Veteran Bollywood actor and producer Boman Irani is now stepping into the director’s chair with his debut film, ‘The Mehta Boys’, which will have its world premiere at the 15th Chicago South Asian Film Festival on September 20.
The film cast includes Booman Irani, Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry, Pujasarup, and Daneshirani. The story of the film revolves around a father and son who are forced to spend 48 hours together. The movie chronicles their turbulent journey and provides a sophisticated examination of the nuances that are frequently present in father-son relationships. ‘The Mehta Boys’ is written by Irani and Oscar winning writer Alexander Dinelaris Jr.
The official account of Prime Video of Amazon posted a film poster with the caption on their Instagram, “boys played well, indeed The Mehta Boys premieres as the Opening Film of the Chicago South Asian Film Festival!
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.
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Boman Irani’s directorial debut ‘The Mehta Boys’ to premiere at Chicago South Asian Film Festival
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‘I was blown away by her talent’ : Ali Rehman Khan has high praise for THIS popular actress
Ali Rehman Khan is among the most talented stars in the industry but whose acting prowess does he admire?
The actor recently talked about his journey in the entertainment industry and his experience working with one colleague who blew him away with her craft.
During the FWhy podcast hosted by Frieha Altaf, Ali Rehman shared his experience working with Yumna Zaidi, praising her talent and professionalism.“Yumna has been working for so long and now she, I think, no, before me, she had also done a few things. And at that time, I remember, like at that time, seeing her, and I was like, ‘My God, this one is so talented.’ I was blown away by her talent at that time. I said, ‘Wow.’ She was amazing. Ghazal was playing her mother, and those two really, you know, they were fire on screen. When I saw them, I was like, ‘Wow.’ I was really intimidated. I was like, ‘Man, this level of professionalism, this is what I need to be doing.”
They both worked together in the drama Rishtay Kuch Adhooray Se, written by Nadia Akhtar and directed by Farooq Rind. It aired on HUMTV in 2013.
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‘Viewers are talking about the need for therapy’: Mohib Mirza discusses mental health in Jafaa
Actor Mohib Mirza is once again in the limelight, this time for his performance as Hassan in the drama Jafaa. What makes his character truly remarkable is the way it sheds light on the importance of mental health awareness and the need to break free from toxic relationships.
BBC Urdu’s Shumaila Khan talked to the actor and asked, “Hassan’s toxic behavior that we see, what do you hope the audience will take away from this message?”
Mizra replied, “Nearly everyone around us has trauma, and it has shaped us in a certain way. Hassan’s character shows that realizing the situation you are in is important, and viewers are talking about how he needs therapy. That’s exactly what we wanted to convey to the audience.”
The host asked, “Mawra’s character is Dr. Zara, a very empathetic wife. Despite seeing red flags, she is trying to understand Hassan. In your opinion, how much social pressure is there on married women in our society to maintain the marriage, you know, socially?”
In reply, Mohib shared a personal anecdote, “I remember a phrase my friend once said: ‘Brother, it’s like this once you’re married, that’s it. There’s no one else, just this.’ However, he continued, that this it shouldn’t be burdening as he shared. “Of course, you have to make it work. But I don’t understand why there’s so much pressure. It’s not like we’re trying to promote divorce or anything. We’re not promoting it. But, if there’s toxicity, if the situation is toxic, it’s like poison.”
The Jaffa actor stressed that this pressure can lead to mental illness. “Continuous stress is scientifically proven to cause some kind of mental or physical illness. So, no one should have to bear such negativity and poison,” he asserted.
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‘Humsafar’ stage play in India set to foster Indo-Pak harmony
An Indian stage production has reportedly adapted the popular Pakistani drama ‘Humsafar’ as part of an initiative to promote peace between India and Pakistan. Theater and film actor Imran Zahid confirmed the news to the Indian media.
In parallel, the Bombay High Court has rejected a petition to ban Indian nationals, corporations, and associations from working with Pakistani artists. The court said the move would “disrupt cultural harmony and peace” and advised not to be myopic.
The adaptation of ‘Humsafar’ is significant in light of the All India Cine Workers Association’s (AICWA’s 2019) ban on Pakistani artists after the Pulwama attack. This is not the first time that Pakistani artists have been barred in India; similar instances were reported back in October 2016, when the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association announced a ban on all Pakistani actors, singers, and technicians working in Bollywood films.
Zahid revealed they approached Pakistan’s HUM TV to secure the stage adaptation rights for ‘Humsafar,’ which originally starred Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan.
He further revealed that “conversations are being held with Momina Duraid, the creative head of HUM TV and also the creator of the show.” Both parties have reached an agreement in principle to proceed with the project.
Times Now also reported that according to Zahid, the show will be free of charge with no monetary gain “as part of an initiative to promote Indo-Pak peace following recent decisions by the Indian high court and Supreme Court”.
The final announcement is due shortly, and talks are reportedly being held with Sultana Siddiqui, the founder and president of HUM TV.
The play has not been officially named, nor the location or casting finalised. The revelation surfaced amidst speculation that Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, who starred in ‘Humsafar,’ could appear in some future Bollywood films.
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‘These are just excuses’: Sonya Hussyn on nepotism in entertainment industry
Renowned actress Sonya Hussain has denied the existence of nepotism in Pakistan’s entertainment industry during her appearance on the Afterhour show with Ushna Shah.
“It is not necessary to have family ties to make a place in the industry. These are all excuses, you should do your work,” she claimed.
While she acknowledged favouritism in the industry, she thinks “there is no such thing as nepotism in the industry, or only fair colour is preferred, but one who knows how to work can make his place based on his work.”
Dismissing the complaints of most artists needing to get work or securing lead roles as groundless, she added, “People only make excuses that they are not getting work, jobs are given based on nepotism in the industry or only fair complexion is preferred.”
Hussyn emphasised that hard work pays off and advised the newcomers to avoid making excuses and focus on hard work.
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S. Korean actor Yoo Ah-in jailed for one year for drugs
High-profile South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in was found guilty Tuesday of illegal use of the anaesthetic drug propofol and handed a one-year jail term, the Yonhap news agency reported.
Yoo, whose real name is Uhm Hong-sik, was accused of using propofol on 181 occasions between 2020 and 2022. The drugs were administered at professional clinics, under the guise of having cosmetic procedures done.
The prosecution had sought a four-year sentence for the “Hellbound” actor, but the Seoul Central District Court handed the 37-year-old a one-year jail term, Yonhap reported.
“He is deemed guilty of all his purchases for habitual drug use,” the court stated in its ruling, according to Yonhap News TV.
The court said Yoo had committed the offences “in disregard of relevant regulations” and displayed a “lack of caution against drug substances”.
A doctor who administered propofol to Yoo without a proper prescription was fined 40 million won ($30,000) last month.
Propofol, while primarily used as a surgical anaesthetic, is sometimes abused recreationally, often with the involvement of medical professionals who may be willing to provide it without a legitimate clinical need.
An overdose of the drug was cited as the cause of pop star Michael Jackson’s death in 2009.
“I am sorry for having caused concern to many people,” Yoo was quoted as saying in court by Yonhap.
Yoo rose to stardom in the South following his debut in 2003, starring in a range of television dramas and films across genres, and becoming one of the country’s most recognisable actors.
This trial marks the latest drug scandal to hit South Korea.
In a similar incident, K-pop star G-Dragon faced allegations of drug use and was questioned by police, but the case was dropped in November due to insufficient evidence.
Actor Lee Sun-kyun, known for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite”, took his own life in December after being accused of illegal substance use, sparking public outrage over what many perceived as an excessive investigation by the police without substantial evidence.
Lee Jae-yong, then vice-chairman of Samsung Electronics, was convicted in 2021 of illegally using propofol and was fined 70 million won. He was found guilty of repeatedly receiving the anaesthetic at a plastic surgery clinic in Seoul on numerous occasions over several years.
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Dananeer Mobeen to share screen with Ahad Raza Mir in ‘Meem Se Mohabbat’
After a break of two years, Ahad Raza Mir is making a highly anticipated comeback to television screens alongside social media influencer and actress, Dananeer Mobeen in the new drama Meem Se Mohabbat. The serial will be written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Ali Hassan.
Dananeer Mobeen has starred in dramas like Sinf -e- Aahan, Mohabbat Gumshuda Meri’ and Very Filmy. Ahad Raza Mir’s last project were Ehd-e-Wafa, Ye Dil Mera, and Hum Tum.
‘Meem Se Mohabbat’ story offers a narrative beyond a typical love story.
Fans are excited as they await this drama’s release date and more details. -
Netflix bows to Modi government’s demands
Netflix, an international streaming media service, has bowed to the Indian government and announced a withdrawal notice from the controversial web series.
There is a controversy in India over using the names of Bhola and Shankar for the hijackers in the web series IC814: The Kandahar Hijack, which was released last week on the platform.
The Indian government reached out to Netflix, calling out to change their names in the show.
In compliance, Netflix India’s head of content, Monica Shergill, responded, “For the benefit of audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking, the opening disclaimer has been updated… code names in the series now reflect those used during the event.”
In December 1999, an Indian Airlines flight from Kathmandu to Delhi was hijacked and taken to Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai and Kandahar. Maulana Masood Azhar, Ahmed Umar Saeed and Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar were released.
According to passengers on the plane and journalists who reported the incident, the hijackers used to call each other Chief, Doctor, Burger, Bhola and Shankar while talking to each other.
However, in a statement issued by the Indian government on January 6, 2000, the hijackers were identified as Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Mistry Zahoor Ibrahim and Shakir.
The drama is made by Anubhav Sinha and Trishant Shrivastava, starring actors Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Arvind Swamy, Patralekhaa and Dia Mirza.
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Indian journalist seeks interview with Hania Aamir as ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ mania spreads beyond borders
Hania Amir’s latest role in the drama series Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum has also captured the attention of Indian audiences, and Indian journalists are eager to interview the renowned Pakistani actress.
Famous Indian journalist Faridoon Shahryar has expressed his interest in interviewing Hania after praising her acting in the trending drama of the season, reflecting on her fan base extending across the border.
“I would love to interview you. Please let me know how this can be made possible,” Faridoon commented on one of Hania’s social media posts, complimenting her work and requesting an interview.
Hania has yet to respond, but fans are encouraging her to accept the opportunity.
The screenshot of the comment was shared by Fahad Mustafa, who is starring alongside Hania Amir in ‘Kabhi Mai Kabhi Tum’. The drama also marks Fahad Mustafa’s return to TV after a long break.
The drama airs on a Pakistani channel, Ary Digital. It has been trending on YouTube in Pakistan and on X (formerly Twitter) in India and Bangladesh following the much-anticipated reunion of the characters Mustafa and Sharjeena in episode 17.
The latest episode, featuring an intense confrontation, a heartfelt apology, and a reunion of the lovebird couple MusJeena, has resonated with audiences, leading to the show’s popularity beyond Pakistan.
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Get ready, Lahoris! ‘The White Plague’ is coming
As the hot weather enters its last month, theater starts gearing up for a hectic season.Lahore should prepare for a theatrical experience that will leave you questioning the true cost of power and politics, as ‘The White Plague’ hits the stages of Lahore’s Al Hamra Hall from September 4 to 8.
Director Meher Jafri held a press conference along with the cast of the play and Chairman of Alhamra Arts Council, Razi Ahmed.
“That this play was written in 1937 by a playwright of the Czech Republic, in which the desire for peace has been expressed in the days of war and famine,” she said.
Actor Fawad Khan said, “We have become artists with the support of the public, this play makes us think and understand a lot and laugh and smile.”The plot continues against the backdrop of the events leading up to World War II, showing how populist leaders convinced people to support their violent exploits.
The cast of the play includes Kashif Hussain Fawad Khan, Saad Zameer, and Samhan Ghazi.