Tag: Fawad Khan

  • Actor Ridhi Dogra on signing film with Fawad Khan

    Actor Ridhi Dogra on signing film with Fawad Khan

    Superstar Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood with the upcoming film Abir Gulaal with Vaani Kapoor has generated buzz on both sides of the border. 

    In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, co-actor Ridhi Dogra revealed that she ensured all legal checks were clear before signing the project with Fawad Khan. “I don’t think there’s a division in art. Whenever we watch something, we watch it for the characters. We don’t see nationality. I kept that in mind when choosing to work on the film.”


    She added, “The only care I took was in confirming whether or not I am allowed to work with said nationality (Pakistanis). And yes, our country and government permit us to do so. I did that homework.”


    Ridhi also shared, “People often told me to pursue a career abroad because it might be spiritually beneficial, but my love for our national heritage keeps me working in my home industry.”


    The actors flew to London and began filming for the project in October. Director Aarti S Bagdi told Variety that the romantic-comedy story serves as a healing journey for the two main characters, who discover love along the way.


    Fawad’s return follows the 2019 ban by the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) on Pakistani actors, which was imposed after tensions between the two countries escalated after the Pulwama attack.

    In late 2023, the Bombay High Court relaxed the restrictions, and the Supreme Court dismissed a petition to ban Indian citizens from working with Pakistani artists.


    Fawad’s last Bollywood project was the 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil where he played a secondary love interest. The film starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai.

  • When is Pakistan’s first ever Netflix series coming to our screens?

    When is Pakistan’s first ever Netflix series coming to our screens?

    Author and drama writer Farhat Istiaq’s novel Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo is making its way to a Netflix adaption with fans eagerly awaiting the release of the much anticipated drama series.  

                 
    Farhat has shared some exciting details about the fairly secretive upcoming series on Connect Cine. 
      

    Indian journalist Faridoon Shahryar asked, “What is the latest update of Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo?”
     
     “Insha’Allah, most likely it will be released next year. Our shooting is complete, and you’ll witness a high-quality product, shot in Italy, the UK, Islamabad, Karachi, and across multiple locations. It has a vibrant mix of locations, adding an enjoyable flair. Italy, for instance, holds special significance as I was inspired by my years spent there, I adore its history and the love I developed for the place led me to write a novel centered around it.” 


     Italy plays a key role in Farhat Ishtiaq’s novel, almost acting as a character.
      

    “In fact, Italy itself is almost like a character in the novel, featuring the cities of Rome, Milan, and Florence as integral parts of the story. So naturally, in the drama adaptation, Italy will also play a key role, with all the places I mentioned in the novel beautifully depicted on screen,” she explained.
     
    The Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum writer also highlighted the challenges of adapting a novel for the screen, particularly for an OTT platform like Netflix.  

    Farhat said, “In novels, you’re freer to express, but for a screen adaptation, especially an OTT platform, adjustments have to be made to meet different requirements. The essence of the novel, however, remains intact.”

                                                                         
    The host asked, “Who are your favorite writers?”

    “I have many, I love reading Ghalib and Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s, Ahmed Faraz, Munir Niazi poetry deeply touches me, a good verse stays with me for days, and I can live happily with it for a long time. Although I don’t write poetry , I greatly admire its beauty, the way a poet can convey what would take pages to express in a novel with just a couple of lines. Among fiction writers, Bano Qudsia, Ashfaq Ahmed, and Qurratulain Hyder stand out, and in English literature, Shakespeare and Thomas Hardy. I read everything, I enjoy good and bad literature and don’t just restrict myself to good literature; I enjoy reading everything, even things that are considered  not-so-good,” Farhat concluded.

  • Pakistani superstar and a Bollywood A-lister, Kashif Nisar, reveals his dream cast

    Pakistani superstar and a Bollywood A-lister, Kashif Nisar, reveals his dream cast

    Director Kashif Nisar recently shared his experiences working with some of the most talented actors in the entertainment industry and Bollywood.

    During his appearance as a guest on ‘Iffar Omar’s Say It All’ podcast, Nisar discussed his desire to collabroate with Alia Bhatt and Fawad Khan when asked whom he would like to work with.

    “My heart really wants to work with Alia Bhatt. She has such energy, and the way she carries herself is truly impressive. She understands the script well and knows how to embody a character. She knows which expression to use and can switch them on in a split second; she is highly intelligent,” he said.

    When asked about his favourite performance by Alia, Nisar said, “Somewhere in this world, when it comes to holding a character, she commands the screen presence; even in a small role, some people have that special presence.”

    Talking about the male actor he wants to work with, the Ranjha Ranjha Kardi director said, “It would be Fawad Khan. I really wanted to work with him, but I never got the chance.”

    When the host asked, “Which of your works do you like the most?” Nisar replied, “I don’t like any of my work because when I look at it after six months, it feels off. The project I enjoyed the most recently was ‘Kabli Pulao.’ I enjoyed working with Sohail Sahab in Jeevan Nagar after a long time, and I also really enjoyed ‘Mann Jogi.’ I love working on these types of projects.”

    Kashif Nisar has directed a number of dramas, including Faseel-e-Jaan Se Aagay, Mein, O Rangreza, Raqeeb Se, Jeevan Nagar, Kabli Pulao, and most recently, he directed Mann Jogi, which aired on HUM TV.

  • Bilal Abbas Khan , Ayeza Khan also part of Fawad Khan’s new show ‘The Prisoner’

    Bilal Abbas Khan , Ayeza Khan also part of Fawad Khan’s new show ‘The Prisoner’

    Bilal Abbas and Ayeza Khan are reportedly joining Fawad Khan in the highly anticipated crime thriller series, The Prisoner, according to IMDB listings. This powerhouse cast bring fresh excitement to the series, which is based on Omar Shahid’s bestselling novel. The novel depicts two daring cops on a covert mission in the 90s to challenge Karachi’s powerful mafia like political party. Created by Parisa Siddiqi and Ahmer Khan, the series is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

    Fans of Pakistan cinema and thrillers can look forward to The Prisoner delivering a captivating blend of action and drama, with a star-studded cast that promises exceptional storytelling.

    Fans will be excited to see Ayeza Khan and Fawad Khan together as they haven’t worked together since a commercial. In this series ‘The Priosner’ Fawad Khan plays DSP Akbar Khan, Ayeza Khan will play Mehreen Khan, and Bilal Abbas will portray DSP C Constantine D’Souza.

    A fan page of Fawad Khan named Dusty shared the story on his Instagram account:

  • Fawad Khan signs on for two exciting new Pakistani projects

    Fawad Khan signs on for two exciting new Pakistani projects

    Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan is making headlines again after signing on to two exciting new projects at the inaugural Tasveer Film Market.

    The Seattle based event, which focuses on South Asian cinema, wrapped up recently after showcasing a variety of talents and innovation collaborations.

    The Humsafar actor will star in ‘Behind the Scenes’ a grapping newsroom thriller developed by producers Bilal Sami, Raza Namazi, and Suri Gopalan from Film Lab++. Modoxy Media will join as an executive producer. The dark comedy promises to bring together a talented crew, including Mehreen Jabbar, Sarmad Khoosat and Mohammed Ali Naqvi, all renowned for their impressive and brilliant work in the entertainment industry.

    In addition to this project, Fawad Khan is set to play a pivotal role in ‘The Prisoner,’ a crime thriller series for Awedacious Originals. Based on Omar Shahid bestselling novel, this drama follows two daring cops on a covert mission in the 90s to challenge Karachi’s powerful mafia like political party. Created by Parisa Siddiqi and Ahmer Khan, the series is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

    In a statement to Variety magazine, executive producer Rita Mehar emphasized the importance of collaboration within the South Asian community, saying, “The collaborations formed here reflect the remarkable talent and vision within our community; this market has not only brought diverse creators together but has also created a table where filmmakers, producers, and industry leaders can exchange ideas, build relationships, and forge new paths for South Asian narratives on the global stage. It’s inspiring to see these projects come to life, and I’m proud that the inaugural Tasveer Film Market could serve as a platform for such incredible talent and meaningful partnerships.”

    The Taveer Film Market also introduced some exciting new projects, lotus Visual Productions presented ‘NISA’ directed by Ambarien Alqadar, which tell the story of a 28 year old Muslim women facing various challenges in life, At the same time, Sheila Sawhny’s ‘Lone Star Hijra’ shares the inspiring journey of an Indian American transgender woman looking for sisterhood.

    According to Variety Associate director said, “The enthusiasm and response from industry professionals has been remarkable. We look forward to witnessing the journey of the first batch of Tasveer Film Market projects.”

    With so much talent and exciting project the first Tasveer Film Market has laid a strong foundation for the future of South Asian cinema.

    Earlier, actor Fawad Khan is set to make his highly anticipated comeback, and this time he is starring opposite Vaani Kapoor in a new film tilted, ‘Abir Gulaal.’

    The film is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Indian stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures. The producers of the film are Vivek B. Agarawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy.

  • Here’s why The Legend of Maula Jatt left Babar Ali disappointed

    Here’s why The Legend of Maula Jatt left Babar Ali disappointed

    The Legend of Maula Jatt made a huge impact on the entertainment industry, turning into a money making blockbuster with over 600 crores minted at the box office. However, one of the film’s stars, Babar Ali, was disappointed over a powerful scene that was cut from the final version.

    During an appearance on After Hours, host Ushna Shah asked Babar, “You mentioned a dialogue that was cut, why was it cut out?”

    Babar Ali replied, “To make a long story short, he would say, ‘Remember one thing ‘Maulay Nu Maula Na Maray Te Maula Nahin Marda’.The way I was supposed to deliver that line was very loud, as blood was flowing through me and I was on my last breath. My wife had died, and my son was in danger with a thousand people attacking him. I was supposed to throw him away at that moment. The scene was supposed to be so intense that it was written in blood, and Maula Jatt has made 600 crores and risen above.”

    Babar still feel disappointed about missing that powerful scene that was cut from the final version.

    “Now, I feel very happy hearing that, that’s enough for me, however, there is still pain in my heart that the scene they had narrated should have been included. I think it’s a beautiful film, and the job done is commendable. I believe it should not have been cut from the audience’s perspective because you have a legendary film star delivering legendary lines. It should have been kept in, it was just crazy,” Ali added.

    Babar acknowledged Bilal Lashari’s skills, stating, “I always wanted to see how well that film was directed, and there’s no doubt about that. I’m not saying this because I’m a part of that film, it’s a source of pride for Pakistan. I think if that line had been delivered, it would have been a beautiful moment. The son carries the legacy of the father.”

    “For me, it was important to work with the director, and I told him not to cut that line,the director also acts very well, and when he says ‘action,’ I remember it. ‘If Maula does not die, then Maula does not die.’ That was supposed to be very loud; I delivered it at fifty percent of the intensity. Oh my God, at that moment, there was blood, arrows, and it was intense,” Babar added.

    The Legend of Maula Jatt, released on October 13 2022 in Pakistan.

    The film is written by Nasir Adeeb and directed by Bilal Lashari.

  • ‘I think Humsafar was initially offered to me’: Shan Shahid

    ‘I think Humsafar was initially offered to me’: Shan Shahid

     
    Imagine Humsafar without Fawad Khan. Well, it turns out that the role of Ashar was initially offered to none other than Shaan Shahid. 
     
    Recently, Shaan appeared as a guest on Coffee with Samaa, hosted by Naeem Hanif and Bushra Khan.
     
     
    The host asked, “Have you ever thought about working on the small screen or doing a major serial role in the future?”
     
    Shaan Shahid replied, “All these channels make dramas… I think Humsafar was initially offered to me, but at that time, I was very busy. I couldn’t do it.”
     
    Talking about the character he said:
     
    “The role Fawad played. I didn’t take it because I had already worked with Fawad before in Khuda Ke Liye. At that time, I had just come into the industry, and there was a band called EP. He used to make shows like Jutt and Bond. Then I met Shoiab Mansoor sahib on the set. Anyway, I felt that there is still a lot to be done in this field. We have already divided ourselves. If we don’t unite our strength and start listening to each other, it will become difficult to understand one another.” Shahid added.
     
     
    The War actor also expressed his views on the importance of bringing Pakistani content to digital platforms.

    He stated, “I believe that right now, although there are many dramas being produced on television. I would definitely do a good play if something truly inspirational comes along. So far, I haven’t come across anything that inspires me to excel. In fact, I’m surprised that we still don’t have our own OTT platforms.”
     
     
    Shaan emphasized the need for better scripts that explore untold stories in our society, saying, “I think that right now, the scripts we need are those that can explore the hidden stories in our society. A war has many tales, there are love stories too. It’s all about searching and finding what’s hidden in a particular area.”
     

  • ‘Who are we to judge someone else’s career choices’: Sadiq Saleem defends Fawad Khan

    ‘Who are we to judge someone else’s career choices’: Sadiq Saleem defends Fawad Khan

     
     Working across borders in South Asia always leads to heated debates. Despite his bonafide superstar status, Fawad Khan too is not immune to criticism on working in rival industries.
     
     
    Entertainment journalist Khaleej Time, Sadiq Saleem, defended Fawad Khan, who has faced criticism for taking on an international project.
     
     
     Saleem took to his Instagram account to support Fawad, emphasizing the bigger picture of artistic growth and global opportunities:

     “To everyone saying Fawad Khan chose an international project over Pakistan’s A-list offerings, maybe check in with your siblings working abroad. Who are we to judge someone else’s career choices? We preach about freedom and art having no boundaries, yet we complain when a major Indian banner decides to cast our star. Despite the risks, Fawad still holds major appeal in India, and the makers think that he is truly worth the risk. And let’s be real, what masterpieces have we produced lately?”
     
     
     Sadiq Saleem pointed out that while many have criticized the choice to work on Heeramandi under an Indian filmmaker, we must reflect on what our own industry has achieved over the years, “Actors can’t just sit around collecting dust. Forget him, if you were offered an international opportunity at work, wouldn’t you take it? Would you really think that if you left, your country would lose your taxes?”
     
     
    “You’d consider the bigger picture. And no one creates a ‘bigger picture’ better than YRF. Let our boy be and do his magic. We have Neelofar and Jo Bichad Gaye… if you’re craving his presence so much”, Saleem wrote.
     
    Fawad Khan is making a comeback in Bollywood projects, starring opposite Vaani Kapoor in a new film tilted ‘Abir Gulaal.’ The film is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures.

  • Fawad Khan returns to Bollywood opposite Vaani Kapoor in ‘Abir Gulaal’

    Fawad Khan returns to Bollywood opposite Vaani Kapoor in ‘Abir Gulaal’

     
    The wait is over for Bollywood cinema fans as heartthrob Fawad Khan is set to make his highly anticipated comeback, starring opposite Vaani Kapoor in a new film tilted ‘Abir Gulaal.’
     
    The film is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Indian stories, A Richer Lens and Aarjay Pictures. The producers of the film are Vivek B Agarawal, Avantika Hari and Rakesh Sippy.
     
    The shooting of the film will take place in London in October and November.
     
    According to Variety, director Bagdi has said, “The film explores the journey of two individuals who unintentionally help each other heal, with love blossoming as an unexpected consequence.”
     
     
    Fawad Khan starred in Bollywood films ‘Khoobsurat’ (2014), ‘Kapoor & Sons’ (2016), and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).

  • Which actors are Behroze Sabzwari’s favourites?

    Which actors are Behroze Sabzwari’s favourites?

     
    Veteran actor Behroze Sabwari has over fifty years of experience in the entertainment industry. When such a professional shared his favourites, we better pay attention.
     
    Talking to Gup Shab’s Vasay Chaudhry, Behroze revealed the names of his favorite actors. 
     
    The cohost Areej asked, “Sir, you have worked with many actors and actresses, who is your personal favorite actor, as an actor?”
     
     Behroze replied, “Oh, my personal favorite is Bushra Ansari because we have worked a lot together, and we have spent a lifetime together. Among the younger generation, there are many amazing ones, like Fawad Khan, who is fantastic and he is such a refined person, so as an actor, he’s number one, MashaAllah. There’s also Mahira Khan, because we did Humsafar together, the project that made both of them stars. At that time, they were just like they are now, and I swear, they’re still the same today.”

     
    Behroze Sabwari is currently starring in the drama serial Girhein and Bismil.