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  • Zoya Nasir breaks up with fiancé Christian Betzmann

    Zoya Nasir breaks up with fiancé Christian Betzmann

    Zoya Nasir has called off her engagement with Christian Betzmann following his degrading comments about Pakistan and insensitive take on the Palestine issue.

    In a detailed note posted to social media, Nasir said that Christian’s change in stance towards her “culture, country, people and insensitivity towards [her] religion” lead her to “take this difficult and irrevocable decision”.

    “It’s with a heavy heart I’m announcing that Christian Betzmann and I are no longer engaged to be married,” wrote Zoya on Instagram. “There are certain religious and social boundaries that can’t be crossed no matter what, hence, the decision to part ways.”

    The actor further said: “Humility, tolerance and respect towards each other are the virtues that we must always adhere to. I look upon my Allah to provide me with the strength to deal with this worldly emotional wreck.”

    Wishing “Chris a bright and happy future,” Zoya requested their fans and followers “space and privacy for myself and my family as we begin to navigate this emotional turmoil.”

    Zoya and Christian announced their engagement on February 19 and were reportedly set to tie the knot this year.

    Meanwhile, Betzmann on Friday while responding to some followers who requested him to raise his voice on the Palestine issue had said that he believes that social media has never helped in any political event and that the strikes of third world countries are useless and waste of time.

    The German Vlogger had further said: “It’s better to go pray as praying is the only thing third world countries can do,” adding that “first world countries are based on doers.”

    Christian, who recently embraced Islam, even went on to say that “prayers do nothing” and “you can’t do anything.”

    He also advised the people of Pakistan to enjoy as long they can because “you never know your country might be next.”

  • Gigi Hadid calls out anti-Semitic people for ‘spreading hate’

    Gigi Hadid calls out anti-Semitic people for ‘spreading hate’

    Gigi Hadid has called out anti-Semitic supporters of Palestine, calling them “hypocrites” for spreading hate towards the Jews.

    “Anti-Semitic people who are using the pro-Palestine movement as an excuse to be violent and/or hateful towards Jewish people should be ashamed of themselves,” wrote the supermodel on Instagram.

    Hadid further added: “Their actions are hypocritical to the real Free Palestine. I’ve said this before and I want to make it clear again: By speaking out for equal rights of Palestinian people, I am never condoning violence or hate against the Jewish community.”

    “It is unacceptable, especially in the name of another marginalised group,” said Gigi, adding: “Everyone the right to feel safe regardless of their religion, where they’re from,or the actions of their government.”

    Sharing another post on her account from a Palestinian, Hadid said: “If you’re pro-Palestine with anti-Semitic intentions, I’m telling you to distance yourself away from the Palestinian cause as much as possible. We don’t want your support. We will not have your ignorance bastardize our fight for equal rights and justice. Which is all in the name of humanity.”

    The supermodel further said: “Palestine is a human rights cause. If you’re using this to intimidate members of the Jewish community, who have done you no harm – then you’re defeating the purpose of our cause. And I ask you [to] stay away from us. Do not raise our flag. You are equally hurting us. Sincerely, a Palestinian.”

    When Gigi earlier extended her support towards Palestine, she had clarified that she “condemns anti-Semitism” and is not trying to kill anyone.

    Meanwhile, Gigi also rubbished fake news circulating on social media about Dior cutting ties with sister Bella Hadid for supporting the Palestinian cause.

    Meanwhile, Hadid has also been accused of anti-Semitism after the supermodel voiced support for the people of Palestine amid Israeli violence.

  • Christian Betzmann under fire for insensitive take on Palestine issue, criticising Pakistan

    Christian Betzmann under fire for insensitive take on Palestine issue, criticising Pakistan

    German travel vlogger Christian Betzmann is at the receiving end of flak for his insensitive take on the Palestine issue and criticism on Pakistan.

    The Israeli armed oppression against the defenseless Palestinians has been making headlines all over the world. The catastrophic bombing in Gaza is being fearlessly conducted by the Israeli forces while the poor Palestinians continue to suffer from the worst humanitarian crisis. Amidst the ongoing violence in the Palestinian region, many common people, celebrities and social media influencers all across the world have shown support for the Palestinians.

    Christian shared his views on his Instagram stories and people were not happy with his take on it. One of the netizens used foul language with the YouTuber and Christian, instead of ignoring him, insulted Pakistani people and the country as a whole.

    Meanwhile, in a conversation with an influencer Muznah, the Vlogger shared his opinion regarding the Palestine issue, saying he believes that social media has never helped in any political event.

    He further added the strikes of third world countries are useless and waste of time , while also commenting that this thought is “naïve.”

    The German Vlogger even openly wrote that you have no power and concluded his statement, saying: “It’s better to go pray as praying is the only thing third world countries can do.”

    Whereas, “first world countries are based on doers,” he declared. 

    Christian who recently embraced Islam said: “Prayers do nothing” and “you can’t do anything.”

    The Vlogger also said that the people of Pakistan must enjoy as long they can because “you never know your country might be next.”

    Here is the conversation of the two:

    Tiktoker Romaisa Khan also confronted Betzmann regarding his statement

    Romaisa explained that Pakistan has its own sets of problems but they can’t be wrongfully compared to what the Palestinians are going through, as Christian had. She even called Christian a selfish man who now is talking trash about the country which warmly welcomed him with love.

    The Tiktok star also shared how she was unfollowed by Christian even though he was the one who had initially followed her on Instagram.

    Instagram influencer Khaqan Shahnawaz, who is soon to be seen in Mahira Khan’s Baarwan Khiladi also bashed the Vlogger and asked him to go back to his country if he hates this “Third World Country” so much.

    “If you don’t want to protest, then don’t. But don’t you dare say anything about my country, otherwise I will eat you alive,” said Khaqan jokingly.

    Christian responded to the backlash by saying that he condemns whatever is happening in Palestine but choosing to not speak about an issue should not be treated as an opportunity to insult him.

    He continued to press upon his own point of view and said in his own words, ”calling people bad words just because they don’t want to share their opinion is stupid.” He further said that if social media was as powerful as people were saying it was then it would have helped Pakistanis to fix their issues too.

    Later, Betzmann said that he stands with the people of Palestine.

    Meanwhile, Christian’s fiancée and Pakistani actress Zoya Nasir has not yet commented on the matter. However, she lauded Bella Hadid for her bravery and refusing to “bow down and stand for what is right.”

    Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which was announced early Friday morning, Israel ruthlessly attacked worshippers at Al-Aqsa during Friday prayers.

  • ‘Here is to forever’: Minal Khan, Ahsan Mohsin announce baat paki

    ‘Here is to forever’: Minal Khan, Ahsan Mohsin announce baat paki

    After months of teasing fans with loved-up pictures and a secret engagement, Minal Khan and Ahsan Mohsin Ikram have finally made things official, sharing pictures from their baat paki on social media.

    Announcing the news on social media, Minal said: “Here is to forever. To the love of my life, you’re the easiest yes I’ve ever said!”

    Similarly, Ahsan wrote: “Here is to forever. I promise to love you till my last breath!”

    While Minal wore a pink floral dress for the occasion, Ahsan donned a simple black shalwar kameez complementing Minal’s outfit.

    Ahsan and Minal had officially confirmed their relationship on Minal’s birthday in November 2020 with a picture that received immense backlash on social media.

  • Pakistani celebrities raise voice against Israeli atrocities in Palestine

    Pakistani celebrities raise voice against Israeli atrocities in Palestine

    With the nonstop bombardment of missiles by Israelis and destruction of Palestinian homes, offices, security buildings and residential property, nearly 200 Palestinians have been killed, including 58 children, in the Gaza Strip as Israeli monstrosities enter the second week.

    People across the world including Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik are raising their voices for the Palestinians with Pakistani celebrities too using their social media presence to call out atrocities of Israeli military on innocent people.

    Read more – Mahira Khan, Babar Azam, Maya Ali among others condemn Israeli brutality in Palestine

    “Can you imagine kissing your child to sleep and not knowing if you all will see them again? That’s the reality of life in Palestine right now. That’s the horror those children, those innocent beings live in,” said Ayeza Khan. “My heart aches to even think about this. We can’t do much. But we do have a voice. And together, we can use it to stop the cruelties on our brothers and sisters.”

    Taking to Instagram, Mahira Khan wrote: “If we remain silent, there is blood on our hands too.”

    “Free Palestine,” she added.

    Maya Ali also took to Instagram and wrote: “All of my prayers are with the Palestinians.

    She also prayed for the people of Palestine. “O Allah, please help, protect and support the people in Palestine and ease their pains and sufferings. Ameen!”

    Maya added: “I’ve been absolutely speechless and heart broken of seeing the horrifying attacks on the innocent people of #Palestine. Its high time that we all come together, raise our voices and spread awareness about the current situation in Palestine. When the world unites, miracles happen!”

    Sharing a viral video of a Palestinian girl questioning what her fault is and whether it is fair to attack them like this, Ayesha Omar said: “No it’s not. It’s not fair. It’s not fair. It’s not human.”

    https://twitter.com/ayesha_m_omar/status/1393891986055249921?s=19

    Yasir Hussain also expressed his sadness over the situation, saying: “Khamosh rehny waly tamaam Muslim mumaalik ye bhool rhy hain k aisa unky sath bhi ho sakta hai. Hamen khamoshi ki aadat dali ja rahi hai.“

    Bilal Abbas Khan also shared pictures of protestors demanding to save Palestine from injustice and apartheid of Israel.

    Read more – Asim Azhar, Shahid Afridi, Farhan Saeed call out Israel’s atrocities against Palestinians

    Other celebrities including Feroze Khan, Haroon Shahid, Shehzad Roy, Zara Noor Abbas and Hania Aamir among others also rose their voice and called out Israeli violence on Palestinians.

    Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) Security Council met on Sunday to discuss the violence but failed to agree on even a joint statement of concern.

  • Yasir Hussain staged question about ‘uninvited guest’ at wedding

    Yasir Hussain staged question about ‘uninvited guest’ at wedding

    Nadeem Baig has revealed that Yasir Hussain wanted the uninvited guest question to be asked himself on Vasay Chaudhry’s Ghabrana Mana hai.

    The Meray Paas Tum Ho’s director appeared on Nida Yasir’s Eid Special Morning Show and almost two months after the comments landed Yasir in hot water and sparked a heated war between him and Shah, the talk show’s director Baig revealed what had led to that contentious question.

    Hussain had unleashed havoc after he stated that fellow actor Nausheen Shah demanded an invitation to his and Iqra Aziz’s wedding in 2019.

    The Jhooti actor, 37, was asked on Vasay Chaudhry’s talk show Ghabrana Mana Hai about whether any one of the attendees at his wedding had showed up without getting invited, to which he said he hadn’t invited Shah but she still came.

    Baig shared that his associate had gone up to Hussain prior to the show and asked him if there were any funny anecdotes he would like to be questioned about.

    The director said: “While he was getting his makeup done, he said, ‘Just ask me who showed up uninvited to my wedding.’”

    Nida had asked Baig about the controversies related to his show. He also said that everyone criticised Vasay for asking this question but actually he told us to ask this question.

    Watch the video here:

  • 5 best moments from ‘Chupke Chupke’

    5 best moments from ‘Chupke Chupke’

    Safe to say, we’re not getting over Chupke Chupke anytime soon given the amount of light-hearted entertainment it provided us during Ramzan this year. The show has been a hit with the audiences with episodes trending on televsion and social media. The highlight of the series included the love story between Faazi (Osman Khalid Butt) and Meenu (Ayeza Khan) and Haadi (Arslan Naseer) and Mishi (Aymen Saleem).

    Since Chupke Chupke ended on a high and happy note, we decided to take look back at some of our favourite scenes from the romantic-comedy show. Though it was extremely hard to narrow down the list to just five, we did our best. Check it out:

    Faazi and Meenu’s first romantic scene

    First time pyaar ka izhar and Bebe’s raid

    Faazi’s reaction to Meenu’s foot injury

    Mushtaq Plumber and Hajra Padicure Wali

    Haadi and Faazi’s patch-up and Faazi requesting Haadi to placate Meenu for him

    Chupke Chupke was a complete package with a high dose of entertainment and emotions, power-packed performances, romance and comedy.

    Which scene from the show was your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.

  • ‘Family-friendly’ movies you should NOT be watching with your family

    ‘Family-friendly’ movies you should NOT be watching with your family

    With a complete ban on Eid parties, travelling and pappis and jhappis (don’t forget Apa is watching), Eid this year is not like the ones we used to have in our childhood. With little to do and no place to go, what better than a movie night in with the fam?

    Read more – Saba Qamar wonders why ‘Sexify’ is trending on Netflix Pakistan

    While Netflix has thousands of options to choose from for a fun family movie night, there are some films which are touted to be “family-friendly” but are not. Here is a list of films you should definitely not be watching with the fam.

    Queen

    While Queen is a highly entertaining watch about a woman who decides to go on her honeymoon alone after her fiancé ditches her days before the wedding and features a brave female protagonist (Kangana Ranaut), some of the scenes, especially those involving Lisa Haydon can be very awkward to watch with your parents or siblings.

    Kapoor and Sons

    Featuring Pakistan’s heartthrob Fawad Khan, Kapoor & Sons is a decent film about family issues and sibling rivalry but the racy scenes and Fawad’s character being gay can make it a tad bit uncomfortable to watch with family. Though everyone has a choice to love who they want, Pakistani families perhaps aren’t ready yet, especially if you’re hanging out with the Nana Nani or Dada Dadi. That’s a discussion you might not want to have, yet.

    Khoobsurat

    Khoobsurat may feature Pakistan’s resident heartthrob, but this too like Kapoor & Sons is not one to be watched with the family unless you’d like to watch him shirtless with five others. Best to watch this alone!

    Read more – Sushant Singh Rajput’s ‘Dil Bechara’ leaves you wanting more

    Main Hoon Na

    And old fav, Main Hoon Na definitely comes across as a family film given that it is set in a university and against the backdrop of Indo-Pak tension. However, Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen romancing in a waterfall can make things a tad bit awkward if you end up playing this on the family movie night.

    Jab We Met

    Another classic Jab We Met featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor, comes across as a simple and soft romantic film but it includes some racy scenes so it’s best not to watch it with the fam.

    Dil Dhadakne Do

    Another film about a dysfunctional upper-class family who embarks on a cruise to celebrate the parents’ 30th wedding anniversary. Instead of being a fun and easy holiday, the trip sends the Mehras on a journey of self-discovery and brings out problems that have been long brushed under the carpet. While the film is relatable and honest, but the sexually-charged passionate scenes between Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma make it not-so-family-friendly.

    To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (2020)

    Considered a family movie, with teen love and romance, To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You is a story about finding love in high school. Based on Jenny Han’s book trilogy, the film starts off where the first film ended: with Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky as a couple. The two are poles apart but totally smitten with each other. Enter John Ambrose McLaren, one of Lara’s past crushes, and also a recipient of one of her love letters. He has a crush on Lara giving birth to the main conflict of the movie: which boy is the better choice for Lara?

    Even though it’s considered a family movie in the west, with supportive parents, allowing their children to date, can you imagine the HAW HAI our mothers would be doing and how our fathers would say the West is ruining us and making us loose and wild? A BIG NO if you want to go to a mixed school again.

    Bulbbul

    Bulbbul may come across as a good old horror flick about a churail (witch) living in an old haveli but it features some really gruesome scenes, including those involving rape. Hence, definitely not one you can watch with the fam.

    In case you want some suggestions for film you can watch with the fam, we recommend Cake, Teefa in Trouble, Ho Mann Jahan, 3 Idiots, Murder Mystery and The Laundromats.

  • Feel-good movies to watch during Eid holidays

    Feel-good movies to watch during Eid holidays

    Living through these testing times can take a toll on you mentally and with Eid this year being completely different than what it used to be in the past, The Current decided to round up a list of feel-good movies you can watch on Netflix for a short break from these bleak circumstances.

    Note – Most of them are not recommended to be watched with the fam.

    Check them out below:

    Khoobsurat

    Let’s face it. Fawad Khan has been missing from our TV screens for far too long which is why it is the perfect time to watch Khoobsurat. In Khoobsurat he plays a dashing nawab who is caught off guard when a clumsy girl comes to his palace to treat his father. The film is a treat for Fawad Khan fans as they get a chance to see the actor at his finest and shirtless too!

    Miss Congeniality

    This action-comedy follows Gracie Hart, a tomboyish detective, who goes undercover and participates in the Miss United States beauty pageant as a contestant after her department learns that the event is under threat from an anonymous bomber.

    Leap Year

    A delightfully entertaining rom-com about a woman who decides to propose to her boyfriend on February 29 after waiting years for him to pop the question. However, on her way to Ireland, a storm forces the flight to divert to Wales and land there. While Anna hires a boat to take her to Cork, she ends up at a small seaside village called Dingle because of the severity of the storm where she meets a handsome Irishman.

    Holidate

    Holidate follows two strangers who meet at a department store after Christmas and before New Year’s Eve and exchange their Christmas horror stories, which stem from them being single. When they realise that they both pretty much have the same problem, they decide that they’ve had enough of dating strangers or being single on holidays, and plan to become each other’s ‘holidates’ – meaning they will be each other’s dates on every holiday for as long as they’re both single. While their relationship is strictly platonic and comes a set of rules and no strings attached, who can control their heart?

    Trust us when we say this, all single Pakistanis will relate to Holidate.

    How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

    Two people with completely different motives start dating each other to win their respective bets. Fireworks are bound to spark when this happens.

    Always Be My Maybe

    Two childhood sweethearts reconnect 15 years later. Although the old sparks are still there, the two live in different worlds.

    Set It Up

    Two overworked and underpaid assistants come up with a plan to get their bosses off their backs by setting them up with each other. If you need a break from work, this film is definitely one to watch.

    Christmas Wedding Planner

    A wedding planner is in the midst of planning her cousin’s lavish and exclusive wedding when a private investigator thwarts her plans and turns her world upside down. Watch for a warm, fuzzy feeling.

    The Princess Switch 1 & 2

    Another Christmas rom-com. This Vanessa Hudgens film will remind you of your teenage years and make you sigh.

    The Perfect Date

    A high school student creates an app to offer his services as a fake date to make money for college. However, his plans get complicated when he ends up falling for one of his dates. This film is witty, quirky and full of zest.

    Ibiza

    Ibiza follows Harper, a 30 year-old-single woman from New York who travels to Barcelona on a business trip, where she ends up hooking up with a famous DJ. Those missing their wild parties should definitely give this a watch.

    Swiped

    A popular college guy Lance and his nerdy roommate James, a college freshman, create the ultimate hook-up app and make lots of money from it. But when James discovers that his divorced mother is using the app, unexpected consequences follow.

    Crazy Rich Asians

    This film is the East Asian version of “Kya woh larki hamare sanskar aur hamari sanskriti samaj paegi” – I mean Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. But it’s a fun and easy watch with lots of grandeur.

    Qarib Qarib Singlle

    When two polar opposites, Yogi and Jaya, meet through a dating app, they rediscover themselves while they set out to revisit their past. A must-watch if you’re an Irrfan Khan fan.

    I Feel Pretty

    The film which deals with body issues will make everyone feel pretty by the end of it.

    Game Night

    The film follows a group of friends whose game night turns into a real-life mystery after one of them is kidnapped by apparent burglars. If dark comedy coupled with a mystery is your thing, you will certainly enjoy watching this.

    Do you have any recommendations? Let us know in the comments.

  • How to spend Eid ft. your favourite celebrities

    How to spend Eid ft. your favourite celebrities

    Like last year, this year’s Eid is different too with no Eid parties, ban on travelling and Apa Firdous keeping a close eye on all jhappis and pappis. However, nothing can hold back Pakistanis from celebrating even if they are confined to their homes. The Current asked your favourite celebrities how they plan to spend their Eid weekend and here is what they said.

    Ahsan Khan

    Ahsan, who hosted the super successful Ramzan transmission on PTV, while speaking to The Current said he does not plan to attend any Eid gatherings or meetings this year, even though he and his entire family have been vaccinated. The actor added that if he does, he’ll only meet some friends who have also been vaccinated but with all COVID-19 protocols in place.

    “As it is Sunnah to dress up and wear new clothes, my family and I will dress up, spend time together and enjoy lots of delicious food,” said Ahsan.

    He further said: “We should try to keep Palestinians in mind today as they are going through very tough times and we should try to donate for them also. I am also trying to organise relief for them.”

    Aijaz Aslam

    Fresh off his stint on Jeeto Pakistan, Aijaz Aslam says that he plans to spend Eid “mostly indoors with family”.

    “It’s best to stay at home and do some activities with family. I don’t have any plans of going out visiting friends. It’s best for us and everyone else,” shared the actor.

    Wahaj Ali

    Ali, who recently won hearts as Basim in Ishq Jalebi, shared that he’s going to spend some quality family time, minus the celebrations.

    “With the on-going pandemic, it’s best to spend Eid at home with family,” Wahaj told The Current. “Family celebrations are out of the question! I’m not going to be risking it at all and so it’ll be a small and simple affair where I’m going to be relaxing and enjoying my time with my family.”

    Faysal Quraishi

    “The only way to make Eid in lockdown better is being with your family,” said Quraishi while sharing his Eid plans. The actor said that after a hectic Ramzan with back to back shows, he hopes to stay home and chill out with his family and children.

    Ramsha Khan

    Ramsha’s Eid is going to be all about chilling with her favourite girls. If not for the pandemic, this one party we would have loved to be a part of.

    “I plan on spending it with my mum, sister and Bella (my dog),” shared Khan. “Just going to get all dressed up with nowhere to go!”

    The actor added: “It’s so important to follow SOPs right now and avoid huge gatherings. We need to take responsibility and play our part so that we can get back to normal life as soon as possible.”

    Anoushay Abbasi

    Anoushey Abbasi plans to avoid all large family gatherings this year.

    “I’m going to be spending Eid at home with my loved ones, where everyone is safe and sound. It should definitely be kept low-key with everything that is going on, we should really be more responsible and careful,” said Abbasi.

    “It’ll definitely be a simple affair, nothing too crazy. Big family celebrations are a huge no for me this year, I’ll be avoiding those for sure,” added the Raqs e Bismil actor.

    Junaid Khan

    “The plan is to spend Eid with my family in a simple way,” shared Junaid, asserting: “Keeping the COVID situation in mind, the fewer people we meet, the better.”

    “Even within the family, we need to stay careful because there are elders and kids. So just like last year, I plan to spend Eid the same way and I think we’ll be spending the next few Eid’s like this too,” said the actor. “We should get used to this if we want our family and loved ones’ safety. We will spend these festivities with simplicity, and even while doing so, we will keep all SOPs in mind.”

    Usman Mukhtar

    Food is going to be the central theme of Usman’s Eid celebrations.

    “I plan of spending Eid at home with family,” shared Usman, who recently tied the knot.

    “We’re gonna cook some food and spend some time together because the past few months I haven’t been getting a lot of time to spend with family. So this is a good opportunity to do that instead of going out and meeting a lot of people because I feel that we should really starting being responsible now,” said the actor.

    Ayeza Khan

    Khan and husband Danish Taimoor gave their fans a treat on Eid with a romantic video of themselves.

    The actor said that while one should celebrate Eid as it is a gift from Allah for those who fasted during the month of Ramzan, one should strictly adhere to all COVID-19 SOPs. Ayeza added that one should also not forget to include those suffering in Pakistan, India and Palestine in their prayers.

    As most of our favourite stars said, stay home and spend time with your family. Dress up, have an intimate dinner or plan a game night or movie night with your fam and chill with some snacks and food. And don’t forget to pray for those going through a tough time.

    Meanwhile, to help you all out, The Current has made a list of Do’s and Don’t for Eid in lockdown and the ultimate guide to Eid TV and telefilms airing over the Eid weekend.