Tag: Pakistani dramas

  • Fiza Ali wants you to know even divorced couples can remain on good terms

    Fiza Ali wants you to know even divorced couples can remain on good terms

    Actress and television host Fiza Ali has made an important point on how couples can remain good friends and still choose to end their marriage together.

    Speaking on the morning talk show ‘Good Morning Pakistan’, the actress opened up about her divorce and feeling disheartened by the way her colleagues discussed her ex-husband Fawad Farooq. Fiza said she left acting after feeling upset with how mutual friends of the couple would backbite about him to her, even though there was no bad blood between the two when they separated.

    “Whatever issues I had with Fawad, it doesn’t give an outsider the right to step up and abuse him in this manner. Especially when I haven’t said anything about him, as a friend why are you backbiting about him?”

    Fiza said misbehaviour shown by people was something she couldn’t handle, especially how friends kept urging her to open up about how she suffered during her marriage, when the two remained close after their divorce.

    “I was never abused or beaten during my marriage, Fawad was not that kind of person! There can be several reasons why a couple can end their marriage and it doesn’t solely mean abuse was innvolved.”

    We’re happy to see Fiza being upfront about this issue because too often, Pakistani society loves assuming that the only time a couple should end their marriage is when there is abuse involved. Getting a divorce shouldn’t only be offered as an option in such circumstances, because there are several reasons why couples can feel incompatible and chose to divorce.

    Fizza’s statement is also extremely important for audiences to remember that every person is entitled to their privacy. Rather than making assumptions on her behalf and jumping the gun, learn to leave others alone and mind your business!

  • ‘Importance of finding someone who accepts you for who you are’: Sarah Majeed talks about Fairytale

    ‘Importance of finding someone who accepts you for who you are’: Sarah Majeed talks about Fairytale

    We’ve seen several romance dramas in Pakistan make a splash and then fade away. But this year ‘Fairy Tale’ emerged out of the blue and shifted the Pakistani entertainment scene like nothing else before. It was composed of new actors, and was given a terrible time slot, but a few weeks later it became a stand out drama, and made the writer Sarah Majeed a star overnight.

    Pakistani women would never recommend Pakistani dramas to others, but suddenly ‘Fairy Tale’ is the sole drama that created a female fan cult no other drama has developed. There are groups dedicated to fan girling on Hamza Sohail, the internet’s new boyfriend, and fan-fics written online about Umeed and Farjaad, but most importantly Sarah Majeed was hailed by modern women for making a progressive drama at a time there seemed to be a dearth of them.

    The Current had a chat with Sarah Majeed about how she formulated the idea of the drama, it’s gorgeous and feisty female lead Umeed and how she created a feminist drama in an entertainment industry known for championing misogynist tropes.

    Q. First of all, what inspired you to write a drama like ‘Fairy Tale’? Did you get any inspiration that made you want to write this rom-com?

    Sarah: Fantasy always sparks my imagination and inspires me to create a magical world where happiness, pure friendship, family bonds and unconditional love can be found.
    I aim to bring laughter and warmth to viewers, reminding them of the beauty of love and the humorous moments that come with it.

    Q. Did you have a personal preference for who you wanted to pick to play Umeed and Farjaad? Or did you go with Sehar and Hamza Sohail after their auditions?

    Sarah: No, all credit goes to Mahesh Waswani and Saira Ghulam Nabi. But I was very happy to know that Hamza Sohail and Sehar Khan are playing the role of Farjad and Umeed.

    Q. No one was expecting ‘Fairy Tale’ to become an overnight success the way it did- because it featured unknown actors and was given a bad time slot- but it exceeded expectations to get international praise. How did you feel about all of that?

    Sarah: This is an amazing and incredible success and proof that content is everything and we can gain popularity by creating progressive content too.
    I also would like to appreciate the entire team of Fairytale, because of all of them, this journey of success was possible.

    Q What is more endearing about Fairy Tale is how it has established a cult following on Twitter- which is not something a lot of Pakistani dramas are remembered for. A lot of young women have fan accounts, group chats and even fan fictions dedicated to Umeed and Farjaad! Why do you think this drama has established such a strong following of women online?

    Sarah: The charm of a fairy tale is that it is an ordinary story written and acted in a very special way. I focus on relevant and relatable content and incorporate modern storytelling techniques.
    I am grateful to my fans for their amazing support. I am overwhelmed by all the love and support! Thank you, fans, for making our drama trend!

    Your support fuels my passion. Sending you all my love and thanks.

    Q. When we come to Umeed, what fans love about her most- and the thing she is criticised for- is that she’s super loud and makes mistakes all the time. But every time in interviews this critique is brought up after Season one, you’ve been quick to shut it down. This is quite a shift in how female leads are treated, seeing how another critically acclaimed drama with a loud and bold female lead, but the writer consistently approved the idea that she should be slapped by the male lead.

    Sarah: As a writer, I have immense love for all my characters, not just Umeed. Because I spend so much time making and preparing them, they become like my dear friends. I invest in their stories, their growth and their journey. I think that’s the sign of a passionate writer who really cares about his/her craft. I embrace my characters with love and they guide me in making them authentic and compelling characters. My viewers can feel this love too.

    Q. Farjaad embodied the literal opposite of what we typically see male leads on screen do, which is that he is a powerful and successful man but he never overshadows Umeed and uplifts her more often. Could you tell us why you chose to craft him in this way?

    Sarah: Men like Farjad are rarely seen be it on screen or in real life. That is why I created Farjad. Farjad is a powerful and successful male character who promotes and supports the heroine. By making sure he doesn’t overshadow her, I’ve tried to create a balanced dynamic that celebrates the strengths of both characters.

    Farjad allows Umeed to shine and grow, while still showing the positive qualities of the male character.

    It’s all about creating a story that empowers and inspires.

    Q. ‘Fairy Tale’ can be seen as a feminist rom-com, but it’s made in an entertainment industry where mostly viewer ratings demand screenplays include miserable women rather than happy ones. Writer Syed Mohammad Ahmed made this intelligent insight how entertainment producers- and audiences to an extent- aren’t mostly fond of seeing women happy and independent on screens, and which is why most progressive dramas have a hard time establishing a popular following. Would you agree with him on this?

    Sarah: Oh, I understand what you’re saying. It’s true that usually happy female leads on screen may not get as much attention as other types of characters. However, it’s important to remember that representation is key. By showcasing happy and positive female characters,we can inspire and uplift audiences.

    Yes, it can be a challenge for progressive dramas to gain popularity initially. Sometimes, it takes time for the audience to tell a new and innovative story. But remember, quality and authenticity always prevail in the long run. I believe in creating thought-provoking content, staying true to my vision, and engaging with my target audience. In time, my progressive drama will find its dedicated fans and make a positive impact.

    Q. A lot of drama writers we see achieve fame in Pakistan have written shows that were based on misogynist tropes like Khalil ul Rehman Qamar, which is the anti-thesis of the message surrounding ‘Fairy Tale’. Does this put any kind of pressure on you regarding the kind of dramas you want to write, but also balancing the expectations of what the entertainment industry wants?

    Sarah: Yes, I understand exactly what you mean. Misogynist tropes can be harmful and perpetuate negative stereotypes about women. It is very difficult to challenge and avoid such tropes in storytelling. Let’s strive for more inclusive and positive representation on screen!

    Q. Among a lot of the secondary characters we’ve seen fleshed out in Season Two, Haya is a beloved one among fans because she steps out of the Sati savitri trope a lot of fans felt she was boxed in during Season One.

    Sarah: Of course! Haya has learned from her past experiences and overcome her flaws and has tried to change from a sati savitri girl to a balanced character.

    I know watching Haya’s character grow is incredibly satisfying and inspiring for the audience. So, I did not forget to give opportunities to all my characters be it Haya, Pasha Sahab, Umeed, Farjad, Sameer, Niggo, Zeenat Chachi, Hilal Pasha and Aago Jaan all to grow and develop.

    Q. A lot of writers talk about using music to get into their characters. Do you do the same thing, or do you do something else to get into the minds of your characters?

    Sarah: Not any specific thing I do, it all depends on my mood.

    Q. After the success of your drama, what message do you wish the entertainment industry would take from the love story of Farjaad and Umeed?

    Sarah: The message from the love story of Farjad and Umeed is that stories can be written and created without evil characters and evil deeds and still be appreciated. Love can be found in unexpected places and is worth taking risks for. Fairytale reminds that relationships can be messy, but they can also bring joy, growth, and connection. This story emphasises the importance of communication, vulnerability, and finding someone who accepts you for who you are.

    Q. Will we see you writing more rom-coms in the future?

    Sarah: InshAllah

  • ‘It had to happen’: Aina Asif defends why Mayi-Ri had to end with divorce of Ainy and Fakhir

    ‘It had to happen’: Aina Asif defends why Mayi-Ri had to end with divorce of Ainy and Fakhir

    Child star Aina Asif was a guest on ‘Mazaaq Raat’ where an audience member asked her about the controversial ending of the drama ‘Mayi-Ri’. The serial centered around the forceful marriage of a 15-year-old girl to her cousin, and the birth of their daughter. The drama’s ending divided opinions when Ainy divorces Fakhir, decides to live with her single mother to raise her daughter and completes her education.

    The ending was applauded by some users for showing divorce as something that empowers a woman rather than shameful, with Ainy choosing to live her life on her own terms. While other users slammed the show-makers for ‘glamorising divorce’.

    READ MORE: ‘Mayi Ri’ ends with mixed responses from fans

    Aina defended the scene as something that was necessary to depict in order for audiences to fully understand why child marriage is wrong. “There could have been a different ending, but we have to emphasise that child marriage is wrong. We were trying to show that.”

    Aina further stressed the drama’s characters Ainy and Fakhir were good for each other but their timing was wrong, hence they had to part ways.

    Watch the clip

  • Saba Hamid’s recollection of her feminist parents is what every Pakistani parent needs to hear

    Saba Hamid’s recollection of her feminist parents is what every Pakistani parent needs to hear

    Responsible parenting everyone needs to take some good notes from!

    Veteran actress Saba Hamid was a guest on Maliha Rehman’s Youtube channel where she opened up about her childhood, especially the impact her late father, journalist Hameed Akhtar, had on her.

    “My father was a feminist,” described the actress, adding that “He was a big believer in equal rights till his last breath from day one.”

    Speaking about her family, the ‘Jaisay Apki Marzi’ actress said she was one of four daughters and obe son but her parents never made them feel like there was inequality between them on the basis of gender. Hamid elaborated how chores around the house that are generally male-oriented like calling the plumber, or driving, were taught to all the siblings. Her parents also didn’t put any restrictions on their daughters while allowing their son to stay out late. “I was scolded just as much as he was if he stayed out late.”

    These teachings, Saba observed, made her assume that the world would treat men and women equally the way her father had. But soon grew to realise that it was the opposite.

    The ‘Laal Ishq’ actress further opened up about how liberated her mother was, not seeking permission from their father to go anywhere because he gave her liberation. She spoke about her mother announcing to their father that she was visiting her sister in Islamabad for a day, and his reaction being simply “okay”.

    “We grew up thinking this is how it is, this is the way the world is. It was quite later I realised you had to seek permission from a partner to go somewhere.”

    We are completely moved by Saba’s account of her father and his gentle parenting that made her into the fierce woman she is today- and also helped her raise two phenomenally powerful individuals like Meesha and Faris Shafi. We hope more parents, especially fathers to newborn daughters, watch this clip and take a lesson in how giving girls independence can help them later in life.

  • Ushna Shah, Sakina Samoon criticise Pakistani celebrities not speaking out against Palestine genocide

    Ushna Shah, Sakina Samoon criticise Pakistani celebrities not speaking out against Palestine genocide

    As the tide shifts around the world with protests calling for an end to the Palestinian genocide, many global celebrities like Riz Ahmed have joined in the cause. However in Pakistan, there is a noticeable absence of many prominent celebrities whose voices are critically needed during this time, and public figures are calling this silence out.

    Actress Ushna Shah took to her Twitter account to criticise many of her peers who have chosen to remain silent rather than call out the slaughter of Palestinians by Israel.

    “To my peers who haven’t spoken up: Say with me: I don’t support the ethnic cleansing of Palestine or Israel’s illegal occupation. I stand with Palestine.

    No excuses, no ‘both sides’, no vague ‘peace wishes’. Most of Hollywood is using their platform to be clear about their stance; we need to be clear in ours. Vague posts might protect brand deals, but this issue is bigger than ad money. Speak out, take a stand. DISINFORMATION IS EVERYWHERE; If you follow any Hollywood celebrity or western media you’ll see this clear as day. Palestine needs your voice. A massive ethnic cleansing is happening right now, this is bigger than all of us.”

    Veteran actress Sakina Samoon reshared a post by writer Fatima Bhutto on her Instagram account which condemned the silence of brown celebrities and influencers on their silence over Palestine. In the caption, the actress wrote: “Indeed pathetic. They want work from the western industry, endorsements etc.”

  • ‘Actors are not prostitutes’: Mariyam Nafees slams stalker sending vulgar messages

    ‘Actors are not prostitutes’: Mariyam Nafees slams stalker sending vulgar messages

    Actress Mariyam Nafees has had enough with stalkers assuming it’s their right to be lewd to actresses.

    Nafees shared a screenshot on her Instagram stories of a message she recieved from an unknown person, who was trying to solicit a meeting with her after seeing her at the Lux Style Awards. The stalker tried to persuade Mariyam to hold a meeting, and asked her to name an amount.

    To which she had responded: “Bet your mom is ashamed to have a child like you. Not every woman is ‘bought-able’ you s****. Good luck dealing with my ‘friends’!”

    Mariyam shared the screenshot of the conversation and wrote in the caption: “Married or not- this never stops! Actors are not prostitutes!”

    In her next post, Nafees shared the complete contact information of the stalker, writing that she plans to expose the harassers this way.

    Another woman messaged Mariyam, whose conversation screenshots the actress shared in her Instagram stories. In the conversation, the woman solicited the actress to agree to take a photoshoot with a Pakistani magazine which innvolved “political level parties and bold shoots.”

    In 2021, Mariyam shared pictures of the indecent messages she recieved on Instagram from a man who asked her to visit his friend for a few hours and in return she’d recieve three lacs. Sharing the messages, the actress wrote in the caption:

    “The point of putting this up is because I truly want to put a stop to this.
    I don’t know who’s responsible for these morons to think this way and who’s entertaining them but no! Absolutely not! I and my esteemed co-actresses respectfully work for twelve hours (sometimes more) everyday and we refuse to tolerate this mentality. We come from educated backgrounds to make a name for ourselves, nobody and I mean NOT A SINGLE PERSON is allowed to disrespect us.

    Actresses are not prostitutes!”

    Her outspoken message was applauded by Adnan Siddiqui who defended her in a tweet, pointing out that actors were professionals like everyone else and were not for sale.

    “For those who think otherwise, let me put the record straight. Actors are NOT for sale. We work hard and work honestly as much as any other professional. No one’s allowed to disrespect us. Atta girl MariyamNafees”, Adnan tweeted.

  • ‘Mayi Ri’ ends with mixed responses from fans

    ‘Mayi Ri’ ends with mixed responses from fans

    The drama ‘Mayi-Ri’ attracted widespread controversy on social media after it depicted an underaged girl being forcibly married to her cousin, later giving birth to a baby girl. However the drama has ended now, with main leads Ainy (Aina Asif) and Fakhar (Samar Jafri) choosing to end their relationship as he decides to go abroad for studies.

    Social media had mixed reactions to the ending. Many fans were happy to see a Pakistani drama deciding not to stigmatise divorce, showing Ainy empowered by her family to chase her dreams and complete her education on her own. In the last scene, Ainy gives a college graduation speech where she strongly advocates for the right of women to chase their dreams, revealing that she has set up a house with her mother called ‘Ayesha Home’ to help young children escape abuse.

    As pop culture writer Sadaf Haider wrote: “Mxed feelings about #MayiRi ending Congratulations on understanding Divorce can be be a blessing Allah has allowed it for a reason Big thank you to The writer for allowing Aini & Fakhir to move on from a child marriage And women supporting each other.”

    Social media users defended Ainy for divorcing Fakhir, working on her independence and following her own dreams. Users shared the clip of Ainy speaking at her college graduation ceremony, applauding the powerful stance the show took against child marriage.

    However, other social media users were disappointed at how Fakhir chose to run away from his responsibilities for wife and child to study abroad, calling this twist, “heartbreaking.”

    But for us, the best part of the drama was how divorce was not treated as a taboo, but as an empowering a step towards a woman’s future. We’re incredibly happy with the direction the show took, and hope more writers and producers take a page from their book, to show that it’s better to live alone than to live in an abusive marriage.

  • Here are all the winners from the Lux Style Awards

    Here are all the winners from the Lux Style Awards

    The prestigious Lux Style Awards were held in Karachi last night, celebrating the best of fashion and entertainment. The night’s hosts were Fahad Mustafa, Saba Qamar, Ahmed Ali Butt and Dur-e-Fishan Saleem, while several celebrities took home some of the biggest awards of the night.

    Veteran celebrities were honoured for their contributions to Pakistan’s entertainment industry, like Reema Khan took home The Youngest Lifetime Achievement Award, after Saba Qamar honoured the actress with a medley performance, and Marina Khan received the Lux Changemaker’s Award.

    Two of biggest celebrations last night was when two fan-favourite celebrities walked home with the biggest awards of the night. Yumna Zaidi was the belle of the ball last night when she bagged two awards for her performance in ‘Bakhtawar’ making her the most awards actress in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, and Pasoori got it’s well needed due after breaking out as an international hit with Ali Sethi walking home with two of the biggest awards of the night. While in the film category, Kamli was honoured with Saba Qamar receiving the Best Actress award, and the film receiving the Best Film of the year award.

    Here is a complete list of all the winners from last night:

    FASHION

    CRITICS CHOICE CATEGORY

    Emerging Talent of the Year

    Abeer Asad

    Fashion Model of the Year (Male/Female)

    Maha Tahirani

    Fashion Forward Brand of the Year

    Hussain Rehar

    Fashion Photographer/ Videographer of the Year

    Aleena Naqvi

    Fashion Hair and Make-up Artist of the Year

    Sunil Nawab

    Fashion Stylist of the Year

    Tabesh Khoja

    Most Stylish Musician of the Year

    Meesha Shafi

    FILM

    VIEWERS CHOICE CATEGORY

    Film of the Year

    Kamli

    Best Film Actor of the Year

    Feroze Khan – Tich Button

    Best Film Actor of the Year Female

    Saba Qamar – Kamli

    Film Playback Song of the Year

    Peela Rung – Parde Mein Rehne Do

    CRITICS CHOICE CATEGORY

    Best Film Director of the Year

    Sarmad Sultan Khoosat – Kamli

    Best Film of the Year

    Quaid E Azam Zindabad

    MUSIC

    VIEWERS CHOICE CATEGORY

    Singer of the Year

    Ali Sethi – Pasoori

    Song of the Year

    Kahani Suno – Kaifi Khalil

    Most Streamed Song of the Year

    Pasoori – Ali Sethi and Shae Gill

    CRITICS’ CHOICE CATEGORY

    Music Producer of the Year

    Abdullah Siddiqui and Xulfi – Pasoori

    TELEVISION

    Best TV Play

    Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi

    Best TV Long Serial

    Betiyaan

    Best TV Actor (Male)

    Arsalan Naseer – Paristan

    Best TV Actor

    Yumna Zaidi – Bakhtawar

    Best Original Soundtrack

    Mere Humsafar

    CRITICS CHOICE CATEGORY

    Best Emerging Talent

    Dananeer Mobeen – Sinf-e-Aahan

    Best Ensemble Play

    Sinf-e-Aahan

    Best TV Actor (Male)

    Bilal Abbas Khan – Dobara

    Best TV Actor (Female)

    Yumna Zaidi – Bakhtwar

    Best TV Director

    Saife Hasan – Sang-e-Mah

    Best TV Play Writer

    Mustafa Afridi – Sang-e-Mah

  • ‘It wasn’t easy’: Sajal Aly expresses gratitude after Sinf-e-Aahan receives multiple Lux Style award nominations

    ‘It wasn’t easy’: Sajal Aly expresses gratitude after Sinf-e-Aahan receives multiple Lux Style award nominations

    The nominations for the prestigious Lux Style Awards have been announced a few days ago, and among the nominated dramas was ‘Sinf-e-Ahan’, starring Sajal Aly, Syra Yousaf, Kubra Khan, Ramsha Khan. The series, directed by Nadeem Baig, was praised by audience for exploring the issue of women empowerment.

    It received several nominations including Best Ensemble Play (Critic’s Choice), Best TV Play (Viewer’s Choice), Best TV Play Writer (Critic’s Choice) for Umera Ahmed, Best TV Director (Critic’s Choice) for Nadeem Baig, Best TV Actor (Critic’s Choice) for Sajal Aly, and Best Emerging Talent (Critic’s Choice) for Dananeer Mobeen.

    Taking to her Instagram account, Sajal Aly reacted to the nominations by expressing gratitude, sharing how the project wasn’t easy. She also wished good luck to the rest of the team for the awards:

    “This project wasn’t easy for anyone. When Sana Shahnawaz called me, I knew I am playing this character without even reading my part,” reflected the ‘Kuch Ankahi’ actor.

    The actress went on to thank the director Nadeem Baig and the producers and rest of the cast for their commendable effort to make this show succeed.

    Sinf-e-Aahan is the story of seven women from diverse backgrounds of Pakistan who each decide to join the Pakistan Army and prove their critics wrong, who assume they won’t be able to handle such an intense environment. Sajal Aly’s character Rabia Safeer, longs to do something exceptional with her life rather than wait around for a marriage proposal, and decides to take the test of the Pakistan Armed Forces selection process to join the military.

  • Here are the dramas fans are celebrating on Ahad Raza Mir’s birthday

    Here are the dramas fans are celebrating on Ahad Raza Mir’s birthday

    Happy birthday Ahad Raza Mir! The singer and actor turns 30 today and fans are celebrating the occasion by sharing some of their favorite performances by the actor. Since the moment he stepped on to the screen in 2017 as Dr Asfandyar in ‘Yakeen Ka Safar’, he has been praised consistently. Here are some of the dramas fans are highlighting as their favorites

    Hum Tum

    We will start this article by mentioning the highlight of Ahad’s career because seriously, how could y’all forget the range he has? Ahad plays the studious Adam Sultan, who is rivals with Neha (played by Ramsha Khan). The two regularly compete to get the highest grades in college. However, their rivalry takes a huge turn when a proposal comes for Neha, and Adam realises that he has fallen for her.

    Ye Dil Mera

    Ahad plays the serious and reserved CEO of an oil industry, Amanullah Khan, who is traumatised by the death of his parents- and he believes the murderer to be Mir Farooq (played by Adnan Siddiqui) who is the father of college student Aina (played by Sajal Aly). When Amanullah attempts to get back at Mir Farooq by getting closer with Aina, both realise their past traumas are connected and work to uncover the mystery about the deaths of their loved ones.

    Yaqeen Ka Safar

    We couldn’t end this without mentioning the performance that made Ahad a household name. In this drama, he plays the traumatised Dr Asfandyar, who is grieving the death of his brother Daniyal, after he challenges a landlord’s son for gang raping a girl. He meets Zubia (played by Sajal), who ran away from her home after false accusations and suffering abuse from her family members, and the two slowly fall in love as they continue to work together.