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  • Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari to tie the knot on January 29

    Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari to tie the knot on January 29

    Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari and fiancé Mahmood Choudhry will be tying the knot on January 29 at Bilawal House in Karachi.

    According to reports, a spokesperson of Bilawal House has revealed the wedding festivities will begin with a Milad function on January 24. This will be followed by a simple mehndi ceremony on January 27.

    The nikkah will take place on January 29 while the baarat is scheduled for January 30. All events are expected to take place at the bride’s residence in Karachi.

    The spokesman said that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will be suspending his political activities for a week to participate in sister’s wedding. He was unable to attend her engagement as he was in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

    The spokesperson further added that close to a thousand guests have been invited to the wedding. Invitations have reportedly also been sent to important political leaders of the country including military leaders and judicial heads.

    Bakhtawar and Mahmood got engaged on November 27, 2020, in an intimate ceremony at the Bilawal House Karachi.

    Read more – Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari’s engagement outfit details revealed

    Meanwhile, earlier the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in an official statement, had shared that Bakhtawar’s husband-to-be “Mahmood Choudhry is the son of Mohammad Younas and Begum Suraiya Choudhry who hail from the old town of Lahore.”

    “Mahmood, the last born of five siblings was born on July 28, 1988, in the city of Abu Dhabi. He completed his primary schooling in Abu Dhabi and secondary schooling in the United Kingdom. Mahmood further went on to read Law at the University of Durham.”

    “The family’s primary country of residence remains the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where Mahmood continues to run his businesses in construction, finance and tech,” added the statement.

  • Sharmeen Obaid irked with Peshawar Zalmi for considering Esra as ambassador

    Sharmeen Obaid irked with Peshawar Zalmi for considering Esra as ambassador

    Peshawar Zalmi’s decision to appoint Esra Bilgiç as the face of the team has irked Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, who took to social media to express her disapproval.

    Commenting under a post, which speculated that Zalmi has chosen Esra as their brand ambassador for the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Sharmeen said: “I find this hilarious! A Turkish actress whose country doesn’t even play the sport will now be a mascot for cricket.”

    “What happened to Pakistani actresses by the way?” she continued. “Did they all disappear that we have to get foreign ones? Whatever is left of our industry will die if you keep paying Turkish actors for jobs Pakistani actors can do!”

    When an Instagram user responded to Chinoy and said that giving work to foreign actors will be good for the industry, Chinoy said: “You don’t know anything about the industry. How can you say it’s good for it?”

    “We have a very small industry, we have to protect it,” she continued. “Once we grow, we can open up. Please do your research before making such tall claims.”

    “This is not about close-mindedness or about being jealous, this is being practical given the resources we have,” she added.

    Read more – ‘It is not a threat’: Faisal Javed advises Fahad Mustafa to learn from ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’

    Responding to another user who advised her not to be jealous, Chinoy said: “Last I checked I was a filmmaker, not an actress but since most of you don’t care about Pakistani film industry, let me lay it out for you.”

    “If you stop sponsoring your own actors and actresses whatever is left of the industry will die. But trolls like you don’t care that you can take a punt at me! Good luck with that,” she added.

    Bilgiç aka Haleema Sultan recently left fans in a tizzy after she posted a picture of Islamia University Peshawar with the caption “The City of Flowers”.

    While it has not yet been confirmed whether the star has signed a deal with the team, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi added more fuel to the fire by retweeting Esra’s tweet and posting one with the same caption.

    Earlier in July 2020, Afridi had asked Zalmi fans what they thought about having the cast of Dirilis: Ertuğrul as the brand ambassador of the team. Responding to Afridi’s tweet, the Turkish actress had said: “I will be sharing some good news with you soon.”

    Recently, several Turkish actors from the super hit drama series have visited Pakistan for different purposes. From Engin Altan Düzyatan (Ertuğrul Bey) to Cavit Çetin Güner (Dogan Alp) and Celal AL (Abdur Rehman Alp), almost every prominent actor from the drama series has visited different cities of the country.

    Diriliş: Ertuğrul has been trending in Pakistan ever since its first episode aired on PTV Home in Ramzan 2020. Pakistanis are loving the drama series and it has become a sensation in the country. According to details, millions of people have tuned in to watch the show on PTV and YouTube.

  • ‘Tandav’: A weak script saved by brilliant performances

    ‘Tandav’: A weak script saved by brilliant performances

    Amazon Prime’s latest Indian web series Tandav has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. After the show opened to poor reviews by critics, it sparked outrage among the Hindu right-wing for depicting Lord Shiva in poor light. Protests were arranged and threats were issued against the cast and makers of the series (police had to be stationed outside Saif Ali Khan’s house), forcing them to issue an apology. They later also agreed to remove the objectionable parts in view of rising unrest.

    However, despite the poor reviews and immense backlash, the show continues to trend and with good reason – the foremost being that the show is extremely binge-able. The episodes are short, crisp, and fast-paced. Though the plot is weak and predictable with the makers trying to fit in too many issues in just nine episodes – dynastic politics, the race for the seat, farmers’ protests, and the student protests’ – the mindblowing performances will make you forgive the producers.

    Anuradha

    Saif Ali Khan was amazing as the manipulative and ruthless Samar Pratap as was Dimple Kapadia as the power-hungry Anuradha Kishore. Let me just add that Kapadia owned every scene she was in, her screen presence was that good. Sunil Grover’s performance as Gurupal, Samar’s henchman was enough to send a chill down your spine.

    Gurupal

    Zeeshan Ayub did complete justice to his role of a morally upright and ambitious student Shiva and won audiences with his flawless performance. Playing a role like this in India’s current political climate requires guts and Ayub shone in it.

    As far as the show’s plot is concerned, there are two parallel stories running – on the one hand, we have India’s ruling party and their internal politics and quest for the Pradhānamantrī‘s ‘kursi’ and on the other, we have young students rallying for their rights and those of the farmers, who have been evicted from their land. Trouble brews when the two worlds collide and that’s what the gist of the series is.

    Director Ali Abbas Zafar, in an official statement, clarified that “Tandav is a work of fiction and any resemblance to acts and persons and events is purely coincidental” and that’s how one should also take it. While the series does appear to have been inspired by real-life incidents, it is also imperative to keep in mind that creative liberty has been taken.

    It would be pertinent to mention that some scenes of the series have been shot at Saif’s ancestral home, Pataudi Palace. This is also the first time shooting took place inside the historical palace.

    In an interview, Saif had shared that though he doesn’t mind renting the grounds of the property, he was a “little bit nervous when the crew moved inside”.

    I would also like to add here that several viewers had expressed that they found the background score to be overpowering, I felt it complimented the mood and overall setting of the show.

    Tandav is no Rajneeti but it isn’t all that terrible either. Watch it for the performances, drama and masala.

  • Ahad Raza Mir opens up on nepotism

    Ahad Raza Mir opens up on nepotism

    Ever since the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput in June 2020, there has been a lot of debate on nepotism in the film and entertainment industry. While the debate did not gain a lot of traction in Pakistan, it is still being discussed. Ahad Raza Mir, whose father Asif Raza Mir is an established actor, recently discussed the topic on Anas Bukhash’s talk show.

    Talking about his childhood, Ahad, who grew up in Canada, said that his father always kept him away from the limelight.

    “When I moved back to Pakistan in 2009, I had no idea what this industry was like,” said Ahad.

    The actor went on to say that the reason behind this was probably that his father wanted him to make his own independent decisions and not be influenced in any way.

    “He just wanted me to live my life,” said Ahad. “He himself is the same outside as he is indoors, it’s not like he becomes a star as soon as he walks out of his house. So I guess he never wanted it to get to my head.”

    Ahad then went on to say how there are people who think his presence and success in the industry has everything to do with his father.

    “There will always be that criticism that you’re an actor because your father was an actor. But no, I never knew he was and I went to university, studied, worked professionally in Canada for many years and I think I was just fortunate when I came to Pakistan,” said the actor.

    He continued: “My career started doing well and people said it’s cause I’m a star kid. But there are doctors whose kids are doctors, there are generations in the army and generations in politics, no one bats an eye. But as soon as there’s a child of an actor who starts doing well, everyone starts yelling ‘nepotism’.”

    It is pertinent to add here that Ahad, who debuted in 2017 with Sammi, has several successful projects to his credit including Yakeen ka Safar (for which he bagged a Lux Style Award for Best Actor), Ehd-e-Wafa, and Parwaaz Hai Junoon. He also won the prestigious Betty Mitchell Award for his performance in Hamlet in Canada.

    During the conversation, Ahad also opened up about his childhood, his decision to move back to Pakistan and marry young.

    “I think it was good, pretty normal, kind of hectic because I moved between Pakistan and Canada, so I guess sometimes identity is a challenge,” said Ahad when asked about how his life was while growing up.

    Speaking of his relationship with his parents, Ahad said that he is very close to his parents.

    “My mom is my best friend and with my dad, there’s this respect factor, not that there’s any formality, but I’m good friends with my dad too,” he said.

    Ahad is married to his Yakeen ka Safar co-star Sajal Aly. The two tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Abu Dhabi in March 2020.

    Meanwhile, Ahad is reportedly all set to step in as executive producer for upcoming film Kalasha.

  • Twitterati slam Cannoli owners for ‘non-apology’

    After the owners of Cannoli Café Soul sparked outrage for mocking their manager for his English speaking skills, they issued an apology which reeks of privelege and arrogance.

    In an official statement, the café said: “We are saddened and appalled by the reaction of the people, how they have misconstrued our banter with a team member.”

    The owners explained that the video showed “casual gup shup” between the owners and their team, adding: “This video depicts the gup shup between us as a team, and is never meant or taken in a hurtful or negative way. If anyone was hurt or offended we apologise, however that was never our intention.”

    The statement further said: “We are not required to prove or defend ourselves as kind employers. Our team has been with us for a decade, that should speak for itself.”

    “We are proud Pakistanis who love our language and our culture,” the statement concluded.

    However, social media users are not buying Cannoli’s apology, with some wishing they had never issued one.

    One user had predicted the entire apology statement.

    https://twitter.com/MirTharkiMir/status/1352214340087279619?s=20

    https://twitter.com/Shehzad89/status/1352231146638225421?s=20
  • ‘Ichhra looking hairpiece’: Nabila receives flak for ridiculing local makeup artist’s work

    ‘Ichhra looking hairpiece’: Nabila receives flak for ridiculing local makeup artist’s work

    Nabila is at the receiving end of flak for leaving “bitter” comments and mocking a makeup artist Fatima Nasir’s work.

    Commenting on Eman Suleman’s post, in which the model had shared pictures from a recent shoot, Nabila wrote: “Great idea, executed badly, especially the Icchra looking hairpiece. When the subject is so beautiful it’s a sin to not up to our game.”

    While Nabila’s comments appear to be well-intentioned, her choice of words did not sit well with the makeup artist and model.

    Defending Nasir, Eman wrote: “I think it’s a job well done, better than any parlour could have done.”

    Instead of ending the debate there, Nabila continued her criticism saying: “In my opinion, the hair finish looks too synthetic and takes away from the regal styling.”

    “Obviously we can choose to be reactive or grow from criticism. I prefer the latter,” added the makeup maestro.

    At this point, Fatima jumped in to defend her work and explained the process behind the hairdo.

    “It’s a lot easier to just criticise someone’s work don’t you think?,” she questioned, to which Nabila replied: “I see you choose to react and defend. All the best.”

    During the exchange, Fatima pointed out to Nabila that it was wrong of her to use the word ‘Ichhra’ to describe her work.

    “Sorry if I hurt you, but false empathy can be interpreted as false flattery in my dictionary. If I were you, I would investigate how I can improve my finishing skills. But you are not me. Let’s leave it at this,” concluded Nabila.

    Soon, models Farwa Kazmi and Rehmat Ajmal also jumped in to defend Fatima and called out Nabila for her comments.

    “It’s sad to see such a condensing and wicked comment coming from a very senior artist who has been in the industry for 35 years. One can only claim their right to criticise when they also praise the work others do,” wrote Kazmi.

    Similarly, Ajmal wrote that the senior makeup artist’s comments were “quite disgusting and off-putting”.

    Farwa further wrote: “If I were you, I would write my opinion and leave my suggestion in a polite way without attacking the artist, the work and the locality which would have been well received.”

    “But you aren’t me, you are Nabila. Let’s leave it at that,” she added.

    Nabila had earlier come under fire when she had demanded for salons to be opened when coronavirus cases were at an all-time high in Pakistan.

  • ‘Elitist’ Cannoli owners mock restaurant manager’s ‘English’

    ‘Elitist’ Cannoli owners mock restaurant manager’s ‘English’

    Uzma and Diya, who own Cannoli Café Soul in Islamabad, are at the receiving end of outrage for mocking and ridiculing their restaurant manager for his English speaking skills.

    In a now-deleted video from the café’s Instagram page, the two women explained how their manager has been working at their café for nine years and has taken three language courses until now. 

    They then asked him to introduce himself in English and when he struggled with speaking fluent English, they made fun of him by commenting on the manager’s salary. The manager, Owais, was visibly uncomfortable in the video.

    Soon after the video was posted on social media, people started calling out the women for their elitist behavior.

    Even Shaniera Akram stepped in to defend Owais and said that she “knows what it’s like being put on the spot to speak another language”.

    Later, #BoycottCannoli began to trend on Twitter as netizens called for people to boycott the restaurant.

    Meanwhile, Cannoli Lahore has said that they are not linked to the Islamabad Branch and that they condemn the incident.

  • Is Ertuğrul’s Esra Bilgiç in Pakistan?

    Is Ertuğrul’s Esra Bilgiç in Pakistan?

    Dirilis: Ertuğrul’s Esra Bilgiç aka Haleema Sultan has left fans in a tizzy after she posted a picture of Islamia University Peshawar with the caption “The City of Flowers”. This led to fans and followers speculating if the star was in Pakistan.

    While it has not yet been confirmed whether the star is in Pakistan, it is being speculated that Esra will be visiting soon as she has reportedly signed a contract with Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi.

    Shortly after Esra posted her story, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi posted one on his Instagram account writing “The City of Flowers” and tagging Esra, further convincing fans.

    Earlier in July 2020, Afridi had asked Zalmi fans what they thought about having the cast of Dirilis: Ertuğrul as the brand ambassador of the team.

    Responding to Afridi’s tweet, the Turkish actress had said: “I will be sharing some good news with you soon.”

    https://twitter.com/esbilgic/status/1279772401853702150?s=20

    Recently, several Turkish actors from the super hit drama series have visited Pakistan for different purposes. From Engin Altan Düzyatan (Ertuğrul Bey) to Cavit Çetin Güner (Dogan Alp) and Celal AL (Abdur Rehman Alp), almost every prominent actor from the drama series has visited different cities of the country.

    While it is too early to say if Bilgiç is in Pakistan, we are sure she will be coming soon.

  • Marriage teaches you how to act, says Humayun Saeed

    Marriage teaches you how to act, says Humayun Saeed

    Humayun Saeed has joked that marriage teaches you how to act.

    Speaking on Ahsan Khan’s new show, Time out with Ahsan Khan, Saeed remarked that marriage helps one with acting. The actor was invited to the show along with Fahad Mustafa. In a candid chat with Khan, the superstars shared their thoughts on marriage, producing local content, and their two cents on the rise of social media.

    When Khan asked if marriage helps to be an actor or if it has an effect on acting, Saeed laughed and said: “It does help with the acting. Since you know, we never really learned it.”

    Mustafa chimed in, saying, “You know how singers have certain pain in their voice, actors express the pain better after their marriages.”

    However, Saeed later said that he feels that an actor who has tied the knot takes his career more seriously.

    Answering the same question, Fahad said, “When I was getting married, we were doing a play together. It was his [Humayun] production, and I told him that I’m getting married and he just gave a look and didn’t say anything after that.”

    “That look was enough,” laughed Fahad.

    The actors then directed the question towards Khan and asked his thoughts on the same.

    “I think it’s fine either way. An actor can be successful with or without tying the knot,” said Khan.

    Humayun is married to Samina Humayun Saeed and the two are considered to be one of the most powerful couples in the industry. On the other hand, Fahad is married to Sana Fahad and they have two children together.

    Meanwhile, while talking about reviews and interviews, Humayun said that they have “lost their charm”.

    “Ten years ago from today, whenever we would have an interview, whenever we would have a review, it held certain importance,” said the actor. “Now, it is so easy to pay someone to write reviews, say anything we want. I don’t have an issue with this, I just think these things have lost their charm.”

  • Reema gets her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

    Reema gets her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

    Reema Khan has received her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the US.

    Taking to Instagram, Reema shared a video of herself getting the first shot. When asked that how is she feeling, Reema replied: “I’m fine.”

    “Finally got the first COVID-19 vaccine dose,” she captioned the post.

    Earlier, the film star also shared a video in which she said that she is going to get her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and prayed that the vaccine is available in Pakistan soon.

    “This is very important,” she said.

    In the video, she also urged her followers to get vaccinated, not only for themselves, but for their loved ones as well.

    Meanwhile, Imran Abbas lauded Reema for getting the vaccine, calling her a “pioneer”.

    Reema lives in Washington DC with her husband Dr Tariq Shahab and son Ali Shahab. Due to coronavirus lockdown, Reema and her son were stuck in Pakistan. As soon as flight operations resumed, the two flew back to the USA in August.

    According to Reuters, the first vaccine was administered in the United States in mid-December. Since then till the filing of this report, nearly 12.3 million doses have been given, out of 31.2 million doses distributed. The total includes 1.6 million people who have received both doses.