Tag: trending

  • Ishq-e-Bilal: Five unforgettable dramas starring Bilal Abbas Khan

    Ishq-e-Bilal: Five unforgettable dramas starring Bilal Abbas Khan

    Actor Bilal Abbas Khan has made a name for himself as a fearless and versatile actor who continually challenges barriers in the roles he chooses (we obviously love him). He is now preparing himself to captivate audiences in ‘Mann Jogi.’
     
    Here are the five of Bilal Abbas’ most unforgettable performances:
     
     
    O’ Rangreza
     
    Bilal played a tough character in O’ Rangreza. The drama is about a man who is obsessed with a famous actress and treats his wife badly. His daughter tries to win his approval by copying the actress and being the perfect child. The drama is written by Saji Gul and directed by Kashif Nisar.

    Cheekh
     
    Cheekh is written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah and directed by Badar Mehmood, The main plot of Cheekh is the trials and tribulations of a woman, Mannat, who seeks justice for the murder of her friend, Nayyab.
    Bilal Abbas Khan delivered a remarkable performance, showcasing his range and depth as an actor. His character, Wajih Taseer, remains one of his most memorable roles, alongside seasoned actors Saba Qamar. Bilal also got nominated for Best Actor at the Hum Style Awards for his role.

     
     
    Pyar Ke Sadqay
     
    The story of Pyar Ke Saday is of Abdullah and Mahjabeen, who are madly in love with each other and attempt to overcome several challenges while trying to be together . They come together in the unexpected arranged marriage. The drama is written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah and directed by Farooq Rind. Bilal played the character of Abdullah, a sensitive and emotional young man.

     
    Ishq Murshid  
     
    Bilal Abbas’s recent hit drama Ishq Murshid can’t be missed. He played two characters in the drama as Shameer Sikander and Fazal Baksh. Abbas played both characters really well. The drama received was a huge success, reaching the highest TRP and massive views on YouTube. Bilal and Dur-e-Fishan Saleem (Shibra) chemistry was praised and loved by fans. Ishq Murshid is written by Abdul Khaliq Khan and directed by Farooq Rind.

    Mann Jogi
    An upcoming drama, Bilal will be appearing along with Sabeena Farooq and Mirza Gohar Rasheed. Bilal will be playing the role of a spiritual leader in Mann Jogi. The drama is written by acclaimed writer Zafar Mairaj and directed by Kashif Nisar.

  • Turkey blocks access to Instagram

    Turkey blocks access to Instagram

    Many users living in Turkey complained on the X platform that they could not refresh their Instagram feed, an issue verified by AFP journalists.

    On Friday, the BTK communications authority announced on its website that the Meta-owned platform had been blocked.

    It did not give a reason, but a BTK official told Turkish media that it was because of “criminal content” on Instagram that the latter had been asked to withdraw.

    The president’s communications director, Fahrettin Altun, had on Wednesday accused Instagram of censure, saying it was “preventing people from publishing messages of condolence for the martyr Haniyeh”.

    Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and a close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was killed in Tehran on Wednesday in an attack blamed on Israel.

    Erdogan decreed a national day of mourning in memory of Haniyeh, who played a key role in talks aimed at ending nearly ten months of war in Gaza.

    “This is a very clear and obvious attempt at censure,” Altun said on X.

    An anonymous BTK source denied the move was due to Instagram blocking posts about Haniyeh, telling website Medyascope that it was over “insults to Ataturk”, the founding father of modern Turkey, and “crimes” including “drug games (and) paedophilia”.

    He said the platform would be blocked permanently if it didn’t resolve the problem.

    According to Turkish media, 50 million of the country’s 85 million people have an Instagram account.

    Digital law expert Yaman Akdeniz said the decision had likely been taken by the president’s office or a government ministry.

    He said BTK needed to get the decision approved by a judge, and it was unlikely that a judge would approve it.

    “The censure imposed on Instagram is arbitrary and can be neither explained nor justified,” he said on X.

    The decision to freeze the platform at 03:00 am on Friday sparked derision on other social media networks such as X.

    “Instagram is blocked in Turkey. Life is over,” wrote user “CringeOfMaster” alongside a picture of a grieving man.

    “BTK’s job isn’t to cut off the internet but to get it working faster,” said IT professor Cem Say, noting that Turkey ranked “111th in the world for internet speed”.

    This is not the first time that Turkish authorities have temporarily blocked access to social media sites, notably following attacks.

    Wikipedia was blocked between April 2017 and January 2020 over two articles that alleged a link between the presidency and extremism.

    Although Erdogan’s government is regularly accused of muzzling freedom of expression, the move to stop Wikipedia caused shock because of the huge amount of online information that became inaccessible.

    In April, Facebook owner Meta suspended its Threads social network in Turkey following a decision by authorities there to prevent it from sharing information with Instagram.

  • Mustafa and Sharjeena’s friendly romance” takes over the internet

    Mustafa and Sharjeena’s friendly romance” takes over the internet

    The drama ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ has introduced Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir to viewers as a new couple. Since opposites usually attract, Hania and Fahad are playing opposing roles to each other. The story of ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ is drawing in viewers and developing quickly. After getting married, Mustafa and Sharjeena are trying to move ahead.

    Mustafa helps Sharjeena adjust into his home by becoming more kind and helpful despite his casual careless attitude. Their bond is interesting to watch.

    The main plot of the drama revolves around the concept of opposites attracting, where Hania, aka Sharjeena, portrays the role of a bibliophile and class topper with a practical approach, while Fahad’s character is a little laid-back.

    ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:00 PM on ARY Digital. The drama is written by Farhat Ishtiaq, directed by Badar Mehmood and produced by Big Bang Entertainment.

    Fans are loving the chemistry between the lead actors, especially in episode 8. Here are some reactions from viewers:

  • WATCH: Fans think Sardar Kamal knew about his death

    WATCH: Fans think Sardar Kamal knew about his death

    The last interview of renowned Pakistani actor and comedian Sardar Kamal has gone viral on social media following his sudden passing on July 30 in Lahore.

    In the interview, Kamal, who died after a heart attack, shared a touching gesture he made for his son, revealing that he had recently transferred the ownership of his house to him. He told his son, “Hold this in trust. My father gave it to me, and now I’m passing it on to you.” Kamal advised his son to continue this tradition, stating, “In the future, you will pass this trust on to your children. What happens next is up to you.” He explained that property is a family trust, emphasizing its importance: “These lands and properties are trusts. Today, I’ve given them to my son, and tomorrow, he will give them to his children. This cycle will continue.”

    Fans have speculated that Kamal may have had a premonition of his death, as the interview was completed shortly before his passing.

    Friends from the entertainment industry, including those who worked with him on Mazaqarat, have shared their sorrow and admiration for the comedian. Lollywood actor Muhammad Afzal Rambo said, “My relationship with Kamal was like that of a friend and a brother. He will always live in the hearts of people. Our bond goes back to 1991. He was a great artist and a wonderful person.”

    Actress Resham described him as a great human being, noting, “When I last saw him on Mazaqarat, he was very happy, and it brightened my day to see him. I worked with him on many films and dramas. I pray for him.”

    Fan reactions
    “I love him more than anything. Even though he was a comedian, his funny remarks on Mazaqarat always had a message,” one fan wrote on Instagram.
    “I usually don’t watch TV shows, but when I found out Sardar Kamal was on Mazaqarat, I started watching it. I’m a regular follower of his official YouTube channel,” another fan posted.

    These heartfelt messages from Kamal’s friends and fans highlight the deep respect and affection they had for him, celebrating his legacy and the joy he brought to their lives.

  • ‘You can’t act, you’re just a pretty face’; Anmol Baloch reflects on tough early days

    ‘You can’t act, you’re just a pretty face’; Anmol Baloch reflects on tough early days

    Rising star Anmol Baloch has won hearts with her diverse performances in dramas like Siyaani, Sirf Tum, Aik Larki Aam Si, and Saza e Ishq. Her latest drama, Shiddat, addresses real-life issues and societal challenges, making it a must-watch for its powerful storytelling.

    In an interview with ‘Fuschia Magazine,’ Anmol reflected on a challenging moment early in her career when a director criticized her acting, labeling her “just a pretty face.” She recalled, “During my first project, the director told me, ‘You’re just a pretty face and you can’t act.’” This harsh feedback initially made her doubt herself, but she used it as motivation to prove her skills. Anmol emphasized the importance of resilience and self-belief in her growth as an actress, stating, “I decided to work harder and improve my acting, despite the ongoing criticism I faced.”

    Anmol also shared important advice for young girls, highlighting the need for self-assertion and financial independence. She recounted how her family’s support helped her stand up for herself on set and navigate career challenges, noting, “My family, especially my mother, encouraged me to stand up for myself and make my own decisions.” Anmol believes that financial independence is crucial for maintaining self-respect and avoiding dependency on others. She urged, “No matter who your parents are, no matter who you marry, a woman should be financially independent.”

    Anmol Baloch’s insights provide a thoughtful perspective on her career and personal experiences, making for an inspiring and enriching conversation.

  • Farm-worker gang raped infront of husband in Sahiwal

    Farm-worker gang raped infront of husband in Sahiwal

    A female farm worker was gang-raped by two unidentified armed suspects in front of her husband during a robbery near Arifwala.

    The farm is owned by Muhammad Aslam who lives with wife and children while his farm workers reside in the staff quarters of the farmhouse along with their families.

    The unfortunate incident happened on the night between Wednesday and Thursday when the two armed robbers woke up the residents of the house, seized their mobile phones and locked all the men, women, and children in one of the rooms.

    The robbers took a worker’s wife with them to lead them to cash and other valuables in the house, but the woman resisted. The suspects assaulted her and locked her in another room.

    After completing the robbery, the suspects raped the worker’s wife while forcing him to watch.

    The police registered a case on the complaint of Muhammad Aslam.

    The robbers escaped with 50,000 cash, a motorcycle and two fertilizer bags, as per the FIR registered by the victims. The robbers reportedly threw the mobile phones near the farmhouse.

    Dawn reports that Saddar Police Arifwala conducted a forensic analysis of the crime scene and took the gang-rape victim to THQ hospital, where a medical report confirmed rape.

    DNA samples have been collected.

    District Police Officer Tariq Walayat sent an investigation team, headed by SP Investigation Shahida Noreen, to investigate the matter.

    Previously, a woman was gang-raped in Hafizabad in front of her husband and three-year-old daughter.

  • ‘Why bully her?’ Sabeena Farooq slams targeting of Khalil-ur-Rehman’s daughter

    ‘Why bully her?’ Sabeena Farooq slams targeting of Khalil-ur-Rehman’s daughter

    Social media has been buzzing since Wednesday after a sex tape of controversial screenwriter Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar with the woman who orchestrated his honey trap went viral.

    While the misogynistic writer was called out on different platforms for hypocrisy, actress Sabeena Farooq took time out to urge people not to target Qamar’s family, especially his daughter.

    The ‘Kabli Pulao’ actress took to Instagram to write, “We ask this to ourselves and everyone almost every day. Is there no humanity left? What does KRQ’s daughter have to do with his actions? Why bully her? It can have an impact on her for life. Why do we take so much pleasure in watching other people’s misery?”

    Sabeena ended her message by asking people to stop blaming children for their parents’ actions and vice versa.

  • Britney biopic in works as Universal buys memoir rights

    Britney biopic in works as Universal buys memoir rights

    A Britney Spears biopic is in development after Universal Pictures bought movie rights to the pop star’s best-selling memoir, the Hollywood studio announced Thursday.

    “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon Chu is attached to develop and direct the film, based on Spears’s recent autobiographical book “The Woman In Me,” the company said in a statement to AFP.

    Universal won a “highly competitive auction” for the film adaptation rights, with “La La Land” producer Marc Platt due to oversee the project, it said.

    “Excited to share with my fans that I’ve been working on a secret project with #MarcPlatt. He’s always made my favorite movies,” Spears herself posted on social media Thursday.

    “Stay tuned,” she told fans.

    “The Woman In Me” laid bare the troubled singer’s journey from child star to global pop phenomenon, as well as her subsequent high-profile public breakdown and legal battles with her father.

    Full of criticism of her controlling family and an industry that mercilessly devours its talent, the book sold over 2.5 million copies in the United States alone following its publication last October.

    Spears’s phenomenal early music success with late 1990s hits like “…Baby One More Time” coincided with an aggressive paparazzi culture that delighted in capturing her partying alongside hell-raisers like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.

    In the book, Spears revealed that Justin Timberlake urged her to have an abortion after she became pregnant during their relationship.

    And she shared details of her brief but intense affair with Irish actor and Oscar nominee Colin Farrell, which she called “a two-week brawl.”

    Following Spears’s public breakdown, she was placed under the conservatorship of her father Jamie Spears, who controlled her money and her personal life, even as she continued to perform high-profile concerts.

    The conservatorship was dissolved by a Los Angeles court in 2021, after a groundswell of public support to “Free Britney.”

    Her father has always insisted that he had the best interests of his daughter at heart and was seeking to protect her from exploitation.

    No release date has been set for the Britney film.

    Universal has previously released musical biopics about hip-hop group N.W.A (“Straight Outta Compton”) and rapper Eminem (“8 Mile.”)

    Chu is also directing Universal’s big-budget, two-part movie adaptation of the musical “Wicked,” with the first film out in November.

  • Buzz around ‘Front Man’ and new ‘Squid Game’ seasons intensifies

    Buzz around ‘Front Man’ and new ‘Squid Game’ seasons intensifies

    Netflix has announced that the popular Korean series ‘Squid Game’ will have a third season, while also confirming that Season 2 will start on December 26 this year.

    In a statement released on Thursday, Netflix said that the show will end with season 3 in 2025.

    The show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, said, “It’s been almost three years since Season 1 was a big hit around the world. I’m very excited to tell you that Season 2 will start soon and that we will also have a third and final season.”

    Hwang also shared some details about the new seasons. “Seong Gi-hun, who wanted revenge at the end of Season 1, comes back to the game. Will he get his revenge? The Front Man will be a tough opponent again. Their intense fight will continue in Season 3, which you will see next year.”

    He added, “I’m happy to see how the story of ‘Squid Game’ has grown. We will do our best to make the final seasons exciting. I hope you’re looking forward to what’s coming.”

    Netflix had already announced a second season for the smash hit in June 2022. The new seasons will bring back characters Gi-Hun and The Front Man.

    As the countdown to Season 2 begins, excitement is higher than ever. Fans can look forward to an emotional rollercoaster full of suspense, mystery, and surprising twists. The deadly games will return with even higher stakes, promising a thrilling experience.

    Beyond the action, ‘Squid Game’ has always offered deep social messages, and Season 2 is expected to continue exploring these themes. The final chapter promises to be as exciting and thought-provoking as the earlier seasons.

    Watch the trailer here:

  • Extreme heat claims 175,000 lives a year in Europe, says WHO

    Extreme heat claims 175,000 lives a year in Europe, says WHO

    COPENHAGEN: Extreme heat kills over 175,000 people a year in Europe, where temperatures are rising quicker than the rest of the globe, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) European branch said on Thursday.

    Of the some 489,000 heat-related deaths recorded each year by the WHO between 2000 and 2019, the European region accounts for 36 per cent or, on average, 176,040 deaths, the WHO said.

    The health body noted that temperatures in the region are “rising at around twice the global average rate.” The WHO’s European region comprises 53 countries, including several in Central Asia.

    “People are paying the ultimate price,” Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, said in a statement. According to the WHO, there has been a 30pc increase in heat-related mortality in the region over the past two decades.

    “Temperature extremes exacerbate chronic conditions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular diseases, mental health, and diabetes-related conditions,” Kluge said. The regional director added that extreme heat can particularly be a problem for elderly people and an “additional burden” for pregnant women.

    The WHO noted that “heat stress” — when the human body can no longer maintain its temperature — “is the leading cause of climate-related death” in the region. According to the WHO, the number of heat-related deaths is set to “soar” in the coming years as a result of global warming.

    “The three warmest years on record” for the region “have all occurred since 2020, and the ten warmest years have been since 2007,” Kluge said. On July 25, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that humanity was suffering from an “extreme heat epidemic,” and called for action to limit the impacts of heat waves intensified by climate change.

    Scorching China

    Chinese weather authorities said on Thursday, July was the country’s hottest month since records began six decades ago, as extreme temperatures persist across the globe. China is the world’s biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases that scientists say are driving climate change and making extreme weather more frequent and intense.

    Heatwaves this summer have scorched parts of northern China, while torrential rains have triggered floods and landslides in central and southern areas. Last month was “the hottest July since complete observations began in 1961, and the hottest single month in the history of observation”, the national weather office said on Thursday.

    The weather office said the average air temperature in China in July was 23.21°C, exceeding the previous record of 23.17°C in 2017. The mean temperature in every province was also “higher than the average for previous years,” with the southwestern provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan logging their highest averages.

    It forecast that the mercury would continue to climb in eastern regions this week, including Shanghai, where a red alert for extreme heat was in place.

    “Next week will be more of the same. It’s like being on an iron plate,” wrote one user of the Weibo social media platform in response to the megacity’s heat warning.