Tag: Sanam Saeed

  • Exclusive: Usman Mukhtar discusses ‘Umro Ayyar’ and why such films are needed today in Pakistan

    Right now, it looks like the Pakistani film industry is morphing, with a string of upcoming movies that cover a range of diverse topics. Babylicious is gearing up for release, an exes-to-lovers story. Kukri which explores the story of serial killer Javed Iqbal. And now, director Azfar Jafri is developing an adaptation called ‘Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning’ from the Urdu novel “Dastan-e-Amir Hamza”.

    The beloved Urdu novel, is based on the Persian folklore written by Ghalib Lakhnavi in 1855. It is an epic tale about the legendary exploits and adventures of Amir Hamza and his crew. Umro Ayyar, the central character of this film, is described as a thief who is known for his cleverness and steals from the rich to help the poor.

    The upcoming film will star Usman Mukhtar, Sanam Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, Ali Kazmi and veteran actor Simi Raheal.

    The Current reached out to Mukhtar to ask why he chose to take part in such a project, and spoke about his love for the original novels:

    “I chose this project because I have loved Umro since I was a child, and have read all of its books. I was very excited when I became a part of this film.”

    Mukhtar also talked about the need to familiarise today’s generation with stories like Umroo Ayyar.

    “I think that it’s about time. I think there are so many stories we have in the sub-continent, in our own culture, that are un-explored that we don’t make films about. I honestly don’t understand why producers don’t focus on our own stories. I think it’s about time that it’s happening and I’m really excited and I hope people, when they watch the film, they like it.”

    Mukhtar last appeared in ‘Sinf-e-Ahan’ along side Sajal Aly and Kubra Khan. In 2022, he released his horror short film ‘Gulabo Rani’ which received rave reviews from audiences, and also received the ‘Best Short Horror Film’ Award at the Los Angeles Sci-Fi & Horror Festival.

    Speaking about whether he will step back into dramas once more, the ‘Sabaat’ actor said he’s waiting for a good script to come around:

    “I hope so as well, I just feel that the scripts…are not that great, but as soon as I’m offered a good script I’d love to come back on television.”

  • Upcoming Pakistani dramas we’re incredibly excited about

    Upcoming Pakistani dramas we’re incredibly excited about

    There hasn’t been a better time to watch Pakistani dramas than now, what with a whole range of shows and actors set to make their mark on our screens. It looks like finally the entertainment industry has started listening to our calls for something other than the saas-bahu jhagray, because these shows range from celebrating women in sports to satire to exploring the thrills of first love.

    It also looks like Pakistanis are about to see fresh faces as well as some beloved actors make their debute on screen as Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed are coming back once more, and Instagram influencers like Mamia Shahjaffer, Khushhal Khan and Dananeer are set to star as main leads.

    We’re definitely certain that you’re cancelling your plans to set up your movie night after scrolling through our list.

    22 Qadam

    Starring Hareem Farooq and Wahaj Ali, the drama is set to explore the lives of women in sports, through the story of Fari (played by Farooq) who aspires to become a cricketer. Speaking to The Current, Farooq called 22 Qadam “the voice of the unheard” and said that the sole inspiration behind this show was women like Sana Mir:

    “The first person that comes to our mind when you talk about women and cricket is Sana Mir, she’s been an inspiration for so many women out there. It is just about breaking stereotypes and the taboos out there that women can also excel in sports, and if nothing else it makes you more independent and gives you that confidence that allows you to face the world in the best way possible.”

    College Gate

    It looks like the entertainment industry has finally understood that there isn’t any one out there willnigly ready to sit down and listen to another shaadi story about underaged women marrying men twice their age, because we’re finally getting a story about college students and their personal experiences. The show, starring Khaqan Shahnawaz, Mamia Shahjaffer and veteran actress Saba Hameed, promises to be a drama unlike what has been shown before with topics like addiction, peer pressure and depression thrown into the story.

    Barzakh

    Starring power leads Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed along with newcomer model Khushhal Khan, the series has definitely captured our attention, especially the fact that it is written and directed by the mastermind behind Churails (2018), Asim Abbasi. Speaking to Variety, Abbasi said that the inspiration for the series came after the death of his father and watching his own son grow into a young boy:

    “In the aftermath of my father’s passing, and witnessing my son grow into a young boy, I found myself consumed with nostalgia, and memories of times gone and loves lost. And I began to think about my fears – the end of consciousness, the end of imagination, the end of love. And from these fears, grew a story where love was indeed eternal. Where it survived us – making it the ultimate human legacy.”

    Producer of the series Kerjiwal said:

    “‘Barzakh’ is a product of COVID brain – it was a time where like everyone else, Asim and I were talking about love, life, death, losing loved ones, unable to say our goodbyes. There was a sense of loss, but also confusion, because of a lack of completion. Death and parting didn’t seem like a finality like it used to because funerals and weddings were both happening on Zoom.

    This new reality was surreal and to make any sense of it, physical contact or in-person meeting with friends and family became crucial. Hence the idea about a show which essentially was a family reunion came up.”

    101 Talakhien

    This looks like the perfect drama for anyone (especially us) who is bored to death of marriage obsessed culture, and wants something dark and satirical- which is exactly what the show promises to deliver. Zahid Ahmed stars as famous lawyer Rustom Kavasji, who artfully decodes how couples begin to fall apart after getting married.

    Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri

    This seems like a Pakistani version of K-dramas which will explore the thrills of high school relationships, because this trailer has already got us counting down the days to the release. TikTok star Dananeer and model and actor Khushhal Khan are the main leads of the drama and are shown to be complete opposites, who slowly come to fall in love with each other. However, their relationship is threatened by their parents leading to the couple going to any lengths to protect their relationship.

    Idiot

    Fans of Ahmed Ali Akbar who loved him in ‘Parizaad’ and ‘Ehd-e-Wafa’ are in for a treat because the hearthrob has already sparked anticipation with his upcoming film ‘Gunjal’ and now with his drama ‘Idiot’ where he is set to star opposite Mansha Pasha.

  • Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed’s drama ‘Barzakh’ to premiere worldwide on March 18

    Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed’s drama ‘Barzakh’ to premiere worldwide on March 18

    Maula Jatt fans are in for a feast, because the heartthrob of our dreams is coming back to the big screen once more with a film and a drama!

    Fawad Khan’s film ‘Money Back Guarantee’ is set to release on April 21, while the highly anticipated drama ‘Barzakh’ is set to have a world premiere on March 18 at the Series Mania Festival in France.

    This will be the second time Khan and Saeed will share the screen after their popular drama ‘Zindagi Gulzaar Hai’.

    Production company Zindagi shared the announcement on their social media pages where the caption read:
    “And here we go! Barzakh is to have its World Premiere at International Panorama Series Mania 2023 on 18th March 2023. Let’s spread the word, shall we?”

    Director of this web series Asim Abbasi, who had previously partnered with Zindagi to produce the popular series ‘Churails’, spoke to Variety in Febuary about what ‘Bazarkh’ will be all about:

    “What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to have a soul, and does it survive us? How does one find hope and joy in a perpetual state of limbo? These are the central concerns of ‘Barzakh’.”

    Abbasi also revealed to Variety that the inspiration for the series came from the aftermath of his father’s passing:

    “In the aftermath of my father’s passing, and witnessing my son grow into a young boy, I found myself consumed with nostalgia, and memories of times gone and loves lost. And I began to think about my fears – the end of consciousness, the end of imagination, the end of love. And from these fears, grew a story where love was indeed eternal. Where it survived us – making it the ultimate human legacy,”

  • ‘Pakistanis have grown up watching Bollywood but Indians don’t know Pakistani culture well enough’: Sanam Saeed

    ‘Pakistanis have grown up watching Bollywood but Indians don’t know Pakistani culture well enough’: Sanam Saeed

    Actor Sanam Saeed has stated in a recent interview, that Pakistanis grew up on Bollywood while Indians aren’t really aware of Pakistani culture bits.

    Sanam in an interview with Indian Express talked about how generations in Pakistan are aware of Indian culture. She said, “Personally, I am more of a Hollywood binge-watcher. But the whole of Pakistan has been raised on Bollywood, from our grandparents to us, we know Madhubala, Kareena Kapoor stuff to now Deepika Padukone. We have seen all the generations. We have literally grown-up consuming Bollywood, the song, the dance, the culture, the way they eat, and the way they do pooja. We know what happens in India. But India doesn’t know what happens in Pakistan.”

    She further added, ‘Indians don’t know how we eat, how we are). The way we wear salwar kameez, tie our hair, there are these small differences. We know the difference between what an Indian choti (braid) is, but I don’t think India knows what the Pakistani choti is like. These small nuances are there. When ZEE Zindagi launched, then India saw, ‘Oh this is how they wear their clothes, this is how they interact’, how independent women are here also. That was interesting to see.’

    Last year she opened up about her desire to star in Bollywood movies after the political situation changed between India and Pakistan.

    In an interview with Mid-day, the Cake star was asked about her interest to work in Bollywood after Zindagi channel is reinstated.

    The actor replied, “When the political situation changed, a lot of things that were to work out did not. Over the years, the desire died for a lot of us. Bollywood is one of the largest industries in the world, and has much-loved directors.”

    “I always wanted to do Bollywood and Broadway, but after the change of political situation, the bubble burst for us. I am (grateful) for OTT platforms because they have helped us grow professionally,” she added.

    Talking about Zindagi Gulzar Hai’s return on Indian TV screens, Sanam said, “I am grateful that something that was made a decade ago continues to be a hit.”

    She continued: “The show had a lovely Jane Austen vibe of strong, independent woman, and was made from a female gaze. I am still attached to the character.” 

    Earlier this year she spoke about her Bollywood plans during the trailer launch of Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam.

    “I am open to working in Indian films, not television. I prefer TV on this side of the border. There are so many genres of films I want to work in, so many actors I would like to collaborate with.” She added, “But to start with, Aamir Khan is someone I would like to work with.”

    “We know how India is, we have watched their films. But they didn’t know how we look and what our lives are like. So it was eye-opening for them. We look the same, eat the same food, we are practically brothers and sisters,” she shared further.

    Earlier the Zindagi Gulzar Hai diva was invited to Mumbai to audition for Raees opposite Shah Rukh Khan which she didn’t as she was getting married. The role was then bagged by Mahira Khan.

    The Deedan diva however sent a digital audition.

    I wasn’t offered Raees, I auditioned for it, along with several other films from across the border. I have no qualms with working in Bollywood. If the script is substantial and the team top notch in the game, only then I’ll take up a project.

  • ‘Beloved, lover’: Mohib Mirza breaks silence on his alleged relationship with Sanam Saeed

    ‘Beloved, lover’: Mohib Mirza breaks silence on his alleged relationship with Sanam Saeed

    Actor Mohib Mirza opened up about his past struggles, his fallout with his former wife Aamina Sheikh, his daughter, and his new life with Sanam Saeed for the very first time.

    The Neeli Zinda Hai star appeared on a podcast with Munib Nawaz, his childhood friend and fashion designer, with whom he discussed all the possible things he could’ve done differently, including his life when he started out, personal relationships, his vulnerabilities, the importance of voicing insecurities, his experience with filmmaking and counting his blessings.

    The host asked Mirza if the life he has was once a goal, such as making films or reaching a milestone like the Oscars. Mirza said, “I don’t think I had a specific image in mind. But some small elements from it were my goals. The rest you know every single day we’re evolving and it [our brain] is like an open sea, desires and wishes never seem to end. Just like that, whatever I manifested and dreamt of deserves to come true, be it the good things you want or the fear that you end up manifesting. The rest, if I have to say, I’ve been blessed with what I was and have been given, not just the fame but also got to work with the kind of stuff I always wanted to do.”

    When asked about the fears that he manifested, Mirza said as a professional actor it would be falling behind time and not being able to meet deadlines to finish certain tasks. On a personal note, when he was asked about his younger self and his goals, Mirza opened up about his past relationship with Aamina Sheikh.

    “When I met Aamina, my focus was ‘she’s the one’ and I was in love with her and then came marriage and all the other things after that, as they should. We had a great, great partnership and everything was going fine, we had a daughter and after that we started to grow differently,” he said.

    “I had never imagined that things wouldn’t work out between us. Eventually, I came to realise, it happens with everybody and those who say it doesn’t, are just talking rubbish. I was with her for 12 to 13 years in a marriage and we had a falling out afterwards. It wasn’t our partnership that was the issue but the things that we did in our daily life related to work. Like, for example, if I’m in Skardu for 90 days and I’m filming Dukhtar, so what I learnt at that time spiritually and emotionally and the direction I grew towards, we didn’t align.”

    Talking about his daughter, Mirza shared that he hasn’t seen her in five years and it was a conscious decision on Sheikh’s part. When asked what was the most difficult thing he has experienced, the actor said it’s the time away from his daughter. “I don’t want a grown kid who, because of me or examples we see on social media, goes through what we see online. I’ve worked enough and with the common sense I have, what happens on social media, it’s better if the kid grows older and understands things on her own and if not then it’s very unfortunate,” he said on a lesson he has learned.

    Then came a discussion about his current love life. Nawaz asked Mirza about how he met Saeed. “Sanam means beloved, and Mohib means the one who gives love. I don’t think I have to say anything else,” he said.

    Mohib Mirza, Sanam Saeed's latest picture sends rumour mills buzzing

    “It’s not easy for either of us to give it another try. Especially if you realise the ‘one more time’ factor, if you want to start a new chapter then [that’s what] you want to do this time. Correction is for those who want to correct things, those who understand the value of relationships and want to understand it. Not someone who never accepts their mistakes and finds themselves right in every situation.”

    Saeed also gave a small glimpse of her new relationship in her 2022 rewind video on Instagram that featured vacation pictures with Mirza and intimate moments with her family.

    On the work front, Saeed and Mirza were last seen together in feature film Ishrat Made in China.

    Mohib Mirza professes his love for Sanam Saeed
  • After Federal gave it the go-ahead, Punjab govt bans Joyland one day before release

    After Federal gave it the go-ahead, Punjab govt bans Joyland one day before release

    The government of Pakistan banned Saim Sadiq’s Oscar contender “Joyland” for containing “highly objectionable” material, earlier this month.

    Joyland, which won big at Cannes, blocked from Pakistan release by censors | Arab News PK

    An order dated Nov. 11 from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting says that the country’s censor board had granted a censor certificate to the film on Aug. 17. But it has since reversed the decision.

    “Written complaints were received that the film contains highly objectionable material which do not conform with the social values and moral standards of our society and is clearly repugnant to the norms of ‘decency and morality’ as laid down in Section 9 of the Motion Picture Ordinance, 1979,” the order states. “Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 9(2) (a) of the said Ordinance and after conducting a comprehensive inquiry, the Federal Government declares the feature film titled ‘Joyland’ as an uncertified film for the whole of Pakistan in the cinemas which fall under the jurisdiction of CBFC with immediate effect.”

    Head of Prime Minister of Pakistan’s Strategic Reforms, Salman Sufi publicly requested the current federal minister of Information & Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb to review the ban and meet the film’s team.

    Sufi later revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee to assess Joyland and review its ban.

    Latest Update (Ban Reversed)

    Joyland movie review: Beautifully told tale of soul-crushing patriarchy and LGBTphobia in Lahore-Entertainment News , Firstpost

    The globally acclaimed and multiple award-winning Pakistani film Joyland has been given green signal by the censor board of Pakistan after reviewing it on the Prime Minister’s directions.

    The full board has allowed the local screening of Joyland after deleting some parts. The film was initially set to have a commercial release in Pakistan on November 18.

    PM Shehbaz Sharif formed a cabinet committee to look into the matter after some schools of thought had objected to the movie. 

    Release Stopped By Punjab Government

    Following yesterday’s clearance by the censor board, Joyland’s theatrical release has once again been halted, this time by the government of Punjab. 

    The Government of Punjab has retracted its No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to the movie Joyland. The notification issued by Information and Culture Department reads that Punjab government, in the wake of complaints, has decided to ‘recall’ the movie by “exercising powers conferred under Section-9 (1 and 2) Motion Pictures Ordinance, 1979.”
    “You are therefore directed not to exhibit above titled film in the jurisdiction of Punjab province till further orders of the Govt,” reads the notification.

    Reactions On The Ban

     Saim and his team members raised their voices against the ban imposed by the government. Terming the ban a “grave injustice,” Sadiq, in an Instagram post, says that the ban is “absolutely unconstitutional and illegal” and has urged the country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to review the decision.

    Apart from the film’s team, A-list celebrities and media personalities also reacted to the news and expressed their support for the film.

    Set in Lahore, the film revolves around Haider, the youngest son of the middle-class, patriarchal Rana family. As the Ranas yearn for the birth of a baby boy, Haider secretly joins an erotic dance theater and finds himself falling for a fiercely ambitious trans starlet. Their love story illuminates the secrets and desires of the entire Rana family.

    The film debuted at the Un Certain Regard strand at Cannes earlier this year, where it won the jury prize. Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai later joined the project as an executive producer. It is Pakistan’s entry in the Oscars’ international feature category.

    Recently it also won the Asia Pacific Screen Awards’ young cinema award, given in partnership with critics’ association NETPAC and the Griffith Film School.

    After hearing of the ban, APSA said in a written statement: “ ‘Joyland’ represents a significant new cinematic talent in Saim Sadiq from Pakistan, who has crafted a moving and entertaining drama about family in his debut feature film. The Young Cinema Award Jury commends Saim Sadiq for his brave and joyous celebration of community diversity and the universality of love.”

  • Good News for Pakistani filmmakers: SHC orders 85% preference for local films

    Good News for Pakistani filmmakers: SHC orders 85% preference for local films

    After the mess that local films like Chakkar, Dum Mastam and Pardey Mein Rehne Do faced with regards to their screening times being allotted to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, there has been a major development in the situation.

    The Sindh High Court has ordered that local films get 85% of playing time at Pakistani cinemas, with foreign cinemas being allowed 15% of the exhibition space.

    According to the high court order, foreign releases must comply by rules of the Motion Picture Ordinance, 1979, which states that internationally produced films screening in Pakistan can be allowed 15% screen space of locally created films are screening as well.

    The order states that the defendants must follow the rules of the Motion Picture Ordinance “strictly in letter and spirit” and to provide 85% exhibition time to Pakistani films till the next date of hearing on June 2.

    The Sindh High Court suits numbering 754, 754 and 755 have Cereal Entertainment (Adnan Siddiqui and Akhter Hasnain), Wajahat Rauf and Shazia Wajahat, and Farid Nawaz Productions (Yasir Nawaz and Nida Yasir) as plaintiffs, for their films Dum Mastam, Parde Mein Rehne Do and Chakkar respectively.

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Central Board of Film Censors, Punjab Film Censor Board, Sindh Board of Film Censors, Competition Commission of Pakistan, J.B. Films, Nueplex Cinemas, Cinepax Cinemas, Cinegold Cinemas, HKC Entertainment and the Karachi District South deputy commissioner.

    Local filmmakers called for compensation in the face of damages the films and makers faced with the distribution of screen time, of which the relevant teams have been vocal about on social media.

    While chaos has already ensued for local films in the wake of the release of Doctor Strange, this ruling may prove beneficial (if gone unchallenged) for upcoming local releases such as Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad and London Nahi Jaunga. Moreover, while the Marvel film has amassed big figures at the box office, upcoming foreign releases such as The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Memory, and Top Gun: Maverick stand to potentially be impacted by this decision.

    Earier this year the Zindagi Gulzar Hai star, Sanam Saeed expressed her disappointment over the absence of posters and standees of her newly released film, Ishrat Made in China, in one of the outlets of Nueplex Cinemas at Minhas Road, Karachi. There were no posters displayed of the film in the cinema.

    She took to her Twitter handle to express her concern and tagged JB Films who is the owner of Nueplex cinemas.

    She wrote, “A little disappointed in #nuplexcinemas for not putting up any of our film posters, especially on Rashid Minhas Road.”

    She also urged the cinema owners to support Pakistani content as Hollywood does not need promotion for superheroes films.

    Meanwhile, Nueplex cinemas also released their official statement and clarified their stance.

    According to the cinema management, the distributor/producer is solely responsible for providing promotional material such as standees and posters. It added, “Hence, this issue may be better addressed if it is taken up with them.”

    They also explained that the film was given only two dedicated screens throughout the opening weekend at Askari IV and DHA. They urged to bring this matter to the distributor first to resolve the issue.

    Ishrat Made in China was released on March 4 along with Hollywood’s superhero film, The Batman starring Robert Pattison in Pakistan.

  • ‘Will have to use whitening injections for Maryam Nawaz’s biopic’: Sanam Saeed opens up, Humayun Saeed reacts

    ‘Will have to use whitening injections for Maryam Nawaz’s biopic’: Sanam Saeed opens up, Humayun Saeed reacts

    Celebrity duo of Mohib Mirza and Sanam Saeed appeared together on Geo’s Jashan-e-Cricket to promote their forthcoming film, Ishrat: Made In China.

    The Zindagi Gulzar Hai star was questioned whether she would agree to play the role of politician, Maryam Nawaz. Saeed responded saying that if that were ever to happen, she would require beauty procedures such as injections to whiten her complexion. She concluded by saying that it would be fun to play her on-screen.

    5 Humayun Saeed Dramas That Are a Must Watch - Lens

    Superstar Humayun Saeed liked her statement on Instagram.

    Mohib candidly responded to the question about getting whitening injections, to which he replied that he has never gotten them.

    Mohib Mirza Height, Weight, Age, Body Measurement, Wife, DOB

    Sanam described “The Cake” as the best movie of her career and said that she loves working in films more than drama.

  • Debut Projects: How were these twelve leading ladies launched in Pakistani showbiz?

    Debut Projects: How were these twelve leading ladies launched in Pakistani showbiz?

    Pakistani entertainment industry has flourished over the last two decades, one such reason has been an influx of promising new comers who went onto become leading ladies with scene-stealing performances and crackling screen-presence.

    The audiences might remember an actor’s breakthrough project but, not many people are aware of the projects with which they started their careers. Often underrated and even undocumented, the very first or the debut projects of many of the popular actors are not known by the audiences.

    Despite there being many actors that dominate our television screens, only a handful of actors have proved their mettle over the years in a way that makes them worthy of the title of being a “leading star”.

    These divas have been working in the industry for quite some time now and have cemented their positions as being part of the top-of-the-list category of stars. The journey of these stars is truly inspirational.

    Take a look at and see which projects actually launched these actresses’ careers and how much they have grown in the industry since then:

    Mahira Khan

    Mahira Khan was a popular video jockey prior to becoming an actress. She was approached by several filmmakers during her stint as a VJ, however, she ended up saying yes to the celebrated director Shoaib Mansoor. Mahira first made her acting debut in the 2011 film Bol where she was cast in a supporting role opposite Atif Aslam. The song picturized on the pair, Hona Tha Pyaar, became a national anthem and contributed to Mahira’s first brush with mainstream popularity. Later that year, The Hum Kahan Kay Sachay thay star made her television debut with Mehreen Jabbar’s directorial Neeyat on ARY Digital. She also made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan with Raees in 2017. Mahira’s last film project was the blockbuster film Superstar (2019) and her next film, Quaid e Azam Zindabad will be released on Eid this year.

    Saba Qamar

    In 2004, Saba had gone to see a shooting of a play but when the heroine for the play opted out at the last minute, Saba was asked by the director to perform in her place. Saba acted out the lines given to her and received praise from the director and the crew. It led to Saba initially making brief appearances is some PTV plays that are undocumented. However, in 2005 Saba debuted with a prominent role in the drama Main Aurat Hoon for which she won PTV Award for Best Actress. Later in 2007 with Khuda Gawah on PTV, Saba got more mainstream popularity and was approached by several private channels. Saba was last seen on TV in the drama Cheekh (2019). Her next projects include two feature films, Kamli and Ghabrana Nahin Hai, and a web-series titled Mann Jogi.

    Mehwish Hayat

    Mehwish got her first experience of being in front of the camera at the age of eight in a commercial as a child artist. She forayed into the world of acting with a short film, InshaAllah with Mohib Mirza which was premiered at international film festivals in 2009. However, Mehwish’s first prominent performance was in 2010 with the multi-starrer soap Larkiyan Mohallay Ki, produced by Momina Duraid for Hum TV. She did her first drama in the lead role in the following year titled Mere Qatil Mere Dildar. Mehwish’s last project was the film Chhalawa (2019). She will be next seen opposite Humayun Saeed in the Nadeem Baig directorial film London Nahin Jaunga.

    Sajal Aly

    Sajal’s first acting stint was in Nida Yasir – Yasir Nawaz starrer sitcom Nadaaniyaan in 2009, where she appeared briefly in one episode. She auditioned along with her sister Saboor Ali for ARY’s soap, Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain produced by Humayun Saeed’s banner. Both sisters passed the audition and got cast in the ensemble soap serial. Sajal impressed the critics with her natural yet impactful performance and she immediately signed on more projects. She later made her Bollywood debut with Sridevi starrer Mom. She was last seen in the critically acclaimed film, Khel Khel Mein opposite Bilal Abbas Khan. The Mom star will be seen next in Jemima Goldsmith’s Hollywood production, What’s Love Got To Do With It?

    Ayeza Khan

    Ayeza was discovered through an event held at her college. She had auditioned for a commercial campaign during her teenage which ultimately led her to make her acting debut in a supporting role in Fahad Mustafa – Sunita Marshal starrer Tum Jo Miley (2009). Despite limited screen time, Ayeza managed to make an impressive acting debut and the project got her more work as an actor followed by a breakthrough performance in Pyaray Afzal which made her the most searched actress in 2014. She peaked her career with a smashing hit in Meray Paas Tum Ho.

    Maya Ali

    After a brief stint in the field of television hosting, Maya landed a small supporting role in the Sanam Baloch – Mikaal Zulfiqar starrer Durr-e-Shehwar. She played the role of Sanam’s younger sister in the drama. The project was produced by Momina Duraid, directed by Haissam Hussain, and written by Umera Ahmed. Maya managed to impress the team with her dedication and the director signed her as the leading lady in his following project Aik Nayi Cinderella (2012). Maya was last seen in the 2019 blockbuster film, Parey Hut Love and is currently starring in drama, Jo Bichar Gaye.

    Mawra Hocane

    Mawra’s first stint on television was a VJ on ARY Musik before she got noticed by television producers. Her debut as an actress happened through a sitcom titled Kichari Salsa in 2011 which aired on A-plus where Mawra displayed her acting chops. She was immediately noticed by bigger channels such as HUM TV. Her Bollywood debut is Sanam Teri Kasam (2016), followed by Pakistani film debut was blockbuster Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2. She is currently seen in the Hum TV drama serial Qissa Meherbano Ka.

    Yumna Zaidi

    After a brief stint with hosting, Yumna was encouraged by fellow-actor Affan Waheed, who was friends with Yumna’s older sister, to pursue acting in a serious capacity. She bagged her debut role in ARY’s Thakan (2012) which was produced by Asif Raza Mir. Yumna acted as the antagonist in the drama, which starred Saba Qamar as the protagonist. Despite being her first acting project on television, Yumna managed to impress the audience and ended up getting more projects as a lead actor. Her last drama Pyar Kay Sadqay got much critical and commercial success including two awards at the Lux Style Awards. She is currently featuring in Ishq-e-Laa and Sinf-e-Aahan.

    Sanam Saeed

    Sanam debuted with Mehreen Jabbar’s Daam in 2010 which starred Sanam Baloch, Amina Sheikh, and Adeel Hussain in lead roles. Sanam played the antagonist in the drama and was praised for her refreshingly subliminal performance in the role. Before her television debut, she did theatre plays, modeling and even hosting as a teenager. Sanam got her first drama as a parallel lead in 2011 with Mera Naseeb followed by a leading role in Blockbuster Zindagi Gulzar Hai.  Her next project is a film titled Ishrat Made In China and Zee5 web-series with Fawad Khan.

    Hira Mani

    Hira started off as a VJ followed by a stint in hosting. Hira made her acting debut in a sitcom Teri Meri Kahani in 2013 opposite her husband Salman Saqib a.k.a Mani. Hira played a fictionalized version of herself in the sitcom. She displayed her humorous side on the show and was appreciated for her comic timing. The show, which initially aired on ARY Digital, was extended due to its popularity with its target audience and had a second season which aired on Hum TV. The Sun Yaara diva attained A-list stardom with Kashf in 2020. Hira is currently seen in ARY’s Yeh Na Thi Hamari Kismat.

    Saboor Aly

    Saboor started her acting career with a brief role in Choti Si Kahani, followed by a supporting role in the family drama Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain on ARY Digital in 2011. In September 2016, she made her film debut with Nabeel Qureshi’s socio-comedy film Actor in Law, starring Fahad Mustafa and Om Puri. Her portrayal of a supportive sister of Mustafa’s character earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at Lux Style Awards. She entered the big league with Geo’s Fitrat in 2020.

    Minal Khan

    Minal’s acting debut was in the Geo TV’s drama Kaash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti  in 2011, as a child star. This was followed by a supporting role in the sitcom series Quddusi Sahab Ki Bewah (2012) on ARY Digital. She recently catapulted to stardom with back to back hit projects, Hassad, Nand and Jalan.

  • Sanam, Ramsha and Anoushey raise their voice against bakeries for discrimination with Christian customers

    Sanam, Ramsha and Anoushey raise their voice against bakeries for discrimination with Christian customers

    Pakistani Celebrities took to their Instagram stories to share strong opinions against Karachi-based bakeries, ‘Delizia’ and Auntie Muanaver’s ‘Food and Dessert’ where one of their staff refused to write ‘Merry Christmas’ to the customers. Netizens also called out on social media against the bakeries and urged them to boycott.

    Actress and Video Jockey (VJ), Anoushey Ashraf wrote in her story that writing ‘Merry Christmas’ does not weaken our faith. She emphasised that it is the job of the staff to compel the request of customers.

    The Zindagi Gulzar Hai star Sanam Saeed also took to her Instagram story to express disappointment over the behaviour of bakery staff. She tagged both bakeries, Delizia and Auntie Muanaver’s Food, and reminded them about the representation of white colour in our flag.

    Shehnai diva Ramasha Khan who is currently appearing in ARY Digital’s serial, Sinf-e- Aahan, also tweeted about the incident and shared one of the quotes of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

    Earlier, the customer reported the incident on a Facebook group “Voice of Customer PK” in which she said that she went to the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) branch of Delizia where she was refused to write ‘Merry Christmas’ by their staff. She also stressed to the bakeries that they should not make money from their religious occasions as well if they are so much against non-Muslims and their religions.

    The management of both bakeries are yet to release an official statements to the public.

    In 2018, the same incident happened in the Badar Commercial branch of Delizia bakery when a customer was refused a cake with ‘Merry Christmas’ written on it. The staff made a similar excuse at that time as well that it was not company instructions. It was reported on another Facebook page, Karachi Food Diary.