Claim: A video clip of heavy snowfall in Makkah’s Grand Mosque has been circulating on various social media platforms. The video appeared on YouTube and Facebook showing heavy snowfall close to the Grand Mosque and pilgrims enjoying the rare phenomenon. The 55-second video appeared on YouTube channel Bazme Masarrat on Saturday.
Fact: The National Meteorological Center (NMC) of Saudi Arabia said that the video is fake. The video is actually doctored.
Verdict: FALSE
The Legend of Maula Jatt headlined by Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi and Mahira Khan is by far the most expensive film to come out of Pakistan. The film opened to packed houses on October 13th and continues to earn over 200 crores globally.
In December 2022, Pinkvilla reported that Bilal Lashari’s blockbuster was set to release in India on December 30th after gaining massive appreciation from countries worldwide.
However, Hindustan Times has reported that the film will not release in India. It was earlier speculated that the Pakistani film’s screening has been stalled indefinitely.
“We have been informed by the distributors that the film’s release has been postponed. We were told this two-three days ago. No further date has been shared with us,” a PTI report quoted an INOX official as saying.
The official added, “Zee Studios had acquired the rights of The Legend of Maula Jatt as they were expecting the film to do well. But because of the resistance from certain sections, the decision was made to not release the movie.”
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader and president of their cinema wing Ameya Khopkar tweeted about the cancellation of the release of The Legend of Maula Jatt and wrote, “Impact Of Raj Thackeray’s Warning! After the warning given by MNS, the screening of the Pakistani film ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ has now been completely cancelled. Not only in the state but also anywhere in the country, this film will not be released anymore.”
He added, “Again, if anyone has feelings of love for Pakistani artists, then this one warning is enough for them. Heartfelt congratulations to all my colleagues for this victory of the MNS movement.”
Previously, Bollywood Hungama had reported that the release has been stalled for the unforeseeable future. A source close to the development revealed, “Zee Studios had already acquired a clearance for The Legend Of Maula Jatt from the Central Board of Film Certification. But on Monday the CBFC recalled the film.”
Since 2019, there has been a cultural exchange ban between both India and Pakistan. But still, some of India’s Punjabi films managed to release in Pakistan.
Bilal Lashari’s directorial film has set high records not only in domestic cinemas but also in America, Europe and Gulf markets.
Previously, Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2 was the highest-grossing film in Pakistan that earned PKR 73 crore globally. But The Legend of Maula Jatt has tripled up those numbers.
Initial Release Issues In Pakistan
Several cinema owners initially refused to screen the film due to a clash with the makers over commissioning ratios. Journalist Hassan Choudary shed light on the matter on Twitter.
Film’s producer Ammara Hikmat exclusively confirmed to The Current that the news is factual.
According to theatre owners, the makers and distributors of movies have been requesting more money than was specified in the contract. Film distributors and producers are asking for more money than was specified in the contract.
In an official statement, Nueplex Cinemas have shared that they are not screening the film due to their exhibition terms, which are beyond the industry norms. Apparently, the film distributors are asking for more shares than what is considered normal in Lollywood.
Actor Syed Jibran called it a “deadlock” and said the distributor’s demand to increase ticket prices for a larger share was “very unwise” and a bad step. The Ghabrana Nahi Hai star took to Twitter on Friday and wrote that the deadlock happening at the moment for The Legend of Maula Jatt is between distributor Nadeem Mandviwalla and officials of Cinepax cinemas and Nueplex.
Jibran suggested that instead of increasing the price, it should’ve been reduced to Rs800 instead of Rs1,200 or more so that revenues “go through the roof”.
“Increasing the ticket price they are just decreasing the repeat customers. It’s short-sightedness. Plain and simple. This will badly damage the reputation as well as a chance to create a historic box office first day score for the film,” he reasoned.
The actor added that of 122 screens in Pakistan almost 50 of the main multiplex screens have not yet released any schedule for The Legend of Maula Jatt a day after the film’s release, which he called “the most important trend setting first day of the film”.
He called it a bad decision on the distributor’s part and demanded that the problem be resolved as soon as possible otherwise no one else could be blamed for the “underperformance of probably the greatest film of Pakistan ever made” other than ourselves.
After two weeks of the film’s release, the screening issues were resolved, nationwide.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Sunday said his wife Bushra Bibi is not like his political opponent Maryam Nawaz because, “she does not wear make-up”.
The comments were allegedly said during a meeting with journalists at Imran Khan’s Lahore residence in Zaman Park.
Imran Khan told media persons that Bushra Bibi only steps out of the house to visit asylums and langar khanas.
He went on with comparing his wife to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Vice-president, stating that his spouse does not wear make-up, but Maryam Nawaz spends plenty of money on cosmetic surgeries.
“The setup of General Bajwa is still working in the establishment. They have asked three PTI lawmakers to remain neutral in the matter of Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi’s vote of confidence,” he said during the conversation.
A young man in Faisalabad climbed up the Ghanta Ghar to protest against his family for pressuring him to get married, SAMAA has reported.
The man climbed the tower after knocking out the guard. He then hurled bricks from his vantage point at the people down below. This alarmed locals who later called the police and rescue services.
He was finally subdued and brought down from the tower after three and a half hours of effort by the authorities.
The police are investigating the case.
Actor Mahira Khan has opened up about her work experience in India and friendship with Bollywood celebs in her latest interview. Speaking of her experience, she said, “I had the most amazing time working in India. I am still in touch with so many people and there’s a lot of love there. Unfortunately, we are easy targets, soft targets, whether it’s us here in Pakistan, whether it’s them there in India. Because we’re artists, and we’re connected by that thread of art, we actually get each other.”
She further said, “So we’re trying to look out for each other, more than anything. Even now, we are so careful with what we write on social media. It’s not that we don’t talk to each other. It’s not that we don’t wish each other on our birthdays. It’s not that we don’t meet each other in different countries. It’s not that – it’s just that we are actually not just protecting ourselves but protecting each other.”
Mahira also mentioned that the reason behind this feud is politics. She said, “Unfortunately, it’s politics, it’s not a personal thing. On both ends, until the time that scapegoats are needed, we will always be that… But let’s say that it gets better. Let’s say that there is someone in power who does not use us as easy targets. That would be lovely. Can you just imagine the collaboration? It would be lovely.”
Last year, Khan shared a seven year old picture from the sets of her Bollywood debut, Raees. The Verna star shared the picture on her Instagram story and made a heart emoji.
She starred opposite Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the hit movie Raees (2017).
On the work front, the Humsafar diva will soon be seen in Neelofer opposite Fawad Khan.
In 2022, we collectively experienced episodes that turned Pakistan upside down. Many incidents shook the entire nation, some of them worth condemnation. Significant happenings shook the world of politics, from Prime Minister Imran Khan getting removed through a no-confidence motion to the ugly fight between Pervaiz Elahi and Hamza Shehbaz for Punjab’s Chief Minister (CM) seat.
After a year full of constitutional crises in Pakistan, we hope that we don’t witness another year full of drama.
For the first time in the history of Pakistan, a sitting prime minister was removed through a no-confidence motion. In April, PM Imran Khan was removed after being the head of government for more than three years. In the 75-year-long history of Pakistan, not a single Premier stayed for their full term. We hope that next time when the public chooses their leader, he or she gets to keep their promise and serve their full term.
Right after the formation of a new government, in April, a group of Pakistani pilgrims accosted, heckled and chanted slogans against incumbent PM Shehbaz and his entourage at the Masjid-e-Nabwi in Madina during their three-day visit to Saudi Arabia. Such incidents continued happening throughout the year. Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb was heckled at a coffee shop in London. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal was harassed by PTI supporters at a restaurant while Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was heckled by unidentified people in Washington DC. It was observed that a particular party was being targeted. Whether these incidents happened because of a false narrative or not, no one has the right to harass someone.
This year, we also saw how some of our public figures remain targeted. In the second half of the year, two unfortunate incidents took place. On October 23, senior anchorperson Arshad Sharif was shot dead near Nairobi, Kenya, by the local police. The local law enforcing authorities termed the killing, calling it a case of ‘mistaken identity’. However, some termed it an assassination. Till now, authorities are unable to find the real culprits. Almost a week later, on November 3, Imran Khan survived an assassination attempt on day seven of PTI’s ‘Haqeeqi Long March’ as his container moved through Punjab’s Wazirabad. Salman Taseer, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, Shahbaz Bhatti; how many assassinations do we have to witness?
We saw legislators getting into a brawl in Punjab Assembly over the CM seat. The beginning of summer wasn’t good for Pakistan as in April a scuffle between treasury and opposition benches in Punjab Assembly took place, resulting in PML-Q leader and Punjab Assembly Speaker Pervaiz Elahi getting injured. The same day, PML-N’s nominee Hamza Shehbaz was elected as CM, however, later the Supreme Court struck down Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari’s ruling on the election. Later, Pervaiz Elahi took over the CM seat, however, he doesn’t enjoy a great majority in the Assembly.
Just when we thought that terrorism has finally ended, attacks started escalating. Currently, the capital is on high alert because of extreme threats. In late November, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) said that they had called off a ceasefire with the federal government and ordered its militants to stage terrorist attacks across the country. On December 23, a suicide bomb shocked the residents of Islamabad— which is considered one of the safest cities in Pakistan. After dealing with terrorism for decades, Pakistanis dont want to start living again in fear.
Bollywood actors Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani had successfully kept their relationship under wraps for quite a long time. But it was Karan Johar who made them confess that they were more than just ‘good friends’ on Koffee With Karan Season 7.
As per the latest media reports, the couple’s wedding festivities will begin in the first week of February at the Jaisalmer Palace Hotel in Rajasthan. According to a report by ETimes, Malhotra and Advani will get married in the first week of February and the pre-wedding functions will reportedly take place on February 4 and 5 during which the groom and bride’s families will host traditional events like mehndi, haldi, and sangeet ceremonies.
It has also been reported that the big day will be held the next day on February 6, which is expected to be a grand affair, perhaps even a destination wedding. A source told ETimes, “The wedding is slated to take place at Jaisalmer Palace Hotel. It is going to be a lavish event with high security.”
The report also claimed that a group of security personnel and bodyguards will be sent to the hotel in Rajasthan a day before the pre-wedding festivities begin.
According to Pinkvilla, Malhotra and Advani were spotted outside ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra’s store where the Juggjugg Jeeyo star was all smiles.
While wedding rumours run rampant, the couple was spotted at the Mumbai airport on Thursday.
Kiara and Sidharth met for the first time at the wrap-up party of Lust Stories (2018). They struck the chords in no time and their on-screen love was widely reflected in their sizzling chemistry in Shershaah. Shahid Kapoor and Karan Johar were very keen on Advani’s marriage and even declared that she seemed ready during their conversation at KWK.
Allegedly the couple was earlier to get married in Goa but due to the inconvenience it will cause their families to travel from Chandigarh and Delhi, the plan was dropped.
On the work front, Malhotra will next be seen in Mission Majnu, a spy thriller that also stars Rashmika Mandanna. He also has Yodha with Disha Patani and Raashii Khanna coming up. As for Advani, she was recently seen in Govinda Naam Mera with Vicky Kaushal and Bhumi Pednekar in the lead roles. She will be seen next in Satya Prem Ki Katha opposite her Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 co-star Kartik Aaryan, and RC15 with Ram Charan.
2022 could be best regarded as the year Pakistani music went global, with singer Arooj Aftab winning a Grammy for her song ‘Mohabbat’, then Ms. Marvel debuting on Disney Plus while showcasing Pakistani singers like Eva B, Hassan and Roshaan and then Coke Studio happened. But perhaps in all of this, Shae Gill becoming the absolute queen she was always going to be, was the brightest spot of the year.
Shae Gill uploaded a post on Instagram on Friday where she posted video clips and pictures of her finest moments of 2022, which included new music she released and performances abroad. But it’s safe to say that witnessing the rise of the singer this year has to be proof that the Pakistani music industry is in safe hands. There is something amazing and unique Gill is bringing to the table.
Gill had previously been an Instagram star, who sang covers of songs like Neeyat-e-Shauq and Kahaan Ho Tum, and her fans would often encourage her to release a solo song.
Soon enough, Gill took the world by storm with the song Pasoori, belting out what turned out to be a global hit with Ali Sethi. Many of us who didn’t know about her Instagram covers, fell in love with her mesmerizing, soothing voice. Pasoori soon reached more than a 100 million likes on Youtube, dominated Spotify global charts all over the world, and even making a feature on pop singer Britany Spear’s Instagram account.
You thought that this would be enough for Gill? She once more captivated followers with her dreamy solo in the song ‘Sukoon’. The video instantly became a hit on social media and fans commented on how much Shae Gill’s voice was similar to Nazia Hassan’s melodious voice.
It wasn’t only limited to Pakistani fans, even Bollywood celebrities like Rohit Saraf and Ayush Mannk became instant fans of the song.
Soon afterwards, Spotify announced that Gill is the brand’s new EQUAL ambassador, and was featured on the Times Square billboard in New York.
If this is all that took for Shae Gill to become a household name in a year, then we aren’t prepared for the magic she will bring for the rest of the years to come. It’s wonderful to witness how Shae Gill is bringing the world’s attention to Pakistani music with her melodious voice, and we’re so excited to witness her rise in the years to come.
It seems as though Bollywood’s tendency to plagiarize Pakistani music hasn’t ended. This time, it was singer Sajjad Ali who called out Bollywood for plagiarizing his song ‘Ab Ke Hum Bicharay’.
Yesterday, the singer uploaded a video on Instagram, where he says he was listening to songs from an upcoming movie and realized that the melody resembled a song he had written years ago. He did not name drop the Bollywood song directly, but left it for his followers to interpret.
After close observation, many fans were quick to point out that the melody of Sajad Ali’s song was similar to the Bollywood song ‘Besharam Rang’.
This is not the first time Bollywood has been called out for stealing music from Pakistani artists. Politician and singer Abrar-ul-Haq had announced that he was suing T-series for copying his iconic song Nach Punjaban in the film Jugjug Jeeyo, that too without giving him any credit.
Singer Hadiqa Kiyani had criticized Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor for covering her song ‘Boohey Bariyan’ without giving any credit to the original singer. In her Instagram stories, Kiyani called it ‘the theft of Pakistani music’ and said that covers of original songs need to require permission from the original artists first, and also revealed that this was not the first time she had seen her music stolen by Bollywood.
All areas of Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Jhelum, Chakwal, Azad Kashmir, Murree, Attock, Pindigheb, Kotli Sattiyan, and other circles will face two hours of load-shedding, according to the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco).
According to The News, the citizens of these cities have been experiencing regular load-shedding for more than a month that lasts between six and eight hours. Muhammad Tanvir Kiani, who is head of Iesco’s technical division, stated that Iesco has announced a two-hour load-shedding timetable in each of the aforementioned locations.
He said that the load-shedding schedule would initially last indefinitely until further instruction. Furthermore, he stated that due to an electricity shortage, load-shedding has been implemented in all areas in light of the current situation.