Best entertainment news in the industry, we break entertainment stories as soon as celebrities post on their social media and do Pakistani drama reviews.
India and Pakistan have shared tumultuous equations over the years with things often getting out of hands in terms of politics and border feuds. However, the two neighbouring nations have indulged in a cultural exchange at several junctions and that does help the artists of both the nations to bridge the gap between Indo-Pak.
Here’s a list of Indian actors who have done work in Lollywood, the Pakistani film industry:
Om Puri
The late actor has done a film in Pakistan. He was seen in Actor in Law. His appearance in Pakistani film garnered him critical acclaim from local critics. He was an ambassador of peace.
Arbaaz Khan
Godfather is a Pakistani Urdu film directed by Hriday Shetty released across theaters in Pakistan in 2007. The cast had both Indian and Pakistani actors, including Arbaaz Khan in a pivotal role.
Naseeruddin Shah
Legendary actor has done Khuda Ke Liye in 2007 and another film in 2013, Zinda Bhaag.
Neha Dhupia
The popular model turned actress Neha Dhupia did an item song in the Lollywood film Kabhi Pyaar Na Karna.
Shweta Tiwari
The Kasautii Zindagi Kay star, shweta Tiwari has done a Pakistani film. She was casted in the film Sultanat that flopped.
Kirron Kher
Kirron Kher did a film called Kamosh Pani in 2003 which won several international awards.
Amrita Arora
In an Indo-Pak collaboration Amrita was seen in the film Godfather, a remake of the famous Hollywood film.
Vinod Khanna
Veteran Indian actor Vinod Khanna appeared for the first time on the Pakistani cinema screen in Godfather. The film was distributed nationwide by ARY Digital.
Johnny Lever
The popular Indian comedian, Johny Lever has done a Pakistani film Love Mein Ghum
Arya Babbar
Son of Raj Babbar, Arya has also worked in a Pakistani film Virsa opposite Mehreen Raheel.
Instagram is the most popular social media platform amongst Pakistani celebrities who use the app to interact and engage with their fans and followers. Celebrities also do their PR work and online endorsements on social media. Here’s what each one of them is doing right to be amongst the most sought after personalities on social media.
Here is the list of eight most followed Pakistani celebrities:
Ayeza Khan – 9.2 Million
With 9.2 million followers, Ayeza became the most followed celebrity of Pakistan in 2021, the Mere Paas Tum Ho actress often share pictures of her husband Danish Taimoor and her kids. Ayeza’s biggest strategy is that she posts a lot. The more you post the more followers and engagement you get on your profile. Ayeza posts multiple PR content or paid posts in a day.
Aiman is the second most followed celebrity on Instagram with 8.5 million followers. She in one of the most active celebrities on Instagram. Aiman shares a lot of family pictures including her daughter Amal’s. She also does post a lot of PR content which further expands her digital horizon.
Pakistani superstar Mahira Khan has 7.6 million followers. The Raees actress shares candid moments from her life on social media including pictures with no make-up which very few actresses can. Mahira should post more considering the amount of work she does.
Sajal has 7.1 million followers despite staying low-key on Instagram, unlike other married actresses she posts more pictures of herself rather than with her family. Although she makes a point to upload her family pictures from special occasions like Saboor’s engagement with Ali Ansari.
Mawara started her social media game much before her contemporaries and has remained the most followed celebrity at one point in time. She has 6.5 million followers. Mawra every other day treats her followers with glimpse from her personal life and work diaries.
The iconic singer has 5.8 million followers on Instagram and his followers list includes fans from India and Gulf. Atif is a global superstar and is the most followed singer of Pakistan.
Hira Mani who has recently turned into a singer is known for her over-expressive presence on social media, Hira posts family content and her photoshoots. She keeps a fine balance between professional and personal pictures.
The Teefa in Trouble actress has 5.6 million followers on Instagram. Maya always keeps her fans updated by posting her pictures in trendy clothes and fashion shoots. She also shares her health updates which makes her equation with her fans more interactive and personal. She shared her brother’s wedding pictures on her profile which her fans showered with love.
Ali Zafar who recently won “Pride of Performance”, has 4.7 million followers on the picture sharing application, Ali shares pictures ranging from his music sessions and BTS of his films and shoots to his appearances at events.
Kangana Ranaut has shared senior Pakistani journalist Saleem Safi’s video from his show, in which they are talking about Kashmir, Indian journalists, political parties sympathizing with Pakistan from India.
Sharing the clip on her Instagram stories, Kangana wrote: “Listen carefully, if you don’t stand with your nation. Who will?”
In the video, Safi is asking a question to PML(N) MNA Mushahid Ullah Hussain that how will the miseries of Indian Occupied Kashmiris will end? Replying to the host, Mushahid said: “Pakistan’s role is very important in this matter. We need to take this issue in a sustained way. India is very big country and some of them are our sympathizers. There is Arundhati Roy, Mamta Bannerji, Congress Party, Communist Party, there are also Left Parties and Dalit Parties as well. every Indian is not with Modi.
American sitcom Friends is amongst the most viewed television shows of all time. Being a blockbuster series, it lasted for ten seasons and enjoyed worldwide viewership with multiple re-telecasts. The series is currently available on Netflix and has a significant viewership in Pakistan. It revolves around the bonding and regular life routines of six friends in their thirties.
If a local producer decides to buy its copy rights and remake it with a Pakistani cast, Here’s the ideal leading cast:
Rachel Green – Mahira Khan
Rachel is a beautiful fashion enthusiast with an inconsistent love life, she became a rage in pop culture for her dressing sense and hairstyles. Mahira has it in her to essay a role like this going by her great sense of fashion and her impeccable looks making her the right choice for the role.
Ross Geller – Fawad Khan
Ross is a suave paleontologist with three failed marriages and an interest in philosophical conversations which his friends don’t find intriguing. Ross is Monica’s elder brother and Rachel’s on and off love interest.
Joey Tribbiani – Sheheryar Munawar
Joey is a struggling actor and a foodie with flirtatious traits, Sheheryar has played similar roles in his films like Ho Mann Jahan. The Parey Hut Love actor has the charm to pull of this iconic character.
Phoebe Buffay – Saba Qamar
Phoebe is the funniest of the lot with a heart of gold and a failed music career. Saba displayed her comic histrionics on Hum sub umeed se hain and Miss Fire, giving us assurance about a promising comic timing on celluloid.
Monica Geller- Mehwish Hayat
Monica had elements of a bossy, competitive, and obsessive-compulsive nature who wants things to be perfect but still manages to choose the wrong men for herself except for Chandler. Monica is stylish and has the ability of binding the group together.
Chandler – Fahad Mustafa
Chandler is the guy who can make you laugh and can effortlessly confuse you with his sarcasm. Fahad Mustafa is an apt choice for this role going by his performances in Na Maloom Afrad series and Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 which showcased his convincing witty performances.
Hira Mani is known for her quirky personality and candid humour. The Do Bol actress has said that the Special Assistant to the Punjab Chief Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan should hire PML-N vice-president Maryam Nawaz’s doctor for grooming.
Hira recently appeared on Aagha Ali and Hina Altaf’s show The Couple Show with her husband Salman Saqib a.k.a Mani. While giving advice to Firdous Ashiq, Mani said that she has changed so many parties that the parties have ended now. Mani also suggested that Awan should leave politics and play games as she is a champion of netball. While commenting on Awan’s make-over, Mani said that her parlor is not doing the right work and must take help from Maryam Nawaz’s makeup artist.
“Maryam Nawaz has a good makeup artist she should also take services from Maryam Nawaz’s makeup artist,” said Mani, while Hira said: “Not her makeup artist Mani, her doctor.”
The conversation was done in humour and everyone on the show laughed it off.
Iman Aly has vowed not to work with writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar. She shared her decision in a recent interview with Vasay Chaudhry in his show, Ghabrana Mana Hai.
Vasay asked Iman about a list of popular films that she rejected, answering the question, she said: “I might have rejected the film because I may not be in friendship with the writer of that film or might not be fond of him.”
“Koi zehr bhi lag sakta hai na, islie mana kia ho sakta hai,” she added.
Vasay then went on to ask her that how many films have she rejected? The Khuda Kay Liye actress said: “There are a lot of them.”
Iman added: “I rejected Karachi Se Lahore, Punjab Nahi Jaungi, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, Na Maloom Afraad, and there was one film Azaadi by Irfan Malik and many more.”
Vasay asked Iman that why did she refuse to work in Jawani Phir Nahi Ani? To which she replied: “Ye to all boys film thi islie.” And what about Na Maloom Afraad, asked Vasay, “Ye bhi all boys film thi,” she answered.
He then asked that why did she not work in Punjab Nahi Jaungi? She started laughing and said: “I think the writer cheated on the character of the heroine. The writer is from Punjab and knows about Punjab, then he should only write about that. Why are you writing about a girl who came from Karachi or London, write something that you know about.”
“Khalil-ur-Rehman was the writer of that movie,” added Vasay. Then she said: “He writes really well about Punjab and Punjabi characters but my character was a little out of his comfort zone.”
She continued: “I did watch the film after it released but there were some issues which remains there.”
Vasay also asked: “What happened to Karachi Se Lahore?” She said: “Don’t even talk about that, the character does not make any sense. That she’s a nerd, in ghar kay kurtay and pajamay.”
She also revealed that she has done some films for the sake of friendship like Tich Button and Mah-e-Mir but she still had some issues with the story and some things in them.
When Vasay concluded the interview by saying that he hope writers are listening that she is ready to work, the moment he took Khalil’s name, Iman said she hopes he doesn’t listen to this announcemnet.
Zara Noor Abbas has questioned Special Assistant to the Punjab Chief Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan’s misconduct and getting into a physical altercation with the PPP MNA Qadir Khan Mandokhail.
Raising a very important question on Twitter, Zara said: “And had this been a man slapping a woman and abusing her on a talk show. What would have we done to him?”
Zara further wrote: “But now it’s a man! What will we do now? Please don’t let the abuser get by. Man or woman!”
And had this been a MAN slapping a woman and abusing her on a talk show. What would have we done to him?! But now it’s a MAN! What will we do now? Please don’t let the abuser get by. MAN OR WOMAN!
— Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui (@ZaraNoorAbbas) June 10, 2021
The incident occurred when the two appeared on Express News’ talk show, Kal Tak, hosted by Javed Chaudhry. What started as a discussion about the government’s performance and excessive load shedding in parts of the country, turned into a shouting match between the two over the recent train collision in Sindh’s Ghotki district which claimed the lives of more than 60 people.
Singer and actor Farhan Saeed, also condemned the incident, saying: “Thapar, chantay, galiyan, taney, trolling, memes, judgemental. Which country comes to mind?”
“Khuda ke liye be a nation and not a crowd, Allah ki kasam Pakistan ko kisi se khatra nahin hai but Pakistanis se ! Abhi bhi time hai, hamesha nahin reheyga,” he added.
Ali Zafar also agreed with the Sajni singer on his stance.
Mahira Khan is undisputedly the queen of Pakistan film and drama industry but she has also gained this title in rejecting scripts.
Ainee Ki Ayegi Baraat
Mahira Khan was offered the titular role in Ainee Ki Ayegi Baraat, but she turned it down for being a multi-starrer and the role went to her Humsafar co-star, Naveen Waqar. The script was written by Vasay Chaudhary who even pulled Mahira’s leg for rejecting his show at Fawad Khans production launch event.
Mera Naseeb
Mera Naseeb was supposed to be Mahira Khan’s first drama. It was revealed when a fan tweeted about how he would love to see Sanam Saeed and Mahira appear together on a “friendship movie or a chick flick”, Khan replied that her debut drama was actually supposed to be Hum TV’s Mera Naseeb. The Raees actress mentioned in an interview that she rejected the script as it had the concept of a pretty cousin sister vs an unpleasant-looking cousin sister and how it impacts their married life.
Kankar
After the thunderous success of Humsafar, Mahira refused the drama Kankar which was later done by Sanam Baloch. The drama dealt with the subject of domestic abuse. Mahira instead chose to do Sarmad Khoosat’s directorial Shehr-e-Zaat as she found it to be more challenging as a performer.
Punjab Nahi Jaungi
Mahira Khan was approached for the role of Amal Dastoor in Humayun Saeed’s blockbuster film. Humayun revealed in an interview that they had multiple meetings for the same but the talks couldn’t materialize.
Jawani Phir Nahi Ani
Mahira Khan rejected Mehwish Hayat’s role in Jawani Phir Nahi Ani as she was already working for Ho Mann Jahan and felt the script wasn’t empowering for women.
Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2
Post Raees, Mahira didn’t find it appropriate to take on a multi-starrer with misogynist elements despite it being mounted on a lavish scale.
Parwaaz Hai junoon
Momina Duraid, the producer, offered the film to Mahira but she couldn’t adjust it in her busy diary.
Parey Hut Love
Although Mahira was part of Parey Hut Love in a cameo role as Zeena, but firstly, she was offered the lead role of Saniya. After she refused it, the role was later played by Maya Ali.
Harshvardhan Kapoor has confirmed the rumours about Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal’s relationship.
In a conversation with Renil Abraham on Zoom’s By Invite Only Season 2, Harshvardhan said, “Vicky Kaushal and Katrina are together, that’s true.” A few moments later, he asked the host, “Am I going to get in trouble for saying this? I don’t know.”
Both the actors have maintained their silence about their equation and have not yet announced their relationship publicly despite media speculation since 2019.
In a 2020 interview with Bollywood Hungama, Vicky was asked if he is dating Katrina, to which he said, “I hope you respect this… I really want to guard my personal life to some extent because if you open up, it leads to discussions and interpretations and misinterpretations. That is something I am not inviting.”
The alleged lovebirds got infected with Covid’19 earlier this year.
They featured together on Film Companion’spodcast together to discuss personal and professional topics.
Trivia: Vicky was supposed to play a supporting role in Raat Baaki which got shelved post the URI attack and had Fawad Khan and Katrina Kaif as the lead pair.
Entertainment industry is not easy to get into, its cut-throat competitive nature makes it more challenging for the newer lot to gain opportunities and professional growth. Every day hundreds of aspirants try their luck in the acting realm but only few can get themselves noticed.
Here’s a list of the most promising fresh faces of recent years:
Zubab Rana
Zubab Rana made her acting debut with a role in Hum TV’s series Naseebo Jali in 2017. She further appeared as an antagonist in Shahood Alvi’s directorial Mere Khudaya in 2018 and as a protagonist in horror series Bandish 2019, which landed her a nomination at the Lux Style Awards. Her recent biggie Fitrat along with ARY’s Bharaas presented her range as a performer. Rana has been praised for her acting nuances and strong screen presence.
Danyal Zafar
After launching a series of popular songs, Danyal finally made his acting debut in Saife Hassan’s Tanaa Banaa opposite Alizeh Shah. Being a Ramadan special play, the series had thirty episodes and got Danyal noticed for his acting skills and impressive dressing sense. Danyal is also interactive with his fans on social media.
Hamza Sohail
Hamza made his debut in Kashif Nisar’s Raqeeb Se, co-starring Faryal Mehmood. Playing a layered character with grey shades, Hamza was impressive in his part and fans want to see more of him in the future. His chemistry with Faryal was also one of the highlights of the show. Rumour mills are buzzing that Hamza will be seen next in Fahad Mustafa’s production, directed by Badar Mehmood.
Nazish Jahangir
Nazish made her television debut in 2017 with drama serial Bharosa, followed by Gali Mein Chand Nikla and Khatakaar.Dil Tanha Tanha and Kahin Deep Jaley showcased her growth as an actress.
Arez Ahmed
Arez received fame with his breakthrough role of Asim in Saima Waseem’s Kahin Deep Jaley. The Meherposh actor received critical acclaim for his performance in Uraan where he shined in the role of Waqas. His pairing with co-stars Hiba Bukhari and Nazish Jahangir have been appreciated by netizens. Arez will be seen next in Mere Apne co-starring Zoya Nasir and Hajra Yamin.
Aymen Saleem
Aymen Saleem started her acting career with the hit Ramadan special play Chupke Chupke, despite it being an ensemble, Aymen got herself noticed for her natural and likeable performance.
Arsalan Nazeer
Prior to his acting debut, Arsalan has been a successful youtuber with a loyal digital fanbase. With an effortless comic timing in Chupke Chupke, Arsalan managed to stand tall opposite seniors such as Osman Khalid Butt and Ayeza Khan. His chemistry with co-star Aymen Saleem is one of the highlights of the show.
Usama Khan
Usama debuted with Hania Amir starrer Mujhay jeene do in a brief role, before delivering his breakthrough performance in Hum TV’s Sanwari as Tabrez Farasat Ali for which he also received a HUM award. Usama gained further prominence with dramas like Uraan and Ishq Jalebi and is currently featuring on Geo Entertainment’s Mohlat as Essa.
Zainab Shabbir
Zainab Shabbir started her drama career in 2018 with Maa Sadqey where she played a negative role. She is well known for her characters in Malaal e Yaar and Meherposh, Zainab has the skills to perform mature characters. Currently she is working in Hum TV’s drama serial Yaar Na Bichray.
Hammad Shoaib
After enjoying fame on digital platforms such as TikTok, Hammad turned a mainstream actor with dramas such as Soteli Mamta and Deewar-e-shab. Hammad featured in ARY’s Eid Telefilm Uff Yeh Biwiyan in which the actor displayed his diverse acting range.
Momin Saqib
After being an internet sensation post his viral world cup meme, Momin forayed into the world of acting with HUM TV’s Bey Adab, followed by Wajahat Rauf’s Raqs-e-Bismil, in which the actor impressed his critics by essaying the role of Isa in the show.
Dur-e-Fishan Saleem
Dur-e-Fishan made her acting debut in 2020’s Dil ruba, followed by an engaging performance in Bharaas alongside Omer Shehzad. The two have been like for their on-screen pairing.
Momina Iqbal
Post debuting with Ishq Mein Kafir opposite Gohar Mumtaz, Momina gained recognition for her performance in Ehad-e-wafa. She is currently playing a significant role in Geo TV’s Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3.
Mirza Zain Baig
Zain is a growing name of the local entertainment industry, with a right balance of lead and supporting parts, Zain is getting popular with the drama audiences. After entering showbiz with Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat starrer Dillagi, Zain achieved popularity with his roles in Dil-e-Gumshuda, Fitrat and Malal-e-yaar. His latest outing is Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3 in which he plays a love-struck Taimoor.
