Imran Abbas has stepped in to defend Meera after reports of her being admitted to a mental facility in the United States started doing the rounds on social media and television.
“Meera called me this morning to clarify to all of our media/social media that she is perfectly fine and there is nothing wrong with her mental health,” wrote Abbas on social media. “Kindly don’t sensationalise the story and make fun of her. Calling someone mentally unstable is not a bloody joke.”
“She doesn’t need your sympathies or prayers to be fine. Kindly don’t show this fake concern by putting status. Let’s pray for our sick society, news channels and social media which can actually push anyone to commit suicide by their petty jokes and flimsy humour,” the actor added.
Meanwhile, speaking exclusively to The Current, Meera’s manager Hasan said that the actor is doing perfectly fine and is working on a few projects in the States. He said that she does know who started this terrible rumour and asserted there is no truth to it.
When asked about the video of Meera’s mother Shagufta Zahra, in which she appeals to Prime Minister Imran Khan to bring back her daughter, Hasan said that Zahra is elderly and hard of hearing. He added that Meera had recently gone to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and had narrated details of her experience to her mother who misunderstood them.
On the other hand, speaking to a local media outlet, Meera’s mother claimed that reports of the actor being admitted to a mental facility were true.
“I received a call from Meera on April 5 and she kept crying,” Zahra told the media outlet. “She was telling me that the US police is sending her to a psychiatric facility. She did not tell me why they were doing that, but said she repeatedly told them that she was an actor and not mentally ill.”
Speaking to the same media outlet, Meera’s manager Muhammad Qasim and another family member trashed the reports and Zahra’s claims saying that “Meera is perfectly fine, both in terms of her mental and physical health”.
Qasim alleged that the actor’s mother is spreading rumours to resolve a personal dispute. Meanwhile, the family member said that Meera is in fact in touch with her father and there is more to the story than what is being discussed on social media.
As per the latest ‘reports,’ Meera has been released from the psychiatric facility after her husband Captain Naveed paid $50,000 to get her released. The report further claimed that the actor has been given 48 hours to leave the United States.
The Current has reached out to Meera for further clarification.
Sarwat Gilani celebrated her birthday with husband Fahad Mirza and close friends this weekend.
Pictures of the celebrations were shared by those in attendance on social media. Among those present were designers Nomi Ansari and Asim Jofa, stylist Khojii, model Fouzia Aman, Shazia Naz Khan and Hasan Rizvi.
Gone are the days when fans would glue themselves to television screens just to get the slightest glimpse of their favorite celebrity’s personal life. God bless Instagram for ensuring that we all are a click away from stalking our favorite celebrities, giving birth to our own online identities, participating in influential social media movements, and being the Emilys in our own virtual Paris.
However, such accessibility comes with heavy responsibility which intensifies in the case of celebrities. From being an average application for posting pictures to becoming a social media giant, Instagram, and its management is now an art. So, let’s dive in and analyze how well our Pakistani celebrities have succeeded in influencing fans through their Instagram feeds. The analysis will take place through the Current ranking edition where you can find an exclusively ranked scorecard highlighting the top and the bottom three Instagram feeds of Pakistani celebrities.
The magic formula for Instagrammy perfection combines just the right proportion of posts featuring everyday adventures, western and eastern dressing styles, catchy captions, precise bios, a classy overall outlook, adequate interactivity with the followers through comments or live sessions, and lastly, a unique special strategy which sets your feed apart from all the others. The perfect score sums up to a total of 16 points with 2 points per category.
If you’re done taking notes, scroll down to see which three best and worst Instagram feeds have made it to the Scorecard. Remember, you are what your Insta feed is!
Disclaimer: Nothing Personal
Mahira Khan: 12 / 16
Although Mahira doesn’t post frequently about her everyday adventures and uses lengthy and boring letters involving her emotional experiences as captions, the girl checks all other boxes for a perfect Instagram account. Her work, individualism and nature-oriented posts give a nostalgic outlook to the feed. Popular instances of interactivity include 2018’s incident when Mahira ended up gifting her Eid outfit to a fan who expressed a desire to wear that dress in the comment section of Mahira’s Eid post. Mahira may reply to your comments as well, you never know! This feed neutralizes its western dimension which stems from a preference for western clothing by a traditional aspect added by her bio titled ‘Funkaar’.
Besides, who could not like the post featuring her incredibly hot gown for Cannes 2018? Everything aside, the point winner for Mahira’s Instagram feed is her special strategy which never lets the glory of her old characters die as fans are constantly reminded of her signature roles like Khirad (Humsafar) or Falak (Shehr-e-Zaat) via her posts. You go, girl!
Aiman Muneeb: 9.5 / 16
Acknowledging the fact that Aiman does not have a striking bio and she rarely replies to comments, her frequent highlights about travelling (Florence, Dubai, Lahore etc.), diet plans and lunch dates really capture the interest of the followers. Her feed maintains a traditional outlook with family-oriented posts about sister dates, her daughter, husband, and mother. Aiman doesn’t shy away from influencing fashion trends by posing in stunning trench coats and desi kurta shalwar. The most captivating part about this feed is its brief, catchy and impactful captions like, “Be your own muse”. All the aforementioned qualities help Aiman skillfully market her special strategy which revolves around the ‘keeping it real’ vibe of a young girl getting the best of both worlds. This strategy does a remarkable job in attracting all those Pakistani girls who dream of making it big, just like our Aiman did.
Ayeza Khan: 3.0 / 16
Jeez, that score’s pretty low but what could we do. The raw bio and majorly sponsored posts and highlights make this feed seem more like a wedding photo album than a celebrity’s feed. Don’t believe us? Try stalking this diva and all you’ll find are some breathtaking but clichéd and glossed up pictures of Ayeza in designer clothes. Her audience interactivity was pretty low until she dedicated a video post to her fans on October 3, 2020, just to let them know that she does read all their messages and comments but is unable to reply due to her busy schedule. This actor does get a decent score for her special strategy through which induced temporary curiosity among her fans. What was it?
On May 3, 2019, Ayeza made headlines by turning her Instagram private after reaching 3.1 million followers. In her own words she “wanted fans not followers” …for a short while though. This move did get her Instagram account under the spotlight. Master stroke, indeed.
And here comes the #ouch part. Below are the ranks and scores of three of Pakistan’s least followed celeb accounts on Instagram according to The Current Scorecard. The grading criteria remains the same, however, there’s a twist. Here, we have graded every category out of -2 with 0 being the highest (which means no damage done) and -2 being the lowest. The maximum score obtainable is -16. By the way, to compensate for the brutal critical analysis, The Current has given #free suggestions to help improve the feeds. So scroll down to discover who has done the most irrecoverable damage (it’s predictable though).
Meera Jee: -15.5 / -16
This feed seems outdated as videos that could have sufficed well as highlights can be seen featuring everyone but herself. Where to begin! Absolute lack of audience interactivity, lack of defined styling preferences in the very few solos posted, and a bio that seems more like a nice and concise resume are just a few of the Instagram blunders we have identified. The whole concept of public engagement seems to have been turned upside down. You’ll see plenty of posts featuring people without adequate description. For instance, did you see the post regarding a gentleman who “is a very creative man in the world of educational”?
Also, dedicating a video post to Zulfi Bukhari without having him or herself in either of them is nothing but awkward. The Current’s Instagram feed takes inspiration from this people-oriented feed to improve as news media because you shall find random posts regarding celebrities’ birthdays, deaths, marriage anniversaries, award nominations, COVID-19 test results, and makeup reviews. Moreover, we all know the major issue with captions. In the broader picture, let us ponder over the unreasonable motivation to be who we aren’t meant to be.
Free suggestion for improvement: Be Yourself
Embracing yourself and being comfortable in your skin can make you a stronger personality to be marketed on Instagram. Instead of promoting others in a language that is not exactly your expertise, why not try writing captions in Roman Urdu or Urdu? Also, we recommend using your amazing solos from your highlights as posts. After all, your fans want to see the iconic celebrity in you!
Sanam Jung: -9.5/16
Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the Jaago Pakistan Jaago feed. Although Sanam’s Instagram feed seems to have a balanced mix of work-oriented posts with a tinge of everyday adventures, it lacks maintenance. You’ll see plenty of grid photos highlighting workout routines, travelling experiences, notable literature preferences and many more, but the absence of relevant captions seem to confuse the followers between sponsored and non-sponsored content. Almost all posts uniformly follow Eastern styling trends only. Additionally, choosing a list-like format for a lengthy bio is never a good option as self-descriptions should be different from grocery lists, don’t you think? Despite zero audience interactivity, this feed might capture the attention of female fans of morning shows with its content about family adventures; however, it fails to properly grip the admiration of other genders. We expect more from you, Sanam!
Free suggestion for improvement: Get Out of the Box
Instagram can be your best resort to help separate the real you from the “the stereotyped Pakistani beti/bahu” identity of yours, thanks to the morning show fandom. We suggest you to start promoting individualism in your feed because we are sure that there’s another amazing side of the ever-empowered Sanam, which the world is yet to see.
Mira Sethi: -2.0/-16
This feed has a soothing outlook as is laden with life-oriented posts appreciating humanity, family, poetry, music, art and culture. Seeing Mira play sports or hug her pets in vividly colored sarees and some classic tank gives us an exotic feel. With brief and multi-lingual captions and a perfect bio, this lady does a considerably good job of interacting with the audience as she asks them for their reviews on her drama episodes (Yeh Dil Mera) and more. However, all these plus-points dim in comparison with a major flaw related to mass appeal. This feed does an outstanding job in luring elite Urdu/English literature enthusiasts and Pakistanis settled abroad. Unfortunately, that makes up the narrowest segment of the Pakistani population. While posts about Californian parks or #BlackLivesMatter are immensely appreciated, sadly, they will fail to interest a regular Pakistani, who can barely relate with them.
Free suggestion for improvement: Go more desi
Your Instagram displays the progressive mentality that we all hope to see among the Pakistani population one day. However, today isn’t that day and the best you can do is make your target audience inclusive of all Pakistani population segments because we all deserve to discover the charismatic international face of our country.
Rejecting allegations of fraud, Meera Jee has threatened to hang herself publicly if there are proven to be true. The actor had recently been accused of fraud and earning money through illegal means by a family.
In a rather emotional and chaotic press conference, the actor rejected all allegations against her and said that she was being targeted.
“I will hang myself if I am found guilty of fraud and corruption. Some elements are targeting me and continuously doing propaganda. I challenge all those who are involved,” said a teary-eyed Meera.
Meera then said that if her actions create controversy, then let there be a controversy because she is not scared of anyone except God.
She went onto say that much like the character she has played on screen, she is a heroine in real life as well.
“I am a heroine in my real life,” stated the actor. “My whole life and career are based on struggle and hard work.”
“I’m the superstar of Pakistan, I’m the heroine of Pakistan. In films and in real life, I live in the character of a heroine.”
Meera added that she was “a good daughter, a good friend, a good sister, pure, virtuous, innocent and an extremely good human being”.
Meera also claimed that she had gone out of her way to help the family who has accused her of fraud.
“I offered my own home to a poor family during the corona pandemic. I allowed them to stay there for a period of three months and in return, they are making false accusations against me,” remarked Meera.
Presenting her account details and bank statements to those gathered, Meera said that her money trail proves that she has not been involved in any fraudulent activity.
“My bank account and credit history shows that no funds and money has been transferred in my account during this year. Every department can see my bank statement and how much money I earned. My bank account is empty and here, I also present my account numbers to any intelligence agency that want to verify my details as they wish,” she said.
Meera further said that she has been involved in multiple scandals in her life and this one like the rest does not bother her.
“Trust me, these are just allegations and there is no truth to them. I have villas in Dubai and are on my name and the relevant agencies are most welcome to investigate them,” said the actor.
Concluding her address, Meera asserted that she is an honest and honourable woman.
“Main paak daaman hoon aur mainay hamesha sach bola hai,” said the actor. “It is sad that people for whom I am a ‘real-life hero’ are now blaming me for wronging them.”
“Time will prove that these allegations are false,” she added.
As per reports, Meera at the end of the briefing, refused to provide a copy of her bank statement and left the press conference crying. She was reportedly in such a hurry that she left behind her father and domestic help at the press club and rode off with her driver.
It is pertinent to mention here that earlier this year, Meera had requested Rs 40 million from the Punjab Government under the Artist Support Fund, launched by the Punjab Information and Cultural Department, claiming that she is in financial trouble. However, the department denied her request, adding that they can only offer her Rs 5000-10,000.
Meera had claimed that she was suffering financially because her shows in USA and Canada had been cancelled due to the pandemic.
“I suffered a loss of around $100,000. I have to pay back a loan I took in Dubai. I am forced to apply for financial support,” the actor had said.
By now everyone knows that Meera Jee is stuck in New York. The actor has appealed to Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Government of Pakistan to repatriate her and has been sharing constant updates of herself isolating in a hotel room in the city.
However, Meera’s latest update is not from her hotel room but is in fact from Times Square. Meera said that she visited Manhattan and Times Square after three weeks for five minutes to take some pictures and videos.
“The biggest city in the world, New York, is sleeping because of COVID-19,” she said.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jewnhDX1k/
An hour later, she shared that she is back in her hotel room and isolating.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jk2ltj-nb/
It is still unclear whether the actor is stuck in New York or is with her family. After Meera’s appeal to PM Imran Khan, several media outlets had reported that the actor was misleading the public and that she was living at her husband’s house with her in-laws in New York. Later, Meera trashed these reports and asked the media not to spread false information.
“In my video, I had asked requested Prime Minister Imran Khan to bring me home. As a Pakistani, it is my right,” she said. “This is not the time to mock or ridicule people.”
Slamming those twisting her story, Meera further said that the Pakistan embassy in New York knows of her whereabouts and that she is grateful to Council General Ayesha Ali [for her help].
Life under lockdown has forced us all to take a step back from hustling bustling lives and reflect upon the little things that often go unnoticed. Meera Jee, who is currently self-isolating in New York, recently shared a video of herself jumping on a trampoline with a little girl Aliya and the one lesson the coronavirus induced lockdown has taught her.
Sharing the video, Meera wrote, “Who says we can’t learn from our children? One lesson corona has taught me…children are the leaders of the future. We have so much to learn from them. Enjoyed getting beat by six-year-old Aliya.”
Meera also shared that she currently spending quality time at home with her family. She added that she is also “cleaning, trimming, organising and living it up.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-m38UQj9tm/
Meanwhile, Meera has been actively encouraging people to practise social distancing and wash their hands.
Meera Jee’s contempt for Mahira Khan is no secret. Meera has often voiced her dislike for Mahira on several occasions and has referred to her an “overrated actress.”
But it appears that when the two meet, there’s no hate, only love. Mahira and Meera both recently attended the first Pakistan International Screen Awards in Dubai where they happened to cross paths. And Sheheryar Munawar recorded the entire interaction on his Insta story.
In the video, Mahira can be seen telling Meera that she is upset with her for critising her yet again.
“This is the first time I am actually upset with you Meera Jee after becoming friends because you said something about me again,” said Khan.
To this, Meera responded, “I swear I never said anything about you Mahira.”
Watch their interaction here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8UJcAPhYzc/
Earlier in January, Meera in an interview had remarked that “Mahira is not a talented actor. I am more brilliant than her,” adding that the superstar only gets importance because she shared the screen with Shah Rukh Khan in the Bollywood film Raees.
Meera Jee seems to be using the beginning of the new year and decade as an excuse to take a trip down the memory lane and share with her fans and followers some unseen pictures of her early years in the Pakistan film industry. Take a look.
Spoiler – You’ll be shocked to see some of our favourite actors from their younger days.
Let’s start with this picture of Meera and Humayun Saeed from their drama. Not sure what shocks us more – Humayun Saeed or Meera’s makeup.
Meera with Moammar Rana
Attending weddings with Sheikh Rasheed
Having tea with former President Pervez Musharraf
Meera on the sets of her various projects
With superstars from the 90s: Reema, Resham and Juhi Chawla
Cross-border love – Meera with critically acclaimed director Mahesh Bhatt
Meera Jee has been pretty active on Instagram lately. The actor has been sharing pictures and videos from her recent trips to the US and the Maldives as well as throwback pictures from when she and her co-stars were promoting their film Baaji.
Meera recently shared that she needs to give her driving test and she was having trouble preparing for the test because she doesn’t like to study.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-fUHrnCg8/
Meera expressed how studying for the exam made her sleepy and gave her dark circles. She also appealed to her fans to give her ideas on how she can pass the test.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-kD5cHzEp/
In between all the studying, Meera remembered that it was her friend Yousaf Salahuddin’s birthday so she decided to record a short video wishing him a happy birthday using her ‘Driver’s Manual’ as a prop.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-yy-UHS7G/
In her next post, Meera shared that she passed her exam.
“I am still in shock. I am still in shock how I pass the test?” she wrote in her caption adding that she is on her way back to Pakistan.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5CEdQLHiTw/
Meera then shared a picture of herself and her alleged husband Captain Naveed, asking her followers how they look together before casually mentioning again that she has passed her driving test.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5CFoEOHgGP/
We do wish Meera had shared some pictures and videos from her test. But, she’s shown us the right way to prepare for an exam: make sure you document it on Instagram.
Meera Jee is on an Instagram and travelling spree and since this morning she has posted more than 30 videos and pictures from different countries including Maldives and USA on her Instagram. However, we still haven’t figured out where exactly she is.
While Meera’s marital status is still a mystery, just like her age, the actor was spotted vacationing with alleged husband Captain Naveed.
Meera and Captain Naveed in the Maldives
“I am here in Maldives at the Paradise Island Resort, see,” Meera says in the video below as she points towards the fresh, blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
“Lots of fun, beautiful weather and I am having so much fun,” Meera added.
In this video, Capt Naveed shares that the two will go swimming the serene ocean.
Meera even wished her beau a happy birthday with a video of him in the Maldives.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B41bF1SHlBK/
“Happy birthday Nav,” she wrote under another picture of him.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B41i18wHUkz/
Meera also shared pictures of the two having a great time in New York with their friends.
