Tag: Pakistani Actress

  • ‘Pain and grief’; Mira Sethi opens up about divorce two years ago

    ‘Pain and grief’; Mira Sethi opens up about divorce two years ago

    Pakistani actor and writer Mira Sethi has candidly opened up about her divorce, shedding light on the emotional and societal impact it had on her and particularly as a woman in the public eye.

    During a recent podcast appearance, Sethi revealed that she quietly went through a divorce in March 2023, during the filming of her critically acclaimed drama Kuch Ankahi.

    “Just a few months after we started working on Kuch Ankahi, I got divorced,” she shared. “It was March 2023, about two and a half years ago and I was in the midst of it while shooting. It was a very tender, delicate, and powerful time in my life. In that sense, I was lucky to have something I could channel my energy into.”

    When asked if portraying her character helped her process the experience, she responded: “It gave me something to do. I would wake up, go to set, and of course Sajal [Aly], [Muhammad] Ahmad sahab, and director Nadeem Baig knew what I was going through. They were all so gentle and supportive.”

    Sethi also reflected on how divorce is perceived in our society, particularly for women. She recalled a line from an older drama she acted in, which struck a chord with her: “There was a line… I can’t even remember the name of the drama but it went, ‘Ek talaaq yafta aurat maashray ke liye kanta ban ke reh jati hai’ (A divorced woman becomes a thorn for the society). I remember sitting on a bed, delivering that dialogue, and it has stayed with me.”

    While she acknowledged that societal attitudes are gradually shifting, the stigma still lingers.

    “Things are definitely changing… slowly, yes, but they are. Anecdotally, many actresses I work with have also gone through this. I could say their names but we know who they are. And conversations like these are important. But yes, along with the pain and grief, there’s also something deeper.”

    “Divorce is not just painful; it’s a collapse of narrative,” she continued. “You ask yourself, who am I now? How do I relate to the world or even to myself? Being married is not just cozy and comforting, it gives you a framework, a story to belong to. And when that ends, the story ends too.”

    Mira Sethi married her longtime love interest Bilal Siddiqui in an intimate ceremony in California in November 2019. Despite her parents Najam Sethi and Jugnu Mohsin both being well-known journalists and her brother Ali Sethi being a celebrated singer, Mira has carved out her own distinct identity in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

    She is best known for her performances in Paristaan, Kuch Ankahi, and the film Cake, earning praise for both her acting talent and her thoughtful, socially relevant storytelling.

  • Sarees, Bengali and choosing one superstar over SRK; Here’s how Hania Aamir won over Bangladesh

    Sarees, Bengali and choosing one superstar over SRK; Here’s how Hania Aamir won over Bangladesh

    She came, she spoke and she conquered. Pakistani fan-favourite Hania Aamir has once again proven why she’s one of the most beloved stars of her generation, not just in Pakistan, but across the border and now in Bangladesh as well.

    Currently in Dhaka for a brand shoot representing Pakistan, Hania Aamir has taken social media by storm with her charm, wit, and wardrobe choices and fans just can’t get enough.

    During a recent public appearance at a star-studded event in Bangladesh, Hania was asked to pick between Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Bangladeshi heartthrob Shakib Khan. With a cheeky smile, Hania turned to the cheering crowd and replied, “I think you guys like Shakib Khan more, so… Shakib Khan.”

    The audience erupted in applause and excitement, clearly loving her thoughtful gesture and grace. But she didn’t stop there. Hania also attempted to speak Bengali, sweetly saying: “Rakin tume dekhte shundar,” which means “Rakin, you are beautiful.”

    Fans were quick to praise her effort, dubbing her “the queen of hearts” and hailing her for embracing local culture with such ease and authenticity.

    Hania’s style game in Bangladesh has been nothing short of spectacular. From a stunning black bead-embroidered gown to a dazzling golden shimmery saree, she has been serving look after look. She even walked the ramp, exuding grace and confidence that left fans and media swooning.

    She also shared BTS glimpses from her photoshoots, donning a traditional floral frock, a bindi on her forehead, and a bright smile that lit up every frame. In another viral reel, she wore a green saree and added a Bengali song to the background, giving classic desi girl vibes with her signature shy-yet-playful expressions.

    It wasn’t just fans who fell under her spell. Fellow Pakistani celebrities were quick to flood her posts with love. Mahira Khan commented, “Beautiful.” Yumna Zaidi showered her with “Love love love” and Kinza Hashmi chimed in with “Haseen.”

    Of course, Hania’s ever-watchful fanbase didn’t miss a beat. Some hilariously pointed out that her hair appeared short in Pakistan just days before and suddenly seemed longer in Bangladesh.

    Hania Aamir continues to win hearts with her down-to-earth personality, infectious laughter, and ability to connect with fans beyond borders. Whether it’s India, Bangladesh, or back home in Pakistan, her star power is clearly on the rise. One thing’s for sure, wherever Hania goes, the spotlight follows.

  • Saima Noor drops nostalgia bomb with dance on her own song in Main Manto Nahin Hoon

    Saima Noor drops nostalgia bomb with dance on her own song in Main Manto Nahin Hoon

    Veteran actress Saima Noor has gone viral after performing a dance sequence in the latest episode of the most-talked drama of these days, Main Manto Nahin Hoon.

    The drama has garnered a strong following due to its captivating yet controversial storyline. During the onscreen festivities of Sajal Aly’s wedding, Saima, who plays Sajal’s aunt, was seen dancing to a song from her own monster hit Punjabi film from the 1990s Majajan.

    The nostalgic moment caught fans by surprise, as Saima brought her iconic cinematic dance style to the television screen. She is joined by several other women, including veteran actress Saba Faisal, who briefly dances alongside her.

    The inclusion of a classic film song and Saima’s signature dance moves added a unique flair to the drama and sparked lively reactions on social media. Many praised the actress for gracefully blending her film persona into a television role and bringing a touch of cinematic nostalgia to the small screen.

    While Main Manto Nahin Hoon continues to draw in viewers, this particular scene has become a standout moment.

    The drama stars Humayun Saeed as a university professor and Sajal Aly as his student, with romantic tension between their characters forming a central plotline. Sanam Saeed also features as a fellow university professor, while Azaan Sami Khan plays a negative role.

    The story further explores a longstanding feud between the families of Sajal Aly’s character, led by Asif Raza Mir, and Azaan Sami Khan’s character, played by Babar Ali, adding layers of conflict and drama.

    With its mix of romance, rivalry, and now a touch of retro glamour, Main Manto Nahin Hoon continues to remain a hit despite critical panning.

  • ‘Men these days behave like angry women,’ Momina Iqbal says

    ‘Men these days behave like angry women,’ Momina Iqbal says

    Actress Momina Iqbal has given an open and candid interview, discussing her personal life, relationships and emotional experiences, especially about men and her love life.

    Speaking about her family, Momina said that she shared a close bond with her younger siblings. She mentioned that her younger brother treats her with immense love and respect, just as she does with him and her younger sister.

    Recalling a recent emotional moment, Momina said that during a bout of depression, her younger brother brought her floral bangles (gajray), which deeply touched her and lifted her spirits.

    She emphasised that her brothers are extremely caring and respectful, which has set a very high standard for her when it comes to relationships. Because of this strong emotional connection with her brothers, Momina said, it had become very difficult for her to consider anyone else for marriage who did not meet that emotional availability criteria.

    She shared that her youngest brother, who is only 19, pays close attention to her needs such as opening the car door for her. “This kind of pampering has made me feel that perhaps I may never get married,” she said, adding that she had grown used to the protocol given to her by her brothers.

    “It is something they inherited from our father.”

    Speaking about love, the actress revealed that she had once experienced deep love, but the relationship ended due to certain reasons. This experience changed her perception, and she now believes she no longer wants to fall in love again. According to her, when the other person lacks emotional depth, things are bound to fall apart.

    On a question about falling in love, she said, “I have never been in love with anyone. We cannot say that we just met and fell in love. I am a bit different in these kinds of things, I don’t know the limit in love and I cannot define that,” calling it the main thing in life. “Love is in your heart.”

    Momina also went on to express a controversial opinion, saying that today’s women have not allowed men to remain “men”. She claimed that the constant pampering of women had led to men now behaving like “angry women”, making it difficult for them to retain their true identity.

    Reflecting on her past, she said that when she was in love, she believed the other person would take care of her. But when that same person shattered her dreams and she came to the realisation that love might not be real. “Now I believe no one is truly anyone’s protector,” she concluded.

  • Saboor Aly shares AI image with late mother as her daughter hits six-month milestone

    Saboor Aly shares AI image with late mother as her daughter hits six-month milestone

    Actress Saboor Aly marked a touching moment in her motherhood journey as her daughter Serena Ali turned six-months-old.

    To celebrate the occasion, Saboor took to Instagram to share a series of heartwarming pictures capturing the journey of becoming a mother. But one image stood out, a digitally created photo showing Saboor, her daughter, and her late mother together, made using an AI Image maker.

    The moving tribute offered a glimpse into Saboor’s grief and gratitude, as she imagined her late mother present in one of the most meaningful chapters of her life.

    In her Instagram stories, Saboor also shared glimpses of Serena’s half-birthday celebration, including photos with her husband, actor Ali Ansari, and their daughter, with the caption: “Happy 6 months Serina.”

    Saboor, who married Ali Ansari in January 2022, became a mother in March 2025. Since then, she has often reflected on her journey with honesty and emotion, speaking openly about how becoming a parent has deepened her connection with the memory of her mother.

    In one of her recent interviews, Saboor opened up about motherhood, revealing details about her pregnancy and the birth of her daughter.

    Recalling the moment when she discovered she was pregnant, Saboor revealed that she was on a girls’ trip abroad when she began to feel unwell. “A sensation unlike anything I had felt before. Coincidentally, Ali was set to join me that day in Turkey,” she said.

    “We were not planning for a baby specifically. We had left it to the flow of life, believing that only Allah knows the right time to bring someone into your life,” she said. “When Ali arrived, the first thing I did was tell him the news. It was a very emotional moment for me.”

    When asked about her initial reaction to finding out she was expecting, Saboor described it as a “mixed feeling”. She said she was shivering and anxious, eagerly awaiting Ali’s arrival to share the news. “But when I saw the test report, my mother was the first person who came to my mind,” she added.

    Reflecting on the absence of her late mother, Saboor shared a deeply emotional insight, “No one can fill her absence, but throughout my pregnancy, delivery, and even after, everything somehow became easier. I believe she was there with me in spirit. That’s the only reason it all felt so manageable.”

    Saboor’s mother Rahat Ali passed away in March 2017 after a battle with cancer.

  • Awkward on-screen moment: Tara Mahmood recalls playing second wife of father’s close friend

    Awkward on-screen moment: Tara Mahmood recalls playing second wife of father’s close friend

    Actress Tara Mahmood has opened up about her career struggles, going on to share an emotionally bizarre experience because of an awkward acting role.

    During a podcast with Ahmed Ali Butt, Tara revealed that she once played the role of the second wife of veteran actor Usman Pirzada in a drama. “[It was] a role that made me feel extremely uncomfortable as he is a close friend of my father”.

    She admitted feeling unsure about how to address him on set, “Should I call him uncle or something else?” she recalled with a laugh, describing the awkward position she found herself in.

    Also reflecting on the early days of her career, Tara said she used to work on just one or two projects at a time due to limited opportunities. “At that time, delayed payments were a major source of stress, especially since I was living alone in Karachi with high living expenses”.

    What hurt the most, she added, was having to constantly chase after her own money.

    Fortunately, things have improved. “Today, I am involved in multiple projects simultaneously, so if one payment is delayed, it doesn’t create as much trouble”.

    However, she expressed dissatisfaction with the entertainment industry’s attitude toward supporting actors, saying they don’t receive the respect or recognition they deserve even though they’re essential to any production.

    Tara also opened up about her personal life, revealing that five years ago she had no intention of getting married. But now, she’s open to the idea. “If the right person will come to life, I will go for it,” she said.

    It merits a mention here that Tara is the daughter of retired Pakistani bureaucrat-turned-politician Shafqat Mahmood, who served as the federal minister for education and professional training, as well as for national history and literary heritage, from August 2018 to April 2022.

    During the show, she also admitted that she, for a long time, did not tell anyone in the industry that she was Mahmood’s daughter.

    Tara Mahmood is known for her roles in the popular Pakistani drama serials Mere Humsafar, Suno Chanda, Chupke Chupke, Anaa and Diyar-e-Dil. She also appeared in the film Seedlings in 2013 and the drama Altered Skin in 2018.

  • ‘He should get his own head checked’: Laiba Khan claps back hard at Yasir Hussain

    ‘He should get his own head checked’: Laiba Khan claps back hard at Yasir Hussain

    Pakistani actress Laiba Khan has publicly clapped back at actor Yasir Hussain after he criticised her over a doctored video that falsely portrayed her as insulting celebrated actress Saba Qamar.

    The controversy ignited when Yasir shared a viral edited clip in which Laiba seemingly said Saba was “beautiful, fair and tall, but did not know how to act”.

    Reacting to the clip, Yasir took a personal dig at Laiba, writing, “Ye bohat achi larki hai in k Dimaghi ilaaj ka mutalba sarkari sata pe hona chahiye [she is a very decent girl… her mental illness should be addressed at the governmental level].”

    However, Laiba quickly set the record straight, calling the video “fake” and slamming Yasir for commenting without verifying facts.

    “People like @yasir.hussain131 made judgment about the fake one that went viral a year ago. Like Yasir Hussain, jinka khud dimagh kharab hai [whose own mind is not right], should’ve watched that show before passing judgment about me,” Laiba fired back in an Instagram story.

    She also emphasised her admiration for Saba and said, “The whole world already knows @sabaqamarzaman is a brilliant actress; she doesn’t need your validation.”

    Sharing the original unedited video, Laiba clarified that her comment was actually about Bollywood actresses.

    “I have seen many actresses of Bollywood who do not know how to act, but they are beautiful, fair and tall… yet they have become actresses,” she had said. Furthermore, when asked what profession Saba Qamar would have chosen if not acting, Laiba had answered, “Saba Qamar could have been a lawyer.”

    Meanwhile, social media users are happy that Laiba took a stand for her and did not let misinformation ruin her reputation.

    Laiba Khan made her television debut with Do Bol and rose to fame with Mera Dil Mera Dushman. She is garnering acclaim for her role in the hit drama Mohabbat Ka Safar, which is currently airing on ARY Digital.

  • Sonya Hussyn slams Rishta Aunty for shaming ‘chubby girls’

    Sonya Hussyn slams Rishta Aunty for shaming ‘chubby girls’

    Pakistani actress Sonya Hussyn has taken a strong stand against TV personality and rishta maker Mrs. Khan, condemning her for making offensive remarks about women’s body sizes. Mrs. Khan had recently stated that “being chubby means you’ll be rejected,” a comment that has sparked backlash on social media for promoting harmful beauty standards.

    Taking to Instagram, the Aangan star sharing Mrs. Khan’s controversial statement, firmly addressed the issue. “Dear Ma’am, with all due respect, it’s 2025 and time to wake up!!!” Sonya said. “Statements like ‘being chubby means you’ll be rejected’ are not just offensive and outdated, they’re harmful.”

    The actress didn’t hold back, stating that such statements destroy self-esteem. “Confidence aese remarks sy shatter hota hai. Kiyun k in baton ny ek typical mindset create kar k false beauty standards ko normalize kar diya hai or insecurities paida kar di hain.” [Confidence gets shattered by such remarks. Because these statements have created a typical mindset that normalises false beauty standards and have given rise to insecurities.]

    Sonya further emphasised that imposing outdated thinking on today’s generation is damaging and irrelevant. “These mindsets no longer serve the world we’re trying to build,” she said. “This generation must lead with better values like confidence, good character, career, professional achievements, self-growth and strong family values — regardless of gender!”

    Calling for a shift in societal attitudes, she urged people to stop reducing women’s worth to their physical appearance. “Can we please now stop this shaming culture and shrinking women by tying their worth to their size,” she said, “and rather start supporting real well-being — both mental and physical.”

    The actress also criticised the obsession with marriage, saying, “Sirf shadi kar lena maqsad nahi hona chahiye.” (Getting married shouldn’t be the only goal.)

    She stressed the importance of personal growth, mental well-being, and emotional intelligence in building healthy relationships. “Our goal is to become fulfilled, self-aware individuals who can be strong, happy, and emotionally healthy partners too — rather than repeating the cycle of toxic, unhappy marriages we’ve seen for generations.”

    Earlier, actor and TV host Javeria Saud had publicly condemned Mrs. Khan’s comments. Javeria Saud questioned why women are still judged for being “moti ya kaali” (fat or dark) in today’s world, calling it pure ignorance.

  • Mahira Khan slams industry practice of delaying payments

    Mahira Khan slams industry practice of delaying payments

    Superstar Mahira Khan has responded to veteran actor Syed Mohammad Ahmed’s recent remarks about delayed payments in the entertainment industry, expressing concern for the technicians and crew members working behind the scenes.

    In a statement shared to her Instagram story, Khan noted that if prominent actors face such challenges, the situation is likely worse for technicians and others with less visibility. “Imagine… if senior actors, popular actors… hit maker directors go through this – just imagine what technicians go through.”

    Mohammad Ahmed, in a widely shared interview, criticised production houses for withholding payments from actors for extended periods. He stated that actors are often made to wait three to eight months for payment, and in some cases, are not paid at all. According to Ahmed, “The treatment actors receive when requesting payment is often demeaning, with some having to justify their personal financial needs.”

    In the same interview, Hajra Yamin stated that contracts are typically one-sided, favoring production houses. “If a shoot is canceled due to an actor, they are penalized, but when producers cancel, it is generally accepted without issue,” she said.

    Yamin added: “Technicians and junior crew members are affected even more than actors, with some being told to work without pay, receiving only food in return.”

    Saheefa Jabbar Khattak said that she once proposed including healthcare and anti-harassment clauses in her contract to ensure production houses cover medical expenses in case of injury. However, she said her proposal was ignored. She further revealed, “I have to go for therapy for six months after completing each drama due to mental stress.”

    Director Mehreen Jabbar noted that many in the industry choose to remain silent due to “fear of losing future work.”

    Actors Ramsha Khan, Yasir Hussain, Nadia Afgan, Alizeh Shah, and Khushhal Khan have also publicly addressed these issues. Industry insiders report that production houses rarely face penalties for delayed payments, while actors and crew continue to work under uncertain financial and physical conditions.

  • ‘You are not alone’: Ainy Jaffri opens up about sexual abuse as a child, encourages survivors to speak up

    ‘You are not alone’: Ainy Jaffri opens up about sexual abuse as a child, encourages survivors to speak up

    Actor Ainy Jaffri Rahman has taken a brave step by opening up about her own journey as someone who was sexually abused a child.

    In a video, Ainy recounted a disturbing incident that occurred when she was just five or six years old. A male servant working in her home lured her into the servant quarters by offering her a lollipop. There, he sexually assaulted her, a traumatic experience she says remains in her memory like a “horror film”.

    “I think I was five or six years old and this is one of the stories that I’m going to share. In our house… I was a little girl and was taken by a man, who was our servant. He took me to the servant quarters,” she said.

    “He gave me a lollipop and took me to the servant quarter,” she said. “He pulled down my trousers and did things to me. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew it was wrong. I just stood there, eating the lollipop.”

    Despite her young age, Ainy immediately told her mother about the incident.

    “There was no penetration… maybe he didn’t want me to scream… but thank God I had the presence of mind to go to my mother and tell her,” she said.

    In a caption alongside the video, Ainy explained why she was choosing to speak out. Her message was not meant to shock or trigger, but to help others who have experienced similar abuse understand that they are not alone, and that their trauma does not define them.

    “I’m sharing a painful part of my story not to shock or trigger, but to remind anyone who’s been through something similar: you are not what happened to you. Abuse is something done to you — it is not who you are.”

    She described the deep shame and fear that often keeps victims silent, and how therapy, speaking out and safe spaces can be essential steps in the healing process.

    “Healing begins when we talk. When we do the hard work to separate our sense of self from the abuse. It’s like an exorcism… a release, a reclaiming of yourself.”

    To the survivors, she said, “You are never broken.”

    Ainy ended her message with an urgent appeal to survivors of abuse, especially those who were still silent out of fear or shame.

    “If you’ve been through something like this, please don’t keep it bottled inside. Seek help. Speak out. Find safe places to unburden. You are never broken. What happened is part of your story, but it is not you.”