Tag: Pakistani Celebrities

  • Shoaib Akhtar secures stay order against filming, release of biopic 

    Shoaib Akhtar secures stay order against filming, release of biopic 

    Former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar took to his Instagram account to announce that he has secured a stay order against the makers of his biopic ‘Rawalpindi Express’. The stay orders will prevent the crew from filming the movie.

    Akhtar warned that any person involved in the production process of the film will be held responsible by authorities:

    “I have issued a stay order against the filming and release of the supposed biopic being made on my life by a certain group of people. I had to do this because they had threatened in writing of continuing filming regardless of the legal termination of the agreement. Any person involved in the project should know that its completely illegal and they will be responsible for any reputational loss.”

    In the legal notice, it was mentioned that anyone associated with the film would be held responsible, and the police will raid any future filming with a court order.

    Previously, Akhtar announced his departure from the film, citing “failure to resolve disagreements amicably and constant contractual violations finally resulted in us cutting ties with them,” after which the former cricketer revealed he completed all legal protocols and revoked the rights to the story of his life.

    Actor Umair Jaswal, who had been selected to portray the cricket star in the project, also announced back in January in an Instagram post that he was stepping away from the film due to “personal and creative reasons”:

    “Due to creative and personal reasons, I have decided to step away from the Shoaib Akhtar biopic project RAWALPINDI EXPRESS. I will no longer be associated with any media or news related to this project.”

  • Babar, Khusshaal: Celebrities who went viral with hilarious memes

    Babar, Khusshaal: Celebrities who went viral with hilarious memes

    We know our celebrities are incredibly talented, but you have to be talented at a whole other level to be able to go viral because someone has made memes out of your performance. And hum Pakistanis ki tou baat hee kya hai, we’re miserable because of, well, everything, but our meme game is undefeatable.

    From Babar Azam’s shock to Hira Mani, here are some hilarious moments that changed pop culture and the phrases you have been hearing to death.

    1 Hira Mani went viral when she said “Mard ko bhi tou samjho” in her interview with Samina Peerzada and launched a string of memes.

    2 We salute Khushhal Khan for his services to the meme game. Really sir, no one does it like you.

    3 Never change Babar Azam, please never change.

    https://twitter.com/inabaabelfaroqi/status/1612466551571070976?s=20

    4 Aye Musht-e-Khaak ended eons ago but this meme of Feroze Khan remains frozen on the internet.

  • Creative and intriguing, here are four reasons why you should go watch ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’

    Creative and intriguing, here are four reasons why you should go watch ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’

    ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’ has been hailed by critics and filmmakers as a progressive step, citing its three unique stories with stellar performances by actors like Wahaj Ali and Mehwish Hayat.

    The anthology film comprising of three stories directed by Nadeem Baig, Marina Khan and Nabeel Qureshi, is at heart an ode to celebrating creativity and the complexity of human nature, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked till the credits roll.

    Here are four reasons why this film should definitely be on your watch list:

    1 Marina Khan knocks it out of the park with a wholesome rom com ‘Pasoori’

    We all remember Marina Khan from beloved classics like ‘Tanhaiyaan’ and ‘Dhoop Kinare’ but her powerful direction in helming this feminist comedy to life is something the Pakistani cinema truly needs, more women led movies that do not center around men. Pasoori revolves around the upcoming wedding of Salman (played by Shehryar Munawar) and Romaisa (Ramsha Khan), who receives an opportunity on her nikkah to perform at a talent show. With its hilarious side characters and Munawar’s ability to incite laughter and tears with his emotions, this was a well directed story.

    2. The hilarious comedy of ‘Jin Mahal’

    Jin Mahal, penned by Ali Abbas and Basit Naqvi and directed by Nabeel Qureshi, starts of with a tragedy as a couple is forced to live in an abandoned train after being forcefully evicted from their home. It still churns out golden moments thanks to stellar performances by Hira and Mani, as their characters Shehenshah and Mumtaz fight to keep their home by tricking others to believe a jinn resides there.

    3. Khalil ul Rehman’s engrossing ‘Aik Sau Taeeswan’

    A gripping tale about possessiveness, betrayal and the complex thing that is love, with gorgeous visuals and a powerful performance by the icon that is Mehwish Hayat, the third and final film is a masterstroke in why we need more films like ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’. With a span of only 35 minutes, the tale dives into the glory of love, and its dark side as two married people sitting in a train confide their marriage woes to each other.

    4. The sizzling chemistry between Mehwish Hayat and Wahaj Ali

    When we spoke to Nadeem Baig, who directed ‘Aik Sau Taeeswan’, about why he picked Mehwish and Wahaj to star in his short film, he revealed that although the two had not shared the screen before, it was interesting to see how their chemistry would work out. In this film, their electrifying chemistry keeps the audience gripped. Hayat keeps the audience in control with her commanding performance as a married woman who is aware of her failing marriage, but refuses to let herself succumb to it. Equally compelling, Wahaj Ali keeps viewers engaged as the screen shifts from their playful flirting dynamics, to guilt and complete shock as the tables turn.

  • Saas bahu narrative in dramas, Mani thinks channels know best while Hira says no comment

    Saas bahu narrative in dramas, Mani thinks channels know best while Hira says no comment

    Saas bahu narrative in dramas; Mani thinks channels know best while Hira says no comment

    Ahead of the release of the film ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’, The Current team had a chat with the iconic pair Hira and Mani, who will be starring together in the horror-comedy directed by Nabeel Qureshi, along with veteran actress Gul-e-Rana.

    Aside from the questions about their upcoming film and how the two find collaborating with each other on film sets, we asked the couple what they thought about stereotypical dramas that revolve around saas-bahu narratives, and whether its time for scripts to evolve.

    To this Mani replied, “This is what people like to watch.”

    While Hira said, “I don’t know whether they should change or not, I can’t say anything.”

    Hira previously starred in the Kashf Foundation drama ‘Kashf’, in which Hira’s character was someone who had the ability to forsee the future and unfortunate events that will come to pass. It quickly went on to become a fan favourite.

    On whether more dramas like ‘Kashf’ should be made for screens, Hira replied: “I feel like everyone should be able to do what they think is right.”

    “Channel heads are well aware of what kind of dramas should be made. They are closely watching which dramas are getting good ratings. Look at the current two to four dramas which have become a hit,” Mani opined.

    Teri Meri Kahaniyaan is coming to cinemas across Pakistan on June 29.

  • After Asad Abbas, veteran actor Rashid Mehmood opens up about needing financial help

    After Asad Abbas, veteran actor Rashid Mehmood opens up about needing financial help

    Veteran actor Rashid Mehmood has opened up about suffering medical setbacks after suffering a stroke. The event has impacted movement in his hands, face and tongue, the actor revealed, adding that he received limited financial assistance from the government upon appealing for help.

    “I don’t need charity,” revealed the former ‘Ainak Wala Jin’ star to Daily Point. “I need respect and dignity.”

    The actor, who had worked in renowned dramas like ‘Saheen’, recalled his disappointment when he received a check of Rs200,000 from the government upon appealing for financial assistance. “After working hard all my life, my worth was only 2 lac rupees.”

    Former Coke Studio singer Asad Abbas has also appealed to his fans and other singers to help fund a surgery as he battles kindey failure. Abbbas, who sang the OST for ‘Raqs-e-Bismil’, revealed to the Daily Pakistan podcast that his family members had spent everything they had on his operation, while most of the public figures he had collaborated with had not inquired after his health or sent any help. He currently needs PKR 50 million in order to fund his treatment in the US.

    Actor Adnan Siddiqui shared a clip of Abbas where he appealed to fans and other public figures to fund his kidney transplant, and shared that he is getting four dialyses sessions per day. In the caption, Siddiqui highlighted Abbas’ achievements as a singer:

    “Asad Abbas has graced our lives with his beautiful voice,capturing our hearts with his soulful performances and musical genius. Sadly, behind the curtain of his immense talent, he is today waging a personal battle that has left him in a state of extreme financial distress.

    He is currently grappling with a critical kidney issue, which has not only taken a toll on his health but has also created significant financial burdens.

    It is in times like these that we, as a community, need to rally together and extend our support to someone who has given us countless moments of joy through his music. As an artist too, it is our responsibility to stand by fellow artists and help them during their times of need.

    I appeal to each and every one of you to contribute whatever you can to assist Asad Abbas in this trying time. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a significant difference in easing his financial burdens and allowing him to focus on his recovery and return to doing what he loves most – creating beautiful music.

    You can donate here—
    Support Asad Abbas for Kidney Transplant
    PK46HABB0001437900548101.
    Habib Bank Asad Abbas.
    Jazz Cash 03003456490.
    Easy Pesa 03003456490.”

  • Twitter celebrates 11 years of actor Yumna Zaidi with some of her best performances

    Twitter celebrates 11 years of actor Yumna Zaidi with some of her best performances

    Today marks eleven years since actress Yumna Zaidi made her mark in the entertainment industry, breaking all the rules with her show-stopping talent and the ability to completely change pop culture with every powerful performance. In those years, her roles have ranged from a child prostitute learning to overcome her past to a headstrong woman with an ambition to serve in the army, and a fearless girl who disguises herself as a man to make a living for her family. In other words, every time she appears on screen, be prepared for a performance so mesmerizing that it will be seared on your memory.

    In celebration of this event, Zaidi’s fans on Twitter marked the occasion by highlighting their favorite performances in dramas.

    Tere Bin

    Hate the drama all you want, but give credit to Zaidi for bringing life to a powerful woman like Meerab, despite attempts by the writer and the show-runners to mold her into another bheegi bili. Yes, the story is cringe worthy and typical of the saas bahu dramas where a woman is abused, bullied by her family members, and she learns to forgive them all. But Zaidi is the only good part of the show with her Meerab, a feared headstrong character who openly challenges her husband, refuses to follow the traditions of her in-laws, and in doing so managed to make the show a bit more bearable.

    Bakhtawar

    How could we forget the drama that proved Yumna is not someone who will fade away after a few years? Very few actresses have taken the leap to challenge themselves to take on a project that challenges social norms, especially in a country like Pakistan. But Yumna did it so and delivered a performance that is to this day still revered by fans. She plays the independent and competitive Bakhtawar, a girl born in a working class family who flees to a new city after her uncle tries to marry her off. To make a living for her family, she cuts off her hair and takes on a boyish appearance to find work.

    Sinf-e-Ahan

    Yumna continued to prove that she was a thespian with this feminist drama, where she played a girl from a conservative family, destined to be married off quickly, but she defies all of them by joining the army, despite their doubts. Paired with equally wonderful performances from Syra Yousef, Kubra Khan and Sajal Aly, this is the drama we recommend to anyone who wishes to understand the lore surrounding Yumna Zaidi.

  • From hopeless ashiq to feared warrior: celebrating three powerhouse performances by Hamza Ali Abbasi on his birthday

    From hopeless ashiq to feared warrior: celebrating three powerhouse performances by Hamza Ali Abbasi on his birthday

    Happy birthday Hamza Ali Abbasi! Since his debut thirteen years ago, he has been gracing our screens with powerful performances revered by audiences. Within a short time, he has played a lovelorn man willing to decieve parents for his crush, a rebellious filmmaker who learns how to find a path back to God and a terrifying villain, cementing his status as one of Pakistan’s most versatile stars. While Abbasi has announced that he is set to come back on the big screen with two new projects, lets take a jog down memory lane in celebration of his birthday, and review three outstanding performances.

    1 Alif

    If there will be a Pakistani drama remembered years from now, it will definitely be ‘Alif’. The serial aired I 2020 but has remained alive within Pakistani pop culture as one of the few times a drama dominated all public discourse. Abbasi plays the troubled and rebellious Momin, who is grieving from childhood trauma and has completely lost his way in life. When he crosses paths with Momina (played by Sajal Aly), a struggling actress trying to make a living for her family, they help each other reach their destinations, and Momin learns to find refuge in God.

    2 Maula Jatt

    Action-thriller Maula Jatt made a wave around the world, raking in money and praise alike. Abbasi and Fawad Khan took the remake to dizzying heights, recreating old magic and generating plenty of new thrills. Hamza took the feared Noori Natt to new heights with his chilly portrayal of a psychopathic killer.

    3 Pyarey Afzal

    If Maula Jatt changed the way Hamza Ali Abbasi went from being the token good boy to a dark villain, then the lovelorn aashiq in ‘Pyarey Afzaal’ was the role that cemented his position in the industry. Acting opposite Ayeza Khan, who played Farah, Abbasi portrayed the titular character Afzal, who has a crush on Farah, and writes letters to himself that he claims to have received from her. But his world changes when Farah reaches out to him and requests him to pretend to be a love interest, so her parents don’t marry her off against her wishes.

  • Sonya Hussyn will play an addict in her next drama

    Sonya Hussyn will play an addict in her next drama

    Actress Sonya Hussyn is setting up her career to be that of a thespian with the wide range of characters she has played on screen. In a post yesterday, she revealed that her next character, Murshid, is an addict, and debuted her look on Instagram.

    The drama’s name is “Gangs of Kharasaan”

    The actress also revealed that this character held a special place in her heart.

    “Addicts are humans too!!!! Meet “ MURSHID
    Unveiling the first look of my new project, Gang of Kharasaan!
    After playing horain in saraab, Murshid is another character that holds a special place in my heart ”

    Hussyn had previously played a boxer from Lyari in the film ‘Daadal’ who set out to avenge her sister’s honor by becoming a contract killer.

    Since she debuted her look on Instagram, celebrities like Yumna Zaidi, Imran Ashraf Awan and Kinza Hashmi have showered praise on the actor’s commitment to completely alter her appearance to portray a character.

    “The most stunning girl,” actress Ushna Shah wrote. “Always picking off track roles that show off her acting chops. Beautiful, brave, and badass. I am SO proud of you.”

  • Pakistani Army does not have constitutional and legal authority to be involved in commercial actives, rules LHC

    Pakistani Army does not have constitutional and legal authority to be involved in commercial actives, rules LHC

    The Lahore High Court (LHC) has declared the agreement between the Pakistani Army and the caretaker Punjab government regarding the transfer of one million acres of land on lease as unconstitutional, Urdu News has reported.

    The court has ordered the province’s Board of Revenue to remove the ownership of the land from the military and transfer it back to the government, and submit a report to the court within 15 days.

    In a detailed judgment, Justice Abid Hussain Chatha of the LHC also stated that the Pakistani Army does not have constitutional and legal authority to be involved in corporate farming and similar activities.

    The detailed decision outlines the background of the agreement between the Punjab government and the military, which started in 2021, where the government was leasing 10 lac acres of land to the army for a period of twenty years.

    The military had proposed to engage in corporate farming on this land in order to “fulfill the country’s food necessities.” The court has detailed in its judgment regarding the progress made in relation to this proposal, stating that in April 2022, a recommendation was made to present this deal for discussion on the floor of the Punjab Assembly.
    However, when the present government came into power, they swiftly completed the action with great speed and allocated one million acres of land to the military.
    The Public Interest Litigation Association, an organisation comprising several reputable lawyers, challenged the allocation in the High Court. During the first hearing, the court issued a stay order, halting the military from utilizing the land.

    However, after several months, the arguments of both parties were heard.
    The court has now ruled that the caretaker government does not have the constitutional and legal right to make such decisions.

  • ‘Don’t destroy a masterpiece’: Pakistani Twitter hits back after Bollywood decided to recreate Pasoori

    ‘Don’t destroy a masterpiece’: Pakistani Twitter hits back after Bollywood decided to recreate Pasoori

    Bollywood news outlets have announced that the massively popular Ali Sethi and Shae Gill hit ‘Pasoori’ is being remade for the upcoming film ‘Satyaprem Ka Katha’ which will star Kiara Advani and  Kartik Aaryan.

    Bollywood Hungama reports that a source close to the film said:

    The shoot will take place tomorrow and it will be shot in Mumbai over a period of two days. The set is being put up and the team is ready to unleash their final brahmastra in the release week. The song, Pasoori, is extremely popular in the digital world and the team is hoping to recreate the same magic.”

    Since this news broke out on Twitter, Pakistani fans have slammed Bollywood for plagiarising yet another brilliant single from Pakistani singers, because kya Nach Punjaban aap logon kay liye kaafi nahi tha?

    https://twitter.com/ShantanuNagar/status/1671173235650576385?s=20

    Some had to point out that Pakistani actors and singers are banned from Bollywood, but their songs can be misused this way.

    https://twitter.com/HypocriteAman__/status/1671169458285735937?s=20