Tag: Pakistani Actress

  • ‘They told me to lose weight, get surgery’; Faiza Hassan on beauty standards in industry

    ‘They told me to lose weight, get surgery’; Faiza Hassan on beauty standards in industry

    Veteran Pakistani actress Faiza Hassan recently shared insights into her early career, personal challenges, and experiences in the entertainment industry and body-shaming.

    During a talk show appearance, Faiza revealed that she began her career by taking on small roles, including one in Raheemm Shah’s iconic music video Kabhi Payal Bajay.

    Faiza discussed how rejection was a frequent part of her journey. “There was a time when someone told me to get plastic surgery on my nose,” she said. “I used to be very slim, but even then people would tell me to lose weight. When I watch my old dramas now, I think I looked very fit.”

    Speaking about the emphasis on beauty in the entertainment industry, she compared it to marketing tactics. “It’s like when you go to the market and see a soap with beautiful packaging. You buy it, but when you use it and don’t like the texture, you don’t buy it again. Acting is similar, beauty might get you work once, but only good performance will bring you back.”

    Faiza also revealed that she works selectively and appears in very few dramas. “I don’t take up many projects because I don’t have the capacity for it. What’s the point of working so hard in extreme heat if the drama doesn’t even do well?” she asked, adding that she only accepts roles that truly touch her heart.

    On the topic of one-sided love, Faiza admitted, “Yes, one-sided love does happen. It has happened to me several times, actually.” She recalled her first experience with love when she was just 17 or 18.  “He was in my college, and I really liked him — but then I realized that I tend to fall in love every three to four months. After him, there was someone else. There have been so many now, I’ve lost count,” she added with a laugh.

    During the show, Faiza also acted out her memorable dialogues from two of her most popular dramas, Nand and Burns Road ki Neelofar.

    Faiza Hassan is a versatile and acclaimed Pakistani actress known for her powerful performances in television dramas. She rose to prominence with her standout roles in hit serials like Nand and Burns Road ki Neelofar, earning praise for her strong screen presence.

  • If you want to impress Kinza Hashmi, better be tall, bearded and loyal

    If you want to impress Kinza Hashmi, better be tall, bearded and loyal

    Pakistani actress Kinza Hashmi recently opened up about her personal preferences when it comes to men.

    In an appearance on Wajahat Rauf’s talk show, the actress candidly discussed her ideal partner and what truly matters to her in a relationship.

    Speaking about the qualities that attract her, Kinza Hashmi shared that physical appearance plays a role, particularly a man’s height and hairstyle. “I notice a man’s height first, and I like men who keep a beard,” she said.

    However, for Kinza, inner qualities far outweigh external ones. She emphasized that loyalty and sincerity are non-negotiable traits in a partner. “I would always choose a loyal and sincere man over someone who is wealthy but flirtatious,” she stated firmly.

    She further explained that for her, emotional connection and genuine love take precedence over financial status. “I prefer real love and an honest relationship over money or bank balance,” the actress added.

    In a lighthearted segment of the show, Kinza was asked to choose between public figures. She picked actor Zaviyar Nauman Ijaz over Hamza Sohail, and when it came to cricket stars, she selected Babar Azam over Shadab Khan.

    She also admitted that she is the third wheel in fellow actors and celebrity couple Saboor Aly and Ali Ansari’s wedding, saying: “When Saboor got married, she wanted to stay for a game and fun but said, let us go.” Kinza said she has a spiritual relationship with Saboor Aly.

    While responding to a question about the unusual title of her drama Maikey Ko De Do Sandes, Kinza Hashmi said: “It was the beginning of my career. They chose the name, and back then, we used to take on whatever work came our way.”

    Kinza shared that she has appeared in over 40 television dramas to date.

    Kinza began her acting career in 2014 with drama Adhura Milan and has since become a household name in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. With hit dramas like Ishq Tamasha, Mohabbat Tum Se Nafrat Hai, and Mohlat under her belt, she continues to impress audiences with her versatile performances and charming screen presence.

  • Sanam Jung turned down soap ad because she doesn’t like ‘showing shoulders’

    Sanam Jung turned down soap ad because she doesn’t like ‘showing shoulders’

    Actress and television host Sanam Jung recently revealed that she declined a major endorsement deal with a popular soap brand because she was uncomfortable with the nature of the advertisement.

    In a candid conversation on the comedy talk show Hansna Mana Hai, Sanam opened up about the personal boundaries she’s maintained throughout her career, especially when it comes to her on-screen appearance.

    “When I first entered the industry, I made a conscious decision not to appear in soap commercials,” Sanam shared. “Most of them require showing your shoulders, and even though the setup just pretends that the actor is bathing, it still gives off that impression. Personally, I don’t like that.”

    She further elaborated on an early opportunity she turned down from a well-known brand. “When I received an offer from a very big soap brand, I told my manager that it didn’t feel right to me,” she said. “My manager replied, ‘If you keep saying no to everything, you won’t be able to grow in this field.’”

    Despite the industry pressure, Sanam stood her ground. “Everyone has their own values and principles. I believe we should hold on to them,” she said. “Even today, I only take on projects that feel right to me.”

    Apart from her professional choices, the actress also shared a humorous yet terrifying travel anecdote from a recent trip with her daughters. Recalling the incident, Sanam said she was rushing through Doha airport with her daughters, aged eight and one, fearing they might miss their flight to Karachi.

    “I was running with my younger daughter in my arms when I tripped on a tile and fell in the most dramatic, filmi way,” she laughed. “The baby fell out of my arms too, it was a scary moment.”

    Fortunately, two fellow travelers came to her aid. “They asked me where I was going and when I told them, they said, ‘There’s still time for the flight, why were you running?’ What could I say? I just have this fear that the gate will close and I’ll be left behind.”

    Sanam Jung is married to Syed Abdul Qassam Jafri, who works as a pilot for an international airline. The couple are parents to two daughters.

  • Yashma Gill says she was judged for praying in western attire on drama set

    Yashma Gill says she was judged for praying in western attire on drama set

    Pakistani actress Yashma Gill recently opened up about a personal experience where she was questioned for offering prayers while dressed in Western-style clothing during a drama shoot.

    Yashma spoke candidly about the misconceptions surrounding people working in the media industry during an appearance on a podcast. She highlighted how individuals in showbiz are often wrongly perceived by the public as being irreligious or morally lacking.

    Gill stated that since entering the acting profession, she feels she has grown as a person and continues to evolve for the better with each passing day.

    “Actors are only glamorous temporarily in front of the camera. In reality, many of them are better human beings and more religious than people think,” she said.

    Sharing insights into the demanding nature of the entertainment industry, Yashma said actors are often made to work like “donkeys” for 12 to 14 hours a day, and the discipline of the profession has helped her become a better person.

    However, she expressed concern over how religious inclinations are viewed with suspicion within the media and entertainment circles. “People here often question or criticize others for their beliefs,” she said.

    Recalling a specific incident, Yashma narrated that during a drama shoot, she requested a break from the director to offer prayers. At the time, she was wearing Western attire as part of her costume. After finishing her prayers and returning to the set, a junior actress commented, “Dear, you were wearing Western clothes, how will your prayer be accepted?”

    Yashma chose not to respond to the remark but reflected on the judgmental attitude shown by some individuals. “People need to understand that it is not their place to decide whether someone’s worship is accepted or not,” she said.

    She added, “Just like a student who attempts an exam is better than the one who doesn’t even try, someone who prays, regardless of attire, is better than someone who chooses not to pray at all.”

    The actress emphasized that the acceptance of any good deed or act of worship is solely in the hands of the Almighty, not fellow human beings.

    Yashma is an established actress and has been working in the Pakistani showbiz industry for many years. She gained significant fame after her role in Pyar Ke Sadqay and has appeared in many projects including Alif, Azmaish, Behkaway and many more.

  • Some actors don’t let go of hands even after the scene cuts: Anoushay Abbasi

    Some actors don’t let go of hands even after the scene cuts: Anoushay Abbasi

    Pakistani actress Anoushay Abbasi has revealed that some actors become uncomfortably affectionate on set, even after romantic scenes are over.

    In a recent interview with Ushna Shah, Anoushay shared that there have been instances where co-actors did not let go of her hand even after the director had called “cut,” forcing her to remind them that the scene was over and they needed to maintain distance.

    The Raqs-e-Bismil actress said: “I had to perform romantic scenes with actors I didn’t personally like and at times, even after the scene was completed, some actors wouldn’t let go of my hand, and I had to explicitly tell them, the scene is done, please let go.” Similarly, after the director called “cut,” she often had to ask them to maintain some physical distance.

    She added that sometimes it’s not the heroes but the actors playing fatherly roles who show excessive concern or affection, which in her opinion can become more problematic than dealing with the lead actors.

    She shared that she has been acting since childhood, and at the age of four, appeared in a music video, making film and drama sets feel like a second home to her.

    Anoushay revealed that when her mother was seriously ill, she was working on a project. On the day her mother passed away, she was on set when she received the emergency call from home. Despite this, she was asked to return to set the very next day.

    According to her, even after her mother’s death, both she and her sister, actress Javeria Abbasi, continued receiving phone calls from production staff, and unwillingly had to return to work and complete their scenes.

    “I took on very few projects after that because I found it all incredibly cruel. Everyone knew how ill my mother was at the time, and even when I had to leave urgently, they still reminded me to be back on set the next day at 10 a.m.”

    Abbasi talked about her personal life and marriage, saying that she was divorced six years ago. “I got divorced in 2019 and have not been in a relationship since then. I did not tell anyone about this because my mother was very ill at the time and I didn’t want people to come and ask her about it and bother her,” she said.

  • ‘Forehead kiss’: Mehwish Hayat shares vulnerable side in Instagram post

    ‘Forehead kiss’: Mehwish Hayat shares vulnerable side in Instagram post

    Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat, known for her strong on-screen personas and commanding presence, offered a rare glimpse into her softer side with a heartfelt Instagram post.

    Sharing a series of photos in which she can be seen being real, the Ms. Marvel star captioned them: “Even a gangsta like me needs a forehead kiss sometimes.”

    The post, which quickly went viral, sparked a wave of support and affection from fans, with many praising the actress for her emotional honesty. While a fan was quick to say: “You, in a gangsta movie/show would be such a treat to watch! Be it local or international.”

    Another fan wrote: “May you get all you wish for over and over and over and over again. PS: Thank you for making us smile by posting this eye candy.”

    Hayat, one of the most recognized faces in Pakistani entertainment, has long been celebrated for her fierce independence and bold career choices. But the caption reveals a more vulnerable layer beneath the surface of her public image.

    The timing of the post follows the conclusion of her hit drama Daayan, which aired after a seven-year break from television. The series received critical acclaim and strong audience ratings, marking a successful return to the small screen for Hayat. Her performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and screen command.

    Internationally, Mehwish Hayat continues to break barriers. She played a supporting role in the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel, part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which was a significant moment for Pakistani representation on global platforms. She also appeared in a music video alongside Indian rapper Honey Singh, further establishing her crossover appeal.

    Awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2019, Hayat has built a reputation for choosing diverse and challenging roles. Her filmography includes major Pakistani box-office hits such as Punjab Nahi Jaungi, Load Wedding, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, London Nahi Jaunga and Actor in Law.

    On television, she has delivered standout performances in serials like Dillagi, Mirat-ul-Uroos, Kabhi Kabhi, Meri Behan Maya and Daayan.

    Despite her celebrity status, Mehwish Hayat has often spoken about the pressures of fame and the need for emotional resilience in the spotlight.

  • Ayeza Khan’s stunning outfit worn on brother’s wedding cost more than you think

    Ayeza Khan’s stunning outfit worn on brother’s wedding cost more than you think

    Ayeza Khan is considered the epitome of grace and style and the actress loses no opportunity to prove that she is an expert at the style game.

    The television star stole the spotlight at her brother’s baraat with a look that radiated timeless charm.

    The celebrated actress, known for her flawless fashion choices, appeared in a majestic golden lame long kalidar, paired with classic gold churidar pants and a matching dupatta, all designed by the brand Sunnia Manahil. The ensemble came with a hefty price tag of Rs. 295,000 and we can confidently say it was worth every rupee.

    The fabric shimmered under the lights as Ayeza moved gracefully through the event, her dupatta elegantly folded around her body adding grandeur to her overall appearance. To complete her ethereal look, she chose a regal jewellery set adorned with tiered domes, delicate latticed filigree, and soft pearls. A traditional bindi, statement earrings, and a heavy necklace elevated the outfit, while her hair neatly braided and styled with white gajras which added a touch of old-fashion charm. Heavy karras around her wrists completed the traditional look, showcasing her impeccable eye for styling.

    Her ensemble quickly became the most talked-about outfit of the evening, earning praise across social media where fans and fashion critics alike lauded her for her elegance and poise.

    Ayeza didn’t just shine on the baraat alone. The outfits she wore throughout her brother’s wedding festivities were a masterclass in occasion styling. For the Mehndi, she dazzled in a green outfit with gold embroidery, paired with a chiffon dupatta. Her Mayun look was a burst of colour and joy, a radiant orange dress accessorized with yellow gajras and vibrant bangles. The short shirt and lehenga combo was perfect for dance performances. For her brother’s Dholki, Ayeza chose a fuchsia pink chunri dress, with a tiny pearl bag that became the cherry on top of her playful, youthful look.

    With over 14 million followers on Instagram, Ayeza Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most followed and admired celebrities. Her feed can be described as aankhon ki thandak (soothing to the eyes), which continues to serve as major style inspiration.

    Designers and brands flock to collaborate with her, not just for her beauty, but for the grace and elegance she brings to every look.

    Ayeza Khan doesn’t just wear clothes, she tells a story through them. And at her brother’s wedding, that story was one of love, tradition, and effortless glamour.

  • ‘New dancer in the house’: Ushna Shah’s sizzling dance video sets internet on fire

    ‘New dancer in the house’: Ushna Shah’s sizzling dance video sets internet on fire

    Pakistani actress Ushna Shah has once again proven that there’s little she can’t do. There is no doubt that she is a phenomenal actress but we did not know that she is a very good dancer as well. Her new dance video has hit the internet by storm and social media users are not getting over it.

    In a recent Instagram post, Ushna dropped a surprise dance video that has since taken social media by storm. Dancing to Angels in Tibet by Amaarae, the actress is seen confidently grooving in a white shirt and trousers, with her hair flowing freely, giving off a true rockstar vibe. She cheekily captioned the video, “Challo beta aunty ko danshi kar ke dikhao,” and, well, she delivered.

    The internet exploded with praise, and fellow celebrities were quick to hype up Ushna’s unexpected performance. Stylist Tariq Amin dropped clapping emojis, while actress Zoya Nasir lit up the comments with fire emojis. Media personality Hasan Rizvi declared, “Not bad Ushnaaaaaa pushnaaaaa, we have a new dancer in the house!”

    Actress Anoushay Abbasi couldn’t hold back either, commenting “Dayum,” and fans echoed the excitement. “Girl, what?! I never knew you were a great dancer!! ATEE,” wrote one user. Another demanded: “More, more, more!”

    Known for her stellar performances in hit dramas like Balaa, Cheekh, Parizaad, and Habs, the versatile star has now left fans stunned with a talent no one saw coming.

    From powerful acting to powerful views and now killer dance moves, Ushna Shah continues to amaze fans with her range. Whether she’s playing emotionally intense roles on screen or breaking into spontaneous dance, one thing is clear, Ushna knows how to steal the spotlight.

  • Who hired Mahira for her first VJ job?

    Who hired Mahira for her first VJ job?

    Writer, director and host Wajahat Rauf has revealed that he was the one who first hired star actor Mahira Khan as a VJ.

    “It was I who first gave superstar Mahira Khan her initial job as a VJ on Aag TV,” he said while appearing on a podcast with his wife and co-producer Shazia Wajahat.

    On how he hired Mahira, Wajahat revealed, “Many years ago, I was attending a launch event where I first noticed Mahira. I saw her dancing and enjoying the event wholeheartedly. She stood out because of how clearly she was enjoying herself.”

    “After that, I decided to hire her as a VJ on my channel. Once she was hired, we had an agreement that she would report directly to me. She worked at the channel for 3 to 4 years, and since then, I have shared a very close bond with Mahira.”

    When asked about working with Mahira, Wajahat and his wife said, “In the past, we’ve intended to work with Mahira several times, but due to scheduling conflicts or remuneration issues, it never happened. However, we do plan to work with both Mahira and Fawad Khan in the future.”

    During the same conversation, host Mubashir Hashmi asked about Hania Aamir, to which director Wajahat Rauf clarified the common misconception that he introduced Hania Aamir. “In fact, Hania had already been working in the industry for the past 4 to 5 years before we worked together.”

    It is worth mentioning that Mahira Khan began her showbiz career in 2006 as a VJ. However, her breakthrough came with the drama Humsafar, which brought her massive success.

    She later made her film debut with Shoaib Mansoor’s movie Bol, which then took her to new heights of fame. Mahira has since appeared in various films and dramas. Bin Roye, Shehr-e-Zaat, Sadqay Tumhare and Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay are among most watched.

    Notably, she has also worked in Bollywood opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the film Raees.

  • Sidra Niazi shines in hilarious horror comedy Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi

    Sidra Niazi shines in hilarious horror comedy Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi

    In a refreshing departure from traditional melodramas, Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi brings a delightful blend of horror and comedy to Pakistani television, and at the heart of this whimsical tale is a powerhouse performance by Sidra Niazi.

    Known for her emotive portrayals of sensitive, often vulnerable characters, Niazi now proves her versatility by stepping into a role filled with comic timing, suspense, and unexpected depth.

    Directed by the acclaimed Saife Hasan and penned by the celebrated writer Syed Nabeel, the drama is anything but ordinary. It tells the bizarre yet wildly entertaining story of Zara (played by Sidra Niazi) and her husband Asad (Arsalan Naseer), who move into a haunted mansion after the sudden passing of Asad’s father. In his will, Asad’s father stipulates that the couple must live in the eerie haveli — valued at a staggering 800 million rupees, if they wish to claim their inheritance, they will have to live there for six months. Tempted by greed, Zara convinces her husband to take the plunge into the unknown.

    The narrative kicks off with the couple arriving at the house under the pretence of visiting Asad’s unconscious father. But the twist of fate soon reveals their new reality — an ominous mansion, inhabited by vengeful jinns with a mission to drive them away.

    From the very first scene, Sidra Niazi seizes the spotlight. Her expressive face, comedic timing, and ability to switch between fear, frustration, and sarcasm give life to Zara in a way that is both engaging and hilarious. One standout moment comes when a clock’s hands begin to move on their own. As Zara panics, her reactions are nothing short of brilliant, a perfect balance of slapstick humor and genuine fright that leaves viewers in stitches.

    In another now-viral scene, Zara is seen crying while cutting onions in the kitchen, only to turn around and discover that the chopped onions have miraculously returned to their original state. A jinn, disguised as her husband, questions her about the situation. Confused and exasperated, she insists, “I even cried because of those onions! How could they be whole again?” The scene, though absurd, is carried with such natural flair by Niazi that it feels oddly believable — a testament to her growing mastery as an actress.

    While the drama officially stars Wahaj Ali and Sehar Khan in leading roles, it is Sidra Niazi who is winning hearts and headlines. Her performance has been widely praised by fans and critics alike, with many applauding her for breaking out of the “crying daughter-in-law” stereotype that so often plagues women in Pakistani serials.

    The mansion itself becomes a character. A dark, sprawling, and cinematically haunting, it adds layers of suspense that contrast wonderfully with the script’s sharp humor. The jinns, determined to scare the couple out of the house, devise increasingly ridiculous and spooky tricks, giving the drama its signature eerie-comedy flavor. As viewers, we find ourselves equally amused and unnerved — a rare feat for a Pakistani television drama.

    The ensemble cast also includes stellar names like Romaisa Khan, Laiba Butt, Syed Jibran, Irfan Motiwala, and Tamkenat Mansoor, each contributing to the drama’s offbeat yet captivating atmosphere.

    For audiences weary of recycled saas-bahu clichés, Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi offers a breath of fresh air. The dialogues are witty, the cinematography is visually stunning, and the direction keeps the pace crisp without sacrificing the story’s heart.

    Sidra Niazi has steadily built a name for herself in the Pakistani drama industry. Before this genre-defying role, she was lauded for her performances in dramas like Qayamat, Zakham, and Badzaat, where she played more emotionally intense characters. However, Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi has firmly cemented her as a multi-faceted performer capable of leading both dramatic and comedic narratives with finesse.

    In this fantastical new drama, Niazi will definitely going to get the best actress in a comic role, viewers’ choice award.