Category: Uncategorized

  • Hindu couple gets married at a mosque in India

    Hindu couple gets married at a mosque in India

    A Hindu couple in Kayamkulam Town in India’s Kerala state tied the knot in the most unusual of places.

    The couple, Sarath Sasi and Anju Ashok, held their wedding at the Cheravally Muslim Jamaath mosque in Kerala, where a Hindu priest oversaw the ceremonies and solemnised the marriage according to Hindu rituals.

    According to Indian media, the mosque committee had set up and decorated the mandap — a covered structure with pillars under which the main Hindu wedding ceremonies and rituals take place. Members of both the religious communities turned up in large numbers to attend the event.

    As per reports, the bride’s mother, on a neighbour’s advice, had approached the mosque to host her daughter’s wedding due to financial constraints.

    “She came to my house seeking help for conducting the marriage. She gave a letter, which I presented to the Jamaath committee. We decided to help the family conduct the marriage,” Nujumudeen Alummoottil, secretary of Cheravally Muslim Jamaat Committee told Indian news agency ANI.

    The mosque committee not only helped provide a venue for the event but also gifted the couple 10 gold souvenirs and 200,000 Indian Rupees, and took care of other wedding expenses.

    The committee also served vegetarian meals to around 1,000 guests at the wedding.

    The family added that they were very thankful to the Jamaath committee for hosting their wedding.

  • Ayesha Omar opens up about her childhood struggles

    Ayesha Omar opens up about her childhood struggles

    Ayesha Omar, while wishing her mother a happy birthday, opened up about her childhood struggles and how her mom fought through the years after her father passed away.

    In an Instagram post, Ayesha detailed her mother’s struggles writing, “A woman was widowed with two tiny children and not a penny to her or her husband’s name. Her siblings were all married and assumed that the well-to-do family she got married into, would take care of her, financially and emotionally. Her in-laws dissolved the family company when her husband (the major shareholder of the company) died and divided all the money amongst themselves.”

    Ayesha also gave an insight into her early years in the industry and how she worked jobs to make ends meet.

    Ayesha attached videos of herself and the cast of Bulbulay cutting a cake for her mother.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7gd9KFDUnP/

    Ayesha is all set to appear in multiple films this year including Rehbra with Ahsan Khan and Dhai Chaal alongside Shamoon Abbasi.

  • Prince Harry is ‘sad’ over the end of his royal role

    Prince Harry is ‘sad’ over the end of his royal role

    Britain’s Prince Harry expressed his sadness at being forced to give up his royal duties in a deal with Queen Elizabeth and senior Windsors that will see him and Meghan exit official roles to seek an independent future.

    Buckingham Palace and the queen announced on Saturday that Harry and Meghan would no longer be working members of Britain’s monarchy, no longer use their “Royal Highness” titles and would now pay their own way in life, freeing them to forge new careers.

    In a speech to the Sentebale charity on Sunday, a clearly upset Harry said the final outcome was not what he and Meghan had wanted.

    “Our hope was to continue serving the queen, the Commonwealth and my military associations without public funding. Sadly that wasn’t possible,” the prince, the sixth-in-line to the throne, said.

    “I’ve accepted this knowing it doesn’t change who I am, or how committed I am. But I hope that helps you understand what it had come to, that I would step back from all I have ever known to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life.”

    Under the arrangement, Harry will remain a prince and the couple will keep their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they begin a new life split between Britain and North America where they will spend the majority of their time. But they will not take part in any future ceremonial events or royal tours.

    Royal commentators said it amounted to an “abdication” from the “firm” — as the royals are known — and showed that, under the warm words in which she said Harry and Meghan were much loved, the queen had taken a firm and decisive line by insisting on a clean break.

    “It brings me great sadness that it has come to this,” said Harry. He said the decision to step back had followed months of talks and had not been a decision he had come to lightly. They were not walking away, he explained.

    “As far as this goes, there really was no other option,” he added.

    He told the audience at the charity he founded to help children with HIV in Africa that he wanted them to hear the truth from him “not as a Prince, or a Duke, but as Harry, the same person that many of you have watched grow up over the last 35 years but with a clearer perspective”.

    “The UK is my home and a place that I love. That will never change,” he said.

    Meghan is currently in Canada with their son Archie and Harry is expected to join her soon.

    The couple’s plans for independence, announced after a long break over the Christmas period in Canada, caught the rest of the royal family by surprise earlier this month and left the queen and other senior members hurt and disappointed, according to royal sources.

    Buckingham Palace have said the couple would no longer receive public money and that they would repay the cost of refurbishing their cottage in Windsor, which official figures show amounted to $3.1 million.

    But certain details, such as their future security arrangements or whether the couple could continue to use the “Sussex Royal” title for their website and branding, have either not been finalised or publicly revealed.

  • VIDEO: President says he doesn’t know who is responsible for wheat crisis

    VIDEO: President says he doesn’t know who is responsible for wheat crisis

    President Dr Arif Alvi has said he doesn’t know who is responsible for the wheat crisis in the country, but he should have known about it.

    According to Geo, the president on Monday arrived at National Institute of Child Health (NICH) on a surprise visit along with his wife Sameena Alvi. The two were welcomed and given a tour of the hospital by Executive Director Dr Jamal Raza.

    Speaking to journalists later, the president said he was visiting the hospital on Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s advice. “It is regrettable how patients have no other choice but to share beds for treatment and their families are being sent to buy medicines from outside the hospital,” he reportedly said.

    When asked about the condition of hospitals and the government’s apparent inability to bring relief to the masses, President Alvi said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was unaware of the economic conditions while making its promises ahead of 2018’s general election.

    To a question about the persisting wheat crisis across the country, the president said he had no idea who was to be held responsible for it. “But I should have known,” he added.

    WATCH VIDEO:

    WHEAT CRISIS:

    The PTI government was first warned of the ongoing wheat crisis in September last year when several high-ranking officials had suggested appropriate measures. The government had ignored the warning.

    Initially, the crisis appeared when Sindh decided not to procure wheat because different officials were facing corruption probes on account of its procurement. Meanwhile, Punjab had imposed a ban on inter-provincial movement of wheat.

    Keeping in view the situation, profiteers and hoarders started exploiting the situation and stock piling wheat.

    The federal government has refused to take any responsibility for the crisis, saying it is the domain of the provinces to procure wheat.

  • Sarmad Khoosat considers not releasing ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ amidst threats

    Sarmad Khoosat considers not releasing ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ amidst threats

    Following an appeal to the Prime Minister, President, Chief Justice of Pakistan and Chief of Army Staff to help facilitate the release of his film, award-winning filmmaker Sarmad Khoosat has now penned a letter to his “beloved Pakistan and Pakistanis.”

    In his letter, Sarmad shared that he is getting dozens of threatening phone calls forcing him to reconsider the release of his film. Zindagi Tamasha was scheduled to release on January 24.

    “I did not make Zindagi Tamasha to hurt, offend or malign anyone. It’s a story about a ‘good enough Muslim,” wrote the filmmaker in his letter.

    “There was/is no mention of a sect, party or faction of any sort. Neither in the uncensored nor the censored version.”

    “As an artist, the last thing I’d ever want to achieve through my artistic expression is anarchy or hatred. No! That’s not what an artist does. Or at least I don’t,” he asserted.

    Read more – Sarmad Khoosat appeals to PM, President to facilitate his film’s release

    Sarmad said that he doesn’t want any trouble over his film especially since it has been cleared by the censor boards.

    “I don’t want anyone to have the pleasure of banning my film because legally, officially and morally, no one can…As a good, responsible citizen, I do not want my cities’ roads being blocked, people’s businesses and everyday routines disrupted or any other form of unnecessary trouble and chaos in the name of ‘just a film’.”

    Sarmad concluded the four page note saying that he has left the matter to his Allah.

    https://twitter.com/KhoosatSarmad/status/1218883372375838721?s=20

    Sarmad also shared one of the threatening notes he has received.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7gU6MHB06H/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Following Sarmad’s letter, celebrities and politicians took to social media to extend their support to the director.

    https://twitter.com/sanammodysaeed/status/1219141362559410176?s=20
    https://twitter.com/sethimirajee/status/1218903640787865600?s=20

    Written by Nirmal Bano and directed by Sarmad Khoosat, Zindagi Tamasha starres Arif Hassan, Samiya Mumtaz, Eman Suleman and Ali Qureshi in the lead. The film is centred around a naat khwan Rahat Khawaja (played by Hassan) and his family who are outcast from the society when a secret of Khawaja’s is leaked.

    The official synopsis states: “The film is an intimate portrait of a family as well as a scorching political commentary on little gods on this earth who police our private passions.”

    The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival held in October 2019 where it also won the prestigious Kim Ji Seok Award.

  • Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt leave fans gushing with their SAG Awards backstage reunion

    Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt leave fans gushing with their SAG Awards backstage reunion

    The one celebrity couple, no one is ever getting over is Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

    The two sent hearts racing after they were caught being adorable on camera backstage at the SAG Awards 2020 on Sunday night. Fans had been waiting for this moment at the Golden Globes held earlier this month but the two just exchanged pleasantries leaving fans wanting more.

    The couple — who split in 2005 after Pitt had an affair with co-star Angelina Jolie — was snapped going in for a hug and smiling at each other. Pitt, 54, and Jolie, 44, married in 2014, split in 2016 and their divorce was finalized in 2019. Since then, fans have been rooting for Brad and Jen to get back together.

    While Pitt took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Once Upon a Time in … Hollywood, Jen won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for The Morning Show.

    In his acceptance speech, Brad poked fun at his lackluster love life.

    Taking about his winning role as Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, Brad said, “It was a difficult part. The guy who gets high, takes his shirt off, and doesn’t get on with his wife? It’s a big stretch.”

    At this point, the cameras cut to Aniston, who ― while not appearing too enthused at the remark ― clapped.

    Meanwhile, when Jen was onstage accepting her award, Brad was caught on camera watching her.

    Talking about the world’s obsession with her and Brad, Jen told Entertainment Tonight, “It’s hysterical. But what else are they going to talk about?”

    Both Pitt and Aniston have been out and about during this year’s award show circuit in support of their projects.

    Over the years, the exes have remained friendly. Pitt attended Aniston’s annual holiday party, as well as her 50th birthday bash in February 2019.

  • Faisal Vawda to be disqualified for being an American citizen?

    Faisal Vawda to be disqualified for being an American citizen?

    Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda was a dual national by the time of filing nomination papers for 2018’s general election, and concealed his American citizenship by falsely declaring on the oath he submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), The News has reported.

    According to reports, his status was intact not only when he filed nomination papers on June 11, 2018, but even during the scrutiny of the same.

    The Supreme Court (SC), in a recent judgment, has categorically directed that the candidates who previously held dual nationality should have the renunciation certificate at the time of filing of nomination papers. Various lawmakers, including two senators of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have been disqualified by the top court on this count.

    Both of them had applied for the renunciation of foreign citizenship much earlier, but were unable to obtain the renunciation certificate at the time of filing of nomination papers because of long process.

    In Vawda’s case, the last date to file nomination papers for the election held in July 2018 was June 8 and later extended for another three days. Taking his document an evidence, Vawda submitted election papers on the last date — June 11, 2018 — along with an affidavit wherein he declared himself holding no citizenship other than that of Pakistan.

    The returning officer (RO) of NA-249 Karachi — Vawda’s constituency — approved the papers on June 18, 2018. It was only after this approval that the now federal minister applied for renunciation of his United States (US) nationality in US Consulate Karachi, meaning thereby he was American citizen at the time of filing.

    Vawda applied for revocation of his American citizenship in US Consulate Karachi on June 22, 2018. Normally, the process of renunciation of US nationality takes a couple of weeks or even months because it requires clearance from all the concerned departments. However, the US Consulate issued the ‘Certificate of Loss of Nationality’ to Vawda on next working day, documents revealed.

    Three top legal experts from Vawda’s own party, including Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry and former interim law minister Ali Zafar, are unanimous in their opinion that whoever holds dual nationality at the time of submitting nomination papers is set to not only face instant disqualification, but he or she can also be penalised on the charges of perjury.

    His dual citizenship didn’t go unchallenged. His rival candidate Abdul Qadir Mandokhel of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) moved Sindh High Court (SHC) in order to disqualify his candidature. However, after a couple of court hearings, Mandokhel withdrew his petition from the apex court. Explaining the reason of pulling out, he told The News he did so “under immense pressure” that he faced not only from certain quarters but also from the leadership of his own party.

    Taking opinion of top legal minds as a guide, Vawda stands disqualified as a member of the Lower House if his case is judged on the same standards which were applied when the apex court dealt with those of leaders of the PML-N, PPP and other political parties.

    A source close to Vawda was quoted as claiming by the media outlet that the now minister was not in favor of surrendering his American passport because he was unsure about winning the election. “However, once he was assured of his victory, only then he applied for the revocation of US citizenship,” he said.

    Meanwhile, ECP spokesperson Nadeem Qasim said the election watchdog cannot take notice on the dual nationality of any parliamentarian by its own. “Someone has to challenge the dual nationality of the said parliamentarian in the court of ECP. If proved that the said parliamentarian was a foreign national at the time of filing of nomination papers, then he will be disqualified,” he was quoted as saying.

  • Advance booking for ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’ finale sets new record at the box-office

    Advance booking for ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’ finale sets new record at the box-office

    Advance bookings for the finale of Meray Paas Tum Ho have hit a record high. Tickets for the the last mega episode of the drama which will be screened in cinemas across the country on January 25 are selling out fast as fans purchase them in large numbers.

    According to reports, advance sales hit a phenomenal 3.6 million (36 lakh) rupees till the close of business on Saturday.

    Given the response to the drama, cinemas are hosting multiple shows of the finale to cash on the drama as much as possible.

    It is also being reported that the episode will not be uploaded on YouTube as per the norm. This is likely to push the sales even more as people rush to book their tickets so that they do not miss out.

    Starring Ayeza Khan, Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui and Hira Mani, Meray Paas Tum Ho has been directed by Nadeem Baig and written by the critically acclaimed Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar. It follows the story of a married couple whose life falls apart after the woman has an affair.

  • ATC sentences man to jail a day before his wedding

    ATC sentences man to jail a day before his wedding

    A man was sentenced to jail for 55 years a day before his wedding.

    According to reports, the bridegroom Mohammad Atif was among the 86 people sentenced by a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court (ATC) for holding protests over the arrest of Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi two years ago.

    Family members of the bridegroom said that Atif’s mehndi function was to be held on Friday at 3pm in Pindigheb while the baraat was planned for Saturday. A marriage hall had been booked and all arrangements were made for Valima reception on Sunday.

    However, he, and 85 others, were sentenced to 55 years in prison by the ATC on Thursday night in a case related to holding of protests, destroying property and interfering with the police duties in Pindigheb, the hometown of the TLP chief, in 2018.

    The case had been registered by the Pindigheb police of Attock on November 24, 2018.

  • Pakistani movies releasing in 2020

    Pakistani movies releasing in 2020

    2019 was not a very lucrative year for the Pakistan film industry. Films were few and not entirely up to the mark. The highest-grossing film of the year, Superstar, made only PKR 30 crores at the box-office.

    2020 looks promising in terms of the film industry with more than a handful of releases expected to release this year. Moreso, a lot of favourite TV actors including Imran Ashraf and Junaid Khan will also be making their debut this year. Here is a list of all the film that have been announced.

    Zindagi Tamasha

    Sarmad Khoosat’s controversial film Zindagi Tamasha is the first release of 2020. The film is expected to tackle some serious issues regarding religion and societal stigmas.

    Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad

    Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa’s first project together has fans excited. Given that the duo behind Load Wedding and Actor in Law, Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza, are helming this project, anticipation levels are high. The film is expected to release around Eid.

    WATCH: Fahad Mustafa practices his action stunts for ‘Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad’

    Fatman

    Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza’s other project is a superhero film titled Fatman with Ahmed Ali Butt in the lead role.

    Speaking exclusively about the film to The Current, Ahmad had said, “It’s a different and bold take on superhero films but at the core, it is a story about a father-son relationship.”

    He added, “It also addresses body shaming, yet keeps the family entering factors in mind.”

    Kamli

    Saba Qamar is returning to the silver screen with Sarmad Khoosat’s Kamli. Though there is not much known about the film as yet, we are sure it’ll be a must-watch. Shooting has wrapped up and the film is currently in its post-processing stage. It is expected to release on Eid-ul-Fitr.

    PICTURES: From the sets of Saba Qamar, Sarmad Khoosat’s ‘Kamli’

    London Nahi Jaungi

    Humayun Saeed and Nadeem Baig are coming back with a new film titled London Nahi Jaunga. Not much is known about the film, except that it has nothing to do with Punjab Nahi Jaungi. Mehwish Hayat and Kubra Khan are also reported to be part of the project.

    Money Back Guarantee (MBG)

    Faisal Qureshi’s star-studded film MBG is expected to be a mad comic caper. It starres Fawad Khan, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Wasim Akram and Gohar Rasheed among others. Given that Faysal is directing the film, we’re sure it’ll be a laughing riot.

    The Legend of Maula Jatt

    Just hoping it comes out this year.

    Patakh De

    Azaan Sami Khan will be making his film debut opposite Hania Aamir in this film which will be produced by Momina Duraid Productions. Shamoon Abbasi will also be part of the film.

    Tich Button

    Urwa Hocane production Tich Button starring Farhan Saeed, Iman Aly, Sonya Hussayn and Feroze Khan is expected to release this year also. It is being directed by Qasim Ali Mureed and has been written by Faiza Iftikhar. According to Urwa, the film is a fun-filled one about love and friendship.

    Dum Mustam

    Imran Ashraf will be debuting on the big screen with Dam Mastam. Amar Khan, who has written the script, will also be part of the film as will social media sensation Momin Saqib. The film is being directed by Mohammed Ehteshamuddin and produced by Adnan Siddiqui.

    Ishrat made in China

    Ishrat Made in China will mark the directorial debut of Mohib Mirza. It will star Sanam Saeed and Shamoon Abbasi among others. While no further details about the project are known, Mohib has been kept his fans updated with pictures from the sets.

    Dhai Chaal

    Dhai Chaal starring Ayesha Omar and Shamoon Abbasi is an action film inspired by story of Indian spy convicted in Pakistan Khulbushan Yadhav. The film has gone on floors and shooting has commenced.

    Delhi Gate

    Looks like 2020 is going to be Shamoon Abbasi’s year because his nth venture for the year is Delhi Gate. According to the actor, the film is a romantic thriller where he will be playing the role of ‘Malik Gold’, the main antagonist in the film. The film will be related to one of the 13 gates of the old walled city of Lahore.

    Gawah Rehana

    Emaad Irfani and Ghana Ali’s film based on the Khilafat Movement is currently under production and is expected to release in 2020. The film is written and directed by Tahir Mahmood who has served as an official of the Foreign Service in Turkey. It will be released in Pakistan and Turkey both. Veteran actor Qavi Khan is also an integral part of the film.

    Half Fry

    Real-life couple Yasir Hussain and Iqra Aziz will be coming together for this action-comedy by writer/director Abu Aleeha. Faizan Khawaja, Faryal Mehmood, Saleem Meraj, Sana Fakhar, Ismail Tara, Danish Nawaz and Iffat Omer make up the supporting cast of the film.

    Kahay Dil Jidhar

    Junaid Khan is debuting on the big screen opposite Mansha Pasha in Kahay Dil Jidhar. The film is being directed by Jalal Rumi. Popular RJ turned actor Dino Ali will also be debuting in the film.

    Zarrar

    Shaan has been teasing us with this film for a long time now. Hoping it releases this year.

    Rehbra

    Described as a ‘love story with a twist’ Rehbara, starres Ayesha Omar and Ahsan Khan in the lead and has been directed by Amin Iqbal. Ghulam Mohiyuddin and Saba Hameed will also be part of the film.

    Qulfee

    Crime-caper Qulfee has an ensemble cast which includes Shahroze Sabzwari, Moamar Rana, Saeeda Imtiaz, Sana Fakhar and Wali Hamid. It is being directed by cinematographer Salim Karim Daad, whose previous works include Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, Balu Mahi and Sherdil.

    Sorry: A Love Story

    Produced by Faysal Qureshi, Sorry will mark the actor’s comeback on the big screen. Directed by Sohail Javed, the film stars Faryal Mahmood, Aamina Sheikh and Zahid Ahmed in the cast.

    A lot of other films are also supposedly in the works but details on them are limited which is why they haven’t been included on the list. In a lot of cases, films are announced and later shelved.

    Here’s to hoping that 2020 is the year Pakistani cinema grows even bigger and audiences have plenty of movies (good ones of course) to watch on the big screen.