Geo Entertainment’s drama serial Tere Bin starring Yumna Zaidi and Wahaj Ali is currently leading the rating charts.
Some transnational viewers of this drama have now discovered that many moments in Tere Bin are an exact replica of those in the popular Indian drama Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon starring the hit pair of Barun Sobti and Sanaya Irani.
What the netizens has to say about the two shows’ striking resemblance is as follows:
Actor Ali Abbas’ acting career kicked off with director Amin Iqbal’s drama Meri Dulari opposite Yumna Zaidi on Geo TV. He weighed 86 kilos before stepping into TV and lost around 9 kilos to look the part.
However Ali revealed on Nida Yasir’s morning show that on the first day of his shoot, the veteran director slammed him. According to the Meherposh star, Amin told him that he doesn’t look like a star and will never become one, also that he doesn’t have the qualities in him to be a leading hero. This incident dampened his confidence.
Now in an exclusive interview with The Current while promoting his movie Rehbra, Amin Iqbal responded to Ali’s allegations. The Ishq-e-Laa maker said, “The judgement could be wrong at times as I am a human too but whatever I have said about someone, it has become true. There is a difference between being a star and being an actor.
“I have introduced artists like Yumna Zaidi, Saba Qamar and Sameer Sohail from Lahore to the showbiz fraternity, even recently when I casted Azaan Sami Khan in Ishq-e-Laa, people scrutinised his casting in the play but respect and disrespect is in the hands of God.”
“I know his father and grandfather personally and have had good terms with him.”
Iqbal concluded by saying that now that Ali is in a better space career wise, it could be because of the remarks that Amin gave him early on his career as Abbas must have improved himself after it.
Earlier this year Abbas appreciated his contemporary Ahmed Ali Akbar in an interview with Maliha Rehman.
The Mere Apnay star stated that Ahmad has given a superlative performance in Parizaad and it makes him happy that underrated actors like him are now getting leading roles in mainstream projects.
He added that at the time of Ehd-e-Wafa there was noise about him being sidelined in the play which starred bigger names like Ahad Raza Mir and Osman Khalid Butt alongside him.
Ehd-e-Wafa emerged as a blockbuster in 2020 and starred an ensemble cast.
The Fitrat star mentioned that he is the biggest fan of Naumaan Ijaz and takes inspiration from him while performing, especially from his performance in Mera Saeen.
Actor Osman Khalid Butt tweeted on Qandeel Baloch’s brother Waseem’s acquittal last week, “Qandeel Baloch’s murderer walks free today after serving less than six years of his life sentence. He is on record admitting to drugging and murdering his sister. Someone please make this make sense to me.”
He went on to comment, “We are in the concluding stages of a high-profile and incredibly brutal murder case even now – how does this ruling inspire any confidence (except to the guilty) in our judicial system? Six years – and an anti-honour killing Bill – later, we’re back to square one.”
The Lahore High Court (LHC) acquitted the prime suspect and brother of model Qandeel Baloch, Waseem Azeem, in her murder case, abolishing the life imprisonment awarded to him by a sessions court.
The LHC’s Multan bench cancelled life imprisonment of the accused after witnesses deviated from their statements in the trial court and Qandeel’s mother submitted a reconciliation agreement stipulating parental pardon.
In 2016, Muhammad Waseem was arrested after he confessed to killing Qandeel Baloch, 26, for posting what he called ‘scandalous’ pictures on social media. The case became Pakistan’s most high profile “honour killing” of recent years.
The Baaji star also recently commented on Zahir Jaffer’s on-going case. He took to his Twitter to lash out at primary suspect, Zahir Jaffer in the Noor Mukadam murder case.
He penned, “After all this time, not a hint of remorse. Not a hint of shame. I hope you rot in the deepest pits of hell, Zahir.”
The actor made his remarks in the response to Jaffer who retracted his confessional statement and refuted all the allegations of the murder of Noor Mukadam.
Zahir recently said that Noor called her friends at his house for a drug party, and she was murdered by someone else, maybe someone present at the drug party, and not him.
Actors Zara Noor Abbas and Wahaj Ali will be seen together in an upcoming web series written by Umera Ahmed.
Directed and produced by Haseeb Hassan, the ensemble star cast also includes Hina Bayat, Javed Sheikh, Yasra Rizvi and Dur e Fishan in pivotal roles.
While talking to a local news outlet, the Fitoor star confirmed the web series and said, “You are going to see me romancing Zara Noor Abbas in this one and it’s something really nice.” Moreover, Wahaj expressed his gratitude for the chance to work with the acclaimed writer Umera Ahmad and famed director Haseeb Hassan.
Another promising digital project is currently in the making.
Ace director Mehreen Jabbar is back with an exciting new project headlined by Zahid Ahmed and Sarwat Gilani as the leads for her new web series.
Sarwat and Mehreen took to Instagram to share few BTS shots from the shoot where we can spot the actors.
The script has been penned by Rida Bilal of Khudgarz fame.
Star actress Yumna Zaidi trended on Twitter for her impressive performance in the finale episode of the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi.
Featuring Yumna Zaidi, Yasra Rizvi, Wahaj Ali, Nadia Afgan, Naumaan Ijaz, Samiya Mumtaz, and Omair Rana in the lead, Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi is a harrowing tale of child abuse and human trafficking in Pakistan. Although drama is critically acclaimed, it’s television ratings are considerably low.
Directed by Kashif Nisar, the script is written by Amna Mufti of Jahez fame.
Apart from the Pyar Ke Sadqay star’s performance, her chemistry with co-star Wahaj Ali was also appreciated.
She played a challenging character of a sex worker in the play and even enacted scenes where she had to emote as a drug addict.
On the work front, Yumna will be seen next in Ishq-e-Laa opposite Azaan Sami Khan and Sajal Aly.
In an industry with cut-throat competition, and inconsistent friendships, some bonds standout due to their consistency and public display of affection. Here’s a list of BFFs from the local entertainment industry who give us major BFF goals.
Sajal Aly – Zara Noor Abbas
Sajal Aly and Zara Noor Abbas became best friends much before Zara became an actress. Their bond started when Sajal shot multiple series in a row with Zara’s mother, Asma Abbas. They are frequently spotted together at various events, capturing their special moments like all best friends. Zara revealed in an interview that Sajal played a pivotal role in her marriage with the actor Asad Siddiqui.
Read More: Sajal and Ahad’s Dhoop Ki Deewar to premiere this month on ZEE5
Faysal Quraishi – Aijaz Aslam
Faysal Quraishi and Aijaz Aslam have been friends since the initial years of their illustrious careers and have always flaunted their camaraderie on chat shows and game shows. The two have collaborated professionally on multiple successful projects, Main Aur Tum, Kis Din Mera Viyah Howay ga, Yariyan and Meri Unsuni Kahani to name a few. Both recieved critical acclaim for convincingly playing two best friends in ARY’s Log Kya Kahenge.
Maya Ali – Wahaj Ali
Wahaj Ali and Maya Ali are childhood best friends, the two have been spotted together at different events and ceremonies including her brother’s wedding, where the two posed like true childhood best friends and performed at the chartbuster song, Muqabala.
Mehwish Hayat – Azfar Rehman
Mehwish Hayat and Azfar Rehman is another duo that is known for their friendship in the entertainment world. They have worked together on blockbuster projects like Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Wajahat Rauf’s Challawa. Mehwish claimed on Nida Yasir’s show that Azfar is her best friend. Mehwish even pranked Azfar’s mother-in-law on his wedding day and told her that Azfar has cheated on Mehwish, by agreeing to marry her daughter, which everyone believed until Azfar told everyone that Mehwish is just pulling his leg, proving how real their friendship is.
Sanam Jung – Imran Abbas
Sanam Jung debuted alongside Imran Abbas in the hit television series, Dil-e-Muztar. They continued their professional association with another successful drama, Alvida, The two gradually turned into really good friends. On HSY’s talk show, Imran mentioned that even while he was in India, shooting for his Bollywood debut, co-starring Bipasha Basu, Sanam used to call him to check on his health. During an Interview with Ahsan Khan, Sanam said that she considers Imran Abbas her true friend in the industry and she wants him to shift to her city, Karachi, from Imran’s hometown, Lahore.
Ayesha Omar – Maria Wasti
Maria and Ayesha faced the biggest controversy of their career together when a bunch of private pictures from their vacation in Thailand surfaced on the internet much before the social media’s boom in Pakistan. The criticism that they received for posing in swimwear was panned by the general public and a section of the media. This dynamic duo of best friends appeared on HSY’s chat show, where Ayesha revealed that it made them stronger. Ayesha recently made an appereance on Maria’s game show, ‘Cororon Mein Khel’.
Saboor Aly – Minal Khan
For the section of the media which claims that two actresses in the same league can’t be friends, Saboor and Minal prove them wrong. The two are always spotted at each other’s special occasions. Saboor shared on Timeout with Ahsan Khan, that Minal shares all her life secrets with her. Minal also made Saboor meet boyfriend before they officially got engaged. Being a true best friend, Saboor took Minal’s sister, Aiman Khan’s televised advice about her weight in the right spirit.
Saima Akram Chaudhry, who has penned the wildly successful Chupke Chupke, Ishq Jalebi and Suno Chanda has said that there will be no second or third seasons of these dramas.
“Dear fans, viewers and followers, I know you loved Chupke Chupke, Ishq Jalebi and Suno Chanda. I am grateful to all but it’s not possible for me to take your Instagram calls and talk [to] everyone,” wrote Akram on social media.
“Please accept my apologies and don’t call directly. Trust me it’s too irritating and it is too unethical to call someone at midnight,” she said further.
Chaudhry also said that she cannot help anyone launch their career in the entertainment industry as it’s not her department.
“And channels are not planning for season two or three,” added Chaudhry.
Meanwhile, earlier fans had speculated that a sequel of Chupke Chupke was in the works after Ayeza Khan shared a clip of herself and Osman Khalid Butt dressed up as Meenu and Faazi from the drama.
Furthermore, director Danish Nawaz said that there is a possibility for a sequel if the script and story are good. He said discussions on the topic are ongoing and that he cannot confirm anything as yet.
On the other hand, Arslan Naseer, who played Haadi in the romantic comedy, has shut down rumours of a second season.
Like last year, this year’s Eid is different too with no Eid parties, ban on travelling and Apa Firdous keeping a close eye on all jhappis and pappis. However, nothing can hold back Pakistanis from celebrating even if they are confined to their homes. The Current asked your favourite celebrities how they plan to spend their Eid weekend and here is what they said.
Ahsan, who hosted the super successful Ramzan transmission on PTV, while speaking to The Current said he does not plan to attend any Eid gatherings or meetings this year, even though he and his entire family have been vaccinated. The actor added that if he does, he’ll only meet some friends who have also been vaccinated but with all COVID-19 protocols in place.
“As it is Sunnah to dress up and wear new clothes, my family and I will dress up, spend time together and enjoy lots of delicious food,” said Ahsan.
He further said: “We should try to keep Palestinians in mind today as they are going through very tough times and we should try to donate for them also. I am also trying to organise relief for them.”
Fresh off his stint on Jeeto Pakistan, Aijaz Aslam says that he plans to spend Eid “mostly indoors with family”.
“It’s best to stay at home and do some activities with family. I don’t have any plans of going out visiting friends. It’s best for us and everyone else,” shared the actor.
Ali, who recently won hearts as Basim in Ishq Jalebi, shared that he’s going to spend some quality family time, minus the celebrations.
“With the on-going pandemic, it’s best to spend Eid at home with family,” Wahaj told The Current. “Family celebrations are out of the question! I’m not going to be risking it at all and so it’ll be a small and simple affair where I’m going to be relaxing and enjoying my time with my family.”
“The only way to make Eid in lockdown better is being with your family,” said Quraishi while sharing his Eid plans. The actor said that after a hectic Ramzan with back to back shows, he hopes to stay home and chill out with his family and children.
Ramsha’s Eid is going to be all about chilling with her favourite girls. If not for the pandemic, this one party we would have loved to be a part of.
“I plan on spending it with my mum, sister and Bella (my dog),” shared Khan. “Just going to get all dressed up with nowhere to go!”
The actor added: “It’s so important to follow SOPs right now and avoid huge gatherings. We need to take responsibility and play our part so that we can get back to normal life as soon as possible.”
Anoushey Abbasi plans to avoid all large family gatherings this year.
“I’m going to be spending Eid at home with my loved ones, where everyone is safe and sound. It should definitely be kept low-key with everything that is going on, we should really be more responsible and careful,” said Abbasi.
“It’ll definitely be a simple affair, nothing too crazy. Big family celebrations are a huge no for me this year, I’ll be avoiding those for sure,” added the Raqs e Bismil actor.
“The plan is to spend Eid with my family in a simple way,” shared Junaid, asserting: “Keeping the COVID situation in mind, the fewer people we meet, the better.”
“Even within the family, we need to stay careful because there are elders and kids. So just like last year, I plan to spend Eid the same way and I think we’ll be spending the next few Eid’s like this too,” said the actor. “We should get used to this if we want our family and loved ones’ safety. We will spend these festivities with simplicity, and even while doing so, we will keep all SOPs in mind.”
Food is going to be the central theme of Usman’s Eid celebrations.
“I plan of spending Eid at home with family,” shared Usman, who recently tied the knot.
“We’re gonna cook some food and spend some time together because the past few months I haven’t been getting a lot of time to spend with family. So this is a good opportunity to do that instead of going out and meeting a lot of people because I feel that we should really starting being responsible now,” said the actor.
Khan and husband Danish Taimoor gave their fans a treat on Eid with a romantic video of themselves.
The actor said that while one should celebrate Eid as it is a gift from Allah for those who fasted during the month of Ramzan, one should strictly adhere to all COVID-19 SOPs. Ayeza added that one should also not forget to include those suffering in Pakistan, India and Palestine in their prayers.
As most of our favourite stars said, stay home and spend time with your family. Dress up, have an intimate dinner or plan a game night or movie night with your fam and chill with some snacks and food. And don’t forget to pray for those going through a tough time.
Meanwhile, to help you all out, The Current has made a list of Do’s and Don’t for Eid in lockdown and the ultimate guide to Eid TV and telefilms airing over the Eid weekend.
Yumna Zaidi has hit back at the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for their notice on Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi (DNUTN), saying “we cannot make saas-bahu dramas only.”
Speaking to BBC Urdu, Yumna said that she doesn’t understand why PEMRA would take notice on her ongoing drama’s content.
“I was very disappointed [with PEMRA’s notice],” said Yumna. “I don’t understand what they want to promote [or show on television].”
“If we don’t talk about problems faced by people in government schools, gali mohallas or in the villages, then we’re only going to listen to bad news. If we force society to think about [such issues] through such content, then at least let it through instead of holding it back.”
“We cannot make saas-bahu dramas only,” lamented the actor further. “We make romantic dramas also. Different genres are given space [on television]. So this [DNUTN] should also be given a small space.”
Directing her comments towards PEMRA, Zaidi said: “I just want to ask PEMRA: ‘How can you do this?’”
The actor further said: “Other projects of mine have also previously received notices from PEMRA [Pyaar Ke Sadkay] but this one hurt more. It should not have happened. I was not happy with that.”
“Matlab kyun?,” she questioned, referring to the drama as a “very special project”.
Featuring Yasra Rizvi, Wahaj Ali, Nadia Afgan, Naumaan Ijaz, Omair Rana and Samiya Mumtaz besides Zaidi 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.
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.”
Read more – Omair Rana responds to PEMRA’s notice on ‘Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi’
Meanwhile, while talking about her character in the drama, Yumna said that she plays a prostitute and while shooting for the party scenes, she was very grateful that this wasn’t her “real life”.
“The feeling was so haunting. And I felt so sorry for those women who are entrapped in such lives,” said the actor. “But I am happy that I am portraying the character of such a woman, who fights the system and breaks free.”
The Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a notice to the makers of Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi and has directed TV One to review the drama’s content and modify it according to the regulatory body’s guidelines.
In a notification shared on social media, PEMRA said: “PEMRA has issued a notice to TV One over content televised in the drama serial Dil Na Umeed To Nahi.”
“The channel has been directed to follow the quality of censor, according to the rules,” it adds.
The notice further directed TV One’s administration to modify the content according to PEMRA’s Code of Conduct and submit a report regarding the editorial board within five days.
Featuring Yumna Zaidi, Yasra Rizvi, Wahaj Ali, Nadia Afgan, Naumaan Ijaz, Samiya Mumtaz, and Omair 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.
Read more – Of freedoms and censorship
Meanwhile, audiences have strongly criticised PEMRA’s notice and have called out the regulatory body for interfering unnecessarily.