Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed his grief over the death of Farooq Qaiser, the voice of the legendary fictional character Uncle Sargam.
“Saddened to learn of Farooq Qaiser’s death,” wrote the PM on Twitter. “He was not just a performer but would constantly raise awareness about social injustices and issues.”
“My condolences and prayers go to his family,” added the premier.
Saddened to learn of Farooq Qaiser’s death. He was not just a performer but would constantly raise awareness about social injustices and issues. My condolences and prayers go to his family.
Farooq Qaiser passed away on Saturday, May 14 after suffering a heart attack, his grandson Muhammad confirmed to Pakistan Television News (PTV).
According to his family sources, he had suffered a heart attack. His grandson Muhammad confirmed to PTV News, that Farooq Qaisar passed away soon after suffering the cardiac arrest. Our prayers with his family and loved ones on this tragic loss. pic.twitter.com/4M1xHoXraC
Besides PM Imran, other prominent personalities including Fawad Chaudhry, Humayun Saeed Adnan Siddiqui, Shaan Shahid, Ali Zafar and Maryam Nawaz also expressed their grief over the death of the legendary artist.
RIP Farooq Qaiser Sahib, A tribute by PM @ImranKhanPTI just reaffirms how big is the loss caused by the death of Farooq Qaiser, he relived centuries old craft of “PutliTamasha” and created unforgettable character of #UncleSargam … ll always be missed https://t.co/RPdVEHIu6i
Bidding farewell to a master craftsman. Farooq Qaiser sb changed the landscape of Pakistan Television through his breakthrough content. May Allah bless his soul
R I P ♥️ Farooq Sb we owe our childhood laughters to your craft .. indeed you will be missed sir. Our entire generation saw you through your characters and will never forget you♥️ ⭐️may ALLAH bless you and grant you a place in heaven ..♥️ pic.twitter.com/cb0i9jY4Hb
One of the most inspiring human beings I knew. A writer/artist that I had the privilege to meet at the President’s award ceremony just recently. Even sitting on his chair, he seemed taller than the rest with a look of eternal love and respect in his eyes. R.I.P #FarooqQaiserpic.twitter.com/jahO5bsdLI
Goodbye our dearest, Farooq Qaiser sahib. Thank you for giving so much to all of us. Your humour, your show kalian and all the reflection on our social and pilitical issues improved our quality of life. THANK YOU!#farooqqaisar#UncleSargampic.twitter.com/7NL69sCLHs
RIP Farooq Qaiser sb,His claim to fame was always “kaliyaan” and Uncle Sargam BUT his consistent yet undertone satirical thought process abt the socio-political culture of Pak was unmatched.”Hu-bahu”(sitcom) penned by him was one of my personal favourites. #FarooqQaiserpic.twitter.com/jcXlKzh8Cl
ہماری عُمر کے ہر شخص کے بچپن کے آئیڈیل ، طنز و مزاح کے بادشاہ انکل سرگم ۔۔۔فاروق قیصر صاحب سے بہت سیکھا ، کیا وضع دار ، منکسر المزاج اور بہترین شخصیت تھے۔ خُدا اُنہیں غریق رحمت کرے۔ آمین #UncleSargampic.twitter.com/zlQvxWta65
— Faisal Iqbal فیصل اقبال (@FaisalIqbalCric) May 14, 2021
#FarooqQaiser Sahab would be remembered for spreading smiles & laughter. This perhaps is the biggest service you can do to your fellow humans. Thank you for the beautiful, unforgettable childhood memories like Uncle Sargam. May Allah bless your soul. Prayers for the family pic.twitter.com/CEACkcoDLV
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 15, 2021
Born in 1945 in Sialkot, Farooq Qaiser was a renowned puppeteer, artist and columnist and was associated with PTV from 1976. Qaiser spent his early childhood in Peshawar and Kohat and in 1970 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore. Later he received a master’s degree in Graphic Arts from Bucharest, Romania in 1976 and also trained for puppetry there.
He also received his master’s degree in Mass Communication in 1999 from the University of Southern California, School for Communication and Journalism, United States.
With a prolific career, Qaiser was the recipient of the Pride of Performance Award (1993), the Lifetime Achievement Award (2010) and PTV’s Silver Jubilee Award besides many other national and international titles.
Rest in peace Uncle Sargam! You have been an important part of our childhood.
Azaan Sami Khan has released the music video for Tu, the second single from his debut album titled Main Tera. Featuring Mahira Khan, the song has been released under the banner of HUM Music.
The music video of the song has been made like a short film and is packed with special effects which are enhanced thanks to Mahira and Azaan’s sizzling chemistry. It shows a couple’s journey from early romance and infatuation to overwhelming feelings of love. Mahira is looking like a total diva in the video and the two are turning up the heat with their dance moves. The song is very upbeat and catchy and will have you tapping your feet.
Speaking about the song, Azaan in a statement said that the song “lyrically revolves around the stages of being in love, and the dilemma that comes with falling for somebody who you know isn’t good for you.”
The musician shared that Micheal Jackson’s Billie Jean was the inspiration for the track and that he wanted to do a “lyrically solemn song with an upbeat tune”.
While speaking about the music video, Azaan said: “It was basically delving into the stages of love you feel when you’re falling in love with somebody. So, you feel bigger than the world, and at times, you feel really small when the person completely controls you. You feel like you’re literally falling, and enjoying it.”
The music video for the song has been directed by Hassan Dawar and features tonnes of visual effects by The KROOT, an animation studio that has previously worked with international artists like Billie Eilish, Coldplay, and Travis Scott.
Meanwhile, Azaan’s debut album Main Tera includes nine songs, namely Maahiya, Dholna, Mein Tera, Jaadugari, Aashiqui, Ik Lamha, Meri Sajna Re feat. Ustaad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Zama, and Tu.
We rounded up a list of family-friendly movies you should NOT watch with the family, so here’s a list of films you can and should watch with the fam this Eid.
Cake
One of the best films to come out of the Pakistani entertainment industry, Cake perfectly highlights complex dynamics in family relationships. Featuring Sanam Saeed, Aamina Sheikh, Adnan Malik, Mohammad Ahmed, Beo Zafar Rana and Mikaal Zulfiqar in the lead, Cake follows a family who comes together when the family patriarch suffers from a heart attack, bringing to the front secrets that were best left in the past.
Teefa in Trouble
This comic caper has all the ingredients of a masala action comedy with some stunning cinematography, great songs and witty one-liners. Highly recommended.
Chupan Chupai
Another action-comedy, Chupan Chupai features Ahsan Khan, Neelam Muneer and Faizan Khwaja in the lead and follows three friends, Feddy (Zayed Sheikh), Koki (Ali Rizvi), and Teli who cross paths with Babu (Ahsan Khan) and his girlfriend, Pari (Neelam Muneer). A series of misadventures follow when they kidnap a minister’s son for a huge ransom. Though senseless at places, the film is a wild ride and will have you in fits.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
The third installment in the Jumanji franchise, the film focuses on a group of teenagers who come across Jumanji—now transformed into a video game—twenty-one years after the events of the 1995 film. They find themselves trapped in the game as a set of adult avatars, seeking to complete a quest alongside another player who has been trapped since 1996.
Dil Chahta Hai
A classic, Dil Chahta Hai is the coming of age story of three college friends who embark on different journeys yet remained bonded through their friendship. Featuring Aamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia and Preity Zinta, the film has been directed by Farhan Akhtar. Those going through transitional phases in their lives will have a lot to take away from the film.
3 Idiots
One of the best films to come out of Bollywood, 3 Idiots is about three friends and their antics in college life. While being highly entertaining, the film featuring Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor and Boman Irani, is also very thought-provoking. Don’t forget to keep a box of tissues nearby.
The much-awaited reunion special of Friends will premiere on HBO Max on May 27. Malala Yousafzai will also be making a guest appearance in the reunion episode among others. Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and K-Pop band BTS, British soccer star David Beckham and“Game of Thrones” actor Kit Harington will also be making a special appearance in the Friends reunion, Reutershas reported.
The reunion episode was originally announced in February 2020 and will star Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer together onscreen for the first time since the show wrapped in 2004.
Friends aired for ten seasons between 1994 and 2004. It was also nominated for 62 Primetime Emmy Awards and won the Outstanding Comedy Series award in 2002.
Like pretty much everyone else, we also spent Eid endlessly scrolling through our Instagram feeds and admiring some of the gorgeous outfits our favourite divas wore this Eid. And we have to say that most of them brought their A-game to the gram with some real drool-worthy look.
Yumna looked graceful in a green and gold outfit by Maha Wahajat Khan.
Ramsha Khan
Ramsha looked absolutely charming in a white and gold outfit by Khaadi. Love how she has added a pop of colour with those jhumkas.
Sarah Khan
How effortlessly elegant does Sarah look in this embroidered peshwas from Kanwal Malik? On a side note, we do wish her makeup was a little more natural.
Living through these testing times can take a toll on you mentally and with Eid this year being completely different than what it used to be in the past, The Current decided to round up a list of feel-good movies you can watch on Netflix for a short break from these bleak circumstances.
Note – Most of them are not recommended to be watched with the fam.
Check them out below:
Khoobsurat
Let’s face it. Fawad Khan has been missing from our TV screens for far too long which is why it is the perfect time to watch Khoobsurat. In Khoobsurat he plays a dashing nawab who is caught off guard when a clumsy girl comes to his palace to treat his father. The film is a treat for Fawad Khan fans as they get a chance to see the actor at his finest and shirtless too!
Miss Congeniality
This action-comedy follows Gracie Hart, a tomboyish detective, who goes undercover and participates in the Miss United States beauty pageant as a contestant after her department learns that the event is under threat from an anonymous bomber.
Leap Year
A delightfully entertaining rom-com about a woman who decides to propose to her boyfriend on February 29 after waiting years for him to pop the question. However, on her way to Ireland, a storm forces the flight to divert to Wales and land there. While Anna hires a boat to take her to Cork, she ends up at a small seaside village called Dingle because of the severity of the storm where she meets a handsome Irishman.
Holidate
Holidate follows two strangers who meet at a department store after Christmas and before New Year’s Eve and exchange their Christmas horror stories, which stem from them being single. When they realise that they both pretty much have the same problem, they decide that they’ve had enough of dating strangers or being single on holidays, and plan to become each other’s ‘holidates’ – meaning they will be each other’s dates on every holiday for as long as they’re both single. While their relationship is strictly platonic and comes a set of rules and no strings attached, who can control their heart?
Two people with completely different motives start dating each other to win their respective bets. Fireworks are bound to spark when this happens.
Always Be My Maybe
Two childhood sweethearts reconnect 15 years later. Although the old sparks are still there, the two live in different worlds.
Set It Up
Two overworked and underpaid assistants come up with a plan to get their bosses off their backs by setting them up with each other. If you need a break from work, this film is definitely one to watch.
Christmas Wedding Planner
A wedding planner is in the midst of planning her cousin’s lavish and exclusive wedding when a private investigator thwarts her plans and turns her world upside down. Watch for a warm, fuzzy feeling.
The Princess Switch 1 & 2
Another Christmas rom-com. This Vanessa Hudgens film will remind you of your teenage years and make you sigh.
The Perfect Date
A high school student creates an app to offer his services as a fake date to make money for college. However, his plans get complicated when he ends up falling for one of his dates. This film is witty, quirky and full of zest.
Ibiza
Ibiza follows Harper, a 30 year-old-single woman from New York who travels to Barcelona on a business trip, where she ends up hooking up with a famous DJ. Those missing their wild parties should definitely give this a watch.
Swiped
A popular college guy Lance and his nerdy roommate James, a college freshman, create the ultimate hook-up app and make lots of money from it. But when James discovers that his divorced mother is using the app, unexpected consequences follow.
Crazy Rich Asians
This film is the East Asian version of “Kya woh larki hamare sanskar aur hamari sanskriti samaj paegi” – I mean Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. But it’s a fun and easy watch with lots of grandeur.
Qarib Qarib Singlle
When two polar opposites, Yogi and Jaya, meet through a dating app, they rediscover themselves while they set out to revisit their past. A must-watch if you’re an Irrfan Khan fan.
I Feel Pretty
The film which deals with body issues will make everyone feel pretty by the end of it.
Game Night
The film follows a group of friends whose game night turns into a real-life mystery after one of them is kidnapped by apparent burglars. If dark comedy coupled with a mystery is your thing, you will certainly enjoy watching this.
Do you have any recommendations? Let us know in the comments.
With no Eid milan parties, a ban on travelling and Apa keeping a close eye on all the pappiyan and jhuppiyan, Pakistanis are left with no other choice but to enjoy Pakistani television in the comfort of their homes.
This is the second Eid ul Fitr we will be spending in unusual circumstances where we have to keep our masks on and social distancing in mind while staying at home as per the government lockdown rules. So why not use this time to bond as a family and watch a family entertainer together?
Pakistani entertainment channels have a string of telefilms and Eid special shows lined up for the holiday weekend. Here’s your ultimate guide to those:
Ary Digital
Bulbulay
Bulbulay will air on all three days of Eid-ul-Fitr at 6 PM with it’s regular cast.
The Eid special telefilm features Yasir Nawaz, Nida Yasir and Shaista Lodhi in lead roles. It also marks Nida’s return to acting after 10 years. Uff Ye Biwiyaan will air on the first day of Eid on ARY Digital at 7 PM.
Nazish Jahangir and Hammad Shoaib will be seen in supporting roles.
Telefilm Tameezuddin Ki Batamez Family will air on the second day of Eid at 7 PM. Directed by Iftikhar Iffi and written by Hassan Imam (Taana Baana), the telefilm will feature Hina Dilpazir, Saba Faisal, Sidra Niazi, Humayun Ashraf, Raeed Alam and Qavi Khan.
Watch 1970 A Love Story, featuring Asim Azhar, Urwa Hocane and Javed Sheikh, on the second day of Eid at 9 PM. Written by Mohsin Ali Shah, the telefilm has been directed by Badar Mehmood.
The newly married Nadia Khan returns to the screens with Dilruba Cottage which is scheduled to air on the third day of Eid at 7 PM. Besides Nadia, the telefilm will also feature Babar Ali, Saifee Hassan, Daniyal Afzal, Ali Rizvi and Sabeen Syed.
ARY Digital isalso airing its blockbuster movies on all three days of Eid. Jawani Phir Nahi Aani, Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Parey Hut love will be premiered on Eid’s day one to three respectively.
Hum TV
Do Batta Aath
The Eid Special Telefilm 2 Batta 8, featuring Maria Wasti and Ahmed Ali Butt with eight children, will air on the second day of Eid at 7 PM.
What happens when two people who despise each other end up together? Find out in Dil Ke Chor on the third day of Eid at 6 PM. Hania Aamir and Momin Saqib will be featuring in Shazia Wajaht’s directorial debut.
It will also be airing its blockbuster films Superstar and Parwaaz Hai Junoon on Eid day one and Eid day two respectively.
Geo Entertainment
Teri Meri Kahani
Teri Meri Kahani will air on the first day of Eid at 10 PM. Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi’s telefilm film will be introducing Ali Faizan and Saira Raza in leads alongside big names including Bushra Ansari, Javed Sheikh and Usman Peerzada.
Filmy Siyappa
Filmy Siyappa is scheduled to air on the second day of Eid at 9 PM. The unique and film love story features Muneeb Butt and Hina Altaf in the lead.
Zoya Ne Haan Kardi
Featuring Aagha Ali and Hiba Bukhari in lead roles, Zoya Ne Haan Kardi will be televised on the third day of Eid at 8:30 PM.
Meanwhile, feature Films including Donkey King, Wrong No. 1, Heer Maan Ja, Maan Jao Na, Balu Mahi, Chupan Chupai, Wajood, Khulay Aasman Kay Neechay and Mehrunisa V Lub U will also be televised during the Eid weekend. Check out the Eid schedule here:
Ellen DeGeneres, a staple of daytime American talk show culture, has said that she is ending her show after 19 seasons following allegations of toxic workplace, which DeGeneres says “destroyed” her. However, she insisted her decision to bring the curtain down on the daytime show named after her has nothing to do with allegations in the past year of a toxic workplace environment there, including bullying, racial discrimination and sexual harassment.
“When you’re a creative person, you constantly need to be challenged. And as great as this show is, and as fun as it is, it’s just not a challenge anymore,” DeGeneres told The Hollywood Reporter.
Earlier, in 2020 when complaints from staffers working on the show came out, DeGeneres acknowledged there were problems and pledged to do better.
“It almost impacted the show,” Ellen said. “It was very hurtful to me. I mean, very. But if I was quitting the show because of that, I wouldn’t have come back this season.”
DeGeneres is believed to have been considering ending the show for several years. In a 2018 New York Times profile, Ellen had revealed that her actress wife, Portia de Rossi, had been encouraging her to move on from the 180-shows-a-year gig, while her comedian brother, along with executives at Warner Bros., had urged her to continue. In the end, DeGeneres signed on for three more seasons but had decided that this contract — which would take her well beyond 3,000 shows, and a stunning 2,400 celebrity interviews — would be her last.
She is scheduled for a television interview with Oprah Winfrey on Thursday to talk about ending the program.
The final episode is scheduled for the spring of 2022.
The 63-year-old host, writer, producer, actress and comedian won dozens of Emmy awards for the show and has been a pioneer of the LGBTQ community in America since she came out as gay in 1997. That revelation shocked America and nearly doomed her career.
Eid this year will be different again due to rising cases of coronavirus and lockdown rules. However, this doesn’t mean that Eid will be boring. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts you should follow this Eid to remain safe and healthy and make the most of your holiday.
What you should NOT do this Eid
Don’t go outside
Stay indoors as much as possible don’t go outside and socialise. Meeting with friends or family or going into large gatherings can put you and your loved one’s health and life at risk. Find some activities to do indoors!
Do not hug
As Firdous Apa put it, “No Jhapiyaan and Papiyaans” this Eid. While we all are missing human touch and hugging our loved ones, what’s the point of doing so when it puts everyone at risk?
After fasting for almost a month, many people ending up overindulging and overeating on Eid. Experts suggest that we should give our bodies some time to adjust to the change and should take small meals.
What to DO this Eid
Spend time with your family
If there is one thing the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is the importance of family. Though we do miss going out, the lockdown is also a blessing in disguise as it allows you to spend time with your family. Spend quality time with the family by playing boardgames, cooking Eid dinner together or having a movie night.
Save your Eidi
If you are among the lucky ones who get Eidi, instead of spending all your Eidi on something insignificant save it for the future.
Dress Up
Staying indoors should not stop you from dressing up. Dress up in your favourite outfit, put on some makeup and take some fun pictures of yourself with your siblings and family. Check out this guide to taking Instagrammable pictures here.
Video call your loved ones
While we cannot meet our loved ones in person this Eid, we surely can talk to them over phone or over video call. Set up a Zoom meeting with your family across the world and engage with them. We promise that it will leave you with a fuzzy feeling.
Last but not the least, do whatever makes you feel good but stay safe, Eid Mubarak!
Maya Ali called out Kangana Ranaut for supporting Israeli forces’ brutality in Palestine.
Replying to Ranaut, The Teefa In Trouble star said: “I feel sorry for you. Get well soon Kangana Ranaut. One should have some humanity.”
Taking to Instagram stories, Bollywood’s Kangana expressed her views on the ongoing Israeli attacks, saying that “in the fight against radical terrorism India stands with Israel.”
She posted a series of pictures where she had written several statements supporting Israel’s stand in the entire incident.
The Israeli army bombed police headquarters and security buildings in Gaza. Authorities say 56 Palestinians were killed, including 14 children, since the escalation began.
On Monday, Israeli armed forces stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, ahead of a march by Zionist nationalists commemorating Israel’s capture of the eastern half of the city in 1967.
