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.

  • How did Amitabh Bachchan repay a 90 crore debt?

    How did Amitabh Bachchan repay a 90 crore debt?

    Renowned Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan faced severe financial challenges in the 1990s when his production company went bankrupt, leaving him with millions of dollars in debt.

    Amitabh Bachchan opened up about this difficult phase in an interview, revealing, “There was a time when I had no work. My company had gone bankrupt, and I had to repay a debt of ₹90 crore. As a result, I faced 55 legal cases.”

    He further shared, “This was the worst time of my life, and I even considered selling everything I owned, including my house.”

    Discussing the unbearable pressure, he said, “The situation became intolerable as creditors would knock on my door daily. Loan recovery agents harassed me, using abusive language and threats. People started losing faith in me. I was completely bankrupt, and everything around me was falling apart.”

    Reflecting on the experience, Bachchan observed, “If a person makes a mistake in one aspect of their life, everything else starts going wrong. People lose trust in you, to the extent that they don’t even want to see you.”

    However, he emphasized on not giving up during tough times. “Even in those challenging moments, I didn’t lose hope. I thought about what I could do best, and that was acting. So, I decided to focus entirely on my craft and reclaim my lost position.”

    Amitabh shared how he approached his close friend Yash Chopra for work. “When I decided to focus solely on acting, I spoke to Yash Chopra, and without hesitation, he offered me a role in his film ‘Mohabbatein.’ I immediately accepted it.”

    The success of Mohabbatein marked a turning point in Amitabh Bachchan’s life. Following this, he received numerous film offers and was approached to host the Indian TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). 

    Earlier, Abhishek Bachchan and his legendary father Amitabh Bachchan were making waves together on screen, creating the kind of buzz that fans have been eagerly waiting for. In the latest promo of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, the iconic father-son duo shared the spotlight as Abhishek promotes his upcoming film I Want to Talk.

    Sony Entertainment Television shared a hilarious promo on Instagram, showing Amitabh second-guessing his decision to invite Abhishek to the show. The clip has gone viral, capturing Abhishek playfully mimicking his father’s iconic style of announcing prize amounts, especially when he screams “Seven crores” just like Amitabh Bachchan does. The funny and lighthearted moment has left fans in splits!

    But that’s not the climax of fun. Abhishek reveals that whenever there is a question thrown in during dinner, children tend to mimic Amitabh as if imitating his loud and dramatic ways of speaking, which makes the conversation funny.        

    “We all sit together and eat, and when someone asks a question, all the kids together shout ‘7 crore’”, he narrated. 

    Amitabh Bachchan, clearly enjoying the banter, jokingly says, “Bohat bari galti karde innko yahan bula ke” (It was a mistake inviting him here).  

    Abhishek Bachchan is preparing for the release of his new film, I Want to Talk, which will release in cinemas on November 22, 2024.

  • Rishi Kapoor predicted son Ranbir’s film will flop

    Rishi Kapoor predicted son Ranbir’s film will flop

     Late Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor, known for his blunt nature, hesitated to share his honest opinions about son Ranbir Kapoor’s film choices. From predicting failures to advising against certain roles, his feedback often came with sharp observations and tough love.   

    Recalling his father’s unfiltered advice, the Animal actor shared an incident that took place at the 55th Film Festival of Indian (IFFI), reveling Rishi Kapoor’s knack for spotting potential hit and misses.

    “Before ‘Barfi’ was released, my father called me after watching the preview and said, ‘Ranbir, you’re good at acting, but stop doing art films.”


    Even during the making of Ranbir’s debut film ‘Saawariya,’ Rishi’s skepticism was clear.   

    On set he bombarded Ranbir with questions like, “Why are there so many windows in the frame? Why not more people? Why is it a night scene and not a morning one?”

    His honest feedback often pushed Ranbir to think critically, though at times the younger Kapoor felt his father’s views were rooted in an outdated perspective.
      

    The Tamasha actor admitted that he used to dismiss his father doubts as “old school”, but later realized how wise Rishi’s critiques were.


     “He told my mom in the car, ‘This movie won’t work.’ Back then, I didn’t understand what he meant, but now it all makes sense,” Ranbir Kapoor shared. 
     


    Ranbir also spoke of his bond with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whom he calls his Godfather. He credited Bhansali for shaping his knowledge of film and acting.


     
    “I am extremely blessed to have him as my godfather. Everything I know about films, everything I know about acting, it is something I learnt from him,” the Sajnu actor shared. It merits a mention that he worked as an assistant director on Bhansali’s film ‘Black’ before making his debut with Saawariya in 2007.  

    Ranbir commended Bhansali’s steadfast commitment to his art, saying, “He hasn’t changed at all. He is extremely hard-working. All he thinks about is his movies. He just wants to speak about the character, he wants you to create, do something different.” 

    Bhansali’s upcoming film ‘Love and War’ features a star-studded cast that includes Ranbir, Alia and Vicky Kaushal. The film is expected to release by the end of 2025.

    Rishi Kapoor passed away on 30 April, 2020.

  • Here’s why Hareem Farooq couldn’t refuse Bismil’s ‘Masooma’

    Here’s why Hareem Farooq couldn’t refuse Bismil’s ‘Masooma’


    Actress Hareem Farooq couldn’t resist playing the role of Masooma in drama serial ‘Bismil’ and here why.     

    Appearing on Something haute hosted by Hassan Choudhary she talked about her role in Bismil.

    “When I first discussed the role of ‘Masooma’ in Bismil, my primary focus was to align it with the director’s vision. I always asked the director [Aehsun Talish], ‘How do you see this character?’ I wanted to ensure we were on the same page.”

      
    “The director described Masooma as someone who acts out of innocence, not malice. This resonated with me because I believe people are rarely inherently evil. Their experiences shape their actions. Masooma’s impulsive decisions reflect innocence… where she doesn’t consider long-term consequences… a characteristic I find relatable in real life,” the Bismil actress explained.

    Talking about Masooma’s intentions, Hareem shared, “I wouldn’t call her a gold digger because it wasn’t just about money. She was also running after security, wanting power, wanting change in her life. She wanted that lifestyle for herself. It’s a very selfish manner, but she cared about securing her future. Once she has something in her grasp, she won’t let go. I think Masooma’s relationship with TT [Naumaan Ijaz] is more than just that of a gold digger… she is a selfish person, but not just running after money.”

    A scene from a recent episode had viewers questioning Masooma’s confidence. When asked about it, Hareem said, “She had the confidence, which she had before, but now it was more about believing she could marry a business tycoon. It seemed like she thought, ‘If I marry a business tycoon, I’ve made it.’ It was a display of confidence that, in a way, was also a mix of ignorance and stupidity.”

    The 22 Qadam actress went on to describe how Masoom’s newfound belief in her invincibility led her to think that. “I know I’ve married a business tycoon, and now I’m untouchable.”

    She also said that the ending of Bismil will leave viewers with a powerful lesson.

    “Wait for the end of Bismil, it’s going to teach a huge lesson to a lot of people.” 

    She also talked about how the story was relatable for people. “I was shocked how it was the story of almost every household. I can’t even begin to tell you how many people in my circle opened up to me. They said, ‘You know, as kids, as wives, and as husbands, we’ve been through the same thing.’ It’s not something that’s uncommon. It’s very common. But the sad part is that betrayal is very common.”

  • Bestselling ‘Woman of Substance’ author Barbara Taylor Bradford dies aged 91

    Bestselling ‘Woman of Substance’ author Barbara Taylor Bradford dies aged 91

    Bestselling British-American writer Barbara Taylor Bradford, whose first novel “A Woman of Substance” turned her into an overnight success, has died aged 91, a spokeswoman said on Monday. 

     

    Taylor Bradford, who wrote 40 novels and notched up 91 million book sales worldwide during her career, died peacefully at her home on Sunday following a short illness. 

     

    She “was surrounded by loved ones to the very end”, the spokeswoman said, adding that a private funeral would be held in New York.

     

    “A Woman of Substance” tells the story of servant Emma Harte who overcomes a humble start in Taylor Bradford’s native Yorkshire in northern England to head of a business empire, navigating personal tragedy along the way.

     

    Many of her subsequent novels were also set in Yorkshire and followed a similar theme of great success against the odds, powered by grit and hard work.

     

    Her most recent novel “The Wonder of it All” was published last year.

     

    Born in Leeds in northern England in May 1933, Taylor Bradford began her working life as a typist for her local newspaper The Yorkshire Evening Post before becoming a reporter.

     

    She moved to London aged 20 where she continued working as a journalist while dipping her toe into the world of fiction.

     

    She started and abandoned several novels before striking gold with “A Woman of Substance”, which was an instant success when it was published in 1979.

     

    – ‘Powerhouse’ –

     

    The novel was turned into a double Emmy-nominated miniseries in 1985 and starred Liam Neeson with British actress Jenny Seagrove in the role of Emma Harte.

     

    Seagrove paid tribute to a “dear friend” and “powerhouse of glamour and warmth”.

     

    “Success never diluted her warmth and humour or her ability to relate to everyone she met, whether a cleaner or a princess. She never, ever forgot that she was just a girl from Yorkshire that worked hard and made good,” she said.

     

    Charlie Redmayne, chief executive of publisher HarperCollins, described Taylor Bradford as a “truly exceptional writer”.

     

    “‘A Woman Of Substance’ changed the lives of so many who read it -– and still does to this day,” he said.

     

    “She was a natural storyteller, deeply proud of her Yorkshire roots. For 45 years, she was a huge part of our company and a great, great friend –- we will miss her so much,” he added.

     

    Taylor Bradford had lived in the United States since 1964 following her marriage a the previous year to American film producer Robert Bradford.

     

    The couple were married for 55 years until his death in 2019.  

     

    Taylor Bradford’s spokeswoman said she would be buried alongside her late husband at New York’s Westchester Hills Cemetery.

  • A. R. Rahman initiates legal action over accusations following divorce

    A. R. Rahman initiates legal action over accusations following divorce

    Music maestro A.R. Rahman has initiated legal action against slanderers, warning them of dire consequences if objectionable content surrounding his divorce with his wife, Saira Banu, is not removed.

    Rahman and Banu announced their divorce a few days ago, ending their 29-year-long marriage.

    With Rahman’s bassist Mohini Dey also announcing her divorce with husband Mark Hartsuch a day later, claims of a possible love affair flooded social media.

    While his son rubbished all claims, Rahman himself appealed for privacy regarding his personal life amid emotional turmoil.

    With netizens continuing to speculate, Rahman has now initiated legal action against those responsible for the campaign. Reports claim his legal team has demanded the removal of fabricated content and served official notices to individuals and platforms behind the rumours.

    Rahman’s lawyer says they would proceed with defamation lawsuits if the material was not removed within 24 hours.

    Sharing the notice on his social media, Rahman expressed his disapproval of certain media outlets and YouTubers making baseless stories about his private life.

    “I will not tolerate any defamatory content about my family. Legal action will be taken if the false rumors are not removed within 24 hours,” he said.

    His lawyer said that some interviews and programmes had misrepresented facts, causing harm to the composer’s reputation and his family. “We are fully committed to protecting A.R. Rahman’s reputation and will not hesitate to file defamation lawsuits,” he added.

    Earlier, his son, Amin, has expressed disappointment over the circulating rumours regarding his father.

    Following the announcement of his divorce, AR Rahman, his former wife Saira Banu, and their children requested privacy, but the appeal fell on deaf ears.

    After 29 years of marriage, A.R. Rahman and Saira Banu announced their separation on Tuesday evening, asking the public to respect their private lives. Despite this, rumours have been circulating, with some linking Rahman’s divorce to Mohini Dey’s recent split. Rahman’s son has dismissed these speculations as baseless and disheartening.

    On social media, Amin shared a picture of a child and his father, captioning it, “What’s the difference between these two? Just their age.”

    In his post, Amin further wrote, “My father is a legend, not just because of his work but because of the values, respect, and love he has earned over the years.”

    Amin expressed frustration over the spread of false and unfounded rumours, urging people not to circulate incorrect information regarding his parents’ marriage.

    He clarified in an Instagram post that there is no connection between A.R. Rahman’s divorce and Mohini Dey’s separation.

    Earlier, Rahman’s daughter Raheema also took to social media, writing, “Always remember, rumors are spread by haters and fools, and only fools believe them. Live life honestly.”

  • We don’t earn enough from dramas to run our kitchens: Saheefa Jabbar Khattak

    We don’t earn enough from dramas to run our kitchens: Saheefa Jabbar Khattak

    The reality behind entertainment industry isn’t as glamorous as it seems as actor Saheefa Jabbar Khattak has revealed why making a living in the industry is tougher than it looks.  

    Appearing as a guest on After Hours with Ushna Shah, the Rafta Rafta actress opened up about the financial realities of working in Pakistani dramas, her journey in acting and the valuable lessons she learnt along the way.  

    “Making a living through acting alone isn’t easy,” Saheefa said while opening up about the struggles of running a household.

    “In our dramas, we don’t make enough money to keep our kitchens running. It can’t run unless I’m doing four projects in a year and also working on social media… making appearances and hustling a lot,” she added.

    When asked what lessons she has learnt from her modeling and acting career, Saheefa said it had taught her how to be patient.

    “Acting has taught me a lot of patience and gratitude. We are very privileged… very, very privileged. We come to the set in a car, we have AC… we get food. Our job is tough, I don’t contest that… but when I see the rest of the crew members who hold things for us while we do a scene, who make sure the sunlight doesn’t affect us… when I see them getting one meal a day while we are waiting for our coffee before the shoot, it makes me realise how privileged we are.”

    The Log Kya Kahenge actress also reflected on the importance of choosing meaningful projects.
       

    “I waited for a good project and didn’t regret it. I’ve learned that if I regret something, everything turns negative. Now, I am back… I don’t want to say that whatever I’m doing, I’m proud of it [but] I like it. It resonates with me and my soul. I don’t approve of it, but I know this is how it is right now. In my 8-10 years, I’ve learned that out of 10-15 projects, there’s always one that speaks to your heart and you do it for that one project. Even if it took 8-10 projects to get to that point,” Saheefa said.

  • Sohail Ahmed shares Diljit Dosanjh’s reaction to hearing Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s name

    Sohail Ahmed shares Diljit Dosanjh’s reaction to hearing Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s name

    Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s legendary and melodious voice continue to leave an unforgettable impact, even on international stars like Diljit Dosanjh. 

    In a media talk, senior actor and comedian Sohail Ahmed has shared how Diljit reacts whenever he hears music legend Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s name.

     

    “Whenever I mentioned the name of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, by God, his eyes would lower. He would say, ‘I have listened to music from all over the world, but Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is from this land and I cannot understand who he was… I still can’t figure it out. He was beyond anyone’s comprehension,” he said.

    “People from India greatly admire our poetry, which is unmatched. They say that the poetry of Pakistan, the old poetry we had in our songs, is very special. They love our actors and singers, and they give respect to our musicians. You can see that our singers have been featured in their films. Without our singers’ songs, they wouldn’t have been able to make their films,” Sohail added.

    The Jeevan Nagar actor also raised an important point, asking why Pakistani artists needed to go international to gain recognition, stressing that they should be respected and celebrated in their own country.  

    “So why do we think that a star has to go international to be recognised in Pakistan? Why can’t we respect our own artists when they perform here? I have seen Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan perform at the Data Darbar in Lahore. Even then, he was already Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.”

    Sohail continued to share a personal memory of a conversation he had with famous Master Manzoor Sahib about Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s talent.

     

    “I remember very well that I once spoke to a very famous master, Master Manzoor Sahib, and he said that Nusrat Sahib was like no other. His voice didn’t have the same quality as others; he was unique. He didn’t believe in anyone else,” the Standup Girl actor added.

    In 2022, Sohail worked on the film Baba Bhangra Paunde Ne alongside Diljit Dosanjh.

     02 years back in 2022, While speaking exclusively to Hello Pakistan, the Diljit Dosanjh said, “I think all the characters in this film were made for these actors who are playing them – no one else could do the role of Sohail Ahmed but him only, it’s tailor-made for him like it is for the rest of the cast that is part of this movie.”         

    “I believe that the actors that this story deserves are all part of it – a great project comes together when the right characters are met with corresponding actors. The film has a lot of art in it–if there is a good script and a good character, the artist likes to work. An artist is only hungry for people to like his work. I hope everyone who liked the trailer of this movie will also like the whole movie.”

     

     

  • ‘Alia didn’t know who Kishore Kumar was,’ reveals husband Ranbir Kapoor

    ‘Alia didn’t know who Kishore Kumar was,’ reveals husband Ranbir Kapoor

    Kishore Kumar, the legendary singer who defined Bollywood music for decades, was a mystery to Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt when she first met actor Ranbir Kapoor. 

    Recently, at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the Barfi actor shared a surprising moment from his first meeting with wife Alia Bhatt.

    “I remember the first time I met Alia, she asked me, ‘Who’s Kishore Kumar?’ It’s just the circle of life… people are forgotten. It’s important we remember our roots,” Ranbir said.

    The Tamasha actor also announced a significant tribute to his late grandfather Raj Kapoor, revealing that the Raj Kapoor Film Festival will run from December 13 to December 15.

    The festival will showcase restored versions of 10 iconic films by the legendary actor-filmmaker.

    “We are organizing the Raj Kapoor Film festival across India. It’s a great way to celebrate his legacy and preserve his contribution for future generations,” Ranbir said.

    He also talked about his plans of  making a biopic on the late Raj Kapoor, a project that he has been “considering for some time”.

    I talk to many people, including director Sanjay Leela Bhansali about how to make a biopic on Mr Raj Kapoor. A biopic is about accurately depicting a person’s life, including their relationships, hardships, and low points, not simply about their achievements.

    Ranbir also spoke of his bond with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whom he calls his ‘Godfather’. He credited Bhansali for shaping his knowledge of film and acting.

    “I am extremely blessed to have him as my godfather. Everything I know about films, everything I know about acting, it is something I learnt from him,” The Sajnu actor shared. It merits a mention that he worked as an assistant director on Bhansali’s film ‘Black’ before making his debut with Saawariya in 2007.

    Ranbir commended Bhansali’s steadfast commitment to his art, saying, “He hasn’t changed at all. He is extremely hard-working. All he thinks about is his movies. He just wants to speak about the character, he wants you to create, do something different.” 

    Bhansali’s upcoming film ‘Love and War’ features a star-studded cast that includes Ranbir, Alia and Vicky Kaushal. The film is expected to be released by the end of 2025. 

     Ranbir Kappor starred in film such as, Wake Up Sid, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Raajneeto, Rockstar, Barfi, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Sanju and last starred in Animal.

  • Aliza Sultan hits out at ex-husband Feroze Khan, his new wife

    Aliza Sultan hits out at ex-husband Feroze Khan, his new wife

    Aliza Sultan, ex-wife of actor Feroze Khan, recently posted an Instagram story that appeared to target him and his second wife, Zainab.

    In her post, Aliza expressed her frustration about taking care of their sick children alone, saying, “And when the child falls sick, they leave them at my door and run away.”

    In response, Feroze hinted on social media that Aliza was seeking attention, saying, “You want some attention? Do I make you a star?”

    Feroze and Aliza had two kids together, Sultan and Fatima, and despite their messy divorce in 2022, they’ve committed to co-parenting.

    Their children spend time with Feroze’s family, including his new wife, Zainab. Photos suggest they have a good relationship with her.

    Recently, Fatima visited Zainab’s clinic, and the pictures showed a positive experience, but Aliza’s recent comments implied that Feroze leaves the kids’ care to her when they are ill.

    This exchange has drawn more media attention to their already complicated situation.

    Feroze and Alizey’s separation

    Feroze Khan and Alizey Sultan’s separation was a highly publicized event that shocked the Pakistani entertainment industry. The couple, who had been married for four years, finalized their divorce in September 2022.

    Alizey Sultan made serious allegations against Feroze Khan, accusing him of physical and psychological abuse, infidelity, and blackmail. She claimed that their marriage was “utter chaos” and that she had endured immense suffering.

    While Feroze Khan confirmed the divorce, he refrained from commenting on the specific allegations, citing ongoing legal proceedings. He emphasized his commitment to co-parenting their two children and expressed respect for Alizey as the mother of his children.

  • Shaan Shahid’s shirtless post spark mixed reactions online

    Shaan Shahid’s shirtless post spark mixed reactions online

    Shaan Shahid’s shirtless post sparks mixed reactions online

    People are talking about actor Shaan Shahid’s latest shirtless fitness post, which has sparked varying reactions.

    He shared his fitness journey on Facebook, proudly showing off his toned body at the age of 50. While some fans admired his dedication to health and transformation, others were less kind.

    Comments on the post were a mix of praise and criticism, with some accusing the actor of showing off unnecessarily.

    A few users expressed shock, with one sarcastically calling it a “leaked video” and another questioning why Shaan felt the need to display his body.

    Amid the buzz, Shaan responded to the trolls by reposting his picture with a strong message:  

     “Men and women are created equal by the creator, yet both are given different gifts. Men are gifted with physical strength, while women are gifted with beauty, patience, fragility, strength, and modesty. As an artist of 50, it is my job to transform according to the script—I’m just doing my job,” he wrote.

    The Waar actor also emphasised his gratitude for good health, explaining that his goal was to inspire others his age to prioritize fitness.

    “The world we live in has given men the right to go shirtless, and while many may have issues with those rights, I didn’t create the society, I’m just a part of it. However, if someone wants to change it, they are welcome. I’m sure their post will get more viral than mine”, Shaan Shahid added. 

    Shaan’s bold response added to the debate, with some praising his honesty and others questioning his views on societal norms. Despite the mixed reactions, Shaan’s post sheds light on the ongoing scrutiny public figures face.

    Earlier, Shaan appeared as a guest on Coffee with Samaa, hosted by Naeem Hanif and Bushra Khan.

    The host asked, “Have you ever thought about working on the small screen or doing a major serial role in the future?”

    Shaan Shahid replied, “All these channels make dramas… I think Humsafar was initially offered to me, but at that time, I was very busy. I couldn’t do it.”

    Talking about the character he said:

    “The role Fawad played. I didn’t take it because I had already worked with Fawad before in Khuda Ke Liye. At that time, I had just come into the industry, and there was a band called EP. He used to make shows like Jutt and Bond. Then I met Shoiab Mansoor sahib on the set. Anyway, I felt that there is still a lot to be done in this field. We have already divided ourselves. If we don’t unite our strength and start listening to each other, it will become difficult to understand one another.” Shahid added.