Best entertainment news in the industry, we break entertainment stories as soon as celebrities post on their social media and do Pakistani drama reviews.
Riz Ahmed, who played the role of a drummer who begins to lose his hearing in the Sound of Metal charted history by becoming the first Muslim to be nominated in the leading actor category at the Academy Awards.
This is also for the first time that two Asian actors have been nominated in the Best Actor category. Nine of the 20 acting nods went to non-white performers, including Riz and a South Korean Yuh-Jung Youn of Minari, in what Variety Magazine described as the most diverse acting Oscars slate ever.
Sharing his excitement on social media, Riza said: “Wow! I’m honoured to be nominated by my fellow actors alongside such inspiring performances, and am grateful to the Academy for their support and encouragement.”
“I’m equally thrilled for our visionary writer-director Darius Marder and the brilliant Paul Raci As well as our editor Mikkel, sound designer Nicolas, and co-writer Abe Marder,” he added.
Wow! I’m honoured to be nominated by my fellow actors alongside such inspiring performances, and am grateful to the Academy for their support and encouragement. I’m equally thrilled for our visionary writer-director Darius Marder and the brilliant Paul Raci… pic.twitter.com/Z6ScOq08tf
“These nominations represent the time, generosity and talents of so many — all of our incredible cast, crew, producers,” said the actor further. “Sound of Metal is about how a health crisis can cut you off from your life and loved ones, and force you to grow in unexpected ways. In a challenging year for so many, I hope this story can inspire us to forge new and deeper connections with ourselves and others.”
“And in particular I’d like to thank my mentors in the drumming, addiction recovery, and D/dead communities” Riz concluded.
Sound of Metal is about how a health crisis can cut you off from your life and loved ones, and force you to grow in unexpected ways. In a challenging year for so many, I hope this story can inspire us to forge new and deeper connections with ourselves and others. pic.twitter.com/Yl2eLuvmwf
Meanwhile, six nods each were earned by the other best picture contenders The Father, Black Panther story Judas and the Black Messiah, Korean-language drama Minari, Nomadland, #MeToo revenge tale Promising Young Woman, 1960s Vietnam War courtroom drama The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Amazon Studio’s deaf drama Sound of Metal.
The late Chadwick Boseman also got a first Oscar nod for his final film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
The nominations were announced from London by presenters Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The Academy Awards would typically have happened by now but this year will be telecast on April 25. The film academy said Monday that the show will be held at both its usual home, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and the city’s railway hub, Union Station.
This year’s awards season — typically a month-long circuit of screenings, cocktail parties and schmoozing — has been entirely virtual, taking much of the buzz and predictability out of the Oscars. Eligibility was extended to early 2021 releases and to movies that bypassed theatres.
In the video, Shahveer along with fellow YouTubers Hashir, Zarrar Khan, Khaqan Shahnawaz and other friends can be seen singing the anthem in a desi Punjabi style on their way to Gwadar.
It is pertinent to mention here that Jafry, Zarrar and Khaqan will soon be seen in a web series titled Baarwan Khiladi, which is being produced by Mahira Khan and Nina Kashif under their production house Soulfry Films.
According to details, the web series is featuring Danyal Zafar, Jafry and Kinza Hashmi in the lead is “a story about friendships, relationships, unity, failure, success, love and courage.”
The series has been penned by Shahid Dogar and directed by Adnan Sarwar of Motorcycle Girl fame. Saba Faisal, Sarmad Khoosat and Mira Sethi are also part of the cast.
Taking to Instagram stories, the Lahore Se Aagey actor shared a collage of the actors which included Anoushay Abbasi, Hasan Ahmed, Furqan Qureshi, Afraz Rasool and Zain Afzal.
Meanwhile, earlier in an interview with a local media outlet, when Yasir was asked to name an actor who should have stayed on television instead of doing films, the actor had named Shahroz Sabzwari.
Responding to Yasir’s comments, Sabzwari had said: “I think everyone has their own opinion and I respect Yasir’s. I respect everyone’s opinions, whether it comes from someone in my family or a random person on the street. No one has been subjected to flak the way I have.”
The actor further said: “And he’s [Yasir’s]… I know him. So if that is what he thinks, then that’s fine by me.”
“I own all my characters and my films. One of them Chain Aye Na was a dead flop, but I own it. I think everyone should do that too. A bad film or a character that doesn’t work for you should never define your potential. An actor is only done when he tells himself in the mirror that he is done,” expressed Sabzwari.
“Yasir is entitled to his opinion and if you ask me mine, I will say that I respect all the actors around me,” said Shahroz, adding: “Even someone who plays a minor role is significant to me because when the camera is rolling, even saying ‘Assalamualaikum, kaisay hain aap’ becomes a task.”
“This is very disappointing to be having live concerts with so many people while we are still not free of COVID,” wrote the actor on Twitter. “Cases are on the rise again and we are experiencing a deadly third wave.”
Mehwish urged people to act responsibly and reminded them that “Jaan hai to jahaan hai!“.
This is very disappointing to be having live concerts with so many people while we are still not free of COVID. Cases are on the rise again and we are experiencing a deadly 3rd wave. Let’s please act responsibly. Remember.. Jaan hai to jahaan hai ! https://t.co/3OQFBaoBdt
According to the latest figures given by National Command Operation Center (NCOC), Islamabad has recorded 371 cases in the past 24 hours. While Punjab has recorded 1191 cases and total confirmed cases recorded in the last 24 hours are 2,253.
Amid the drastic increase in cases, the Punjab Government has reimposed numerous restrictions in different districts of the province including a complete ban on indoor and outdoor dining, closure of all commercial activities and markets by 6 pm on weekdays and suspension of all sports and all cultural activities. The Sindh Government has also issued directives for a smart lockdown in the province.
Syra Yousuf was recently seen grooving to Saawan Mein Lag Gayee Aag by Mika Singh along with sister Palwasha Yousuf and makeup artist Omayr Waqar, at a friend’s wedding in Karachi.
Ramsha Khan, whose clear and glowing skin we all envy, has spilled her skincare routine, sharing a step by step procedure on how she manages to maintain it.
Sharing a video of her routine on Instagram, the Ishqiya star said: “I’ve mentioned this a lot of times in interviews.. I don’t have a skin care routine as such.”
“I don’t believe in 10 steps skincare routine that involves serums and stuff…because that has never worked for me,” she continued, adding: “I cannot stress enough on this – do not forget to moisturize and use sunblock. Also do not forget to take your vitamins.”
Ramsha debuted in 2017 with the feature film Thora Jee Le and recently won hearts as Samia in the hit drama serial Ghisi Pitti Mohabbat. She also bagged ARY People’s Choice Award for Best Actor Female for her role in Ishqiya.
“Naya Pakistan will be incomplete without the inclusion of women,” said President Dr Arif Alvi as he concluded his speech at the second edition of HUM Women Leaders Awards (HWLA) which took place on March 9, 2021, at the President House in Islamabad.
The HWLA, which “aims to recognise and honour the contributions and achievements of iconic women from Pakistan and around the world”, celebrated eleven national and international women icons and one man for their contributions and achievements in the fields of diplomacy, social work, education, healthcare, human rights, journalism and women’s rights.
“The aim of these awards is to encourage women to think big,” said the network in a statement, adding: “[These women] are change-makers in their respective fields and a symbol and source of hope, courage, determination and inspiration for women across the globe. These iconic women are mentors and role models for girls who aspire to be achievers.”
Among those honoured that night included Ayesha Chundrigar, Lt General Nigar Johar, Ayesha Jalal, Hina Jilani, Shahzadi Gulfam and Malala Yousafzai. All winners received special hand-crafted trophies, designed by Amin Gulgee.
The night was a well-organised and starry affair with many senior actors including Bushra Ansari, Zeba Bakhtiyar, Vaneeza Ahmed and Naumaan Ijaz, in attendance. Hareem Farooq and Sanam Saeed were the hosts for the night while Strings, Umair Jaswal and Quratulain Baloch entertained the audiences with their music and mesmerizing performances.
Speaking at the event, President of the Hum TV Network Sultana Siddiqui said: “It has been my lifelong struggle to see that women are given their due importance in all fields. There should be no glass ceilings, no chains of traditions and customs to stop their flight. In today’s economy, it is imperative that women be given an equal chance to prosper. We cannot have a progressive economy with women shut indoors.”
President Alvi, in his speech, also emphasized on the importance of empowering women and giving them their due right. He asserted that the mission of Naya Pakistan will be incomplete without the inclusion of women and encouraged organisations to achieve a gender balance in the workplace. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan said that women’s entry into the workforce must be made easier and that men must play their role in empowering and facilitating women.
Meanwhile, meet the winners of the HWLA below:
Ayesha Chundrigar
Ayesha was honoured and recognised for setting up the first and largest animal rescue organisation in Pakistan – the ACF Animal Rescue. The rescue service has rescued and rehabilitated more than 7,000 animals so far, paving the way for animal rights to become a norm in society.
Shahzadi Gulfam
Shahzadi Gulfam is the first Pakistani woman police officer to receive the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award by the United Nations in 2011. In a career spanning over three decades, Gulfam has made her country proud, both nationally and internationally. She was also the first Pakistani female officer to be deployed in the UN Mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Tabassum Adnan
Tabassum Adnan the first woman in Pakhtun history to have founded an all-women jirga, Khwendo Jirga, which means Sisters’ Council, a milestone for the women of Swat. She was the first to be invited to the District Resolution Council paving the path for local women to participate in the decision-making process. In 2016, Tabassum received the Nelson Mandela – Graça Machel Innovation Award in the Individual Activist Category.
Abida Parveen
The undisputed queen of Sufi Music, Abida Parveen is among the 500 Most Influential Muslim Artists in the world. Besides, receiving a plethora of accolades internationally and nationally, Abida Parveen is also the recipient of eight Pride of Performance Awards, the Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz.
While receiving her award, Abida also recited a kalam, enthralling audiences were her magical voice.
Lt General Nigar Johar
Lt General Nigar Johar is the first-ever female three-star general in the history of Pakistan and the first female Surgeon General of the Pakistan Army. Hailing from Panjpeer Village, in Swabi District, Lt Gen Nigar was also the first female Commandant of any armed forces unit and the first female to have commanded the largest hospital of the Pakistan Army. An expert markswoman, she is the recipient of the Fatima Jinnah Gold medal, Tamgha e Imtiaz and Hilal e Imtiaz along with an honorary membership at the Royal College of Physicians (UK).
Malala Yousafzai
International icon for education and the world’s youngest Nobel laureate, Malala Yousafzai received an award for her unrelenting efforts to see that every girl completes 12 years of education.
Speaking at the event via video message, Malala said: “I dedicate this award to all the young girls who wish for a bright future, who have a desire to learn and get an education. The pandemic has amplified the education crisis in Pakistan, even more so for girls who continue to pay the highest price. With Malala Fund and our new projects, it is our mission to prioritise the education of girls with an even greater emphasis during this pandemic, so they can continue to learn during [the pandemic] without hindrance.”
“I hope for a day in Pakistan when every girl is able to go to school, get an education, be able to fulfil her dreams and lead without fear,” she added.
Ayesha Jalal
An insightful historian and educationist, Ayesha Jalal has published and written countless books and research articles that provide a unique insight into the culture and history of the subcontinent.
Masarrat Misbah
Cosmetologist and philanthropist Masarrat Misbah was honoured for her work with acid victims. In 2003, Misbah conceptualized the Depilex Smile Again Foundation to rehabilitate and support acid burn victims. Her organization helped many victims receive the best available medical treatment and psycho-social support.
Malik Rafique Awan
The only man awardee of the night, Malik Rafique Awan, has set a precedent for all fathers – all of his five daughters have passed the Civil Superior Service (CSS) exams and are serving their country with the zeal and passion they inherited from their father.
Speaking at the event, an emotional Awan said that on the birth of his fifth daughter, he and his wife Khursheed Begum were ridiculed for not having any sons and that is when he decided to empower all his daughters by giving them worthy education and raising them as strong individuals. He encouraged all men to educate their daughters and raise them as strong and independent individuals.
“I request all fathers to give their daughters degrees instead of jahez,” said Awan, who received the trophy from two of his daughters.
Awan’s eldest daughter, Laila Malik Sher is Deputy Commissioner Income Tax Department in Karachi. His second daughter Shirin Malik Sher is serving as Director at the National Highway Authority Islamabad while the third one Sassi Malik Sher is Deputy Executive, CEO Chaklala Cantt, Rawalpindi. Awan’s fourth daughter Marvi Malik Sher has been appointed as the Additional Assistant Commissioner Abbottabad and his youngest daughter Zoha Malik Sher has just joined the Officers Management Group.
Hina Jilani
Hina Jilani was honoured for her fight for human rights in the country.
International recipients of the HWLA included Princess Sarvath Al Hassan of Jordan and Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces from Ecuador.
Princess Sarvath Al Hassan
Princess Sarvath is the first leader to establish a nonprofit education programme that offered equal opportunities to every student in Jordan, presided over the Young Muslim Women’s Association and pioneered several initiatives such as establishing the Bunayat Center for Special Education in 1974. Princess Sarvath also served as the Honourary Vice President of the Jordanian Red Crescent from 1994- 2004.
Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces
A successful diplomat, profound academic and seasoned politician, Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces has set an example of woman empowerment with her illustrious career and fight for women inclusion in politics. She has headed various ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Defense and Culture and Heritage in Ecuador. Espinosa was also the first female ambassador of Ecuador to the United Nations in New York and Geneva and the fourth woman in history to serve as the president of the United National General Assembly.
Speaking at the event via video, Maria encouraged women participation in politics, asserting that countries will not succeed until women are represented properly in the governments.
The Hum Women Leaders Awards will be televised on Pakistan Day on Hum TV.
Fawad Alam is all set to make his acting debut with a web series titled Khudkash Muhabbat, scheduled to release on Pakistan’s first OTT platform, UrduFlix.
“UrduFlix recently launched as Pakistan’s first-ever Urdu OTT platform has upped the game with brilliant new content and has kept the surprises coming. In a recent poster for their latest web series Khudkash Muhabbat – it was revealed that the cricketing hero would be making his debut on UrduFlix,” read a press release by the streaming service.
“Fawad Alam, who has given remarkable performances in his cricketing career will soon be seen on the screens in what looks like an unconventional role in a unique story,” it added, without going into further details about the series and Fawad’s role in it.
UrduFlix is Pakistan’s first Urdu OTT platform. It went live on March 5 and will provide viewers with access to original Urdu films, series, documentaries, cartoons, and Urdu dubbed Turkish dramas among other exclusively made shows for the platform.
The first few shows on the platform would include Mashal Khan’s Lifafa Dayaan and Hareem Shah’sRaaz among others. The first exclusively available show going up on the platform with its launch is Dulhan Aur 1 Raat featuring Alizeh Shah in the lead.
Fawad, who has was ignored by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for almost eleven years, recently scored a centuryduring the Pakistan vs South Africa series. It was the cricketer’s third century. He scored his first in 2009 when he hit 168 on his Test debut against Sri Lanka while opening the innings. Since then Alam has played just six Tests having made a comeback in 2020. He scored his second hundred in New Zealand during the Pakistan vs New Zealand Test series after he got a chance to play when captain Babar Azam was ruled out due to his thumb injury.
Dananeerr Mobeen, who became a social media sensation after she posted a ‘pawri‘ video, has found new fans in Bollywood actors Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh. The couple re-created the trending video to wish their dog Flash.
During an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Mobeen was shown videos of Bollywood actors who recreated her video. Among those was Genelia and Riteish’s video in which they were celebrating their dog’s birthday, ‘Pawri Ho Rai Hai‘ style. In the video, the Ek Villain actor can be seen showing the celebrations and saying: “This is Flash, this is us, and this is our party.”
Reacting to the video, Mobeen said: “The couple is so beautiful. I’ve also grown up looking and admiring them and recreating this trend in such a beautiful way. And Flash is so cute,” she added.
In response to Mobeen’s reaction, Genelia and Riteish sent the young Pakistani influencer love.
“Lotsa Love Dananeer. Flash says thank you,” said Genelia, while Riteish wrote: “Hey Dananeer wishing you all the best form our side. Much love.”
Earlier in the interview she said that as a child, she used to stare endlessly at pictures of Shah Rukh, and that her favourite Kareena character is Poo, from the film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
She told Bollywood Hungama, “The character Poo I think not just me but I think the entire world can relate. I think I personally relate to Poo at times. So, I’ll just be sitting with friends and they’ll something like: ‘Okay! So we’re gonna watch a movie’ and I’ll be like, ‘tell me how it was’!”
Asked if there is an element of Poo in the ‘Pawri girl’, she said, “Poo I think humare andar bas gaya hai (Poo is deeply ingrained in all of us). So in anything that you do, it’s the sass, that Poo comes out.”
Dananeer was also asked if she had a message for Kareena, who recently gave birth to her second child, she said, “Two beautiful beautiful children Mashallah.”
Dananeer, who has had scores of celebrities from all corners of the subcontinent react to her viral meme, said that she would ‘go crazy’ if Shah Rukh sends her a message.
US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has shared her playlist of the Muslim artists she jams to from around the world and the list includes popular Pakistani musicians Atif Aslam, Abdullah Siddiqui and Shamoon Ismail.
Omar, this week pledged to promote Muslim artists around the world as she revealed her Spotify playlist on International Women’s day consisting of many female artists.
, “I am jamming to the second part of my Muslim Vibes playlist as we pass[the] final bill to send checks to people and sensible gun control legislation. I hope you check out these [fire emoji] artists, who are mostly unknown to US audience and give them a boost.”
Acknowledging the appreciation, the Be Myself crooner said: “I’m on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s Spotify playlist, Surreal, brb crying profusely.”
Fans in the comment section lauded the acknowledgment and bombarded Abdullah with congratulatory messages, while fans of Shamoon also chimed in.
Earlier, when Omar had announced her initial Muslim Vibes playlist on Instagram, she mentioned Atif Aslam, British-Pakistani actor and rapper Riz Ahmed and British singer-songwriter Sami Yusuf among others in her comment section.
