Nabeel Qureshi has revealed that his upcoming project Khel Khel Mein featuring Bilal Abbas Khan and Sajal Aly will be a historical drama.
Responding to a follower during a question & answer session on Instagram, Qureshi revealed that Khel Khel Mein is “something different from my previous movies” and will be a historical drama.
Responding to other questions related to the lead pair, Qureshi shared that he had an amazing experience working with Khan and that Sajal was his first choice for the film.
Meanwhile, other details about the new project have been kept tightly under wraps and are limited. The actors had earlier expressed their excitement over the film while announcing the news on social media.
“Bismillah,” Sajal had said while sharing a picture of the script, while Bilal had said: “Working with the finest producer/director duo in the country for the first time. Iss baar milte hain theatre mei.”
Speaking about Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa’s Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad that was expected to hit cinemas on Eid ul Azha 2020, Qureshi shared that he plans to release the film this year.
Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad has been directed by Nabeel and produced by Fizza Ali Meerza. A teaser for the film had also been released earlier.
Qureshi also mentioned that there are two upcoming movies that are pending for release.
Veteran actor Naila Jaffery’s appeal for royalties spearheaded a movement for royalties in the Pakistan entertainment industry. While initially only a handful of celebrities came forward to demand their “due right,” the movement soon gained traction with A-listers from the industry including Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, Vasay Chaudhry, Mehwish Hayat, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Maya Ali and Ahmed Ali Butt uniting to demand royalties for their work.
Others who are also participating in the campaign and have raised their voice for it include Yasir Hussain, Iqra Aziz, Mansha Pasha, Sakina Samo, Asad Siddiqui, Zara Noor Abbas, Armeena Khan, Kübra Khan, Bilal Abbas Khan, Yumna Zaidi and Junaid Khan.
“In every industry, there are some rules. Some laws,” said Zara Noor Abbas. “Let’s have it set in ours too. Let’s acknowledge the ones who entertain you on the cost of their lives.”
Mehwish said: “Royalties must be paid to artistes on all re-runs,foreign & cross platform sales as is the case everywhere else in the Actors on my fav show “Friends” for example make more out of royalties each yr than the original fees they were paid.”
She also added: “Bottom line-Artists need to be valued!”
Royalties must be paid to artistes on all re-runs,foreign & cross platform sales as is the case everywhere else in the Actors on my fav show “Friends” for example make more out of royalties each yr than the original fees they were paid. Bottom line-Artistes need to be valued ! pic.twitter.com/uRNxmQmtgS
Sharing her thoughts on the matter, Kübra said: “Not Just actors. Writers, musicians, directors.. and soo many more.”
“In the passing years, we’ve seen some of our seniors who have ruled the industry request respect when it should’ve been their right. There are rules and regulations that set a well-run system and it’s high time we implement them so that our industry can run as smoothly as it should. Every artist deserves that,” asserted the actor.
Meanwhile, Osama Tahir, who gained popularity for his roles in Ruswai and Mushk, explained the concept of royalties and what exactly Pakistani artists are demanding.
“Actors normally aren’t paid very well, and most times they aren’t paid on time in Pakistan (not talking about A-listers),” said Tahir. “But what channels and production companies do is that they pay you for that project (if they do), and keep selling the drama again and again to different channels and countries.”
Elaborating his point, Tahir said: “So the least we should be offered is royalty from every show that we do. If royalties are not possible then at least pay actors well enough that they don’t rely on royalties. As it is the case, everywhere else, where there’s a thriving TV industry.”
“Pay 100× times better or pay solid royalties… it’s not complicated,” he added.
Later, the actor further explained: “#GiveRoyaltiesToArtists isn’t a ‘give us more money,’ it’s a right.”
“You use us to make money many times in Pakistan and beyond, and you refuse us to ever have that conversation. Many artists have struggled and can’t make ends meet because they aren’t paid on time or at all. So pay up,” he added.
#GiveRoyaltiesToArtists isnt a “give us more money”, it’s a right. You use us to make money many times in pk and beyond, and you refuse us to ever have that conversation. Many artists have struggled and can’t make ends meet because they aren’t paid on time or at all. So pay up.
Similarly, Ayesha Omar while explaining the concept to a social media user, said: “I think you haven’t understood the meaning of ‘royalties’. Artists are not demanding to be treated like royalty.”
“‘Royalty’ is a fee to artists who have created or contributed to create something whenever that work is performed/used/aired,” she added.
‘Govt working to introduce royalty payments for artists’
Earlier on April 12, PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan had announced that the federal government is working to introduce a comprehensive bill to ensure that artists are given financial credit for their work.
“Most countries around the world give royalties to artists every time a show, their work is re-run, a second time or more,” Senator Faisal had said. “Sadly in Pakistan where many artists are already underpaid, there is no policy or law ensuring that artists be given financial credit for their work.”
The Senator further said that it is “very critical to fill the gaps and bring proper framework via amendments in legislation to ensure that our producers [and] artists get their rights to royalties.”
Speaking exclusively to The Current on the matter, Senator Faisal said: “Royalty is very important and I am working on this bill to ensure our artists get their due right. I am hoping to get it passed soon without any further delays.”
Asserting that the government is committed to addressing this issue, Senator Faisal said: “Actors, musicians, singers – all artists must be supported,” adding that they will soon be entitled to royalties.
Sharing pictures with her makeup artist Adnan Ansari, the Superstar actress wrote: “People always ask me why I post so many photos of my team, particularly my make up artists. Most of the time I don’t know how to answer that. Today as I write a post for Adnan, I thought I’d share this with all of you.”
“Adnan was an assistant makeup artist at Nabila’s when I was a VJ at MTV. We were all sent to Nabila’s for a makeover, I wasn’t ready to get anything done so I was assigned to Adnan. We sat there literally twiddling our thumbs. I remember laughing at everything he said. This was 2006/7,” said Mahira.
“15 years later and he is still my make up artist- well to the world at least,” she continued. “For me, he is so much more than that.”
“He’s my friend, my brother, my keeper of secrets…he knows when I’m upset and knows how to make me smile. He has seen me cry sneakily on set and held my hand through it. I have held him in my arms when he has broken down. We have laughed, cried, danced all night, ate like crazy, travelled the world… all of it.. together.. he is my family.”
Mahira Khan recently participated in ‘Carpool Karoke’ with vlogger Imaara Dharani during which she jammed to songs from her films and dramas and shared some fun facts about them.
Mahira, jammed to, Humsafar, which is her most special project.
She also sang Hona Tha Pyar from her first film Bol, in which she was paired opposite Atif Aslam. Mahira, while talking about the song said that shooting it was a fun experience.
Ballay Ballay from Bin Roye also made it to the playlist, with Mahira sharing that the film took two years to complete.
How can any Mahira Khan playlist be complete without Zaalima from Raees? Zaalima was the last song on the Carpool Karoke playlist and Mahira revealed that the song was shot in Morocco.
After winning applause for her acting, Mahira has recently turned producer with a web series titled Baarwan Khiladi.
Baarwan Khiladi, which features young and upcoming actors including Danyal Zafar, Shahveer Jafry, Kinza Hashmi and Khaqan Shahnawaz, has a cricket-themed story.
Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar (KRQ), who often makes headlines with his unfiltered remarks, has said that Meray Paas Tum Ho’s infamous ‘Dou Takay ki Larki‘ dialogue was misinterpreted.
Talking to Vasay Chaudhry on his show Ghabrana Mana Hai, the writer clarified that he did not use the word ‘aurat‘ (woman) in the dialogue but specifically wrote ‘larki‘ (girl) for the character of Mehwish, played by Ayeza Khan.
“The word aurat was never used,” said Qamar. “I did not generalise women in this dialogue. I specifically wrote iss larki (this girl).”
The writer further said: “The thing is that I referred to that specific girl only, the one who committed a sin. She does not represent all women. The drama had three more female characters [but] the opportunists forgot to talk about them.”
“They talked rubbish, saying that ‘Do Takkay Ki Aurat‘ was used. I tried to explain the difference to them but no one understood. One even questioned the difference between a girl and a woman? I will meet that person someday and will teach them the difference between a girl and a woman.”
Qamar continued: “Also if someone does not understand the literal meaning of these things, they can come and take classes from me.”
During the interview, KRQ also referred to himself as the flagbearer of women’s rights saying that he is a big advocate of women. The writer added that he only has a problem with the slogans and finds them “ghaleez” (vulgar).
“If you talk about rights, both men and women have rights. Yahan toh sirf elite class kay rights hain,” said Qamar. “The rights of poor men and women have been stolen.”
Meanwhile, the writer-director also addressed his issue with Mahira Khan, saying: “I share a very respectful relationship with Mahira. I respect her a lot and the same was from her side. I was startled to see Mahira’s tweet that what she has written.”
Make-up Artist Natasha Khalid recently opened up about juggling a career with motherhood, giving her followers an insight into what her typical day looks like.
“I’m routinely asked in comments and DMs about how it is I juggle everything I do so perfectly while looking good ‘all the time’,” said Natasha posting a picture of herself with her baby in her PJs. “My husband took this picture of me on an average night and this is my reality 99% of the time.”
The makeup artist continued: “Juggling baby duties while meeting deadlines, running masterclasses/student corrections, planning YouTube shoots, reworking Instagram/Facebook content while also planning home/baby schedules/duties is gruelling most days and I tend to get most of my work done at night once Noor sleeps as that is when I can quiet my mind to focus.”
“I tend to predominantly be in oversized pyjamas with a curly top knot and no makeup,” said Natasha further, adding: “In most of what I juggle and do, my time takes a major hit.”
Natasha said that the reason why she shares these snippets is “because it’s so easy to believe looking at a certain angle that we see on social media that people may have it ‘together’ or may not ‘struggle at all’.”
“What seems seamless is due to perfect lighting/filters but is all an illusion,” added Natasha. “Being a working woman and a wife/Mama and your own person is a full-time job and to me, this picture right here is what is ‘imperfectly perfect.”
“For all those women who follow me and find themselves in the same boat, remember this is reality and the rest of it is fun but always a curated illusion,” said the makeup artist.
Mahira Khan, who is single mother, commented on Natasha’s post saying: “I want a baby, [in] my arms.”
Other mothers also thanked Natasha in the comments section for sharing her experience and giving them confidence and support.
Last year, after giving birth Natasha shared an endearing message for all new mothers out there highlighting body positivity and the pressure women face after giving birth.
Mahira Khan, Yasir Hussain, Yumna Zaidi and Aima Baig among others have extended their love and support to Saba Qamar after she announced her breakup with Azeem Khan.
“You do YOU. Happiness is just around the corner,” said Mahira, commenting under Saba’s post.
Saba’s co-star from Lahore Se Aagey Yasir Hussain also sent love and strength to the actor, saying: “Jitni strong Saba hai wo utna hi strong mard deserve karti hai (Saba deserves a strong man like herself).”
“Aur yaad rakhna mard darhi mooch se nahi balky apni sachai aur imandari se banta hai. Stay strong my friend,” he added.
Others who sent love to Saba include Bilal Ashraf, Rabia Butt, Aima Baig, Hadiqa Kiani and Yumna Zaidi.
“You’re a strong badass woman,” said Aima. “Also deserves the best of the best of the best.”
“Sending you a lot of love and light,” said Hadiqa, while Yumna said: “Your journey has been tough and you have made it worth it, we all love it for who you are.”
“Always pure best wishes for you,” added Zaidi.
Other actors and celebrities like Noor Bukhari, Adnan Ansari and Abdullah Sultan also commented under Saba’s post to show their support in her difficult time.
Earlier, Saba had announced her split, saying: “It’s a very hard time on me right now but as we all know ‘This too shall pass’.”
Later, Azeem in a statement, Azeem took full responsibility for the breakup saying: “Saba you have the most amazing soul and you deserve all the happiness in the universe.”
“May God bless you with all the success and love,” he added.
With the FIFA ban looming over the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), Mahira Khan and Yumna Zaidi have extended their support for Pakistan’s Women football team, requesting the authorities to resolve the women footballers’ issues.
“Sports are essential to a society to remain healthy [and] provide us with the heroes we so desperately need to look up to and represent our country,” said Yumna, sharing her thoughts on the matter.
Urging authorities to listen to the girl’s appeals, Yumna further said: “At present, the current Pakistan women’s football team seems to be going through a host of issues and I want to appeal to whoever is listening, please help them we need this.”
“We need them to shine,” she asserted.
Sharing a video of Hajra Khan on Instagram stories, Mahira wrote: “Respect the game!!! Respect the players!!”
In a step that could be seen as players’ and teams’ vote of no confidence against Ashfaq Shah, the players of Karachi United and Highlanders Football Club have announced their decision to withdraw from the ongoing National Women Football Championship after the Ashfaq-led-group refused to hand over Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) offices back to the normalisation committee.
While Ashfaq group’s act may lead Pakistan to a suspension from FIFA, both clubs say that they do not support the incidents that took place at PFF last weekend and have decided not to play under the Ashfaq-led setup in protest.
Karachi United FC, which was scheduled to play against WAPDA Thursday morning in the semifinal, posted their decision on the club’s social media page, saying that given the prevailing circumstances and based on the decision of players, Karachi United has decided to withdraw its women’s team from the National Championship.
The statement added that while the team had played its quarter final “under protest” and for purely football reasons, it had hoped that the matter would be resolved.
“Since the FIFA deadline has passed and no corrective action has been taken, the team is left with no option but to withdraw from the competition,” the club said.
“Being a football organisation, we feel that footballers and teams should never have to be put in such situations to make such choices as players and teams just want to play,” they added.
Karachi United further appealed to the FIFA, AFC, NC and all stakeholders to urgently resolve this issue to avoid Pakistan from being suspended.
BREAKING: Karachi United have decided to pull out of the National Women’s Football Championship which is now being organised without the PFF Normalisation Committee.
Islamabad-based Highlanders football club said in the statement that following the recent development in PFF, it has decided not to participate in NWFC any further.
“We do not support any act that brings football into disrepute because we believe that no individual is bigger than the game. However, the integrity of game should be maintained at all levels,” the club said in a statement.
“We, the Highlanders club, believe that this is in best interest of Pakistan football,” the statement posted on club’s social media accounts said.
Highlanders Women Football Club was playing its first national women championship and they proved themselves as one of the contenders to win the Trophy. They were scheduled to play against Masha United in the semi final on Thursday.
“We travelled from Islamabad to Karachi with a dream to do well on football field and to win the national women football championship. We are proud of Highlanders’ performance in the tournament and I believe that we made the statement that we wanted to,” the club said.
BREAKING: Highlanders FC become the second club to pull out of the National Women’s Football Championship which is now being organised without the PFF Normalisation Committee.
Earlier, six footballers from different teams had announced to boycott the championship ahead of the quarter final matches.
Later Masha United, which was one of the semi-finalists, “become the third team to withdraw from the ongoing National Women’s Football Championship which lost its official status after PFF NC was ousted. Only WAPDA left now and probably get declared champion”, announced FPDC on Twitter.
Masha United become the third team to withdraw from the ongoing National Women’s Football Championship which lost its official status after PFF NC was ousted.
Hajra Khan, Khadija Kazmi, Sarah Ali, Mashal Hussain, Maria Khan and Zahra Shah had issued a issued a joint statement on Tuesday, saying “the integrity of game is being challenged by politicised governance, adding that “we, too, are responsible for upholding the integrity of the game.”
The Pakistani footballers say FIFA ban would destroy their careers.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab, Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti had addressed the issue, saying: “Pakistan Football Federation’s decision to play a role in the dispute, the parties are being contacted. The suspension of Pakistan’s membership by FIFA will bring the country into disrepute in the international arena. A positive solution to the conflict will come out soon.”
پاکستان فٹ بال فیڈریشن کے تنازعہ پر کردار ادا کرنے کا فیصلہ،فریقین سے رابطہ کیا جارہا ہے۔فیفا کی جانب سے پاکستان کی رکنیت معطل ہونے سے عالمی سطح پر ملک کی بدنامی ہوگی۔بحیثیت حکومت ملک میں فٹ بال کے فروغ اور سہولیات کی فراہمی کا کام کررہے ہیں۔جلد تنازعہ کا مثبت حل نکلے گا۔
Karachi-based NGO NOWPDP organised a ‘TukTuk March’ for individuals dealing with disabilities. The event saw several A-list celebrities in attendance including Mahira Khan, Maya Ali, Humayun Saeed, Bilal Ashraf, Ayesha Omar, Feroze Khan, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, and Wasim Akram.
NOWPDP is a disability inclusion initiative that works for the educational and economic empowerment of people with disabilities. According to a press release, the “TukTuk march was held to celebrate the right to livelihood and transport of people with disabilities.”
“With inclusivity as the primary focus, the march was meant to empower people with disabilities and encourage them to pursue their rights to work and mobility,” it added.
Strict COVID19 SOPs were followed including the wearing of masks, social distancing, and maintaining hand hygiene.
The celebrities were spotted doing bhangra on the streets of Karachi and riding rickshaws driven by differently-abled people. As per details, the rickshaws have been modified to facilitate those who have disabilities.
An old post by Haseena Moin addressed to Nadia Jamil, in which the late writer talked about her experience of getting diagnosed with breast cancer and sent love and prayers to Nadia, also a breast cancer survivor has made the actor emotional. The celebrated playwright passed away on Friday at the age of 79.
Sharing Moin’s letter, Nadia said: “I had not read this post before. I sit here crying, reading it now and it’s as if you are speaking to me from wherever you are. I’m shaken to the core today.”
“Thank you for this and all the words of love and encouragement you gave me since I’ve been sick,” said Nadia further.
The actor continued: “You said you were working on a script for me. You really wanted me to work again and kept encouraging me to get back to work. I promise you, I will. And I will make you smile with pride, wherever you are.”
“Thank you for being such a strong, inspirational, dignified woman,” said Nadia. “But most of all Haseena Apa, thank you for being Haseena Moin. The most amazing, legendary TV writer this country has ever known. You were empowering women with your stories years before we were empowered. You were such a down to earth woman, yet your heart full of romance and feeling.”
Thanking the late writer, Nadia further said: “Thank you for introducing me to TV with Jaane Ajnaane and for writing Raana Shaikh Khalas [and] Dua, so beautifully.”
“You have always been a quiet voice of strength and encouragement in my life. You will always be that. I only wish in these last months I’d spoken more to you. Heard more of your incredible journey through life,” added Jamil. “I will always be eternally grateful to you, for all this and so much more.”
Nadia also shared the words of Albert Schweitzer to remember Haseena.
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
“Haseena Apa thank you for lighting the flame in so many millions of hearts with your writing. You will forever shine on through it after the rest of us are long gone,” she concluded.
