The comment which has now been deleted read criticised the actor for posting about her work, not long after the death of her father.
“You are worried about Moosa and Zohra! And your father? He hasn’t been gone a week and here you are posting about dramas. Oh, God. What is this world of showbiz!” it read,
In response, Sarah hit back saying: “Would my pain have lessened if I posted after a month? Does that even make sense?”
Sarah’s father passed away in December 2020. The actor had earlier posted a heartfelt note for her late parents.
Have you ever seen a television show that you just want to immerse yourself into? One that makes you forget the mundaneness of everyday life and transports you to a realm where everything is perfect? Netflix’s latest Christmas release Bridgerton is just that.
Created by Shondaland, the production house behind Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder, Bridgerton is based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling series of romance novels of the same name.
Set in 1813 London, the series opens with Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynover)of the illustrious Bridgerton family making her society debut. She is to find a husband during the upcoming social season and settle down by the time it wraps up. Though she was declared “flawless” by Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), her brother Anthony Bridgerton’s (Jonathan Bailey) constant meddling and critique of potential suitors dampen her prospects which are further thwarted by Lady Whistledown, who writes that her “value” is falling. Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) is the city’s resident Gossip Girl, who reports on the happenings of the city and whose words are big deal.
Daphne and her mother
In comes the Duke of Hastings Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page), the town’s most eligible bachelor, who has sworn not to get married. Daphe and Simon, who with a stroke of fate end up crossing paths and hatch a plan to fool society and Lady Whistledown by pretending to be together in a bid to make Daphne more desirable in society and him less pestered by eager mothers looking to set up their daughters. Will they be successful in fooling Lady Whistledown who knows everything and anything or will they be exposed? And even more, will Daphne find her perfect match?
Whether Daphne finds her match or not you’ll find out in the show, but Bridgerton has given us some major arranged marriage goals. Imagine landing yourself a rich and handsome Duke with the sexiest smoulder, one who has no immediate family (which mean no in-laws) and is smitten by you? One who is kind, caring and sensitive too. The stuff of dreams, right? Besides, Page plays the Duke to perfection owning every scene he is in and I won’t be lying if I say that we have a new hero to swoon over.
One the other hand, Daphne is also the season’s “diamond” – young, fair, pretty and innocent to the point that she had no idea how babies are made. The two are the perfect match, even if it is just a ruse and their chemistry is crackling – you can almost feel it through the screen.
Though Daphne and Simon are the main attractions, other characters on the show are also a delight to watch. My favourites have to be Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury and Eloise Bridgerton, Daphne’s younger sister. Eloise, who is not interested in getting married or following her sister’s footsteps adds the perfect comic relief, while Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury – both women of colour – add a different flavour to the show with their cool demeanour and wise words. Daphne’s mother is also a voice of reason and is shown as someone progressive and one who encourages her daughter to marry for love and not money and teaches her how the first step to a successful marriage is always friendship. Desi moms can definitely learn a thing or two from Mama Bridgerton.
Bridgerton, in a nutshell, is a dreamy and escapist – a delightful mix of drama, romance, fantasy, gorgeous costumes and opulent sets. The series is indulgent and will have you hooked throughout and by the end of it, even eight episodes will appear too less.
The show’s creator Chris Van Dusen, in a recent interview, said that series is a period drama which marries history and fantasy and is for a modern audience.
“The show is for a modern audience, and everything on this show is filtered through a modern lens. People talk quickly, the story moves fast, it’s funny, and it’s really sexy, which you don’t always get with a typical period piece,” said Dusen. “We’re re-imagining this world; it’s not a history lesson and it’s not a documentary. There weren’t actual Bridgertons in 1813, so we took some creative liberties there. The first thing you see is the cast, this amazing diverse cast, everyone from Phoebe Dynevor to Regé-Jean Page to Julie Andrews.”
Queen Charlotte
“We knew we wanted the show to reflect the world we live in today, and even though it’s set in the 19th century, we still wanted modern audiences to relate to it and to see themselves on screen. I feel we did it in a way that makes sense,” he adds.
Dusen’s vision and take on the show is perhaps the reason why the show resonated so well with audiences. Modern romcoms are fun to watch but there is something magical about period shows and Bridgerton is one done just right. The show is the perfect escape in such dreary times and as I told my friends, it is like a mug of hot chocolate on a freezing winter night.
While Netflix has not yet revealed whether the show will be coming back for a second season, given the show’s popularity, it is only a matter of time till they make an official announcement.
Later, Nadia released her complete wedding album on YouTube. The bride looked lovely in a sea green ensemble with glowy makeup and a bright pink lip.
While many believe that it is Nadia Khan’s third marriage but replying to a comment under her post she clarified that it is her second marriage. “Kiaan is my adopted son and this is my second marriage,” wrote Nadia.
Asim Azhar was reportedly dropped from the country’s latest pop music platform because he was “too young”.
According to reports doing the rounds on social media, Asim, who was initially going to be a part of the platform, was eliminated from VELO Sound Station because he was too young to endorse nicotine. The singer is 24 years old.
“Azhar recorded two songs for the outlet but the company decided not to release his tracks, excluding him because of his age,” stated the report. “Apparently you have to be 25 or above to promote nicotine as per their internal legal requirement, [even though] the government allows 18 and above.”
Azhar and the show’s Executive Producer Bilal Maqsood have refused to comment on the matter as for now.
VELO Sound Station has been making waves on social media for its quirky renditions of classic pop songs.
Meanwhile, Azhar recently released the official PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBGM) anthem Khelta Ja. The video has collected over three million views on YouTube, marking another milestone in the singer’s career.
Meanwhile, the Oscar winner director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy said that no one should be endorsing nicotine products at any age.
Shah Rukh Khan, known for his wit and humour, recently released a short video in which he wished his fans a ‘Happy New Year’ and promised that he has a big surprise lined up for them in 2021.
The hilarious video begins with the King of Bollywood in a night suit fighting mosquitoes. Khan adds that had to record the video all by himself as he had no staff available to record it.
“Hi everybody,” said the actor as he started his video. “It is that time of the year again where the old year is on its way out and the New Year is waiting at the entrance. Actually, it has entered because I am late in conveying my wishes to all of you.”
Reflecting on the past year, the actor said: “I am sure 2020 has been the worst of years for everybody. In these awful times, for most it is difficult to find a ray of hope and positivity. But I have a way of looking at bad days, difficult times, and awful years. I believe when one is at the lowest, at the most bottom-est of their life, the good thing is there is only one way to move – upwards, higher to better places. So, 2020 whatever it has been is in the past now. 2021 is going to be bigger, better, brighter and more beautiful.”
Elaborating on the lessons 2020 taught him, SRK emphasized on how important it is to have your loved ones by your side.
“Real fun is with real people. Your family, your friends, your loved ones. All the friends and enemies you make virtually, taking sides or fighting against you online, is good fun, time pass, but it’s not for keeps,” said the actor.
Wishing his fans “happiness, joy and peace”, Shah Rukh joked that he sounded like a “cheap greeting card” while saying this.
He also requested everyone to be “romantic, emphatic, pragmatic, democratic, fantastic” in 2021 and not be “mathematic as it’s very boring and also very difficult to rhyme with the other words.”
Khan also gave his fans some advice on partying.
“Go party hard, but not too hard in moderation. Don’t get too drunk, don’t take off your clothes and run on the street, because chances are you’ll get arrested and even worse you will wake up in the morning and realize you have lost your phone and that really sucks,” said the superstar.
The Fan actor concluded his video with a promise.
“See you on the big screen in 2021,” confirming reports that his upcoming film Pathan is in the works.
Pathan, which marks SRK’s return to the big screen after a long break, will see him play a special agent. Deepika Padukone and John Abraham are also part of the film while Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan are expected to have cameos.
SRK was also recently spotted outside Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai sporting a new look for the film.
2020 has been a very strange year for sporting events around the globe due to the coronavirus pandemic. Stadiums, courts and all other sporting activities were suspended as people practised social distancing and stayed away from each other. The Olympics, scheduled to be held in Japan were also cancelled along with a plethora of other events and those which did take place happened behind closed doors in biosecure bubbles. Nonetheless, some major sporting events and incidents took place in Pakistan and here is a round-up of those.
2020 Kabbadi World Cup – February 2020
The 2020 Kabaddi World Cup was the seventh edition of the Kabaddi World Cup (Circle style), held from February 9 to February 16, 2020, with the Opening Ceremony on February 9, 2020, at the Punjab Stadium, Lahore.
This was the first time the Kabaddi World Cup was held in Pakistan. All of the previous six circle-style kabaddi world cups have been hosted by India with the most recent event taking place in 2016. The tournament was eight-day long with matches in Lahore, Faisalabad, Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib.
Other than India, teams from Iran, Canada, Australia, United States, Sierra Leone and Kenya also participated in the event.
Pakistan emerged victorious from a close contest against India in the final of the Kabaddi World Cup in Lahore’s Punjab Stadium. The hosts won 43-41 to become Kabaddi world champions for the first time.
2020 Pakistan Super League – February 2020
The fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League started on February 20, 2020. This was the first time the league was held entirely in Pakistan. A total 34 matches were played in four venues: Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Multan.
Days before the season was to conclude, the league was postponed over coronavirus fears.
The playoffs and the final later took place in Karachi in November 2020 with Karachi Kings taking home the trophy for the first time. It was also the first time Lahore Qalandars made it to the final.
Sami Aslam quits Pakistan cricket – December 2020
On December 3, Pakistani test cricketer Sami Aslam announced that he is quitting Pakistan cricket and joining hands with USA Cricket. According to reports, Aslam struck a deal with USA Cricket that will see him spend two years and 10 months playing league cricket in the States and eventually represent the US.
The Lahore-born cricketer was disgruntled after not being selected in the 35-member squad for the New Zealand tour despite his string of solid domestic performances in the previous campaigns.
Mohammad Amir announces retirement – December 2020
Perhaps the most shocking news from the year. Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from international cricket on December 17 while he was in Sri Lanka, playing the Lanka Premier League (LPL).
Speaking to journalist Shoaib Jatt, Amir said that he cannot continue playing for the country under the current management. Amir said that he will continue to play franchise cricket but has made up his mind not to carry on playing for Pakistan, adding that he has been “mentally tortured”.
Amir had retired from Test cricket last year citing workload issues.
Aaron Summers to play Pakistan domestic cricket
Fast bowler Aaron Summers is set to make history by becoming the first Australian to take part in domestic cricket in Pakistan. The 24-year old will play for Southern Punjab in the 2021 One-Day Cup, which is scheduled to begin on January 8 and will run until the end of the month.
The deal is understood to be in its final stages, with official confirmation from the PCB imminent. While Australia’s borders are currently closed to both departures and arrivals due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Summers has received a travel exemption from the Australian government, clearing the path for him to come to Pakistan.
Summers reached Pakistan on December 28 and is currently in Lahore and has joined the Southern Punjab squad.
Pakistan former captain Azhar Ali has likened Karachi batsman Fawad Alam to Turkish legend Ertuğrul.
Sharing a collage of Fawad’s century celebration and Ertuğrul Ghazi ready for battle in a still from the popular Turkish series Diriliş: Ertuğrul, Azhar said the batsman has a “heart of a lion.”
“What a knock from Fawad Alam!,” said the former skipper. “A lot of courage and character and determination.”
Eleven years, five months and 16 days from the day he scored his first Test hundred, Fawad pulled Wagner behind square – that shot had served him well both in defence and attack – past a diving deep fielder to bring up a second Test hundred.
The last one he scored was way back in 2009 when he hit 168 on Test debut against Sri Lanka while opening the innings. Since then Alam has played just six Tests having made a comeback in 2020.
Babar Azam’s injury gave him another go and yet he proved to be an ace for the team.
In a post-match video, Fawad credited Ali for the celebration.
“During a four-day game, Azhar Ali and I had a discussion. He told me if I get a century, this is how I should celebrate it,” said Fawad. “Maybe God granted his wish. And I remembered what he had told me. So, this celebration was for him.”
2020 has pretty much been all about COVID-19 and the pandemic. The year has perhaps been one of the most challenging ones in recent times and has been difficult for everyone. As the year nears its end, The Current decided to look back and reflect upon some happy moments which brought a smile to our faces.
Kaavan’s Relocation to Cambodia
After spending years chained in Islamabad Zoo, the world’s former ‘loneliest elephant’ Kaavan was relocated to a local sanctuary in Cambodia where he will spend the rest of his days in the open and among his own. Kaavan’s freedom was assisted by American singer Cher, who came to Pakistan to personally see Kaavan off. She also welcomed the elephant in Cambodia with a very cute nameplate.
As per the latest details, Kaavan has found new friends in Cambodia and has been spotted enjoying himself at his new home.
Kavaan’s case and relocation also paved the way for other animals to be relieved of their plight. A few weeks after he left, two brown Himalayan bears at the Islamabad Zoo Suzie and Babloo were sent to a sanctuary in Jordan where they will be rehabilitated and nursed to health. Following their departure, the Islamabad Zoo was shut down.
Tough anti-rape law
The federal cabinet approved tough new anti-rape law under which special courts will be established to speed up rape trials and convicted rapists and perpetrators will be chemically castrated. It also prohibits the disclosure of the identity of rape victims and will create a national sex offenders’ register.
Increased exports
Pakistan’s exports for the month of November passed the $2 billionmark amid a resurgence of economic activity after the coronavirus lockdown. As per reports, Pakistan’s move to loosen pandemic restrictions early has helped the nation’s exports emerge stronger than its South Asian peers including India and Bangladesh.
Construction of Hindu Temple
The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) approved the construction of a new temple for minority Hindus, ruling that Islamic law allows minorities a place of worship. The CII also allowed the government to hand over the temple site as well as its adjoining Dharamshala (community centre) in Saidpur village of Islamabad to the Hindu community “so that it can offer religious rites as per their beliefs”. Many people including celebrities like Hamza Ali Abbasi lauded the initiative.
Mahira Khan, Dr Sania Nishtar among BBC’s ‘100 women of 2020’
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Dr Sania Nishtar and Mahira Khan were listed among BBC’s ‘100 women of 2020‘. According to the publication, the list included “100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2020”.
“This year 100 Women is highlighting those who are leading change and making a difference during these turbulent times,” said the publication.
While Mahira was lauded for her outspoken views against sexual violence, refusal to endorse skin-lightening creams and supporting the fight against racism, Dr Nishtar was honoured for “spearheading the transformative Ehsaas Poverty Alleviation programme, which has improved the livelihoods of millions of Pakistanis by providing mobile banking and savings accounts, and other basic resources.”
It is pertinent to add here that Mahira was also part of the inaugural Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars list, along with Aiman Khan and Atif Aslam. The list highlighted celebrities from across the Asia Pacific region who have taken the digital world by storm.
Have more good news to share? Let us know in the comments.
2020 has been an interesting year for Pakistani dramas with several controversial dramas hitting our screens this year. In terms of popularity, there is no denying that Meray Paas Tum Ho was television’s highest-watched dramas with a cult following. As we look back on this year, here’s a list of dramas which had the maximum number of views on YouTube till the filing of this story.
Note – We are only including episodes that aired in 2020 in this list. Views have been indicated in brackets.
Nand Episode 1 (12M)
Despite having close to 100 episodes, Nand continues to trend on YouTube and social media. The first episode of the show was fast-paced and thrilling. Not only are we introduced to nand Gohar (Faiza Hassan) and the rest of the family, we dive straight into the story, which is about a woman who likes to control everything and everyone around her. Apart from being very masalaydar and spicy, the drama also boasts solid performances by the lead cast.
Deewangi Last Episode (13M)
Danish Taimoor and Hiba Bukhari’s Deewangi ends with Nageen (Hiba) killing Sultan (Taimoor) and getting her happily ever after with Haroon (Ali Abbas), who first divorced her. Audiences loved the drama for its depiction of love that reached a point of madness and continued to root for Sultan till the very end, even though he commits several mistakes along the way because of his mad love for Nageen. The last episode of the drama was thrilling, intense and fast-paced with viewers hooked to it.
Ishqiya Episode 1 (15M)
The first episode of this intense romance involving two sisters featuring Feroze Khan, Hania Aamir and Ramsha Khan opens with a scene which will instantly remind you of Rahul and Anjali’s basketball matches in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The rest of the episode introduces us to the different characters and their relationship dynamics. Its ends with Azeem’s (Gohar Rasheed) family asking for Hamna’s (Ramsha) hand in marriage, who is in love with Hamza (Feroze).
The last bumper episode of Ehd e Wafa was initially scheduled to hit theatres but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the plan couldn’t fall through. The grand finale, which included a special appearance by Humayun Saeed, saw Captain Saad (Ahad Raza Mir) get injured in tensions on the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir, following which all four friends gather at the hospital to be on his side as he battles between life and death. The final episode was emotionally charged but ended on a happy note leaving viewers satisfied.
Though the second-last episode of the immensely popular Meray Paas Tum Ho was a slow one, it is one of the highest-viewed ones. The episode saw Mehwish (Ayeza Khan) shift back into her old house and use a wazeefa to try and win Danish back. She regrets the decisions she made and is wallowing in misery. On the other hand, Danish (Humayun Saeed) agreed to marry Hania (Hira Mani) and wore the ring she bought for him after Roomi proposed to her on behalf of his father. Meanwhile, Maham (Savera Nadeem) made sure she reminded Shehwar (Adnan Siddiqui) of his aukaat.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former foreign minister Khawaja Asif was on Tuesday arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) from Islamabad, a spokesperson for the bureau and PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed.
As per the details, Asif was taken into custody in the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into allegations of him possessing assets beyond known sources of income to the tune of whopping Rs260 million.
Aurangzeb said he was arrested from near PML-N general secretary Ahsan Iqbal’s house.
He has been taken to the NAB Rawalpindi office, Geo News reported citing sources. Reports said that a consultative session of the party is currently underway to debate whether PML-N will take part in senate elections.
Asif left the meeting and was moments later arrested near Iqbal’s residence. Aurangzeb said Asif will be presented before an accountability court tomorrow for remand.
While PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz among other party leaders are lauding Asif for his “undeterred support for Nawaz Sharif”, senior journalist and analyst Hamid Mir on his show Capital Talk said that the former foreign minister knew he would be arrested and had even made preparations beforehand for what he considered an “eventuality”.
“He had prepared a bag as well and would say that the NAB would arrest him soon,” said Mir.
When prompted by the anchor to comment whether Asif’s arrest was a “reactionary move” to Maryam Nawaz’s speech in Larkana on Sunday, Muhammad Zubair, who had also left the meeting to appear on the show, said, “Of course. When the popularity and impact [of the PDM] is on the rise, we knew that they would react in some way. And today, we have seen that reaction.”
