Author: umair.abbas

  • Indian actress Kani Kusruti shows support for Palestine at Cannes Film Festival

    Indian actress Kani Kusruti shows support for Palestine at Cannes Film Festival

    Indian actress Kani Kusruti made a powerful statement at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France on Thursday where she attended the premiere of All We Imagine as Light’.On the red carpet, she carried a special handbag shaped like a watermelon, which represents support for the Palestinian people. 

      The watermelon has become a symbol of the Palestinian flag and solidarity with the Palestinian people.For the first time in thirty years, an Indian film has been chosen for the Cannes Film Festival with ‘All We Imagine As Light’, directed by Payal Kapadia.  The film’s world premiere received an eight-minute standing ovation, and it has been praised for its fresh and emotional storytelling, as well as its portrayal of urban connection and unexpected sisterhood.

    The film is nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. Kusruti chose to show support for Palestine even as Israel’s genocide in Gaza continues while Hollywood celebrities have been criticised for their silence on the matter.

  • ‘I refused anti-state roles’; Sajid Hasan on Bollywood offers

    ‘I refused anti-state roles’; Sajid Hasan on Bollywood offers

    Veteran actor Sajid Hasan was invited as a guest on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast ‘Excuse Me’.

    During the recording, Sajid discussed his relationship with Sahira and Rahat Kazmi on the ground-breaking series ‘Dhoop Kinare’, which was a major turning point in his career.

    He also discussed declining parts that would have encouraged an anti-Indian attitude.
    Speaking about the reasons behind his dislike of actors portraying anti-state roles, he said, “I’m disappointed with Tiger 3, which I’m currently watching, as it contains harmful stereotypes and biased content against Pakistan. I strongly dislike this approach and believe it’s unfair to actors. Even when I was new to the industry and faced pressure to play such roles, I’ve always rejected them. I believe our relationships with people from other countries should be respectful and positive, even if we disagree with their views. Moreover, I urge Pakistanis to appreciate the freedom we have, which was fought for by Quaid E Azam, and recognize the value of living without oppression, as I personally experienced suffocation during my time in India.”

  • Which films are releasing in cinemas this Eid ul Azha?

    Which films are releasing in cinemas this Eid ul Azha?

    This Eid ul Azha, there are three exciting Lollywood films set to hit cinemas. Many people eagerly wait for Eid to enjoy a day out with family and friends at the movies. Unlike Eid Ul Fitr, which had only one Pakistani film, ‘Daaghabaazdil,’ this time we have three options to choose from. Additionally, ‘JEE Ve Sonheya,’ featuring Imran Abbas and Indian actress Sim Chahal, was initially banned but later released after Eid.

    UmroAyyar – A New Beginning

    This upcoming Pakistani fantasy film is about Umro, a character from the classic Urdu novel.
    Cast: Ali Kazmi, Farhan Tahir, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Manzar Sehbai, Sana Fakhar, Sanam Saeed, Simi Raheal, Usman Mukhtar. The genre of the film is sci-fi movie. It is directed by Azfar Jafri and produced by VR Chili Production.

    Abbhi

    Humza, a young Kashmiri boy, flees to AJK with his brother after their father’s death and pursues his passion for music in Muzaffarabad, but struggles with haunting childhood memories. A chance encounter with a Lahori tourist, Zara, encourages him to move to Lahore to chase his dreams and overcome his past. The film is directed by Asad Mumtaz and produced by Ali Chaudhry, Gohar Mumtaz, and Muhammad Waleed Abbas. The screenplay is written by Shoiab Rabbani. The genre of the film is drama.
    Cast:
    Gohar Mumtaz, Hareem Farooq, Hina Bayat, Kubra Khan, Mahmood Aslam, Shahzad Nawaz, Usman Peerzada

    Bhediya: A scientist’s theory

    The film suggests that humans evolved from animals, but today’s humans quickly revert to animalistic behavior, forgetting their values. ‘Bhediya’ tells the story of one such person who seeks revenge, blurring the lines between humans and animals. This individual’s quest for inner satisfaction transforms them into a ‘Bhediya’, losing their human identity. It is directed by Shahzad Billa and the screenplay is written by Tofiqe Shah, produced by Mukhtar Ahmad Khawaja. The gernre of the film is action and adventure.
    Cast: Ali Khan, Baba Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Shafqat Cheema, Shahzad Billa, Sidra Noor, Sumaira Saghir, Syed Amar

  • Imran’s Ashraf heartwarming gesture for a special fan wins hearts

    Imran’s Ashraf heartwarming gesture for a special fan wins hearts

    Actor and model Imran Ashraf, host of ‘Mazaq Raat Season 2’, invited Sarwat Gilani as a guest on his show. During the episode, Imran had a sweet interaction with a special child in the audience who has Down Syndrome.

    She became Imran’s fan after she watched his drama ‘Ranjha Ranjha Kardi.’ Imran invited her on stage so they could meet, and it was a heartwarming moment.
    Her mother came on stage to help interpret what she was saying. The host then asked, “What do you like, Zona?” The girl replied, “You look very lovely.”

    She requested that Imran Ashraf say the famous line of the Bhola character, ‘Mazay mazay,’ and he fulfilled her request.
    She talked to all the other members of the show and even invited them for a meal.
    In the end, Imran said, “May Allah keep you happy, you are very dear, I have never seen such lovely eyes as yours.”

  • Talat Hussain’s daughter opens up about father’s dementia diagnosis

    Talat Hussain’s daughter opens up about father’s dementia diagnosis

     

    Tazeen Hussain, the daughter of veteran actor Talat Hussain, has opened up about the family’s struggle with her esteemed father’s dementia.

     

    During an appearance on ‘Gup Shup with FUCHSIA’, she shared that her father is suffering from dementia now and asked for prayers.

     

    She talked about the difficulties her mother had to go through after her father’s diagnosis. Her mother used to be a full-time professor and a highly independent woman, but she is now the celebrated actor’s primary caregiver, with help from the entire family.

     

    She said that, “My father’s doctor advised me to care for my mother too and ask her how she is feeling as well.”

     

    Talking about how our behaviours towards medical conditions have changed, Tazeen said “When I was a kid, I saw older family members with dementia, but back then, people didn’t know what it was called. They were treated normally, and families just adjusted to their condition. Nowadays, people become more clinical when diagnosing this, and we need to return to some of the old ways of dealing with it.”

     

  • What makes Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar’s 40-Year marriage so successful?

    Indian icon Shabana Azmi has revealed the secret to her successful marriage with renowned poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar. 
    “Even though we’re busy and have different schedules, we don’t meet often. But our similar backgrounds and thoughts keep us connected,” the Bollywood thespian said.

    “Our fathers were both poets and communists from Uttar Pradesh, which creates a strong bond between us,” Shabana said, adding that people always assumed their marriage was arranged due to these similarities. However, Javed believes that their limited meetings are the key to their successful marriage.

    Shabana and Javed got married in December 1984 and are nearing their 40th wedding anniversary. Before marrying Shabana, Javed was wed to Honey Irani in 1972 and had two children, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, before they separated in 1985. Shabana is the daughter of the famous poet and intellectual Kaifi Azmi.

  • Why Zahid’s Ahmed initially said no to ‘Jaan Se Pyara Juni’

    Why Zahid’s Ahmed initially said no to ‘Jaan Se Pyara Juni’

    Actor and model Zahid Ahmed is currently working on two dramas titled ‘Jaan Se Pyara Juni’ on Hum TV and ‘Gentleman’ on Green TV.
    In an interview with VOA Urdu, he said, “I rejected the role of ‘Juni in Jaan Se Pyara’ several times. I like playing complex characters like the ones in ‘Besharam’ and ‘Ishq Zah e Naseeb’ because there’s a lot to discover. Roles like Juni are difficult because they’re very realistic, without any added drama. Even though I said no many times, director Meer Sikandar persuaded me to take on the challenge.”

    In ‘Jaan Se Puara Juni’ Zahid plays a very straightforward and simple role.The drama cast includes The Hira Mani, Mamya Shajaffar, Faiq Khan Faiza Hassan and Omer Shehzad.

  • Humayun Saeed is back in Gentleman and fans are here for it

    Humayun Saeed is back in Gentleman and fans are here for it

    The first episode of the drama ‘Gentleman’ aired on Green Entertainment and it’s already getting rave reviews.
    ‘Gentlemen’ is written by Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar and features Humayun Saeed, who is coming back to TV, after five years. His last drama was the iconic ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’.

    In the first episode, fans loved the way it was filmed and how the director captured the environment. Humayun Saeed’s acting as Munna was very well received, with fans saying it was very natural.

    The drama is directed by Haissam Hussain and produced by Samina Humayun Saeed and Sana Shahnawaz. The drama stars include well- known Pakistani actors like Zahid Ahmed, Sohai Ali Abro, Ahmed Ali Butt, Adnan Siddiqui, Khalid Anam, Saqib Sameer, Fahima Awan and Yumna Zaidi.

    The story is about Munna, who is a troublemaker on the streets. He falls in love with Zarnab, a journalist who criticises people like him. Munna wants to win her heart, so he goes against his own gang, which is led by his older brother Rehmati. Their relationship goes through ups and downs, with Zarnab realizing that the real bad guys aren’t people like Munna, but people who use them for their own benefit.

    Here are some comments from fans:

  • Zard Patton Ka Bunn: First Episode takes you to village life

    Zard Patton Ka Bunn: First Episode takes you to village life

     

    Zard Patton Ka Bunn is a new drama on Hum TV, a high-end production with an amazing cast.Sajal Aly and Hamza Sohail are playing the main roles in the Mustafa Afridi script, directed by Saife Hassan.ard Patton ka Bunn’s debut episode aired yesterday night, and so far, people are loving it.

     

    Sajal Aly, who is playing the character of Meenu, portrays a strong young women who is worried about her matric results. The story takes place in a village Keser Kallan. Molvi (Yousaf) sahab broadcasts pleas for money through speakers after the mosque’s generator broke down, saying “Kukron ka dangal.’ (Cockfighting) is haram activity. Hamza Sohail plays Nofil, who is a doctor.

     

     

    When it comes to the drama, it is really different from the typical love story which we see mostly in Pakistani dramas. The entire episode was really exciting and funny too. It seems like a decent place to start for the serial.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Laapataa Ladies review: What a fun ride

    Laapataa Ladies review: What a fun ride

    Laapataa Ladies has recently debuted on Netflix. The charming film, directed by Kiran Rao, Aamir Khan’s ex-wife is produced by Aamir Khan Productions. It is a story of two brides who get hilariously mixed up, and in the process end up finding their own strengths.

     

    The portrayal of characters resonates with societal norms. Ravi Kishan, who is playing the role of a suspicious police officer, is the main character of the film. The remaining actors too have played their part very well. The movie has a very strong message for woman empowerment and the upliftment of women in society.

     

     

     

    Phool learns to survive alone in the real world with help from a stellar supporting cast. Jaya on the other hand, dreams of studying organic farming and live the life she wants to. Deepak and Phool’s story remains as innocent as possible, while Jaya’s story is that of hope and has more emotional depth.

     

    The writer simply and beautifully conveys the significance of female friendships, sisterhood and bonding. But life goes on and sometimes it teaches us the very lessons we were afraid to accept.

     

     Even if we enjoy socializing, there are situations in which we may find ourselves alone. However, I believe that we become our strongest selves when we learn to live contentedly by ourselves.

     

    We no longer have expectations from anyone at that time, and nothing can harm us. In this film there are some new faces, but if new talents are like this, then the new character needs to give more opportunity than experienced actors.

     

     

     

     

     

    Deepak marries Phool Kumari and Jaya is married to Pradeep. Both the couples take the same crowded train to their respective villages. The two newlywed couple accidentally switch places. For Jaya, who was forcibly married to Pradeep, the mixup is a God sent opportunity.

     

    For Phool Kumari, who actually likes her husband, the mixup is horrifying. The two spouses board the same packed train. Phool Kumar is left alone at the train station after Deepak and Jaya unintentionally get off the train. While Pradeep is in love with the dowry Jaya’s family gave him, Deepak is in love with Phool. The story revolves around Deepak’s reunion with Phool.