Irrfan Khan’s son Babil Khan has revealed that he is a fan of Pakistani television. Responding to a comment by journalist Maria Memon, Khan said: “Pakistani television is one of my loved indulgences.”
Maria had commented on Babil’s post in which he had shared a screenshot of a Whatsapp conversation with his late father.
The legendary Bollywood actor, who had visited Pakistan on several occasions passed away on April 29, 2020, at the age of 53. The actor was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in March 2018. He sought treatment for it in the UK for a year and returned to India in February 2019. In April 2020, he was admitted to the hospital for a medical complication arising from a colon infection, following which he passed away.
Meanwhile, Khan had also worked with Adnan Siddiqui in the Hollywood production A Mighty Heart.
Hira Mani celebrated her birthday in the sweetest way possible. The actor visited Shaukat Khanum on her birthday and celebrated it with young cancer patients.
Taking to her Instagram account Hira shared pictures of the birthday celebrations with young cancer patients and expressed her joy over celebrating a ‘tension less’ birthday.
She also thanked Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, for making her feel ‘special’ on her birthday.
Omair Rana, who plays a key role in TV One’s Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi, has responded to the notice issued by the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to the makers of Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi directing them to review the drama’s content and modify it according to the regulatory body’s guidelines.
In a series of tweets, the actor appreciated the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) efforts to combat human trafficking in Pakistan and said: “Our humble effort is to help them with their honourable cause by educating the masses of our everyday actions that feed the menace that is the modern slave trade.”
Rana further said that all evil is ugly and invited PEMRA “to do what is right, not popular”.
“Join us in this jihad and help us make our beloved Pakistan, pak (clean) of such vile elements in our society,” he added.
Founder of the Kashf Foundation Roshaneh Zafar, who has produced the show, responding to PEMRA’s notice said: “Indeed evil is ugly and reality has to be faced so we can do something about changing it.”
Indeed evil is ugly and reality has to be faced so we can do something about changing it. Thank you @omairana for being part of team #dnutn#dilnaumeedtonahin We must fight in the trenches for all victims of human trafficking as such bondage strips an individual of all dignity. https://t.co/rfDzK0EzaV
Zafar also shared a news report which highlighted widespread child labour in Islamabad and said: “This why we need shows like Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi to raise awareness on issues like human trafficking, child labour and human bondage.”
“Realisation is the first step towards redressal and resolution,” she added.
This why we need shows like #DilNaUmeedToNahi#dnutn to raise awareness on issues like human trafficking, child labour and human bondage. Realization is the first step towards redressal and resolution. pic.twitter.com/tmFe2BFbSz
According to the Federal Investigation Agency, human trafficking is the third-largest source of organised crime revenue in Pakistan. Furthermore, statistics from the US Department of State on Pakistan provincial police reported identifying 19,954 trafficking victims in 2019, with the majority of victims recorded as women and children.
Featuring Yumna Zaidi, Yasra Rizvi, Wahaj Ali, Nadia Afgan, Naumaan Ijaz and Samiya Mumtaz besides Rana in the lead, Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi is a harrowing tale of child abuse and human trafficking in Pakistan. The drama has been written by Amna Mufti and directed by Kashif Nisar and is a Kashf Foundation Presentation.
Six episodes of the drama have aired so far. According to a press release issued earlier, Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi will “bring some of the most heinous and deeply sensitive issues to light – while showing how humanity can still prevail in even the most insurmountable of situations.
The press release further said: “With three parallel stories on prostitution, human trafficking, and child abuse, the drama exposes the lowest ebb of our society.”
Yumna, in an earlier interview, while talking about the drama had said: “The story is based on multiple causes. It has three major tracks: human trafficking, child abuse and a young girl who wants to become a cricketer. As far as my track is concerned, it is about women trafficking. Parents from slums sell their young daughters. The drama explores where these girls end up and what kind of a life they spend. And, if any of them dreams big, how does she manage to pursue that.”
Earlier, PEMRA had also banned ARY Digital’s Jalan for going against the “social and moral ethics of Pakistani society” and had also directed the makers of Fitoor to check for “inappropriate dialogues and content” in the drama.
Sadaf Kanwal and Shahroz Sabzwari have put to rest all rumours regarding their relationship and have opened up on how they met and tied the knot.
Speaking to Aagha Ali and Hina Altaf during the first episode of The Couple Show, when asked why she decided to marry Shahroz, Sadaf said: “I don’t know what was about him, but I decided that he is [going to be] the father of my children.”
The model added that she found something in him which she felt was similar to herself.
In the same interview, while answering a question on how the two met and connected, Shahroz said: “We met at an award [ceremony] where we had to perform together, and after that, we became good friends.”
Shahroz added that he is a very “closed up guy” and that he only interacts and opens up in front of a few selective people.
“When we got back [from the awards] people gave a different colour to our friendship, even though we were just friends at the time. But [the rumours] made us both think about [getting together],” he said further, joking that the media and rumours mills had a big role to play in their marriage.
Talking about their relationship equation, Shahroz said: “Without friendship, this relation [marriage] can never be successful.”
During the interview Shehroz also revealed what she liked most about Sadaf.
“The best thing that would any attract any man is honesty. Especially in our industry, where we are out and about, and us men being however we are, growing up in Pakistan, we have a certain mentality,” said the actor. “So keeping that mentality in mind, her morals were in the right place.”
Shahroz and Sadaf tied the knot in May last year after a highly controversial and public scandal forcing Sabzwari to issue several clarifications regarding his relationship with the model.
Turkish actor Celal Al on Sunday welcomed Pakistani actors Humayun Saeed, Reema Khan, Sadia Khan and Adnan Siddiqui in Turkey.
Sharing a picture of Pakistani celebrities enjoying their meals together in his Instagram stories, Celal wrote: “Adnan, Humayun, Reema and Sadia welcome to Istanbul. Turkey-Pakistan brotherhood zindabad.”
Earlier, Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui left their fans excited when they informed them of their visit to Turkey.
Reema also shared a picture with the production team of Diriliş: Ertuğrul on her Instagram account.
Later Reema shared some fascinating pictures and video of their tour to Hagia Sophia Mosque. Posting a video on Instagram, she also shared the history of this Mosque and wrote: “The world-famous Hagia Sophia mosque ( Which has converted into museum also in Istanbul. A world Heritage site, was originally built as a cathedral around 1,500 years ago by the Bazantine Empire.”
She also shared some pictures of the meetup with Kamal Tekdin, the famous series’ executive producer and other participants.
Adnan Siddiqui also took to Instagram and shared a video of their tour. Sharing how he felt, the actor wrote: “It was spellbinding to offer prayer at the iconic Hagia Sophia Holy Grand Mosque. It is grand in ever sense of the word—history, beauty, political significance.”
“A little lesson in history for those who may not be aware. The world-famous Hagia Sophia museum in Istanbul, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, was originally built as a cathedral around 1500 years ago by the Byzantine empire. The architectural marvel was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453. In 1934, it became a museum,” he added.
“Only in July last year, it became a mosque again and opened for prayer and worship,” he wrote.
Earlier this year, a Turkish delegation comprising Diriliş: Ertuğrul executive producer Tekdin and actor Celal visited Pakistan where they met Prime Minister Imran Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz, Shehryar Afridi, Humayun and Adnan. It was reported that the two countries are working together on a joint production to strengthen ties and people-to-people contact. This tour of Pakistani celebrities to Turkey depicts that something very interesting is coming our way.
Mikal Zulfiqar calls for a movement to pay actors for reruns after watching his hit drama serial Diyar-e-Dil being televised again.
“Actors should get paid for reruns. It’s unfair. Start a movement!,” the actor expressed his opinion.
Taking to Instagram stories, Zulfiqar shared a picture from one of the scenes of the drama and wrote: “Hum TV is airing Diyar-e-Dil for the umpteenth time.”
In another story, the actor said: “If only we got paid for reruns. would never have to work another day in life.”
Yasir Hussain also took to Instagram and wrote: “Shukar hai khuda ka kisi senior actor ne ye bat keh hi di. Mikaal Zulfiqar aap chah gaye hain.”
Meanwhile, the famous drama is a Hum TV production that portrays Pakistan from a realistic point of view. The story highlights the honour and obedience one practises towards their parents as well as the importance of family and the age-old eastern culture of close-knit families. The drama is set in Khaplu Palace, Gilgit.
Farhat Ishtiaq’s powerful story shows us the real jageedar (landlord) of Pakistan. One of the main characters in the show, Agha Jaan, his role is played wonderfully by Abid Ali. He played a hard-working landlord, who has worked his way up the ladder of success.
The cast of the drama is strong and the acting definitely makes the serial worth a watch. With names such as Maya Ali (Faarah Wali Khan), Osman Khalid Butt (Wali Suhaib Khan), Hareem Farooq (Arjumand), Sanam Saeed (Ruhina), Mikaal Zulfiqar (Behroze Bakhtiyar Khan), Ali Rehman Khan (Suhaib Bakthiyar Khan) and Ahmad Zeb (Moeez Tajamul), one can expect nothing less than brilliant acting. Farhat Ishtiaq has managed to give each of her characters the luxury of telling their own story in their own way.
Diyar-e-Dil was developed by Hum TV’s senior producer Momina Duraid of MD Productions, the channel hired the award-winning director Haseeb Hassan to direct the series.
Mahira Khan is stepping into production, starting with a web series titled ‘Baarwan Khiladi [Twelfth Player]’.
The actor has set up a production house, Soulfry Films, with her friend and producer Nina Kashif. ‘Baarwan Khiladi‘ will be their first project together.
In a recent interview with Gulf News, Mahira opened up about trying her hand at production.
She said that the reason why she is getting into production is because it is something she always wanted.
“To be honest, I’ve always been inclined to getting behind the camera,” she said, adding that she always wanted to direct or produce.
“But I am also very lazy when it comes to finally deciding and doing something. My co-producer, Nina Kashif, gave me that push and it’s very small at the moment. I want to get my hands dirty with smaller projects first, make stories that get me excited,” she added.
Answering a question about why she did not cast herself in the web series, Mahira said, “There wasn’t a role that suited me,” adding, “Maybe if I was younger I would have played a character in it.”
‘Baarwan Khiladi ‘ is a sports-based web series and when asked why she was getting into a sports-related genre, Mahira said, “I have to admit — I’m not a sports fan at all, so I could have never imagined wanting to make my first series about that. But when I heard the story and read the script, it got me excited.”
Not just sports, she also wanted to work with the new crowd. “Also working with younger/newer people was something that I really wanted to do — be it the actors or the writer or the art director etc.”
Mahira also opened about the process of choosing the cast for her debut project as a producer, “[I was] completely involved [in the process of casting]. Nina got both Shahveer [Jafry] and Danyal [Zafar] on board.”
“We got everyone to audition for most of the parts. Sarmad [Khoosat] was a huge bonus because he is one of the main characters. I got Kinza Hashmi on board. That’s the fun of being the producer — you can put together a team that will enhance your vision for the project.”
The series has reportedly been shot inside the Walled City of Lahore and Shahveer, in an Instagram story, revealed that the shooting lasted for one and a half month.
The series will stream on Tapmad, a South Asian OTT platform, and is expected to release soon after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final.
Ahsan Khan has been creating waves with his performance as Rashid in Qayamat. The renowned actor has been winning praise for his portrayal of a spoilt and abusive husband. In fact, the actor has even received love from across the border for his role in the drama serial.
Veteran Bollywood actress Zarina Wahab, in a Whatsapp message sent to the actor, praised him, writing: “As Rashid, you are too much… Excellent work.”
Written by Sarwat Nazir and directed by Ali Faizan, Qayamat features Neelam Muneer, Haroon Shahid, Saba Faisal, Shabbir Jan and Amar Khan besides Khan.
Meanwhile, Khan in a recent social media post opened up on the challenges that come with being an actor.
“Actors do go through intense practice specifically so you can’t tell how hard they’re working, so you can’t see the years and years of hard work that got them to this point,” said the actor. “There is a disguised virtuosity in the complex craft of acting that doesn’t show itself in skilled acting.”
“Good quality, complex acting must always come down to an invisible naturalism that makes the challenging components of it far less apparent than every other art form,” he added.
On the other hand, the actors of the drama serial have been celebrating the success of Qayamat on social media. Amar recently shared a video of herself and Ahsan, dancing and enjoying.
“In the meanwhile, yeh hai Rashid aur Samra, or off set in dono ki pawri ho rai hai,” she wrote in the caption.
Made in Pakistan and released on Indian OTT platform ZEE5, Churails has won the ‘OTT Platform Show of the Year’ at the British Asian Media Awards (BMA).
OTT Platform Show of the Year: #Churails, @ZEE5Global Churails released globally by Zee5 is an exclusive series on the platform directed and written by #AsimAbbasi. The show received critical acclaim as it brought together diverse characters & broke stereotypes. #BAMAwards2020pic.twitter.com/3Fp3jr7qC3
Sharing her thoughts on the win, Chief Business Officer at ZEE5 Global, Archana Anand said: “Churails with its rich, bold narrative and the globally relevant storyline has broken stereotypes and opened up the fresh conversation around gender equality not only in South Asia but also in other markets across the globe by putting strong women at the center of its story.”
“Winning this award is a recognition of the tremendous impact that our content has created across key markets and how deeply it is resonating with the audiences,” she added.
According to details, “The British Asian Media Awards (BMA) acknowledge the growing and persistent influence of different cultures and communities living in the UK.”
The awards aims to help the industry develop by showcasing exceptional work and proving the value of Asian media to the wider market.
Written and directed by Asim Abbasi and featuring, Sarwat Gilani, Yasra Rizvi, Nimra Bucha, Meher Bano and Omair Rana among others, Churails is the story of four self-proclaimed ‘Churails’ who come together to open a covert detective agency to expose cheating husbands amongst the city’s elite. As their operations expand, they come to be saviours of abused, harassed and mistreated women. The 10-episode series covers a myriad of issues such as child abuse, sexism, the domination of class and race and aims to challenge the hypocrisy of patriarchal societies.
In October 2020, the show wasbanned for viewers in Pakistan. However, it was restored in less than 48 hours. According to Abbasi, the show was taken off after the streaming platform received complaints from authorities here.
Meanwhile, in November 2020, the State Bank of Pakistan ordered all banks to block Pakistani users from subscribing to Zee5. Zee5 had commissioned five original web series from Pakistan. While two of them have released, three more are in the pipeline including Saba Qamar and Naumaan Ijaz’s Manjogiand Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly’s Dhoop ki Deewar.
Naumaan Ijaz is not one to mince words. In a recent interview with filmmaker Rafay Rashdi, the actor candidly discussed and shed light on issues and problems faced by actors and producers of the entertainment industry.
Responding to a question about the issue of pending payments in the entertainment industry, Naumaan said: “There is no actor or producer in the industry who does not have pending payments.”
“My [own] payments are also pending,” stated the actor. “One channel owes me almost five crores, while another owes me around two and a half crores. They all are big channels and they are not paying. If they [artists] are not going to get paid on time then how will they deliver?”
Ijaz, however, clarified that the delay in payments is the broadcaster’s fault, not the producers.
“What is happening in Pakistan? Which ethics? Which morals? Which professionalism? Which contract? Which law? Who will listen to them? This all rubbish,” remarked Naumaan angrily.
“No law provides them [people working in the entertainment industry] safety,” asserted the actor. “No law stands behind them. No one raises their voice for them.”
He added: “There is no unity among us.”
Naumaan further sarcastically remarked: “We do not need an outsider to drown us, Alhamdulillah we are self-sufficient in this regard.”
“Artists these days, I apologise for my words, are all donkeys. We work like donkeys,” stated Naumaan. “If they are not going to get paid on time, then how will they deliver?”
Further talking about working in tough COVID-19 times, Naumaan said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the broadcasters blackmailed the producers to provide content, so the producers went to artists and warned them that if they won’t work, they will be blacklisted.”
“Artists are forced to work by placing a gun on their head,” claimed Naumaan, clarifying that he did not mean it in the literal sense. The actor added that if something happens to anybody, no one is willing to take the responsibility of covering the financial burden.
Ijaz further said that private TV channels have ruined the essence of Pakistani dramas.
“Dramas used to educate people. What are dramas giving to society nowadays?” questioned the actor. “You [private TV channels] have ruined the mindset of people.”
