Tag: Pakistani Celebrities

  • From Tharparkar to Times Square: Mai Dhai’s journey celebrated on global stage

    From Tharparkar to Times Square: Mai Dhai’s journey celebrated on global stage

    Folk singer Mai Dhai, a renowned figure from the deserts of Tharparkar, has reached a new milestone by being featured on the iconic Times Square billboard in New York City.
    Times Square is well-known for its famous digital billboards and commercials, which include pictures of notable celebrities and a variety of well-known brands. It is acknowledged as one of the world’s busiest travel destinations. 
     
    Mai Dhai belongs to the Manganhar Muslim community, known for its rich musical heritage in Pakistan’s Tharparkar district and India’s Rajasthan state.
     
    Since her breakthrough appearance at the 2013 Lahooti Live Sessions, her unique look and soulful voice have captured the attention of audiences worldwide. With her appearances at the prestigious SXSW Music Festival in 2015 and the City University Graduate Centre in New York, Mai Dhai’s global profile increased even further.
     
    Dhai unexpectedly rose to fame in Pakistan in 2016 after making her Coke Studio season 8 debut and receiving critical acclaim for ‘Aankhaṛli Phaṛookai’ and ‘Kadi Ao Ni,’ which featured Karam Abbas Khan and Atif Aslam.
     
    The official account of Spotify Pakistan posted a picture of Mai Dhai with the captioned, #Koyal jaisi awaaz pohanchi seedha Times Square
    Listen to @MaiDhai_Official on the #EQUALPakistan playlist
      Another singer from Pakistan, Talal Qureshi, was featured on a Spotify billboard at Times Square in October 2023. Spotify promoted his album ‘Turbo’, showcasing his blend of contemporary techno sounds and traditional Pakistani music.

  • A woman’s smoking habits are her own business, stresses Sadaf Kanwal

    A woman’s smoking habits are her own business, stresses Sadaf Kanwal

    Famous actor Sadaf Kanwal stirred attention with her frank talk on an Eid special interview with ‘IQE’. Known for her directness and strong opinions, Sadaf spoke openly about her industry’s reputation, thoughts on Pakistani cinema, and unwavering support for personal freedom, notably concerning smoking.

    Addressing accusations of insincerity, Sadaf clarified, “I am genuine in every way. I am true to myself. If you approach me, I will respond respectfully. Some say I’m fake, but that’s not accurate.”

    She continued, “If you show me love, I will show it back. There are people in the industry I don’t interact with or don’t get along with. They call me fake in return, and I accept that. Everyone has moments where they’re not entirely genuine, including myself.”

    The standout moment in the interview was Sadaf’s passionate remarks on personal freedom and respect, especially regarding smoking. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I used to smoke, but I’ve quit now. However, it’s not right to judge others.”

    “Whether a woman smokes or not is her own business. She has the right to make her own choices. She’s not your sister or daughter. It’s her life. Just because you can see someone’s Instagram, doesn’t mean you should criticize them. Stop doing that,” she asserted firmly.

    Sadaf also shared her views on the current state of Pakistani cinema, praising directors Nadeem Baig and Nabeel Qureshi for their entertaining films. “Every Eid, I eagerly await movies from two directors: Nadeem Baig and Nabeel Qureshi. Their films are lively and enjoyable.”

  • Take a sneak peek into Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir’s ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’

    Take a sneak peek into Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir’s ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’

    The highly anticipated drama ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’, starring Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir, released its latest teaser, promising a mix of romance and drama.
    The new teaser shows the growing relationship between the two main characters. Excited fans are eager to see more of the couple’s chemistry on screen.

    Fahad Mustafa will be back on TV after 10 years. The drama is written by Farhat Ishtiaq, directed by Badar Mehmood and produced by Big Bang Entertainment. It will premiere soon on ARY Digital.

    Badar Mehmood has also directed hit projects like ‘Dunk’, ‘Cheekh’, ‘Balaa’, ‘Ishqiya’, ‘Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha’ and ‘Mein.’

  • What’s more precious than your child? Imran Ashraf discusses single fatherhood

    What’s more precious than your child? Imran Ashraf discusses single fatherhood

    In a heartfelt interview, Pakistani actor Imran Ashraf, celebrated for his role in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi, shared his journey as a single father. Despite personal challenges, he has maintained a positive relationship with his ex-wife, actor and model Kiran Ashfaque.

    Appearing on the talk show Khabar, Imran shared his approach to raising his son in today’s world. He makes his son, Roham, a central part of his life, often bringing him to film sets. This has created a strong bond between them. Imran described caring for his son as natural and fulfilling.

    “He meets his mother whenever he wants to, of course. This is a very difficult situation, but we are handling it with love. My son is very happy because of both his parents. He is my prince,” Imran said with a smile. “Raising a child isn’t hard. What’s more precious than your child?”

    The actor added, “God has given me everything I ever asked for, including my career. With such a loving child like mine, what more could I ask for?”

    Imran emphasized that both he and Kiran are committed to co-parenting Roham. His main focus is ensuring that the child grows up with a healthy view of both his parents. He stated, “I answer all of Roham’s questions honestly, show him love and care, and avoid any harmful or unethical behavior.”

  • When east meets west: Ritviz and Hasan Raheem’s ‘Mehrbaan’ blends cultures

    When east meets west: Ritviz and Hasan Raheem’s ‘Mehrbaan’ blends cultures

    This new single by Ritviz featuring Hasan Raheem is a funky, pop-retro beat that will make it to your Spotify list faster than Naseem Shah can bowl in a packed Pak-India stadium! Cross-border collaborations like this are magical, bringing together the best of both worlds in a musical celebration.

    ‘Mehrbaan’ hits the charts today with lyrics about dillagi, love, and a sweet obsession. It’s an upbeat, fun track with vocals that make you want to sway to the beat. Very Hasan Raheem, very Ritviz, this retro tune has a mood-lifting vibe perfect for a weekend party.

    Both artists announced the collab on their social media feeds a few days ago, and fans have been eagerly waiting for Friday. Well, it’s here now. “Mehrbaan is all yours on Friday,” they posted. And it sure is!

    Rizvi Posted:

    Hassan Raheem posted:

    What also stands out in “Mehrbaan” is the stunning artwork by Santanu Hazarika and the digital graphics in the YouTube video
    Pakistani and Indian fans are thrilled with ‘Mehrbaan’ by Ritviz and Hasan Raheem. This song is a labor of love, and fans are hugely thankful for this amazing collaboration.

  • Sadia Faisal blames rising divorce rates on women’s independence

    Sadia Faisal blames rising divorce rates on women’s independence

    Among the many people in Pakistan who choose to blame women for rising divorce rates, and not men for being men, is actress Sadia Faisal.

    In a recent appearance she went off on a rant, blaming independent women for changing marriage and relationships in the industry.

    The daughter of veteran actress Saba Faisal sat down on ‘FHM Podcast’ to slam women for being “impatient and independent” compared to the past, saying that it has led to an increasing divorce rate.

    “I think the reason we’re seeing more divorces in the industry is that when women become independent, their tolerance level decreases, and they refuse to compromise. This lack of tolerance is a major reason for the increasing number of divorces we see today. When women earn more, their expectations skyrocket, and their brains are in the sky, making it challenging for marriages to succeed.”
    Yes, she did not bring in men behaving the way they do in a very patriarchal society. Its all the women’s fault, yo!

    But she did not end her tirade against women there. “We are not foreigners, and our traditions are eternal. Marriages are not just between two individuals, but between two families. Any woman who thinks she is only marrying the man is misguided and will face problems in her marriage.”

    Yes Saadia, everything that goes wrong is indeed the woman’s fault. No matter that we know if instances where strong successful women in the industry were subjected to domestic violence, no matter that we know of instances where men cheated on their successful spouses, no matter that many older celebs now say that they were in unhappy marriages, their husbands took their money, and they regret staying. A marriage failing must be the woman’s fault, right?

    Maybe its time Sadia came out of whatever era she is stuck in and smelled what the new age is cooking.

  • Imran Khan writing book in jail, journalist Zahid Gishkori reveals

    Imran Khan writing book in jail, journalist Zahid Gishkori reveals

    Senior journalist Zahid Ghishkori has revealed on Neo TV on Friday that incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan is writing a book in Adiala Jail.

    A close friend of the PTI founder stated that Khan has been dedicatedly writing the book over the past few months, adding that the book will be about Khan’s achievements and highlights of his political career.

    According to the journalist, Khan has already completed the 300-page book, but it is not clear whether he will publish it after his release or during incarceration.

    Gishkori confirmed that the book’s does not have a title as yet, but he was of the opinion that wide audiences will relate with the topics and stories in the book.

    Gishkori also predicted that the book will be a bestseller and might set new sales records.

  • ‘I chose music over marriage’; Shazia Manzoor on staying single

    ‘I chose music over marriage’; Shazia Manzoor on staying single

    The queen of soulful singing, Shazia Manzoor, is back with a bang on our airwaves, belting out Coke Studio’s latest single ‘Turri Jandi’.

    The iconic singer ruled the music industry for years, but kept a low profile, choosing to mostly keep her private life away from the limelight.

    Which is why she has stunned fans with her candid confessions in a revealing interview with Sohail Warraich on Aik Din Geo Ke Saath.

    The veteran journalist asked her, “You are the only child of your parents. Why did you not get married?”
    Shazia replied, “I told my parents that I’ve decided not to get married, and it was a surprise to them.” She continued to say, “I believe an artist’s marriage is to their art. Those who love their profession often find their first love in it.”

    The crooner then said that she had dedicated herself to her career. “Perhaps I didn’t give marriage the attention it deserved during that time. I’m a human with my own desires and emotions, but circumstances didn’t allow my relationships to progress. However, I have no regrets about these choices.”
    Shazia Manzoor was formerly engaged to someone in her family, but the engagement ended when she began her singing career.

    She concluded, “I haven’t given up on the idea of marriage altogether. If I find the right person, I would definitely consider it.”

  • Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan slams Chahat Fateh Ali Khan’s music

    Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan slams Chahat Fateh Ali Khan’s music

    Chahat Fateh Ali Khan became a social media star after his song ‘Bado Badi’ went viral, gaining 28 million views. Even though YouTube remove his song on copyright claims, he re-uploaded it on Instagram, leading to concert invites and interviews. However, not everyone is happy with him, including singing maestro Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan.

    Shafqat told ‘Gup Shab’ host Vasay Chaudhry, “I feel disheartened seeing this. Because of Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, our singers are being mocked. Many still think he’s a singer and say, he has a new song. Please understand that he’s making fun of our country’s music and singers. I blame our people; they prefer cheap entertainment and appreciate a strange, comedic artist over a genuine one. There will be consequences in the future, and they’ll realize their mistake.”

  • Mohsin Naqvi slammed for enjoying Waheed kabab while law and order deteriorates

    Mohsin Naqvi slammed for enjoying Waheed kabab while law and order deteriorates

    Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has been harshly criticised by social media for posting a Tweet about Karachi’s famous Waheed Kabab while the law and order situation deteriorates across the country.

    On Friday afternoon, Naqvi took to X (formerly Twitter) to write: “Just had an extraordinary dinner at Waheed’s on Burns Road, Karachi! The dhaaga kebabs were simply divine. A huge thank you to Minister Ali Hassan for the fantastic company and making the evening memorable.”

    He also added a photo of himself at the famous food vendor.

    The tweet was flooded with quote RTs and replies reminding him of incidents that had happened in quick succession.

    Digital rights activist Usama Khilji wrote:
    “People being lynched to death from police custody – police arresting people for qurbani on Eid – and the tone deaf interior minister of Pakistan is posting about how he enjoyed divine kababs in Karachi. Resign @MohsinnaqviC42 if you can’t do your job.”

    Economist Uzair Younus didn’t mince his words either, writing, “Part-time interior minister having a meal while an entire community in the country was prevented from celebrating Eid.

    A man was also lynched over a blasphemy allegation.

    To top it off, part-time PCB chairman oversaw a catastrophic World Cup campaign for men’s cricket team.”

    Other netizens also asked him to do his job.

    In a post, one of the X users wrote, “You are Interior Minister and internal peace and security is your responsibility. Just wanted to remind you that”.