Author: umair.abbas

  • Exclusive: Shahzeb Khanzada writes crime drama starring Saba Qamar, Faysal Quraishi

    Exclusive: Shahzeb Khanzada writes crime drama starring Saba Qamar, Faysal Quraishi

     Renowned journalist Shahzeb Khanzada is stepping into the entertainment world with his first ever scripted project.  

     The ace journalist, known for hosting Geo’s flagship Aaj Shazeb Khanzada Kay Saath, has penned a crime drama that promises suspense and intrigue.


     
     Known for his hard-hitting news coverage and sharp insights, Shahzeb is now exploring the art of storytelling in the world of television dramas. 

    Shahzeb’s first ever yet to be titled crime thriller is being produced by 7th Sky Entertainment and directed by Wajahat Hussain Syed. Sources confirms that Saba Qamar and Faysal Quraishi have joined the cast.


      
    The highly anticipated drama is set to air soon on Geo Entertainment, and viewers can’t wait to witness Shahzeb Khanzada’s thrilling debut in the entertainment industry. 


     
    Fans of Khanzada’s investigative reporting can now expect the same intensity and depth in his dramatic storytelling. 

    Wajahat Hussain Syed has directed popular dramas such as, Do Bol, Ishq Jalebi, Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3, Chaudhry and Sons, Khaie, and most recent Faraar.

  • Nadaan ends on a high note: Intense action and a powerful social message

    Nadaan ends on a high note: Intense action and a powerful social message

     HUM TV’s miniseries drama serial Nadaan concluded its impactful journey with an emotionally charged and thought provoking final episode.  


     Directed by Mehreen Jabbar and written by seasoned writer Saji Gul, the series tackled religious exploitation (Peeri – Mureedi), mob violence and intolerance and metal health, corruption in police and politics, drug addiction and trafficking.  

      The last episode showcased Dr. Tabeer as Ramsha Khan, escaping a life threatening situation.

    After being falsely accused and targeted by a mob, she is rescued by the police, ensuring a safe return to her job. 

    This particular scene not only brought relief to viewers but also highlighted the triumph of justice in the face of chaos.

    SHO Haider, portrayed by Ahmed Ali Akbar, emerged as a symbol of integrity, as he was promoted for his unwavering dedication to upholding the law.


    What made Nadaan truly stand out was its ability to address multiple issues without overwhelming the audience. 

    The drama boldly portrayed the harsh realities of politics, corruption in the police force, and the challenges faced by girls in accessing education.

    Despite its serious and sensitive themes, Nadaan also offered moments of hope and redemption. 

    A standout moment was when Tayyab, played by Kashif Hussain, responsible for much of the chaos in Jam Nagar, was saved, rescued from a mob’s anger due to Safiya Subhan’ s calm intervention at the hospital.

    The scene powerfully showed how lies and hatred can be countered by rational voices, sending a strong and meaningful message.


    The final scenes, where Tayyab faces the mob and the police intervene just in time to save Dr. Tabeer, were among the most powerful moments of the drama.

    The performances in Nadaan were nothing short of remarkable. 

     Ramsha Khan, Ahmed Ali Akbar delivered compelling portrayals of their characters.

    The stellar and brilliant performance by both of them brought the story to life.


     
    A special shout out to Bakhtawar Mazhar for her standout role as Safiya Subhan.

    Her character’s strength and determination were key to some of the drama’s most impactful moments.   

    Equally impressive was Kashif Hussain, whose nuanced performance added depth to his role, making each of his appearances memorable.   

    His character was as powerful as the antagonist, who is always spelling trouble around Jam Nagar Karachi.  


    Hammad Shoiab also left a mark as Dr Usama, and his character was well defined. 


    Overall Nadaan was a well-crafted drama by Saji Gul not only reflecting the issues troubling society but also a call for change.  


    With its strong performance, sharp writing and direction, it has left an indelible mark. Kudos to the entire team of Nadaan for bringing relevant story to life.

    Nadaan is a reminder of the power of storytelling to address the most important issues we face, and it has set the bar high for future dramas. Saji Gul deserves credit for bringing this amazing story to life, always comes different and write about the societal issues.  


    Special credit goes to producer Sultana Siddiqui for selecting this script and to Mehreen Jabbar who brilliant direction created magic brought this project life in such an impactful way.

  • Outstanding performances and intense drama make Faraar a riveting watch

    Outstanding performances and intense drama make Faraar a riveting watch

    The new drama, Faraar, is a thriller filled with unexpected twists, intense moments, and some out-of-the-box characters. Its first episode aired indicates that it does not have a typical storyline – it is packed with action, hard-hitting storylines and shocking moments that keep you glued to your screen.     

    The drama unfolds a story of six characters, Batish (Hamza Ali Abbasi), Nazish (Sohai Ali Abro), Fasih (Batish), Saadia (Mamya JSK), Babrik (Danyal Zafar) and Zhalay (Meerub Ali) – all of whom come from different walks of life yet carrying their burdens on their shoulders. They’re all trying to escape their pasts, driven by guilt and secrets.

    Faraar is written by Mustafa Afridi, a talented writer known for his ability to tackle complex social issues. His latest work in the drama serial ‘Zard Patton Ka Bunn’ directed by Saife Hassan, showcased his skill in creating intricate characters while addressing important societal topics like Child labour, girl education and overpopulation.

    In Faraar, however, Afridi brings depth and intrigue to the story by bringing themes of freedom, guilt and the search for redemption. 

    His portrayal of characters trying to escape their pasts highlights the struggles many face in real life, making the drama both relatable and thought-provoking. 

    Mustafa Afridi has primarily collaborated with director Saife Hassan on projects like Sang-e-Mar Mar, Sang-e-Mah, Ehd-e-Wafa, and Zard Patton ka Bunn. The drama serial Faraar, therefore, marks a shift, as it is directed by Musadiq Malik and Syed Wajahat Hussian. Their direction adds a fresh twist to Afridi’s script, and it hits the right cord because of the gripping execution.
     


    From the very first scene of the episode, we see Ahmed Ali Akbar as Fashih, a suspended yet fearless police officer who remains committed to doing what’s right. His character brings a certain intensity to the screen in another drama that airs on HUM TV in which Ahmed Ali Akbar plays the same character of a police officer as SHO Jam Nagar, but in Nadaan, he is not suspended.


     
    Then there’s Hamza Ali Abbasi as ‘Batish,’ the hitman (Gunda), with a surprisingly soft side. Batish appears so awkward around Sadia, played by Mamya JSK, especially when he tries to hide his crush, which is both cute and funny. The general store owner’s funny guess about Batish’s next move was a nice, light moment before things got serious.


      
    Danyal Zafar, who plays the character ‘Babrik’, enters the scene, easily irritated by his rival Suleman in Swabi. But what truly stands out in this episode is Hasan Noman, who steals the show as the local Pathan.

    His scene, lounging on a charpaye and commenting on Babrik’s rude behaviour, is so authentic and engaging that you can’t help but appreciate how perfectly he plays the role. Hassan Noman was the last to star in Khaie, where he portrayed the character Pathan.


     
    The most powerful moment goes to Sohai Ali Abro as Nazish, a character caught in a terrible situation. When she’s bound to a chair and threatened with acid and violence over a suspected affair, the tension is almost unbearable.

    Her pain, facial expression, and the harsh domestic violence of the scene make it horrible and terrifying. Also, Nadia Jamil’s character is outstanding; her dialogue delivery and facial expressions were all on point, as she is playing a negative character, but she did very well.

      
     Tanveer Hussain, a seasoned actor from PTV, is also seen in Faraar. After Zard Patton Ka Bunn, Gentlemen, and Mann Jogi, he is now a new character in Faraar.

    In the cast, Noor-ul-Hassan is also seen playing a professor, Hamdani, who dared to speak against a powerful and corrupt politician.

  • Young Stunner makes history as first Pakistani duo to perform at a Billboard event

    Young Stunner makes history as first Pakistani duo to perform at a Billboard event

     

    In a thrilling development for the Pakistan music industry, Young Stunner, a duo featuring Talha Anjum and Talha Yonus, has made history by becoming the first Pakistani artist to perform at the prestigious Billboard event in Melbourne, Australia.

    The two artists are rising stars in the Urdu hip-hop scene, and this monumental achievement marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s growing influence on the global music stage. 

     

    Billboard is an American music magazine widely recognized as a global authority on music rankings, trends, and industry news. 

    Known for its iconic charts, including the Billboard Top 100 songs, the platform has been a driving force in the music world for over a century.   

    Artists worldwide aspire to see their songs top these rankings, which are based on a combination of factors like chart performance, streaming numbers, and sales.

    Young Stunner’s performance in Melbourne will, therefore, be not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for the entire Pakistani music industry. 

    Known for their unique style and blend of Urdu hip-hop, Stunner’s music is now gaining global recognition.

    Though the country’s music scene has not yet reached the same level of global recognition as some other countries, the rise of artists like Young Stunner is changing that. 

    Earlier, Young Stunners’ upcoming performances was in Delhi on December 25, Bengaluru on December 21, and Mumbai on December 13. Skill Box is in charge of organizing the tour and has started accepting pre-registrations for concert tickets, giving priority to those who purchase them early.

    However, the rappers have not announced the tour on their social media and have only updated it with updates about their tours in Australia and Canada. 

    And some Indian social media users are criticizing the event by reposting previous tweets from Talha Anjum’s accounts, which allegedly made fun of Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan, attacked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and called for the independence of Kashmir from Indian rule.
     
     In an Instagram post, Yunus not only revealed the album cover but also shared the tracklist, featuring exciting collaborations. 

    Among the ten tracks, one standout is his reunion with Young Stunners partner Talha Anjum on the track ‘Don’t Care.’ He also collaborates with Shareh and JJ47 on tracks ‘Bol’ and ‘Take Your Time,’ promising a mix of sounds and styles.

    Yunus’s latest solo comes after previous collaborations, including his recent work with singer Asim Azhar in the album ‘Bematlab’. Yunus and Azhar were featured on the track ‘Karma. ‘ 

    The singer took to Instagram to show appreciation for Yunus’s new album.


    In 2023, the Karachi-based duo marked a milestone by going on to perform at the same festival as famous American rapper Travis Scott.

    “This is some next-level achievement for us. We desi boys are coming back on March 11, 2023. Show your maximum love, blessings, and support to us by getting tickets!” wrote the ‘Maan Meri Jaan’ rapper, expressing happiness for South Asian artists gaining global recognition.

  • THAT shirt scene in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum fans can’t get over

    THAT shirt scene in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum fans can’t get over

    Fahad Mustafa’s return to television after 10 years with Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum has been a massive hit. The serial has enthralled audiences across the globe, creating a fanatic fan base. 

    One moment that fans can’t stop talking about is the iconic “shirt scene”. 

    Fahad portrayed Mustafa, a character with a funky and laid back fashion sense. A unique twist in the story delighted viewers when his on screen wife, Sharjeena, began borrowing his oversized shirts to wear at home.

     During a recent appearance on Something Haute hosted by Hassan Choudhry, Fahad Mustafa revealed the story behind the iconic shirt scene from Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.

    The host asked, “The idea of creating highly realistic characters and showing Hania and you switching outfits, whose idea was that?”

    Fahad replied, “You know, intimacy has its own heights, we’re quite restricted when it comes to television, and many scenes that we showcased were innocent and very cute. There wasn’t a cringe worthy moment or anything that would make you feel uncomfortable.” 

    “We thought, what could be the height of romance? If you’re truly in love with someone, what would you do, but then again, how could we show that? We can’t dance or do much else here. I think the maximum we could do was hold hands, and that’s about it,” he observed.

    The Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actor shared how the beloved shirt scene came to life. 

    “There’s a scene where she comes out of the bathroom, and I ask her, ‘What are you doing?’ We decided to just play with it. What I liked most was how the audience connected. If you show them things that happen to them or things that are normal, that’s where the romance lies. Romance isn’t about descending from helicopter with flowing hair,” Fahad Mustafa laughingly said.

    In the same interview, he also talked about his favorite scene from Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.

    Talking about his favorite scene from Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, Fahad Mustafa said, “The scene between Sharjeena and Mustafa that I like the most is the last scene, I really love that scene, and no one could have made that last scene, no one could have thought of it, no one could have created it.”

     The Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actor didn’t hold back when talking about the hurdles he faced as a producer and actor. He expressed frustration about how money often overshadows the creative process.

    “I was a bit angry during the production of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. When I talked to anyone, all they were focused on was how much money they will make. I know that I would earn a lot of money from this drama, a lot of money, but it’s not about money. In any project, you have to be fully involved. If it doesn’t make any difference, there’s no benefit,” Fahad said

  • Zard Patton Ka Bunn finale brings Justice and happy endings

    Zard Patton Ka Bunn finale brings Justice and happy endings

    Zard Patton Ka Bunn, a collaboration between HUM TV and the Kashf Foundation, ended on a touching note that left viewers feeling emotionally satisfied. The last episode highlighted the character’s challenges and success while delivering strong messages about empowerment and resilience.

    Meenu stated, “The first condition is totally new brand new, especially for you. If you want to marry me, then not only will you have to teach me, but you will also have to bear all the expenses of my medical education. When I can earn, I will return all your money and will settle the account.”

    She also showed her independence by saying, “Until I don’t complete my education, you and your family will not pressure me to give birth to children. I will have children as per my desire and will. If my physical and mental health allows me to, and if it’s not suitable, then I will adopt a child who has been deprived of a mother’s love.” This term and conditions not only emphasized her commitment to her career but also highlighted the importance of personal choice in family planning.

    The message delivered by Sartaj Chahchi, a pivotal character in the drama, resonated deeply, “Until the population is not controlled, no one will be able to progress, population is even a bigger problem than employment. Our elders have said to live within the available resources. Give birth to as many kids as you can raise and educate. People give birth to kids but can’t feed them. First, parents ruin their kids’ childhood, and then masters exploit the children.”

    The drama also highlighted the importance of justice as Nasreen played by Samiya Mumtaz and her children stood strong while fighting against her husband’s wrongdoings. Rani was accused of child labor by a landlord’s family and she was badly beaten before dying of her injuries.

    Meanwhile the chairman of Qaiser Klan, Malik Nadir, portrayed by Rehan Sheikh, broke free from a cycle of bad behavior and gunda gardi of his father, giving hope for a better future.

    Sajal Aly and Hamza Sohail, who played these roles, delivered powerful performances that captured the vulnerability and happiness of their characters, providing the audience with sweet moments to cherish.

    Sajal Aly consistenly chooses strong scripts and prover her talent through brilliant acting.
    There’s no doubt that Aly is one of the finest actresses in our entertainment industry.
    I want like to appreciate Tanveer who has justified his role, and performed brilliantly. He was not the perfect man but he was the perfect father to his daughter, supporting her in every situation.

    Compounder Chahcha Afzal Khan was one of those in Meenu story and apart from powerful presence he himself has a beautiful story in a wonderful performance by Ali Tahir.

     

    The last episode featured a powerful message from the Kashf Foundation and Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s daughter Muneeza. Both delivered touching messages about children’s rights alongside and recited her father’s poem,

    ‘Yeh daagh daagh ujala, yeh shab gziida sehar
    Woh intezaar tha jiska, yeh woh sehar toh nahi
    Yeh woh sehar toh nahi,
    Jiss ki aarzoo le kar
    Chalay the yaar ke mil jaaye gi kahin na kahin’

    Roshanay Zafar’s appearance to deliver a call to action added urgency to the message.

    The drama wrapped up with dignity, tackling complex social themes in a relatable and heartfelt manner.

    Writer Mustafa Afridi and director Saife Hassan worked tighter to create a story that combined emotional depth with social commentary, making the character’s strength and flaws impactful.

    Overall, Zard Patton Ka Bunn will be remembered for effectively addressing important issues while captivating viewers with its touching story.

  • AUR decodes lyrics of KMKT OST ‘Chal Diye Tum Kahan’

    AUR decodes lyrics of KMKT OST ‘Chal Diye Tum Kahan’

     

    AUR the band, including Ahad, Usama and Raffey, are behind the beautiful song ‘Chal Diye Tum Kahan from the drama serial Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, and they have shared insights about the deeper meaning of their hit OST.
     
    The band recently appeared as a guest on Fuchsia Magazine, where Usama, a member of the band, explained that many people might not fully understand the song’s story.
     
    “One thing I want to discuss about the song is the concept behind it, m. Many people haven’t fully grasped that part yet,” he said.

    “From the beginning to the end, it’s a continuous narrative. Initially, even Ahad Bhai wasn’t aware of this concept. He brought in some different elements, and then we worked together to refine them and write the final version,” he added.
     
    Usama elaborated on how the song features a back-and-forth dialogue between the boy and girl characters. For instance, the boy expresses his longing with the lines:
     
    Ek umeed tujhse thi judi, aur aaya tu nahin,

    To which the girl respond: Ek umeed teri mujhse, thi judi ye maan li

    The dialogue in the lyrics continues, revealing their emotional depth as the boy says, “Khawaab tha mera tou fir mujhe jagaya kyun nhi”, which is met with the girl’s reply, “Jaagi khwaab se to, Haqeeqat ne meri jaan li.”

    Usama urges fan to listen closely to the song, highlighting that it is not just about memorable lines but about the powerful dialogue and the raw emptions exchanged between the characters.
     

    The OST of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum is sung and written by Ahad Khan and Usama Ali and composed by Raffey Anwar. The drama is written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Badar Mehmood.

    In Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, Fahad Mustafa plays the character of Mustafa, and Hania Aamir plays the character of Sharjeena. The drama airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:00 PM on ARY Digital.

  • Snoop Dogg posts video of desi dance party

    Snoop Dogg posts video of desi dance party

    American music legend Snoop Dogg is back at it again, and this time, he’s blending his signature style with some desi flavor.

    The legendary rapper recently shared a video on his Instagram account with the caption, “When all the cuzzins get 2gether ,” accompanied by the song “Do It (Let Me See You Shake).”

    The video, which features people dancing to the infectious beat of the track, seems to have been shot in a lively, vibrant setting. While there’s no confirmation, netziens suggest it is from Afghanistan.

    In the video, people are seen dancing wildly, with energy and joy that’s hard to miss.

    Whether it’s in the streets of Afghanistan or anywhere else, the beat moves everyone.

  • Honey Singh reignites feud; trolls Badshah for rapping skills

    Honey Singh reignites feud; trolls Badshah for rapping skills

    The ongoing rivalry between Yo Yo Honey Singh and _ is back in the spotlight. The two Indian rappers, who were once part of the group Mafia Mundeer, came at odds after Badshah left the group in 2009, claming that Honey Singh was more focused on his solo career and not giving credit to others.

    On October 17, Honey Singh posted a promo video on Instagram stories from Indian Idol season 15, where Badshah showed off his freestyle rap skill with Vishal Dadlani and Shreya Ghoshal.

    Bashah confidently sang, “Dilli ka golgappa, Mumbai se bhelpuri, Chandigarh ki lassi ko gadd gadd pi jaate hai.”
    Singh couldn’t resist adding his own comment, joking, “Aise lyrics likhwane hai bass taqdeer ban jayegi meri .”

    The two rappers parted ways in 2009 because of a mysterious feud. Badshah made digs at Singh in his songs, which made things worse. Even though Honey faced a health problem that paused his career, he seems to still hold onto their past issues.

    In a recent interview with The Lallantop, host Saurabh Dwivedi asked, “Was Badshah a part of Mafia Mundeer?”

    Honey replied, “No, he is not a talent which is picked up from the street, he is a son of a high ranking officer, who already has money and doesn’t need a small platform like Mafia Mundeer.”

    The host again asked, “Are the differences still not resolved between the two of you?”

    “You get upset with your loved ones, not with a client, he was just a client for me”, Singh replied.
    “I wish him best of luck.”

    What is Mafia Mundeer?

    Mafia Mundeer was a group formed in mid-2000, consisting of five members Honey Singh, Raftaar, Ikka, Badshah and Lil Golu. The group delivered serval hit songs such as Gabru, Haye Mera Dil,Glassi, Get Up Jawani, and Siftaan.

    Why Mafia Mundeer broke up:

    The breakup stemmed from disagreements and clashing ambitions. As the group gained fame, the tension grew, and soon members started leaving.

    Currently, Badshah is a judge on Indian Idol season 15, which airs on Sony Entertainment.

    Yo Yo Honey Singh is known for many hits including Millionaire, Jatt Mehkma High on Me, Lapata, Caliente, Sheeshe Wali Chuni, Blues Eyes, Angrezi Beat.

    Recently, Honey Singh released his new album ‘Glory’.

    He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction; he publicly revealed that he struggled with bipolar disorder for around 18 months, during which he experienced extreme mood swings and periods of deep depression.

  • English vlogger  rates this Pakistani dish as best in the world

    English vlogger rates this Pakistani dish as best in the world

    English travel vlogger and digital content creator Harry Jaggard has been travelling across the world to try different national dishes.

    His fun videos not only show mouth-watering food but also help people learn about different cultures through them. In his latest video, he explored Pakistan and tried a very popular dish called nihari.

    “Pakistani nihari is traditionally served with naan or paratha, nihari was originally a dish served to the royalty in the Mughal court and was eaten, early in the morning, after the Fajr prayer,” he said.

    After tasting the nihari, Jaggard was amazed by the flavours and gave it an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. He added, “I am going rate this nihari 9.6 out of 10.

    What is Nihari? Nihari is a stew that comes from Lucknow, a city in India; it was popular during the Mughal Empire in the 18th century.Nihari is made by slow cooking of meat. People usually use beef, lamb, or mutton.In Pakistan and Bangladesh, people often eat nihari with naan, a type of flatbread.

    In addition to nihari, Harry tried other national dishes from around the world he rated: Khichi from India at 9.3, Turkish Kebeb from Turkey at 9.2, The Afghan Grill from Afghanistan at 9.5 and Masgouf from Iraq at 9.3.

    These ratings show the delicious variety of food available globally, but nihari stood out in his tasting adventure. If you are in Pakistan and you want to try nihari, check out these famous places:

    Muhammad Nihari House (Lahore)Javed Nihari (Karachi) Al Qamar Nehari (Multan) Majeed Nihari (Rawalpindi)

    As Harry continues to find the best national dishes, his praise for Pakistani nihari will encourage more people to try this finger-licking dish.