Tag: humayun saeed

  • ‘Bollywood films should be screened in Pakistan’: Humayun Saeed

    ‘Bollywood films should be screened in Pakistan’: Humayun Saeed

    Pakistani actor and producer Humayun Saeed was a guest on Samaa TV’s ‘Gup Shab’ where he was asked about his opinion on whether Bollywood films should screen in Pakistani cinemas by a member of the studio audience. The actor responded:

    “They should screen in our cinemas. I have never been against this decision. Bollywood produces a lot of films and releases four films every week, while we release less films. But a cinema should always screen more films regardless of which country they’re from. Whether they’re from Hollywood, Turkey, we should keep screening films in our cinemas, so that people keep going to cinemas.”

    Humayun previously spoke in favour of strengthening ties between Bollywood and Pakistani actors. In August, during an interview with Bollywood Hungama, the ‘Mere Pass Tum Ho’ actor recalled meeting Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan telling him in 2005 that Pakistani films should play in India.

    READ MORE: Humayun Saeed reveals Shah Rukh Khan once told him Pakistani films should release in India

    “There was a lot of excitement when I met Shah Rukh. He was very sweet to me. We were in his room and he made me sit with him and discussed Indian and Pakistan films with me. That time there was a Mehreen Jabbar and a Shaan film in the theatres and SRK was talking about them. He said that Pakistani films should be released in India and vice versa. He made me comfortable. Since I had just come the previous day to the sets, I did not know exactly what to do. Shah Rukh said ‘main sambhal lunga.’ The overall moment was very special.”

  • ‘Do takkay ki larki’ ka yeh matlab nahi’: Adnan Siddiqui defends controversial dialogue from Mere Pass Tum Ho

    ‘Do takkay ki larki’ ka yeh matlab nahi’: Adnan Siddiqui defends controversial dialogue from Mere Pass Tum Ho

    Adnan Siddiqui appeared on a recent episode of Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast ‘Excuse Me’ where he addressed his role in the controversial drama ‘Mere Pass Tum Ho’ and the dialogue ‘do takkay ki larki’ which sparked intense outrage from women in Pakistan.

    Butt revealed that he had a conversation with the writer Khalil ul Rehman about the line, to which the writer had responded that he used the word ‘larki’ for one woman. Siddiqui pointed out it was solely directed towards the female character Mehwish (played by Ayeza Khan) rather than a generalisation of all women. He further stressed that audiences should contextualise the dialogue within the drama.

    “Mehwish and Shehwaar were both equally blamed for this. Danish, who was deeply in love with his wife, sacrificed a lot for her happiness and was madly in love with her. When he discovered the affair he was outraged, which led to the dialogue. In his rage, he couldn’t use a slur because he’s a man of culture. So this was his slur. Let’s stick to that scenario because that dialogue was solely meant for Mehwish and not all women of Pakistan.”

    The host behind reality TV series ‘Tamasha’ urged audiences not to conflate characters to real-life people, pointing out that the characters in the story line were not a reflection of reality.

  • Teaser of Pak-Turkish series ‘Kudüs Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi’ reveals glimpses of a promising show

    Teaser of Pak-Turkish series ‘Kudüs Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi’ reveals glimpses of a promising show

    November is about to become an exciting month for Pakistani audiences with the upcoming Pak-Turkish collaboration ‘Kudüs Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi’, an exploration of the life of Ayyubid Dynasty founder Saladin, set for release. This is the first time Pakistani and Turkish actors are collaborating together for a drama, with veteran actors Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui and Pakistani film producers Dr. Kashif Ansari and Dr. Junaid Ali Shah.

    Siddiqui shared a teaser of the upcoming series which will pay homage to the legacy of Selahaddin Eyyubi and how his goal was to unite Syria, Egypt, Palestine and Mesopotamia territories under his rule.

    “He was a man with exceptional courage, deep sense of justice, and a symbol of honour and bravery. Here’s an ode to his chivalry, nobility, military prowess, and his ability to unite the Islamic world during the Crusades as we bring alive the legacy of Selahaddin Eyyubi on November 13, at 9PM on TRT.”

    Adnan previously shared the official poster on his Instagram account which featured main actors Ugur Gunes, Dilin Doger and Mehmet Ali Nuroglu. In the caption, the actor wrote:

    “Transport yourself to the 12th century and immerse in the extraordinary saga of Selahaddin Eyubbi, the revered warrior and the founding sultan of Egypt and Syria. The Selahaddin Eyubbi series is set to premiere on TRT, airing every Monday at 9 PM starting November 13th, bringing to life the awe-inspiring story of the sultan.”

    Speaking to Independent Urdu, producers Dr Kashif Ansari and Dr Junaid Ali Shah of Ansari & Shah Films said:

    “The idea to make a series on [Salahuddin] came about because he was a history-making undisputed ruler in the history of Muslims, admired and respected by Muslims and non-Muslims alike,” opined Dr Ansari.

    “This series isn’t meant to be just for the Muslims or Pakistanis or Turkish people. It’s meant to show a great Muslim ruler whose courage, bravery and just nature was appreciated by his opponents as well,” he further stressed.

    Junaid Ali Shah further elaborated that the target of the show’s audience is mostly the six billion non-Muslims who were unaware of the work of Muslim rulers.

  • Khalil-ul-Rehman Qamar is still not over Mahira Khan schooling him for his misogyny

    Khalil-ul-Rehman Qamar is still not over Mahira Khan schooling him for his misogyny

    Controversial drama writer Khalil-ul-Rehman Qamar has said that he will never work with superstar Mahira Khan again. The writer had landed in a storm when during a TV appearance alongside journalist Marvi Sarmad on Neo TV, he hurled swear words at her after she chanted the famous Aurat March slogan ‘Mera jism meri marzi’. Several prominent figures lashed out at Qamar on his misogynist behavior, including actress Mahira Khan. Her outspoken condemnation became the source of a grudge against the actress that Qamar seems to carry till date.

    How dare a woman correct a man for using degrading, disgusting language against another woman, right?

    Recently, while talking on ‘Public Demand with Mohsin Abbas Haider’ the ‘Mere Pass Tum Ho’ writer was asked about whether he would ever ‘forgive’ Mahira Khan. Qamar replied that despite efforts made by others to fix the feud between the two, the screen writer has no desire to ever work with the actress again.

    “I’m still shocked today that the way the two of us respected each other, it gave her no right to tweet the way she did. She had every right to phone me, she could have discussed with me and I could have explained…She is a beautiful and accomplished actress but I’ll never be able to work with her.”

    Mahira has never publicly expressed regret or spoken about the feud, however, KRQ keeps talking about it three years later, openly expressing resentment towards her.

    Last year, KRQ shared a screenshot of Mahira condemning the brutal language Khalil used against Marvi, and in the caption he wrote: “May iska behad ehtram karta tha lekin iski ye zaban aur ghatiapan mujhay martay dam tk nahi bhoolay ga.”

    Like last year, KRQ shared a screenshot of Mahira ciondemning the brutal language Khalil used against Marvi, and in the caption he wrote: “May iska behad ehtram karta tha lekin iski ye zaban aur ghatiapan mujhay martay dam tk nahi bhoolay ga.”

    During an interview with Nadir Ali in October 2022, KRQ said Mahira had lost out on the opportunity to star in ‘London Nahi Jaungi’ and ‘Mere Pass Tum Ho’ because of her comments.

  • ‘Best of luck’: Celebrities rally behind Imran Ashraf as he begins hosting Mazaaq Raat

    ‘Best of luck’: Celebrities rally behind Imran Ashraf as he begins hosting Mazaaq Raat

    TV fans were left heartbroken when popular actor, screenwriter and host of the late night comedy show ‘Mazaaq Raat’ Vasay Chaudhry left the show. There was a lot of anticipation about who would be the next person to fill Chaudhry’s shows. Last week it was revealed that the next host would be none other than Imran Ashraf.

    A week ago, Ashraf officially began his stint as a television host, requested fans for their love and prayers in an Instagram post.

    “Apki muhabbat aur dua ki hamaisha ki tarah zaroorat hai.”

    Celebrities like Humayun Saeed, Yasir Hussain and Hira Mani flooded the comments section with positive accolades, and sending their prayers to the ‘Ranjha Ranjha Kardi’ actor for his show.

    In a recent post, Imran thanked his fans and everyone else for the love and support he was receiving.

  • Fawad Khan, Wahaj Ali spotted at star-studded National Icon Awards

    Fawad Khan, Wahaj Ali spotted at star-studded National Icon Awards

    The National Icon Awards 2023 were held on Sunday with the top celebrities of Pakistan in attendance to watch their colleagues be honored for contributions to the field of arts and culture.

    Popular A-listers like Mawra Hocane, Wahaj Ali and Fawad Khan were present at the ceremony.

    Actor Wahaj Ali received the National Icon Award 2023, while veteran actors Meera and Resham watched on along with the outgoing Minister for Information, Marriyum Aurangzeb.

    Nadia Jamil shared a clip of the outfit she wore to the awards, thanking Marriyum Aurangzeb for recognising an industry that had been aching for the respect and support of the state.

    The actress also lauded producer Zulfikaar’s comments on the need for smaller cinemas which are cheaper, since bigger cinemas charge around Rs 1500-2000 per person to watch a film.

    Producer and actor Humayun Saeed called it a “privilege and honor” to be acknowledged by the state, and praised them for implementing the Film and Music Legislation which will help revive the film industry.

    Actor Fawad Khan spoke about hoping that the film industry becomes independent to the point that it doesn’t need to rely on the government for support.

  • Celebrities send out prayers and hopes for a prosperous tomorrow on Independence Day

    Celebrities send out prayers and hopes for a prosperous tomorrow on Independence Day

    On August 14, the National Independence Day of Pakistan, entertainment and sports stars are celebrating the occasion by sharing messages of hope and prosperity with their millions of followers. Let’s see what some prominent figures have to say.

    Singer and activist Shehzad Roy shared a song by Imran Akhood, who wrote a song about every Pakistani’s right to make a fair living.

    Actor and producer Humayun Saeed prayed for Allah to bless the nation with strength and traits that lead to progress and prosperity.

    Cricket player Shaheen Shah Afridi celebrated the day with a post on his Instagram stories, praying for peace and prosperity.

    Singer and actor Ahmed Ali Butt shared an Instagram post where he hoped one day, Pakistan would truly meet the definition of ‘Azaadi’ by being ‘debt-free, progress-minded and not suppressed.”

  • Mahira Khan, Nina Kashif buy rights to ‘This House of Clay and Water’

    Mahira Khan, Nina Kashif buy rights to ‘This House of Clay and Water’

    Actress Mahira Khan is about to attempt changing the Pakistani entertainment industry for good by bringing forward an array of unique projects. Yesterday, author Faiqa Mansab announced on her Instagram page that the actress, along with producer Nina Kashif had brought the rights to her novel ‘This House Of Clay And Water’ under the banner of Soul Fry Films. Mahira is grounded yet a true superstar, the novelist wrote, adding that her book is in good hands:

    “I am so happy to have Mahira and Nina at the helm for this project because they really get the essence of this story. I was immediately won over by Mahira, who is grounded and yet a true superstar. In a few words she showed me how deeply she understood my novel. Few people have shown such insight. My novel is in extremely good hands. I look forward to seeing it on screen. Thank you to all who believe in my stories!”

    In a statement released to Book Brunch, Mahira and Nina called the novel “one of the most poetic pieces of writing”:

    ‘This book is one of the most poetic pieces of writing that we have come across from our part of the world. Each character stays with you, you feel invested in all of them. A story that is so different and yet so rooted. It would be an honor for us to adapt it for our screen audience. We are so grateful to Faiqa for putting her trust in us with what we feel is a piece of her heart, and now ours.”

    ‘The House Of Clay And Water’ was released in May 2017 and explores the lives of two women, Nida and Sasha and how they navigate a world that makes them feel alienated.

  • Humayun Saeed reveals Shah Rukh Khan once told him Pakistani films should release in India

    Humayun Saeed reveals Shah Rukh Khan once told him Pakistani films should release in India

    Humayun Saeed spoke with Indian publication Bollywood Hungama where he talked about his hit drama ‘Mere Pass Tum Ho’ which is set to release on Zindagi across India. The actor also opened up about his memory of working next to Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan back in 2005, when the two performed together for the Zee Cine Awards.

    Saeed revealed that the Bollywood Badshah was incredibly sweet, treating the actor with a lot of respect because Humayun was not sure about how the performance should take place. Khan also told Humayun that he felt Pakistani dramas should be released in India:

    “There was a lot of excitement when I met Shah Rukh. He was very sweet to me. We were in his room and he made me sit with him and discussed Indian and Pakistan films with me. That time there was a Mehreen Jabbar and a Shaan film in the theatres and SRK was talking about them. He said that Pakistani films should be released in India and vice versa. He made me comfortable. Since I had just come the previous day to the sets, I did not know exactly what to do. Shah Rukh said ‘main sambhal lunga.’ The overall moment was very special.”

    Actor Adnan Siddiqui also gave an interview to Indian Express where he said that there should be no boundaries when it comes to art, and also felt that Pakistani audiences were much more tolerant compared to Indian ones.

    “Art has no boundaries, but artistes have a certain boundary, which shouldn’t be there. There should be healthy cultural exchange. I believe that the kind of tolerance–pardon me for being so blunt–but our tolerance, in comparison to Indian audience is much higher. We accept Indian artistes, Indian cricketers, we accept everything good about India. But when this thing goes across the border, it becomes very political. I don’t know why.”

  • ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’ set to air in India from August onwards

    ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’ set to air in India from August onwards

    Pakistani drama ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’ is set to air on Indian channel ‘Zee Zindagi’. The Humayun Saeed and Ayeza Khan starrer will join the ranks of Pakistani dramas like ‘Qissa Meherbano Ka’, ‘Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay’ among others, all of whom have enjoyed popular airtime on the Indian channel ‘Zee Zindagi’.

    On the official Instagram page, the channel had announced:

    “What happens when you feel money CAN buy happiness?  Here’s a glimpse of the much-awaited show!  #MerePaasTumHo, Coming Soon on Indian Television screens!”

    Penned by Khalil-ul-Rehman Qamar, the show revolves around Danish (played by Humayun), a traditional man who lives a simple life in a small flat with his wife and son. However, his wife Mehwish (played by Ayeza Khan) is an ambitious woman who dreams of acquiring wealth. When the couple meets Shehwar (played by Adnan Sdiddiqui) she falls for him and soon after, leaves her family to marry him.

    Siddiqui recently made an appearance on Junaid Akram’s podcast where he spoke about the success of the drama, playfully suggesting that he should have charged more for his role had he known how big a hit the drama would become:

    “If I knew how successful it would be, I wouldn’t have charged the money that I did. I would’ve taken a lot more. For the first time ever, Humayun asked me to play a role that he had in mind, and he was right. It was very big of him to suggest that. He told me that people had already cast me for it since like 6 years ago. Like, they had my name in mind,” Adnan shared.