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.

  • ‘Give yourself a second chance’: Madiha Iftikhar’s advice to women

    ‘Give yourself a second chance’: Madiha Iftikhar’s advice to women

    What if the key to a better life is simply giving yourself a second chance? Actress and model Madiha Iftikhar has advised women to build trust, embrace change and finding strength in the face of life’s challenges.    

    In an interview with Fuchsia Magazine, Madiha opened up about her personal journey, marriage and the challenges women face in society. 

    “People have 100 different opinions, especially about actresses. So how do you build trust? I realised I would have to leave the field, at least temporarily. I had to focus on building my home, earning my husband’s trust, showing him who I am, and understanding who he is,” she said.

    The Chand Tara actress emphasised the importance of building trust in relationships saying, “Over time, in about six or seven years, by 2018, we had built such a strong bond that my husband trusted me completely. He knows I won’t do anything wrong, and I know I would never let him down in any way.”

    Madiha also talked about her approach on marriage. The Ishq Ki Inteha actress encouraged women to not let societal pressure dictate their decisions, especially when it came to relationships and marrying again.

    “Life doesn’t end there. You can find another partner because partnerships are important in life. Don’t let society dictate your choices. These days, so many divorces are happening, and many women avoid marrying again out of fear of what people will say. But it’s your life—you have to live it. No one came to train me on how to live my life,” Madiha added.

    “Since I made the decision to marry so late in life… at 29, it was a well-thought-out decision. If I wanted to have extramarital affairs or lead a life of scandal, I wouldn’t have married at all. When you marry someone, you marry them alone. There’s no point in looking right or left. However, if the person you marry doesn’t treat you well, then don’t seek sympathy. Instead, make yourself strong enough to move on,” she said. 

    Madiha said she and her husband were clear on their marriage’s dynamics. “The best part of our relationship is that there was never a third person involved, and there still isn’t. For example, if I have a problem, I wouldn’t go to someone else to mediate.”

  • Navjot Singh Sidhu’s controversial cancer diet sparks backlash

    Navjot Singh Sidhu’s controversial cancer diet sparks backlash

    Former cricketer and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu has claimed that a specific diet helped his wife recover from cancer, sparking a heated debate. Medical professionals have also raised concerns about the accuracy of his statement.

    On 22 November 2024, in a press conference, Sidhu shared his belief that a combination of diet and lifestyle changes played a crucial role in his wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s recovery.

    His wife was diagnosed with stage-4 cancer, which had metastasised to the skin. He credited her recovery to a special regimen that involved cutting out sugar, rice, flour, and tea while incorporating various herbs and natural remedies.

    “I did not make any arrangements on my side. After researching Ayurveda, American doctors, and research in India, I read for 10 hours and came to the common denominator: cut sugar,” he revealed.

    Sidhu explained the simple routine he followed, which he believes helped his wife recover.

    “The first thing she used to have in the morning was lemon water with raw turmeric, garlic, and an apple. Half an hour later, she had neem leaves. This costs no money. Seriously, I want to tell everyone that this worked for her in 40 days, even at stage four cancer,” he detailed.

    Proudly sharing the outcome of his wife’s treatment, he said, “Her doctors were shocked when she underwent an operation because the cancer cells were gone. After 45 to 50 days post-operation, there were no cancer cells left.”

    Sidhu also claimed that he achieved this result despite being in the later stages of cancer, attributing his success to the natural and Ayurvedic treatments he followed.

    While many in the medical community raised concerns, reactions on social media were divided. Some users defended Sidhu, arguing that he was simply sharing his personal experience and not promoting herbal remedies as a cure.

    One person commented, saying, “He is not promoting neem ke patte and other elements.. he is just sharing his experience. Science is not always correct.”

    Another user commented: “Herbal remedies Ayurvedic remedies are not in good books of science. Science ko toh ganga jal se bhi problem hai. It’s better just listen him and don’t like it ignore.”

    Sidhu’s claims have led some social media users to criticise Dr Batra. One user wrote, accusing the doctor of being biased against alternative medicine, pointing out that Sidhu’s wife had recovered.

    “There is no harm in trying whatever it takes to save the life of your loved one,” a user wrote, advocating for an integrative approach to healthcare that combines both modern and traditional methods.

    Sidhu’s emotional story has touched many, but health experts stress that unproven remedies should not replace standard cancer treatments. The debate over the future of medical treatments and the role of alternative therapies in healing continues to evolve.

     

     Earlier, a new episode of ‘The Great Indian Couple Show’ aired on the digital streaming platform Netflix, featuring Sidhu and his wife, along with Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh and his wife, as guests.

    Navjot Singh Sidhu appeared on Kapil’s program after almost 5 years.  

    At the end of the program, he said, “This day will be the most wonderful and memorable day of my life,” and expressed his desire to return to the show.

    Navjot Singh Sidhu said, “I want things to be like before, where we were all together like a beautiful bouquet. I hope we can come together again, but this time with Archana Singh as well.”

    Sidhu stipulated, “I will come back only on one condition: that Archana will also be a part of the show and we both will be on the show.”

     Sidhu had been an important part of the show until 2019, adding charm with his laughs, catchphrases, and poetry. He, however, was replaced by Archana after uproar over his statements regarding the Pulwama attack.          

    Hindu extremist groups started protesting against him, demanding his removal from the comedy show. A protest was also held against him in Mumbai’s Film City and the management of the show gave into the demands soon after.

     

    “I left the show because there were some political reasons that I don’t want to talk much about… that’s why I left the show,” he said during his appearance on Saturday.

  • Badshah reacts to rumours about relationship with Hania Aamir

    Badshah reacts to rumours about relationship with Hania Aamir

    Indian rapper Badshah has reacted to rumors about his relationship with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir.


    The two stars have shown admiration for each other after often being spotted together.


    Recently, Hania gave a shoutout to Badshah after attending his concert in Dubai. She shared a video on her Instagram stories where the two were seen bowing to each other before hugging.

    “That’s my beautiful friend! He’s an absolute rockstar! Hero hai!” she wrote, fueling rumours of their relationship.


    Badshah has now address all claims in his interview to an Indian media outlet.


    “Hania is a perfect friend of mine, and we share a great connection. We have a lot of fun whenever we meet, and that’s all there is to it. She is happy in her life and I am in mine. Our equation is wonderful, but people often misinterpret it and see what they want to believe,” the rapper said.


    Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, is known for his Punjabi, Bollywood and Haryanvi songs, giving one hit hip-hop track after another.


    Hania, on the other hand, recently received global praise for her role as Sharjeena in Pakistan’s hit serial, ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ alongside Fahad Mustafa. The drama was especially popular with Indian audiences.

  • AR Rahman’s son reacts to rumours about his father

    AR Rahman’s son reacts to rumours about his father

    India’s music star AR Rahman’s 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.”

  • ‘Sitaare Zameen Par will make you cry,’ says Aamir Khan on upcoming film

    ‘Sitaare Zameen Par will make you cry,’ says Aamir Khan on upcoming film

    If Taare Zameen Par touched your heart, Sitaare Zameen Par will leave you both laughing and crying, Bollywood actor Aaamir Khan has said.

    In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Aaamir discussed his upcoming film ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ and its emotional depth. “It’s a beautiful story, actually, the easiest way I can describe it is that Sitaare Zameen Par is a very emotional film. It makes you cry… it makes you laugh. It’s a humorous film.”

    He said that the theme of the upcoming film is similar to Taare Zameen Par — of people with different abilities, intelligence, all with different challenges. “So the theme is similar, but the feel of the film, the emotional feel of the film, is humor as opposed to emotions.”

    The 3 Idiots actor also revealed what sets Sitaare Zameen Par apart from Taare Zameen Par.

    “In many ways, I feel its way ahead of Taare Zameen Par… because in Taare Zameen Par, the person who was challenged, was Ishaan. He was helped by a character, which was my character. In Sitaare Zameen Par, it is 10 people with challenges who help me… the supposedly normal person. So, it’s a real flip. It goes much further, I feel, than Taare Zameen Par,” he added.

    The film Sitaare Zameen Par is an official Hindi remake of the Spanish movie Campeones (Champions). Other than Aaamir, the film also features Genelia D’Souza and Darsheel Safary.

    Aamir directed Taare Zameen Par in 2007, which starred Darsheel Safary as Ishaan, a young boy struggling with dyslexia.  

    According to Indian media reports, Sitaare Zameen Par is expected to release on Christmas 2024.

    Earlier, Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan had discussed the emotional journey that led him to change his mind over leaving the industry, explaining how his family convinced him through this interview with The Hollywood Reporter India.

    “I was going through a personal journey of my own, and towards the end of COVID, I found myself sitting alone and reflecting. The time alone made me realize that I’d spent the bulk of my adult life, from the age of 18 when I first became an assistant, entirely focused on cinema and films. This made me think that maybe I hadn’t been there enough for my relationships, my kids, my siblings, my family, whether it was with Kiran when I was married to her or Reena when I was married to her. I felt I hadn’t been present enough for these people.”

     Aamir shared that the realization dawned on him during the shooting of Laal Singh Chaddha, when the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic halted production.

    “I felt a lot of guilt and didn’t feel good about what I had done. So, in an emotional reaction, I thought I’d done enough films in my 35 years in the industry and could now focus on my family and personal relationships,” Khan admitted.  

  • ‘Fame makes me afraid of how I’ll answer to Allah,’ says Hania Aamir

    ‘Fame makes me afraid of how I’ll answer to Allah,’ says Hania Aamir

    Pakistani renowned actress Hania Aamir has expressed that her fame makes her fearful of how she will answer to Allah Almighty.

    In response to a question, she discussed her social media posts, saying, “I want everyone to be happy. If someone is facing mental health issues, they should know what the solution is and who they can talk to. Because talking about mental health is no longer considered taboo.”

    She added, “I do not want anyone else to go through the difficulties I have faced regarding mental health. For a long time, talking about mental health was considered taboo, but thankfully, that is no longer the case. I always say that I am afraid of my [public] image; how will I face Allah Almighty?”

    “What will I say? That I made some films and earned a lot of money?”

    Hania Aamir also remarked, “It doesn’t suit me; I am not like that. I try to make people laugh, and my social media posts bring joy to people. I’m happy to know this, and I hope they realise that mental health is a common issue that they can talk about.”

    She had given an interview to BBC Asia earlier this year, a video clip of which has surfaced in which she spoke openly about mental health.

  • ‘Shrek’ director tackles taboo in Netflix fairy tale ‘Spellbound’

    ‘Shrek’ director tackles taboo in Netflix fairy tale ‘Spellbound’

    Animated films tackling parent separation and divorce are few and far between.

    While live-action kids’ classics like “The Parent Trap” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” have used the concept as a launchpad for humorous antics, animation has tended to steer entirely clear of the issue.

    “Isn’t that funny… you can kill off a parent in a movie like ‘Lion King,’ or ‘Bambi,’” said Vicky Jenson, best known for co-directing “Shrek.”

    “Disney moms are often dead — the only time anyone remarries is because the other spouse is dead. This topic of separation, of parents not being able to live together… it’s taboo.”

    But in Jenson’s new film, “Spellbound,” a princess’s parents have been transformed by a dastardly spell into literal monsters.

    It is an allegorical device that forces young Ellian to try to “fix” her mother and father, and their broken family.

    “We encountered some resistance when we were looking for someone to help bring the movie to the world, a partner to distribute the movie,” Jenson told AFP.

    “They all reacted the same way, like: ‘What a beautiful movie, what a great message.’ And then they ghosted us!”

    The movie went through a number of different studios, including Paramount and Apple TV+, before ultimately landing at Netflix, which will release the film Friday.

    “I credit Netflix for stepping up bravely and partnering with us on this,” said Jenson.

    “In this environment, it does feel like stories that push the boundaries are more accessible on streaming.

    “Theaters are kind of filled with superheroes right now… the big safe bets.”

    – ‘Monsters’ –

    As the film starts, tenacious teen princess Ellian (voiced by Rachel Zegler) is desperately seeking a cure for the mysterious spell that has transformed her parents, Queen Ellsmere (Nicole Kidman) and King Solon (Javier Bardem).

    To make matters worse, she must hide the whole mess from the oblivious citizens of Lumbria.

    When the secret gets out, and panic spreads throughout the kingdom, Ellian is forced on a dangerous quest to undo the curse.

    But even if she succeeds, she soon learns that her family may never go back to the way it once was.

    To make Ellian’s reaction to her — literally — monstrous parents believable and accurate, filmmakers employed the consulting services of a family psychologist and therapist who specialized in divorce.

    “Kids feel like it’s their responsibility to fix this. They don’t understand that something happened to their parents — they’re acting like monsters,” explained Jenson.

    The director, and cast and crew, also drew on their own experiences, “because we all know our parents are monsters at one point — and as parents, we’re all monsters at one point,” she joked.

    – An inverse ‘Shrek’? –

    The end result is a thoroughly contemporary parable, set in a magical fairytale kingdom.

    That has clear echoes of Jenson’s smash-hit directing debut “Shrek,” but with cause and effect reversed.

    “‘Shrek’ was the modern take on fairy tales. This was a fairy tale take on a modern story,” she said.

    For Jenson and the filmmakers — including legendary composer Alan Menken, of “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and countless more — it was important to bring this “truth about family life” to the screen.

    It “is there for so many of us, but hadn’t been approached as a myth or as a new fairy tale before,” said Jenson.

    “Now, a new fairy tale is out there for that experience that so many kids, so many parents, so many families need help through.”

  • Here’s what Hina Bayat thinks of ‘modern marriages’

    Here’s what Hina Bayat thinks of ‘modern marriages’

    Why are divorces and breakups rising? Is social media responsible? Or have people stopped compromising? Veteran actress Hina Bayat has shared her two cents on how she thinks relationships are changing.

    Appearing on FHM podcast, Hina she shared her opinion on the growing number of divorces in society and how tolerance levels have changed. 

    “Why should I blame social media? Basically, over time, people’s tolerance has decreased. I believe that. I’ve heard some people say, ‘I was born to put up with this’, but in any relationship, even at work, not every colleague is someone you click with,” she said when asked about issues in marriages and if social media has played any role in it.

    “You have to compromise a little bit somewhere… you have to tolerate something. There are some things you just can’t tolerate. There are lines you don’t cross, and the same applies to marriage… you set your own boundaries.”

    The Zindagi Gulzar Hai actress emphasised how people now draw clearer boundaries in their relationship. 

    “Tolerance is reducing among people. Just a small thing and people can’t tolerate it… both men and women. Women have become financially secure. They know they can earn for themselves and live their life. The stigma around it has decreased,” she said. 

    The Humsafar actress further reflected on emotional abuse, calling it more dangerous than physical abuse. She highlighted how financial independence and education have empowered women to recognise what they should or shouldn’t tolerate.

    “What women tolerated in the past, they still do today, but emotional torture destroys self-esteem completely. ‘You are good for nothing’ or ‘you can’t do anything’… that’s very dangerous,” she said.

    Hina Bayat also acknowledged that social media, education and upbringing have helped women set boundaries and speak up. She emphasised that both side should work to make relationships work.

    “Women were the ones who tolerated. Women were the ones who used to tolerate more and that’s not entirely how it is now. They know what they should tolerate and what they shouldn’t. They’ve become educated. Social media has done this, people have done this. It must have started at home with mothers’ teachings. But many girls have learned from their mothers that this shouldn’t be done and they saw their mothers struggle.”

    Hina Bayat also starred in drama such as, ‘Jhumka Jaan’, ‘Ishq Gumshuda’ , ‘Uraan’, ‘Humsafar’, Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu’, ‘Khumar’, ‘Jannat say agay’ and ‘Jaan Nisar.’

  • Is Ayeza Khan making her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan?

    Is Ayeza Khan making her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan?

    Pakistani star Ayeza Khan is making her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan – or is she, really?

    Recently, a fan-edited trailer of a drama serial featuring Ayeza Khan and Shah Rukh Khan went viral on social media. Ayeza responded to the post on her Instagram stories, sharing the video with a playful caption: “Release kab hoga yeh bhi batadey! (Tell us what the release date is?)”

    Ayeza Khan is one of the highest-paid actresses in Pakistani dramas, known for her roles in ‘Mera Saaein 2’, ‘Pyarey Afzal’, ‘Koi Chaand Rakh’, ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’, ‘Mein’, and ‘Jaan-e-Jahan’.

    Earlier, Bilal Abbas and Ayeza Khan were reportedly joining Fawad Khan in the highly anticipated crime thriller series The Prisoner, according to IMDB listings. This powerhouse cast brought fresh excitement to the series, which is based on Omar Shahid’s bestselling novel. The novel depicts two daring cops on a covert mission in the 90s to challenge Karachi’s powerful mafia-like political party. Created by Parisa Siddiqi and Ahmer Khan, the series is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

    Fans of Pakistani cinema and thrillers can look forward to The Prisoner delivering a captivating blend of action and drama with a star-studded cast that promises exceptional storytelling. Fans were excited to see Ayeza Khan and Fawad Khan together as they hadn’t worked together since a commercial. In this series, ‘The Prisoner’, Fawad Khan plays DSP Akbar Khan, Ayeza Khan plays Mehreen Khan, and Bilal Abbas portrays DSP Constantine D’Souza.

  • Pakistan’s ‘The Glassworker’ continues in race for Oscar

    Pakistan’s ‘The Glassworker’ continues in race for Oscar

    Pakistan’s first-ever hand-drawn animated movie, ‘The Glassworker’ directed by Usman Riaz, has made it to the list of eligible films for the 97th Academy Awards.

    The Academy released its latest list of eligible films in the animated, documentary, and international feature categories. The list includes major blockbusters and acclaimed projects from both big studios and independent creators.

    The shortlists will be announced on December 17, ahead of the final nominations on January 23, 2025.

    The Glassworker, produced by Mano Animation Studios, is one of 31 animated features and 85 international features in the running.

    This is a historic moment for Pakistan as it is the country’s first animated submission to the Oscars.

    The nominees are chosen through a rigorous voting process. For animated features, members of the Academy’s Animation Branch evaluate submissions. For international features, Academy members from all branches meet specific viewing criteria.

    In the animation feature category, The Glassworker is listed alongside big names like Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot.

    Other notable entries in this category include Kung Fu Panda 4, Despicable Me 4, and the Japanese film Kensuke’s Kingdom.

    In the international feature category, The Glassworker joins films from 84 other countries, including India’s Laapata Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao.

    Palestinian submission From Ground Zero, a 2024 anthology film directed by 22 Palestinian directors, is also on the list. This film includes 22 short films about the situation in Gaza. The same list includes Israel’s submission, Come Closer.

    This year’s competition also features critically acclaimed works such as France’s Emilia Pérez, Germany’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig, and Brazil’s I’m Still Here.

    Earlier, Pakistan’s first Ghibli-style animated film, The Glassworker, was screened at the Hiroshima Animation Festival in Japan. Among thousands of entries from 97 countries and regions across the world, it competed in the ‘Feature Competition’ category.

    This is an achievement that showcases Pakistan’s animation talent on the global stage. The Glassworker promises a heartwarming and visually stunning experience.

    The film, directed by Usman Riaz and Mairam Riaz Paracha and produced by Geo Films, was released on July 26, 2024, in Pakistan. It has now crossed the 30 million milestone at the box office.