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.

  • What happened between Sidra Niazi and Imran Ashraf the first time they met?

    What happened between Sidra Niazi and Imran Ashraf the first time they met?

    Actress Sidra Niazi actor Imran Ashraf met up and recalled their first day working together on the set of a drama. Sidra appeared as a guest on ‘Mazaq Raat,’ where both shared a funny and heartwarming story. Imran asked Sidra, “Can you tell us about our first day on set? What happened?” Sidra smiled and replied, “You tell us, you probably remember it better, then I’ll add to it.

    “Imran Ashraf recalled the moment, saying, “I was about to shoot a scene, and I had to come out from a corner and walked in front of the camera. You had to come down the stairs from above, and I was watching from a distance. I could see a look of hopelessness in a girl’s eyes, wishing the world would just pause for a moment so the drama could stop.”

    Sidra asked, “What exactly did you say to me?” Imran responded, “I told you, may Allah be with you; this will be a great role for you. We had so much fun working on the whole drama together.”
    Sidra Niazi is known for her roles in dramas like ‘Chupke Chupke,’ ‘Qayamat,’ ‘Sukoon’ and the Eid telefilm ‘Tamiz-ud-din Ki Badtamiz Family.’

  • From thrills to romance: Ten dramas that defined the year

    From thrills to romance: Ten dramas that defined the year

    Looking for something different from the usual love triangles, family feuds, and predictable comedies? Enter Green Entertainment! This channel has freshen up the Pakistani drama scene with new, exciting content. With its captivating teasers, Green Entertainment made us ask, ‘Is this what we were waiting for?’ And the answer was a resounding ‘Yes!’

    Green Entertainment stands out for its diverse array of shows, including family dramas, crime thrillers, horror series, love stories, and unique scripts that challenge the industry norms. Competing with seasoned players in the field was no small feat, but Green Entertainment’s bravery paid off.

    Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore 10 standout dramas from Green Entertainment – from love stories to thrillers and more!

    Tumhare Husn Ke Naam: This drama brought a touch of vintage romance, captivating fans of classic Pakistani dramas. Starring Saba Qamar and Imran Abbas as Salma and Sikandar, it tells the story of enduring love and following one’s passion. Set against the charming architecture of Lahore’s National College of Arts, this drama highlights societal norms about remarriage and the power of true love.

    22 Qadam: This drama focuses on Fari, a college student passionate about cricket, played by Hareem Farooq. It highlights female empowerment and the pursuit of dreams. With a cast including Wahaj Ali and dynamic characters, “22 Qadam” challenges gender stereotypes and celebrates women’s aspirations.

    Serial Killer: Starring Saba Qamar as SP Sarah, this drama introduces viewers to a murder mystery filled with forensic investigations and intricate plots. Written by Umera Ahmed, it keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its meticulous attention to detail.

    Breaking News: This drama delves into the manipulation of media and politics, exposing the dark side of the industry. It raises important questions about media responsibility and political influence, offering a gripping and thought-provoking narrative.

    Kabli Pulao: ‘Kabli Pulao’ tells the story of Haji Mushtaq and Barbeena, highlighting cultural expectations and personal sacrifices. Their journey, symbolised by the popularity of Kabli Pulao, reflects resilience and the power of human connection.

    Standup Girl: Zara Noor Abbas stars as Zara, a stand-up comedian navigating life’s challenges. This romantic comedy, set in Lahore, explores themes of identity, humour, and the pursuit of artistic fulfilment, making it a refreshing tale of love and laughter.

    Gentleman: Influenced by Pakistan’s socio-political landscape, this drama blends love stories with deep-seated issues. Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar’s portrayal highlights the complexities of governance, justice, and the morality of love, offering a cinematic experience on TV screens.

    Pas-e-Deewar: Set in rural Pakistan, this drama follows Ujala and Iftikhar as they navigate financial hardships and societal pressures. With themes of resilience, integrity, and love, it explores the clash between tradition and modernity.

  • Why did ‘Heeramandi’ star Taha Shah want someone to pinch him?

    Why did ‘Heeramandi’ star Taha Shah want someone to pinch him?

    Indian actor Taha Shah Badussha, renowned for his portrayal of Nawab Tajdar Baloch in ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’, was unable to contain his excitement upon meeting his lifelong idol, Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise.

    Sharing the moment on his Instagram, Taha posted photos and a video of their encounter.

    “Pinch me! I just met my lifelong idol. The one and only Tom Cruise!” he wrote in the caption of the posts, showing both of them smiling. The video captured a brief interaction between them.

    The post received thousands of likes and comments from fans who admired the meeting of the two stars.

  • Is Aima Baig selling expensive products on Snapchat?

    Is Aima Baig selling expensive products on Snapchat?

    Pakistani singer Aima Baig has warned her fans about a fake Snapchat account using her name.

    She shared a screenshot of the fraudulent account on her official Instagram, expressing surprise that people would mistake it for hers.

    In her Instagram story, Baig mentioned her discomfort with Snapchat and confirmed that she does not have an account on the platform.

    She also reassured her followers that she has no intention of creating a Snapchat account in the future.

    Baig was shocked that people trust unverified accounts to the extent of making purchases through them. She urged her fans to pay attention to her Instagram stories and avoid falling victim to the fraudulent Snapchat account.

    The singer noted that fraudulent activity had occurred through the impersonating account but did not provide further details.

    Aima Baig’s warning serves as a reminder to her followers to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of social media accounts to prevent scams.

  • Amazon announces its first official Muhammad Ali series, ‘The Greatest’

    Amazon announces its first official Muhammad Ali series, ‘The Greatest’

    Amazon Prime Video is set to bring the incredible story of boxing legend Muhammad Ali to life in the first-ever authorised series titled ‘The Greatest.’

    This exciting new project promises to explore his legendary fights and the man behind the icon.

    Actor Jaalen Best will play Ali’s character, while Ben Watkins will take on the role of showrunner. Watkins said, “To be trusted with the honour of telling the story of my most cherished hero, Muhammad Ali, is humbling and scary, and a dream come true.”

    ‘The Greatest’ will showcase the victories and challenges that shaped Ali’s life, highlighting moments that often go unnoticed. The series aims to present Ali not only as a boxing champion but also as a husband, father, brother, and son.

    Produced in collaboration with Ali’s estate, with his widow, Lonnie Ali, serving as executive producer, she expressed her excitement for the project, stating, “I’m thrilled to be producing ‘The Greatest’ alongside Ben Watkins, who captured the essence of Muhammad.
    Jaalen Best is a talented young man who embodies Muhammad’s resilience, courage, and charisma.”

    Jaalen Best, known for his roles in ‘All American: Homecoming,’ ‘Magnum P.I.,’ and ‘American Horror Stories,’ is set to star in the series.

    Muhammad Ali has been portrayed on screen before, including himself in 1977’s ‘The Greatest,’ Will Smith in the 2001 film ‘Ali,’ Terrence Howard in ‘King of the World,’ and David Ramsey in ‘Ali: An American Hero.’ With ‘The Greatest,’ fans can look forward to a fresh and deeper look into Ali’s extraordinary life.

  • Same same but different: Hania Aamir’s Indian look-alike takes the internet by storm

    Same same but different: Hania Aamir’s Indian look-alike takes the internet by storm

    Social media is buzzing with another doppelganger drama and this time, it’s creating quite a stir.

    Get ready for the story of Hania Aamir’s Indian lookalike.

    Yes, you read that right – the dazzling dimple queen of Pakistani showbiz has a doppelganger, and he’s gaining attention from across the border!

    A viral video on social media shows a young man from India lip-syncing to a Punjabi track, bearing a striking resemblance to Hania. The internet reacted swiftly, with comments pouring in faster than you can say “twinning.”

    “Is this Hania Aamir’s twin brother?” joked one user.

    Another added, “He looks more like Hania than Hania herself!”

    The resemblance is uncanny, sparking both funny and heartfelt reactions. Some sharp-eyed fans even noted a resemblance to Imran Ashraf’s character Bhola, saying, “He looks like Imran Ashraf with bangs and dimples.”

    Many agreed that the Indian guy is “a mix of Imran Ashraf and Hania Aamir.”

    Both Indians and Pakistanis have united in their fascination, agreeing that this viral sensation could easily be Hania’s double. The photos showing their striking similarities make it hard to tell them apart.

  • ‘We decided on divorce at the dinner table’: Hiba Ali opens up about her marriage

    ‘We decided on divorce at the dinner table’: Hiba Ali opens up about her marriage

    Divorce can be a very emotional journey filled with unexpected challenges and personal reflections.

    Recently, actress Hiba Ali appeared as a guest on ‘Fuchsia Magazine’. She talked about the emotional journey of her unplanned divorce, her struggle with depression, and the challenges of her child custody case.

    “For me, it was always unexpected. I wanted to stay with my husband because he was the father of my son, and I hoped for a relationship built on understanding,” said Hiba Ali when discussing her divorce.

    She explained that he was “a good person” but they struggled with understanding each other on basic issues.

    “He was educated, and I considered myself sensible; we couldn’t afford to argue over small things every day,” she explained.

    “We decided on divorce at a dinner table,” she revealed.

    Hiba Ali said she was “shocked” after the custody case as her former husband believed that she had distanced their son from him while he was in Canada.

    “Ultimately, it was our child’s choice whether to communicate with his father or not. We reached a compromise on the custody case outside of court because I didn’t want to give in easily. I told him he would only be wasting his money.”

    However, she feels conflicted about the decision.

    “Looking back, I wonder if marrying was a mistake or if I should not have divorced at all,” she said.

    Hiba Ali is currently starring in the drama serials ‘Shiddat’ and ‘Jaan Nisar.’

  • Billionaire bash: India’s lavish Ambani nuptials

    Billionaire bash: India’s lavish Ambani nuptials

    Billionaire Indian tycoon Mukesh Ambani celebrates the lavish finale of his son’s wedding this week, highlighting his staggering wealth, as well as India’s rapid economic growth and stark financial inequalities.

    Ambani’s younger son Anant and fiancee Radhika Merchant, both 29, are set to marry in a three-day Hindu ceremony in India’s financial capital Mumbai starting Friday.

    Asia’s richest man is no stranger to throwing a costly wedding.

    He held the most expensive wedding in India to date for his daughter in 2018, which reportedly cost up to $100 million and saw US singer Beyonce perform.

    This week’s opulent celebrations are set to raise the bar, with celebrities, politicians and business elite jetting into the monsoon-hit megacity of Mumbai.

    Pre-wedding parties for his son included multi-day galas, a European cruise for 1,200 guests, a specially built Hindu temple and entertainment provided by pop stars ranging from Rihanna to Justin Bieber.

    – Power –

    Ambani, 67, the chairman of Reliance Industries, has a fortune of more than $123 billion, and is the 11th wealthiest person in the world, according to the Forbes billionaires list.

    He is a key ally of India’s right-wing Hindu nationalist leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Ambani inherited a thriving industrial enterprise spanning oil, gas and petrochemicals.

    He grew it into a commercial behemoth with lucrative interests in retail, telecommunications and an Indian Premier League cricket team.

    Ambani’s family home Antilia is one of Mumbai’s most prominent landmarks. The 27-floor building reportedly cost more than $1 billion to erect and has a permanent staff of 600 servants.

    Merchant is the daughter of pharmaceutical moguls.

    – Cruise and zoo –

    Wedding celebrations began in March with a three-day gala for 1,500-plus guests in Gujarat state.

    Rihanna performed her first concert since last year’s Super Bowl for wedding guests including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and ex-US president Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka.

    David Blaine did magic tricks.

    Festivities also involved a trip to the Ambani’s “animal rescue centre” housing exotic animals, and a specially built Hindu temple complex.

    A second leg in June was a four-day Mediterranean cruise with 1,200 guests, Merchant told Vogue.

    Singer Katy Perry performed at a masquerade ball at a French chateau in Cannes, while the Backstreet Boys and US rapper Pitbull also provided entertainment.

    DJ David Guetta played at a toga party at sea.

    The cruise ended in Italy’s Portofino, where tenor Andrea Bocelli serenaded the party in the town square.

    – Gowns –

    The wedding invitation was an intricate chest incorporating a mini silver temple.

    Merchant’s multiple dresses have been as elaborate.

    They have included custom designs from Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and a vintage Yves Saint Laurent for Dior, she told Vogue.

    Another was a sweeping chiffon dress printed with a love letter from her fiancee, the magazine reported.

    “I want to be able to show it to my kids and grandkids, and say that ‘this is what our love was’”, Merchant said.

    – Poverty –

    India is the fastest-growing major economy, and the world’s fifth largest.

    But despite massive advances, the world’s most populous country has a jobs crisis to match.

    National per capita income is just $1,174, according to government data.

    India was ranked 111 of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index report last year, a peer-reviewed measure calculated by European aid agencies.

    One percent of India’s 1.4 billion people earn more than a fifth of its wealth, according to the World Inequality Lab, an income share “among the very highest” in the world — greater than South Africa, Brazil or the United States.

    Perhaps to preempt criticism, Ambani provided a feast for 50,000 people in his hometown of Jamnagar in Gujarat during the first round of parties.

    Ambani also organised a mass wedding for 52 “underprivileged” couples near Mumbai, promising to support “hundreds more such weddings” across India.

  • ‘Crying to Allah is a billion times better’: Sania Mirza shares spiritual note after Hajj

    ‘Crying to Allah is a billion times better’: Sania Mirza shares spiritual note after Hajj

    Tennis star Sania Mirza has found a new source of strength in her faith after completing the sacred Hajj pilgrimage. She shared a heartfelt note on her Instagram story, revealing that praying to Allah brings her more comfort than confiding in people.
    She posted a story with the caption, “Crying on prayer mat in front of Allah is billion times better than crying in front of a human.”
    This post came after Mirza completed the Hajj pilgrimage with her family. She went on this significant journey with her father, Imran Mirza, sister Anam, and brother-in-law, cricketer Mohammed Asaduddin.
     
    Last month, Mirza announced on Instagram that she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to embark on the journey. “I have been blessed with the incredible opportunity to embark on the sacred journey of Hajj.”
    Sania is the former wife of Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and the couple also have a son, Izhan Mirza Malik, who lives with his mother.

    Mirza’s father confirmed his daughter’s divorce from Shoaib Malik earlier this year and later, Shoaib Malik tied the knot with Pakistani actress Sana Javed.

  • South Korea names K-pop group NewJeans tourism ambassadors

    South Korea names K-pop group NewJeans tourism ambassadors

    South Korea on Thursday appointed K-pop girl band NewJeans “honorary ambassadors” as part of a drive to promote tourism, joining a long list of Korean celebrities to take up the role.

    South Korea has seen tourism figures recover to nearly pre-pandemic levels this year, with around a third of visitors citing K-pop or K-drama — the so-called “Hallyu” or Korean wave — as a major motive for travelling to the East Asian country.

    “We are very happy to be appointed as an ambassador to promote South Korean tourism today,” band member Minji said, adding it would be a “great joy” for the supergroup to promote their country’s charms.

    Tourist arrivals are at “about 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels,” said culture minister Yu In-chon.

    “With NewJeans as tourism ambassadors, I expect even more people from all over the world to visit Korea,” he added.

    The group will serve as ambassadors with no actual diplomatic responsibilities for a year, succeeding previous representatives such as “Squid Game” star and Emmy-winner Lee Jung-jae and K-pop megastars BTS.

    Members of the band shared their personal recommendations for visitors, including eating “gimbap dipped in tteokbokki sauce” and taking “a photo a day”, which is an “unspoken rule among young Korean generations”.

    Haerin said she recommended tourists to visit a hanok — or traditional Korean house — while Hanni urged visitors to embrace Korean cuisine.

    “You have to eat Korean food when you come to Korea, and since it’s summer and the weather is hot, if you eat food like samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) or mul-naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), you’ll be able to enjoy it a lot,” she said.

    More than 11 million tourists visited South Korea last year, a 245 percent increase compared to 2022, when some pandemic restrictions were still in force.

    Chinese and Japanese tourists made up the majority of the visitors.

    NewJeans recently held their first fan meet at the Tokyo Dome, less than two years after their debut — the fastest Tokyo Dome debut for any foreign artist. Tickets were sold out in minutes.

    The group’s Japanese debut single “Supernatural” sold over a million copies as of Thursday, marking their fifth million-seller.