Many people do not know this but Hamza Ali Abbasi was offered a role in the Bollywood film Baby which Mikaal Zulfiqar later accepted after the Man Mayal actor refused to be a part of the film. Hamza explained his reason of rejecting the Bollywood biggie in a Facebook post, citing the anti-Pakistan content of the feature film.
Abbasi took to his official Facebook page and posted, “I was offered this Indian film Baby last year and I immediately said no to it seeing a slight anti-Pakistan element in its storyline.” The post further read, “I am in favour of our artistes working in Indian films, but if any film has even a slight anti-Pakistan theme, please think like a Pakistani first and then an artiste.”
The role was later played by Mikaal and he received a polarizing response form the audience. The movie was banned for a release in Pakistan.
Faisal Quershi has roped in over 25 celebrities in his directorial debut, titled as Money Back Guarantee. It features Fawad Khan, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ayesha Omar and cricket legend Wasim Akram along with an ensemble cast and multiple guest appearances in this comedy of errors.
The ensemble cast also includes names like Afzal Khan (Jan Rambo), Kiran Khan, Marhoom Ahmad Bilal, Gohar Rasheed, Adnan Jaffer, Shafaat Ali, Javaid Sheikh, Hina Dilpazir, Ali Safina and Aqdas Waseem are also the part of the project.
Fawad’s Humsafar co-star Mahira Khan has also been roped in for a cameo. Several other actors will be making a special appearance in the film such as Ali Rehman Khan, Ahsan Rahim, Adnan Bashir Khan, Faysal Qureshi, Faisal Qureshi (the director), Hajra Yamin, Muniba Mazari, George Fulton, Syeda Marium Batool, Khadija Arshad and Ataullah Jan.
Wasim Akram’s wife Shaneira Akram will also play a guest role in the movie. The movie was set to be released in 2020 but was delayed due to the pandemic woes.
Ushna Shah is amongst the most talented actresses of her generation, however, she is equally known for her frank opinions on public platforms. Ushna made a controversial remark on HSY’s chat show which created a stir within the industry.
In conversation with Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY) on his show, Tonight with HSY, the Balaa actress was asked which of the actresses need a nose job? The options given to her were; Mahira Khan, Meesha Shafi and Urwa Hocane. The actress said: “I think Urwa has already got her nose job done. So, Meesha.”
Shah was accompanied with her Alif Allah Aur Insaan co-actor Mikaal Zulfiqar.
Shah is known for her unapologetic and unfiltered opinions. Recently, she also lashed out at Canadian travel vlogger Rosie Gabrielle as she recently called out the local tourists in her social media post for ‘destroying Hunza’s beauty’ and ‘spreading vulgarity’ in the area.
Mikaal Zulfiqar has worked in multiple Bollywood films, his most popular outing being Akshay Kumar starrer Baby. The Diyar-e-Dil actor mentioned in an interview with Hassan Sheheryar Yasin that he auditioned for Fawad Khan’s role in Karan Johar directorial Ae Dil Hai Mushkil which starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai in lead roles.
Mikaal shared that he was approached for the role and even went to India for its audition. “When they approached us, we both were in talks with them and gave the audition,” he said, adding that he was not much interested when he gave the audition.
“It was a small appearance and I always feel when it comes to India they give side roles to us,” he added. Talking on the basis of his personal experience, he further added that Indians are not fair with Pakistani actors.
Mikaal has worked in a few Bollywood films such as Tapasse Pannu and Akshay Kumar starrer Baby which had anti-Pakistan content. He later, revealed that he was not aware of it when he had signed the movie and was tricked by the makers to work in an anti-Pakistan movie.
After Baby, the actor had claimed that he has decided not to work in Indian movies. While Fawad’s performance in a brief yet important role was appreciated by critics and audience unanimously. His character’s name was DJ Ali and he played Anushka’s love-interest in the romantic saga. Thora Sa Haq actor Imran Abbas also appeared in a cameo role in the film.
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.
The federal government is working to introduce a comprehensive bill to ensure that artists are given financial credit for their work, PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan has announced.
“Most countries around the world give royalties to artists every time a show, their work is re-run, a second time or more,” wrote Faisal on Twitter. “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.”
Khan added that he is in touch with all stakeholders and is looking to introduce a comprehensive bill to address the matter.
Therefore, it is very critical to fill the gaps & bring proper framework via amendments in legislation to ensure that our producers, artists get thr rights to royalties. Am in touch with all stakeholders & iA a comprehensive bill is being brought soon to address this v imp issue
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.
Responding to Senator Faisal’s announcement, several artists including Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ali Zafar, Ali Safina and Sakina Samo lauded the initiative and hoped that it would resolve artists’ concerns.
Ever since Naila Jaffery appealed to producers and the government to pay royalties to actors for the work and content that is re-run, the conversation around royalty payments for artists has gained momentum with several actors demanding it.
“Why is it even a matter of discussion?” Siddiqui had questioned. “Artists rightfully deserve to be paid royalty.”
“So many producers and channels rake in copious amount of money through reruns. It is only ethical to pay actors their due,” he added.
Why is it even a matter of discussion? Artists rightfully deserve to be paid royalty. So many producers and channels rake in copious amount of money through reruns. It is only ethical to pay actors their due.#royaltiesforartists
“We as a community of artists, singers, actors, writers, producers, directors, composer, editors and so on, need to be recognised by our government as an industry,” asserted Ahmed Ali Butt had.
Zulfiqar was the first one to demand payment for reruns and after Jaffery’s appeal, several artists including Yasir Hussain, Sabeeka Imam, Ayesha Omar and Mansha Pasha had demanded TV channels for royalties.
Earlier in July 2020, the government had announced that it will be creating a film task force to promote the entertainment industry and resolve its issues. Members of the government including Senator Shibli Faraz had held a virtual meeting with artists and stakeholders involved and shared the government’s intentions. They also discussed issues being faced by the film industry and their proposed solutions. Among those present during the meeting included Humayun Saeed, Vasay Chaudhry, Ali Zafar, Fizza Ali Meerza and Nadeem Mandviwala.
Chaudhry, while speaking to The Current, had said that Senator Shibli had shown a “keen interest in the issues of royalties when it was brought up by me.”
“He told us that the issue of royalties of artistes is very close to his heart and he will make sure to do something about it,” shared Vasay.
Yasir Hussain, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ayesha Omar and Sabeeka Imam have stepped forward and raised their voice for veteran actress Naila Jaffery, who is currently battling ovarian cancer.
“TV walo yeh aap ki hi aik sathi adakara hain. Aur yeh apna haq mang rahi hain. imdad nahi,” wrote Yasir Hussain on social media.
The actor further said: “Fellow actor Naila Jaffery ki halat dekhny k baad bhi hum kehty hain k hamen khuda ka khouf hai aur hum aakharat se darty hain.”
“Ramzan main chanda aur signal pai bheek dene se kuch nahi ho ga. Hamen haq dena ho ga,” he added.
“It’s really time to take a stand on this,” said Mikaal sharing Yasir’s story. It is pertinent to add here that the Durre Shehwar actor has previously also demanded TV channels to pay actors for reruns.
Voicing her support, Ayesha Omar said: “Heartbreaking to see yet another senior actor and someone who has given so much to our industry suffering and reminding the government/industry giants about their due rights.”
Omar further added: “She’s absolutely right. Senior actors, especially those who don’t have family support and are undergoing long term treatments should be given royalties and financial support, if not all.
Sharing the video of Jaffri’s appeal, Sabeeka Imam wrote: “This is so heartbreaking.”
“I have worked with her and she is the sweetest person. Dear channel owners, please have it in your hearts to at least give her what she’s due,” said the model, adding: “I am certain Allah will reward you with more! Love you Naila Jee.”
This is so heartbreaking. I have worked with her and she is the sweetest person. Dear channel owners, please have it in your hearts to atleast give her what she’s due. I am certain Allah will reward you with more!!! LOVE YOU NAILA JEE!!! ❤ https://t.co/2aJOFZlYog
Ushna Shah also took to her twitter and said: “Royalties are meant to feed artists for life but in PK we are heartbreakingly forsaken. #NailaJafri shouldn’t have had to publicly request for what is hers on her cancer bed. Many artists have relied on the kindness of samaritan fans once their distress was made public.”
In another tweet, she wrote: “Artists deserve a royalties for their art, a retirement plan, a union, an insurance for difficult times, a dignified pension, like every other hardworking person on this planet.”
2/2 Artists deserve a royalties for their art, a retirement plan, a union, an insurance for difficult times, a dignified pension, like every other hardworking person on this planet.
In her appeal video, Naila had requested for compensation of her re-broadcasted dramas on PTV.
“For the last six years, I [have been tied to] hospitals, as well as illness and cancer,” said the veteran actor. “I have also not had my second round of chemo either because of persistent infection and during this time I wondered: ‘What if the government lends a hand in this? What if they set up some policies for older people from the arts and sports sector?’.”
She further said: “When I initially joined PTV, I would get royalties for re-run shows and while that amount was nowhere near enough, it was still something and I liked having a stream of disposable income on the side.”
“I have been confined to a hospital bed for six years now and while everyone has supported me, loved me, helped me, and motivated me I wish there was some way to gain royalties on some of my last re-run plays,” said the actor. “Though I understand that it might not look like a lot to many people, for people like me who stopped working years ago, this support becomes important.”
“I request and demand that something is done for senior artists in the future since it’s become harder and harder for us to manage,” requested Naila.
Later in the day, Yasir shared that someone reached out to him in order to the help the veteran actor.
“Zindagi mai pehli bar laga hai k social media ka kuch faida hai,” said Yasir. “Naila Jaffery jee k baray mai meri Insta story dekh k aik farishty ki call aai and now they are connected.”
“Alhamdulillah is mulk main bohot achy log bhi hain,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Sindh Government has announced that they will bear all medical expenses of the actor.
As per details, Sindh Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities Sardar Ali Shah, in a statement, said that his department would bear all treatment expenses of Jaffery.
Sardar Shah on Twitter announced that his department would bear all treatment expenses of Naila Jaffery. He said in his tweet: “Culture department will happily bear all her expenses .. can anyone share her contact number?
Culture department will happily bear all her expenses .. can anyone share her contact number?
In another Instagram story, Yasir said: “Shukria un tamam logoon ka jinhoon ney yeah royalty ka system iss mulk sey khatam kia warna aaj koi bhi fankar yeah bat na kar raha hota.”
Mikal Zulfiqar calls for a movement to pay actors for reruns after watching his hit drama serial Diyar-e-Dil being televised again.
“Actors should get paid for reruns. It’s unfair. Start a movement!,” the actor expressed his opinion.
Taking to Instagram stories, Zulfiqar shared a picture from one of the scenes of the drama and wrote: “Hum TV is airing Diyar-e-Dil for the umpteenth time.”
In another story, the actor said: “If only we got paid for reruns. would never have to work another day in life.”
Yasir Hussain also took to Instagram and wrote: “Shukar hai khuda ka kisi senior actor ne ye bat keh hi di. Mikaal Zulfiqar aap chah gaye hain.”
Meanwhile, the famous drama is a Hum TV production that portrays Pakistan from a realistic point of view. The story highlights the honour and obedience one practises towards their parents as well as the importance of family and the age-old eastern culture of close-knit families. The drama is set in Khaplu Palace, Gilgit.
Farhat Ishtiaq’s powerful story shows us the real jageedar (landlord) of Pakistan. One of the main characters in the show, Agha Jaan, his role is played wonderfully by Abid Ali. He played a hard-working landlord, who has worked his way up the ladder of success.
The cast of the drama is strong and the acting definitely makes the serial worth a watch. With names such as Maya Ali (Faarah Wali Khan), Osman Khalid Butt (Wali Suhaib Khan), Hareem Farooq (Arjumand), Sanam Saeed (Ruhina), Mikaal Zulfiqar (Behroze Bakhtiyar Khan), Ali Rehman Khan (Suhaib Bakthiyar Khan) and Ahmad Zeb (Moeez Tajamul), one can expect nothing less than brilliant acting. Farhat Ishtiaq has managed to give each of her characters the luxury of telling their own story in their own way.
Diyar-e-Dil was developed by Hum TV’s senior producer Momina Duraid of MD Productions, the channel hired the award-winning director Haseeb Hassan to direct the series.
A plethora of male celebrities from Wasim Akram to Humayun Saeed have shared pictures of themselves with one nail polished a different colour prompting fans and followers to question the reason behind this.
Shaniera Akram, who spearheaded the movement in Pakistan, has explained that ‘The Polished Man’ aims to raise awareness about child abuse. Posting photos of some of most prominent faces in Pakistan, Shaniera wrote: “Some of the toughest men Pakistan has ever produced are showing their softer side and coloring one nail to represent the millions of children who suffer every day at the hand of an adult. Our Pakistani heroes say ‘We WILL NOT tolerate child abuse in our country’.”
In one of the most powerful campaigns to come out of Pakistan, Celebrities & sports star rally together to show solidarity with the millions of children who suffer in silence at the hands of an adult. Today Pakistan says NO MORE #BreakTheSilence to #EndTheViolence#PolishedManPkpic.twitter.com/8cb9glr6dQ
Some of the toughest men Pakistan has ever produced are showing their softer side & colouring one nail to represent the millions of children who suffer every day at the hand of an adult. Our Pakistani heroes say “We WILL NOT tolerate child abuse in our country” #PolishedManPkpic.twitter.com/pM4fBf8W3q
She further explained that though the ‘Polished Man’ campaign has been around for years, 2020 has witnessed the highest level of child abuse in Pakistan.
#PolishedMan campaign has been around for years & now in 2020, due to the highest level of child violence to come out of Pakistan, celebrities & sporting stars join this international campaign to show their support for children suffering in silence from child abuse in Pakistan pic.twitter.com/bSS7Dlgvuu
It’s about changing mindsets, doing something different, bringing about change though conversation. It’s about men stepping outside their comfort zones enough to make the pledge. Nail polish is not permanent it can be removed, but the scars from child abuse last a lifetime. https://t.co/ROyVIqbEFx
Shaniera also encouraged men to start participating in the campaign.
Talking about Child Abuse is better than not talking about Child Abuse! We need to infiltrate peoples homes in Pakistan with the necessary conversations around this topic. And if a man colouring his nail can spark a wave of awareness, then so be it! Man up,Colour your nail today
YGAP is a foundation that started in 2008 by a team of young and enthusiastic volunteers and has since matured into a high impact international organisation driven by its work. They support local entrepreneurs who have shown the drive, talent and conviction to create change in their own communities through social impact ventures. They have started raising money for child abuse as one billion children have experienced violence in the last year alone – that’s half the world’s children. They’ve raised $ 530,743 donations so far and are still counting.
Hey Polished Legends, you did this! You have come together to raise over HALF a million dollars, HALF way through nail painting month Thank you for continuing to take a stand and actively commit to helping end violence against children. Keep on nailing it pic.twitter.com/0f1ii87q38
WHY NAIL POLISH? YGAP’s cofounder Elliot Costello came up with the idea for Polished Man after a visit to campaign beneficiary Hagar International in Cambodia. One evening, he met a young girl named Thea, who drew a heart on Elliot’s palm, and then painted all of his nails blue. Later, Elliot learnt how Thea came to be in Hagar’s care – she was physically and sexually assaulted for two years by her orphanage’s director. Elliot made the decision then and there to paint one nail to remember Thea. When he later learned of the extent of child violence, the Polished Man movement was born.
Komal Aziz Khan, who is currently vacationing in Turkey, had an unpleasant run-in with trolls who are busy criticising her holiday wardrobe.
Under a picture in which Komal is posing at Bodrum in a blue dress, a social media user commented: “Pakistan se baahir jaate hee inki haya saath chor dyti hai, ye baat samajh nahi aati kyu (I don’t understand why their shame leaves them when they step out of Pakistan).”
In response, Komal commented: “Because we feel safer abroad in wearing what we want and travelling alone. We meet less judgmental and hateful people like you, who misuse religion as an excuse to judge and spread hatred.”
Komal’s colleagues and peers including Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ayesha Omar and journalist Maria Memon lauded the actor for her response and agreed with her comments.
