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  • Kapil Sharma could’ve been in the ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ biopic, reveals Imtiaz Ali

    Kapil Sharma could’ve been in the ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ biopic, reveals Imtiaz Ali

    Kapil Sharma could’ve been in the ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ biopic, reveals Imtiaz Ali

    Bollywood filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, maker of the biopic ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’, revealed that actor-comedian Kapil Sharma was his second choice if Diljit Dosanjh had declined the film.
     
    In a recent episode of Imtiaz Ali’s Netflix show, the cast and director of ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ discussed their experiences making the movie. Kapil Sharma shared that A.R. Rahman had called him for a role in the film, but Sharma couldn’t respond as he was out of town and still regrets it.

    “I met Rahman sir one day, and he said, ‘I called you for Chamkila’. I think he wanted me to sing a song or something. I thought he was just sweet-talking with me.”
    “I felt really bad,” the comedian said. “I cried the whole night because of it. It was unfortunate that we couldn’t speak to each other because we were overseas.”

    Imtiaz Ali added that Rahman had also talked to him about Sharma’s singing. Ali informed Sharma that if Diljit didn’t take the role, Sharma would have been their next choice. 
    Ali said, “Rahman sir said to me, ‘I mentioned your singing as well.’ If Diljit couldn’t do this film, we only had one more choice, which was you.”
    The biopic stars Parineeti Chopra as Amar Singh Chamkila’s wife, opposite Diljit Dosanjh.
     
    ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ premiered in theatres before streaming on Netflix, receiving praise for Ali’s direction, Dosanjh’s performance, and Rahman’s music.

  • UK parliament debates law phasing out smoking

    UK parliament debates law phasing out smoking

    London, United Kingdom – The UK parliament on Tuesday kicked off its first debate on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s planned flagship legislation to prevent young people from smoking, despite opposition from many in his own Conservative Party.

    The law would ban the selling of tobacco products to anyone born after January 1, 2009 –- effectively raising the smoking age by a year each year until it applies to the whole population.

    “This has the potential to phase out smoking in young people almost completely as early as 2040,” the government said when it unveiled the plan, calling the move “historic”.

    While the law looks set to pass thanks to support from opposition parties — including Labour, which is expected to win a general election due this year — Sunak faces the prospect of a rebellion from backbench Tory MPs.

    The beleaguered leader has little political capital to expend within his fractured party as he struggles to revive its fortunes following months of dire polling.

    Smoking is the UK’s biggest preventable killer and opinion polls show that around two-thirds of people in the UK back a phased smoking ban.

    However, libertarian-leaning MPs on the right of the ruling Conservatives, including former prime minister Liz Truss, have branded the move an attack on personal freedoms.

    Conservative MP Simon Clarke told BBC radio that he was “both sceptical and downright opposed” to the plans.

    “I think that an outright ban risks being counterproductive, I think it actually risks making smoking cooler, it certainly risks creating a black market, and it also risks creating a unmanageable challenge for the authorities,” he said.

    Former prime minister Boris Johnson also said at an event in Canada last week it was “mad” that the party of Winston Churchill was “banning cigars”.

    Vaping clamp down

    Opening the debate for the government, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins told the House of Commons that there is “no liberty in addiction”.

    “Nicotine robs people of their freedom to choose. The vast majority of smokers start when they are young, and three quarters say that if they could turn back the clock they would not have started,” she said.

    MPs are due to vote on whether to approve the plans for the next stage of the legislative process on Tuesday evening.

    Conservative MPs have been given a free vote, meaning they are able to defy the government without fear of being suspended from the party.

    Westminster watchers will closely study the size of the rebellion to see what it suggests about Sunak’s authority, amid reports that some cabinet members are considering voting against.

    The proposed ban was supposedly inspired by a similar plan in New Zealand which was later dropped.

    Official figures show smoking causes about one in four deaths from cancer and leads to 64,000 deaths in England per year.

    “If parliament passes this new bill, it will put the UK at the very forefront of the fight to eradicate one of the most harmful inventions of modern times,” said Lion Shahab, co-director of the tobacco and alcohol research group at University College London.

    The legislation also seeks to clamp down on young people vaping by restricting flavours and packaging to make less appealing to children.

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    © Agence France-Presse

  • MBS likely to visit Pakistan next month

    MBS likely to visit Pakistan next month

    Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman is likely to visit Pakistan next month after a recent visit by the Saudi delegation led by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

    The News has reported that the Crown Prince, also the Prime Minister of the Kingdom, will come to Pakistan on the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

    The schedule of the visit is being worked out through diplomatic channels. Meanwhile, the Saudi foreign minister had highly productive meetings with the political and military leadership before returning home late Tuesday evening.

    Earlier, during the meeting of foreign ministers of both countries, Foreign Minister Dar expressed pleasure at the arrival of the high-powered Saudi delegation, terming it as an “impressive group of dignitaries visiting Pakistan for the first time during his long political career”.

    The Saudi FM stressed the importance of a strategic partnership between the two countries and expressed commitment to strengthening investment in the country.

  • You can go to jail for posting pictures with guns, weapons online

    You can go to jail for posting pictures with guns, weapons online

    The Rawalpindi Police have arrested a man from the Jatali area for posting pictures with weapons on social media, The News reported on Wednesday.

    The police arrested the suspect named Naqash because people were scared and worried about him sharing content about weapons.

    SP (Saddar) Muhammad Nabil Khokhar said the man will face strict action, adding that this is a clear message that those who use social media platforms to spread fear and terror will be held accountable.

  • British Muslim student loses prayer ban challenge in London High Court

    British Muslim student loses prayer ban challenge in London High Court

    A British Muslim student has lost a High Court case over permission to pray at school.

    The student approached the court after not being allowed to pray at Michaela School in Brent, London.

    Michaela School was founded by current head teacher Catherine Burbal Singh and about half of the school’s 700 students are Muslim.

    The student had argued that the policy of not allowing prayer was discriminatory, but the school was of the view that allowing prayer would affect social cohesion among students, reported BBC.

    He also questioned why the student was given legal aid of GBP 150,000 for the case when her mother wants to admit another girl in the same school.

    Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch said the court decision is a victory against activists who want to bring down public institutions.

    The head teacher has made it clear to the parents that if you don’t like the school, don’t bring the children here.

  • Muhammad Amir suspends contract with betting company Wolf777

    Fast bowler Muhammad Amir has suspended his contract with the betting company Wolf777.

    Amir was being criticised for his contract with betting (gambling) companies, but yesterday the cricketer suspended his one-year contract with the betting site.

    Under the agreement, the betting site was paying Amir 1 crore 25 lakhs (Pakistani rupees) while the cricketer had to endorse the company in return.

    After his return to the national team, Muhammad Amir has assured the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that his image will not be used by the company for their upcoming advertising campaign.

    PCB has warned Muhammad Amir that the government of Pakistan has banned betting companies, so he should not be part of such promotions.

    According to the PCB spokesperson, Amir has assured the Board that it was an old contract, the company has also removed videos of Muhammad Amir from their social media accounts.

  • Maryam sends McDonald’s to children, teachers, deletes post after social media uproar

    Maryam sends McDonald’s to children, teachers, deletes post after social media uproar

    Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz got into trouble when Punjab government sent McDonald’s meal bags as a gift to school children in Murree on Tuesday.

    The famous fast-food chain faced boycotts and protests internationally when it announced shortly after the October 7 attacks, that it would give free meals to the Israeli military. In many countries throughout the world, including Pakistan, McDonald’s was subjected to boycotts on allegations of aiding Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

    On Monday, Maryam Nawaz visited a government girls high school in Murree where she inquired about the facilities in school, including health facilities.

    The very next day, the provincial government sent McDonald’s meal bags for the children.

    The PML-N’s also shared videos with their followers on X.

  • ‘Become better’; Saheefa Jabbar speaks up after facing backlash for defending Dananeer

    ‘Become better’; Saheefa Jabbar speaks up after facing backlash for defending Dananeer

    Actor and model Saheefa Jabbar Khattak has talked about how artists in the entertainment industry often face tough criticism. She shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, explaining the challenges and pressures that content creators deal with. She asked for empathy and understanding from everyone in the community.

    In her message, the actress from ‘Beti’ talked about how some artists face judgment and negativity because they quickly become famous or make certain artistic choices. “Even if I don’t like the work of many content creators, I believe that when God gives someone fame and wealth, I shouldn’t question why they have it.”

    Saheefa talked about her own experiences defending another artist who was criticized for becoming successful quickly and charging high fees. She said, “I got many direct messages from people worried about quick fame, not being a real artist, asking for too much money, and getting everything too easily.”

    Saheefa talked about how the entertainment industry changed, especially in marketing and branding after COVID-19. She said, “Influencers and content creators now have big roles in building brand images and increasing sales. We’ve seen a change where influencers are now being invited to major award shows and screenings, something that wasn’t common before.”

    The actor also said it’s important to stick to your values and respect other artists. “I may not always agree with the content someone makes. But I think every artist, YouTuber, or influencer should be honest in what they create,” Saheefa said. She also talked about the need for artists to support and respect each other, “As an artist, it’s my duty to respect other artists and help them as much as I can.”

    She added, “When you say bad things about other artists or criticize them in your posts, it’s not good.” Saheefa talked about feeling envious and frustrated when she sees others succeed. “Sometimes I feel frustrated too when I don’t get as much work as others, when I don’t see myself as successful as them, or when I don’t earn as much money. But each time, I remind myself that as a person, I can only work hard, pray, and hope for better things to come,” she said.

    The 35-year-old ended her post by telling her followers and friends to try to improve themselves instead of feeling jealous. She said, “When we see someone succeed, we can feel jealous and want what they have, and that’s normal. It’s tough to watch someone achieve what you wanted for yourself; that’s true.”

    “But let me finish by saying that as a person, you can only do your best, and you should work to improve yourself.” Her message has connected with many in the industry, leading to talks about the importance of supporting different forms of artistic expression without being judgmental.

  • ‘Views my own about Saudi’s role in IK’s removal’; Marwat tries damage control for PTI

    ‘Views my own about Saudi’s role in IK’s removal’; Marwat tries damage control for PTI

    Sher Afzal Marwat has offered clarification on his allegation that Saudi Arabia was involved in the ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022.

    Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “The statement made by me in live show was based on my personal views. I never claimed in my interview that the stance had any official backing of the PTI.”

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has ‘criticised’ its maverick member Sher Afzal Marwat for alleging that Saudi Arabia played a role in the ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    PTI’s official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a statement which read, “Marwat’s views do not undermine the strategy or position of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in any way, nor do they consider them as factual statements. This may be his personal opinion which is not supported or approved by the leadership or workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf at any level.”

    Moreover, the post said that Saudi Arabia is one of Pakistan’s closest and most trusted Islamic brotherhood countries and Imran Khan had a relationship of mutual respect and trust with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman (MBS).

    Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s close aide Zulfi Bukhari also clarified on X, “Neither Imran Khan nor PTI holds any such opinion about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. KSA has ALWAYS been & will be our closest brotherly country.”

    He also said that the recent visit by the Saudi delegation is a testament to Pakistan’s brotherly relations with KSA.

    Moonis Elahi also said his piece on X, “I think Sher Afzal Marwat Sahib is mistaken. His recent statement against Saudi Arabia is also not correct because PM Imran Khan never mentioned Saudi Arabia in the regime change plan. As far as I remember, Khan Sahib has always used good words for the Saudi government.”

    Earlier, Sher Afzal Marwat, the popular Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member, in a talk show on GTV, gave a new twist to the alleged ‘regime change’ of 2022 when he remarked that Saudi Arabia was directly involved in the ouster of former prime minister Imran Khan.

    “This regime change operation took place due to cooperation between the two countries Saudi Arabia and America. Saudis played the role of a conduit in the regime change,” said the PTI member.

    When anchorperson Gharida Farooqi said to Marwat that this is a very serious allegation because Saudi Arabia is a brotherly country of Pakistan, he replied that his allegations are a reality because KSA makes policies on the whims of the USA.

    “Someone made an allegation on Imran Khan that he did mimicry of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman (MBS) and he got to know about it so that could also be the reason for this,”, said Marwat after being questioned by the journalist about Saudia’s motivation for it.

  • Usman Mukhtar is done with Kubra Khan’s pranks

    Usman Mukhtar is done with Kubra Khan’s pranks

    You must be aware that Kubra Khan is a talented actress. But did you know that she’s an equally talented prankster?

    In a recent appearance on Hum News’ Eid transmission show, Subah Sey Aagey, Usman Mukhtar, famous for his role in ‘Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay,’ made a notable revelation. While discussing his relationships with fellow actors, Mukhtar jokingly admitted to having reservations about working with Kubra Khan.

    In response to a question about the actors he refuses to collaborate with, Usman Mukhtar said, “I won’t work with Kubra Khan.”
    He said, “She often plays pranks on me during filming. There was this one incident where she tricked me with a virtual reality headset. She made me believe I was high up on a building ledge before pushing me. I thought I was falling from a great height. It was really distressing for me, especially since I have a fear of heights. Despite being friends with Kubra Khan, I found that experience terrible.”