Tag: Hareem Farooq

  • ‘I feel like I have royal blood in me’: Hareem Farooq

    ‘I feel like I have royal blood in me’: Hareem Farooq

    Actress Hareem Farooq, who is currently playing a negative role in the recently released drama Bismil, has revealed that as a child, she felt she was part of a royal family and always dreamed of becoming a princess like Lady Diana.

    Hareem Farooq appeared on Nida Yasir’s morning show, accompanied by other actors from Sawira Nadeem Samit’s Bismil team.

    In response to a question during the show, Hareem said, “Since childhood, I had a desire to be a princess like Lady Diana, and I always used to ask my parents about my relationship with the royal family.”

    According to the actress, she felt she was part of the royal family and only wanted to be a princess, but her parents always forbade her from having such dreams.

    She said, “When the ghost of becoming Lady Diana left my mind, I thought of becoming a social leader like Mother Teresa.”

    She added, “Then I considered that to become like Mother Teresa, I would have to make a lot of sacrifices; I would have to give up a lot, which is a difficult task, so I gave up that intention too.”

    Farooq clarified that she never considered becoming an actress as a child; she did not want such a life. The actress said that she is a woman who enjoys life, and “the day I do not laugh, I feel that my life has been spent in vain.”

    According to her, “Problems come in everyone’s life, and problems have to end one day, but it is good to face problems and live with a smile and always thank God.”

  • ’22 Qadam’ is the long awaited sports drama Pakistan truly needed

    ’22 Qadam’ is the long awaited sports drama Pakistan truly needed

    It’s no surprise that Pakistan is bursting with stories that desperately need to be told on the big screen, but our attention always falls back to the same old ‘saas bahu jhagray’. But this time, Green Entertainment is proving that good, diverse story telling is back in the game with a series of dramas released last week that have been receiving praise from audiences. Among them ’22 Qadam’ looks like a real game-changer because it is truly the first time that we’re getting a good sports drama, that too about women.

    There haven’t been good sports biopics made on Pakistani players, considering how impressive the list of icons is. There was the rare gem of a telefilm ‘Bhaag Amina Bhaag’ released in 2011, starring Amina Sheikh as female Pakistani athlete Naseem Hamid, who won a gold medal at the 11th South Asian Games in Bangladesh. Since then, a biopic on Shoaib Akhtar was in the works but the former cricket star announced that he was leaving the project. It’s disappointing how no attempt was made by our entertainment industry to explore the lives of sports stars, but it feels like ’22 Qadam’ is taking a step in the right direction. The story revolves around a woman’s passion for cricket, leading her to becoming a national player.

    Helmed by the powerful performances by Hareem Farooq and Wahaj Ali, ’22 Qadam is for all those who grew up loving the Bollywood film ‘Chak De! India’ and how it championed women in sports, a long neglected issue that remains pushed out of the spotlight because of patriarchal assumptions that women can’t play sports, and how underfunded this issue remains. The series focuses on a spirited, confident woman Fari who dreams of becoming a cricket player, and her luck turns around when she gets an opportunity to meet the famous cricket player Sana Mir, who makes a cameo in the second episode as a visitor in a girl’s college, and advises Fari to never give up on her dream. As Fari is climbing up the ladder to success, the series alternates with the story of Jimmy, a former cricket star who after an injury, was forced to give up on the game and take a back seat.

    “When we came up with this concept,” Farooq told The Current when the series was announced. “The thought behind it was that we need to empower women in the best way possible and there is no way better than projecting women in sports. Cricket, especially being the most loved sport in South-Asia.”

    She also stressed on the importance of such a drama that would not only be enjoyed by people, but also educate them about breaking stereotypes, calling ’22 Qadam’: ‘the voice of the unheard’.

    Since the two episodes went up on social media, clearly online audiences share our joy because the feedback has been nothing but positive.

  • Wahaj Ali, Hareem Farooq’s upcoming drama ’22 Qadam’ is an ode to women in sports

    If fans haven’t had enough of Wahaj Ali in ‘Tere Bin’ and ‘Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha’ then they’re in for a treat. His next drama is unique because it explores the issue of women in sports.

    Ali shared a first look of the venture where he will be playing a cricketer, writing on Instagram about the drama’s premise which is about supporting women cricket players.

    “As a society we need to promote women coming into all professional fields – from sports to sciences. The roots of 22 Qadam are embedded in inspiring and taking pride in the dreams and achievements of our women.”

    The female lead of this drama is going to be played by ‘Sar-e-Rah’ actor Hareem Farooq, who will essay the role of a small town girl named Fari, who dreams of becoming a cricketer.

    The Current reached out to Farooq on why she had chosen to become a part of this project, and she responded:

    “When we came up with this concept, the thought behind it was that we need to empower women in the best way possible and there is no way better than projecting women in sports. Cricket, especially being the most loved sport in South-Asia.”

    Farooq also reflected on how women like Sana Mir, who is a commentator and former cricket captain, served as inspiration for the drama by breaking stereotypes:

    “The first person that comes to our mind when you talk about women and cricket is Sana Mir, she’s been an inspiration for so many women out there. It is just about breaking stereotypes and the taboos out there that women can also excel in sports, and if nothing else it makes you more independent and gives you that confidence that allows you to face the world in the best way possible.”

    Hareem Farooq said that she feels that society needs the kind of entertainment where people are not just enjoying themselves but are also educated that stereotypes and taboos can be broken. “Even women, infact everybody, can achieve their dreams if they’re passionate about it.”

    Speaking about her character, the actress said that her character Fari dreams of playing for the national cricket team and making her country proud:

    “I play the character of Fari, who is this bubbly and happy girl who wants to spread joy and happiness where ever she goes. But she has a dream and a passion she wants to follow and she is determined to do that. In this way breaking stereotypes and taboos by playing for the national team and make her country proud, and make her parents proud. It is a journey of achieving that dream and the up’s and down’s she goes through, and how or will she ever be able to achieve that dream.”

    In many ways, Farooq says that ’22 Qadam’ is a groundbreaking show because it is “the voice of the unheard.”

    The drama is written by Zeeshan Ilyas and directed by Anjum Shahzad.

  • Saba, Mawra, Shoaib and other celebrities pen Merry Christmas wishes to fans who are celebrating

    Saba, Mawra, Shoaib and other celebrities pen Merry Christmas wishes to fans who are celebrating

    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.

    Actress and model, Sunita Marshal share her photo on her Instagram wishing happily Christmas while wearing a red party hat.

    Baaghi diva, Saba Qamar wished Quaid Day to the whole nation and Christmas those are celebrating on her Twitter.

    Janaan actress, Hareem Farooq also wished the similar greetings

    Pakistani singer, Aima Baig took her picture with a bright Christmas tree and wished happy holidays to everyone

    Former Cricketer, Shoaib Akhtar also did not miss an opportunity to wish ‘Merry Christmas’ to all the people around the globe.

    Meray Paas Tum Ho fame actor, Adnan Siddiqui also penned down the beautiful prayers to the Christian community on his Twitter.

    Actress and model, Nadia Hussain, tweeted wishing happy holidays and Christmas to the Pakistani Christian community.

    Actress, Ushna Shah, tweeted greetings in a unique way. She wished Christmas in the traditional Spanish language which means Merry Christmas.

    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.

  • Ayesha, Sanam and Hareem enjoy ‘girls night out’ in glamorous outfits

    Ayesha, Sanam and Hareem enjoy ‘girls night out’ in glamorous outfits

    A-list actresses Ayesha Omar, Sanam Jung and Hareem Farooq hung out together at their mutual friend Nina Kashif’s home. The trio posed for pictures together at the dinner party in Karachi.

    The Alvida star ringed in her birthday.

    Earlier Ayesha and Sanam bonded at an award function’s pre-bash in Canada.

    SANAM JUNG on Instagram: “beauties  ° ° @jung_sanam @ayesha.m.omar  @yumnazaidiofficial #sanam… | Pakistani fashion, Pakistani wedding dresses,  Simple kurta designs

    The Qarar diva revealed that she and Hareem reunited after almost five to six years.

    The two worked together in the Adnan Siddiqui starrer Mere Humdum Mere Dost.

    Mere Humdum Mere Dost | Ep.01 | Urdu1 TV | Pakistani Dramas | Adnan  Siddiqui | Sanam Jhang - YouTube
  • Video: When Alizeh Shah confessed disliking Fawad Khan and Hareem Farooq

    Video: When Alizeh Shah confessed disliking Fawad Khan and Hareem Farooq

    Actor Alizeh Shah is currently amongst the most sought after actresses of Pakistan. A clip featuring the Ehad-e-Wafa star has resurfaced on the internet in which she is expressing her feelings for superstar Fawad Khan and contemporary Hareem Farooq.

    The Jo Tu Chahay diva has clearly confessed that she dislikes the Fawad Khan and prefers Hamza Ali Abbasi and Ali Zafar over him.

    Ali Zafar | Spotify - Listen Free
    Hamza Ali Abbasi Bids Farewell To Showbiz To Preach Message of God & Islam

    She also made it clear that the Parchi star will never get a ride in her car.

    On the work front, Alizeh will be seen next in Lekin opposite Ali Rehman Khan and Khushal Khan.

  • Faryal Mehmood quits social media after controversial statements on Ahsan Khan’s show

    Faryal Mehmood quits social media after controversial statements on Ahsan Khan’s show

    Faryal Mehmood recently appeared on Ahsan Khan’s show, Time Out with Ahsan Khan and the audience’s response to her controversial statements led her to deactivating her social media accounts.

    Faryal broke her silence on her divorce with Danyal Raheal and confirmed that she is single and ready to mingle on being asked by the Udaari hero.

    The Raqeeb Se star received criticism from netizens for her take on Body Shaming in reference to her former comment on Hareem Farooq.

    Read More: ‘It’s professional jealousy, she body shamed me’: Faryal opens up on ‘war’ with Sonya Hussyn

    The Babban Khala Ki Betiyan diva went on to defend herself by saying there was no need for anyone to get offended. Why? Because she has been body-shamed so she understands how it feels.

    She added that since she was able to get slimmer so it is no rocket science and that Hareem can also do it. The Dassi star termed Sonya as the perpetrator and finds it a case of professional jealousy.

  • PM Imran Khan expresses grief over ‘Uncle Sargam’s’ demise

    Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed his grief over the death of Farooq Qaiser, the voice of the legendary fictional character Uncle Sargam.

    “Saddened to learn of Farooq Qaiser’s death,” wrote the PM on Twitter. “He was not just a performer but would constantly raise awareness about social injustices and issues.”

    “My condolences and prayers go to his family,” added the premier.

    Farooq Qaiser passed away on Saturday, May 14 after suffering a heart attack, his grandson Muhammad confirmed to Pakistan Television News (PTV).

    Besides PM Imran, other prominent personalities including Fawad Chaudhry, Humayun Saeed Adnan Siddiqui, Shaan Shahid, Ali Zafar and Maryam Nawaz also expressed their grief over the death of the legendary artist.

    Born in 1945 in Sialkot, Farooq Qaiser was a renowned puppeteer, artist and columnist and was associated with PTV from 1976. Qaiser spent his early childhood in Peshawar and Kohat and in 1970 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore. Later he received a master’s degree in Graphic Arts from Bucharest, Romania in 1976 and also trained for puppetry there.

    He also received his master’s degree in Mass Communication in 1999 from the University of Southern California, School for Communication and Journalism, United States.

    With a prolific career, Qaiser was the recipient of the Pride of Performance Award (1993), the Lifetime Achievement Award (2010) and PTV’s Silver Jubilee Award besides many other national and international titles.

    Rest in peace Uncle Sargam! You have been an important part of our childhood.

  • Mohsin Naveed Ranjha offers to help struggling designers

    Mohsin Naveed Ranjha offers to help struggling designers

    Mohsin Naveed Ranjha has opened up on the ‘heavy discrimination’ in the fashion industry and has announced that he is opening his doors for young designers struggling to establish themselves in the fashion business.

    In a detailed note posted to social media, the internationally acclaimed designer said: “The fashion fraternity in Pakistan and internationally at large faces heavy discrimination.”

    “Having gone through a time where I have struggled to make a name and a repute for myself, the hardships that paved the way and the challenges that brought me to the point I am in today made me promise myself in the past that if I ever get to make a name, I’d help and promote local art and partisanship.”

    Expressing his disappointment over the lack of support for debut designers, Ranjha said: “Seeing the sheer mockery and fun that was made of debut designers in the past bridal week has left me shattered and utterly disappointed.”

    “Liking or disliking someone’s work is totally subjective but putting someone down like that and disrespecting them is something that has made me want to address this,” he added.

    Read more – HBCW21: More stars than fashion

    The designer continued: “Leaving the good and bad to the critiques, let’s talk about how much hard work, dedication and labour each bridal wear takes to make. Each artisan spending hours and hours of their life trying to fulfil and perfect the look. How everyone associated with each stitch of the garment is being disrespected.”

    Announcing his decision to support budding artists, Ranjha said: “We would feel happy to help a fellow member of the fraternity, regardless of scale and experience, and inculcate a culture of love, friendship, and togetherness.”

    “We’ve had enough of bullying and disrespect in the name of criticism and this by no means equates to me to encouraging and supporting copy cats, it’s just realising that maybe with some support and love to these in need,” he concluded.

    Hareem Farooq lauded Mohsin for taking this step, saying: “Well said, and what a beautiful thought! You are a gem! This world needs more amazing people like you.”

    “Sending dhair saari duas your way,” she added.

    An established designer, Ranjha has dressed a plethora of celebrities from Maya Ali to Ranveer Singh besides designing outfits for hundreds of brides across Pakistan.

  • Do Hareem Farooq and SRK think alike?

    Do Hareem Farooq and SRK think alike?

    Shah Rukh Khan recently posted a picture of himself playing pool on Instagram, captioning it: “As long as there is pink in the world, it will always be a better place.”

    The actor was seen sporting long locks in the picture, reportedly his look for his upcoming action-thriller Pathan.

    Hours after SRK’s post, Hareem Farooq shared a picture with a caption similar to the Bollywood star’s.

    “As long as there’s pink in the world it will always be a better place,” Hareem wrote alongside a picture of herself wearing a pink dress.

    When a follower asked Hareem if she had copied SRK’s caption, the actor said that she “had no idea” King Khan had posted the same caption.

    “I guess we think alike,” remarked Hareem.

    In response to Hareem’s comments, the user replied: “No doubt you think like a superstar.”

    Meanwhile, another Instagram user commented: “We all copy the captions from somewhere.”