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.

  • Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone to headline Coachella 2025

    Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone to headline Coachella 2025

    Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone will headline 2025’s Coachella music and arts festival, organizers said Wednesday, while Travis Scott will play a special guest slot.

    Missy Elliott, Charli XCX and Megan Thee Stallion will also feature at the major event in the California desert that kicks off the music festival circuit.

    Coachella takes place over two three-day weekends in the spring, this year April 11-13 and 18-20.

    The line-up reveal came months earlier than usual, one day after Post Malone slipped in his own tour schedule release that he’d be playing concerts during the anticipated festival dates in Indio.

    Scott’s performance will come four years after he was slated to headline the 2020 festival, which was ultimately scrapped due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    South Africa’s Tyla will perform at the 2025 edition after pulling out last year due to an injury.

    Other acts of interest include famed conductor Gustavo Dudamel along with the LA Philharmonic, along with a return to the desert for Brazil’s Anitta and electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk.

    Last year’s festival was headlined by Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat and Tyler, the Creator. It also featured a special reunion performance from No Doubt.

    Taylor Swift was also an overwhelming presence at the grounds flanked by the San Jacinto Mountains in 2024 — although as a spectator, not a performer.

  • Outstanding performances and intense drama make Faraar a riveting watch

    Outstanding performances and intense drama make Faraar a riveting watch

    The new drama, Faraar, is a thriller filled with unexpected twists, intense moments, and some out-of-the-box characters. Its first episode aired indicates that it does not have a typical storyline – it is packed with action, hard-hitting storylines and shocking moments that keep you glued to your screen.     

    The drama unfolds a story of six characters, Batish (Hamza Ali Abbasi), Nazish (Sohai Ali Abro), Fasih (Batish), Saadia (Mamya JSK), Babrik (Danyal Zafar) and Zhalay (Meerub Ali) – all of whom come from different walks of life yet carrying their burdens on their shoulders. They’re all trying to escape their pasts, driven by guilt and secrets.

    Faraar is written by Mustafa Afridi, a talented writer known for his ability to tackle complex social issues. His latest work in the drama serial ‘Zard Patton Ka Bunn’ directed by Saife Hassan, showcased his skill in creating intricate characters while addressing important societal topics like Child labour, girl education and overpopulation.

    In Faraar, however, Afridi brings depth and intrigue to the story by bringing themes of freedom, guilt and the search for redemption. 

    His portrayal of characters trying to escape their pasts highlights the struggles many face in real life, making the drama both relatable and thought-provoking. 

    Mustafa Afridi has primarily collaborated with director Saife Hassan on projects like Sang-e-Mar Mar, Sang-e-Mah, Ehd-e-Wafa, and Zard Patton ka Bunn. The drama serial Faraar, therefore, marks a shift, as it is directed by Musadiq Malik and Syed Wajahat Hussian. Their direction adds a fresh twist to Afridi’s script, and it hits the right cord because of the gripping execution.
     


    From the very first scene of the episode, we see Ahmed Ali Akbar as Fashih, a suspended yet fearless police officer who remains committed to doing what’s right. His character brings a certain intensity to the screen in another drama that airs on HUM TV in which Ahmed Ali Akbar plays the same character of a police officer as SHO Jam Nagar, but in Nadaan, he is not suspended.


     
    Then there’s Hamza Ali Abbasi as ‘Batish,’ the hitman (Gunda), with a surprisingly soft side. Batish appears so awkward around Sadia, played by Mamya JSK, especially when he tries to hide his crush, which is both cute and funny. The general store owner’s funny guess about Batish’s next move was a nice, light moment before things got serious.


      
    Danyal Zafar, who plays the character ‘Babrik’, enters the scene, easily irritated by his rival Suleman in Swabi. But what truly stands out in this episode is Hasan Noman, who steals the show as the local Pathan.

    His scene, lounging on a charpaye and commenting on Babrik’s rude behaviour, is so authentic and engaging that you can’t help but appreciate how perfectly he plays the role. Hassan Noman was the last to star in Khaie, where he portrayed the character Pathan.


     
    The most powerful moment goes to Sohai Ali Abro as Nazish, a character caught in a terrible situation. When she’s bound to a chair and threatened with acid and violence over a suspected affair, the tension is almost unbearable.

    Her pain, facial expression, and the harsh domestic violence of the scene make it horrible and terrifying. Also, Nadia Jamil’s character is outstanding; her dialogue delivery and facial expressions were all on point, as she is playing a negative character, but she did very well.

      
     Tanveer Hussain, a seasoned actor from PTV, is also seen in Faraar. After Zard Patton Ka Bunn, Gentlemen, and Mann Jogi, he is now a new character in Faraar.

    In the cast, Noor-ul-Hassan is also seen playing a professor, Hamdani, who dared to speak against a powerful and corrupt politician.

  • ‘Going beyond wearing makeup, losing weight, thinking they are actors’, Kangana appreciates Aryan’s director debut

    ‘Going beyond wearing makeup, losing weight, thinking they are actors’, Kangana appreciates Aryan’s director debut

    Bollywood King Shahrukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, has stepped into the spotlight as a creator and director, bringing an exciting new project to Netflix with his debut series.

    Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bella Bajaria, shared at a grand event in Los Angeles that the series has already generated buzz in the entrainment industry.
     
    Produced under Red Chilies Entertainment and led by Aryan’s mother, Gauri Khan, the show dives into the dazzling world of Bollywood, following the journey of a talented individual chasing success.  

    Shah Rukh Khan said on this occasion, “This series will give a new look to the glamorous aspect of the film world. Aryan and his team have done a fantastic job and it will be full of fun.”            

    Aryan Khan’s achievements have been widely celebrated; however, actress and BJP leader Kangana Ranaut, known for her outspoken views, also shared her thoughts on Aryan’s upcoming debut.

    Kangana shared her Instagram story with the caption, “It is great that children from film families are going beyond just wanting to wear makeup, lose weight, doll up and think they are actors.” 

    “We should collectively uplift the standards of Indian cinema, as that is the need of the hour. Those with resources often end up taking the easiest roads. We need more people behind the cameras. It’s good that Aryan Khan is taking the road less traveled. I look forward to his debut as a writer and filmmaker”, she added.
     
    Shahrukh Khan shared the news on his Instagram story with the caption, “It’s a special day when a new story is being presented for the audience. Today is even more special as @redchillesent . and Aryan Khan embark on their journey to showcase their new series on @netflix in. Here’s to untamed story telling .controlled chaps.gutsy scenes and lots and lots of fun and emotions. Go forth and entertain pepole @aryan and remember .There’s no business like Show business!!” 

    Monica Shergill, Vice President of Netflix India, said, “Directed by Aryan Khan, this series will provide unique and great entertainment, we are proud of this partnership.”

    Netflix India shared a post with the caption stating,“THIS 2025: NETFLIX AND RED CHILLIES ENTERTAINMENT COME TOGETHER FOR A ONE OF A KIND BOLLYWOOD SERIES PRODUCED BY GAURI KHAN, CREATED AND DIRECTED BY ARYAN KHAN.”
    Suhana Khan took to Instagram to tease her older brother Aryan after Netlfix India officially announced his upcoming directorial debut. Supporting Aryan’s Khan career, Suhana shared Netflix India’s post about the project with a caption, “Lots of laughs, drama, action, and a little bit of trouble—just like it always is with you. I cannot wait! So proud.”

  • FACT CHECK: Cube video from Saudi entertainment event sparks outrage for ‘depicting Kaaba’

    FACT CHECK: Cube video from Saudi entertainment event sparks outrage for ‘depicting Kaaba’

    A viral video from an entertainment event in Saudi Arabia has sparked outrage as social media users claim that a cube at the event was “used to depict the Holy Kaaba”.


    As per the details, the video recorded at Riyadh Season 2023 – an annual winter entertainment event that hosts performers from around the world – showed behind the stage a cube-shaped structure with bright lights and visuals while dancers performed in front of it.
    The clip caused a stir among netizens, who called it a “mockery of Islam’s holiest site”.


    “Saudi Disgraced Islam. This is the opening of Riyadh’s entertainment season in Saudi Arabia this year. They had a model of the Holy Kaaba where they displayed images of singers and dancers [sic],” a user, namely Ryan Rozbiani, wrote in a post on X, which got 5.5 million views.


    “Saudi Arabia has desecrated the image of the Kaaba. What happened to all Muslim zealots around the world? Or can they only be weaponized against Israel’s enemies and NATO’s enemies?” wrote another user in a post that received 198K views.


    The Anti-Rumor Authority of the Kingdom, however, rubbished all claims. It said that the video being shared online was from Riyadh Season’s boxing event last year when four screens were extended from the ceiling for visual effects.


    “There are no models or replicas of the Kaaba in the Kingdom. The cube-like structure was four mirrors attached to the ceiling with images digitally processed to appear on them,” it said.


    Other video from the event also confirmed that the screens had actually been extended from the ceiling and lowered during the opening ceremony of the event, projecting different visuals behind the performers for an immersive experience.

  • A. R. Rahman’s children react to parent’s divorce announcement

    A. R. Rahman’s children react to parent’s divorce announcement

    Bollywood maestro A. R. Rahman and Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, have announced their decision to separate after 29 years of marriage. 

    Rahman shared an emotional note with his fans on November 19, thanking them for respecting their privacy during this difficult time. 

    In his post on X (formerly Twitter), A. R. Rahman expressed the pain of the separation, saying, “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.”

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    A. R. Rahman and Saira Banu tied the knot on March 12, 1995, and have three children together. 

    On November 19, Saira Banu’s lawyer, Vanda Shah, released a public statement conforming the separation.  

    The statement read: “After many years of marriage, Mrs Saira has made the difficult decision to separate from her husband Mr AR Rahman. This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship”

     “Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time. Mrs Saira emphasised that she has taken this decision out of pain and agony. Mrs Saira requests privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time, as she navigates this difficult chapter in her life”, the further statement read.
      
    Last night, the children of A. R. Rahman, Khatijam Ameen and Raheem took to Instagram stories to react to the news. 

    Ameen wrote on his Instagram story, “We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time. Thank you for your understanding.”  

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    His daughter, Khatija, wrote her story on Instagram: “I would greatly appreciate it if this matter could be treated with the utmost privacy and respect. Thank you for your consideration.” 

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    Earlier, Indian musician and singer A. R. Rahman shared a startling personal revelation, revealing that he contemplated suicide multiple times during his youth.

    Speaking at the Oxford Union Debating Society, Rahman revealed that his mother had told him to live his life for others and that if he could switch his mindset and do so, it would dispel negative thoughts.

    Rahman expressed gratitude for his mother’s advice and said it was the “most beautiful counsel”.

    Rahman also stressed the importance of living for others, saying it was essential.

    “I took my mother’s advice seriously, whether it’s composing music for someone, writing, or buying food for those in need,” Rahman said, adding that “acts like these, even just smiling at someone, are what give us reasons to live.”

  • Asim Azhar shares the love of young fan attending his concert

    Asim Azhar shares the love of young fan attending his concert

    Singer Asim Azhar recently shared a heartwarming moment with a young fan who attended his concert. The young fan, completely enthralled by Asim’s songs, did not know that her love for his music had also won the singer’s heart while he was on stage.

    Asim Azhar took to his Instagram stories to express his affection for the young fan, writing, “This cutie had my heart the whole time I was on stage.”

    The adorable interaction highlights the strong bond between Asim and his fans, showing his appreciation for their support.

    His followers have widely appreciated the video and the message, with many fans praising the singer’s kindness and the genuine connection he shares with his audience.

    He also continues to be a beloved figure in the music industry, known for his captivating performances and warm interactions with fans.

    Earlier, Asim Azhar was ready to start a new part of his music career with his first album, ‘Bematlab’, releasing in April. The album included seven songs, with five collaborating with other artists.

    Azhar cleared his Instagram feed, suggesting big changes in his career. He posted a mysterious message hinting at something new, leaving fans eager for more details. Then, as the countdown started, the 27-year-old revealed the songs on the album, teasing exciting collaborations with both big names in the industry and up-and-coming stars.


     
    Familiar names like Talha Anjum and Talhah Yunus, who worked on tracks like ‘Bematlab’and ‘Karma,’ are featured there. But what gets fans excited is the promise of new partnerships, especially the collaboration with Hasan Raheem on the song ‘You,’ while Nehaal Naseem will add energy to the album with ‘Mujhsa Na,’ and Umair will appear on ‘Kyun.’

    After being in the music business for 11 years, Asim caused a stir online when he deleted all his Instagram posts on Tuesday, similar to what Taylor Swift and many other international artists would do. Shortly after, he came back with an exciting teaser for his first album.

    The teaser gave a sneak peek into Asim’s life as a musician, from his childhood to his youth, making it clear that fans can expect a personal seven-track album. In the caption, he announced the release date, saying, “A new journey, a new beginning, Bematlab, my debut album.”

    Fans and colleagues from the entertainment industry rushed to the post to show their support and best wishes. Asim’s fiancée, Meerub Ali, also joined in, hyping him up with comments like “the most dramatic entry ever” and “ap cha gaye hou” (you are everywhere)

    The story of ‘Bematlab’ goes back to Asim’s early days when he gained attention by singing heartfelt covers of Western songs on YouTube. But it was his standout performance in Coke Studio 9 that put him in the spotlight, showing off his talent and making him a star. Since then, Asim has been delivering hit singles and captivating audiences with his versatile voice and emotional performances in popular dramas.

  • ‘Gladiator 3’ already in works, say director and star

    ‘Gladiator 3’ already in works, say director and star

    Ridley Scott’s long-awaited “Gladiator” sequel has not even hit US theaters yet, but the veteran director is already hard at work on a third installment.

    “Gladiator II,” which arrives in North American cinemas Friday, stars Irish actor Paul Mescal (“Normal People”) as Lucius, the son of Russell Crowe’s Maximus from the multiple Oscar-winning original.

    A bloody, blockbuster epic of revenge, treachery and — yes — gladiators, it has drawn positive reviews and already hauled in a muscular $87 million at the global box office since opening in several countries last week.

    “Given the performance in the rest of the world that we’ve seen yesterday, there’s certainly going to be a ‘Gladiator III,’” said Scott, in Los Angeles on Monday for the movie’s glitzy US premiere.

    “Because it also becomes financial, and you’d be insane not to consider a third version,” said the British director of seminal films such as “Blade Runner” and “Thelma & Louise.”

    The plot of “Gladiator II” was also “planned to leave it wide open to a sequel,” added Scott, a famously prolific filmmaker who is still directing roughly a film per year at the age of 86.

    The second film opens with Lucius — sent into exile by his mother to avoid certain death in Rome — battling in vain to defend his adopted North African home city from the arrival of seemingly unstoppable Roman soldiers.

    Captured as a prisoner of war, he is brought back to the imperial metropolis, where he must prove his worth in the Colosseum in order to exact revenge on invading general Marcus Acacius, played by Pedro Pascal.

    Danish actress Connie Nielsen reprises her role as Lucilla from the 2000 original, while Denzel Washington is already earning Oscar buzz for his conniving, mercurial and highly flamboyant ringmaster, Macrinus.

    “Jewelry, sandals and everything — I just looked like a Roman pimp… I couldn’t put on enough rings,” joked Washington on Monday.

    – ‘Political’ –

    Mescal — whose character battles bloodthirsty baboons, rhinos and sharks in addition to humans in “Gladiator II” — also expressed excitement about returning for another film.

    But he said Scott had discussed a new direction for the plot that would not simply “go back to the arena as we know it.”

    “The last time I spoke to (Scott) he said he had nine pages. Yesterday, he said he had 14,” Mescal told journalists.

    “I would be excited for it to go into a more political sphere,” with Lucius thrust into a world of court intrigue that he does not want to inhabit, like Michael Corleone in “The Godfather,” added Mescal.

    Asked how the second film’s themes tackled power and politics differently, some 24 years after the original Scott said: “They’re exactly the same.”

    “A super-rich man thinks he can take over the Empire. Is that familiar?” he said, just days after billionaire Donald Trump’s re-election as US president.

    “We don’t learn historically anything. We keep repeating the same mistakes. We’re going through exactly the same thing right now in several parts of the planet,” he added.

  • Faryal Mehmood reveals relationship status

    Faryal Mehmood reveals relationship status

    Actress Faryal Mehmood has been in the spotlight for both her impressive acting career as well as candid opinions. This time, however, she has made headlines for opening up about her relationship status.

    Appearing as a guest on After Hours with Ushna Shah, Faryal opened up about her current relationship status.

    When asked if she was single, she said, “I am single… very much single.” It may be noted that Faryal Mehmood had tied the knot with actor Daniyal Raheal in 2020, but the marriage had ended in divorce.

    On the show, it wasn’t just about her relationship status as the Raqeeb Se actor also voiced discomfort with a growing trend among celebrities, particularly women.

    “This new trend where people sit and praise their lovers on TV is very cringeworthy. For God’s sake, stop it! Especially women… you know, they sit on TV shows and say, ‘This is what happened to me… they are like this… they are like that.’ For God’s sake, respect yourself and keep your dignity. Women talking like this doesn’t look good, especially actresses,” she said while calling out celebrities who openly gush about their partners on TV shows.

    The Laal Ishq actress also talked about narcissism in society, stressing that it was important for people to recognise the basic traits of narcissists. “It is important for society to realise that narcissism very much exists,” she said and noted that narcissists often lacked empathy and showed no guilt for hurting others.

    Faryal Mehmood has starred in drama such as, ‘Farwa Ki ABC’, ‘Khuda Dekh Raha Hai’, ‘Aap Ke Liye’, ‘Teri Chah Mein’ and ‘Mohabbat Tumse Nafrat Hai’.

    She has also starred in movies such as ‘Wakhri’, ‘Nayab’ and ‘Chikkar’.

     

    Earlier, Faryal had also opened up about her divorce during an interview with Ahsan Khan. “The reason why I didn’t want to talk about it is that it’s not just me who is involved.”

    “I don’t want to talk about my ex-husband and his family, who are also prominently involved in the media. Whatever happened between the two of us, I would never want to dish out the details of it.”

    “It’s our personal lives, don’t say mean things about it. It happened because it was bound to happen, you know. It’s fine,” she said.

    The statements had come as Faryal confirmed her divorce. “Yes, it’s true. I mean, I am single but this isn’t something to be discussed.”

  • ‘We can’t make films’: Syed Mohammed Ahmed calls out Pakistani film industry

    ‘We can’t make films’: Syed Mohammed Ahmed calls out Pakistani film industry


    Is the Pakistani film industry stuck copying Bollywood? Well, veteran actor and writer Syed Mohammed Ahmed thinks so and has openly talked about the challenges facing the entertainment industry. 


    Appearing as a guest on Gup Shab by Vasay Chaudhry, the Sunn Mere Dil actor shared his thoughts on why the local film industry continues to struggle. 


    “I think this work is not ours. We can’t make films. I only realise this now.
    There was a lot of hope earlier, but now I don’t think so because it requires passion, training and history. If you compare it to India, they have been making films since the 1930s, and they started by learning from Hollywood,” he said in response to an audience member’s question regarding the shortcomings of the Pakistani film industry. 


    “We’ve always tried to copy India. We’ve never tried to train ourselves and make films like Hollywood. We still try to make Bollywood-style films,” he added.

     
    The Meray Paas Tum Ho actor also highlighted the repetitive content on television saying, “Right now, on TV, whether it’s this channel or that channel, the same storyline is being played.
    Either there’s a divorce happening or someone’s falling for their brother-in-law. There’s nothing beyond this.”

      
    “If they want to write something big or different, they’ll make the mother-in-law a tyrant and the husband toxic. What else is there? So, where’s the actual drama?
    This is the same thing you’ve been watching for the past 25–30 years,” he added.

     
    When asked by co-host Rabbina Shirjeel if it was true that audiences didn’t connect with something new or meaningful, he said if that was the case, why was ‘Kabli Pulao’ such a huge hit.
    “It was completely out of the ordinary, a really well-made play with a different subject.”

     
    “There was another recent one about Halala, written by Zafar Mairaj. It was an eight-episode drama featuring Bilal Abbas. That too was very different and did really well.
    I think projects like these, which are experimental, face challenges in marketing,” he added.

     
    Syed Mohammed Ahmed is currently starring in Sunn Mere Dil, written by controversial writer Khalil Ur Rehmar Qamar, and directed by Haseeb Hassan.

     
    Earlier, in an interview with ‘Hasna Mana Hai’, Ahmed also shared his favorite death scene.

    A fan in the audience had asked, “Sir, you appear in almost all Pakistani dramas and coincidentally, you often die in them as well. So, which was your favorite death scene?” 


    “The best one was in Sabaat, and the funniest death was in Neeli Zinda Hai.
    I was hit on the head. The third one, which will be a good death, is coming soon. It’s in the drama Sun Mere Dil. I’m going to die in a different way, and the camera angle was different too,” he said.

  • WATCH: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Meets Sanjay Dutt in Dubai

    WATCH: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Meets Sanjay Dutt in Dubai

    A viral video has shown renowned Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt meeting backstage during a concert in Dubai.

    According to the details, the video was recorded at Rahat’s concert where Sanjay Dutt was also in attendance.

    In the video, the two stars can be seen having a friendly conversation, planning a future meeting and showing mutual respect as well as admiration.

    Rahat shared the video on his official Facebook account, prompting widespread appreciation from fans on either side of the border.

    Netizens said the interaction shows the love and respect both celebrities have for each other, highlighting a moment of warmth between two well-known figures from different entertainment industries.


    Rahat is known across the globe for his classical music and exceptional singing. His distinctive style has earned him a special place in the music landscape of the world.


    He has recorded numerous hit songs, ghazals and qawwalis, and has a massive following on social media with 8.2 million fans on Facebook.

    Bollywood celebrities, including Sanjay Dutt, have frequently praised Rahat’s voice and talent, further solidifying his reputation as a globally respected artist.

    Earlier Rahat Fateh Ali Khan revealed that Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s qawwali ‘Allah Hoo Allah Hoo’ was so loved by Westerners that they started calling him ‘Mr. Allah Hoo.’


    He spoke to the media in Canada and said, “Toronto is my second home because Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s wife used to live here and I used to come and stay at her house, my memories are associated with this city.”


    He further added, “My son Shah Zaman is performing on the big stage at a young age, he has learned by listening and singing along with Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan from the age of six.”


    He said, “Qawwali is my favorite genre in the art of music, there is freedom in Qawwali in which there is an opportunity to sing openly.”


    “We come abroad with the smell of the soil of our country,” he added


    He said that like the West, “I also liked Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Allah Ho Allah Ho’ the most.”

    Check the video below: