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.

  • Shoaib Akhtar receives flak from celebrities for his comments on ‘Groove Mera’

    Shoaib Akhtar receives flak from celebrities for his comments on ‘Groove Mera’

    Shoaib Akhtar has come under fire for mocking and ridiculing the anthem of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The former cricketer had trashed Groove Mera, calling it the worst anthem ever. He also said that he uses the song to put his children to sleep as they are scared of it.

    Following Akhtar’s comments, several celebrities including Adnan Siddiqui, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY), Hira Mani, Ahmed Ali Butt and Wasim Akram stepped forward to defend the song. Though they did not name Akhtar directly, they subtly shaded him for his comments.

    “Least we can do for our artists is respect them,” said Adnan. “It’s very easy to be keyboard warriors and shred someone’s hard work to pieces.”

    “Naseebo Lal doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this,” added the actor.

    Sharing his thoughts on the brouhaha, Wasim Akram said: “Hope all this well. Aap log theek hain, exercise kar rahay hain or mou chukk kay criticise kar rahy ho har cheez nu. That’s you guys.”

    “Abhi mene PSL anthem pay bohat saray views sunay or theek hai, har aik ki marzi hoti hai magar ennay Tan Sen therday ni tussi, har gal tey bolna hai. Tareef na karna tussi,” he added in Punjabi.

    Sharing Wasim’s video on Twitter, Omair Rana said: “I love this man! Wasim Akram. Jewndy raho!”

    HSY also praised Groove Mera, saying that he is listening to it on repeat.

    “When will we learn to take things in perspective and react accordingly,” questioned Faysal Quraishi.

    “Let’s go with the spirit of sports and celebrate little things. I personally think Naseebo Lal who is very popular with masses will rock the stadium with her ‘groove’ and high notes,” remarked the actor.

    Similarly, in a detailed note posted on Instagram, Ahmed Ali Butt said: “For people who don’t know… Naseebo Lal is a Pakistani folk singer with over 30 years of singing experience. She never got the limelight that she deserved because most of her songs were during the “raunchy” Punjabi film era. But that does not change the fact that she is a Pakistani folk legend with hundreds of songs to her credit.”

    “Groove Mera is a great song and a bold step by PCB. For all the people making fun of her pronunciation are the same people who love UK or Canadian Punjabi singers,” he said further. “So shut up and be proud of your nation’s talent. God knows you didn’t contribute to their success or hard work, so the least you can do is be respectful towards them.”

    “Ab volume kholo or bolo…aaj vaykhay ga crowd mera groove TV tay,” he concluded.

    Hira Mani, in a lengthy note posted to social media said: “We respect you madam. Bas yeh so-called elite burgers music critics internet kay dour kay hum jese chunnay munnay followers walay. Inko kia pata kay asal fan following houti kiya hai.”

    Meanwhile, other celebrities, including Farhan Saeed, Anoushey Ashraf and Haroon Shahid directly responded to Akhtar for his comments.

    “It’s his opinion, that’s ok! He has the right, but that’s a stupid opinion is what is my opinion,” stated Farhan Saeed.

    “This song will be a winner in the stadiums, mark it,” he added.

    Haroon Shahid also directly responded to Akhtar saying: “So when Shoaib Akhtar was being paid millions by Kolkata Knight Riders and this song came up I bet he would have danced on this track at the Eden Gardens just to impress Shahrukh jee.”

    In a later tweet, the singer-turned-actor said: “This guy talks about aesthetics! Here’s a guy who commentates in English defining ‘Groove’ for us in musical terms.”

    Sharing her thoughts on the controversy, Anoushey Ashraf said: “Oh dear, this is in bad taste. One thing to not like a song, another thing to run down artists, musicians this way. Big fan of Shoaib Akhtar but not the way he’s bashing the anthem.”

    Television actor, Naveed Raza also participated in the debate, commenting: “Learn to appreciate Shoaib Akhtar bhai. The worst virus is a human, dehumanising another human. Groove Mera is a solid stadium-feel song.”

    Groove Mera is currently trending at number one on YouTube Pakistan with more than five million views till the filing of this report.

    What did you think of Groove Mera? Let us know in the comments below.

  • IN PICTURES: Mahira Khan’s ‘wild’ vacation

    Soon after recovering from COVID-19, Mahira Khan took some much-needed downtime and jetted off to Masai Mara in Kenya with her son Azlaan and brother Hassan Khan for a vacation in the “wild”.

    Sharing pictures from her trip, Mahira said: “Feeling at home in the wild.”

    Mahira also shared selfies of herself chilling with the locals.

    Now that’s what you call chai with a view.

    Into the jungle!

    Mahira has a string of releases including The Legend of Maula Jatt and Neelofar lined up for when cinemas reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic. The actor is also working on her first-ever web series Baarwan Khiladi as a producer. Khan has set up a production house Soulfry Films with her dear friend and producer Nina Kashif. Baarwan Khiladi will be their first project together.

    Meanwhile, Mahira also wants to make a comeback to the small screen this year.

  • Mrs Waqar Younis pens a sweet note for husband on 21st anniversary

    Mrs Waqar Younis pens a sweet note for husband on 21st anniversary

    Waqar Younis’ wife, Dr Faryal Waqar has penned a cheeky but heartfelt note for her husband on their 21st marriage anniversary.

    Read more – Shoaib Malik gets a cheeky birthday wish from Sania Mirza

    Sharing pictures of herself with Waqar on social media, Dr Faryal wrote: “Happy 21st anniversary. We spend so much time apart as we always seem to come second to your passion for work.”

    “I’m still hanging around because you make me proud of what you do and who you are. I wouldn’t have it any other way. So for all the sacrifices, good and bad times. For all the times to come,” she added.

    Replying to his wife’s note, Waqar wrote: “Bus kar pagli, ab rulaaye ge kya[?]”

    “Love you always. Thank you for all the sacrifices,” he added.

    Waqar married Dr Faryal, a Pakistani Australian, in February 2000. The couple has three children together: a son Azaan and daughters Mariam and Maira. Waqar’s family is based in Kellyville in Australia.

    Meanwhile, colleagues and friends including Sania Mirza, Umar Gul, Azhar Ali, Zainab Abbas, Aaliya Rasheed, Shoaib Jutt and Asif Khan wished the couple on their anniversary.

  • When Aamir Khan hosted Humayun Saeed in Mumbai

    When Aamir Khan hosted Humayun Saeed in Mumbai

    Humayun Saeed has opened up on his visit to India several years ago and has revealed that Aamir Khan hosted him at his home while he was in Mumbai.

    When asked by Vasay Chaudhry, on his show, Ghabrana Mana Hai, Saeed shared that he had visited Khan in India for a role in Ghajni.

    “I met Aamir at his house in Bombay [Mumbai]. He called me there,” revealed Humayun. “I was there for a role in Ghajni.”

    When asked why he was not cast in the film them, Humayun said that Aamir said: “You [Humayun] are much too good-looking for this character.” However, the actor did not state which role he was being considered for.

    When probed further about his visit, Humayun said that Aamir hosted him at his house for three days.

    “Yes he called me, and I stayed at his house for three days. Bohat maza aaya tha. I met him twice and he also served us many desi food and dishes and then we came back to Pakistan,” said Humayun nonchalantly.

    During the conversation, Humayun also shared that he had a friendly rapport with the late Rishi Kapoor and was even looking to cast him in Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2. Saeed said that they two remained in touch and Kapoor enjoyed his films. Humayun further shared that he enquired about Rishi’s health just a few days before he passed away on April 30, 2020.

    Meanwhile, when asked about his famous dance with Shah Rukh Khan, Priety Zinta and Reema at the Zee Cine Awards in 2005, Humayun said that he was very excited for it but very nervous at the same time because they had not prepared for it at all.

    “We arrived one night before [the award function] and were immediately taken to where the rehearsals were going on,” said Humayun. “I met Shah Rukh there but there was no rehearsal going on. The next day, one hour before the show, we arrived and just learned the steps and did it.”

    When asked whose company he enjoyed more – Shah Rukh or Aamir’s – Humayun said: “Both actually. But I spent more time with Aamir. We sat the whole night [at his house] and talked.”

    “But Shah Rukh was also very sweet,” he added.

    Later, while sharing his thoughts on the ongoing Indo-Pak tensions and the effect it has on the cultural exchange, Humayun said: “I don’t like it. We can’t meet each other. We can’t go to India. There are visa issues. They [Bollywood stars] can’t come here.”

    “But yes if we meet abroad somewhere, we always greet each other very warmly,” added the actor. “Whatever is happening is not right and it does make me upset.”

  • Hina Altaf, Aagha Ali turn hosts with a new ‘couples show’

    Hina Altaf, Aagha Ali turn hosts with a new ‘couples show’

    Real-life couple Aagha Ali and Hina Altaf are all set to host their own talk show.

    Titled ‘The Couple Show‘, the show will see Hina and Aagha chat with other couples from the industry.

    According to a press release, the show is “expected to bring some entertaining stars and Pakistan’s biggest celebrity couples to the couch in a candid conversation with the couple.”

    Hina and Ali, who gained popularity after their brilliant performance in the hit drama serial Dil-e-Gumshuda, is one of Lollywood’s most loved couples. The two tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on May 22, 2020

    Announcing the news on social media, Ali said: “Here I am. Your host for this very amazing show called The Couple Show.”

    “The great news is that I’m not hosting this show alone…my beautiful co-host for the show is the love of my life and my wife Hina Altaf,” he added. “Jald hi inkay saath bhi picture upload karunga (I will upload a picture with her soon).

    The show is expected to air on Aaj Entertainment and Urduflix.

    If Instagram posts are to be believed, Sarwat Gilani and Fahad Mirza will be one of the couples to be a part of the show.

    The Couple Show will be the latest celebrity-hosted show to hit our screens. Earlier this year, Ahsan Khan’s new show Time Out with Ahsan Khan started on Express Entertainment and Vasay Chaudhry’s Ghabrana Mana Hai aired on ARY Digital.

  • ‘Jald mulaqat ho gee’: Cengiz Coşkun hints he will visit Pakistan soon

    Cengiz Coşkun, popularly known as Turgut Alp from Dirilis: Ertuğrul has signed up as the brand ambassador of Dr Fazeela Abbasi’s first-ever men’s exclusive skincare line. Dr Fazeela is Hamza Ali Abbasi’s sister.

    Announcing the news on social media, the Turkish star said that he was excited to be representing the brand and hinted that he will be visiting Pakistan soon.

    “l am excited to announce that l will be endorsing the first-ever men’s exclusive skincare line by Dr Fazeela as a brand ambassador,” wrote Coşkun alongside a picture of the two. “Jald mulaqat ho gee.”

    Dr Fazeela also shared the news on Instagram, writing: “Announcing the pioneer launch of the first-ever men’s exclusive skincare line in Pakistan and Gulf with Cengiz Coşkun as the face of the DFA brand.”

    Earlier in September 2020, the Turkish actor had also been signed as the brand ambassador on J. Fragrance.

    Diriliş: Ertuğrul has been trending in Pakistan ever since its first episode aired on PTV Home in Ramzan 2020. Pakistanis are loving the drama series and it has become a sensation in the country. According to some estimates, millions of people have tuned in to watch the show on PTV and YouTube.

    Read more – ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’ star Cengiz Coşkun says he has been receiving marriage proposals from Pakistan

    Recently, several Turkish actors from the super hit series Diriliş: Ertuğrul have visited Pakistan for different purposes. From Engin Altan Düzyatan (Ertuğrul Bey) to Cavit Çetin Güner (Dogan Alp) and Celal AL (Abdur Rehman Alp), almost every prominent actor from the drama series has visited different cities of the country. Fans had been eagarly awaiting Coşkun’s visit and it appears that they will not have to wait much longer.

  • Modi, Abhinandan spotted in Shehzad Roy’s new music video

    Modi, Abhinandan spotted in Shehzad Roy’s new music video

    Shehzad Roy is not one to keep it subtle. From social issues to the lack of infrastructure and utilities in Pakistan, the singer and musician aptly uses social media to raise his voice and create awareness.

    Read more – Shehzad Roy has the funniest response to a Twitter marriage proposal

    Known for his timeless songs like Laga Reh, Roy has returned to the music industry with yet another masterpiece. Titled Kon Kis Ka Aadmi Hai, the song highlights Pakistanis curiosity to know who is working for whom and their habit of making assumptions rather than seeking the truth.

    The most plausible aspect of Roy’s songs in their ability to address serious issues with a touch of humour. Kon Kis Ka Aadmi Hai adds elements of hip hop and street dance to an otherwise simple song which features Roy performing with a guitar.

    Most interestingly, the song manages to mention Modi and the current farmers’ protest in India, the capture of Wing Commander Abhinandan by Pakistan, and the two-faced nature of people, all of whom have some sort of agenda to fulfil.

    The cherry on top in the video directed by Faisal Qureshi is the presence of Roy’s son, Sikandar Alam Roy, on drums followed by his punchline at the end of the song. Pakistan-based Australian artist Gabrielle Brinsmead also makes a special appearance in the video with a Cello.

    The song has been gathering praises from its listeners who definitely seem enthusiastic about Roy returning to the world of music with yet another powerful song.

    https://twitter.com/Fay_Seen/status/1359057961797173255?s=19

  • Zoya Nasir slams troll for giving Christian Betzmann ‘criminal advice’

    Zoya Nasir slams troll for giving Christian Betzmann ‘criminal advice’

    Celebrities across the world are no stranger to trolling. Though most of them tend to ignore the trolls and social media hate, there are times when they give it back to them.

    Read more – Ayesha Omar claps back at troll criticising her choice of outfit

    The latest victim of social media trolling is Zoya Nasir, who recently received some scathing comments after she congratulated YouTuber Christian Betzmann for converting to Islam.

    “Welcome to peace Christian,” Zoya had written alongside a picture of herself and Betzmann. “May Allah give you all that you desire and more. Ameen.”

    Commenting under the picture, a social media user Anum Ashraf Khan wrote: “Welcome to peace? Kisi ka deen kharab kar kay you want to live at peace? Shame on you, you poor soul. He should be ashamed of himself and should commit suicide.”

    Replying to the comment, Zoya said: “I have three questions for you. What’s your objection and what right of objection do you have here when the entire world is happy? Would you say this to our faces, rather than behind your cowardly keyboard’s safety?”

    “What would you do and how would you feel if (Allah forbid) he decided to listen to you and actually followed your criminal advice?,” questioned Zoya. “I hope you realise the kind of responsibility you have here.”

    Later, the actor went to bash the user further in her Instagram stories, writing: “Let’s give her a huge round of applause for what she thinks she achieved here.”

    “This very woke woman left a criminal and heinous advice for Chris,” said Zoya.

    “Mostly Pakistani media personalities have thick skins, so we are alright,” she continued. “But what if this woman is dropping the same hate to someone [who is] emotionally weak and decided to act upon it?”

    “Does she even realise this? Does anyone?,” she concluded.

  • Pashto folk singer forced to live in a tent with over 200 family members

    Pashto folk singer Zarsanga Bibi is reportedly living in a tent along with over 200 family members after the culture department took back her official residence in Kohat district.

    Read more – KP govt offers job to Pakistan’s ‘Charlie Chaplin’

    Popularly referred to as the ‘melody queen’, Zarsanga Bibi has requested for help and demanded the culture department to provide her with a residence so that she can live the last years of her life in peace, comfort and dignity.

    Zarsanga Bibi said that the current pandemic has worsened living conditions for her and her family, forcing her to beg.

    According to details, the singer and her sons have rented a shop in Kohat Bazaar where they have kept over 2,500 awards, certificates and medals of the singer.

    “I appeal to President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan to take notice of my miserable plight. I just want a piece of plot where I could feel proud that my contributions fetched me at least a state given shelter. I at this stage and age have no other wish,” said Zarsanga.

    She said that she had rejected offers from Afghanistan and several other countries, saying that she only worked for Pakistan and that her country has been her identity and she would live and die with it. She added that she would never leave Pakistan despite her current situation and the disappointing attitude of relevant authorities.

    “I have over 200 sons and daughters and grandchildren and they all depend on me,” says Zarsanga Bibi. “The government had allotted me an official residence in Kohat for two years and on termination the specified time, I along with my extended family was forced to live once again in the tents in the open air where we have to pay Rs15, 000 as rent to the owner of the land.”

    Shahzada, the elder son of the living legend, said that his mother was suffering from chest infection and had other multiple health complaints. He said that despite multiple appeals and requests, no official responded to his family sufferings.

  • Fawad Chaudhry’s wife launches fashion label

    Fawad Chaudhry’s wife launches fashion label

    Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry’s wife Hiba Fawad has debuted her fashion label Nisa Hussain at the 10th Hum Bridal Couture Week.

    Nisa Hussain closed Show 1 at the last day of the Hum Bridal Couture Week with a gorgeous collection of bridal and wedding outfits. Set in rich, luxurious materials and embellishments, the 16-piece collection had a diverse colour palette ranging from neutrals to red. Resham and Hareem Farooq were the showstoppers while Arif Lohar brought in some drama and energy to the ramp.

    In a statement, the brand said that “the collection reflects the brand’s take on traditional subcontinental bridalwear, infused with the designer’s signature silhouettes and embellishments. Set in rich, luxurious materials such as velvet, tissue, organza, cotton net, jamawar and shamoise, the collection features artisanal gold, copper, pearl, tilla and tabkakora embroideries with a diverse colour palette ranging from neutrals to red and everything in between.”

    Speaking about her debut, Nisa Hussain’s Creative Director Hiba said: “Pakistan’s fashion industry has gained remarkable ground all over the world, where our bridal wear is considered among the world’s finest couture. With my debut bridal collection at BCW, this marks a significant milestone for my young and emerging brand.”

    Read more – Farah Talib Aziz calls out Haris Shakeel for plagiarism

    Meanwhile, speaking at the event, Fawad said that his favourite collection from the day was the “one named after his daughter [Nisa Hussain]”. The minister also added that he was very happy to see designers showcase their creativity and talent at the event and that these outfits can prove to be a great export for Pakistan.

    When asked when he is launching at menswear line, Fawad said that his field is politics so we should not expect one anytime soon.