Tag: podcast

  • Sharmin Segal hits back at ‘Heeramandi’ criticism

    Sharmin Segal hits back at ‘Heeramandi’ criticism

    Actress Sharmin Segal has talked about how she handles online harassment and criticism of her work in a podcast interview before the web series’ ‘HeeraMandi’ release earlier this month.

    “I feel a lot of pressure, and sometimes it shows in strange ways. But I have a great support system. My sister is my strongest support; she’s also an assistant director on the show. This setup allows me to vent when I need to.”

    She continued by saying that she won’t keep putting too much pressure on herself. “I want to prove myself, but I’m also realistic now. I hope everyone loves Alamzeb [her character in Heeramandi], but some people will always have their opinions.”
    Segal was called the weakest member of the ‘Heeramandi’ ensemble cast, and fans questioned why Sanjay Leela Bhansali gave her such a big role based only on their relationship. The star disabled comments on her most recent Instagram photos in response to the vicious bullying that was going on on social media. For those who don’t know , Segal is the niece of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who previously worked with him on successful films such as ‘Bajirao Mastani,’ and ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ before making her cinematic debut in ‘Malaal’.

    On May 1, Netflix released ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ which is about the courtesans who resided in Lahore’s red light district.

  • Actresses are exploited in the showbiz industry: screenwriter Bee Gul

    Actresses are exploited in the showbiz industry: screenwriter Bee Gul

    Screenwriter Bee Gul who has written dramas like
    ‘Talkhiyaan’, ‘Raqeeb Se’, and ‘Dar Si Jati Hai Sila’ is well known for her skill as a writer.
    Gul was a guest on Rafay Mehmood’s podcast when she discussed the ‘exploitation’ that goes on behind the scenes.
    She said that, “women entering the industry often anticipate offers of exploitation. This reality cannot be ignored.

    Many aspiring actresses accept these offers, recognizing their potential, and often feel they have no other means to secure opportunities within the industry’s accepted standards if they don’t comply with requests from producers or directors.”
    “A friend’s experience, who faced difficulty landing lead roles because she refused to engage in such practices,” Gul claimed.

  • Actress Saheefa Jabbar Khattak on battle with depression: ‘Struggle was a turning point’

    Actress Saheefa Jabbar Khattak on battle with depression: ‘Struggle was a turning point’

    Saheefa Jabbar, television actor and model, has starred in many popular Pakistani dramas. She’s also a successful model, endorsing several top clothing brands and collaborating with outstanding Pakistani fashion designers. Recently, Saheefa shared her experience of dealing with depression on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast. “I’ve been experiencing depression since 2013, but I didn’t realize it at first. I thought I was just reacting to unfavorable situations. Eventually, I noticed that my panic attacks persisted, even though I had a good life with loving parents, money, and a kind husband. That’s when I realized I was dealing with depression and severe anxiety.”

    She also said, “I didn’t have much exposure and knowledge about depression because I belong to a middle-class family where most people just had their normal graduation degrees and no awareness of things like mental health,” Saheefa said, “A therapist should be concerned about the health of his/her patients.”

    Saheefa revealed that despite receiving amazing support from her husband and brother, who take care of her, she still struggles with anxiety and depression, making healing a challenging journey for her. Reflecting on her difficult period with depression during her flight to Canada, Saheefa said, “I informed the flight crew about my condition as I had already consumed thirty pills, anticipating severe panic attacks. I was regularly taking antidepressants every few hours, and I have no recollection of my meeting with my husband. I recall being unstable for days, during which I isolated myself, and my husband provided constant care. My husband’s kindness has been instrumental in keeping me alive. His unwavering support in both Canada and Pakistan has been my lifeline.”

    Saheefa added, “I’ll never do an item song. I won’t work with Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar. He might behave badly.”

  • ‘From Economy to Business class’: composer of Meray Pass Tum Ho’s song reveals interesting details 

    ‘From Economy to Business class’: composer of Meray Pass Tum Ho’s song reveals interesting details 

    Composer and singer Naveed Nashad, couldn’t believe how much the audience loved his song.
    Recently, Nashad appeared in Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast where he discussed his hit song, the OST of ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho.’

    “The title track of ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’ was a huge hit,” Butt said, “even more so than the drama itself, that’s true.” In response to Ahmed Ali Butt’s praise, Nashad replied, “Please refrain from saying that, Nadeem Bhai (Nadeem Baig) doesn’t like it when someone mentions this.”

    Ahmed Ali Butt remarked, “but it’s true, no doubt. It’s like Humsafar; the drama was a hit, but the OST was a blockbuster.”
    Nashad explained how ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’ upgraded his status from “economy to business class” and also added, “I felt like I landed on the moon”.
    Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar wrote the OST, while Nashad composed it. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan lent his voice for the song. You can also listen to the song here:

    Nashad has previously composed songs for dramas like ‘Mannat Murad’’s ‘Alif Allah Aur Insaan’.

  • Abrar Ul Haq claims he rejected Bollywood film opposite Katrina Kaif

    Abrar Ul Haq claims he rejected Bollywood film opposite Katrina Kaif

    Our very own bhangra king Abrar ul Haq, is popular both in Pakistan and India, where his music is widely enjoyed.
    He recently shared insights into his career during Hafiz Ahmed’s podcast.

    He said, “I received numerous offers from Bollywood over the years. I got offers for albums and films. Even Eros approached me, but I refused. They were shocked no one had ever said no to them,’ he added. Despite friends urging him not to do so, he turned down a film offer with Katrina Kaif.

    Explaining why he refused, he said, “They wanted me not to speak on certain issues so I could not work in a place where freedom of speech was not an option. Therefore I did not even do the film with Katrina Kaif.”

  • Sher Afzal Marwat refused to remarry because it is a “big injustice” to women

    Sher Afzal Marwat refused to remarry because it is a “big injustice” to women

    In our patriarchal culture, societal norms often facilitate men who remarry if there are no children – or a male child – from the first marriage.

    But Sher Afzal Marwat, a senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member, has different views as he related a personal event from his life in a podcast with Nadir Ali.

    “In 2007, my wife asked me to remarry because it had been six years and we didn’t have a son yet,” Marwat said.

    Marwat related that his father was alive at the time and in Pathan culture there is a lot of societal pressure to marry again for children.

    His wife permitted him to remarry in a serious conversation.

    Marwat recounted, “I took some time to think and told her that I cannot do this injustice to you just because I want children.”

    Marwat emphasized, “It would be a big injustice to any woman, let alone your wife if you bring a second wife just for your happiness.”

    “A woman has a life too, she leaves everything behind for a man when she gets married,” said Sher Afzal Marwat.

  • Actress Amar Khan praises Wahaj Ali’s kindness, dreams of working with Fahad Mustafa

    Actress Amar Khan praises Wahaj Ali’s kindness, dreams of working with Fahad Mustafa

    Actress Amar Khan has starred in several projects. In the early stages of her career, she collaborated with renowned Pakistani actor Wahaj Ali. Since then, she has also written a Ramazan drama serial.

    Amar Khan joined Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast where she discussed Wahaj Ali’s attitude and also expressed a desire to work with Fahad Mustafa.
    She talked about Wahaj, mentioning that she had the opportunity to work with him at the beginning of her career, praising him for being exceptionally humble

    She said, “Even though he’s highly successful and popular, he remains humble. I believe he’s learned humility from other actors as well.”
    Talking about working in a film with the actor of her choice, she said, “I really want to manifest this right now, I desperately want to work with Fahad Mustafa, he’s a brilliant actor. He’s the most hardworking film actor of Pakistan. No one is as hardworking as him. He also has that rock stars’ aura”.

  • Aftab Iqbal hits back at Sohail Ahmed

    Aftab Iqbal hits back at Sohail Ahmed

    In a recent interview with Ahmed Ali Butt, veteran star Sohail Ahmed discussed various topics such as theater in Pakistan, his experiences working with several individuals including Aftab Iqbal, and the country’s political landscape, including periods of dictatorship.

    During the interview, the comedian heavily criticized Aftab Iqbal, his co-worker on Hasb e Haal. Ahmed accused Iqbal of lacking respect for his colleagues and behaving arrogantly, considering himself a know-it-all, charges that have been levelled at the host many times. Ahmed also disapproved of Iqbal’s conduct, suggesting that he should adopt a more humble attitude towards life and his colleagues.

    Not one to take criticism lying down, Aftab Iqbal fired back at Sohail Ahmed’s comments, stating that he used to feel shy in front of the camera but clarified that he had been writing columns before starting Hasb e Haal, a show he had come up with. Aftab also praised Sohail’s acting abilities and highlighted the significance of having a good writer and director for an actor’s success. He also expressed respect for Sohail’s talent, noting the lack of greatness in various fields in the country nowadays.

    He said, “I was the one who suggested to Sohail Ahmed to bring on more comedians. Initially, he didn’t want to bring on more actors. However, later on, he implemented everything I had suggested for Hasb e Haal. I understand how my clothing provides material for comedians, and that’s something I aim for every time I make a fashion statement.”

  • Maulana Tariq Jamil becomes emotional as he remembers son

    Maulana Tariq Jamil becomes emotional as he remembers son

    Maulana Tariq Jamil has opened up about the death of his younger son, a tragedy that befell the family a few weeks ago.

    Asim Jamil, who was battling depression, passed away in what was reported as a huge shock for the family. Maulana talked openly about how much his son suffered and how heartbreaking it is to lose him. This Eid is the first one he is celebrating without his son.
    During a conversation with Hafiz Ahmed, Maulana shared, “I and my wife, we both feel that a parent’s love is the greatest. But the love we had for Asim, whom Allah has called back, was the most intense for us both. He had engraved himself in our hearts with his qualities. Allah had only given him such a short life.”

  • Sohail Ahmed advises Aftab Iqbal to be ‘respectful’ to his team

    For years, television anchor Aftab Iqbal has hosted shows on various channels and platforms. But he has been dogged with publicized issues between him and some of the comedians he has worked with.

    Aftab began hosting his first show with Sohail Ahmed, a legendary actor known for his many memorable performances. In his role as Azizi on the show Hasb e Haal, he showcased his skills time and again. Recently, Sohail Ahmed appeared as a guest on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, where he openly discussed the controversies involving Aftab Iqbal and other comedians he collaborated with.

    He said, “I think of Aftab Iqbal as a younger brother, and I would like to advise him to be humble.” He went on to say that Aftab needs to understand that one person alone does not run a show. “You need to respect your whole team.”
     Addressing some of the claims Aftab Iqbal has made, he added, “I was a star way before joining Hasb e Haal, but I still respect the team I work with and always put in my 100%.

    Therefore, Aftab needs to understand that you cannot be disrespectful and a know-it-all if you want to be respected in return.”