After devastating floods wrecked havoc in Sindh and Balochistan in 2022, singer and actor Hadiqa Kiani announced a new initiative ‘Vaseela-E-Rah’ which was set up to provide rehabilitation facilities for flood victims.
Today, Kiani took to Twitter to proudly share the success of her project, having built over at least a 100 homes, a maternity clinic, grocery store and primary school for children in Balochistan.
“As many of you know, I have been in Balochistan for the past few days…by the grace of Allah + your support, we have completed the 1st phase of our project. 100 houses are complete and now occupied by flood victims, a maternity clinic, a grocery store and a primary school..”
As many of you know, I have been in Balochistan for the past few days…by the grace of Allah + your support, we have completed the 1st phase of our project. 100 houses are complete and now occupied by flood victims, a maternity clinic, a grocery store and a primary school (1/2) pic.twitter.com/2bfPihxdHT
The actress further reflected how watching her initiative grow was a blessing, and will continue to put her efforts in providing relief to more flood victims: “Coming back to Balochistan & seeing this progress is a blessing and I am so grateful we could play our part. Vaseela-E-Raah was a mission of mine to complete, a promise I made to my mother and to the people of Balochistan, IA we will continue our efforts!”
are all complete! Coming back to Balochistan & seeing this progress is a blessing and I am so grateful we could play our part. Vaseela-E-Raah was a mission of mine to complete, a promise I made to my mother and to the people of Balochistan, IA we will continue our efforts! pic.twitter.com/OBKrldXiFh
Actor Bilal Abbas candidly opened up with Fuchsia Magazine about his experience of falling in love. He said, “So far I am not seeing anyone but I do believe in love, I do believe in marriage but I think if something has to happen it eventually happens, I don’t know why I am fumbling, I am getting confused while talking about love but it will happen when it is meant to be. Also, I will deal with such a situation despite my confusion.
The Dobara star elaborated on the concept of a soul mate, Bilal said, “I do believe in asoul mate, for me, love is about honesty, respect, loyalty, companionship, and mutual admiration with each other, if you claim that you love someone then these essentials are important, if there is nothing like that then you are just talking with each other and not in love, currently, I am not seeing anyone.
Last year the Dunk star got candid about his co-stars Sajal Aly, Yumna Zaidi, Sarah Khan, and Hadiqa Kiani.
Hailing from diverse realms of showbiz, the Pakistani showbiz industry icons have dominated the Top 50 Asian Stars list. Having greatly contributed to the entertainment industry, these Pakistanis celebrities were recognised nationally and internationally.
The list is published annually and this time, Pakistani actors and singers have made their nation proud. From Fawad Khan to Arooj Aftab, there have been eight stars who were listed among other South Asian artists on Britain’s EasternEye.
The list includes Fawad Khan, Sajal Aly, Atif Aslam, Ali Sethi and Shae Gill, Humayun Saeed, Hadiqa Kiani, Arooj Aftab, and Riz Ahmed.
In ascending order, Fawad Khan sits at number two. The handsome hunk broke records with his terrific performance in The Legend of Maula Jatt smashing all Pakistani box-office records globally.
Following Khan is the iconic singer Atif Aslam securing the 13th spot. Aslam also became the most-streamed Pakistani singer of 2022.
Sitting at number 16 is actress Sajal Aly. The diva made her international debut with the English film What’s Love Got To Do With It? that propelled her to international stardom.
At the 17th spot, we have Riz Ahmed. This British Asian actor has been shining bright like a diamond by winning a Best Live Action Short Film Oscar at the 94th Academy Awards for The Long Goodbye.
For the 38th spot, Arooj Aftab jumped in to make it to the list. The New York-based singer is the first female Pakistani artist to win a Grammy award for Best Global Music Performance, along with securing a Best New Artist nomination.
At number 40 we have the talented singer Hadiqa Kiani. The Pakistani pop icon with her soldout concerts, philanthropy, and humanitarian work during the flash floods in Pakistan helped her secure a spot on the list of accomplished artists.
Another fine actor of Lollywood who recently made his Netflix debut is Humayun Saeed sitting at number 45. Saeed’s fine acting skills helped him land a key role as Dr. Hasnat Khan in the popular The Crown series.
At number 46 is the Pasoori duo Shae Gill and Ali Sethi for the roaring success of their Coke Studio 14 single.
Leading channel ARY Digital’s drama Pinjra is a heartbreaking tale of child abuse and neglect. It’s a story that offers multiple lessons to parents by showing two contrasting households.
One household is projected as a comparatively liberal and progressive home for children, where the mother listens and communicates openly, and the other is termed as a cage.
Abhaan, belonging to the latter home is battling severe anxiety, depression, and distress due to the restricting rules instilled by his parents, Khadija (Hadiqa Kiani) and Javed (Omair Rana). In the latest episode, Abhaan takes up pills to rid himself of the pain in his life. Although he is still young, his anxiety and inability to meet his parent’s expectations lead him to consider suicide.
Parenting is a difficult job and everyone isn’t born with the right skills to know exactly how to be a “good” guardian. Narratives like Pinjra have brought out interesting pointers to consider while raising a child.
Negative Impact Of Physical Abuse
Physical abuse can never have a good outcome: it leaves prominent scars on a child’s mind. Abhaan suffers from anxiety and has a great fear of his parents due to facing physical abuse at the hands of his father. Deep down, he knows that doing anything against his parents would result in another traumatic incident, therefore Abhaan tries his best to be the ideal kid like his brother, but ends up failing each time. What’s worse is that Abhaan would have never opted for suicide or drugs if he had a parent who would listen to him, instead of abusing him.
Intense RestrictionsHave More Disadvantages
Having suffocating restrictions creates an extremely toxic environment for people, and definitely, children who are forced to live under rules that don’t let them have any freedom in life. This often creates a place that offers more distress and worries. Like Abhaan, a child can also go to a darker space towards suicidal thoughts and drug addiction. Most boundaries are instilled by parents to garner more control in their household and protect their kids from the perils of society, but sometimes it can go really far and create the opposite effect.
Child’s Choices Should Be Valued
Every child has their own likes and dislikes, and their voice counts. Their desires are valid and every parent must understand this before deciding to have a baby. Abhaan is an artistic child, different from all his siblings, and that’s his strong point. Many students aren’t good at academics but have different talents that can be nourished to make a career. Not every child needs to grow up to be a “doctor” or “engineer.” It’s a choice and should be treated as one by their parents too. Sadly, Abhaan’s parents don’t see this and unintentionally make their child suffer.
Importance Of Mutual Respect
Your child won’t respect you if you won’t do the same for them. Javed and Khadija treat their children as an extension of their own desires. They want the “perfect” child, yet ironically aren’t the best parents for them. Therefore, parents need to treat their children as separate humans that should receive respect, love, and trust
Necessary To Value Child’s Mental health
Children suffer from mental disorders and troubled traumas as well. Like adults, their struggles are valid and in need of attention from a qualified professional. Abhaan deserves to visit counselors who can guide him to a better outlet for his miseries in life, but again his anxiety and depression are not taken seriously, resulting in a devastating outcome in the end. Parents should regard their child’s mental health with the same importance as their physical health, both are equally responsible for creating a child fit.
Singer and actor Hadiqa Kiani mother Khawar Kiani, who was also a renowned poetess, has passed away.
The announcement came out through Hadiqa’s personal Instagram, which read: “Mother, grandmother, and poetess Khawar Kiani passed away peacefully at her home today, surrounded by her family and friends. We ask everyone to please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
As soon as the news broke out, many actors from the entertainment industry mourned Hadiqa’s loss. Actor Omair Rana wrote: “My deepest Deepest condolences Hadiqa Jee. I pray Allah grants you the Sabr needed at this time.” Whereas, Muniba Mazari commented: “Meri piyari Ammi! Inna Lillahi wa ilayhi raji’un!.”
Actress Sakina Samo also payed her condolences on the Instagram post.
Khawar Kiani was a well-known poetess, who wrote some very famous hit Pakistani songs including Boohey Barian, Intehai Shauq, Aas Pass and the Cricket World Cup 1999 anthem. She also wrote numerous critically acclaimed books.
Last year Hadiqa posted a long note in which she appreciated the government’s new policy related to allowing children of single mothers eligible to acquire CNIC without father’s information.
In a ruling, the Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) to issue a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) to a woman who didn’t know about her father’s whereabouts, reported Samaa.
The Zindagi Gulzar Hai singer stated: “Only Allah knows the hardships a single mother faces in our country. Today I have been sent so many clips from my conversation with Sameena Peerzada regarding only the surface of those hard realities but today our country has taken one step forward. I am so grateful to the courageous men and women who fought to make this change. Let’s continue on the right path, let’s make a stronger and safer Pakistan.”
Veteran actor and singer Bushra Ansari recently appeared as a guest on Tabish Hashmi’s show, Hasna Mana Hai. The Udaari star opened up on the show whether her singing reality show, Pakistan Idol was scripted or not.
The legendary artist stated that although the show undoubtedly highlighted singing talent, some of it was staged. She claimed that while Ali Azmat could play the part, she had a very compassionate personality and couldn’t be harsh to people or exterminate them, whereas Hadiqa had a balanced attitude to strictness.
She continued by saying that she even asked management to fire her because she was unable to treat people harshly. They then played her videos of Indian Idol judges, especially Sunidhi Chauhan’s videos of interacting with contestants.
In the videos, Sunidhi was shown thrashing the contestants.
Ansari also added that several contestants on the show were merely included for comedy effect and were not meant to be taken seriously, as per the international format of the show.
June 21 is celebrated as World Music Day. The world music day calls for—music, of course.
Possibly the ubiquitous form of art is music: you hear it blaring at rallies, long marches, softly playing in the background at restaurants, and in the shower as a family member pretends to be a rockstar.
The Current has compiled a list of ten songs to honor Pakistani music and the many forms, from qawwali to rap, that our country has produced.
Ye Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai by Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2. Boohey Bariyaan by Hadiqa Kiani
3. Mahiya Tere Pyar Nai by Fariha Pervez
4. Kaho Ek Din by Ahmed Jehanzaib
5. Kameez Teri Kali by Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi
6. Aankhon ke Sagar by Shafqat Amanat Ali
7. Baaghi by Shuja Haider
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPD82TLfIR4
8. Kana Yaari by Kaifi Khalil, Eva B and Wahab Bugti
Star-singer Hadiqa Kiani took to her Instagram stories to address the frequent thieving of her songs. This time around, Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor’s rendition of Boohey Barian, titled Buhe Baariyan, has become the focal point of Hadiqa’s anger.
Posted on Saregama Music’s YouTube channel, the song has credited Gourov Dasgupta and Shruti Rane as composers, with lyrics being credited to Kunwar Juneja.
Turning to her Instagram stories, the Dobara star spoke out about yet another rendition of her classic ‘Boohey Barian’ by an Indian singer adding to the long list. “Another day and another shameless rendition of the song my mother wrote,” Hadiqa penned along with the clip of Kapoor’s latest release.
In 1998, Hadiqa released her second album, Roshni, that featured songs which still remain etched onto the hearts of music fanatics. Amongst the many songs on the album, Boohey Barian, the sixth single on the album by Kiani, resonated and struck a chord with so many people that it is still considered to be one of the most well-known Pakistani songs.
In her stories, the Zindagi Gulzar Hai crooner addresses how in “another shameless rendition of the song [her] mother wrote,” no one has asked for permission or given her royalties, using the song as an easy “money-making scheme.” She then lists examples of when the song has been stolen.
She mentions that if she can chart the due process of royalties when covering songs, others continue to fall short, especially given that she is alive and well. She talks about how she wants to be flattered by these covers, given that it can be seen as a form of paying tribute, but others profiting off of her work is simply not right. Hadiqa also makes it clear that she has nothing against the singer or anyone else who sings her song – it is the process that irks her. She ends the first story by saying, “Anyways, the theft of Pakistani music continues.”
Ace director Nabeel Qureshi took to his stories to call Kanika Kapoor a “chor,” suggesting that Hadiqa Kiani take action against the song, given the YouTube channel a strike. He stated that the need to take a stand is essential.
The Dobara star took to her stories once again to double down on the fact that she owns all rights to Boohey Barian, stating that with all documents proving her ownership, her team will be taking action. She reiterates that no company or entity has been given masters or rights to the song. She ends her story by stating that she has stayed silent for long enough.
Recently, an Indian influencer Diet Sabya claimed that Saregama owns the rights, whereas another claim stated that the original owner sold the full rights to the master, speculating that Hadiqa’s mother may have sold the rights to a label in Pakistan, which was then probably acquired by Saregama.
This was promptly refuted by Hadiqa, who reiterated that she has never sold any rights to her songs. She went on to mention that many people have illegally claimed her songs since the 90s, but she and her team are now taking appropriate action to prevent this from happening, ensuring justice is served.
Now Kapoor has responded to Kiani’s accusations of plagiarising her popular hit number, Boohey Barian on her social media handle.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, the Baby Doll hit-maker alleged that anyone who heard the song would know that from “antras to everything”, the song is “completely original”.
Kapoor told the publication, “It’s a folk song and there are many that we have heard online and nobody has ever said anything about it.”
The Kamlee crooner also mentioned that they have not “copy-pasted” any old folk song.
“We used two lines as inspiration. It is very unfair to the writer Kunwar Juneja and Shruti Rane who composed this new song. Also, it is unfair to me if anybody says that I am trying to steal someone’s work,” she had explained.
The singer also expressed her disappointment with the allegations about “not giving them right credit”.
She commented, “I think instead of going negative, we have to come together and help each other to grow.”
Adding to this, she also stated that nothing was done intentionally.
“We all are credible people. There has not been any intent of fleecing any videos or stealing anybody’s work,” she noted.
Meanwhile, the Chittiyan Kalaiyan artist extended her apology and said that she was sorry “if they upset anybody’s emotions”.
To this end, Kapoor also said that she had huge respect for “Pakistani singers and music”.
On the morning show hosted by Nida Yasir, actor and singer Hadiqa Kiani opened up on topics ranging from her professional life to her personal life. The Raqeeb Se diva also opened up about her failed marriage with Syed Fareed Sarwary, a UK-based Afghan businessman.
During the interview, the host asked Hadiqa Kiani about her former husband, how she met him, and the reason for her divorce. “It was a completely arranged marriage,” the singer responded. “He was a 3D animator and used to make my videos in the 90s.”
“He fell in love with me,” she added. “One of our mutual friends helped him in sending a marriage proposal to my house. My family accepted the proposal since they were already looking for a proposal for me.”
“The major obstacle in my marriage was his mother,” the singer continued. “She had a problem with my music. We lived together for five and a half years and after that, we parted ways.”
“The biggest mistake I made was that when I was engaged to him I was not happy and satisfied with it, but during this time period he attempted suicide by eating pills, which changed my mind about it,” Kiani recalled.
The Dobara star then revealed that she later married an Afghani man who lived in United Kingdom to give her child a surname and to complete his paperwork.
Last year she took to her Instagram handle and posted a long note in which she appreciated the government’s new policy related to allow children of single mothers eligible to acquire CNIC without father’s information.
In a ruling, the Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) to issue Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) to a woman who didn’t know about her father’s whereabouts.
The Zindagi Gulzar Hai singer stated: “Only Allah knows the hardships a single mother faces in our country. Today I have been sent so many clips from my conversation with Sameena Peerzada regarding only the surface of those hard realities but today our country has taken one step forward. I am so grateful to the courageous men and women who fought to make this change. Let’s continue on the right path, let’s make a stronger and safer Pakistan.”
Hadiqa adopted her son Naad-E-Ali in 2005 from Edhi Foundation, and has raised her child as a single mother.
Actor Osman Khalid Butt recently took to his Twitter to lash out at primary suspect, Zahir Jaffer in the Noor Mukadam murder case.
He penned, “After all this time, not a hint of remorse. Not a hint of shame. I hope you rot in the deepest pits of hell, Zahir.”
The actor made his remarks in the response to Jaffer who retracted his confessional statement and refuted all the allegations of the murder of Noor Mukadam.
Zahir recently said that Noor called her friends at his house for a drug party, and she was murdered by someone else, maybe someone present at the drug party, and not him.
After all this time, not a hint of remorse. Not a hint of shame. I hope you rot in the deepest pits of hell, Zahir. https://t.co/YaHAQbuAni
Several celebrities have shown their concerns over the delayed justice to the victim including Hadiqa Kiani and Adnan Siddiqui.
Why is court dragging its feet when there’s stark evidence against that monster? Such an obnoxious misuse of money, clout and nexus to delay justice. #noormuqadam
Another day and another obscene abuse of power, evidence and victim blaming. #NoorMuqaddam’s story shall not be forgotten, we demand justice and we demand it now! Enough with the delays, the excuses and the insanity. We demand justice for Noor. Enough is enough
Earlier this month, a local court in Islamabad, requested the Islamabad High Court (IHC) grant additional time to complete the trial. The murder trial began in October 2021.
Noor Mukadam was brutally murdered in Islamabad on July 20 at Zahar’s residence. Her death sparked national outrage, including protests and candlelight vigils across the country. The Islamabad police arrested main suspect Zahir on the night of July 20 from his house.
