Indian film director Rahul Dholaika considered top Bollywood actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Kaitrina for his film Raees, but none were the right fit. Instead, actress Mahira Khan caught his attention and was chosen to play Aasiya opposite Shahrukh Khan.
During his appearance as a guest on Mashable India, director Rahul Dholaika explained why he picked Mahira Khan for his film Raees.
“We wanted an 80s Muslim girl. Number one criteria is Hindi, secondly, her Urdu should have a little twang, if she has it, is even better. The other is she has to be innocent. Okay, now you have Shahrukh, who is 50, so you need someone whose screen age is 30-something or 35. You need somebody who is at least 30 plus or around 30 as an actress, now, an actress around 30 who is innocent. There are very few of them. There was Deepika, there was Kareena, and there was Anushka. So, there were these three or four heroines that were there.”
As the casting process went on, it became clear that finding an actress who fit all the requirements for Aasiya was not easy, Dholaika explained, saying, “So now, if you have these three or four heroines, then either they are too expensive, or the role is too small for them. So we went through that gamut, and we said, ‘Yeah, Sonam, Katrina,’ you know, went through the whole list of it. And then at the end of it all, we decided this is not working for us. If it’s working for Farhan, it’s not working for Shahrukh, it’s not working for Shahrukh and Farhan, not working for me. Now, you don’t want him to romance Alia, you know, or something like that. “
“I think Gauri’s mom had seen Mahira, and my mom had seen Mahira independently. I told the casting director, ‘Do you know her? What do you think of her?’ So, he said, ‘She’s here in BB Fashion.’ That’s how it happened,” the Raees director added.
Raees was released in 2017, with Shahrukh Khan, Mahira Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pawan Singh, Mohd Zeeshan Ayub, and Raj Arjun starring in the film.
Author: newsdesk
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Why Mahira Khan was picked over Kareena, Deepika, and Katrina for Raees
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TikTok partners with MLS for ‘Only Messi’ live stream
TikTok has partnered with Major League Soccer (MLS), making a bigger push into sports. The platform will livestream Inter Miami’s captain Lionel Messi through a player spotlight cam in the upcoming Miami final.
The cam will only capture Messi throughout the match.
As per TikTok:
“When Inter Miami CF begins its quest for the MLS Cup presented by Audi, the camera will be trained on Messi as he lights up the pitch. The Player Spotlight stream will live exclusively on @MLS and simulcast on @InterMiamiCF, beginning five minutes before kickoff. This will mark the first time TikTok has streamed an entire live soccer match with a single-player focus.”
This will be the first time that TikTok will cover the entire match, focusing on a single player. Fans will be able to watch live stream on the official TikTok profile of MLS.
Inter Miami will face the winner of the Eastern Conference Wild Card match, which is scheduled for October 22, 2024.
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Lahore becomes world’s most polluted city
Winter is coming back, and so is the smog in Punjab’s capital, Lahore. The Air Quality Index (AQI) depicts it as the world’s most polluted city, as per data released early on Tuesday.
Lahore has crossed the 400 US AQI mark which is a sign of air quality being hazardous, the worst possible.
Geo News reports that healthy air is below 50 US AQI, which measures PM2.5 particles. However, Lahore’s air is 80 times more polluted than a healthy level.
Direction of air flow changing
Environmentalist Yasir Hussain explained to Geo News, “With the season direction of air flows have changed. In winter, wind flows from Pakistan to India. Agricultural waste burning, vehicle exhaust and power production cause the most air pollution. Due to a slower pace of wind in winter, the polluted air stays in the city, combining fog and pollutants from burning into deadly smog.”
Classification of IQAir
According to AQIAir, 0-5 is considered “good”, 51-100 is considered “moderate”, 101-150 is “unhealthy for sensitive groups”, 151-200 is simply “unhealthy”, 201 – 300 is “very unhealthy” and more than 301 degrees indicates “hazardous”.
Other rankings
The second most polluted city on the list is New Delhi with a “very unhealthy” air quality.
Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, comes third.
Meanwhile, Karachi ranks 13th on the list of most polluted cities.
Despite the Punjab government’s desperate measures to fight off smog, Lahore has topped the list of most polluted cities the second time in a week.
The provincial government is deliberating the option of artificial rain in the province with a cost of Rs5 million to Rs7 million.
“Artificial rain will not be needed if we improve the environment through measures against smoke,” remarked Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
The AQI in Lahore crosses 1000 in December every year. -
ICC press release skips mention of Champions Trophy
A Board meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) was held in Dubai where a presentation detailed preparations for Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be played in Pakistan.
Later, the board issued a press release, but surprisingly, it did not mention Champions Trophy 2025, nor did it talk of any progress on the schedule of the event.
Indian Cricket Board and its secretary, Jay Shah, plan to keep the ICC chairmanship for six years.
Press Release Courtesy: ICC
The ICC decided to conduct the Associate Members Series to improve the quality of women’s cricket and also decided to increase the number of women’s teams in future ICC events. The ICC Board also approved the new Future Tour program of Women’s Cricket 2025-29.
The ICC press release said that the tenure of the ICC Chairman and Independent Director had been proposed to be increased from three years to six years.
In August, Jay Shah was elected unopposed as the president of the world governing body of cricket, ICC, which is likely to further strengthen India’s already ongoing monopoly on cricket.
Shah will take over the post in December this year from current chairman Greg Barclay who decided not to take up the post for the third time.
“I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and the member countries to promote the game at the global level further,” Jay Shah has remarked.
The ICC is the governing body of cricket and has more than 100 countries as its members. It is responsible for organizing global events such as the World Cup.
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Adnan Siddiqui calls out Bollywood’s ‘Ankhiyaan De Kol’ version: urges respect for Reshma Jee
Bollywood has once again been accused of copying a classic Pakistani song, and this time, Kriti Sanon is at the centre of the debate. The new song, Akhiyaan Nu Rehn De, from her latest film, ‘Do Patti’, is being compared to the iconic ‘Akhiyaan De Kol’, originally sung by the late Reshma.
Adnan Siddiqui expressed his utter disappointment over the newly-released remix version of the all-time classic song.
Siddiqui stated that this rendition of a classic that has been endeared for decades is being disrespected, adding that he wanted his opinion to be expressed on social media.
“Imitation may be flattering, but not when it’s at the expense of tearing apart a classic by a legend,” he said. “Show some respect to Reshma Jee and the legacy she left behind. That’s what her music commands, not to be reduced to just some sordid ripoff.”
The lyrics of the remake are written by Kausar Munir, and the song is sung by Shilpa Rao.
However, many fans feel that the magic of Reshma’s original has been lost.
Reshma has sung iconic songs such as Laal Meri, Hai O Rabba Nahion Lagda Dil Mera, and Lambi Judai. She died in November 2013 in Lahore after suffering from throat cancer for many years.
Kriti Sanon’s upcoming film, Do Patti, is directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi and written by Kanika Dhillon.
The film will be released on Netflix on October 25, 2024.
Do Patti’s cast includes Tanvi Azmi, Brijendra, Kala, Kajol, Kriti and Shaheer.
Here are some comments from fans who are not happy with this remake:
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Pakistan’s current account sees $119 million surplus in September
Pakistan’s current account saw a surplus of $119 million in September 2024, a notable improvement from the $218 million deficit in the same month last year, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
This marks second straight month of current account surplus, and it’s the biggest since March 2024.
The surplus for August 2024, which was initially reported around $75 million, was revised down to $29 million in the latest data.
In the first three months of the current fiscal year (3MFY25), the overall current account deficit stands at $98 million. This marks a significant 92 per cent reduction from the $1.241 billion deficit recorded in the same period in 2023.
Breakdown of September 2024
Trade (September 2024) Value (Sept 2024) Value (Sept 2023) Improvement Exports of goods and services $3.302 billion $2.999 billion +10% Imports of goods and services $5.574 billion $4.845 billion +15% Worker remittances $2.849 billion $2.209 billion +29% Exports: Pakistan’s total exports of goods and services reached $3.302 billion, a rise of over 10 per cent compared to $2.999 billion in September 2023.
Imports: Imports surged nearly 15 per cent year-on-year, reaching $5.574 billion in September 2024.
Worker remittances: Remittances amounted to $2.849 billion marking a 29 per cent increase compared to last year.
Reasons behind the improvement
The reduction in the current account deficit is partly due to not so impressive economic growth and high inflation, which have curbed demand for imports. The increase in exports, higher interest rates, and some import restrictions have supported the government’s efforts to narrow the deficit.
3MFY25 performance
From July to September 2024, exports totalled $9.4 billion, while imports reached $16.83 billion. Worker remittances during the same period were recorder at $8.79 billion, showing almost 39 per cent jump from the same period in 2023.
Why it matters?
The current account is a critical indicator for Pakistan’s economy. this is due to its reliance on imports. A widening deficit can weaken the Pakistani currency and deplete foreign exchange reserves, while a surplus helps stabilise both.
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‘Now I can’t imagine my life without her’: Gohar Rasheed spills the beans on his love life
Gohar Rasheed, one of the most talented actors, has taken fans by surprise with a confession about his personal life.
Recently, 365 News shared a teaser of Gohar Rasheed, on which he appeared on ‘After Hours’ with Ushna Shah, where he opened up his views on various issues as well as confessed love.
The host, Ushna Shah, asked, “Are you single?”
Gohar replied, “I am not single; she’s an amazing person, and now I can’t imagine my life without her.”
Jannat Se Agay, the actor, didn’t reveal the name of the girl in his life or whether she is also in the entertainment industry.
Earlier, Kubra Khan addressed rumours linking her to her close friend and seasoned actor, Gohar Rasheed, in a recent interview with a digital magazine.
Kubra discussed her relationship with Gohar and how she feels about the persistent rumours.
She remarked, “I’m used to it now. I’m wondering if it happens; you guys made it happen. I swear, you guys pushed it so much… But no, it doesn’t bother me anymore, to be honest, because it has been happening for eight years, and eventually now I’m like, yeah, whatever.”
Gohar Rasheed last starred in the drama serial Mann Jogi, written by Zafar Mairaj and directed by Kashif Nisar.
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Maya Ali shares clicks from UK trip
Actress and model Maya Ali has recently shared beautiful family pictures from her trip to the UK.
In her latest posts, Maya is seen enjoying quality time with her brother, sister-in-law and their adorable daughter.
The pictures capture the Yunhi actress in a relaxed and joyful mood as she creates lasting memories with her loved one.
She posted the pictures with the caption, “Strength, love and laughter ”
Maya Ali is currently starring in Sunn Mere Dil, written by controversial writer Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar and directed by Haseeb Hassan.
In the drama, Maya plays the character of Sadaf, along with Wahaj Ali who plays the character of Bilal Abdullah.
The drama airs every Wednesday and Thursday at 8:00 PM on Geo Entertainment.
Here are some comments from her fans:
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Adiala Jail authorities reveal Imran Khan’s food menu
The authorities in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi have disclosed the food which is being serving to the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan in jail, Geo News has reported.
The Adiala Jail authorities, in an official statement, claimed, “Khan’s breakfast consists of coffee, chia seeds, beetroot juice, yoghurt, chapati, biscuits and dates. For lunch, he is served traditional curry, local chicken, chapati, salad, green tea, and mutton.”
“Dinner includes porridge, coconut, coconut juice and grapes, all prepared under the supervision of an assistant superintendent,” jail authorities added.
They further stated that Khan’s professional cook, under strict supervision, prepares meals as per his choices in jail.
The clarification came after Barrister Gohar Khan, following his meeting with Khan in Adiala Jail, had mentioned alleged mistreatment towards the deposed Prime Minister.
Barrister Gohar had also alleged that electricity supply to Imran Khan’d cell was suspended for five days and that he was allowed only two and a half hours out of his cell.
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Nawaz recites poetry but butchers the sher; Maulana Fazlur Rehman corrects him
In a historic yet controversial move, the coalition government successfully passed the 26th Amendment on the dawn of October 21, aimed at judicial reforms, with the Prime Minister calling it a “historic achievement.”
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Nawaz Sharif was also present on the floor of the National Assembly. However, instead of giving a long speech, the former Prime Minister recited a couplet to express his feelings.
Addressing the floor, he said, “The suffering I’ve been subjected to at the hands of judiciary can only be described through this poetry: Naazo Andaaz se kehte hain ke jeena hoga, zehr bhi dete hain tu kehte hain ke peena hoga, jab main peeta hu tu kehte hain ke marta bhi nai aur jab main marta hu tu kehte hain ke jeena hoga.”
Nawaz sat down after reciting the stanza amidst smiles from lawmakers. However, in a funny turn of events, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazal ur Rehman, while laughing, addressed the floor: “ You [Nawaz Sharif] have quoted wonderful poetry, but you’ve made a mistake. The word ‘tu’ should never be added for emphasis because then the poetry gets ruined.”
The bill was initially presented in the National Assembly during a late-night session beginning at 11:36 PM, but it was extended past midnight, and the bill was finally passed at 5 AM.
The coalition government required 224 votes to pass the bill. As the voting began, 225 MNAs supported the motion, with 12 members from the PTI and the SIC opposing the motion.