Best entertainment news in the industry, we break entertainment stories as soon as celebrities post on their social media and do Pakistani drama reviews.
Great news for fans of The Legend of Maula Jatt. After Hamza Ali Abbasi won accolades for his performance as the manacing Noori Nath, Abbasi is making his way back to television screens. The actor took to his Instagram page to announce his next project ‘Jaan-e-Jahan’ which will air in 2023. The drama will be produced by Samina Humayun Saeed, written by Rida Bilal and directed by Qasim Ali Mureed. The actor wrote:
“Happy to introduce you to the captivating world of our upcoming project ‘Jaan-e-Jahan’ written by Rida Bilal, directed by Qasim Ali Mureed, starring Hamza Ali Abbasi and many more. Produced by Samina Humayun Saeed and Sana Shahnawaz coming soon on a TV screen near you!!”
There was previous speculation that Abbasi was leaving the television industry when he announced in a Youtube video that he was taking an indefinite hiatus from showbiz. However, in 2020, the ‘Maula Jatt’ actor revealed during a game show ‘Kasooti Online’ that he was not done with his career, and still had two more projects under his belt.
ARY drama serial ‘Mujhay Pyar Hua Tha’ aired its 12th episode last night and Twitter users have collectively agreed that there’s no jori that deserves more praises than Maheer and Saad. In the episode, we witness the couple begin their married life together and slowly open up to each other. What is wholesome is how despite the fact that their marriage was arranged at the last minute, Saad still assures her that he would never restrict her to living the way he wants and will respect her wishes as he did as a friend before.
We also witnessed some light husband and wife banter between the two, which has made fans declare that no one has served chemistry in the past like the way Hania Amir and Wahaj Ali are. Have they defeated ‘Humsafar’s’ long-held topslot?
So they did eat outside and Maheer was “I told you we shouldn’t eat outside” and Saad was “Please eat a bit for their efforts/feelings” SO ADORABLE AND DOMESTIC ❤❤ But why didn’t we get to see that scene #MujhePyaarHuaTha#WahajAlipic.twitter.com/eYv8St53Pf
We have to agree with the rest of Twitter that Saad is one of the finest male leads we have watched on television screens. A caring and compassionate man who is gentle to the women in his life? Is kind and selfless to his lover, despite the fact that she may not be on the same page as him, but promises not to impose his feelings or force her into marrying him? Respects the fact that Maheer loves someone else and assures her that he will help her, regardless of the pain he feels? Print this in history books please.
Saad is such well written male character – soft, empathetic, compassionate and sensitive. Dont remember last time I saw a character like this one on TV. What makes Saad even more endearing is #WahajAli‘s incredible performance.#MujhePyaarHuaTha
And we’re particularly marking down the days until the next episode releases because it looks like Maheer and Saad will be serving more couple goals, and keeping us singles crying in our sleep.
Ever wanted to witness two completely opposite genres colliding together, out of the blue? It seems like Twitter has found an excuse to make that happen. On Monday it was confirmed that ‘Welcome to Derry’, a prequel series to ‘It’ has been greenlit. The project will explore the origins of creepy clown Pennywise, and how he became the monster that loves hiding under gutters. When the news popped up on social media, every television fan on Twitter could think of one thing: the popular Irish series ‘Derry Girls’. Soon, a plethora of memes flooded Twitter when people tried to work out what would happen if Uncle Colm found Pennywise creepily dancing near some shed.
First of all, how would the news break around town?
A special dedicated to Pennywise and Aunt Sarah discussing makeup? We’ll take it!
“And I just wanna say, although I’m not happy about this thing with the weans, I have to give it you, that is some cracker make up. Great symmetry, lovely lines” https://t.co/Qwy0qXMpX6pic.twitter.com/3cnSRk33qd
The slightly taller fella with the makeup, he says to me, says he, “Time to float”, and gave ma balloon. Now, I don’t mind a wee balloon but not when I’m running me errands https://t.co/R9fKuYRWoSpic.twitter.com/DzBqBMI977
When one thinks of Pakistani dramas, we all know what comes to our minds: weddings, divorce, the cheap version of 50 Shades of Grey, more weddings etc. But to distract ourselves from the current mundane pile of breakups, crying and abuse, we can’t forget that kabhi kabar you can find a gem, a refined drama that accurately reflects the stories we want Pakistani drama creators to tell. It’s not often that dramas with original, well crafted stories are brought into the spotlight as they get targeted with endless criticism from right wing critics and are even sent notices for displaying ‘vulgar’ content and soon are forgotten as the next show steps into the spotlight. We have found some dramas that were helmed by prominent women like Bee Gul and Angelina Malick, which shone light on taboos.
1 Kitnay Girhain Baki Hain (2011-2017)
Produced by Angelina Malick and written by Bee Gul, this series was an anthology of short stories that reflected the struggles of women in our society, and explored topics like homosexuality, infidelity, rape etc
2 Cheekh (2019)
When Mannat (played by Saba Qamar) finds out that her closest friend Nayab was raped by her brother-in-law and then murdered for trying to reveal the truth, she strives hard to find justice for her friend in court and in the process, has to face hurdles from her in-laws.
3 Dil Na Umeed Tou Nahi (2021)
Penned by Amna Mufti and produced by Kashf Foundation, the show received several notices from PEMRA for ‘vulgarity’, so that’s even more reason to give it a watch. It delves into the lives of child sex workers, who are kidnapped from their homes and forced to work in prostitution in order to make a living.
4 Dastaan (2010)
Adapted from the novel ‘Bano’ by Rabia Butt, the show explores the trauma caused by Independence, and how it upturned the life of one woman, Bano. Bano and her family lived in India, where her brother supports the cause of the Indian National Congress, and is against the cause of setting up Pakistan. However, when the separation of the two countries was announced in 1947, Bano’s life was completely overturned overnight.
5 Neeli Zinda Hai (2021)
Aman and Sumbul are a married couple who have had stillbirth, and are now trying to restart their lives in a new home. When they shift with their daughter to a new house, the couple keeps hearing noises at night which convinces them that the house is haunted.
6 Manto (2017)
Directed by and starring Sarmad Khoosat, the series was previously released as a film in 2015, and then as a television drama in 2017. The drama revolves around the popular Urdu writer Saadat Hassan Manto, and the last seven years of his life when he had to face charges of obscenity for his short stories like ‘Thanda Gosht’, ‘Peshawar say Lahore’ and ‘Toba Tek Singh’.
7 Talkhiyaan (2012)
Written by Bee Gul, the drama is an adaptation of Arundhati Roy’s acclaimed novel ‘The God of Small Things.’ It revolves around the life of Bibi, who leaves her abusive husband and moves back to her parents home with her two children, Zoya and Jugnu, where her parents criticize her for taking such a stand, but refuse to treat her divorced brother the same way.
Actress Sajal Aly sat down for an interview with BBC Urdu where she opened up about the difficulties of finding good scripts in the Pakistani entertainment industry which do not romanticize toxic relationships. She reflected on how she had to work hard to ensure progressive dramas aren’t just once in a blue moon happening, but then the industry goes back to making sexist, regressive shows: “We have to fight hard, we have to say no to a lot of scripts. Right now you would notice there are a lot of dramas airing on our Pakistani screens where harassment is shown to be a sign of love. And then at the end of the day that harasser falls in love with the girl and that gets a lot of views, unfortunately. But I think television has the power to change the mindset of the audience. Because we think our audience isn’t smart but they’re very intelligent. So we will keep fighting for better roles in dramas.” Aly also talked about how she got selected for her role in the upcoming rom-com ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ and revealed it was her agents who told her this was a role she could excel at. “My agents, who are responsible for international projects, had told me about this role and said I was made for it. They sent me two scenes and asked me to record them…Later I got an email saying I was on board.”
Our morbid fascination with domestic violence seems have become one of the essential tools required to make a hit drama. There aren’t many television dramas which depict healthy family relations, where women are accepted and loved without being told to lose their identity. Kuch Ankahi, therefore, is an anomaly, a breath of fresh air on our screens because it depicts a supportive family where the father isn’t holding back his daughters from their dreams, women aren’t constantly plotting to one-up each other and the male lead isn’t a toxic, triggering person. It proves that more dramas need to follow its lead and start portraying women in a positive light. On last night’s episode, we witnessed how the youngest sister, Tania, is openly dancing at her sister’s wedding event when a person behind her body shames her, forcing her neighbor to stand up for her.
The moment resonated with viewers and clips of the scene are now being widely shared.
Its the way #KuchAnkahi tells you whats right and whats wrong without making it in your face. Salman’s mom telling off the lady who body shamed Taniya we dont need 100 pages long speeches, just one little dialogue blended in well is enough
What social media users have called the most touching moment in this episode is the scene between the father, Agha Jee, and the eldest daughter Samiya where he witnesses her unhappiness and reminds her that if she refuses, then he will call off the wedding. This kind of empowerment and kindness is rarely depicted in Pakistani dramas, and is teaching fathers to be more gentle to their daughters as Agha Jee assures Samiya that he will keep holding her hand regardless of whether she chooses to get married or not.
#KuchAnkahi winning my heart again! Agha Jaan explains his POV w/out putting down his wife infront of his children. He knows she’s wrong but how he explains her errors in judgement to Samiya – so touching, poignant & free from toxicity. Thank you #MohammadAhmed@KashfFoundationpic.twitter.com/f091XE0Cpm
This kind of warmth and support between the family members is not once-in-a-blue-moon, but a regular occurrence in this drama. Agha Jee never shies away from praising his daughters’ strengths and consistently empowers them to advance further in society. In several episodes, we witness Agha Jee doing his own chores while telling his daughters that they’re not responsible for household duties.
This gentleness and respect towards women isn’t just prevalent in Agha Jee, but extends to all the men in the drama. The way they are completely the anti-thesis to the kind of male lead we have grown up watching is frankly shocking. Like the male lead Salman, who is time and again shown doing his own work. In one scene, he makes his own roti, an act we have only ever seen women perform.
Actor and ex-member of Call, Junaid Khan, was a guest on the show ‘The Fourth Empire’ where he addressed the reason why he had chosen to switch to acting. Khan said, “I thought it was a logical decision to try another art form.” Khan also addressed the breakup of his band, Call, and whether he was on good terms with the rest of the members. Call the band, which also included music producer Xulfi, had been responsible for a number of hits including ‘Sab Bhula Kay’ and ‘Lari Chooti’. Khan said that the band members are like family which is why they would sometimes fight, but there is also a lot of love between them. ‘Just like there are problems in a relationship, similar things can happen in a band…When we broke up there were some differences between us. But when we got back together, we were able to put our differences behind us.”
Pakistani singer Farasat Anees took to Instagram to call out Bollywood production company T-series for plagiarising his song ‘Biba’ for the soundtrack of an upcoming movie. The song ‘Biba’ was originally written for the Pakistani Oscar-shortlisted film ‘Joyland’. Anees also spoke to the Indian magazine The Print, where he revealed that the music corporation had not reached out to him for using his song: A billion-dollar company like T-Series should be professional in its approach. They (the music directors) could have at least reached out to me or perhaps mailed me once before putting out the song. There was no communication from their end. Perhaps there could have been a counter-quote, and we could have made something together.” Anees also said that he felt weird when he heard T-series’ ‘Biba’ and said the organization is known for plagiarising Pakistani songs: “This is not the first time they have done something like this. They’ve earlier done this with Abrar’s song. If nothing else, this only motivates me that such a big label has copied my song and that makes me want to do better work further,” he said. In his post, Anees shared clips of both songs to point out their similarity, and called the organization a ‘disgrace’.
“What a disgrace @tseries.official stealing out work because it has been trending in the world.
Me & my brothers @toshaayy@slicktrickk worked day & night to bring this song where it is. PLEASE HAVE SOME SHAME & stop ruining every good song from
The love & respect indians showed to our version of Biba was massive. We will always be greatful for that. Also Supporting us on the comment section of this cheap copy of BIBA. Will always be thankful to listeners across the border! ♥️
Even if you wanted to reproduce the song, you should have done with original stuff. Clearly stole chords, intro, arrangements of our version. CLEAR THEFT!
Really hoping someone responsible take action from @tseries.official & I request all of our fans, friends & family to share this.”
It’s an undisputed fact that Pakistani dramas will never stop one-upping each other on who can make the most cringe worthy, mediocre version of the good-girl-saves-bad-boy-by-becoming-his-punch-bag trope. But another important element of Pakistani dramas remain unchallenged as being the best: the title songs. If a drama disappears from public attention because of churning out the same old stale storylines, their title songs will still remain evergreen and loved by the social media users. After a lot of careful searching, here are some of our favourite title songs from Pakistani dramas!
1 Humsafar by Quratulain Baloch
No one can start an article about this topic without mentioning the song that kickstarted it all. Humsafar will remain a prominent element of pop culture discourse for creating the kind of chemistry between the main leads that no television show has been able to match to this day, but one can’t talk about the drama without acknowledging the grip this song had over the entire country. Even today, this song is considered as Baloch’s finest hit.
2 Ranjha Ranjha Kardi by the Justin Bibi’s and Rahma Ali
Fans of ‘Peechay Hutt’ should give this iconic song some justice and credit the prodigious sisters for making something that will forever remain among the best title songs for Pakistani dramas.
3 Mein Na Munh Kholi by Azad Asim and Shehroze Butt
This gorgeous, moving song was the title track for the drama ‘Habs’ and had captured the hearts of fans on Twitter as soon as it released. It reflects the anguish of a couple who are unable to express their true feelings to each other, despite being married.
4 Mujhay Apnay Jeenay Ka Haq Chahiye by Tahira Syed and Roshaneh Zafar Ft. Shabana Azmi
Written for the drama ‘Akhri Station’ and penned by legendary Urdu poet and writer Amjad Islam Amjad, the powerful melody is an anthem for every woman out there struggling to find her own voice, and reflects the anguish of the main characters and their difficult backgrounds.
5 Dil Moom Ka Diya by Soch the band ft Sanam Marvi
Fans are obsessed with the band’s Coke Studio song ‘Neray Neray Vas’, but please do give this song the acclaim this deserves, as it is rarely mentioned as one of the best written title songs for Pakistani dramas.
6 Dobara by Sehar Gul Khan and Shuja Haider
Hadiqa Kiani’s powerful drama ‘Dobara’ about a woman who reclaims her life after the death of her controlling husband deserves an equally gripping song that captures the anguish and nervousness of the main characters and the stigma society has towards aging women, and this song does an excellent job at it.
7 Asamanon Se by Sohail Haider
Only real fans who stick with us till the end will be happy to see a timeless classic included in this list. The gorgeous period piece features stunning performances from actors like Fawad Khan, Sanam Baloch, Saba Qamar and is still regarded as one of the best dramas produced in Pakistan.
Famed Baloch singer Wasu Khan passed away Friday morning. According to his family, the singer was suffering from a prolonged illness and was admitted to a private hospital in Sukkur where he died.
Khan was known for his collaborations with pop singer Shehzad Roy for the show ‘Wasu Aur Mein’ on Geo which explored how the two met. Roy first stumbled across Wasu’s viral Youtube video in 2012 and then began collaborating on songs with him.
The ‘Laga Re’ singer dedicated a post to Khan and called him someone with ‘great political intellect’, and shared a clip of their song ‘Apney Uloo’.
“Wasu Khan passed away this morning. He was unable to read and write, but had great political intellect and wrote political satire. We will miss him. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un #WasuKhan”
Wasu Khan passed away this morning. He was unable to read and write, but had great political intellect and wrote political satire. We will miss him. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un #WasuKhanpic.twitter.com/glQdHURW7k
