Tag: adnan siddiqui

  • Adnan Siddiqui is ‘super stoked’ to be part of a partnership that ‘transcends borders’

    Adnan Siddiqui is ‘super stoked’ to be part of a partnership that ‘transcends borders’

    The Pakistani entertainment industry is all set to witness a new era as Pakistan and Turkey join hands through a new collaboration.

    According to details, Adnan Siddiqui and Humayun Saeed will be part of the new project that has Tekdin Films and TRT production as partners. The former has produced Diriliş: Ertuğrul that has taken audiences in Pakistan by atorm

    In a post on Instagram, Siddiqui revealed that Tekdin Films, which is the name behind the hit series Diriliş: Ertuğrul, will be working with Pakistan’s TRT Films. Adnan added that he along with his Meray Paas Tum Ho co-star Humayun will be overlooking the pre, on-going and post-production activities of this collaboration.

    “As millennials say: ‘super stoked’ to bring to you a partnership that transcends borders. Pakistan and Turkey have joined hands in a collaboration between Dr Kashif Ansari’s Ansari films, TRT films and Mr Kamal Tekdin’s Tekdin Films to usher in a fresh era in Pakistani industry. The new venture has also got on board yours truly and Humayun as an extended arm, ” he wrote.

    Adnan further shared: “For the uninitiated, Tekdin Films is the name behind the blockbuster Diriliş: Ertuğrul. I have always believed that art should be free from the shackles of international and geopolitical boundaries. This is my small step towards that.”

    “Dr Kashaf Ansari and Mr Kamal Tekdin have formed a new production that will infuse freshness in Pakistani content. He asked me and my friend and colleague Humayun Saeed to come on board and here we are,” said Siddiqui in a statement.

    On being asked what would the new alliance mean for native entertainment industry, Siddiqui, who has not let borders constrain his work, said, “Art should not be a slave to international boundaries and political agendas. It should be allowed to flow freely and prosper.”

    The project is expected to release by the end of this year.

  • Adnan Siddiqui opens up on how ‘Mom’ left him ’emotionally drained’

    Adnan Siddiqui opens up on how ‘Mom’ left him ’emotionally drained’

    Adnan Siddiqui has often opened up about the challenges that come with being an actor. In a recent Instagram post, the actor recalled how his Bollywood film Mom left him emotionally exhausted and drained.

    “I have always felt that acting tests you emotionally,” said the actor. “Whether it’s a deliberate call by the script or of a wily director to bring out the best of his/her actors.”

    “I have often been confronted with situations in dramas and movies which I would rather not happen to me in real life. We are never comfortable with our fears and insecurities, on-screen or off it. It can be quite taxing emotionally, and never a pleasant experience to film such scenes,” he continued.

    “I remember being thrown into a very poignant moment while shooting a scene of the movie Mom. The director, Ravi Udyawar briefed me that my character Anand Sabarwal, who is seeking justice for his daughter Arya, has his back to the wall.”

    He further shared: “’Adnan, Anand the man is still fighting gallantly but Anand the father feels defeated.’ I can still recall his brief. I nodded and thought to myself, ‘It’s easy’, till the cameras rolled and I started with the shot.”

    Read more – ‘A portion of my life I will never forget’: Sajal Aly celebrates three years of ‘Mom’

    “Being a father of two beautiful daughters, I could relate to the severity of Anand’s pain. I almost lived his frustration, anger, helplessness and fear of losing the battle for his daughter’s justice. I was completely numb and emotionally drained by the end of the shoot. In fact, I still shudder at the thought of Anand’s anguish,” he wrote.

    “Nothing breaks you as much as your child’s suffering and your inability to alleviate it. I pray to Allah that no parent gets to live the reality fictional Anand had to. May Allah keep everyone’s children safe and healthy,” he concluded.

    Mom is a crime thriller film directed by Ravi Udyawar. It is centred around a mother (Sridevi) who sets out to avenge the rape of her stepdaughter (Sajal Aly). Adnan played Sri Devi’s husband and Sajal’s father in the film. The film also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna in supporting roles. The movie marked Sridevi’s 300th and final major film appearance before her sudden demise on February 24 2018.

    Upon its release, the film was a critical and commercial success with critics and audiences lauding the performances.

    Earlier, in 2017 when the film released, Adnan had shared his experience of working with the team.

    Posting pictures from the sets of the film, the actor had written: “It would have been impossible if it wasn’t for people like Boney Kapoor sahab, the man who taught me quite a few things about filmmaking.”

    “Sri Devi jee, who proved why she was and is one of the best the world will ever see. And undoubtedly, our home-grown bundle of exceptional talent Sajal Aly, who didn’t allow a single scene to be ordinary. These were my beacons throughout this project. The man who didn’t give up on anyone of us, the captain of the ship – our director Ravi Udyawar was an iceberg when it came to tackling petty to big issues and guided us all to victory.”

    Mom is available to stream on Netflix Pakistan.

  • Celebrities pay tribute to football legend Maradona

    Celebrities pay tribute to football legend Maradona

    The sudden demise of football legend Diego Maradona of Argentina sent waves of grief across the world with celebrities and dignitaries mourning his loss. The 1986 World Cup winner passed away at home in Tigre after suffering a heart attack at the age of 60.

    Soon after his demise, social media was flooded with tributes from all parts of the world.

    Pakistani celebrities including Adnan Siddiqui, Ali Rehman Khan, Shoaib Malik and Shoaib Akhtar also mourned the footballer’s loss.

    From across the border, Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh among other Bollywood celebrities also paid rich tributes to the former Napoli and Barcelona star.

    Meanwhile, renowned names from the world of football also mourned their fraternity’s loss.

    Cristiano Ronaldo called Maradona an “unparalleled magician”.

    “Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius. One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten.”

    Sharing a picture with Maradona, Lionel Messi said it was “a very sad day for all Argentinians and for football”.

    “He leaves us, but he is not gone because Diego is eternal. I stay with all the beautiful moments I lived with him and I wanted to send my condolences to his family and friends.”

    “A sad day for Argentina and a sad day for football as we celebrate the greatness of what this man gave us. Someone that played with passion, spirit and was nothing less than a pure genius. I was so excited to meet Diego and we will all miss him,” said David Beckham.

  • Humayun Saeed, Fahad Mustafa, Asim Azhar celebrate Karachi Kings’ first PSL win

    Humayun Saeed, Fahad Mustafa, Asim Azhar celebrate Karachi Kings’ first PSL win

    Karachi Kings’ on Tuesday night were crowned the winners of the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after beating Lahore Qalandars by five wickets. Babar Azam knocked a commanding half-century to help his side win their first championship in five years at Karachi National Stadium.

    Though Azam smashed seven boundaries in his 49-ball 63, it was skipper and KK captain Imad Wasim who hit the winning boundary to help the Kings overhaul a modest 135-run target in 18.4 overs.

    The final — one of the most anticipated in PSL’s history, given the rivalry between the country’s two biggest cities — was played after a gap of nearly eight months after the PSL’s fifth edition came to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    The Kings will take home a glittering trophy plus a half a million dollars while Lahore will receive $200,000.

    Following the win, celebrities including Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, Asim Azhar and Mehwish Hayat celebrated Kings’ win and expressed their excitement on social media. Many also remembered the franchise’s head coach Dean Jones, who passed away in September in India.

    “Mubarak ho Karachi walo!,” said Humayun Saeed. “It has indeed been a long wait but totally worth it. Wish Jones was also with us tonight.”

    Mehwish Hayat said that the win was a “fitting tribute to their late coach, Dean Jones. He would really have been proud today.”

    Asim Azhar celebrated by singing the Kings’ anthem ‘Ye Hai Karachi‘ and jumping in joy.

    “Maza aagaya,” exclaimed Faysal Quraishi and Fahad Mustafa.

    Adnan Siddiqui and Fahad were all praises for the Man of the Match Babar Azam, lavishing praises on him.

    Shaniera Akram, whose husband Wasim Akram also coached the team, expressed that she felt “bittersweet,” adding that this win was for Jones.

    Vasay Chaudhry couldn’t help but crack a joke over how Karachi needed a “Lahoria to get them through”.

    Maya Ali said that the match was a “thriller”.

    Meanwhile, Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara, who captained Karachi Kings in 2017, also congratulated the team for “a wonderful win”.

  • ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’ is very close to our hearts, says Humayun Saeed

    ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’ is very close to our hearts, says Humayun Saeed

    2020’s super hit drama serial Meray Paas Tum Ho, which broke viewership records in the country, has been nominated in five categories in the 19th edition of the Lux Style Awards (LSAs).

    Thanking Lux for the nominations, Humayun, who has also been nominated in the Best Actor category, said that the project was a very special one.

    “This project is very close to all our hearts not only because it broke all viewership records in the history of Pakistani television but because it was able to truly entertain audiences across the world,” said Humayun in the caption.

    He also gave a big shout-out to all those who were part of the project including his production house Six Sigma Plus, ARY Digital as well as the entire cast and crew of the drama.

    “It always feels great to be recognised so the biggest thank you to all of you, the viewers, for all your love and continuous support,” concluded the actor.

    Starring Humayun Saeed, Ayeza Khan, Adnan Siddiqui and Hira Mani in the lead Meray Paas Tum Ho went onto becoming television’s highest-rated dramas of all time. The final episode of the drama was also aired in cinemas where it broke box-office records. At the same time, the drama also drew the irk of some viewers who criticised it for promoting misogyny and sexism.

  • Istanbul to host Pakistani stars for the fourth IPPA Awards

    Istanbul to host Pakistani stars for the fourth IPPA Awards

    Turkey is the place to be this holiday season. The fourth edition of the International Pakistan Prestige Awards (IPPA) are all to take place in Istanbul on December 26.

    According to a press release, the awards ceremony will be held at Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel and Conference Centre. The awards aim to present a soft image of Pakistan to the rest of the world by “promoting Pakistani cinema, television, fashion and music, especially at a time when economic activity is at an all-time low, and international events all cancelled or postponed”.

    Announcing the event, Ali Malik, who is one of the two organisers of IPPA, said: “We have had to face many challenges this time thanks to the pandemic and have postponed and even changed destinations a few times but were determined that we could continue to keep Pakistan’s flag flying high, in spite of all odds. Therefore, keeping the COVID-19 SOPs in mind, we are organising the event for invitees only, and will execute it without risk to any of the participants and stakeholders.”

    Similarly, Mukhtar Ahmed, who is the other organiser said, “We are continuing with IPPA this year although it means less revenue as we won’t be selling any tickets, but we felt it is our duty not to disappoint our fans and supporters, and to continue exposing our talent to the world.”

    Speaking to a local media outlet, the organisers shared that they have designed a destination vacation format for this year’s edition.

    “We will be selling tickets to people who want to fly out from Pakistan to Istanbul for a few days’ vacation,” said the organisers. “They will be paying for a package which will include airfare, stay in the same hotel as the stars, and attending the awards.”

    One of the country’s biggest independent award functions, the first IPPA Awards first took place in 2017 in London. The second edition was also held in London, while the third was held in Oslo, Norway. The ceremony is always a star-studded affair with the likes of Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, Hira Mani, Ayesha Omar, Maya Ali and Hania Aamir in attendance.

  • Celebrities ‘honoured’ to be part govt’s special advisory board on Kashmir

    Chairman of the Special Committee of the Parliament on Kashmir Shehryar Afridi has announced the formation of a special advisory board, that will work in liaison with the entertainment industry in Jammu and Kashmir towards internationally promoting the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the valley and its people. The aim of the board is to highlight the plight of the Kashmiris under decades of Indian oppression.

    According to a press release, the due to be notified board will be a “creative alliance of some of Pakistan’s top media personalities from the country’s television, cinematic and sporting spheres as well as in equal ratio some of J&K’s finest academics, thinkers and artists, and will be aimed at propagating Kashmir’s cultural richness both at home and abroad.”

    The initiative is in line with Pakistan’s long-standing position, which is to promote the freedom of the Kashmiris from Indian oppression.

    Actors and celebrities who have been invited to be part of the board include Humayun Saeed, Saba Qamar, Fahad Mustafa, Atif Aslam, Anwar Maqsood, Shaan Shahid, Ali Azmat, Yousaf Salahuddin, Saira Kazmi, Rahat Fateh Ali, Hadiqa Kiani, Shehzad Roy, Humaima Malick, Yousaf Salahuddin, Shaniera Akram, Adnan Siddiqui, Bilal Ashraf, Samina Peerzada and Shafqat Amanat Ali.

    Film Producers Jerjees Seja, Momina Duraid and Ammara Hikmat have been chosen for the advisory role, while directors Syed Noor, Nadeem Baig and Bilal Lashari are also part of the list.

    Meanwhile, sportspersons including Aisam ul Haq, Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan, Maria Toorpakai, Wasim Akram, Sana Mir and Karishma Ali have been also been invited to join.

    In a tweet, Adnan Siddiqui said that the invitation to join the board was a “matter of great honour and immense pride for him”.

    Shaan said that everyone must support every initiative taken for Kashmir.

    “No political point scoring should be done on issues that are of immediate attention,” added the actor.

    The Legend of Maula Jatt’s producer Ammara Hikmat also said that she was honoured to be part of the board.

  • Adnan Siddiqui shares his ‘starstruck’ moment

    Adnan Siddiqui shares his ‘starstruck’ moment

    Adnan Siddiqui may have shared the screen with international superstars such as Sri Devi and Angelina Jolie, but it is Humayun Saeed and Shaan Shahid who left him starstruck.

    Sharing a black and white picture of himself with the two actors from Humayun’s brother Salman Saeed’s wedding, Adnan said: “It has taken me 10 days to realise the full extent of being in the same frame as these two.”

    “I saw the photo being widely circulated on social media, among friends and colleagues but I couldn’t react. So starstruck I was with the moment long after it had passed,” he continued.

    “I am forever thankful to Shaan Shahid and Humayun Saeed —legendary stars of Pakistani industry for being gracious enough to agree to a photo with me, and also for letting me literally be the centre of attraction,” he added.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CF7TdYMnHfG/

    While Humayun and Shaan are yet to respond to Adnan’s comments, Aijaz Aslam commented: “Rula diya paglay“.

    Meanwhile, Adnan also shared that he will be reading Elif Shafak’s The Forty Rules of Love next after Prime Minister Imran Khan recommended everyone to read it.

  • Veteran actor Mirza Shahi passes away after contracting COVID-19

    Veteran actor Mirza Shahi passes away after contracting COVID-19

    Renowned TV actor and comedian Mirza Shahi passed away on Tuesday, a week after being diagnosed with COVID-19. According to details, he died of cardiac arrest at Karachi’s Civil Hospital. He was 70.

    Nida Yasir took to social media to announce his demise and prayed for the departed soul. The two had shared the screen in the hit sitcom Nadaaniyaan. Earlier, Nida and her husband Yasir Nawaz had shared that the veteran actor was on the ventilator after testing positive for COVID-19 and requested their followers to pray for him.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CFueMsZhks5/

    Faysal Quraishi, Shaan, Adnan Siddiqui and Fahad Mustafa took to social media to express their grief at the actor’s demise and prayed for him.

    Shahi began his career in 1965 in the East Pakistani film industry. He rose to prominence after he appeared in filmstar Nadeem’s first movie Chakori in 1967.

    Following the fall of Dhaka, Mirza moved to Karachi where he took up minor jobs due to financial hardships. Later, he resumed acting and worked in several hit PTV dramas including Fifty Fifty.

  • Shaan, Adnan Siddiqui spotted at Humayun Saeed’s brother’s wedding

    Shaan, Adnan Siddiqui spotted at Humayun Saeed’s brother’s wedding

    Humayun Saeed’s younger brother Salman Saeed got married in Lahore Friday night and the wedding ceremony was a star-studded affair with Adnan Siddiqui, Shaan Shahid, Imran Ashraf, Ahmed Ali Butt, Vasay Chaudhry, Nadeem Baig, Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar and Azhar Ali in attendance.

    Photo credits – Zartash Weddings

    Humayun, Shaan and Adnan posed for a photograph together and looked dapper in their black outfits.

    Ahmed Ali Butt also shared a picture of the boys.

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

    The celebrity wives also struck a pose.

    Meanwhile, Ashraf shared a picture of himself with Shaan, asking his followers to caption it.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CFlx_5xFhVL/

    Read more – Humayun Saeed shares heartwarming picture with his brothers

    Salman was last seen in ARY Digital’s Mera Dil Mera Dushman.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CFkmwRQgd4S/