It appears that Aagha Ali is controversy’s favourite child right now because days after being called out for promoting fatphobia, the actor has come under fire for stereotyping Pathans and commenting that they never speak calmly. Though Agha reportedly passed these remarks five years ago while appearing on a TV show, they recently went viral on social media sparking outrage. Audiences accused Ali of disrespecting Pathans. In the video which is being widely circulated on social media, Aagha can be heard joking with Neelam Muneer and commenting that Pathans can never speak calmly.
Following the backlash, Aagha apologised for his comments and requested everyone not to spread hate.
“Firstly, I apologise to anyone who has been hurt with my comments”, said the actor. “I was sharing a light moment with my friend Neelam Muneer. She laughed really hard herself as she knew my intentions. But if anyone is hurt, I sincerely apologise for my comments.”
The actor in a follow-up tweet said that he also complimented Pathans on the same show.
Mene kai shows main kaha hai .. “ Pathan Pakistan ki Sab se mehenti qaum hai “ Afsos kay esi baatein log viral nahi kartay.. kher .. mene ek Pathan Prime Minister ko vote Diya tha .. tou main tou Pathano ko itna qabil samjhta hoon… may Allah Bless Pakistan #DontSpreadHate
Later, responding to a followers, Agha said, “Pathan tou Pakistan ki backbone hai.”
I care about every single fan I have and I love em all equally .. it is sad how social media changes the whole scenario behind things .. I had a Pathan guest who’s a friend . She was not offended but still .. I think no one should be .. Pathan Tou Pakistan Ki Backbone hai
The Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) has agreed to revise the grades issued for the June 2020 series and has announced that the grades will not be lower than the predicted grade submitted by the school, adding that “if a grade that was issued last week higher than the predicted grade, the higher grade will stand”.
Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood announced the decision on social media and expressed his relief over the matter.
Great news. Our tireless effort has been successful. Cambridge has decided that grades for June 2020 would NOT BE LESS THAN PREFICTED GRADES SENT BY SCHOOLS. PLUS Where a grade issued last week was HIGHER THAN THE PREDICTED GRADE, THE HIGHER GRADE WILL STAND.
Cambridge has also said that they will be announcing new grades shortly. To remove any uncertainty they have also asked SCHOOLS TO INFORM STUDENTS OF PREDICTED GRADES SENT TO CAMBRIDGE. This information was provided to schools on result day
I am so glad that this issue has reached a successful conclusion and the anxiety caused to students and their parents can now ease. Congratulations everyone
Similarly, Education Minister for Punjab Dr Murad Raas tweeted the official statement of Country Director CAIE which read: “We have decided that grades we issue for the June 2020 series will not be lower than the predicted grade submitted by the school. Where a grade we issued last week was higher than the predicted grade, the higher grade will stand.”
CONGRATULATIONS: Statement Country Director CAIE: We have decided that grades we issue for the June 2020 series will not be lower than the predicted grade submitted by the school. Where a grade we issued last week was higher than the predicted grade, the higher grade will stand.
The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown this year had forced CAIE to cancel its May/June 2020 exams worldwide. The examination board later announced that certificates would be awarded without exams under a new four-step assessment mechanism which included teachers’ predicted grades, ranking order, school review/approval and standardisation.
However, after the results were announced last week, students started raising concerns and protested against the grades which were lower than their expectations and previous performance. They believed that Cambridge’s grade prediction system downgraded their qualifications, causing many to lose university placements and essential scholarships. Following the outrage, the government stepped in to assist students and Mahmood on Friday shared that Cambridge agreed to review its grading procedure.
As a result of our intervention conveying the anguish of our students, I have just heard that Cambridge has agreed to review its grading procedure regarding the recently declared results. It will announce its final verdict after review on Tuesday
Meanwhile, in a statement issued Friday, CAIE said it had been listening to feedback and suggestions from schools and students and had been “looking carefully at how to act on it.”
“Since we released our results on August 11, we’ve been listening to the feedback and suggestions from our schools and students. We know schools have been pleased that we were able to provide grades in challenging circumstances,” it said.
It added, “We have also heard your concerns about some aspects of our process, and we understand the real anxieties Cambridge students are facing at the moment. We have been looking carefully at how to act on your feedback, and at the same time make sure schools, universities and employers continue to trust our qualifications.”
“On Tuesday, August 18, we will let you know the actions we will take,” it added.
It is pertinent to mention here that the issue at hand was not limited to Pakistan alone. According to a report in BBC, approximately 40% of A-Level results of students in England were downgraded after the exams regulator Ofqual used an algorithm based on a schools’ previous results. This sparked outrage among the public following which the UK government, after discussing the matter, announced that A-level and GCSE students in England will be given grades estimated by their teachers, rather than by an algorithm.
Aamir Khan, who is currently in Turkey for the shooting of his film ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, has met the Turkish first lady, Emine Erdoğan, drawing strong reactions from Indians, who are not happy with the meeting that took place Saturday, India’s Independence day.
According to reports, Aamir had requested the meeting, as he wanted to update Erdoğan about the work of Paani Foundation, a non-profit organisation set up by the actor and his wife Kiran Rao.
I had the great pleasure of meeting @aamir_khan, the world-renowned Indian actor, filmmaker, and director, in Istanbul. I was happy to learn that Aamir decided to wrap up the shooting of his latest movie ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ in different parts of Turkey. I look forward to it! pic.twitter.com/3rSCMmAOMW
The main reason behind Indians’ outrage was that Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan has always condemned Indian brutality in occupied Kashmir and extended his support to Pakistan and Kashmiris following the troubled valley’s illegal annexation.
The Kashmir conflict can be solved not by conflict or oppression, but on the basis of justice and fairness, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had said in his address to Pakistani parliament in Islamabad.
The Turkish leader had also called President of Pakistan on Eidul Azha and shared their views on different issues.
A tweet by the president’s office read, “President Dr Arif Alvi and President Erdoğan exchanged Eidul Azha greetings in a telephonic conversation. Important matters, including Kashmir and COVID-19 were discussed.”
President Dr. Arif Alvi and President Erdogan exchanged Eid-ul-Azha greetings in a telephonic conversation. Important matters including Kashmir and Covid-19 were discussed. Pakistan appreciated President Erdogan’s unequivocal statement on Kashmir before the UNGA.@RTErdoganpic.twitter.com/rsVzryYRcD
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 1, 2020
With Aamir meeting Erdoğan, Indians called him “anti-national” and expressed their disappointment.
Hum TV’s much-loved rom-com Pyar Ke Sadkay came to close Thursday night with a happy ending that left viewers satisfied.
Starring Bilal Abbas Khan, Yumna Zaidi, Atiqa Odho and Omair Rana among others, Pyar Ke Sadkay is a love story of two bawlas (simpletons) Abdullah (Bilal) and Mahjabeen (Zaidi) who end up getting married after fate throws them together. Over the course of the drama, they fall in love and overcome several obstacles along the way including an ex-crush Shanzay (Yashma), a manipulative father-in-law Sarwar (Omair Rana) and a weak mother-in-law Mansoora Begum (Atiqa Odho) before finally ending up together in the last episode.
Though the last episode paid attention to all the subplots in the drama and ensured that there is no loose end left, I do wish it was not as rushed as it was. Throughout its run, the drama has been well-paced except in the last couple of episodes which were a bit of a drag. But that doesn’t mean the finale did not have its moments. In fact, there were plenty of them starting with Abdullah telling Shanzay to shut up, Mahjabeen’s mother refusing to take a settlement from Abdullah, Abdullah’s run-in with Sarwar and finally the confrontation between Mansoora Begum and Sarwar. The finale was packed with drama and had viewers hooked. Abdullah’s evolution in the last episode was brilliant and every time he stood up to his bullies, you couldn’t help but cheer.
On the flip, I do wish that Pho and Washma were given more attention in the finale. Mahjabeen’s pregnancy was also forgotten and Sarwar’s moment with his mother just seemed forced and out of place. I really didn’t understand why Sarwar is upset with his mother and blames her for all his actions.
Meanwhile, the performances were absolutely brilliant – whether it was Yumna, Bilal, Atiqa, Omair, Shra Asghar (Washma) or Salman Hassan – each one of them did complete justice to their characters. Credit for the amazing acting also goes to the director Farooq Rind who brought out the best from his actors.
Zanjabeel Asim Shah’s script was solid and the characters very likeable. Some of the dialogues, especially those by Mahajabeen’s mother were powerful and thought-provoking.
Pyar Ke Sadkay was one of those rare, well-written and well-produced drama which you enjoyed watching. Will definitely miss watching Abdullah and Mahjabeen’s shenanigans every Thursday but onto the next now.
Step aside folks, Pakistan has truly arrived at the web series front with Churails. Though this is not the first original web series to come out of Pakistan, it is indeed the one that has put us on the map and from this point onwards, there is no looking back.
Created and directed by Cake director, Asim Abbasi, Churails features Sarwat Gilani, Yasra Rizvi, Nimra Bucha and Meharbano as the four churails (witches) who are here to shake things up. Bakhtawar Mazhar, Sameena Nazir, Zara Khan, Mareeha Safdar, Amtul Baweja, Meher Jaffri and Shabana Hassan play the chosen seven while the male leads include Omair Rana, Kashif Hussain, Fawad Khan and Sarmed Aftab. There are plenty of cameos in the series, some of which are bound to surprise you and keep you hooked even more.
The series is about four women from completely different backgrounds come together one rainy night and decide that they have suffered enough at the hands of the men in their life. They come up with the idea of setting up a detective agency under the guise of a hijab and burqa store with the aim to get justice their way. They then set up an army of baby churails – the Chosen Seven – and train them to carry out their spying and sleuthing missions. The interesting bit is that their team is not all women – their army also consists of two men, one of whom is a hacker. All is going well for the Churails until of their own goes missing and the women come face to face with the powerful men of the city.
Churails has been wonderfully directed and presented. I like how the director made sure to strike a balance. Contrary to popular belief, the series is not anti-men or ‘fahash (vulgar)’ from any angle – it aims to challenge the system of patriarchy and break stereotypes surrounding outspoken and confident women. While the series shows plenty of ‘bad’ men, on the other end it shows decent men also, who support the women around them. Similarly, while they show mazloom and oppressed women, they also show women who support the system and enable the men around them. At the same time, I also liked how Asim cleverly combined fiction with reality. While the concept of Churails and all-women superhero team is something we all wish for, it is unrealistic at the end of the day. However, the situations the Churails find themselves in are very much real and oftentimes uncomfortable.
Perhaps the strongest part of the whole series were the performances, cinematography and music. The performances were absolutely phenomenal – it was like each role was written with the actor in mind – whether it was Sarwat as Sara ‘the perfect wife’ or Yasra as the hippie wedding planner Jugnu or Meharbano as Zubaida the young girl aspiring to be a boxer, each actor put forward their best foot. As for Nimra Bucha, she was on another level as Batool. She spoke little and had limited dialogues but the way she communicated with her eyes and expressions was just brilliant. The male actors also deserve a round of applause, especially Hussain as Shams and Aftab as Dilbar. Not only were they great in their roles, but their characters were also likeable. Omair Rana was fantastic as the manipulative politician and Sara’s husband Jamil as were the Chosen Seven.
Mo Azmi is a master of his craft and with Churails, he did his thing with finesse. He shot each frame meticulously, paying attention to detail, because of which the entire show was so aesthetically pleasing. The way he shot the frames in which the faces weren’t showing was simply mind-blowing. I particularly liked how Azmi played with lights to create an impact. The music of the series was also well-thought-out and each track and sound perfectly complemented the mood of the scene and added depth and character. Kudos to the music director for using music so deftly.
Production value of the series was also high with beautiful sets and chic costumes. I particularly loved Sara’s wardrobe – so glamourous.
Churails HQ
While everything seems to be going right with the series otherwise, the one department which was I felt was a little weak was the editing, which would have been crisper. Each episode is approximately one hour long. Most web series have 45-minute episodes. Keeping that in mind, I do wish the episodes were a tad bit shorter. However, given how much I enjoyed the series, I’m willing to overlook this.
Shams
Overall the show is fun, fierce and full of sass. Asim attempted to shake things up with his series and I think he definitely did because these feisty and badass ‘Churails’ are here to stay. I would highly recommend everyone, especially all women to watch the series because I’m pretty sure you all will thoroughly enjoy it.
Churails is currently streaming on Zee5, which is accessible in Pakistan. The service operates similarly to Netflix and Amazon Prime and requires a subscription. While the subscription is usually Rs 2500/year, they are currently offering a deal through which you can get the subscription for Rs 1500 for the whole year. Payment can be done via a credit card.
Agha Ali has responded to the backlash he received after a video clip of him and his wife Hina Altaf went viral on social media. In the clip, Hina and Agha shared that at the time of their marriage, the only promise that Agha took from Hina was that she will never get fat or gain weight.
The couple received immense criticism on social media and people called them out for promoting fatphobia.
In a story posted to his Instagram, Agha clarified his statement and said that he asked his wife not to gain unnecessary weight because she is an actress and needs to look fit.
“No producer or director or writer would like to have an overweight heroine,” said Agha.
He added: “She was chubby before and has worked really hard to keep fit. I myself have had a weight loss journey.”
The actor also expressed his anger over the matter and said that has is not a fat-shamer and has never made fun of or ridiculed overweight people. He also said that he will host a live session to discuss the matter.
Diriliş: Ertuğrul is a hard one to top but Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Raat Akeli Hai managed to do that and has been trending at number one on Netflix Pakistan since the past ten days. Hollywood’s recent teenage rom-com The Kissing Booth 2 has also proven to be popular among the Pakistani audiences and has been trending since it released on July 24. To be honest, The Kissing Booth 2 was a welcome addition to the top 10 list which apart from Diriliş: Ertuğrul usually features dark or erotic (read: 365 Days) movies.
Starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte, Raat Akeli Hai is a murder mystery which revolves around the murder of a rich landlord on the night of his wedding. It appears that post the success of Sacred Games, Bollywood has found a new genre to explore – crime and the corrupt police system of India. Many recent films and series have centred on this theme, for example, Malang, Pataal Lok, The Family Man.
While Radhika plays the dead man’s newlywed wife Radha and the prime suspect, Siddiqui plays the police officer who is investigating the case. The plot and story of the film are unoriginal and something we’ve seen many times before in Hollywood and Bollywood films (Most movie critics and some members of the audience have also compared it to Knives Out). All through the film, I found several references to Amazon Prime’s Pataal Lok and Sonakshi Sinha-Sidharth Malhotra’s Ittefaq.
However, what makes the film worth a watch is the brilliant execution, performances and cinematography. Nawazuddin, as always, delivered a stellar performance as the cop investigating the case. Apte also gave a good performance as did the supporting cast of the film including Shweta Tripathi as Karuna Singh, Nishant Dahiya as Vikram Singh and Aditya Srivastava as Munna Raja. The chemistry between Nawazuddin and Radhika was crackling but it was let down by the weak development of the script and was not explored properly.
Radha
Vikram Singh
Moreso, given that the film can be classified as a whodunnit (a complex, plot-driven variety of the detective story in which the puzzle regarding who committed the crime is the main focus), it makes a fun one-time watch as you keep trying to figure out who the killer is. Be prepared for a slow first-half and a confusing but relatively fast-paced second half – the last 20 minutes of the movie are the most engaging and hold your attention.
Teen rom-com The Kissing Booth 2 is the exact opposite of Raat Akeli Hai. It is a light-hearted film which doesn’t demand much, though I do wish it demanded less time. While the film was a big hit and the makers have already announced that the film has a third part which has already been filmed and is currently in the post-processing stage, the film is nothing out of the ordinary. It is a typical rom-com featuring two teenagers who are trying to figure out a long-distance relationship and the deal with the baggage that comes with it. It can test your patience at a few instances especially when Elle tries to avoid being a clingy girlfriend but mostly it’ll have you rolling your eyes at the cliches. The makers have also weaved in several subplots, creating a bit of a jumble.
The performances were also not something to speak off. Joey King who plays Elle and Jacob Elordi who plays Noah were dull and had limited expressions. Noah, in particular, seemed to have a poker face throughout the film. The only person who truly demonstrated his acting abilities was Taylor Zakhar Perez who plays Marco.
Marco
If you’re a fan of sappy, teenage rom-coms, give this a watch. Else feel free to skip it and leave it for the teens.
After confusing fans with a cryptic picture of rings with no caption, Aamina Sheikh has confirmed that she has indeed tied the knot. The actor shared a picture of herself with her husband and daughter. According to reports, Aamina’s husband is a computer engineer based in Dubai.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDqFkANB4eo/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDqFxAxB_6h/
Earlier, Aamina had shared the picture of the rings in a grid form with ‘Bismillah’ hinting that she has tied the knot or has gotten engaged.
Saba Qamar and Bilal Saeed have found themselves in hot water after they released the teaser of their upcoming music video Qubool Hai. Part of the music video, which has been directed by Saba herself, has been shot inside Wazir Khan Mosque upsetting the public.
Though Saba and Bilal in the caption clarified that “this is also the only sequence that was shot at the historical Wazir Khan Mosque” and is a prologue to the music video, the teaser did not go down well with the audiences who called out the actor and singer for hurting religious sentiments.
“The BTS video that’s making rounds on social media was just a circular movement to click stills for the poster of ‘Qubool’ depicting a happily married couple right after their Nikah. Hurting or offending anyone or being disrespectful to a holy place is as unimaginable and unacceptable for me as for any decent human being.”
“Despite this, if we have unknowingly hurt anyone’s sentiments we apologise to you all with all our heart,” they added in their post.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDoMcOtB6ch/
Social media users demanded that strict action be taken against those who allowed the video to be shot inside the mosque.
Recording the dance scene in a mosque—the best & sanctimonious place on the earth according to our religion(Islam)—shows how far undogmatic our some celebs r that they don’t know the rudimentary values.This is not right & acceptable at all.Shame on you!!#SabaQamar#Bilalsaeedpic.twitter.com/THd8X4zOKo
Later, spokesperson of the Punjab Government Mashwani Azhar said that an inquiry has been ordered into the matter and strict action will be taken against those involved in allowing the video to be shot in the Masjid and those who violated the terms of the NOC. Azhar even attached the notification in his tweet.
“Secretary Aquaf Govt of Punjab has already ordered DG Auqaf to conduct an inquiry of the Masjid Wazir Khan matter where private company shooting Saba Qamar, Bilal Saeed video violated terms of NOC, agreed with the administration,” wrote Azhar on Twitter.
While everyone commends Pakistan’s performance in the Test series against England and celebrates Shaan Masood’s century, on the other hand, controversy also erupted after a picture of former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed bringing water to the field went viral on social media. The matter became so big that even Head Coach Misbah ul Haq had to address it in the post-match press conference.
Several of Sarfaraz’s fans were disappointed over the incident and said that he deserved better treatment being a senior player.
This is the treatment Fawad Alam has been subject to and now Sarfaraz. Younis Khan must take notice of this action since he knows the feeling … https://t.co/UEf6NOBI5z
Our captain is serving as a 12th man in the sqaud what a shameful movement for the team that a person who has got ability to lead the team cleverly is serving shoes pair to the batsman. What a down to earth person he is. #sarfarazahmedpic.twitter.com/doCgiVcV3U
Sarfaraz Ahmed is our former and debatably the most successful captain in recent times. He is an asset who has given us more than any other Pakistani captain. Using him as a water boy is his insult. Any other young player should have done this instead of Sarfaraz.#PAKvsENGpic.twitter.com/PLalAVri2j
Shoaib Akhtar and Rashid Latif also expressed their outrage over the matter.
“I didn’t like the visual. If you want to make an example out of a boy from Karachi, then it is wrong. You can’t do this to a player who has led Pakistan for four years and has won Champions Trophy for the country. You have made him carry the shoes. If he has done it himself, then stop him. Wasim Akram never brought shoes for me,” Akhtar is reported to have said.
“This shows that Sarfaraz is such a docile and weak man. He must have lead Pakistan in the same way as he carried the shoes. That’s why Mickey Arthur always dominated him. I am not saying carrying the shoes is a problem, but former captain can’t do that,” he added.
“Senior players like Amir and Wahab who are also sitting out, are not even in their kits. They are wearing track suits. This is not team spirit, but this greatness of Sarfaraz because he is passionate about the game. This should not have happened,” said Rashid Latif.
However, others lauded Sarfaraz for his team spirit.
Lot of respect for @SarfarazA_54 after looking at this picture. Ex captain of a winning squad bringing in shoes for a youngster who has played under him. The man has shown no ego but has shown a lot of pride. #Respectpic.twitter.com/d8EYjgPye5
This shows how humble and down-to-earth Sarfaraz is. Many of our stars would have ego issues but Sarfaraz has set a very good example for everyone in Pakistan that serving your colleagues doesn’t devalue you. https://t.co/JblR6sIQxH
Misbah ul Haq while addressing the matter said: “Discussions like this can only happen in Pakistan. I also performed the duties of a 12th man, when I was captain and was sitting out in a match against Australia. There is no shame in doing that.
He added: “Sarfaraz is a wonderful human being and player. He knows that it is a team game. When other players are practicising outside, so the player who is available has to help out. It is not a matter of disrespect. In fact, it is big of Sarfaraz that he doesn’t mind doing it. Plus, it is a sign of a good team. I don’t think it’s a big deal,” he added.
Meanwhile, Shaan is being lauded for his outstanding performance in yesterday’s match. According to details, Masood is the first Pakistani opener to score a century in England in this century (21st century).
Shan Masood is first Pakistani opener to score a century in England in 21st century. Last was Saeed Anwar who scored 176 at the Oval in 1996. Also, first oversea opener to score century in first innings of a Test in England since 2015, last was Australia’s Chris Rogers. #ENGvPAK
Shan Masood is the first Pakistan opener in 24 years to score a century in England. Saeed Anwar (176) was the last Pakistani opener to score a century in England, Oval 1996. #ENGvPAKpic.twitter.com/mcz1qsWK1e
