Category: Entertainment

Best entertainment news in the industry, we break entertainment stories as soon as celebrities post on their social media and do Pakistani drama reviews.

  • Gaza photographer’s work wins World Press Photo of the Year

    Gaza photographer’s work wins World Press Photo of the Year

    Reuters photographer Mohammed Salem from Gaza won the prestigious 2024 World Press Photo of the Year award on Thursday for his image of a Palestinian woman cradling the body of her five-year-old niece in the besieged strip.

    The picture was taken on October 17, 2023, at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, where families were searching for relatives killed during Israeli bombing of the Palestinian enclave.

    Salem’s winning image portrays Inas Abu Maamar, 36, sobbing while holding Saly’s shrouded body in the hospital morgue.
    “Mohammed received the news of his WPP award with humility, saying that this is not a photo to celebrate but that he appreciates its recognition and the opportunity to publish it to a wider audience,” Reuters Global Editor for Pictures and Video, Rickey Rogers, said at a ceremony in Amsterdam.

    “He hopes with this award that the world will become even more conscious of the human impact of war, especially on children,” Rogers said, standing in front of the photo at the Nieuwe Kerk in the Dutch capital.

    Announcing its annual awards, the Amsterdam-based World Press Photo Foundation said it was important to recognise the dangers facing journalists covering conflicts.

    It said 99 journalists and media employees had been killed covering the war Israel has unleashed on Gaza.

    “The work of press and documentary photographers around the world is often done at high risk,” said Joumana El Zein Khoury, the organisation’s executive director.

    “This past year, the death toll in Gaza pushed the number of journalists killed to a near-record high. It is important to recognise the trauma they have experienced to show the world the humanitarian impact of the war.”

    Salem, a Palestinian aged 39, has worked for Reuters since 2003. He also won an award in the 2010 World Press Photo competition.
    The jury said Salem’s 2024 winning image was “composed with care and respect, offering at once a metaphorical and literal glimpse into unimaginable loss.”

    “I felt the picture sums up the broader sense of what was happening in the Gaza Strip,” Salem said when the image was first published in November.

    “People were confused, running from one place to another, anxious to know the fate of their loved ones, and this woman caught my eye as she was holding the body of the little girl and refused to let go.”

  • Malala Yousafzai makes special appearance in sitcom

    Malala Yousafzai makes special appearance in sitcom

    The British comedy ‘We Are Lady Parts’ which follows the lives of the all-women Muslim punk band Lady Parts, is coming back for a second season on Peacock. Deadline reported that starting May 30, all six new episodes will be on the streaming platform. This season, guest stars will include Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousufzai and British comedian Meera Syal.

    NBC says the first episode of We Are Lady Parts was shown in 2018, followed by a full season of six episodes in 2021. Each member of the band has their own unique personality, and the show talks about things like friendship, family duties, and what people expect from women in society.

    “Making season one of We Are Lady Parts was immense for me,” admitted Manzoor, who has written, created, and directed the show. “It was a trial by fire, but I found my voice, my style and my confidence in creating this show.” She went on to add, “Most importantly, I found my tribe – from actors and crew to producers and studio execs.”

    With the groundwork set, Manzoor felt that working on the second season of her creation was much simpler. “Starting season two, I felt energized,” she said. “The characters, the setting, the mood – everything was already in place and good to go. Now, I wanted to make things even more exciting. I aimed to make it more daring, funnier, darker, and more profound, and that’s exactly what we tried to do.”

    Manzoor said the new season will dig deeper into the lives of all the women in the show. “Each of them will face new challenges, but still keeping the humor and fun from season one,” she explained. She also mentioned they were creating more original music for the show. “The music will be bigger too – more original songs and even better covers.”

    With the setting in the music industry, Manzoor highlighted that the show would explore what success really means. She is excited about sharing her project with the world. “For a punk band, is fame and big record deals the goal?” she questioned. “I wanted to look at the tension between art and business and see how much compromise is too much. I’m really proud of what we’ve done and can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

    All six episodes of the first season of We Are Lady Parts are available on Peacock. The show is produced by Working Title Television (WTTV), a part of Universal International Studios.

  • Aftab Iqbal tells fans to stop trolling legend Sohail Ahmed

    Aftab Iqbal tells fans to stop trolling legend Sohail Ahmed

    Legendary actor Sohail Ahmed’s criticism of Aftab Iqbal has been in the news since the past week. The spat started when Sohail Ahmed took Aftab Iqbal to task during Ahmed Ali Butt’s Eid Special Podcast. In the podcast, Butt asked Sohail Ahmed about Aftab Iqbal’s opinion on him and Aman Ullah. This led to a conflict between their fans, with Aftab’s fans criticizing Sohail Ahmed and vice versa.
    While this social media trolling was still going on, Aftab Iqbal published another video in which he requested his fans and followers to immediately stop trolling Sohail Ahmed.

    He said, “The issues between Sohail Ahmed and me are personal matters, like brothers might have disagreements. However, trolling anyone over this is not acceptable, especially someone like Sohail Ahmed. Do you not recognize his talent? Criticizing Sohail Ahmed is akin to criticizing Qavi Khan! These veterans have contributed greatly to Pakistan through their skills for many years. They should be appreciated and respected.”

    He further said, “People have used derogatory language and gone below the belt in expressing their opinions, which is unacceptable. I am hurt by Sohail Ahmed’s trolling, and it should stop immediately. I also call out the YouTubers who crossed the line. Iwas somehow instrumental in initiating this debate after posting my response.”

  • Nora Fatehi prays five times daily, fasts in Ramzan

    Nora Fatehi prays five times daily, fasts in Ramzan

    In a recent video posted on Instagram, Bollywood actor and dancer Nora Fatehi talked about being a Muslim, revealing that she’s been fasting since she was 14, something her parents taught her when she was young.
    She elaborated on feeling more intuitive during and after the month of Ramzan, emphasizing that she’s committed to fasting every day, even while working. She said fervently, “I fast every day, even though I’m working. I never break my fast. I always keep it going. [Ramzan] is a great time for me to become disciplined and more spiritual. It’s my duty.”

    The actor emphasized that fasting is essential to her faith and is something she must manage alongside her work. “I have to do it,” she stressed. “I need to stay connected to my religion, but I also have to work. Why should I have to pick one over the other?”

    Fatehi further explained that she manages both her spiritual and everyday life, balancing her religious duties with her career. “As a performer, I need to stay active, but I still fast. Fasting is important, and you can do it while fulfilling your other responsibilities. When you connect with your creator, whoever that may be for you, you enter a different spiritual and mental realm.”

    Reflecting on the significance of praying, Fatehi added, “What’s so beautiful about praying five times a day is that, in the chaos of the world, there’s two minutes when you stop and you thank your creator.”
    Since starting her Bollywood career in 2014, Fatehi has become known for her dance performances in Indian cinema. While some of her followers resonated with her recent religious insights, others on social media have been more skeptical, questioning the apparent contrast between Fatehi’s entertainment career and her religious practices.

  • Maybe Shoaib Malik wants to get married for third time: Abrar-ul-Haq jokes about Nawal Saeed’s silence

    Maybe Shoaib Malik wants to get married for third time: Abrar-ul-Haq jokes about Nawal Saeed’s silence

    Popular singer Abrar-ul-Haq thinks actress Nawal Saeed should have stayed quiet about the messages she allegedly got from cricketer Shoaib Malik. He suggested, “Maybe Shoaib Malik wants to get married for the third time.”
    A short video of Abrar-ul-Haq is going around online where he talks about other actresses like Nawal Saeed and Shoaib Malik.
    The video is from a TV show he was on a few days ago. He talked openly about actresses and even mentioned his own second marriage.

    Abrar-ul-Haq said, “I do not even think of a second marriage, because my wife already threatens to kill me.” He continued, “I have never thought of a second marriage and have no intention. My wife threatens me even before I think about it.”

    He referred to Sajal Ali as an innocent actress and said she looks like a child to him. He also talked about Mehwish Hayat, Mahira Khan, and Saba Qamar, calling Saba Qamar the greatest actress of recent times.

    He thinks Mehwish Hayat has a lot of passion inside her and should do more flashy projects. He also said that Mahira Khan should take on more work.

    When asked about Nawal Saeed, he said, “I don’t know her, who is she?”

    The host mentioned that Nawal Saeed recently talked about Shoaib Malik getting messages from cricketers.

    Abrar-ul-Haq then said, “Nawal Saeed should have covered up Shoaib Malik’s messages, God has also said to cover up.”
    Talking about the same issue, Abrar-ul-Haq smiled and said, “Four marriages are permissible in Islam, maybe Shoaib Malik wants to marry a third time.”

  • Iftikhar Thakur’s mother’s last wish could not be fulfilled

    Iftikhar Thakur’s mother’s last wish could not be fulfilled

    Theatre, film and television star Iftikhar Thakur is a beloved comedian, adored by his fans for his humility.

    The actor recently talked about a personal tragedy in Wasi Shah’s show, a major regret in his life.
    Iftikhar Thakur said, “One day, my late mother asked me not to leave for a show as she wanted me to stay.

    Despite always obeying her requests, I decided to leave for the show that day. Unfortunately, my mother passed away shortly after I left.” Recounting the journey back home, he tearfully expressed the pain he still feels to this day.

  • Hania Aamir takes care of Yashma Gill in the hospital after operation

    Hania Aamir takes care of Yashma Gill in the hospital after operation

    Yashma Gill, known for her lively personality, recently faced a health scare requiring surgery. Despite her family being in another city, her friends, especially Hania Aamir, stood by her side. Hania stayed with Yashma in the hospital, offering care and support during her recovery. Yashma expressed gratitude for her friends’ unwavering support, sharing moments from her hospital stay.

    Here are a few pics:

  • Mohammad Ahmed, Shamim Hilaly say you might regret waiting until 45 to find love

    Mohammad Ahmed, Shamim Hilaly say you might regret waiting until 45 to find love

    Veteran actors Mohammad Ahmed and Shamim Hilaly, known for their brilliant performances, recently spoke to Fuchsia about the changing dynamics of marriages, discussing disparities between modern marital unions and those of the past.
    “People often think they don’t need anyone in their life and they’ll always be young, but things change,” both stars emphasized. “When you turn 45, you start to realize the importance of having a life partner.”

    Ahmed pointed towards rising divorce rates and said, “Couples nowadays are unwilling to compromise on anything and fail to give each other enough time to understand and adjust. Television plays a role in normalizing divorces, portraying the idea that one can easily divorce and marry someone else the next day, which is not realistic. Recently, many showbiz couples have divorced, and this trend is increasing.”

  • Momina Iqbal offers explanation on cricketer messages comments

    Momina Iqbal offers explanation on cricketer messages comments

    Pakistani actress Momina Iqbal is angry with social media twisting her recent comments about getting messages from cricketers.

    In her Instagram story, she lashed out at those who are spreading lies for attention. “I never said anything bad or negative about any cricketer,” she remarked adding that even if someone messaged her, “I would have dealt with it myself.”

    The actress said it was wrong for people to spread negativity just to benefit themselves, calling out those who use controversies to get more attention for their channels.
    “I believe it’s crucial for us to respect each other. I think that being united and staying positive are essential for our nation’s well-being.”
    “Don’t spread negativity for no reason! I’m surprised at those who post anything just to get views.”

    Momina then asked her followers to focus on important things, like the incident where a Jaranwala woman, Maryam Bibi, died in the Millat Express. She wanted everyone to speak up about things that matter and not get into unnecessary arguments.

    The actress talked about a question Wasi Shah asked her in a recent interview about messages from cricketers. She said it’s normal to talk with cricketers because they’re all part of the entertainment world. Momina explained that these messages usually just have nice wishes and hellos, and she can’t remember the names of the cricketers specifically.

  • Disney stepping into R-rated zone with Gladiator 2

    Disney stepping into R-rated zone with Gladiator 2

    In an extended trailer for the long-awaited “Gladiator” sequel, star Paul Mescal does battle in a Colosseum filled with rhinos, bloodthirsty baboons and even floating Roman warships, egged on by Denzel Washington’s shadowy advisor.

    “It is possibly more extraordinary than the first,” said director Ridley Scott, speaking via video link.

    The footage was met with an enthusiastic thumbs up at CinemaCon, an annual gathering at which Hollywood studios showcase their upcoming titles for movie theater owners and managers from around the world.

    Ridley Scott’s sequel will hit theaters in November, nearly 25 years after the release of the original, Oscar best picture-winning historical epic “Gladiator.”

    All this week, promotional marble statues for “Gladiator 2” have adorned the casino floors of Caesars Palace, the Ancient Rome-themed casino and hotel in Las Vegas where CinemaCon is held.

    As the previous film’s main characters, played by Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, were killed off, a new crop of actors step in.

    Mescal portrays gladiator Lucius, the nephew of Phoenix’s villainous emperor, who was seen briefly as a child in the original film.

    Pedro Pascal plays a military general, while Denzel Washington’s mysterious character is seen in the extended footage plotting to topple the Roman Empire.

    “Rome must fall. I need only to give it a push,” he says in one scene.

    The lavish presentation raised cheers even as both Paramount and the wider big-screen industry face uncertain times.

    The parent company of Paramount — one of Hollywood’s oldest studios — is currently locked in merger talks with Skydance, a media company founded by the billionaire Ellison family.

    Meanwhile overall Hollywood box office receipts are expected to fall in 2024, largely due to last year’s actors and writer strikes, which shuttered and delayed film productions.

    On Thursday, Paramount executives also showcased titles such as “A Quiet Place: Day One,” “Smile 2,” “Transformers One” and “IF” — a new comedy from John Krasinski and starring Ryan Reynolds.

    Paramount film chief Brian Robbins even joked about the merger talks, suggesting one of his executives had launched a crowd-funded Kickstarter campaign to buy the studio.

    R-rated Disney

    Later on Thursday, Disney rounded off CinemaCon with its own star-studded presentation — which took an unexpectedly adult turn.

    The showcase included appearances from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson — promoting this November’s “Moana 2” release — and Amy Poehler, who returns in “Inside Out 2” this June.

    Oscar-winning “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins previewed his animated prequel “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which hits theaters in December.

    Disney unveiled footage of Harrison Ford making his Marvel superhero film debut in next year’s “Captain America: Brave New World.”

    But the family-friendly studio’s presentation departed from the usual script with a glimpse of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” Disney’s first R-rated superhero movie.

    The film sees Reynolds’ potty-mouthed antihero team up with Hugh Jackman’s beloved “X-Men” star.

    Both characters were previously owned by 20th Century Fox.

    ut Disney bought that rival studio and its properties in 2019, and is now weaving them into its hugely popular Marvel film series.

    That has resulted in a Disney superhero movie that features adult language, explicit sexual references, and several meta jokes about the studios themselves.