Best entertainment news in the industry, we break entertainment stories as soon as celebrities post on their social media and do Pakistani drama reviews.
Armeena Khan has often been in the headlines but it has been a while since we saw her on the screen. Her last drama outing was Daldal, which aired in 2017.
Recently, one of her fans asked her why she hasn’t done any project lately.
In response to that, Khan gave a detailed reply in which explained her reasons.
“This is an interesting question, so I will try to give a detailed answer. People work for two reasons: Because they need financial stability (thankfully, that wasn’t the case for me) or because they have a passion or an incentive.”
She further said that in the past she worked in the industry because she was passionate about the work she did. But now, she has no passion to work because of the scripts coming her way.
“I used to get angry at the kind of projects that were coming my way. Why would you work for something that is killing your passion?”
Khan believes that it’s not the actors’ or audience’s fault. It is the system that has some flaws. However, she plans to come to Pakistan whenever she is offered a decent project.
Meanwhile, Armeena while responding to a follower on Twitter said that she would love to play a “strong, self-determined female character”.
Ever since Diriliş: Ertuğrul started airing in Pakistan, it has taken over the country by storm. The Turkish historical series has a cult following in the country and fans have been very excited since the cast expressed their wish to visit Pakistan.Esra Bilgiç who plays Halime Sultan in the series is particularly a favourite and the actor had earlier revealed that she will be endorsing three Pakistani brands.
One of them appears to be mobile company QMobile, who have announced that Esra will be the brand ambassador for their View Max Pro series.
Following their announcement, Yasir Hussain, who has been very critical of the government’s decision to air the drama on PTV, expressed his anger and disappointment over QMobile’s decision, saying: “Apko nahi lagta k Pakistan brand ki brand ambassador bhi Pakistani honi chahiye? Na Indian na Turkish? Pakistan Zindabad (Don’t you think Pakistani brands should have Pakistani brand ambassadors? Neither Turkish nor Indian).
The actor questioned why Pakistani actors like like Mahira Khan , Saba Qamar, Yumna Zaidi, Hira Mani cannot be brand ambassadors.
He added that he is not including his wife Iqra Aziz’s name in the list because she is already a brand ambassador for a mobile phone company.
Aiman Khan and Minal Khan also supported Yasir’s point of view.
Back when things were cordial between India and Pakistan, Pakistani artists had also criticised local brands for featuring Bollywood stars in their campaigns.
Following the tragic PIA plane crash in Karachi and the controversy around the alleged fake licencesof hundreds of Pakistani pilots, Pakistanis have become fearful when it comes to air travel. While COVID-19 lockdowns across the world have limited movements, some people are forced to travel due to various reasons.
Renowned model Hasnain Lehri, in a Twitter post, shared a harrowing flight experience with Serene Airlines and demanded that he wants answers as to why the pilot decided to increase speed and take off again moments before landing. Detailing his ordeal, Lehri said that he experienced “a glimpse of death”.
Hasnain recounted that just as the plane was about to land at Lahore Airport, the pilot increased the speed of the plane and took off again following which the plane circled around Lahore for a few minutes before he finally attempted to land again. Lehri shared that those 15-20 minutes were the longest of his life and he was not sure if he would come out of this alive.
The model added that the pilot said that he did not land due to “birds in the path”. However, neither he nor the fellow passengers were convinced with this excuse and demanded a more detailed answer on the matter.
Meanwhile, in response to Lehri’s tweet, Serene Airlines said that the complaint has been forwarded to the relevant department.
We apologize for the inconvenience caused to you. Your complaint has been forwarded to the relevant department for inquiry.
Asim Azhar’s latest song Tum Tum, which had received a lot of hate for featuring Tiktoker Areeka Haq, has finally released.
Touted as the “biggest collaboration of the year”, the song features Asim, Areeka, Shamoon Ismail, Mooroo, Talha Anjum and Talha Yunus. Hania Aamir and Asad Siddiqui have a guest appearance in the song.
While the song garnered more than a million views within hours of being released, the storyline is not so impressive and shows Areeka as a heartless gold-digger who gets together with boys and fleeces them of their money.
Even the music video begins with the quote: “If you choose money over love, you will always be poor.”
Watch it here:
Despite the views, the song did not resonate well with the audiences who took to social media to voice their criticism.
Although to be fair to them, regardless of the times they can only create what they are capable of.
Another blow for Bollywoood. Renowned choreographer Saroj Khan died of cardiac arrest in a Mumbai hospital early Friday. She was 71.
According to reports, the three-time National Award winner was hospitalized last Saturday after she complained of breathlessness. She tested negative for COVID-19.
Khan choreographed more than 2,000 songs in her career spanning more than 40 years. Leading actresses including Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi danced to some of the most popular songs Khan had produced.
Khan started her acting career at the age of 3 in a Bollywood film. She later shifted to choreography and got her break in 1974. She never looked back and created some of Bollywood’s most popular film songs.
She won acclaim for songs in movies Mr India, Chandni, Beta, Tezaab, Don, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Baazigar, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Gulab Gang. Some of her most noted works include Hawa Hawai, Dola Re and Yeh Ishq Hai.
Khan was buried in a Mumbai cemetery on Friday, her nephew Manish Jagwani told reporters.
She is survived by her husband and three children.
Soon after the news of her death was announced, Bollywood mourned her death and celebrities including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Akshay Kumar, Kajol and Amitabh Bachchan recalled their fondest memories of her.
My first genuine teacher in the film industry. She taught me for hours how to do the ‘dip’ for film dancing. One of the most caring, loving & inspiring persona i have ever met. Will miss you Sarojji. May Allah bless her soul. Thank u for looking after me.
Saroj ji was an institution in herself. She has inspired so many choreographers, dancers, actors and directors to reach excellence in their work with her own gift of genius. Her art and legacy will live on forever. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and fans
Woke up to the sad news that legendary choreographer #SarojKhan ji is no more. She made dance look easy almost like anybody can dance, a huge loss for the industry. May her soul rest in peace
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) building was attacked by four heavily armed terrorists in Karachi on Monday morning. Police killed all four assailants who attacked the building. At least two civilians also lost their lives in the attack and multiple were injured.
Some reports said that four guards and a policeman were also martyred.
There was an attack on the PSX compound earlier today. The situation is still unfolding and management, with the help of security forces, is managing the security and controlling the situation.
As the news of the incident started circulating on social media, Indian filmmaker Ashoke Pandit took to Twitter and wrote, “#TerroristsKillTerrorists in #Karachi stock exchange in Pakistan.”
Following the deaths of legends Sabiha Khanum and Tariq Aziz, Farhan Saeed has taken the initiative to celebrate and honour the living legends of Pakistan. The actor-singer also requested his followers to join him in honouring them for their services to the country.
“2020 has been revelatory for so many reasons. A pandemic has pushed the world to its limits. Racial differences have sparked outrage and so many revered innocent souls have left us,” said the singer.
Remembering those who passed away, Farhan said, “In this uncertain age, we Pakistanis must not waste time in appreciating the Living Legends among us.”
He added: “I wish to honour their lives and cherish their presence among us, and I wish to express gratitude for sharing this world with someone of their stature.”
Please support me in my humble attempt to celebrate Pak’s #LivingLegends – those who have selflessly served our country. I invite you to be part of my ode to their excellence and unmatched dedication and join me in saying thank you to them for all they have done #PakistaniHeroespic.twitter.com/UCZeFbbNXd
Saeed has so far honoured four legends including Qavi Khan, Javed Miandad, Abida Parveen and Umer Sharif.
Writing about Qavi Khan, Farhan said: “As my first tribute to the #LivingLegends of Pakistan, I pay homage to Qavi Khan sahab, the legendary actor par excellence who has been serving the country since 1952.”
“I recently had the privilege of sharing the screen with him – both on television as well as in a film. Anyone who has worked with Qavi sahab would know his demeanour only commands the utmost respect. He is an institution,” he continued.
Farhan added: “He motivates younger actors by encouraging them to push the bar with each performance. To encourage us, Qavi sahab always tells us, we are better at what we do than his generation was. His wealth of experience is a guide book for those who have only just recently joined the industry.”
Celebrating the #LivingLegend that is Qavi Khan – an institution in his own right and an inspiration for us all!
Next Farhan, celebrated Abida Parveen, whose soulful voice has touched hearts across the world.
“Abida Parveen is globally recognised as an iconic representation of the Sufi genre. Her soul-stirring voice and melodies have long had listeners across the globe in absolute awe,” wrote the singer, adding: “As a person, Abida Ji embodies the very essence of Sufism. The few times I have had a chance to meet with her, I have witnessed first hand her absolute humility and respect for others.”
“Abida Ji is undoubtedly a source of pride and inspiration for every Pakistani. She has paved the way for generations to come and pursue their journey. I too take inspiration from her unmatched passion – her work has always been a major source of inspiration and motivation for me.”
Farhan then paid a rich tribute to comedian Umer Sharif, describing him as “an absolute showman for whom no specific place or audience is required to exhibit the versatility of his craft. He will undoubted have you laughing hysterically, anywhere and everywhere you meet him.”
“I can’t forget his very gracious advice: “Yeh log hain, tou hum hain – inko kabhi inkaar nahi karna“. His words have since been etched in my memory,” said Saeed.
Join me in celebrating the artist par excellence, the unmatched, Umer Sharif.
Farhan’s latest tribute was to “legendary cricketer extraordinaire – the one and only, Javed Miandad sahab“.
“I am grateful for the privilege of knowing Javed sahab off the pitch. He is friends with an uncle and is undoubtedly one of the most down to earth human beings I have known. He is a true friend and showers love and affection upon everyone around him,” said Farhan.
“Javed sahab, aap sada khush rahain, salaamat rahain, aabaad rahain. Pakistan kay liyay aap ki khidmaat ka bayhad shukriya.”
Earlier, Yasir Hussain and Shaan also honoured legends and thanked them for their services.
#Letsbringourprideback#PTV Qawee Khan sb such brilliance in his craft , and such humbleness in his personality. an institution from whom one can learn so much . We are indeed in your debt for your endless entertainment and services to the nation ❤️ #muchrespectsirpic.twitter.com/puzkXJ0nMz
Apart from being brilliant actresses, turns out Maya Ali and Jennifer Anniston have another thing in common: both actresses believe that 11 11 brings good luck.
Maya Ali, who often shares a screenshot of the time 11:11 on her Instagram stories, finally revealed what it symbolises. Sharing a scene from her film Teefa in Trouble, Maya said: “For all those who every time ask this question from me, what is 11:11?”
In the scene, Maya’s character Anya is telling Teefa (Ali Zafar): “If you are fortunate enough to see 11:11 on the clock, it means that the universe is sending you a message that no matter what, you don’t need to fear anything, you’re on the right path.”
“No matter how difficult times are, one you will find the true calling of your destiny.”
On the other hand, Jennifer has an 11 11 tattoo on her wrist, which she usually keeps hidden. However, in a recent live session with Friends co-star Lisa Kudrow, Anniston flashed her wrist tattoo — much to the surprise of fans and viewers.
While the actress has not yet revealed the symbolism behind her tattoo, People Magazine, quoting a source said that Anniston is “very spiritual” and believes the numbers are good luck.
The magazine further said: “The number 11 is also special to her because of her birthday (Feb 11) and Norman.” Norman was Aniston’s beloved Welsh Corgie-Terrier who died in 2011. The actor “still misses” her dog.
While we all are staying at home amid lockdown, most of us are spending this quarantine cooking, eating and gaining weight. Pakistani singer Faakhir has put it in the words correctly. Faakhir with his kids and a few other celebrities made a music video ‘Meri double chin’ that will surely lift our spirits and make us laugh.
The video features Faakhir’s kids Simone and Naael and other celebrities including Adnan Siddiqui and his son, Hamid Mir, Javed Sheikh, Ayesha Omar, Aijaz Aslam, Shehzad Roy and Momina Mustehsan.
The song has a catchy chorus and a few rap lines by Simone and Naael.
William Dalrymple’s The Anarchy, which Prime Minister Imran Khan was spotted reading on his way back to Pakistan from the United Nations General Assembly, is being made into a movie.
According to a report in Hollywood publication Variety Magazine, award-winning producer Siddharth Roy Kapur has acquired the rights of the book, whose complete title is The Anarchy: The Relentless Rise of the East India Company. Roy Kapur, unarguably one of Bollywood’s biggest producers, has a plethora of hits under his belt including Dangal, The Sky is Pink, Khoobsurat and Kai Po Che!.
Siddharth Roy Kapur
Set between 1599 and 1802, The Anarchy traces the rise of The East India Company against the decline and fall of the Mughal Empire. It provides an account of how a provincial trading start-up, run by thirty people from an office in a nondescript London building, became rulers of an entire sub-continent.
While further details on the film are still under wraps, Roy Kapur Films is reportedly planning a big-budget, grand-scale series adaptation of the book with yet unnamed international co-production partners.
Dalrymple, who is also on board as a consultant for the project, while speaking about the adaption said: “I’m very excited looking at the initial treatment note, talking about the various ways to bring this book alive and to bring the characters I’ve been living with over the last 6 years onto the screen, so that everyone else can see them in flesh and blood.”
Apart from PM Khan The Anarchy was also recommended by former US President Barack Obama, who listed it among his top 10 recommended books of 2019.
As we wind down 2019, I wanted to share with you my annual list of favorites that made the last year a little brighter. We’ll start with books today — movies and music coming soon. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did. pic.twitter.com/l5qTGkAPok
