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.

  • ‘Fear is not an option’: Bella Hadid speaks out on Palestine genocide

    ‘Fear is not an option’: Bella Hadid speaks out on Palestine genocide

    Palestinian-American model Bella Hadid has broken her silence to speak out against Palestinian genocide. Currently, the death toll has reached 7500, with 3000 of them being children.

    Bella apologised for her silence for the past two weeks, and spoke about the threats she was given to remain silent: “I’ve been sent hundreds of death threats daily, my phone number leaked and my family has felt to be in danger. But I can not be silenced any longer. Fear is not an option. The people and children of Palestine, especially in Gaza, cannot afford our silence. We are not brave- they are.”

    Gigi, Bella and her family were targeted with threats because of their outspoken support for Palestine. The family members recieved threats on emails, phone calls which gave graphic descriptions of how they would be murdered.

    READ MORE: Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid are receiving death threats, phone numbers doxed after Palestine support

    Bella wrote her heart is bleeding on the bloodshed and violence Gaza has witnessed in these past two weeks, when hospitals, mosques and bakeries were bombed by Israeli airstrikes.

    “My heart is bleeding with pain from the trauma I am seeing unfold, as well as the generational trauma of my Palestinian blood. Seeing the aftermath from the airstrikes in Gaza, I mourn with all the mothers who have lost children, and the children who cry alone, all the lost fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, friends that will never again walk this earth.”

    Bella reflected on the history of her father, Mohammad Hadid, who was a survivor of the 1948 Nakba when Israeli forces expelled 750,000 people from Palestine.

    “My father was born in Nazareth in the year of the Nakba (the displacement of 750,000 Palestinians in 1948.) Nine days after he was born, he, in his mother’s arms, along with his family were expelled from their home in Palestine, becoming refugees, away from a place they once called home. My grandparents, never being allowed to return. My famiyl witnessed 75 years of violence against Palestinian people- most notably, brutal settle invasions which led to the destruction of entire communities, murder in cold blood and the forcible removal of families from their homes. The practice of settlements on Palestinian land still continues to this day. The pain of that is unimaginable.”

    READ MORE: There is a painful history behind why supermodels Gigi, Bella Hadid support the Palestinian cause

    Bella urged her followers to be aware of the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to keep pressurising governments to listen to the needs of Palestinians:

    “There is an urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza that must be attended to. Families need access to water and food. Hospitals need fuel to power generators, tend to the wounded and keep people alive. Wars have laws – and they must be upheld, no matter what. We need to keep pressure on our leaders, wherever they are, not to forget the urgent needs of the people of Gaza, and to ensure that innocent Palestinian civilians are not the forgotten casualties of war,”

  • ‘It had to happen’: Aina Asif defends why Mayi-Ri had to end with divorce of Ainy and Fakhir

    ‘It had to happen’: Aina Asif defends why Mayi-Ri had to end with divorce of Ainy and Fakhir

    Child star Aina Asif was a guest on ‘Mazaaq Raat’ where an audience member asked her about the controversial ending of the drama ‘Mayi-Ri’. The serial centered around the forceful marriage of a 15-year-old girl to her cousin, and the birth of their daughter. The drama’s ending divided opinions when Ainy divorces Fakhir, decides to live with her single mother to raise her daughter and completes her education.

    The ending was applauded by some users for showing divorce as something that empowers a woman rather than shameful, with Ainy choosing to live her life on her own terms. While other users slammed the show-makers for ‘glamorising divorce’.

    READ MORE: ‘Mayi Ri’ ends with mixed responses from fans

    Aina defended the scene as something that was necessary to depict in order for audiences to fully understand why child marriage is wrong. “There could have been a different ending, but we have to emphasise that child marriage is wrong. We were trying to show that.”

    Aina further stressed the drama’s characters Ainy and Fakhir were good for each other but their timing was wrong, hence they had to part ways.

    Watch the clip

  • Ranveer Singh reveals how he proposed to Deepika Padukone on Koffee With Karan

    Ranveer Singh reveals how he proposed to Deepika Padukone on Koffee With Karan

    Iconic Bollywood couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were the first guests on Season 8 of Koffee With Karan, where the duo spilled secrets about their relationship. This marks the first time the two made an appearance together as a married couple on television.

    Speaking about how they got engaged, Ranveer revealed he had proposed to Deepika back in 2015 by popping the question at a gorgeous location. The ‘Rocky and Rani’ actor said that after consulting his mother and sister, he purchased the ring that was “far above my means at the time.”

    As reported by India Today, the actor and Deepika were set to leave for a vacation to Maldives. They were on a boat ride when Ranveer got down on one knee with the ring and proposed.

    ‘We go to the Maldives. And I’ve secretly carried the ring with me. We do the sandbank adventure. A boat takes us out in the middle of the sea and there’s just one tiny sliver of sand in the middle and all around is just infinite sea. They drop you there and put up a tent. It was literally just her and me in the middle of the sea. I was like, this is just perfect”

    Ranveer recalled Deepika was overwhelmed with emotions because she was shocked, and said yes right away.

    The couple further revealed that convincing Deepika’s parents was the hardest part of their journey. Deepika recalled that they met her at parents after returning from Maldives, and went directly to Padukone’s house in Bangalore. Ranveer said he had prepped everything to tell her family:

    ”We’re having this wonderful evening. I am trying to charm them. Then she whispered ‘I am going to tell them now’ and I was like ‘Don’t’ ”.

    Deepika opened up how she blurted the news out during dinner, and her mother’s face “had just gone cold”, Ranveer mentioned.

    ”After all the hugs and celebrations, I’ve gone to my room and I put my ear to the door. Outside, Amma and Deepika are having it out. She’s (Deepika’s mother) saying ‘Who is this guy? He’s proposed marriage and you’ve said yes also?’ Is this any way?’ With my ear on the door, I was like ‘God save us’ ”.

    But despite her initial concerns, Deepika said her mother truly loves Ranveer now.

    “It took a lot of years and work on my part to make a place in Amma’s heart. It has happened. And I am one of Amma’s favourite people in the world.”

    Perhaps what was even more wholesome about this entire interview was when the couple released a snippet of their wedding video during the episode. Watch and weep at your own risk.

  • Shae Gill, Maanu headlining concert to raise humanitarian aid for Gaza

    Shae Gill, Maanu headlining concert to raise humanitarian aid for Gaza

    As the number of Palestinians killed in Israel’s bombing of Gaza continues to rise, Pakistani musicians are coming together for a fundraiser to help provide humanitarian aid for the strip.

    Shae Gill, Natasha Noorani, Maanu and five other artists are performing at a fundraiser at COLABS campus in Gulberg. COLABS announced on their Instagram account that the event will be held on October 27, with all proceeds from the event going to Anera Organisation in order to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

    Commenting under their post, the organisation mentioned the event will include a panel talk with Palestinians settled in Pakistan who are innvolved in taking the initiative forward.

    “COLABS as a brand understands the sensitivity of the cause, and initiates a dialogue of how companies can do their part to raise funds.

    Sounds of Solidarity with Gaza is a first of its kind fundraiser where we host events that support a cause that we truly believe in. We have gathered artists from around the city who believe in the cause and can leverage their influence to raise funds for millions of people affected in Gaza, where humanitarian aid is severely limited.

    100% of the proceeds will be going directly to Anera Organization, to provide urgent aid to affected families amidst the unfolding crisis in Gaza. The fundraiser will be covering a panel talk with Palestinians settled in Pakistan who are helping us take this initiative forward, followed by artist performances using their art and talent to create an impact.

    We urge people to donate however they feel comfortable and join the cause.”

  • ‘History will remember’: Mahira Khan condemns those in power who remained silent during Palestinian genocide

    ‘History will remember’: Mahira Khan condemns those in power who remained silent during Palestinian genocide

    The ongoing seige of Gaza has led to a death toll of 6000 innocent civilians, which includes 2000 children. President of America, Joe Biden, was criticised by protestors around the world for refusing to impose a ceasefire as hospitals in Gaza run out of fuel to provide care for the injured, including premature babies.

    Actress Mahira Khan shared a series of clips from Gaza photographer Motaz Azizi, who shared a video of the complete destruction of Gaza after Israeli airstrikes. It followed with a clip of Gazan civilians who revealed how they fled to the south of Gaza to escape the bombs, but Israeli airstrikes bombed homes and markets there. Another clip showed Jewish Americans protesting inside the Capitol building.

    “This is the genocide of Palestinian people,” the ‘Humsafar’ actress wrote. “This is killing of innocent human beings – men, women and children ( majority children). History will remember those who had the power to make a difference and didn’t, those who could bring an end to this and remained quiet.. they will always have blood on their hands. Praying every moment with a broken heart.”

    Other prominent Pakistani celebrities have consistently used their platform to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and criticised Israel for targetting women and children with airstrikes. Ayesha Omar shared a picture of Gazan children holding the Palestinian flag and wrote in the caption: ‘Hoping and praying for an immediate ceasefire. May Allah ease the pain and suffering of all the innocent lives, especially children, in Gaza. May the truth always win. May Allah bless the souls of the ones who have lost their lives in this genocide. Ameen.”

  • Mariam Ansari talks about ‘mental breakdown’ after social media backlash

    Mariam Ansari talks about ‘mental breakdown’ after social media backlash

    Mariam Ansari gave an interview to BBC Urdu titled “How to deal with body shaming and negative comments during pregnancy” which featured interviews from several women on how they dealt with bullying during pregnancy.

    The actress opened up about the backlash she recieved for her a pregnancy photoshoot. Ansari and her husband did a photoshoot to reveal the birth of their baby daughter Amaya Khan. Trolls then shamed her for openly displaying her baby bump. Mariam shut down the comments in a video clip posted on Instagram stories by expressing her outrage:

    “It’s my profile; my choice. I’ve even had my child. It’s my choice whatever I post. If you don’t like it, you shouldn’t follow me. I don’t understand, since when is being pregnant some sort of badtameezi or behayai. You too were born just like this, so what?”

    READ MORE: Mariam Ansari is not okay with holier-than-thou comments on her pregnancy shoot

    Ansari told BBC Urdu the comments demoralised her:

    “There are a lot of comments slamming me by saying this was western culture, to which I responded don’t Muslim women have babies..it felt like the happiest moment of my life was turned into something shameful.”

    She eventually had to deactivate her Instagram account because of hateful comments she recieved.

    “I broke down emotionally. I became very vulnerable,” the actress recalled.

  • Indian High Court rejects plea asking for ban on Pakistani artists

    Indian High Court rejects plea asking for ban on Pakistani artists

    In a significant move, the Bombay High Court in India has dismissed a petition that sought to ban Pakistani artists from working in India. According to details, the petitioner in question was cine worker Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, who said that Pakistani artists working in India during the World Cup could reduce job opportunities for Indian artists.

    In his complaint, Faaiz demanded that artists from Pakistan like actors, singers, lyricists or technicians who are being invited by Indian citizens and companies are banned.u

    The bench comprised of Justice Sunil Shukre and Firdosh Pooniwalla rejected the plea, stating that such a move would be a step back in creating cultural harmony and unity between India and Pakistan.

    “One must understand that in order to be a patriot, one need not be inimical to those from abroad especially, from the neighbouring country,” the court responded.

    Previously, Bollywood films involving Pakistani artists were met with extensive fanfare. Khoobsurat released in 2014 starred Sonam Kapoor and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, was met with praises. Fawad Khan also won ‘Best Male Debut’ at the Filmfare Awards. While Sajal Aly and Adnan Siddiqui’s collaboration with Sri Devi for the 2017 ‘Mom’ received six nominations at the Filmfare awards.

  • ‘You shut the F up’: Dave Chappelle gives it to Israeli supporter as crowd cheers him on

    ‘You shut the F up’: Dave Chappelle gives it to Israeli supporter as crowd cheers him on

    An account about comedian Dave Chappelle, posted on Twitter, is going viral on social media.

    A user posted that during a Boston show, in front of a sold-out crowd 22,000 strong, Chappelle criticised Israel’s bombing of Gaza. Podcaster Imran Muneer narrated that Dave acknowledged the attacks by the Hamas were wrong, but Israel had no right to slaughter countless Palestinian civilians. An attendee in the crowd shouted “Shut the f* up Dave”, to which Chappelle responded “No you shut the f* up.”

    “You don’t take tens of billions from my country to go kill innocent women and children and come and tell me to shut the f* up,” narrated Imran.Dave then went on to criticise Israel for begging USA for money, and then using it to drop bombs on women and children: “He said don’t come begging for money from my country and then go drop bombs on children and cut off innocent people water and electricity. You have the audacity to pay to come see me and then tell me shut the f* up, no you shut the f*** up. The crowd started clapping and cheering for him and saying yes Dave and chants of free Palestine and then he said you’re damn right free Palestine.”

    Imran also pointed out the crowd at Dave’s show comprised of 80% white, 5% black and the rest were Latins.

  • More Hollywood stars including Joaquin Phoenix and Cate Blanchett ask for ceasefire in Gaza

    More Hollywood stars including Joaquin Phoenix and Cate Blanchett ask for ceasefire in Gaza

    As social media users and human rights activists put out a loud chorus to end the genocide in Palestine, celebrities are also adding their voice. According to Variety, a group of 55 actors which included A-list celebrities like Cate Blanchett, Oscar Isaac, Joaquin Phoenix and Riz Ahmed, have signed an open letter demanding US President Biden to call a ceasefire in Gaza.

    The letter includes celebrities like Ayo Edebiri, Muslim comedian and host behind Netflix’s ‘Patriot Act’ Hasan Minhaj, Jeremy Strong, Jessica Chastain, Jon Stewart, Sandra Oh and veteran Hollywood legend Susan Sarandon.

    The letter demanded from Joe Biden to open his eyes to the current destruction and chaos in Gaza: “More than 5,000 people have been killed in the last week and a half – a number any person of conscience knows is catastrophic. We believe all life is sacred, no matter faith or ethnicity and we condemn the killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians.”

    “We urge your administration,” the letter further states. “And all world leaders, to honor all of the lives in the Holy Land and call for and facilitate a ceasefire without delay – an end to the bombing of Gaza, and the safe release of hostages. Half of Gaza’s two million residents are children, and more than two thirds are refugees and their descendants being forced to flee their homes. Humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach them.”

    The statement also quotes UNICEF spokesperson James Elder who condemned the misuse of international law on how Gazan civilians are stripped of their basic necessities and are living within destruction.

    “‘Children and families in Gaza have practically run out of food, water, electricity, medicine and safe access to hospitals, following days of air strikes and cuts to all supply routes. Gaza’s sole power plant ran out of fuel Wednesday afternoon, shutting down electricity, water and wastewater treatment. Most residents can no longer get drinking water from service providers or household water through pipelines…. The humanitarian situation has reached lethal lows, and yet all reports point to further attacks. Compassion — and international law — must prevail.’ – UNICEF spokesperson James Elder.”

    The letter ends with the signatories calls for everyone to stand for freedom, justice, dignity and peace for all people. “We refuse to tell future generations the story of our silence, that we stood by and did nothing. As Emergency Relief Chief Martin Griffiths told UN News, “History is watching.’”

  • Faryal Makhdoom calls out Israel’s attempt to bribe influencers to stay quiet on Palestine

    Faryal Makhdoom calls out Israel’s attempt to bribe influencers to stay quiet on Palestine

    Social media influencer and wife to boxer Amir Khan, Faryal Makhdoom has used her social media platform to speak out on the Israeli bombardment of Palestine. She shared a screenshot today of a message she received from the Israeli government, asking her to cease supporting Palestine in exchange for money.

    In the caption, Faryal wrote: “I got this message last night. Like it’s going to stop me from posting the truth.”

    Faryal shared another post of an Israeli commentator on her Instagram account who attempted to sway her support for Palestine by writing that Hamas was behind the controversial hospital attack in Gaza. Faryal shut the user down with a list of facts that proved the attack was by Israel.

    Egyptian influencer Dina Tokio shared a similar message she received on Whatsapp and condemned this by writing “typical behavior”.

    Several users have reported receiving bribe offers from organisations demanding them to pull back from posting content about Palestine. British influencer Cara Watson is going viral on social media for criticising a company trying to pressure her with money to support Israel’s ongoing genocide.