Tag: Pakistani Celebrities

  • ‘Barzakh’ to be removed from YouTube Pakistan after severe public criticism

    ‘Barzakh’ to be removed from YouTube Pakistan after severe public criticism

    Zee Zindagi’s latest Pakistani project ‘Barzakh’ has been at the center of a heated controversy ever since its release two weeks ago. Written and directed by Asim Abbasi who known for his previous projects ‘Churails’ ‘Cake’, the web series has been accused of promoting queer themes. The show still got over four million views on YouTube in the short while since its release.

    Zindagi has announced that it will remove the Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed venture from YouTube Pakistan starting August 9. In a statement on their official Instagram page, the network thanked fans and explained the reason for the removal:

    “We, at Zindagi and Team Barzakh, extend our heartfelt gratitude to our global audience for their unwavering support for Barzakh — a show that was created to bring people together everywhere. But in light of the current public sentiment in Pakistan, we have decided to voluntarily withdraw Barzakh from YouTube Pakistan, effective August 9, 2024. The decision underscores our dedication to honoring our audiences without causing alienation. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support. Thank You.”

    Asim Abbasi, the writer and director of Barzakh, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his thoughts on the removal:

    “No story of mine is worth more than the safety of all the beautiful, talented artists who came together to craft it. So this decision really is for the best. For all those who have showered us with love, I hope you enjoy the finale! And remember – stories never die.”

    Barzakh’s last episode is set to air on Tuesday night at 6 pm.

  • How Hina Chaudhary found love and success against the odds

    How Hina Chaudhary found love and success against the odds

    Actress Hina Chaudhary is one of those rare celebrities who successfully balance their careers with her role as a wife and mother.

    In a recent interview with ‘Fuchsia Magazine,’ Hina disclosed that she was deeply involved in cricket during her college days. “Meri ammi ko ye pasand nahi tha kyun ke mein sara din dhoop me rehti thi. Aur phir logon ka meri ammi ko ye kehna kay larkon walay khel khail rahi hai, ye tou kaali hojaegi,” Hina said. Despite her mother’s concerns about her getting tanned and impacting marriage prospects, Hina’s dedication to cricket was unwavering.

    She also discussed how she reignited her passion for acting during her university days by joining a dramatics club and becoming its president. This led to a challenging yet transformative period as she convinced her father to support her acting career. Initially resistant, her father eventually agreed after many discussions.

    She shared valuable advice from her mother: “My mother told me something that I still remember. If you want to reach the top, you must complete every step. If you miss a step, you will fall and get hurt.” This advice has guided Hina throughout her career, motivating her to persist and succeed.

    Hina also talked about her marriage to Ali, whom she met at university. Ali, an assistant professor, initially helped her with admission documents. Their relationship grew from a simple connection to a deep and supportive partnership as Ali continued to assist her with academic challenges.

    Hina emphasized that love can diminish. “It is very important to have friendship in a relationship,” she pointed out. She highlighted that Ali’s progressive attitude and support have been crucial for her career. Ali encourages her acting ambitions and supports her through various challenges, including managing family responsibilities.

  • Ushna Shah defends olympic athlete Imane Khelif amid testosterone controversy

    Ushna Shah defends olympic athlete Imane Khelif amid testosterone controversy

    Famous actress Ushna Shah has opened up about her struggle with high testosterone levels due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

    In Instagram posts and tweets, Ushna shared that she and many other women in Pakistan deal with PCOS, which causes high levels of the male hormone testosterone.

    Ushna’s honest talk brings attention to PCOS, a common but often misunderstood health issue. She pointed out that PCOS causes hormonal imbalances, leading to problems like extra body hair (hirsutism).

    Talking to her followers, Ushna said that high testosterone gives her stronger muscles and more energy. However, she made it clear that this does not make her any less female. She said that even with these hormonal changes, she is still fully feminine.

    Ushna’s comments challenge old views that link high testosterone with masculinity or a third gender.

    Her message is important, especially in light of recent events like the case of Algerian athlete Imane Khelif. Khelif qualified for the Paris Olympics and is set to compete in the finals. However, she faced controversy last year when she was disqualified by the International Boxing Federation due to an unspecified gender test. Even though the International Olympic Committee confirmed Khelif’s female gender, the Algerian has been attacked relentlessly by racists and transphobes, including JK Rowling and Elon Musk.

  • ‘I don’t remember my first wedding’: Noor Bukhari opens up about past marriages 

    ‘I don’t remember my first wedding’: Noor Bukhari opens up about past marriages 

     
    Former actress and model Noor Bukhari, known for her roles in hits films like ‘Mujhe Chaand Chahiye’ and ‘Ghar Kab Ao Gay’, has shared details of her past marriages and talked about how her life changed.

    Bukhari appeared on Hafiz Ahmed’s podcast in a recent episode where she said, “I don’t remember my first wedding, I don’t even want to remember. All my marriages were love marriages, which was a mistake. Right now, everything seems to be blurred in my mind. Alhamdulillah I’m happy in my current marriage.”
     
    In response to a question about rumor and speculation, Noor elaborated, “Rumors were spread about my marriages. I have only been married twice before, so it doesn’t matter if they say I was married ten times.”
     
    Talking about her family life, Noor firmly said: “My husband Aun Chaudhry is the father of my three children. I have two daughters and a son. Muhammad Ali Raza is one year old, Sheherbano is four, and the eldest daughter is eleven.”
    Noor Bukhari’s journey from a famous actress to a devoted mother and wife marks a new, fulfilling chapter in her life, one she embraces with happiness and gratitude.
    Here is the link to the full episode:

  • ‘We made Udaari and Mayi Ri in this country’: Rubina Ashraf defends Barzakh

    ‘We made Udaari and Mayi Ri in this country’: Rubina Ashraf defends Barzakh

    ‘We made Udaari and Mayi Ri in this country’: Rubina Ashraf defends Barzakh
     
    The latest web series on Zee Zindagi, ‘Barzakh,’ directed and written by Asim Abbasi and starring Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, M Fawad Khan, and Salman Shahid, has generated heated debates on social media.

    A possible queer character and bold storyline have not sat well with some viewers and artists. 
    Veteran actress Rubina Ashraf has defended the show during an appearance on ‘Subh Saveray Samaa Ke Saath’ hosted by Madeha Naqvi.
    “We have made dramas on many topics that are considered taboos. We made Udaari and Mayi Ri in this country,” the A-lister said.

    “We have even created dramas based on complex relationships. Dramas portray society as it is, not the other way around. Barzakh is a drama that also shows reality, with the characters having liberty to protect themselves from what is happening in this world,” Rubina added.

  • Aima Baig steps up to lead Pakistan’s ‘#MeToo’ movement

    Aima Baig steps up to lead Pakistan’s ‘#MeToo’ movement

    Famous singer Aima Baig has announced that she will start a nationwide ‘#MeToo’ campaign after her recent Umrah pilgrimage.

    Aima shared her plans on Instagram, saying that her religious journey gave her new strength and purpose.

    In her Instagram story, the songstress said that performing Umrah made her feel the need to help and protect women in Pakistan from harmful people.

    “There are many people who have hurt young girls,” Aima said. “I stayed quiet before, but not anymore.”

    Aima admitted she regrets not speaking up earlier, but now she is determined to lead a ‘#MeToo’ movement to give women a voice.

    “I will speak up for women,” she declared. “We are not toys or jokes; we are important and deserve respect.”

    Aima urged women to raise their voices against unfair treatment and abuse, pointing out that many girls suffer physically and mentally from mistreatment.

    She promised to take action, saying, “I have a list of those who have wronged women. We will use evidence and support all women.”

  • Marriage or career? Young men, listen to what Mathira says

    Marriage or career? Young men, listen to what Mathira says

    Renowned television host Mathira has many many years of work and life experience under her belt. She’s channeled all that into advise for men.

    The mother of three, who has successfully balanced her career and single motherhood, talked about fitness, societal views on women, and the obsession with marriage in Pakistan. Mathira advised young men about the importance of personal growth and career stability before getting married.

    “Our society is obsessed with marriages,” Mathira said during the podcast. “Men need to have a foundation first. Work on yourself and your career before you try to get married. Men should be able to provide for their wives when they get  married.”

  • Syed Noor, Jannat Mirza face-off on responsibility for flop debut film

    Syed Noor, Jannat Mirza face-off on responsibility for flop debut film

    Social media star and TikToker Jannat Mirza is a social media sensation with 25.1 million TikTok followers and 5.8 million Instagram fans and recently appeared in the movie, Tere Bajrey Di Rakhi, directed by veteran director, Syed Noor.

    Recently, Mirza appeared as a guest on ‘Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, Excuse Me’.
    Host Ahmed Ali Butt asked her, “Syed Noor thought your followers would watch the film, but they didn’t. How do you feel about his statement, especially since you were part of his film?”

    Jannat replied, “Well, I think the movie’s script was a little weak. Let me tell you, that movie was good; I did it with my parents’ permission; I’m not sure why he said that, and a successful film needs a modern script and story. Syed Noor is my uncle, and I respect him a lot. Also, I did the movie because I thought that I should try acting in films.”

    “I thought they [the producers] were telling me a nice story, but it was actually something else. I didn’t do my homework because it was my first time, and the Canadian male lead also made his debut in this movie,” she explained, “I was let down after seeing it. I had no idea at the time that I should read the script before shooting a movie.”

    Talking about her debut, Jannat Mirza confessed,

    “I understand that people don’t always come for great stories, and that sometimes Shahrukh Khan’s films fall flat. I also realize that my fans didn’t show up. Many of our well-known actors perform badly; the script is everything.”

    The director of the film, Syed Noor also had a lot to say. He recently gave an interview to Ambreen Fatima on her Youtube channel. Talking about the experience of working with Jannat Mirza,
    Noor said, “Jannat is a very educated girl; she comes from a very learned and well-off family. She was an accomplished Tiktoker and didn’t feel affected by the film’s failure because she didn’t have the desire to be a movie star. I added her in the film because I like her and we get along well with her family. We didn’t force her to dress provocatively or imagine scary scenarios. We signed her because we wanted her fans to see the movie, but Humayun Saeed was correct, not many people showed up.”

    Noor added that he felt that Mirza’s fan didn’t show up because they had to pay to watch the movie. “It happened because Tiktok content is typically viewed for free. Jannat had previously experienced great success in her life, and her fans were receiving free content from her.”

  • Mannjogi starts strong with bold take on Halala

    Mannjogi starts strong with bold take on Halala

     

    Veteran producer Sultana Siddiqui is back with yet another impactful new series that has started making waves. Mann Jogi’s star-studded cast includes Bilal Abbas Khan, Sabeena Farooq, Gohar Rasheed and Asma Abbas.

    The first episode aired last night and it is a great beginning to what looks like an intense, gripping drama. Mann Jogi tackles a sensitive topic, how some people misuse the concept of Halala.

    The opening scene shows a mosque and the call to prayer. This contrasts with the struggle in the characters’ lives. Aliya is clearly upset as she prepares for a marriage she doesn’t want. Ibrahim is also struggling with his emotions.

     

    Mirza Gohar Rasheed stands out as Shabbir, Aliya’s first husband, who is deeply affected by what’s happening. Asma Abbas, playing Shabbir’s mother, adds to the emotional depth of the scene.

     

     

     

    The drama is written by Zafar Mairaj and directed by seasoned director Kashif Nisar.

    Bilal Abbas is playing the character of Ibrahim and Sabeena Farooq is playing the character of Aliya.

    With its strong performances, gripping storyline, and timely themes, Mann Jogi is shaping up to be a must-watch drama.

     

  • Meet the celebrities and new faces set to star in Tamasha Season 3

    Meet the celebrities and new faces set to star in Tamasha Season 3

    Meet the celebrities and new faces set to star in Tamasha Season 3

    The biggest reality show of Pakistan, Tamasha, was launched by ARY Digital in 2022.

    The show’s format was based on Big Brother and Big Boss with Adnan Siddiqui performing the duties of host, a role he is set to reprise in Season 3 as well.

    The show has provided a platform to many renowned Pakistani media figures, while a few contestants belong to other fields as well.

    The list includes Junaid Akhter, Arslan Khan, Zoya Khan, Ayaz Sammo, Saima Baloch, Anam Tanver, Abdullah Ejaz, Mahnoor Pervaiz, Mahi Baloch, Agha Talal, Dania Anwar, Humna Naeem, Malik Aqeel, Sherharyar Shahid, Emaan Fatima, Wajeeha Khan, Noman Habib, and Mani Liaqat.

    Tamasha Season 3, which will be broadcast at 10:00 p.m. every day, is expected to be the most exciting yet. Watch the drama, action, and entertainment unfold with well-known stars and fresh faces.

    Here is the cast:

    Emaan Fatima

    Saima Baloch

    Ayaz Samoo

    Anam Tanveer

    Noman Habib

    Mahnoor Pervaiz

    Sheheryar Shahid

    Huma Naeem

    Arsalan Khan

    Zoyaa Khan

    Wajeha Khan

    Abdullah Ejaz

    Dania Enwer

    Junaid Akhtar

    Mani Liaquat

    Mahi Baloch

    Agha Talal

    Malik Aqeel