7-year-old girls and being raped?”
Meanwhile, other actors who hit back after being moral policed include Mehwish Hayat, Zoya Nasir and Komal Aziz Khan.
Riz Ahmed, who played the role of a drummer who begins to lose his hearing in Amazon Studio’s Sound of Metal charted history by becoming the first Muslim to be nominated in the leading actor category at the Academy Awards.
Read more – Obamas to adapt Mohsin Hamid’s ‘Exit West’ for Netflix with Riz Ahmed in the lead
The actor, while responding to the nomination said that he was “honoured to be nominated by my fellow actors alongside such inspiring performances”.
“I am grateful to the Academy for their support and encouragement,” the actor added.
Mehwish Hayat, Adnan Siddiqui and Sanam Saeed celebrated Riz’s big achievement and congratulated the actor on social media.
“Congratulations Riz. You have created history with your nomination as the first Muslim for lead actor at the distinguished Academy Awards,” said Siddiqui. “Hard work and talent always get recognised.”
“Pakistan is proud of you,” added the actor.
Mehwish Hayat also expressed her delight over the nomination, saying: “In a world where we’re fighting for fairer representation in mainstream media, a Muslim nominated for Best Actor for the first time since 1929 is one hell of a big deal.”
Sanam Saeed also congratulated her ‘dosst‘, saying: “Proud moment, you totally deserve it.”
“Go on then keeping making waves and bringing about change,” she added.
The 2021 Oscar nominations were announced from London by presenters Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The Academy Awards would typically have happened by now but this year will be telecast on April 25. The film academy said Monday that the show will be held at both its usual home, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and the city’s railway hub, Union Station.
Ahmed Ali Butt seems to be having a blast after a clip of Mehwish Hayat schooling Vasay Chaudhry for body-shaming Butt went viral on social media. In a series of Instagram stories, the Jhooti actor posted memes and GIFs to express his thoughts and react to the matter. It is pertinent to mention here that Butt and Chaudhry are close friends and are just indulging in harmless banter.
Hayat, who recently appeared on Vasay’s show Ghabrana Mana Hai, called out the host after he joked about Butt’s weight.
When asked which Pakistani actor she thinks would be fit to play Ertuğrul, Mehwish named Humayun Saeed and Fahad Mustafa. She also said that Ahmed Ali Butt would make a good supporting character on which Vasay interrupted her and joked: “Ahmed Ali Butt ghoray ke uper aur woh ghora bhaage bhi“.
Responding to Vasay’s remark, Mehwish said: “Don’t talk to me about body shaming. You cannot do that in front of me.”
The actor further said: “Pass them [body shaming jokes] when you are with friends, but when you will do this on this platform, people will listen and pick, and they will repeat it.”
“Who will be responsible then?” she questioned. However, Vasay continued to defend himself, saying that Butt himself passes such jokes.
During the interview, Mehwish also talked about the criticism she faced on receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and dealing with online trolling and criticism.
“Mujhe milna chaiye tha, ya nahi milna chaiye tha sab ko haq hai is baare me bat karne ka. Laikin mujhe mila kisi aur waja se other than my talent and hard work that is where I put my foot down,” said Hayat, while talking about her accolade.
Read more – Fawad Chaudhry recommended Mehwish Hayat for Tamgha-e-Imtiaz
Talking about the social media trolls and responding to the suggestion of turning off the comments section, Mehwish said: “Turning off comments section means you are coward, or are doing something wrong “
Meanwhile, Vasay also took the ‘controversy’ in stride, saying “Ghabrana Mana Hai (You are not allowed to panic).”
