Tag: Netflix

  • Hasnain Lehri debuts in ‘Dubai Bling’, proposes to Loujain ‘LJ’ Adada

    Hasnain Lehri debuts in ‘Dubai Bling’, proposes to Loujain ‘LJ’ Adada

    Pakistani model Hasnain Lehri made a stunning debut in the second season of the popular Netflix series ‘Dubai Bling’, when he stunned his paramour, Lebanese reality TV star Loujain ‘LJ’ Adada, with an elaborate proposal in front of friends during the season finale.

    The Netflix reality TV series, which premiered in 2022, delves into the lives of affluent and glamorous Arab women in Dubai as they navigate the complexities of high society, fashion, and relationships. Each episode, lasting approximately 45 minutes, showcases extravagant parties, designer clothes and opulent lifestyles.

    In episode seven of Dubai Bling season two, Lehri’s grand proposal to Adada marked the conclusion of the season. The gripping moment left the audience eagerly anticipating Adada’s response, as the episode concluded without revealing her answer.

    Last year, Lehri acknowledged his real-life relationship with Adada, making their on-screen chemistry sweeter.

    Taking to Instagram, he shared a stunning intimate photo of himself and Adada in each other’s embrace. He also captioned the photo with a heartfelt message for his lady love.

    “I thought fairy tales would never come true until I met my princess,” the caption read, followed by their initials “H” and “L” written with an infinity symbol. Adada also replied to the Instagram post in the comments.

    Reciprocating the sentiments, she said, “My heart, H! Fairytales do come true.”

    In 2012, Adada tied the knot with Walid Juffali, a late Saudi Arabian business magnate and billionaire.

    She was reportedly 25-years-old and he was 60 at the time. Juffali passed away in 2016 after a long battle with cancer. The supermodel currently has two daughters.

    When she was just 14, Adada started her modelling career, immediately landing photoshoots and establishing an impressive portfolio in preparation for a career in the runway business.

    At 21, she was given the opportunity to present the music program Energy Spin Magazine on MTV Lebanon. However, after her marriage, the star took a long hiatus from media until her big comeback with Netflix’s hit reality TV show, Dubai Bling.

    Lehri, on the other hand, confirmed dating fellow model Sabeeka Imam in 2018. However, the duo parted ways after a year.

    Imam shared the news of their breakup in a post, writing, “And so this journey officially comes to an end. It has been a long time since we both realised that our paths are destined to be separate. After multiple attempts and much consideration, we have called it quits.”

    Lehri is the first supermodel in Pakistan to bag five Lux Style Awards including picking up the coveted trophy four years in a row. In 2017, Lehri was also mentioned in the Top 100 Sexiest Asian Men list by Eastern Eye.

  • Greta Gerwig, director of ‘Barbie,’ to lead jury at 77th Cannes Film Festival

    The Cannes Film Festival announced Thursday that Greta Gerwig, director of summer blockbuster “Barbie”, will preside over the jury at its 77th edition in May.

    The 40-year-old Gerwig, also an actor and screenwriter, takes the baton from Sweden’s Ruben Ostlund, whose jury awarded the 2023 Palme d’Or to courtroom drama “Anatomy of a Fall”.

    She is the first American woman filmmaker to take on the role, the festival said in a statement.

    Gerwig’s presence will provide a youthful flair to Cannes, which has not had such a young president since 1966, when it was led by then-31-year-old Sophia Loren.

    She is also the first woman since actor Cate Blanchett in 2018 to assume the prestigious position, where men remain over-represented.

    “I love films — I love making them, I love going to them, I love talking about them,” Gerwig said in a statement.

    “As a cinephile, Cannes has always been the pinnacle of what the universal language of movies can be”.

    Aside from “Barbie”, a vivid feminist satire about the all-conquering line of plastic dolls, Gerwig has also directed “Lady Bird” (2017) and “Dr March’s Daughters” (2020).

    She is currently working on an adaptation of “The Chronicles of Narnia” for Netflix.

    The festival described Gerwig, who has starred in more than two dozen films, as a heroine for modern times who has rattled the status quo.

    “This is an obvious choice, since Greta Gerwig so audaciously embodies the renewal of world cinema,” said Cannes boss Iris Knobloch and festival delegate Thierry Fremaux

    “Beyond the seventh art, she is also the representative of an era that is breaking down barriers and mixing genres, and thereby elevating the values of intelligence and humanism,” they added.

    In announcing a high-profile woman director, the world’s largest film festival stole back the spotlight from its younger competitor, February’s Berlinale.

    The festival in the German capital on Monday announced its own jury president, 40-year-old Mexican-Kenyan actor Lupita Nyong’o, the first black person named to the role.

    In choosing Gerwig, Cannes is also highlighting its continued ties with the powerful American film industry.

    The Cannes Film Festival has yet to unveil the rest of the jury or the films in the official selection.

  • Oscar winner Olivia Colman among 1,000 artists signing petition slamming institutions for censoring Palestine

    Oscar winner Olivia Colman among 1,000 artists signing petition slamming institutions for censoring Palestine

    British acting giant Olivia Colman and ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘Derry Girls’ star Nicola Coughlan are among the 1000 artists who have signed a petition slamming Western institutions for aiding and abetting the “repressing, silencing and stigmatising of Palestinian voices and perspectives.” The letter includes signatures from ‘Sex Education’ star Aimee Lou Wood and multiple Emmy-award winner Harriet Walter.

    “This includes targeting and threatening the livelihoods of artists and arts workers who express solidarity with Palestinians, as well as cancelling performances, screenings, talks, exhibitions and book launches.”

    The letter shed light on the ongoing genocide of Gaza, where the death toll has crossed 15,000 civilian lives, with members of the Israeli government now openly calling for ethnic cleansing, and using starvation as a war weapon.

    “The wholesale destruction of civilian infrastructure, the bombing of hospitals, schools, churches and mosques, the killing of 14,500 people in a matter of weeks, amount to a policy of collective punishment against the Palestinian people. The United Nations and hundreds of legal scholars have called on the international community to prevent genocide.”

    The letter then proceeded to criticise the ongoing censorship and repression of voices, including Susan Sarandon, who was dropped by her agency, and actor Melissa Barrera, who was fired from the ‘Scream’ series for her vocal pro-Palestine posts.

    “As artists and cultural workers,” the petition points out, “we stand in solidarity with those facing threats and intimidation in the workplace. The arts sector must urgently align its actions with its stated values of justice and inclusivity, and to refuse the dehumanisation of Palestinian people.”

    The petition states that for artists to stay silent in the face of mass injustice and humanitarian crisis “would be an abrogation of moral duty”. It also pointed out that more artists are refusing to work with those institutions that are complicit in this heinous act.

    The petition also shared four demands from the signatories which were:

    – Publicly demand a permanent ceasefire.
    – Promote and amplify the voices of Palestinian artists, writers, and thinkers.
    – Stand up for artists and workers who voice their support for Palestinian rights.
    – Refuse collaborations with institutions or bodies that are complicit in severe human rights violations.

  • #BoycottStrangerThings trends as news emerges of Netflix not firing Noah Schnapp

    #BoycottStrangerThings trends as news emerges of Netflix not firing Noah Schnapp

    Noah Schnapp was under fire after he promoted several racist messages undermining the genocide of Gaza and later a video went viral from his Instagram stories where he was distributing stickers labelled ‘Zionism is sexy’. Now news reports have revealed that Netflix is not considering the option of firing the actor from ‘Stranger Things’ season 5, and fans are rallying for the show to be boycotted.

    BoycottStrangerThings is now going viral on X (formerly Twitter) as fans are outraged with the way Zionist actors like Noah who shared racist and inhumane messages applauding the genocide can keep their jobs, while actors like Susan Sarandon and Melissa Barrera are fired for calling for a ceasefire.

    “So spyglass fired an actress for being anti-genocide and a crew member from stranger things was fired for denouncing the violence committed by Israel but when Schnapp says that zionism is sexy (which is the new form of nazism) he gets nothing? Fuxk off,” a user wrote.

    Many users are calling for a boycott on Netflix until Noah is fired from the series.

  • Ask-i-Memnu fans are in for a treat with Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, Beren Saat’s spicy chemistry in ‘Last Call For Istanbul’

    Ask-i-Memnu fans are in for a treat with Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, Beren Saat’s spicy chemistry in ‘Last Call For Istanbul’

    If you were alive during the 2000’s, chances are you probably fell down the rabbit hole that was ‘Ishq-e-Mamnoon’ or the Turkish drama ‘Ask-i-Memnu’. Particularly, the most spiciest (and bonkers) part of the drama was the forbidden romance between step mother Bihter (played by Beren Saat) and adopted son Behlul (played by Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ), and the way it captured the hearts of Pakistanis was mesmerising. But fans who are still not over the amazing chemistry between the duo will definitely enjoy the Netflix film ‘Last Call For Istanbul’, which stars both actors.

    It looks like Pakistani fans are still not over how Kivanc and Beren prove they still have the game even after starring in a film after 15 long years. The two meet at New York airport after Serin (played by Beren) finds out her luggage was accidentally taken by someone, and Mehmat (played by Kivanc) helps her re-locate it. Both affirm their commitment to their partners, although Serin complains she feels her marriage is no longer satisfying her, and try to keep their feelings repressed when they have to lodge together in a hotel for the night.

    It has already been two days since the film was released on Netflix and already it’s getting rave reviews for the insane chemistry between the lead actors, as well as how the themes of marriage and independence are explored. Twitter users are already over the moon watching their favourite ship heal the wound left by Ask-i-Memnu’s tragic ending. Yup I’m still not over it as well.

    Yup we’re claiming these two to be our OTP for life.

  • Here are the winners from the Filmfare OTT awards 2023

    Here are the winners from the Filmfare OTT awards 2023

    The annual Filmfare OTT awards were held on Sunday to celebrate India’s storytelling and art in the streaming space. Several big names were among the attendees including Alia Bhatt, Rajkummar Rao, Kajol and Manoj Bajpayee, who were the big winners of the night.

    Alia Bhatt was the belle of the ball, looking breathtaking in a silky black gown, walking away with the biggest award of the night ‘Best Actor in Web Original Film’. In her speech, the actress thanked Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and Darling’s director Jasmeet K Reen on the stage. Netflix shows Scoop and Kohraa bagged some of the biggest awards.

    Here is a list of the winners of the celebrated event.

    Best Series – Scoop

    Best Director Series – Vikramaditya Motwane (Jubilee)

    Best Actor, Series (Male): Drama – Suvinder Vicky (Kohrra)

    Best Actor, Series (Female), Critics: Drama – Karishma Tanna (Scoop) and Sonakshi Sinha (Dahaad)

    Best Supporting Actor, Series (Male): Drama – Barun Sobti (Kohrra)

    Best Supporting Actor, Series (Female): Drama – Tillotama Shome (Delhi Crime Season 2)

    Best Actor, Critics’ (Male): Film – Rajkummar Rao (Monica O My Darling)

    Best Actor, Web Original Film (Female) – Alia Bhatt (Darlings)

    Best Actor, Critics’ (Female): Film – Sharmila Tagore (Gulmohar) and Sanya Malhotra (Kathal)

    Best Supporting Actor, Web Original Film (Female) – Amruta Subhash (Lust Stories 2) and Shefali Shah (Darlings)

  • Jenna Ortega steps back from ‘Scream 7’, and Twitter users feel the timing was phenomenal

    Jenna Ortega steps back from ‘Scream 7’, and Twitter users feel the timing was phenomenal

    Two queens maximising their joint slay

    Jenna Ortega has stepped back from the upcoming horror franchise ‘Scream 7’, just one day after Variety reported that actor Melissa Barrera was fired from the project because of her pro-Palestine stance. Deadline states that Ortega’s decision had nothing to do with Melissa’s firing, stressing that the departure was pre-planned before the actor’s strike as the actor’s shooting was clashing with Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’.

    Jenna has remained vocal about her pro-Palestinian stance, and in the past few days has kept sharing content spreading awareness about the genocide in Gaza.

    The news comes hot on the heels of Melissa being dropped for posting pro-Palestinian content on her Instagram stories. She released a statement writing that she condemns anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and will not remain silent during a genocide.

    “First and foremost I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people.

    As a latina, a proud Mexicana, I feel the responsibility of having a platform that allows me the privilege of being heard, and therefore I have tried to use it to raise awareness about issues I care about and to lend my voice to those in need.

    Every person on this earth- regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status- deserves equal human rights, dignity, and of course, freedom.

    I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism.

    I pray day and night for no more deaths, for no more violence, and for peaceful co-existence. I will continue to speak out for those that need it most and continue to advocate for peace and safety, for human rights and freedom.

    Silence is not an option for me.”

    X (formerly Twitter) users applauded Jenna for standing true to her pro-Palestinian stance and remaining a committed ally with her cast member.

  • ‘Crashing Eid’ is the hilarious Arabic Netflix comedy that is the talk of the town

    ‘Crashing Eid’ is the hilarious Arabic Netflix comedy that is the talk of the town

    ‘Crashing Eid’ is currently dominating Netflix Pakistan and seriously, this is the comedy series we have all been waiting for. Created by Saudi filmmaker Nora Aboushousha, the family drama tackles Saudi norms with comedy and ends with the enduring message that love conquers all.

    The drama follows the hilarious and fiercely independent Razzan, a single mother who lives in Britain with her daughter Lamar. She proposes to her British-Pakistani boyfriend Sameer, under the assumption her family back home in Saudi Arabia would approve of their marriage. However, sheer hilarity breaks out when her parents refuse to recognise their engagement, and the couple tackle racial divisions, prejudice and cultural norms to get married.

    Since this series hit Netflix, it is already getting rave reviews from Pakistani users, who praised the series for not holding back on tackling the racism Pakistanis face in Arabic countries.

    “The comedy series “Crashing Eid” is a good window into Arabs’ racist tendencies, bigotry, and toxic masculinity. As someone who visited a Gulf country earlier in the year, this comedy series portrays only but the tip of the iceberg,” one user wrote.

    Speaking to Arab News, Aboushousha spoke about how she came up with the concept of the series.

    “We started off with a concept of someone who is different from their family, and that grew into this story of a single mother who returns from abroad. We started wondering, what will inspire the clash with the rest of the family? And immediately we realized, ‘oh, she should come back ready to be married to someone from outside the culture!’ Everything fell into place from there.”

  • Shah Rukh Khan’s Pakistani fans finally have a chance to watch ‘Jawan’

    Shah Rukh Khan’s Pakistani fans finally have a chance to watch ‘Jawan’

    Pakistani fans were heart broken while watching the rest of the world celebrate in the streets when Shah Rukh Khan’s thriller ‘Jawan’ was released in theatres everywhere. But since it’s the King’s birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY SRK!!), he has sent fans a treat- a chance to finally watch the film. Jawan is now available to watch worldwide on Netflix.

    Netflix uploaded a hilarious short clip announcing the release of the film on the streaming platform, an extended cut which wasn’t included in the theatre version.

    Jawan released on September 7 in cinemas, quickly getting declared the highest grossing film in India. It recieved critical acclaim for performances by Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan as well as for screen writing, action sequences and music score.

  • Four more Hollywood superstars condemn assault on Palestine

    Four more Hollywood superstars condemn assault on Palestine

    As the tide turns with more activists and public figures taking to social media and the streets to condemn Israel’s barbaric genocide inflicted upon Palestinians, several A-list celebrities have joined in to condemn the war in Gaza.

    Actor Mark Ruffalo shared a link to a Huffpost article on the 10000 Jewish activists who stormed a congressional office building, and re shared a quote given by prominent Palestinian supporter and Jewish professor Naomi Klein:

    “Since we were children, so many of us have told ourselves that we would not stand by if we were ever witnesses to genocidal violence,” Naomi Klein said. “We told ourselves that we would raise our voices. We told ourselves we would put our bodies on the line. We pledged that such horrors would never again happen on our watch.”

    Ruffalo, Marvel’s Hulk, has been a vocal proponent of the Palestinian cause.

    Jenna Ortega, who is the star behind Netflix’s critically acclaimed series ‘Wednesday’ has remained a staunch supporter towards creating a free state for the Palestinians. She re-shared a post calling for an end to the ongoing genocide by a page called Jewish Voice For Peace.

    She then shared a post by a Jewish American poet and activist Andrea Gibson who wrote a detailed account of how US plays an active role in the on-going genocide of the Palestinians.

    Aimee Lou Wood, the actress from Netflix’s popular series ‘Sex Education’ shared a series of posts spreading awareness about the on-going genocide in Palestine, and shared links to the UN Relief Agency collecting funds to provide humanitarian relief to those suffering.

    Rapper Macklemore shared a lengthy statement on his Instagram account where he called for a Free Palestine and an end to the genocide of all its people.