Current Final

Tag: Pakistani Actors

  • Is Shae Gill planning on acting in Pakistani dramas?

    Is Shae Gill planning on acting in Pakistani dramas?

    Shae Gill became the breakout star of 2022 after Pasoori, her debut duo with Ali Sethi on Coke Studio, dazzled listeners across the globe. She is now singing at international concerts and has become an Equal Ambassador for Spotify.

    So what’s next for the singing sensation? We have seen Pakistani singers making their way to the big screen or television, like Atif Aslam, who had starred in the film ‘Bol’ and then ‘Sang-e-Mah’. Will Gill be following in on their footsteps?

    In an interview with Aamna Haider Isani, Gill revealed that she did receive offers to act in dramas and play the role of asinger, but she rejected it.

    “If the script would have been nice then I would have been ok..” she admitted.

    Later on in the interview, Gill agreed that a lot of Pakistani singers have decided to perform as actors, but she will only do so if she finds a good script:

    “My generation doesn’t really watch dramas all that much. We do, but very few. I’ve seen Udaari, I’ve seen Humsafar, a little bit of Bhaagi…they were outstanding..But if a good script comes along, then I could try.”

    Listen to the full interview below:

  • Tributes pour in for screen legend Qavi Khan

    Tributes pour in for screen legend Qavi Khan

    On Sunday night, Qavi Khan breathed his last, bringing an end to a long and celebrated career in film and television. The veteran actor who had been regarded as one of the most celebrated performers in the Pakistani entertainment industry, had acted in more than 200 films and dozens of drama serials. He was a fan favourite, gracing screens across the country for many decades in iconic dramas like ‘Aangan’ and ‘Ishq Jalebli’.
    Tributes are pouring in from celebrities and fans alike. Actors who had worked with Khan shared their grief on social media and also shed light on the experience they had while performing with him.

    Actor Nadia Jamil shared a video clip of Khan and a picture of them together, remembering Khan for “his words, his kindness, his work, his talent and his heart.”

    Singer and actor Farhan Saeed termed the actor as an irreplaceable part of the television industry

    Actor Sophia Mirza shared a clip of her first drama serial with Khan, and praised him for being an “academy for actors.”

    Actor Sami Khan sent a tribute to Khan as a ‘great human being’

    Actor Adnan Siddiqui remembered Khan as someone whose ‘stature in the industry will remain unmatched’.

  • ‘It was misunderstood’: Ranbir Kapoor clarifies statement about Pakistani filmmakers after backlash

    ‘It was misunderstood’: Ranbir Kapoor clarifies statement about Pakistani filmmakers after backlash

    Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has addressed backlash from Indian fans after he was called ‘unpatriotic’ for saying that he would love to work with Pakistani actors, and that art has no boundaries.
    The incident took place last year at the Red Sea International Festival as shown by Diva Pakistan.

    The Indian Express reports that the ‘Tamasha’ actor addressed the controversy while at a promotion event for his upcoming film ‘Tu Jhooti Mein Makkar’ where he said: I think my statement was misconstrued. I had gone to a film festival and there were a lot of Pakistani filmmakers asking me this question, ‘If you’ve got a good subject would you do it?’ So, I didn’t want it to be controversial in any way.’
    Furthermore, Kapoor said he had previously worked with Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan and didn’t think that art should have any boundaries:
    I don’t think it was such a big controversy. But, for me, films are films, art is art. I have worked with Fawad (Khan) in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. I have known a lot of artists from Pakistan. Rahat (Fateh Ali Khan) and Atif Aslam are such great singers who used to contribute to Hindi cinema. So, cinema is cinema. I don’t think cinema sees boundaries.”

  • Are actors responsible for educating their audiences?

    Once again, the Pakistani entertainment industry is stirring up reminders of why people should stop viewing their content because even they don’t want to own up to the material they work on.

    Actor Danish Taimoor appeared on a celebrity talk show yesterday where he was questioned about his choice of dramas for the past few years, and the criticism his characters are subjected to. Taimoor firmly responded to the rumors by saying that he was an actor, not a teacher. ‘It’s not my job to educate an audience,” he said.


    These kind of statements are usually used to reject society’s expectations. It is not a person’s responsibility to dress the way society wants or to keep imposing restrictions on themselves that hinders their creativity, just so that society remains happy. But when it comes to filmmakers, the line is rather crooked.


    Sorry Mr Taimoor, but when you chose to become an actor and get involved in dramas, you inadvertently become an educator. Films are a platform that educates our audience on issues, and as a person with a public position, the onus does fall on you to be mindful that the kind of message your dramas are sending not harmful.


    Perhaps we should widen the screen to remember what was the kind of content that Taimoor was being questioned on. His past few dramas like Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi and Ishq Hai had attracted widespread criticism for featuring abusive, toxic male leads who were projected as romantic heroes regardless of the way they stalked, coerced and pressurized the female characters to marry him. One of the most memorable examples was a scene in Ishq Hai, where Taimoor’s character holds a gun to his head and starts counting down from 10, threatening the girl that he would shoot himself unless she agrees to marry him.

    Can we allow our actors and other members of the entertainment industry to dissuade their responsibility while depicting such triggering scenes that show a woman being kidnapped, threatened and pressurized in to marriage? Especially in a country like Pakistan where the rape conviction rate is less than 5%, and a recent report that was presented to the National Assembly of Pakistan showed that between 2019 to 2021, more than 3,987 women were killed because of domestic violence? More women in Pakistan are turned away from their families, and the courts in order to bring their abusers to justice because they’re told by public officials, including our own entertainment bretheren, that their wounds don’t matter. Because our screen writers and actors have pushed the narrative through their work that belittles and demoralizes women who aren’t passive or submissive.


    But Taimoor isn’t the first person to respond to criticism with this statement, as so have other members of the acting fraternity as a complete justification to their choice of dramas. When Fahad Mustafa was questioned about his choice to produce Dunk, a drama that revolved around fake sexual harassment allegations, he had responded with the same remark. “I don’t run a school, I am an actor so it’s not my job to educate audiences.” Even another roundabout way to defend the choice of drama was from Yasra Rizvi who had outshone with her brilliant performance in the web series ‘Churails’ but then was one of the main performers in ‘Dunk’. Defending her decisions on her Instagram page, the actor stressed that “Actors who play rapists and murderers are not ACTUALLY rapists and murderers and they are not condoning or justifying such actions in real life by playing said characters.”


    Any sane person watching Akshay Kumar play a broke man in Hera Pheri knows that he actually doesn’t live in a crammed room with three other people, but is playing a character. Your audiences aren’t dumb and they aren’t here to just be entertained, but they are absorbing the message you are sending through playing that characters on screen. Because the reason why the entertainment industry is being held responsible for the kind of material they are churning out is because theirs’ is a powerful medium through which we educate our audiences. Films have the power to reach out across countries and to the masses who are sitting at home and watching it on screens. Actors are not merely just entertainers who get to perform in front of an audience, but they are powerful individuals with platforms that have the power to change and influence ideals that no politician or public official can do so. When our entertainment industry consistently put drama after drama where women are being beaten, and churning out regressive messages, they don’t get to wonder in shock that why is the there a never ending rape pandemic in Pakistan, and how more women are posing a threat to their lives if a video of them dancing on Tik Tok goes viral. It’s because our dramas and filmmakers need to realize that they have a social responsibility to be mindful of the message they are sending out to their audiences.


    Especially for celebrities like Mansha Pasha who had said in defense of Rizvi, that “Actor’s aren’t echo chambers”, then there won’t really be any point of the entire profession. Activism is not a toy you can pick and drop when it pleases your image. Despite public appearances at marches and protests for women’s rights, it is ultimately your films and dramas that define what kind of social issues you are advocating for. So regardless of how you may protest how much of a feminist you are, it is the women from backgrounds less privileged than yours who suffer more because of your stance. The reason why the rise of the right wing government BJP is able to cement their stance and consolidate their anti-Muslim stance was through peddling their narrative with the power of films and influential celebrities.


    Actor Sania Saeed reflected on why more drama creators need to remember that their content isn’t just providing entertainment, but it is also projecting out messages that the audience will follow. In an interview with Something Haute, she spoke about why art has an essential political role in society:


    “Television shows want dense topics they feel can be understood by audiences quickly and will also be easily made and accepted by the people. I feel that this has become a business formula now to write television series, and we have started pressurizing our artists and writers to adjust to this….I do believe that art has a role beyond entertainment which is to help expand our mindsets.”


    The responsibility to educate the masses isn’t something that an actor gets to avoid, but it is attached with every form of entertainment they are sending out to their audience. So to Danish Taimoor, Fahad Mustafa, and other members of the acting industry, it is your responsibility to ensure that your films are not peddling dangerous narratives that hinder the efforts being made by women, transgenders and other minorities to regain their humanity within Pakistan.

  • Gul-e-Rana, Nabeel Qureshi, Hira Mani and Mani attacked and robbed by mob while shooting in Karachi

    Gul-e-Rana, Nabeel Qureshi, Hira Mani and Mani attacked and robbed by mob while shooting in Karachi

    Film director Nabeel Qureshi took to Twitter to share that while shooting a scene near Jamsheed Quaters Martin Road in Karachi, they were attacked and robbed by a mob who stole their phones and equipment. Among the crew were veteran actress Gul-e-Rana, Hira Mani and her husband Mani.

    “We have been attacked by mob in PIB colony/ jamsheed quater martin road during shoot they got into the house we were shooting a hundred people they harassed women, beat the shit out of crew, stole mobiles, equipment.”

    The director went on to share that the actors were currently at the PIB police station to report all of their missing items. He further went on to demand that the Sindh Police take strict action, and also reached out to fellow actors to raise awareness about proper security.
    “We are sitting here in PIB police station, they attacked like anything honestly this never happened before in karachi, they were equipped with weapons, they stole mobiles wallet they do not care about ladies they raise their hands etc.”

    He continued by asking that Sindh Police and Sindh Rangers “take strict action against these ppl, to make example out of it @ManiSalmanKhi@HiraMani_real i request to my fraternity all the actors producers to make sure that this shouldn’t happened again to any of us!”

    “We are sitting here in PIB police station, they attacked like anything honestly this never happened before in karachi, they were equipped with weapons, they stole mobiles wallet they do not care about ladies they raise their hands etc.”

    “We want #sindhpolice & #sindhrangers to take strict action against these ppl, to make example out of it @ManiSalmanKhi@HiraMani_real i request to my fraternity all the actors producers to make sure that this shouldn’t happened again to any of us!”

    Other actors like Falak Shahzad Khan, who was also present at the scene of the crime, shared Qureshi’s post on Instagram, and said that he was attacked by the mob, along with Gul-e-Rana and Hira Mani.
    “We were at the shoot. …they attacked on the team. Got into the house.”

    Hira Mani also addressed the incident on Instagram, saying that it was an unfortunate incident to witness. She further wrote that she was grateful for her team members for fighting against the culprits.

    ‘It was a very unfortunate incident to witness today and I wish and pray no one faces that ever in their life.

    I want to thank my team members who fought till their last with the culprits to save us and are very bad condition in the hospital right now.

    Please take a moment to pray for their speedy recovery.”

    Other actors like Ahsan Khan and Mahira Khan have reached out to send their solidarity to the actors.

    Taking to his Instagram page, Ahsan Khan called for law enforcement to take swift action against the group that was responsible for attacking the crew.

    “In these days and times security is a must for areas like Jamsheed Quaters. I demand the law enforcement agencies to take swift action in this regard and bring the people responsible for this cowardly act to justice! What happened with Nabeel and his team is not ok and we should stand up for them!”

    Actor Mahira Khan had shared Nabeel’s post, and in the tweet she demanded authorities to investigate the perpetuators behind this incident.

    “I don’t believe this!! Who is responsible ? Who will answer for this?”

  • ‘Pakistanis have grown up watching Bollywood but Indians don’t know Pakistani culture well enough’: Sanam Saeed

    ‘Pakistanis have grown up watching Bollywood but Indians don’t know Pakistani culture well enough’: Sanam Saeed

    Actor Sanam Saeed has stated in a recent interview, that Pakistanis grew up on Bollywood while Indians aren’t really aware of Pakistani culture bits.

    Sanam in an interview with Indian Express talked about how generations in Pakistan are aware of Indian culture. She said, “Personally, I am more of a Hollywood binge-watcher. But the whole of Pakistan has been raised on Bollywood, from our grandparents to us, we know Madhubala, Kareena Kapoor stuff to now Deepika Padukone. We have seen all the generations. We have literally grown-up consuming Bollywood, the song, the dance, the culture, the way they eat, and the way they do pooja. We know what happens in India. But India doesn’t know what happens in Pakistan.”

    She further added, ‘Indians don’t know how we eat, how we are). The way we wear salwar kameez, tie our hair, there are these small differences. We know the difference between what an Indian choti (braid) is, but I don’t think India knows what the Pakistani choti is like. These small nuances are there. When ZEE Zindagi launched, then India saw, ‘Oh this is how they wear their clothes, this is how they interact’, how independent women are here also. That was interesting to see.’

    Last year she opened up about her desire to star in Bollywood movies after the political situation changed between India and Pakistan.

    In an interview with Mid-day, the Cake star was asked about her interest to work in Bollywood after Zindagi channel is reinstated.

    The actor replied, “When the political situation changed, a lot of things that were to work out did not. Over the years, the desire died for a lot of us. Bollywood is one of the largest industries in the world, and has much-loved directors.”

    “I always wanted to do Bollywood and Broadway, but after the change of political situation, the bubble burst for us. I am (grateful) for OTT platforms because they have helped us grow professionally,” she added.

    Talking about Zindagi Gulzar Hai’s return on Indian TV screens, Sanam said, “I am grateful that something that was made a decade ago continues to be a hit.”

    She continued: “The show had a lovely Jane Austen vibe of strong, independent woman, and was made from a female gaze. I am still attached to the character.” 

    Earlier this year she spoke about her Bollywood plans during the trailer launch of Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam.

    “I am open to working in Indian films, not television. I prefer TV on this side of the border. There are so many genres of films I want to work in, so many actors I would like to collaborate with.” She added, “But to start with, Aamir Khan is someone I would like to work with.”

    “We know how India is, we have watched their films. But they didn’t know how we look and what our lives are like. So it was eye-opening for them. We look the same, eat the same food, we are practically brothers and sisters,” she shared further.

    Earlier the Zindagi Gulzar Hai diva was invited to Mumbai to audition for Raees opposite Shah Rukh Khan which she didn’t as she was getting married. The role was then bagged by Mahira Khan.

    The Deedan diva however sent a digital audition.

    I wasn’t offered Raees, I auditioned for it, along with several other films from across the border. I have no qualms with working in Bollywood. If the script is substantial and the team top notch in the game, only then I’ll take up a project.

  • ‘Divorce is the last resort’: Mansha Pasha opens up about her first marriage

    ‘Divorce is the last resort’: Mansha Pasha opens up about her first marriage

    Actor Mansha Pasha recently spoke about her first marriage in an interview. Pasha stated on Momina’s Mixed Plate, “Yes I was married before but I don’t speak much about it, yes, he was from industry, probably more behind the camera. I mean, I think a lot of people have the feeling that if their marriage doesn’t work they still think that it is the only thing in life, it’s not like that, marriage is the union of two people who are in it, it can’t be defined, it’s different, it’s not same I can’t do comparisons. The two people in a relationship are different and they can’t be compared.”

    Mansha Pasha opens up about her first marriage
    Mansha Pasha Discusses About Her First Marriage & Divorce

    “Definitely divorce is a last resort, sometimes people go into marriage without any idea, sometimes they just get into a relationship without any thought process, no one marries to take a divorce. I got married quite young, in our society people married at a young age, so my personality wasn’t developed and I’m taking up a relationship, in most marriages, you are not mature enough to handle things, if you two are different, then you should take a chance to move on, also I believe that you are not marrying a person but you are marrying a family, it’s a desi statement but I agree to it,” she concluded.

    The Zindagi Gulzar Hai star is currently married to activist Jibran Nasir.

    Change your name after marriage is not required in Islam: Mansha Pasha – The Odd Onee
  • ‘Marriage is a risk, I prefer love over arranged’: Sajal Aly opens up about tying the knot

    ‘Marriage is a risk, I prefer love over arranged’: Sajal Aly opens up about tying the knot

    Actor Sajal Aly recently discussed her viewpoint and choice on marriage in an interview at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. The talented artist was accompanied by Jemima Goldsmith and legendary performer Shabana Azmi.

    When asked about her thoughts on love and arranged marriage, the Alif actress stated, “It is too early for me to say anything about love or arranged. But I just feel like, I just believe in love marriages, I just believe in love. And anyway, a wedding is just a risk be it arranged or love. That’s all I can say.”

    Earlier this year, Sajal shared her take on the meaning of true love while chatting with Hello Pakistan while shooting for its cover with her Sinf-e-Aahan costar Sheheryar Munawar.

    Sajal Aly And Sheheryar Munawar's Bold Photoshoot Goes Viral
    THE ART OF LOVE SAJAL ALI & SHEHERYAR MUNAWAR CONFESSIONS OF TWO OF THE BEST PAKISTANI ACTORS

    On being asked what love means to her, she responded by saying that “I am still searching for the meaning of love. I don’t have an answer yet.”

    In March 2022, Sajal officially parted ways with her ex-husband Ahad Raza Mir.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WpUQ_QvNjc&feature=emb_title

    This happened just days after Ahad’s Hollywood debut, Resident Evil.

    Ahad Raza Mir Under Fire For Bold Kissing Scene in Netflix's Resident Evil - INCPak

    Earlier when the news broke, actor Azfar Rehman asked netizens and fans of the former celebrity couple of to show compassion and grant privacy to the couple amidst the difficult time.

    Actor Azfar Rehman on Sajal Ali and Ahad Raza Mir's Divorce, Urges People to Show Compassion and Grant Privacy

    He took to his Instagram stories and said, “Divorce is a very difficult decision to take especially when the world knows about you & your spouse. We must show compassion and grant privacy to such couples… Kindly be understanding. And don’t bombard their inboxes with hurtful questions. Act responsibly. Thanks”

  • Shaan Shahid slams Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi for ‘bad’ Punjabi dialogue delivery in ‘TLOMJ’

    Shaan Shahid slams Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi for ‘bad’ Punjabi dialogue delivery in ‘TLOMJ’

    Star-actor Shaan Shahid believes that box-office kings Fawad Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi should have worked harder on their Punjabi diction in The Legend Of Maula Jatt.

    The Waar hero was recently invited to the show Super Over, where the host of the show asked for his views on Bilal Lashari casting Khan for the role of “Maula Jatt” and not him.

    Shaan hasn't watched The Legend Of Maula Jatt.. He tells why - Lifestyle - SAMAA

    Hosted by Ahmed Ali Butt, Shaan stated that casting depends on the director’s vision, however, Shaan said he feels that Hamza and Fawad didn’t do justice to the Punjabi language and accent. As actors, one must not give excuses that they don’t speak a particular language. If Pakistani actors are cast in an English movie, would they have the same issue? he asked.

    In an exclusive interview with The Current, host Uzair Anwer asked him, if a biopic gets made on him, which young actor would he want to essay him in the film? The veteran artist was given four options (Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ahad Raza Mir, Bilal Abbas, and Imran Ashraf). The Majajan hero wasn’t too excited about these younger actors playing him in his biopic. He In fact hinted that it should be Shaan himself who should feature in a film based on him.

    Shaan stated, “I think if they would have cast Sanjay Dutt in Sanju (2018), it would have been better.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlaPc83EuJ8&t=5s

    The actor said that it was difficult for him too in his initial days in the industry as he had come to Pakistan from New York. He told that he had to watch many Punjabi movies to learn the trait.

    Humaima Malik On The Legend Of Maula Jatt: “I Was Bilal Lashari's First Choice To Play Daaro Nattni

    Shaan, however commended Humaima Malick on her incredible acting in The Legend of Maula Jatt.

  • Hadiqa Kiani shares her feelings in a heartfelt note after her mother passes away

    Hadiqa Kiani shares her feelings in a heartfelt note after her mother passes away

    Singer and actor Hadiqa Kiani mother Khawar Kiani, who was also a renowned poetess, has passed away.

    The announcement came out through Hadiqa’s personal Instagram, which read: “Mother, grandmother, and poetess Khawar Kiani passed away peacefully at her home today, surrounded by her family and friends. We ask everyone to please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

    As soon as the news broke out, many actors from the entertainment industry mourned Hadiqa’s loss. Actor Omair Rana wrote: “My deepest Deepest condolences Hadiqa Jee. I pray Allah grants you the Sabr needed at this time.” Whereas, Muniba Mazari commented: “Meri piyari Ammi! Inna Lillahi wa ilayhi raji’un!.”

    Actress Sakina Samo also payed her condolences on the Instagram post.

    Khawar Kiani was a well-known poetess, who wrote some very famous hit Pakistani songs including Boohey Barian, Intehai Shauq, Aas Pass and the Cricket World Cup 1999 anthem. She also wrote numerous critically acclaimed books.

    Last year Hadiqa posted a long note in which she appreciated the government’s new policy related to allowing children of single mothers eligible to acquire CNIC without father’s information.

    In a ruling, the Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) to issue a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) to a woman who didn’t know about her father’s whereabouts, reported Samaa.

    The Zindagi Gulzar Hai singer stated: “Only Allah knows the hardships a single mother faces in our country. Today I have been sent so many clips from my conversation with Sameena Peerzada regarding only the surface of those hard realities but today our country has taken one step forward. I am so grateful to the courageous men and women who fought to make this change. Let’s continue on the right path, let’s make a stronger and safer Pakistan.”  

    Hadiqa adopted her son Naad-E-Ali in 2005 from Edhi Foundation and has raised her child as a single mother.