Tag: Mahira Khan

  • Sarmad Khoosat considers not releasing ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ amidst threats

    Sarmad Khoosat considers not releasing ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ amidst threats

    Following an appeal to the Prime Minister, President, Chief Justice of Pakistan and Chief of Army Staff to help facilitate the release of his film, award-winning filmmaker Sarmad Khoosat has now penned a letter to his “beloved Pakistan and Pakistanis.”

    In his letter, Sarmad shared that he is getting dozens of threatening phone calls forcing him to reconsider the release of his film. Zindagi Tamasha was scheduled to release on January 24.

    “I did not make Zindagi Tamasha to hurt, offend or malign anyone. It’s a story about a ‘good enough Muslim,” wrote the filmmaker in his letter.

    “There was/is no mention of a sect, party or faction of any sort. Neither in the uncensored nor the censored version.”

    “As an artist, the last thing I’d ever want to achieve through my artistic expression is anarchy or hatred. No! That’s not what an artist does. Or at least I don’t,” he asserted.

    Read more – Sarmad Khoosat appeals to PM, President to facilitate his film’s release

    Sarmad said that he doesn’t want any trouble over his film especially since it has been cleared by the censor boards.

    “I don’t want anyone to have the pleasure of banning my film because legally, officially and morally, no one can…As a good, responsible citizen, I do not want my cities’ roads being blocked, people’s businesses and everyday routines disrupted or any other form of unnecessary trouble and chaos in the name of ‘just a film’.”

    Sarmad concluded the four page note saying that he has left the matter to his Allah.

    https://twitter.com/KhoosatSarmad/status/1218883372375838721?s=20

    Sarmad also shared one of the threatening notes he has received.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7gU6MHB06H/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Following Sarmad’s letter, celebrities and politicians took to social media to extend their support to the director.

    https://twitter.com/sanammodysaeed/status/1219141362559410176?s=20
    https://twitter.com/sethimirajee/status/1218903640787865600?s=20

    Written by Nirmal Bano and directed by Sarmad Khoosat, Zindagi Tamasha starres Arif Hassan, Samiya Mumtaz, Eman Suleman and Ali Qureshi in the lead. The film is centred around a naat khwan Rahat Khawaja (played by Hassan) and his family who are outcast from the society when a secret of Khawaja’s is leaked.

    The official synopsis states: “The film is an intimate portrait of a family as well as a scorching political commentary on little gods on this earth who police our private passions.”

    The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival held in October 2019 where it also won the prestigious Kim Ji Seok Award.

  • Pakistani movies releasing in 2020

    Pakistani movies releasing in 2020

    2019 was not a very lucrative year for the Pakistan film industry. Films were few and not entirely up to the mark. The highest-grossing film of the year, Superstar, made only PKR 30 crores at the box-office.

    2020 looks promising in terms of the film industry with more than a handful of releases expected to release this year. Moreso, a lot of favourite TV actors including Imran Ashraf and Junaid Khan will also be making their debut this year. Here is a list of all the film that have been announced.

    Zindagi Tamasha

    Sarmad Khoosat’s controversial film Zindagi Tamasha is the first release of 2020. The film is expected to tackle some serious issues regarding religion and societal stigmas.

    Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad

    Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa’s first project together has fans excited. Given that the duo behind Load Wedding and Actor in Law, Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza, are helming this project, anticipation levels are high. The film is expected to release around Eid.

    WATCH: Fahad Mustafa practices his action stunts for ‘Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad’

    Fatman

    Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza’s other project is a superhero film titled Fatman with Ahmed Ali Butt in the lead role.

    Speaking exclusively about the film to The Current, Ahmad had said, “It’s a different and bold take on superhero films but at the core, it is a story about a father-son relationship.”

    He added, “It also addresses body shaming, yet keeps the family entering factors in mind.”

    Kamli

    Saba Qamar is returning to the silver screen with Sarmad Khoosat’s Kamli. Though there is not much known about the film as yet, we are sure it’ll be a must-watch. Shooting has wrapped up and the film is currently in its post-processing stage. It is expected to release on Eid-ul-Fitr.

    PICTURES: From the sets of Saba Qamar, Sarmad Khoosat’s ‘Kamli’

    London Nahi Jaungi

    Humayun Saeed and Nadeem Baig are coming back with a new film titled London Nahi Jaunga. Not much is known about the film, except that it has nothing to do with Punjab Nahi Jaungi. Mehwish Hayat and Kubra Khan are also reported to be part of the project.

    Money Back Guarantee (MBG)

    Faisal Qureshi’s star-studded film MBG is expected to be a mad comic caper. It starres Fawad Khan, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Wasim Akram and Gohar Rasheed among others. Given that Faysal is directing the film, we’re sure it’ll be a laughing riot.

    The Legend of Maula Jatt

    Just hoping it comes out this year.

    Patakh De

    Azaan Sami Khan will be making his film debut opposite Hania Aamir in this film which will be produced by Momina Duraid Productions. Shamoon Abbasi will also be part of the film.

    Tich Button

    Urwa Hocane production Tich Button starring Farhan Saeed, Iman Aly, Sonya Hussayn and Feroze Khan is expected to release this year also. It is being directed by Qasim Ali Mureed and has been written by Faiza Iftikhar. According to Urwa, the film is a fun-filled one about love and friendship.

    Dum Mustam

    Imran Ashraf will be debuting on the big screen with Dam Mastam. Amar Khan, who has written the script, will also be part of the film as will social media sensation Momin Saqib. The film is being directed by Mohammed Ehteshamuddin and produced by Adnan Siddiqui.

    Ishrat made in China

    Ishrat Made in China will mark the directorial debut of Mohib Mirza. It will star Sanam Saeed and Shamoon Abbasi among others. While no further details about the project are known, Mohib has been kept his fans updated with pictures from the sets.

    Dhai Chaal

    Dhai Chaal starring Ayesha Omar and Shamoon Abbasi is an action film inspired by story of Indian spy convicted in Pakistan Khulbushan Yadhav. The film has gone on floors and shooting has commenced.

    Delhi Gate

    Looks like 2020 is going to be Shamoon Abbasi’s year because his nth venture for the year is Delhi Gate. According to the actor, the film is a romantic thriller where he will be playing the role of ‘Malik Gold’, the main antagonist in the film. The film will be related to one of the 13 gates of the old walled city of Lahore.

    Gawah Rehana

    Emaad Irfani and Ghana Ali’s film based on the Khilafat Movement is currently under production and is expected to release in 2020. The film is written and directed by Tahir Mahmood who has served as an official of the Foreign Service in Turkey. It will be released in Pakistan and Turkey both. Veteran actor Qavi Khan is also an integral part of the film.

    Half Fry

    Real-life couple Yasir Hussain and Iqra Aziz will be coming together for this action-comedy by writer/director Abu Aleeha. Faizan Khawaja, Faryal Mehmood, Saleem Meraj, Sana Fakhar, Ismail Tara, Danish Nawaz and Iffat Omer make up the supporting cast of the film.

    Kahay Dil Jidhar

    Junaid Khan is debuting on the big screen opposite Mansha Pasha in Kahay Dil Jidhar. The film is being directed by Jalal Rumi. Popular RJ turned actor Dino Ali will also be debuting in the film.

    Zarrar

    Shaan has been teasing us with this film for a long time now. Hoping it releases this year.

    Rehbra

    Described as a ‘love story with a twist’ Rehbara, starres Ayesha Omar and Ahsan Khan in the lead and has been directed by Amin Iqbal. Ghulam Mohiyuddin and Saba Hameed will also be part of the film.

    Qulfee

    Crime-caper Qulfee has an ensemble cast which includes Shahroze Sabzwari, Moamar Rana, Saeeda Imtiaz, Sana Fakhar and Wali Hamid. It is being directed by cinematographer Salim Karim Daad, whose previous works include Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, Balu Mahi and Sherdil.

    Sorry: A Love Story

    Produced by Faysal Qureshi, Sorry will mark the actor’s comeback on the big screen. Directed by Sohail Javed, the film stars Faryal Mahmood, Aamina Sheikh and Zahid Ahmed in the cast.

    A lot of other films are also supposedly in the works but details on them are limited which is why they haven’t been included on the list. In a lot of cases, films are announced and later shelved.

    Here’s to hoping that 2020 is the year Pakistani cinema grows even bigger and audiences have plenty of movies (good ones of course) to watch on the big screen.

  • Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed demand the release of Sarmad Khoosat’s ‘Zindagi Tamasha’

    Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed demand the release of Sarmad Khoosat’s ‘Zindagi Tamasha’

    After Sarmad Khoosat came forward and revealed that “a few troublemakers” were creating hurdles “for their political ends” in the release of his film Zindagi Tamasha, several industry A-listers have stepped forward to support the filmmaker and demanded the government to facilitate the release of the film. Sarmad had also appealed to the Prime Minister, President and Chief Justice of Pakistan to help release his film.

    Read more – Sarmad Khoosat appeals to PM, President to facilitate his film’s release

    Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed and Ali Zafar were among those who requested the government to facilitate filmmakers and make things easier for them.

    In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Dr Arif Alvi, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Chief of the Army Staff and Minister for Information, Khoosat detailed the problems his film was facing in its release.

    Along with that, he clarified that “As a law-abiding citizen and with full conviction that there is nothing offensive or malicious in the film, in response I submitted the film for another review to the censor board. It was cleared once again with a few cuts to appease the complainants.”

    Meesha Shafi, Mira Sethi and Ali Gul Pir had also extended their support to the film and its team.

    Written by Nirmal Bano and directed by Sarmad Khoosat, Zindagi Tamasha starres Arif Hassan, Samiya Mumtaz, Eman Suleman and Ali Qureshi in the lead. The film is centered around a naat khwan Rahat Khawaja (played by Hassan) and his family who are outcast from the society when a secret of Khawaja’s is leaked.

    The official synopsis states: “The film is an intimate portrait of a family as well as a scorching political commentary on little gods on this earth who police our private passions.”

    The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival held in October 2019 where it also won the prestigious Kim Ji Seok Award.

  • Mahira Khan enjoys a beachy vacay in Mexico

    Mahira Khan enjoys a beachy vacay in Mexico

    While we freeze in the cold wave that has enveloped the country, Mahira Khan is enjoying a beachy vacay in Mexico.

    The actor took to social media to share pictures from recent trip to Tulum Beach in Mexico and honestly all we want to do is book ourselves a ticket there.

    Sunkissed and tanned.

    Mahira also shared pictures of the surroundings though we have to say that our eyes are only on her.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7X4C68By_P/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7X1NEBBLmG/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7X_oH8hKqb/

    Looks like Mahira took a break from her hectic shooting schedule for Quaid e Azam Zindabad and is unwinding by the beach.

  • Adnan Malik opens up about depression and why he doesn’t act that much

    Adnan Malik opens up about depression and why he doesn’t act that much

    We may not see much iof him on our television screens but Adnan Malik sure has made a mark ever since he made his television debut opposite Mahira Khan in Sadqay Tumharay. The immensely popular drama was directed by Mohammed Ehteshamuddin and written by Khalil ur Rehman Qamar and based on his own life story.

    Brother of Baaji director Saqib Malik, Adnan has only a handful of projects under his belt, but each one of them have been meaningful and offbeat – for instance Cake, which was also his last project. Apart from that, the actor is popular for his woke and eloquent comments.

    While we wondered why Adnan is missing from the scene, the actor took to social media to pen an emotional note in which he narrated his life story, his battle with low self-esteem, how he ended up doing Sadqay Tumharay and why he doesn’t want to do just any project.

    “I see acting as a way to honour myself, to connect to a deeper spiritual self and a way to confront my own demons. I can’t take it lightly.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B68LNByANEa/
  • Emmad Irfani throws it back to the moment that changed his life

    Emmad Irfani throws it back to the moment that changed his life

    Emmad Irfani made everyone sigh as the loving, supportive husband Shayan in the superhit Cheekh. While we are yet to see Emmad grace our screens once again, the model turned actor took a trip down the memory lane and recalled the moment that changed his life.

    Sharing an eight-year old picture of himself with Mahira Khan and director Asim Raza, Emmad wrote, “What happened next is what I call #theturningpoint.” The picture was taken on January 4, 2012.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B65cLOzHQSa/

    In response, Asim commented that the change only came about because Emmad made an effort. Asim also offered more words of encouragement to the actor.

    The picture is from the sets of an ad shoot for Tapal Family Mixture.

  • Mahira Khan shares never-seen-before pictures from the sets of ‘Superstar’, ‘Parey Hut Love’

    Mahira Khan shares never-seen-before pictures from the sets of ‘Superstar’, ‘Parey Hut Love’

    Superstar Mahira Khan welcomed the New Year by interacting with her fans in a #AskMahira Twitter session and sharing some exclusive behind the scenes pictures and videos from her films Superstar and Parey Hut Love (PHL). While Mahira had the leading role in Superstar, she had an extended cameo in PHL.

    Mahira started her trip down the memory lane with a picture of herself resting on the floor on the sets of her song Morey Saiyaan in PHL.

    In the caption, she said that she feels “super comfortable on the floor” and “prefers it to sitting on a chair.”

    Following that she shared more pictures of herself as Zeena including some adorable moments with producer and co-star Sheheryar Munawar and director Asim Raza.

    Mahira Khan & Sheheryar Munawar
    Mahira Khan & Asim Raza
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6vrATYBbmV/

    Mahira then shared pictures of herself from the sets of Superstar and a video of herself learning the dance steps for Noori.

    L-R: Director Ehteshamuddin, Mahira Khan, Bilal Ashraf. Sitting – Nadeem Baig
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6xoFWGhCId/

    In the Twitter interaction with her fans, Mahira revealed the one film she can watch 10 times without getting bored, her last decade in a sentence, how she wants to be remembered, which Disney character she feels she is, and how she deals with her anger among other things.

    Mahira also offered meaningful advice to her fans.

    Guess how many nicknames Mahira had?

    Mahira also said that she wouldn’t mind working in an Iranian film.

    And last but not the least, will Mahira ever get married again?

  • Mahira Khan wants more swift action against child rapists

    Mahira Khan wants more swift action against child rapists

    The brutal rape and torture of a 10-year-old student by a Madrassa teacher in Abbottabad’s Mansehra sparked national outrage.

    One of Pakistan’s most vocal actors, Mahira Khan took to Twitter to voice her concern and demanded the authorities to “make an example out of these monsters.” In her tweet, she also tagged the Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari.

    In response to her tweet, the minister said that the perpetrator has been arrested and that efforts are being made to prevent these horrendous crimes. She shared that the Zainab Alert Bill has been passed by the Standing Committee of Human Rights and that “much as we would like to simply catch these monsters and publicly punish them, the government has to go according to the law.”

    She also revealed that a “holistic policy on child abuse” is being prepared on the direction of Prime Minister Imran Khan and “within two weeks it should be ready with all stakeholders being taken on board.”

    Mahira thanked the minister for her response and requested for more swift action to be taken again such issues. She also asserted that more noise should be made so that “a loud and clear message should go out to these predators.”

    Other than Mahira, actor-activist Nadia Jamil has also been raising her voice on the matter of child sexual abuse.

  • Exactly 10 years ago my life changed: Mahira Khan

    Exactly 10 years ago my life changed: Mahira Khan

    There is no denying that Mahira Khan is the ultimate queen. The superstar is loved and appreciated by people across the world.

    Mahira, who recently celebrated her 35th birthday, in an Instagram post recounted her last ten years and expressed her love for her son, who turned ten this year. She also thanked her fans and followers for being there for her as well as for their birthday wishes.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6c8sNNhLsA/

    Following her post, members of the industry sent love her way.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Mahira Khan reveals what she was like in school

    EXCLUSIVE: Mahira Khan reveals what she was like in school

    It’s Mahira Khan’s birthday. The actor who turned 35 on December 21 is without a doubt one of Pakistan’s biggest stars and she’s had a stellar year – her film Superstar is the highest-grossing Pakistani film of the year, she walked the ramp at the Paris Fashion Week and she has been appointed a Goodwill ambassador for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

    But did she know that she was going to be a superstar? In an interview with The Current, Mahira said that she never thought she would reach so high but she always wanted to be an actor even though she was a very shy person in school.

    “I was in my own little world at that time,” said Mahira when told that the boys in school used to ask their female friends to become friends with her so that they could hang out with her [Mahira].

    Mahira further revealed that she was a backbencher in school. When asked the best thing about being a backbencher, Mahira replied, “I had my best friend in class with me. The both of us used to chatter all day long. And I hardly attended [classes] that year in school.”

    Watch the complete interview here:

    Born in Karachi, Mahira started her career as a VJ in 2006. She made her screen debut opposite Atif Aslam in Bol (2011) and over the years climbed the ladder of success to become one of Pakistan’s biggest stars.