Tag: interview

  • ‘Mesmerised, blown away, and proud’: Sanam Saeed on Barzakh

    ‘Mesmerised, blown away, and proud’: Sanam Saeed on Barzakh

    Sanam Saeed always lets her work speak for her. When the actress does speak, she never shies away from saying exactly what is on her mind.

    Though her latest project Barzakh, written and directed by Asim Abbasi, landed in controversy, she has come to its defence. The series attracted a lot of attention due to its incredible cinematography however, its queer-themed content stirred massive controversy, invoking mixed reactions across the region.

    In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Saeed shared her thoughts on the overwhelming response to the web series.
    The Barzakh actress said, “The feedback has been quite overwhelming. Mesmerised, blown away, and proud are just the adjectives that I’ve gotten to hear. People are really overwhelmed, intrigued, curious and have slowly understood that this is not a show that they can just binge-watch. It’s something that they have to really focus on and watch with a lot of attention.”

    Despite the backlash, particularly in Pakistan where Barzakh was removed from YouTube, Saeed remains positive about its impact, especially in India. “It was this really beautiful exchange that happened (through the platform, Zindagi) where people’s eyes were opened up,’ noting how Indian audiences gained new insights into Pakistani culture.”

    Although she hasn’t had an opportunity yet, the actor expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of working in India in the future.

    “I haven’t experienced it, so I can’t say that I miss it because I’ve never gone to India for work. But things will happen one day”, Saeed added.

  • ‘Princess Diana’s wedding inspired me to pursue fashion’: HSY

    ‘Princess Diana’s wedding inspired me to pursue fashion’: HSY

    Fashion maestro Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, popularly known as HSY, recently appeared as a guest on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, ‘Excuse Me,’ where he reminisced about his younger days and discussed his fashion inspirations.

    Hassan Shehryar Yasin recalled spending time in a women’s hostel with his mother, where he would enter and exit through the window because children were not allowed to stay with their mothers in the hostel.

    “I was so scared of being caught that I didn’t speak for two months,” he said.

    When Hassan started working abroad at the young age of 12, he realised that having money would lead to a better life.

    “I’ve had many different jobs. I worked at a petrol station, a burger shop, and even carried bricks at construction sites,” he remembered.

    Talking about his journey to becoming a fashion designer, HSY reveals that Princess Diana’s wedding played an important role in inspiring him.

    “I watched Princess Diana’s wedding with my mom and loved her dress. I thought, ‘That’s what makes someone famous.’ I wanted to make clothes like that too. I even made tissue paper dresses for my sister. That’s how my dream of becoming a fashion designer started,” he said.

    HSY deems his first fashion show as “a turning point” in his career.

    He auditioned in Lahore in 1994 and got selected. “It was a dream come true,” he says.

    “I rose to fame quickly, but I don’t attribute it to any special talent or skill. I believe it was pure luck and divine blessings that got me where I am today. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to do what I love,” HSY believes.

  • ‘Sajal Aly should grow hair longer, Mahira Khan is already perfect’: Advice from Sadaf Kanwal

    ‘Sajal Aly should grow hair longer, Mahira Khan is already perfect’: Advice from Sadaf Kanwal

    Sadaf Kanwal has y for her fellow celebrities, telling them what she really thinks. In a recent interview with ‘Nashpati Prime’, the actress shared her thoughts on her friends in the industry.
    When asked about Sajal Ali, she suggested, “I think Sajal should grow her hair longer.”
    She expressed admiration for Mahira Khan, calling her “my favorite”.

    ” Her talent and beauty are unparalleled, and she’s a perfect embodiment of grace and charm.”
    Sadaf then said, “Mehwish Hayat should lose some weight as she have gained a bit, and Maya Ali should gain some weight because she has become very thin.”
    When asked what Humayun Saeed and Fahad Mustafa, she replied, “They don’t need to change anything about themselves.”
    Talking about Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sadaf advised, “He should slim down a bit and Imran Abbas should reduce his makeup a bit.”
    Sadaf Kanwal praised Fawad Khan and Sheheryar Munawar, calling them very handsome. She said, “Fawad Khan doesn’t need to change anything, and Sheheryar Munawar should mature a bit.”

  • ‘Writers should get training’: Sanam Saeed, Ali Kazmi

    ‘Writers should get training’: Sanam Saeed, Ali Kazmi

    Apparently, there is a general consensus among viewers that Pakistan’s drama industry, though extremely successful, needs better writing. Many writers lack training, relying on natural talent alone, critics say, adding that it leads to repetitive stories and characters. To improve, writers need training to craft engaging stories.

    The host of the interview ‘Fuchsia Magazine’ asked Actors Sanam Saeed and Ali Kazmi, where they talked about the industry’s neglect of drama films and the lack of visible efforts to enhance their quality.

    The host asked, “Why isn’t the film industry focusing on the things that we’re trying to change, and why aren’t we seeing any efforts to improve those aspects?”

    Ali Kazmi said, “That’s the problem, it’s become a dying art. There are very few writers now who are amazing. The rest, they have outsourced.”  

    Sanam Saeed elaborated, “Come on, even the films you are watching, one out of a hundred hits the chord. Most of what we see on OTT platforms is unwatchable, a waste of time. And then you find that one gem among the millions.”

    Discussing the issue of training for writers, Sanam Saeed said , “It’s a universal issue, but in our country, the problem is the lack of training.” Ali Kazmi added, “Creative writing is a course in universities. We need writers who have done courses and can show us their skills.”

    Ali Kazmi also shared his personal journey, saying, “I too went to Toronto Film School in the early 2000s because there wasn’t a film school here. I wanted to show my parents and my old PTV training that I am qualified in this field and moving forward.” Sanam Saeed concluded, “Actors want to go to Napa, writers want to go to Karachi Film School or take online courses from their favorite writers abroad.”

    Sanam Saeed and Ali Kazmi are currently starring in films like ‘Umro Ayyar’ which is now screening in cinemas.

    Ali Kazmi is the son of two well-known actors, Rahat Kazmi and Sahira Kazmi.

  • Why did Mehwish Hayat say no to Bollywood?  

    Why did Mehwish Hayat say no to Bollywood?  

    Actress Mehwish Hayat has captivated audiences with her versatility in roles in dramas and films like Dillagi, Punjab Nahi Jaungi, London Nahi Jaunga, Daghabaaz Dil and her Hollywood debut Ms. Marvel.
    But the star has never appeared in a Bollywood project and now we know why.

    She appeared as a guest on Nashpati Prime where she highlighted how fortunate she had been to get offers from Bollywood over her career, but she turned them all down.
    Mehwish said, “Luckily, I have been blessed to be part of the revival of Pakistani cinema from the beginning. I’ve worked with Nabeel, I’ve worked with Nadeem, and seeing the love people showed for our films, and how great those films were, made me feel I don’t need to go elsewhere to prove myself. I am appreciated in my own country, where actors receive the respect they deserve. However, it’s unfair that due to film promotions, sometimes we don’t even get to watch our films in cinemas for the first time with our team members. So, I prefer to play on my home ground, play well, and enjoy.”

    Sounds like a good enough reason to us too.

  • Bushra Ansari has a funny request for Humayun Saeed

    Bushra Ansari has a funny request for Humayun Saeed

    Bushra Ansari is equally humourous on screen and off. Proof of this fact was the funny request she made to Humayun Saeed, showing she loves to keep things playful.

    She appeared as a guest in the ‘Zabardast’ show hosted by Wasi Shah, where she revealed hilarious things.
    “I’ve stopped Humayun Saeed from calling me ‘Aapa’. My husband is younger than him, so he should refrain from calling me ‘Aapa’ from now on,” she said with a deadpan expression.

    “I actually don’t mind being called ‘Aapa’, people say it with respect, and it’s better than being called Madam all the time,” she added later. “I was just joking around, it’s what I do.”
    Recently, Bushra Ansari admitted that she had married Iqbal Hussain, disclosing the couple’s long-term relationship. She is also part of upcoming drama ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’

  • Momal Sheikh’s surprise confession: ‘I chose love over a SRK meeting’

    Momal Sheikh’s surprise confession: ‘I chose love over a SRK meeting’

    In a candid and heartwarming episode of the FHM podcast, Pakistani actor Momal Sheikh shared a touching story about how she chose love over a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan. Momal revealed that she fell in love with her now-husband, Nadir, following him abroad to nurture their romance.

    Reflecting on a crucial moment in her life, Momal talked about her father Javed Sheikh being included in the star-studded song “Deewangi” for the Bollywood movie Om Shanti Om in India. “My dad was shooting Om Shanti Om in India, and he asked if I wanted to visit,” she shared.

    However, her heart was set on Nadir. “I had to choose between meeting Shah Rukh Khan and being with Nadir. So, I decided to go to London while my brother went for the song and got to meet everyone.”

    Describing her journey to London as a “challenging romantic adventure,” Momal faced dramatic twists reminiscent of a Bollywood film. Upon arriving in London, she discovered Nadir had left for another city, a pivotal moment in their relationship.

    She recalled, “Finding my Shah Rukh Khan was quite the romantic saga. When I reached London, Nadir had already gone elsewhere. So, I asked him straightforwardly if he wanted to marry me. He said yes without hesitation, and his mother met mine soon after. It all happened very quickly, like something out of a Kajol and SRK romance.”

    Momal’s pursuit of love led to a swift engagement, despite her initial worries about family acceptance. She humorously likened their story to Bollywood plots but emphasized their families were supportive.

    “I thought our parents might object, but no,” Momal shared. “They were surprisingly supportive. My father-in-law just wanted Nadir to secure a job before we proceeded with the marriage. He was a student when we fell in love. It was a classic case of engagement followed swiftly by marriage.”

  • Murtaza Solangi calls Imran Khan’s claims about prison conditions complete lies

    Murtaza Solangi calls Imran Khan’s claims about prison conditions complete lies

    Former Caretaker Minister for Information and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi took to Twitter to criticise Imran Khan’s recent interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan, calling it a lie.

    “The biggest lie is that the disgraced and sacked former PM is in solitary confinement. Far from it,” wrote the ex-caretaker minister.

    He said, “Imran is staying in a complex of 7 rooms with access to all of them. Yes, he doesn’t have an AC but does have a room cooler. He can walk in the corridor whenever he wants. He is provided with a Bike Machine to keep him fit.”

    Solangi stated that the former Prime Minister “Gets three meals cooked by a special cook for him. Each meal is inspected by the doctor who also checks him three times a day. He also has a TV and a Refrigerator in his room and is also provided books.”

  • Faysal Quraishi reacts to mother’s viral statement

    Faysal Quraishi reacts to mother’s viral statement

    Television star Faysal Quraishi has addressed his mother’s comments about disobedient children.

    He joined the show Meri Saheli on Samaa TV via video call and discussed how people use social media to gain attention. He also addressed his mother Afshan Qureshi’s most recent statement.

    Speaking about his mother’s viral message and the reasons for individuals posting critical comments,

    Faysal Quraishi said, “People on social media share stuff about me to get a rise out of me. When I react, they claim they just wanted my attention. These days, websites and apps need clicks and likes, so they focus on negative content. I don’t think people pay much attention to positive news – they’re drawn to drama. I found the viral post about me funny and told my mom to ignore it, but she still responded. I think the ones making a big deal about it are people who never got scolded by their moms or never saw their moms get angry. I have a great relationship with my mother.”

    Background:
    An old interview of Afshan Qureshi, Faysal’s mother, went viral on social media, showing her discussing her son’s success and personality. She mentioned that while she prayed for his success, she didn’t pray for him to be a good son and person. The edited clip led to speculation about Faysal’s behavior towards his mother. However, she was actually giving a general message to all children to respect and care for their parents.

  • Time won’t be on your side but follow your dreams: Samina Ahmed, Manzar Sehbai’s take on love, marriage

    Time won’t be on your side but follow your dreams: Samina Ahmed, Manzar Sehbai’s take on love, marriage

    Actors Samina Ahmed and Manzar Sehbai, who are married to each other, recently came on Aamna Haider Isani’s show in which they openly talked about the importance of love, affection and compatibility in a marriage.
    During the interview they said, “it’s not useful to stress about being compatibility before getting married because you won’t really know until you live together.”

    Expressing their views on love,
    Samina said, “Being in love means feeling completely at ease with someone, without having to pretend.”
    Meanwhile, Manzar Sehbai said, “Love is defined differently for each individual; its definition is impossible to generalize. If you want to do something in life, go ahead and do it head on so you do not have any regrets later in life. Hustle and follow your dreams as time will never be in your favour but you will succeed if you keep pursuing your dreams.”