Prominent Pakistani celebrities took to their social media to wish ‘Merry Christmas’ to those who are celebrating this festive occasion.
Qissa Meherbano Ka star, Mawra Hocane uploaded photos of a decorated Christmas tree and wished that we could be more respectful to all religions and celebrations around us because it gives a reason to smile.
Meray Paas Tum Ho fame actor, Adnan Siddiqui also penned down the beautiful prayers to the Christian community on his Twitter.
May the spirit of Yuletide fill your life with joy and bring peace and good health. Merry Xmas to our Christian brothers and sisters! pic.twitter.com/IBVIMSF5uz
Actress and model, Nadia Hussain, tweeted wishing happy holidays and Christmas to the Pakistani Christian community.
. . MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my Christian Pakistani fellow citizens!!!!. . . May you have a wonderful year ahead!!. . . Happy holidays!!! . . #nadiahussainhttps://t.co/ccYKIoGJsN
Famous Pakistani actress and Video Jockey (VJ), Anoushey Ashraf shared an emotional message to the Christian community on her Instagram story while taking a photo with a Christmas tree that Jinnah would have wished them lots of happiness and a very best to a new year ahead.
Pakistani Celebrities took to their Instagram stories to share strong opinions against Karachi-based bakeries, ‘Delizia’ and Auntie Muanaver’s ‘Food and Dessert’ where one of their staff refused to write ‘Merry Christmas’ to the customers. Netizens also called out on social media against the bakeries and urged them to boycott.
Actress and Video Jockey (VJ), Anoushey Ashraf wrote in her story that writing ‘Merry Christmas’ does not weaken our faith. She emphasised that it is the job of the staff to compel the request of customers.
The Zindagi Gulzar Hai star Sanam Saeed also took to her Instagram story to express disappointment over the behaviour of bakery staff. She tagged both bakeries, Delizia and Auntie Muanaver’s Food, and reminded them about the representation of white colour in our flag.
Shehnai diva Ramasha Khan who is currently appearing in ARY Digital’s serial, Sinf-e- Aahan, also tweeted about the incident and shared one of the quotes of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Earlier, the customer reported the incident on a Facebook group “Voice of Customer PK” in which she said that she went to the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) branch of Delizia where she was refused to write ‘Merry Christmas’ by their staff. She also stressed to the bakeries that they should not make money from their religious occasions as well if they are so much against non-Muslims and their religions.
The management of both bakeries are yet to release an official statements to the public.
In 2018, the same incident happened in the Badar Commercial branch of Delizia bakery when a customer was refused a cake with ‘Merry Christmas’ written on it. The staff made a similar excuse at that time as well that it was not company instructions. It was reported on another Facebook page, Karachi Food Diary.
Spending a big chunk of her life in this industry, Anoushey Ashraf often shares the wisdom she’s gathered all these years. Recently, she blasted a man who thought if “they’ve worked together, he could hold her from her waist and call her babe”.
Taking to Twitter, Anoushey wrote: “Just because we worked well on a project together doesn’t mean I’m now ‘babe’ and you can hold me by the waist to take selfies at events. We’re colleagues, NOT friends. Know the difference. Understand the concept of personal space. #rant“
Just because we worked well on a project together doesn’t mean I’m now ‘babe’ and you can hold me by the waist to take selfies at events. We’re colleagues, NOT friends. Know the difference. Understand the concept of personal space. #rant
Later, Anoushey hosted a live session in which she opened up about her experience with an old colleague she met in an event where he called her ‘babe’. “Yes we have worked together but why are you calling me babe,” she said.
“The second thing he did was, he put his hands on my waist and said let’s take a picture. Very nicely I put his hand off me and asked why you’re holding me? Do not touch me,” she added.
She further went on to say: “I told that guy that we have a professional relationship, you and I are professional people and we are colleagues, not friends. So you are not allowed to say babe or call me at 2 O’clock in the morning and asking things like send me pics or selfies. No, this is where we draw boundaries. So, when he put his hand on my waist, I knew that touch was not right. The niyyat behind that and not a friendly sort of gesture.”
She requested the boys that: “I just want you to know that the person should be comfortable with you. It can come after time you spend together and long-term friendships.”
She also urged parents to train their children about their “personal space”. She said that she want people to tell their children that no one can touch them and hold them inappropriately even if that person is someone they know.
She said when a man touches a woman, she gets the feeling that with what intention he is touching her. She said same rule applies on children, adults, introverts or even animals.
She urged everyone to speak up whenever their personal space is attacked. “Whenever someone attacks your personal space, say it out loud, just say it,” she concluded.
In a recent interview with Express Tribune Anoushey Ashraf has opened up on sexual harassment in Pakistani entertainment industry and society in general.
The Saanp Seehri actor said, “We were also less vulnerable. However, women around us, who came from relatively less privileged households, were regularly molested, propositioned, given lesser money and odd jobs,” recalled the celebrity.
The #MeToo movement enlightened her on plight of women in the entertainment industry.
On a personal front, the Sehra Mein Safar diva mentioned, “I didn’t know until I saw Pakistani women come out with their stories of abuse and harassment. That’s when I thought, ‘ye tou meray sath bhi hua hai! Even I have been sexually harassed as a child.”
“There is a new story every day now. Even the Minaar e Pakistan video heightened my anxiety,” she recollected. “And social media shoves things down your throat, so when they were ripping her clothes off I felt like I was being touched and violated. You have to be a woman to understand what that feels like,” she concluded.
Actor Anoushey Ashraf has called out senior anchor Imran Khan for his insensitive remarks on the Noor murder case. The Chinaar Ghaati actor shared the clip of Imran’s statement on her Instagram story and wrote: “I have five messages to my dad and 45 voice note to my driver over the last five months.”
She continued further by expressing her anger over Khan’s statement, “Take up Bollywood gossip if you want viewership, leave Noor and her honour alone.”
A video clip of Imran is making rounds across social media platforms for the last two days in which Imran can be heard drawing parallels between Noor Mukadam’s murder and her lack of telephonic conversation with her father. His comments have been scrutinized by netizens on social media.
Jawani Phir Nahi Aani star Sarwat Gillani also expressed her stance on the problematic statements of the senior journalist, with a comment, “When ‘educated’ people make such statements you know the state of affairs and state of mind both are in the wrong place.”
“What about the murderer, follow some rules and do not kill people,” she stated in another comment.
Anoushey Ashraf has expressed her disappointment over the preferential treatment for Zahir Jaffer by authorities of Adiala Jail. Zahir was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Wednesday afternoon for a headache.
“Every time Zahir Jaffer asks for hospitals, bail and nice ironed shirts to wear to his trials.I hope the people deciding his fate remember, see and shudder when they think of this angelic face,” wrote Anoushey.
“I hope they can’t sleep knowing she’s waiting on them to deliver justice,” she added.
Every time #ZahirJaffer asks for hospitals, bail and nice ironed shirts to wear to his trials, I hope the ppl deciding his fate remember, see and shudder when they think of this angelic face. I hope they can’t sleep knowing she’s waiting on them to deliver justice #NoorMukadampic.twitter.com/xucpFdQNvY
Netizens demanded the end of special treatment towards the alleged murderer, after which Punjab Jail Minister Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan ordered prison authorities to stop any preferential treatment for Zahir.
Diyar-e-Dil star Mariyam Nafees has raised voice for Wishah Abubakr who has has accused her husband, Shahzawar Bugti, the son of Nawab Akbar Bugti, of domestic violence by sharing her private videos on social media.
Anoushey Ashraf has clapped back at trolls for criticising her over the dance video she recently posted. “I mostly got love for my dance video but some men were so upset by me living on ‘my’ terms it was ridiculous,” wrote the host turned actress.
“They called it a mujra, not our culture and they willingly abused me, sent me threats and called my family names. For one video, which according to their standard is not ‘our’ values,” she added.
Last week she urged netizens to respect and love their animal of sacrifice this Eid-ul-Azha. The Sehra mein Safar actress also requested people to sacrifice their animals in the the most “humane way possible”.
“Closing in on that time of the year where I always reach out to those on my Instagram urging them to care, respect and love their animal of sacrifice to the absolute fullest. A few things; Please make sure to remember it’s a ‘sacrifice’ NOT ‘slaughter’ and it takes place in the most humane way possible,” said Anoushey in an Instagram post.
Anoushey Ashraf has urged netizens to respect and love their animal of sacrifice this Eid-ul-Azha. The Sehra mein Safar actress also requested people to sacrifice their animals in the the most “humane way possible”.
“Closing in on that time of the year where I always reach out to those on my Instagram urging them to care, respect and love their animal of sacrifice to the absolute fullest. A few things; Please make sure to remember it’s a ‘sacrifice’ NOT ‘slaughter’ and it takes place in the most humane way possible,” said Anoushey in an Instagram post.
“Don’t make children run the blade on the animal please. The qasai should be a thorough professional, if the animal experiences discomfort, pain and severe distress you’re doing it wrong. There are gentle manuals on it. The knives should be so sharp that the animal shouldn’t feel any pain,” she added.
The Saanp Seehri diva discouraged the trend of recording the sacrifice process.
Shoaib Akhtar has come under fire for mocking and ridiculing the anthem of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The former cricketer had trashed Groove Mera, calling it the worst anthem ever. He also said that he uses the song to put his children to sleep as they are scared of it.
Following Akhtar’s comments, several celebrities including Adnan Siddiqui, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY), Hira Mani, Ahmed Ali Butt and Wasim Akram stepped forward to defend the song. Though they did not name Akhtar directly, they subtly shaded him for his comments.
“Least we can do for our artists is respect them,” said Adnan. “It’s very easy to be keyboard warriors and shred someone’s hard work to pieces.”
“Naseebo Lal doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this,” added the actor.
Least we can do for our artists is respect them. It’s very easy to be keyboard warriors and shred someone’s hard work to pieces. How ungrateful to forget so conveniently all the melodious songs Naseebo Lal has given us. #groovemera doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this
Sharing his thoughts on the brouhaha, Wasim Akram said: “Hope all this well. Aap log theek hain, exercise kar rahay hain or mou chukk kay criticise kar rahy ho har cheez nu. That’s you guys.”
“Abhi mene PSL anthem pay bohat saray views sunay or theek hai, har aik ki marzi hoti hai magar ennay Tan Sen therday ni tussi, har gal tey bolna hai. Tareef na karna tussi,” he added in Punjabi.
Sharing Wasim’s video on Twitter, Omair Rana said: “I love this man! Wasim Akram. Jewndy raho!”
HSY also praised Groove Mera, saying that he is listening to it on repeat.
#NaseeboLal sounds strong and her voice is iconic. Aima is killing it and the Young Stunners give it that contemporary punch making this first female led sports anthem all the more impactful. #groovemera is on repeat.
“When will we learn to take things in perspective and react accordingly,” questioned Faysal Quraishi.
“Let’s go with the spirit of sports and celebrate little things. I personally think Naseebo Lal who is very popular with masses will rock the stadium with her ‘groove’ and high notes,” remarked the actor.
When will we learn to take things in perspective and react accordingly . Song getting hate ? Lets go with the spirit of sports and celebrate little things . I personally think Naseebo Lal who is very popular with masses will Rock the stadium with her ‘groove’ and high notes .
Similarly, in a detailed note posted on Instagram, Ahmed Ali Butt said: “For people who don’t know… Naseebo Lal is a Pakistani folk singer with over 30 years of singing experience. She never got the limelight that she deserved because most of her songs were during the “raunchy” Punjabi film era. But that does not change the fact that she is a Pakistani folk legend with hundreds of songs to her credit.”
“Groove Mera is a great song and a bold step by PCB. For all the people making fun of her pronunciation are the same people who love UK or Canadian Punjabi singers,” he said further. “So shut up and be proud of your nation’s talent. God knows you didn’t contribute to their success or hard work, so the least you can do is be respectful towards them.”
“Ab volume kholo or bolo…aaj vaykhay ga crowd mera groove TV tay,” he concluded.
Hira Mani, in a lengthy note posted to social media said: “We respect you madam. Bas yeh so-called elite burgers music critics internet kay dour kay hum jese chunnay munnay followers walay. Inko kia pata kay asal fan following houti kiya hai.”
Meanwhile, other celebrities, including Farhan Saeed, Anoushey Ashraf and Haroon Shahid directly responded to Akhtar for his comments.
“It’s his opinion, that’s ok! He has the right, but that’s a stupid opinion is what is my opinion,” stated Farhan Saeed.
“This song will be a winner in the stadiums, mark it,” he added.
Haroon Shahid also directly responded to Akhtar saying: “So when Shoaib Akhtar was being paid millions by Kolkata Knight Riders and this song came up I bet he would have danced on this track at the Eden Gardens just to impress Shahrukh jee.”
So when Shoaib Akhtar was being paid millions by Kolkata Knight Riders and this song came up I bet he would have danced on this track at the Eden Gardens just to impress Shahrukh jee!
In a later tweet, the singer-turned-actor said: “This guy talks about aesthetics! Here’s a guy who commentates in English defining ‘Groove’ for us in musical terms.”
This guy talks about aesthetics! Here’s a guy who commentates in English defining ‘Groove’ for us in musical terms.
PS. Groove by any definition does not mean Naali! We all know where this is stemming from. Pathetic to see such pettiness.Still love Shoaib for the bowler he was! pic.twitter.com/IAlTzgzmAg
Enough said on Shoaib Akhtar’s comments on the PSL 6 anthem. The fact is I’d stand behind if someone tried to disrespect him in the same manner. Peace! Let’s hope for a fantastic cricket competition once again. Pakistan Zindabad ❤️
Sharing her thoughts on the controversy, Anoushey Ashraf said: “Oh dear, this is in bad taste. One thing to not like a song, another thing to run down artists, musicians this way. Big fan of Shoaib Akhtar but not the way he’s bashing the anthem.”
Television actor, Naveed Raza also participated in the debate, commenting: “Learn to appreciate Shoaib Akhtar bhai. The worst virus is a human, dehumanising another human. Groove Mera is a solid stadium-feel song.”
Groove Mera is currently trending at number one on YouTube Pakistan with more than five million views till the filing of this report.
What did you think of Groove Mera? Let us know in the comments below.
VJ turned actor, Anoushey Ashraf, who often shares her thoughts and opinions on different topics, recently commented that for “many even Abdul Sattar Edhi isn’t a hero”.
Commenting under a post, which criticised Malala for being included among the likes of Edhi, Begum Raana Liaquat Ali Khan and Major Aziz Bhatti, Anoushey wrote: “For many even, Abdul Sattar Edhi isn’t a hero. Same with Malala. She may not be your hero but she’s certainly someone youngsters from around the world look up to.”
Social media users did not agree with Ashraf’s comments and criticised her for them. In response, Anoushey remarked: “You guys just read what you want to read.”
“I wasn’t comparing them [Malala & Edhi]. Just the circumstances under which everyone is questioning her presence,” she explained.
Often referred to as the ‘richest, poor man’, Edhi Sahab is hailed as a real-life hero for dedicating his life towards serving poor and needy people.
On the other hand, Malala, who was shot in 2012 by the Taliban for demanding girls’ rights to education, is the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner. She actively campaigns for girl’s education through her organisation.
