Actor Akbar Khan, known for portraying character roles, has passed away in Karachi on Tuesday after suffering from an undisclosed illness.
He was a painter and a sculptor of note, with acting credits that include critically acclaimed dramas like ‘Parizaad’, ‘Dil Ruba’ and the popular sitcom ‘Bulbulay’.
Hum TV sent condolences to the late actor’s friends and family members on Instagram.
TV fans were left heartbroken when popular actor, screenwriter and host of the late night comedy show ‘Mazaaq Raat’ Vasay Chaudhry left the show. There was a lot of anticipation about who would be the next person to fill Chaudhry’s shows. Last week it was revealed that the next host would be none other than Imran Ashraf.
A week ago, Ashraf officially began his stint as a television host, requested fans for their love and prayers in an Instagram post.
“Apki muhabbat aur dua ki hamaisha ki tarah zaroorat hai.”
Celebrities like Humayun Saeed, Yasir Hussain and Hira Mani flooded the comments section with positive accolades, and sending their prayers to the ‘Ranjha Ranjha Kardi’ actor for his show.
In a recent post, Imran thanked his fans and everyone else for the love and support he was receiving.
Director of the anticipated crime thriller ‘Kukri’, Ali Sajjad Shah aka Abu Aleeha, sat down for an interview with Geo Digital, where he opened up about his decision to cast actor Yasir Hussain for the film, revealing that initially people thought he was making a mistake with casting the actor:
“They said I am committing suicide and Yasir can’t pull off this character, I received many calls from the people associated with our industry; however, the statements changed when the poster came out, and the very same people spoke to me again and said ‘Tum ne ye kiya bana diya hai!’”
He further praised the ‘Badshah Begum’ actor for being one of the finest in the industry:
“I have seen Yasir’s best work in the theatre, I know how far I can go with him. People have seen his work in dramas but that’s not his finest work.”
Speaking on how Aleeha and Hussain built up the notorious serial killer Javed Iqbal’s character, who reportedly murdered and raped more than a 100 boys in Lahore giving himself up to the police, the director said that he and Hussain researched to get the accent right:
“I took Yasir to many chai dhabbay in Androon–e –Lahore. There, I observed local people chatting in different Punjabi accents. I used to record their conversations and that’s how we picked one of the accents for Javed Iqbal. Later, Yasir practised it.”
Aleeha also talked about why he had chosen to work on the serial killer, a topic that had intrigued audiences last year when the film was announced under the name ‘Javed Iqbal’. The ‘Taxali Gate’ director cited his stint working as a crime news reporter for ten years, which was when he heard about Javed Iqbal:
“I’ve been working as a crime reporter for a private channel for 10 years. [I remember] a criminal was arrested in Lahore and accused of raping 100 children. It was around 1999 and since then, the character has been stuck in my mind.
“Musharraf Sahab’s take over and Javed Iqbal were the two most sensational stories at that time.
“The case was handed over to the honorary Supreme Court and Javed Iqbal was detained, where he committed suicide.
“I got a copy of the challan after a month, from a lawyer and decided to make a web series on the serial killer but no one took me seriously. Then, I published the first book about his crimes and it got a massive response.
“The second edition I published was about the investigation and the back story of this notorious man; the book came out in eight editions and sold out in six months — which indicated that people are intrigued by the story.
In an Instagram story, actor Yasir Hussain has said that Pakistanis have become too cool to appreciate their own artists, referring to singer Ali Sethi not being appreciated enough for his performance at Coachella.
“Diljit too went to Coachella and everyone in India was appreciating him. This is also a big achievement for a Pakistani artist. But, as usual, we did not appreciate it,” wrote Yasir.
Ali Sethi performed at this year’s Coachella festival on April 16. Sethi sang his smash hit Coke Studio song Pasoori.
Last year, Pasoori became the most Googled ‘hum to search’ song of 2022. Ali Sethi and Shae Gill’s iconic track left behind chartbusters like BTS’ Butter, Siravali and Chaand Baaliyan.
You’ve probably heard this name to death on the internet: Hamza Sohail. Women are fangirling over the ‘Fairy Tale’ alum, sharing clips from his recent dramas, while the actor’s Instagram following soared from 60K to 251K in a matter of weeks. A lot of us are shocked because a Pakistani man being thirsted over by women is a rare thing. That there is a man out there without a problematic past, is actually humble, respectful and is also an incredibly good actor?
We found it difficult to believe as well but Hamza Sohail is currently the leading man of our hearts. With his limited but stellar performances in rom-coms like ‘Fairy Tale’ thrillers like ‘Badshah Begum’ and ‘Raqeeb Se’, he has cemented himself as a star to look out for, and we want our audiences to remember his name.
So if you have likely woken up from under a rock and are taken aback by this sudden take over of Hamza Sohail on the internet, let us guide you through a brief introduction of who he is and what he has done in his career so far.
1 He’s the son of renowned comedian, Sohail Ahmed
Being a Nepo Baby is not exactly something that would strike well with an audience that is longing for fresh faces, especially when it is clear how the entertainment industry tends to sideline people who are not from a well-connected background. But Hamza spoke about this issue in an interview with Fuchsia Magazine, sharing that he wanted to become an actor not because of his father, but of his own interests. He also shared that his parents were quite strict, hoping that he would complete CSS and go into the civil service like his grandfather, which is why they often shielded him from the spotlight and urged him to work hard in school. But Sohail developed a passion for acting from participating in theatre and school plays.
2 He made his debut in ‘Raqeeb Se’
His first drama was ‘Raqeeb Se’ where he played Abdul Rehman, the love interest of Insha (played by Faryal Mehmood).
3 He also played the dashing and sensitive Shahmir in ‘Badshah Begum’, which has now reincarnated on the internet despite airing almost two years ago.
‘Badshah Begum’ was a gripping story about politics and rivalry among siblings to claim the throne. It had a star-studded cast including Farhaan Saeed, Zara Noor Abbas and Yasir Hussain. Sohail played the youngest member of the Pir clan, Shahmir. A year later, fans are still in awe of his performance and the tragic love story between Shahmir and Gulnar (played by Hiba Aziz). We’re definitely joining in on the re-watch!
Feroze Khan has issued a public apology to the ten celebrities whose personal information was leaked to the internet when he posted their personal phone numbers and home addresses on Twitter in a screenshot.
Khan had written in a statement: “As an actor, I know the importance of privacy and value it the most. I never intended that anyone’s peace be disturbed. If any one of my colleagues had to go through any inconvenience I’m deeply sorry for that.”
Actor Muneeb Butt and his wife, Aiman, along with her sister Minal, were among the celebrities whose private info was leaked, but yesterday Butt shared a picture of him and Khan together, and revealed that they had settled their differences and decided to drop the charges against the “Habs” actor.
His statement read:
“..To give us pain and mental distress wasn’t FK’s intention it was a mistake I announce to drop all of the charges.”
Butt had previously filed a stalking report with the cyber crime department against Khan for leaking his and his family’s personal information.
“Whoever is suggesting this to you has thrown you into deep trouble my friend I feel bad for you now you will have to face all of this… Initially I thought it’s a stupid mistake waited for 24 hours but no apology or excuse proved that it was a deliberate move, I thought you were better than that seriously. Complaint registration/ verification process has been completed FIA cyber circle has intiated the inquiry. The process has started, you will have to taste your own medicine now wait for the call,” he had written.
Celebrities like Yasir Hussain had slammed Khan for being ‘stupid’ for first beating up his wife, and then leaking his number to the world.
Actor Sarwat Gilani had shared a screenshot on her Instagram page of the numerous phone calls she had received since her number was leaked by Khan, and publicly announced that she was suing him along with the other celebrities.
Gilani had written: “It is bizarre and despicable that private information, including phone numbers, of various famous individuals has been publicly shared on the absurd pretext of issuing legal notice to them by @ferozekhan Not only are such actions clearly illegal but also demonstrates the total lack of maturity to handle matters in a civilized way.”
Actor Yasir Hussain has talked about the recent posthumous Nishan-e-Imtiaz awarded to Qavi Khan, who passed away in March this year after a prolonged illness.
Hussain shared a screenshot of the award on Instagram and quoted lines from the celebrated poem ‘Hamesha Dair Kardeta Hoon’ by Muneer Niazi.
He also write that the Pakistani government should celebrate their actors while they are alive and acknowledge their contributions to the industry:
“You came late, but was necessary to happen. Celebrate the actors who are above 50 and acknowledge the contributions they have made. What will you do with keeping them to yourself?”
Actor Yasir Hussain called out Feroze Khan in his Instagram stories for leaking his private number to the public in a now-deleted tweet. Khan had shared a list of celebrities on Twitter, mentioning that he was sending them defamation notices. Hussain shared a screenshot of a man who was consistently spamming his messages with requests to be cast in TV serials. He criticized Feroze Khan for the breach of private data.
“A stupid man had first beat up his wife and then leaked our numbers to the public. Because of this now this child is asking me to cast him in some drama, or otherwise he wants Rs 1 lac. Now tell me what I should do.”
In the next post, he shared the list of messages the person had sent him, but pointed out that he refused to defame him by sharing his number, the way Feroze Khan had.
Hussain also shared a screenshot of Meesha Shafi’s Instagram post where she sent her solidarity and support to the ten actresses sent defamation notices by Feroze Khan, saying that she could empathize having also been in the same place.
“Having suffered the most malifide defamation case…I just want to tell anyone who might be stressing about this stupid case that he’s going to lose in every way in the end. Karma is real. All my solidarity to each and everyone of you, especially Alizeh.”
Hussain put up a screenshot of his messages where the spammer had apologized, stating he was a big fan of actor Falak Shabir and wanted Hussain to help him reach out to him.
‘Moron’, ‘Stupid’, ‘Despicable’; Celebs slam Feroze Khan for phone numbers leak
A growing chorus of disgruntled celebrities slamming Feroze Khan has now been joined by Sarwat Gillani and Mira Sethi. Khan had posted on Twitter the private phone numbers of 10 celebrities including Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Osman Khalid Butt and Minal Khan.
Actor Sarwat Gilani has slammed Feroze Khan in an Instagram post by sharing a screenshot of the numerous spam calls she had received since the leak, and in the caption she warned Khan that his illegal actions will now severely backfire on him
“It is bizarre and despicable that private information, including phone numbers, of various famous individuals has been publicly shared on the absurd pretext of issuing legal notice to them by @ferozekhan Not only are such actions clearly illegal but also demonstrates the total lack of maturity to handle matters in a civilized way.
Two days ago @ferozekhan had one ex wife and her lawyer now he will have to face 10 celebrities and their lawyers after him. Good luck!”
Oscar winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy had responded in the comment section, by writing that she had faced the same issue of numerous spam calls.
‘Wait till you see mine,” she wrote.
Actress and writer Mira Sethi has also responded to the leak by sharing Gilani’s post in her Instagram stories, and clarifying that she will continue to stand behind survivors of domestic violence despite the threat
“Echoing what Sarwat says here about leaked numbers. Unbelievable. My lawyer will respond to the notice, and I will continue standing with Alizeh Sultan.”
Actor Minal Khan has uploaded a post on her Instagram page, where she critcized Feroze Khan’s ‘shameful act” for breaching her privacy and putting her family’s life in danger.
“Yesterday my private information including my personal phone number was leaked on social media. it was an utterly shameful act which was carried out intentionally by Feroze Khan on the absurd pretext of a legal notice.
This action of his has has caused me severe mental distress as I have been receiving hundreds of calls and messages. My personal security has been breached & out at risk as I have been mentally harassed, tortured & threatened by multiple numbers. Me and my family’s life has been put in danger.
Such actions are illegal- This being said I will be taking very strict legal action against Feroze Khan for leaking my private information on social media along with multiple other famous individuals.”
Star-singer Aima Baig took to her Instagram stories to announce that she has called off her engagement with Shahbaz Shigri in September last year.
The Balma Baghora crooner shared a lighthearted note on her Instagram story confirming her break-up with long-term boyfriend turned fiancé’ Shigri.
The Chan Ve diva wrote: “Yes, I will always respect this person for giving me a good time. Sometimes, shit happens and happens for a reason. And to answer all your questions, yes we have parted ways. but we both are doing good and fine so don’t worry.”
“I wanted to do it in the most respectful way and so I did. People can choose their ways of expressing their feelings, which defines who they are from the inside.”
“That’s me, telling the truth to anyone wondering if are they or are not together. And the answer is Nope, I and Shahbaz are not together anymore. P.S no more “feeling sorry texts” please! We are doing just fine. Music is life, let’s see where it takes us”, she added.
Aima Baig and Shahbaz Shigri were in a relationship since 2019. They announced their engagement in July 2021. After their split, the duo unfollowed each other on social media.
Latest Update
Seems like the new year has brought a change in the ex-couple’s equation as they followed each other again on Instagram. This digital move of Shigri and Baig has made their fans extremely happy.
Recently, the Sajna Door star indulged in a Q&A session on her official Instagram handle. She opened up about her colleagues and revealed her favourites.
Actor Yasir Hussain recently made an appearance on Hasna Mana Hai hosted by Tabish Hashmi. On being asked for clarification about his statement that senior actor Naumaan Ijaz should quit acting.
The Aik Thi Laila star clarified that once he was talking to Naumaan Ijaz about how hosts ask guests questions like who should leave acting and he just does not want to name anybody. To this, the Raqeeb Se star told Yasir that he can take his name whenever such a question pops up. Ijaz also assured him that he wouldn’t be offended and that is why Yasir took Naumaan Ijaz’s name.
Last year when Hussain was featured in an episode of The Talk Talk Show, hosted by Hassan Choudary, he revealed that he doesn’t want to work with Ahsan Khan.
He said, “I suppose Ahsan Khan finds me dull. Please do ask him why he finds working with me boring.” He claims that I am uninteresting, despite the fact that I am fond of him.
In 2017, Ahsan called out Yasir for his joke about his role in Udaari, while recording an award show skit.
“I worked very hard in Udaari, I risked my career by playing the role of a child molester, just so the entire team of Udaari could spread awareness about it. So at the HUM awards, when Yasir Hussain made that remark I honestly felt bad, more so at the audience from the educated class that was laughing with him.”
He further added, “The character of Imtiaz is not a joke. Ehtesham worked so hard on this project and you cannot just associate the sensitivity of the topic with a joke. But as hurt as I was, one thing I would like to say is that Yasir called me to apologize and he has also issued a public apology.
However later the two bonded on Ahsan’s chat show.
yasi
Earlier this year, Yasir opened up about his spat with actress Hira Tareen on Wajahat Rauf’s chat show. The Jhooti star was asked about actress Hira Tareen’s statement recently about him and his craft, Yasir said that he doesn’t even know her at all.
The Koel director stated that all he knows about her is that she is his friend’s spouse and even if she abuses him on the road, he’ll not react.
In November 2021, the celebrity couple Ali Safina and Hira Tareen, who tied the knot back in 2013, made an appearance on Time Out on Ahsan Khan.
The Khaas star declared her dislikeness for actor and writer Yasir Hussain.
She mentioned that she doesn’t like Yasir’s acting skills at all, adding that he lacks basic manners (tameez), “It’s about how you talk to people”.
