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Can Mannat Murad Stay Afloat On A Wafer-Thin Plot?

By
Ozair Majeed
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Mannat Murad right from the word go was designed as a commercial mass entertainer. The initial promos hinted at a run-of-the-mill premise highlighting the typical problems and conflict of egos of a desi household. But what matters is the treatment and how it is presented to the viewers, making the enterprise stand out. Bankrolled by 7th Sky Production well known for fueling their projects with lavish budgets, the drama serial started on a good note but came down crashing with a series of insane situations and abrupt characterisations.

The Helpless Hero

Mannat Murad is a big ticket for Talha Chahour who hasn’t proved himself as a classic performer. In his previous outings, Talha is mostly seen playing the middle-class guy, his first solo project Mannat Murad is no different. He performs well but his character lacks substance big time. He comes across as the helpless guy who is so afraid of her mother that he fails to defend his lady love on various occasions. His chemistry with Iqra is half-baked and lacks fizz. One doesn’t feel invested and route for the two to unite despite the bizarre acts by Raisa Sultana.

Half Hearted Comeback

Iqra Aziz chose a relatively safe and convenient comeback project. Mannat Murad comes across as a cakewalk for her — just walk onto the set, wear lavish apparel, get hair and makeup done, and ready to roll.

On one hand, she comes across as a strong independent woman who reports workplace harassment and puts the culprits to punishment. On the contrary, she feels helpless when Murad doesn’t take a stand for her. She looks like a million bucks, but so far she hasn’t got the opportunity to display her stellar acting chops.

That is not what we expect from an actress who has mesmerised viewers with spell-binding performances in dramas like Ranjha Ranjha Kardi and Suno Chanda. Yes, actors route for both commercial and critical acclaim, but the character has to have some kind of an arch.

Supporting Act Overshadow The Protagonist

Last seen in Kuch Ankahi, Irsa Ghazal shifts gears and showcases her diversity to the fullest. As the loud, Punjabi, dominating mother Raisa Sultana, she out rightly owns the enterprise. She gets maximum screen time and diverts viewers’ attention who are willing to focus on the protagonist.

On several occasions, her act gets a bit OTT, but she fills up the screen with her presence. Undoubtedly Irsa is the hook of Mannat Murad, but can the makers rely on a supporting character for its entire runtime?

The Un-Impressive Sub Plots

Let’s keep the central characters aside and discuss the subplots. Unfortunately, they too are unimpressive. Murad’s elder sister Nudrat (Faiza Gillani) is looking out to cash the Chaudhry label to fool Murad and fetch money to run their household. The mandatory unmarried and aged sister Fazeelat (Minza Waqas) is also there. It’s surprising to see an actor of huge potential Ali Safina being wasted.

Mannat’s sister-in-law Sabiha (Uzma Hassan) is a progressive woman, instead of protecting Mannat, she is supporting her to marry in a greedy family. Some of the sequences were extremely nonsensical and tested our patience big time like the entire rishta sequence in episode 3. The scene where Razia Sultana returns the dowry and demands loads of gold for her family etc. Not for a second do they realize that the two families are poles apart and what will be the future of Manant and Murad?

Will Mannat Murad Bounce Back?

One after the other the drama serial opens a new Pandora’s box for viewers to deal with. The promo of episode 14 laid a new foundation for another façade of haq mehar. Will Mannat Murad manage to sustain on a wafer-thin plot or will it further slide downhill?

Khumar: Feroze Khan Returns On-Screen With The Charm Of One-Sided Love

By
Kehkashan Bukhari
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The captivating aesthetics and heartwarming set design have once again worked their magic in 7th Sky Entertainment, winning the hearts of viewers with their upcoming drama Khumar. Set to be released soon on Geo Entertainment. 

Following the dramatic finale of Khuda Aur Mohabbat Season 3, fans were on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting Feroze Khan’s triumphant return to the screen. However, after navigating through a storm of controversies, Feroze emerges in Khumar as the quintessential handsome hero, capturing the hearts of viewers across the board. Yet, amidst the captivating narrative, the impact of his wardrobe seems to be missing the dazzling spark. 

Could this be a tale akin to the evolution of Murtasim Khan’s wardrobe, destined to find its glamorous stride in the chapters yet to unfold? Only time will unfurl the sartorial saga. 

The drama is produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi, directed by Bandhay Ek Dour Se’s Ali Faizan and penned by Maha Malik.

The cast

The teasers have already been unveiled, revealing that Feroze Khan’s fans, who were eagerly awaiting his return to the screen will now see him portraying the character of Faaiz – a lover boy. Adding to the intrigue is Neelam Muneer, stepping into the shoes of Hareem, a character that seems to embody both simplicity and innocence, coupled with the intriguing twist of being a talented interior designer. 

Guess who’s also back? Hina Bayat is swapping her modern mom vibes for something a bit more traditional in Khumar by playing the role of Faaiz’s mother – who can be a game-changer in the story.

Embarking on the rollercoaster ride that is Khuda Aur Mohabbat Season 3, Bayat seamlessly slipped into the role of Mahi’s (Iqra Aziz) mother-in-law. Imagine this: Bayat, the very essence of sweetness, conquering hearts like a queen, portraying the epitome of the most decent and sweet saas (mother-in-law) in the drama cosmos. But hold on to your popcorn because, this time around, we’re picking up some mysterious vibes between Hareem and her when she says in one of the teasers, “I throw away anything that I don’t like in my house”. Ohh, watch yourself Hareem! Feroze Khan’s next act in the akhada.

The drama also features Asma Abbas, Adnan Samad, Behroz Sabzwari, Zainab Qayoom, Shehryar Zaidi, Sheherzade Peerzada and many others. 

The plot

The initial glimpses suggest a story woven around one-sided love, with teasers hinting at Faiz’s silent admiration for Hareem. However, a particular scene raises questions about potential challenges our protagonists might face, as it unveils Hareem wearing a ring with someone else’s name, leaving Feroze Khan’s expression marked by pain and astonishment. 

While Neelam Munir’s recent portrayal of the modern girl as Shanze from Ehram e Junoon is fresh in viewers’ minds, her shift to a simpler role in Khumar showcases her versatile acting skills. 

Nonetheless, it’s great news for Feroze’s fans. They’ll also catch a glimpse of him in the upcoming drama Akhada set to be on air on Green Entertainment. It’ll be interesting to see that after the success of Khuda Aur Mohabbat S3 will Feroze Khan manage to carve his niche in the audience’s hearts with Khumar this time? The release date is yet to be announced.

Here Comes ‘Mango Jatt’: Faysal Quraishi To Star In Abu Aleeha’s Eid 2024 Release

By
Zainab Mossadiq
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In the heart of Pakistan’s cinematic landscape, a refreshing breeze is about to sweep through as the anticipation for a new Punjabi action-comedy, Mango Jatt, takes centre stage. The director of the upcoming venture, Abu Aleeha recently broke the news, while also announcing that the film will star one of the most celebrated stars of Pakistan, Faysal Quraishi.

Read on to discover more about the film in a conversation with Abu Aleeha, in conversation with Galaxy Lollywood.

Unveiling Mango Jatt

The Punjabi film promises to be the fusion of hilarious comedy and pulse-pounding sequences. A family film, specifically targeting children and teenagers, Mango Jatt will also be a social commentary on several prevailing issues.

The plot of the film revolves around a widow, who lives with her three children. After her husband’s demise in an accident, his business partner wants to marry the widow, murder her three children, and wants to take control of all the property. In order to protect her children, she decides to take help from an undercover police officer, Mango Jatt, who starts living with the family as a house help/bodyguard. The film will navigate as he finds a place in the hearts of the three children and shields them from the gangsters who are trying to kill them while trying to tend to their personal turmoil.  

The film will also feature a love story. As revealed by Abu Aleeha, the protagonist, Mango Jatt falls for one of the child’s teachers in his school, paving the way for a cute, romantic love story.

According to the captain of the ship, Abu Aleeha, the film is crafted as a family entertainer. He said, “There is this culture of Punjabi films in Pakistan where we usually see emotional saga and revenge. After seeing Indian Punjabi films, I considered venturing into comedy genre in Pakistani Punjabi films, which not only targets people from Lahore or Punjab but all Punjabi-speaking population around the globe.”

“I believe that there is a big vacuum in the cinemas when it comes to Punjabi films. Films like Maula Jatt took 7 years to be completed and released in cinemas. A standard Punjabi film takes 2-3 to be produced and released in cinemas. Hence, I believed if I would bring my formula of working and producing films in a few months then I can capture a new audience.”

Abu Aleeha further explained that with this movie he aims to break the stereotypical perception associated with Jatts, who are portrayed to be scary. He wants to bring to the screen a new Jatt character that is loved by the audience and the children.

“I wanted the Jatt in my film to be like Mr. Bean. I wanted to create a cute character that they feel protected on-screen, and women can consider as a chocolatey hero.”

Faysal Quraishi brings the oomph element into the film

There is no doubt that Faysal Quraishi is one of the biggest and most experienced stars of the country. Seeing him part of the project has created an inevitable buzz around the film. Other than his notable performances in several drama serials including Meri Zaat, Zarra-e-Benishan and Bashar Momin, Faysal has also exhibited his craft in different films including Manto and Money Back Guarantee.

Abu Aleeha was all praises for his lead star, Faysal Quraishi, who he thinks will do absolute justice to the role.

“Faysal Quraishi has great comic timings, and he is the perfect chocolatey hero material to do the film.”

Recently, Faysal Quraishi revealed why he opted to do Mango Jatt. He said he was impressed to see how the script managed to tackle societal issues, especially those pertinent to children and teenagers while integrating humor. The distinctive fusion of social commentary and entertainment in the film convinced him to do the project.

Abu Aleeha’s Commitment to Punjabi Storytelling

Mango Jatt marks Abu Aleeha’s third foray into Punjabi cinema, solidifying his dedication to showcasing the rich cultural landscape of Punjab. With prior directorial successes like ‘Shot Cut’ and ‘Super Punjabi,’ Aleeha has proven his commitment to storytelling in the vibrant and diverse context of Punjab. This time, he aims to bring a family-centric narrative to the forefront, offering an entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.

He has made nine films as of now including Kataksha, Sheenogai, Tevar, Udham Patakh, Shotcut, and Javed Iqbal.

In another interesting revelation, Abu Aleeha said that in 2023 no Urdu film has breakeven in Pakistan. He talked about the success of his previous Punjabi film Super Punjabi.  

“There is only one Pakistani film which has not only breakeven but generated a bit of profit as well and that was Super Punjabi, which was a mid-budget film. The film went on to be shown in cinemas in Punjab for six weeks and also did good business in Canada as well as the UK.”

The directorial maestro added that he wants to learn from his previous mistakes and wants to continue the streak of making successful Punjabi films. He believes that with an extravagant budget for Mango Jatt, he can do much more.

A diverse cast

One of the unique aspects of Mango Jatt lies in its casting choice, bridging the cultural gap between Punjab and Sindh. Director Abu Aleeha emphasizes the collaboration of experienced theatre actors from both regions, envisioning this film as a unifying force that transcends provincial boundaries.

The lead actress for the film is still under discussion but as revealed by Abu Aleeha, there are three leading actresses who are being considered for the role. The director also added that he wants an actress who can fluently speak Punjabi for the role.

Our expectations

Unlike some contemporary films, Mango Jatt stands out as a complete family film, appealing to a diverse audience from five to sixty years old. With a commitment to steer clear of morally offensive content, Aleeha envisions the movie as a wholesome experience that every Punjabi can enjoy with their loved ones, marking a significant shift in the genre’s landscape. As the film gears up for production in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Bahawalpur, Islamabad, and Nithia Gali, the other lead cast of Mango Jatt is set to be officially unveiled soon. The movie is poised to hit cinemas on Eid ul Fitr in 2024, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a fresh and family-friendly cinematic offering.

Gohar Rasheed And Kubra Khan’s On-Screen Chemistry In Jannat Se Aagay Leaves Viewers In Awe

By
Warshma Chughtai
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The on-screen magic between Gohar Rasheed and Kubra Khan has finally unfolded in Geo Entertainment’s drama serial, Jannat Se Aagay. Though the duo has been best friends off-screen for almost a decade, it’s only now that the audience is able to see them together on screen. Despite them playing a married couple, the viewers weren’t too pleased with their distant nature of characters, courtesy of the storyline. But with the latest Episode 27, things took an interesting turn.

Nauman — played by Gohar — is Kubra’s on-screen partner and husband, sparking a rollercoaster of emotions in their turbulent marriage. From constant taunts about Jannat’s — played by Kubra — thriving career to hints of financial opportunism, their on-screen relationship has kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

In the latest episode, the makers decided to take a stroll down memory lane, revealing flashbacks of Nauman and Jannat’s relationship’s early days — a time when their love was palpable, and their marriage seemed like the epitome of bliss. This unexpected twist in the storyline left the audience in awe and added a heartwarming layer to the plot. About time, right?

While viewers had eagerly anticipated witnessing the real-life camaraderie between Kubra and Gohar translate on-screen, the chemistry seemed elusive in the initial episodes. Despite playing a married couple, romantic sparks were conspicuously absent. However, the recent flashback scenes unveiled the magic viewers had been craving.

The flashback scenes took us back to a time when life was simpler, and Jannat wasn’t the big-shot anchor she is now. Nauman was the ideal husband, who respected and cherished Jannat. They lived a middle-class life, had a baby together and enjoyed the little things of life. They were shown putting effort into the relationship and appreciating one another. Fans took to social media to express their delight, describing the flashback scenes as beautiful and a significant enhancement to the storyline. Gohar Rasheed and Kubra Khan’s exceptional acting skills were also applauded, with some hailing the episode as the best by far.

As Jannat Se Aagay continues to captivate audiences, the flashback of Nauman and Jannat’s relationship has undoubtedly added an extra layer of intrigue and understanding, making it a must-watch for fans of how their relationship would end up. The chemistry between Gohar and Kubra, both on and off the screen, is undeniably a winning formula that has left viewers eagerly anticipating the next twist in this captivating tale.

Cinema’s Loss, Cricket’s Gain: Shahid Afridi Spills The Beans On Skipping A Movie Career

By
Warshma Chughtai
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Cricket legend Shahid Afridi recently spilt the beans on his near foray into the entertainment world. The all-rounder, known for his powerful performances on the cricket field, disclosed in an interview with Samaa TV that he had been offered movies by both the Pakistani and Bollywood film industries. However, the cricketer gracefully turned down these opportunities.

“I was offered films twice or thrice, I got offers from India, and I also got an offer from Pakistan. I think we should do what we know well, we should not do tasks which are not meant for us. I am known because of my cricket, my inclination was towards cricket. I never thought of doing movies. I did a few commercials and did acting in but I never thought of doing films,” Afridi candidly said.

Afridi’s stance echoes a sentiment often debated in the realm of cross-industry ventures: should one stick to what they know best or take the plunge into uncharted waters? In Afridi’s case, the cricket maestro’s heart beats for the cricket pitch, and he remains steadfast in his commitment to the sport that propelled him to international stardom.

The idea of cricketers entering the entertainment world is not new in Pakistan, with famous personalities like Wasim Akram, Shoaib Malik, and Fawad Alam trying their hand at acting. Wasim Akram made his debut in the recently released film Money Back Guarantee, Shoaib Malik ventured into the acting realm in 2022 with cameo appearances in the web series Baarwan Khiladi and the movie Chakkar, while Fawad Alam made his acting debut in 2019 with a cameo in the comedy-drama sitcom Ghar Damad.

As fans, the mere thought of witnessing Afridi’s charisma on the silver screen is tantalizing. The cricketer’s larger-than-life persona, combined with his on-field heroics, could undoubtedly create magic in the cinema. Unfortunately, the Boom Boom maestro, who has retired is still firmly committed to cricket, leaving us to wonder what could have been.

Bilal Abbas Leaves The Audience Impressed With His Performance In Ishq Murshid

By
Zainab Mossadiq
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With just four episodes under its belt, Ishq Murshid has taken the drama scene by storm, and it’s all for the right reasons. The compelling light-hearted romantic drama follows the lives of Shahmeer Sikandar and Shibra Salman, portrayed by the talented Bilal Abbas Khan and Durefishan Saleem, respectively, as they embark on a heartwarming coming-of-age love story.

In the spotlight of this drama, Bilal Abbas, the lead protagonist, once again proves his mettle with a performance that leaves us absolutely dazzled. Bilal Abbas’s dual role as Shahmeer Sikandar and his transformation into Fazal Baksh is a testament to his great acting skills.

Bilal Abbas’ versatile roles as Shahmeer and Fazal Baksh 

One of the characters that Bilal plays in the drama is Shahmeer Sikandar, a young man hailing from a privileged and affluent background. Bilal manages to convincingly play Shahmeer, who is shown to have returned after completing his education in the UK. His body language and dialogue delivery reflect a man from an elite background.

Bilal also manages to gauge the complexity of the character of Shahmeer who is devastated due to his mother’s death in his childhood. In one scene we see Bilal shedding a single tear after visiting his mother’s grave, making us connect and sympathize with his character.

Meanwhile, Bilal also takes on the intriguing role of Fazal Baksh in the series, a character who represents Shahmeer in disguise as a poor man, looking for a job at Shibra’s father’s office. Fazal Baksh, with his endearing sweetness and unwavering optimism, injects a delightful dose of humour into the storyline. Bilal’s performance, once again, is an absolute delight to behold. His seamless transition from expressions of confusion and restlessness due to his fear of getting caught while his attempt to befriend Shibra, makes the drama an absolute treat for the viewers.

The on-screen chemistry of Bilal and Durefishan

As part of the audience, we are adoring the on-screen dynamics between Bilal and Durefishan. The former’s exceptional ability to establish a unique chemistry with Durefishan’s character, be it as Shahmeer or Fazal Baksh, is truly commendable. Both actors have executed their roles with brilliance, infusing excitement into their on-screen pairing.

A collective effort to bring these characters to life

While there is no doubt about Bilal’s impeccable acting skills, it takes an entire team to put together brilliant characters that are remembered for years. Credit where it’s due, the writer and director of Ishq Murshid, Abdul Khaliq Khan and Farooq Rind, respectively, did a great job in conceptualizing and bringing these two characters to life.

The wardrobe choices for Bilal Abbas are worth noting, as they seamlessly enhance the depth of his characters. From Shahmeer’s impeccable suits, reflecting his elite background, to Fazal Baksh’s casual shalwar kameez, the attention to detail in costuming adds another layer to Bilal’s portrayal.

We hope that Bilal Abbas continues to impress us by taking on these challenging roles.

HUM TV Shifts The Spotlight To Male Characters In Its Recent Offerings

By
Zainab Mossadiq
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In a groundbreaking move, HUM TV is embarking on a journey to redefine its recent drama offerings, placing a significant spotlight on male protagonists. This remarkable departure from the traditional narrative, where female characters often take centre stage, not only breathes fresh life into the entertainment industry but also introduces a torrent of innovative stories onto the television screen.

This shift towards male-centric dramas not only alters perspectives but also unearths a wealth of creative potential and storyline possibilities. It promotes a more inclusive and diverse representation that is likely to captivate a fresh audience in the television industry.

Let’s dive into some recent examples of dramas with male-oriented storylines.

Namak Haram: Starring Imran Ashraf as Mureed

Promising a gripping storyline, HUM TV’s upcoming drama serial Namak Haram revolves around the central character Mureed, who is essayed by the talented Imran Ashraf.

The drama is a tale of love, vengeance, and redemption, focusing on a man who belongs to a family of servants, who pay their allegiance to a rich household. Imran Ashraf plays a strong-headed character who is bound to break norms and generations of customs, which are set in place, in order to take revenge that has been brewing for the last twenty-seven years.

Written by Saqlain Abbas and directed by Shaqielle Khan. The drama promises a strong plotline based on Imran’s character and his story of revenge, a power-play, in addition to a love story, with Sarah Khan as the female protagonist.

Zulm: Starring Faysal Quraishi as Malik-e-Jalal

In a thrilling collaboration between writer Rehana Aftab and director Ilyas Kashmiri, the much-anticipated HUM TV drama Zulm is all set to make its grand entrance. Adding an extra layer of excitement is the return of the seasoned actor, Faysal Quraishi, to the HUM TV stage after an eight-year hiatus.

The teasers for this upcoming drama have left us on the edge of our seats, with Faysal Quraishi taking on the role of a formidable and morally corrupted character. The narrative orbits around his enigmatic persona, shrouding it in a cloak of intrigue and mystery. From the glimpses we’ve seen, Faysal’s character emerges as a man who’s unafraid to wield his power ruthlessly – we witness him pulling the trigger, intimidating others, and abusing his authority, even holding a woman captive. Faysal Quraishi’s charisma and vast acting experience add an extra layer of mystique to this character. The burning question on everyone’s mind is how this intriguing character will evolve as the drama unfolds.

Rah-e-Junoon: Starring Danish Taimoor

With Danish Taimoor leading the cast, Rah-e-Junoon is all set to grace our screens with yet another intriguing tale, depicting the story of a woman forced into marriage and the subsequent evolution of their relationship.

Once again, Danish Taimoor takes on the role of a character embodying toxic masculinity and anger issues. While this isn’t Danish’s first rodeo in playing such a role, there’s an undeniable excitement surrounding his on-screen portrayal. Danish has consistently impressed us with his past performances, leaving an indelible mark, and we’re eagerly anticipating his interpretation of this character.

Penned by Rehana Aftab and directed by Ahmed Kamran, Rah-e-Junoon promises to be a captivating and entertaining watch. This drama undoubtedly piques our curiosity, as it explores the dynamics of a forced marriage, making us wonder how the makers will handle the subject.

The significance of these changes

This isn’t the first time HUM TV has ventured into portraying multi-faceted characters on-screen.  

Previously, the infamous and iconic drama serial Parizaad, starring Ahmed Ali Akbar, portrayed the character of Parizaad, a man who grew up being bullied for his dark skin colour. The story follows Parizaad’s years of struggles and rejections in various areas of life and his journey of fighting his low self-esteem. A story of rags-to-riches, the drama left the audience invested in Parizaad’s character and went on to prove how a character-driven drama, with a strong plotline, can win an audience’s hearts if done right. The drama was penned by Hashim Nadeem and helmed by Shahzad Kashmiri.

The shift in focus from female-centric stories to male characters is certainly a welcoming change. This breaks the age-old stereotypes and brings in a fresh perspective from which we see the portrayal of men in our society. It also allows the exploration of male characters in depth, who have previously mostly been seen characterizing roles that are either the typical hero or an evil, toxic, male who is steadfast to create complexities in the life of the female protagonist.

This wave of change also encourages writers to pen down stories of more complex female characters and have stories that delve deeper into complexities of human emotions, feelings, and aspirations rather than following a straight arch story that usually delves into the genre of romance.

“Saboor Became A Very Important Person For Me. I Would Feel Empty Without Her”: Ali Ansari Talks About His Arrange Marriage

By
Warshma Chughtai
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This celebrity couple, who tied the knot in January 2022, has captured our hearts with their journey from an arranged marriage to enduring love. Ali Ansari recently spilt the beans about his love story with Saboor Aly in an interview with Fuchsia, and it’s a tale that’ll make you smile.

Behind many great love stories, there’s often a well-meaning family member who plays Cupid. In this case, it was Ali Ansari’s sister, Mariam, who took on the role of matchmaker. Mariam was friends with Saboor when she suggested her and her brother to consider one another for marriage. What’s truly fascinating about arranged marriages is the unique dynamic they bring. As Ali Ansari expressed, “It’s not just the individuals getting to know each other; it’s also about the families coming together.” 

The couple often shares pictures of them enjoying and bonding with each other’s families and friends and we also look forward to their posts during festive seasons. 

Ali revealed that the first time he told Saboor about his feelings was after baat paki. “Saboor became a very important person for me. I would feel empty without her.” 

The change he feels after marriage is that “Saboor has sorted me out mentally as she brought me on a track. The things I used to take very casually, she pointed me out that those things have a huge impact on life. I started taking certain aspects seriously. I really appreciate her for doing this.” 

Ali also talked about how compromise plays a key role in a marriage. He stressed that both partners need to compromise, making it a mutual effort. While he acknowledged that women often compromise more, he highlighted the importance of not sacrificing one’s own needs when there’s no reciprocation from the other side.

It’s heartwarming to witness a love story from our industry, particularly when it beautifully portrays the concept of arranged marriages, making it an inspiration for many.

Will Imran Ashraf Continue His Streak Of Iconic Characters With Namak Haram?

By
Kehkashan Bukhari
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As the buzz surrounding Hum TV’s upcoming drama serial Namak Haram continues to grow, one burning question remains: Can Mureed be the next unforgettable character for Imran Ashraf, akin to his iconic Moosa? 

The teasers and trailer have sent ripples of anticipation through the audience, setting the stage for a story filled with power, betrayal, and a web of intriguing twists and turns. Add to that the compelling star cast, with Sarah Khan reuniting with Imran Ashraf after their spellbinding chemistry in Raqs e Bismil. We readily admit that we’re on the edge of our seats, eagerly awaiting what Imran Ashraf will bring to the screen this time, after leaving an indelible mark with characters like Bhola, Billu Chaudhry, and Wali Asfandali.

Mureed: A Glimpse into the Fiery World

The teasers of  Namak Haram offer a tantalizing peek into a world where the destinies of servants and their masters collide. Here, the son of a loyal servant stands ready to challenge the status quo. It’s still early to make a definitive call, but it’s evident that Mureed’s eyes burn with an insatiable desire for revenge, promising a gripping transformation in his character. 

Imran Ashraf, renowned for breathing life into his roles, seems to effortlessly channel the essence of Mureed. His overall aura exudes majesty, complemented by a charismatic appearance adorned with a beard and moustache. 

A brief moment in the teaser where Mureed laughs beside a grave captures the audience’s imagination, leaving them spellbound. As YouTube comments reveal, some are torn between labelling him a dashing hero or a formidable antagonist. 

The verdict? Brace yourself, only time will tell.

The Encounter of Mureed and Asma: A Riveting Preview 

One of the most anticipated on-screen duos, Imran Ashraf and Sarah Khan, ignite excitement with their reunion as Moosa and Zohra in an entirely new storyline. The first episode’s promo offers a glimpse of the encounter between Asma and Mureed, a charged interaction where Asma questions Mureed’s loyalty. Sarah Khan radiates elegance in her portrayal, clad in a peach shalwar kameez paired with a dupatta. Her glimpses in the teaser and trailer hint at Asma being a poised and balanced character, possibly caught in the crosshairs of Mureed’s quest for vengeance. However, it’s Mureed’s emphatic response, “Meri Kahani Ko Mat Chehriye” (Don’t interfere in my story), delivered with intensity, that seizes the spotlight in an instant. With such intensity in the dramatic scenes, one can only imagine the fireworks in the romantic ones. It’s still early days, but our fingers are crossed for a compelling journey. 


Imran Ashraf’s portrayal of Mureed suggests that he might once again steal the limelight, as characters of this calibre tend to linger in the hearts of the audience, if not forever. Equally, we are eager to see where  Namak Haram takes Sarah Khan in this captivating narrative. We hope this journey will be as exhilarating as our collective anticipation!

Unveiling ‘The Pink Shirt’: A Break From Stereotypes

By
Zainab Mossadiq
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Time and again, viewers yearn for a break from the ordinary and crave a narrative that not only keeps them on the edge of their seats but makes them guess what will unfold next. The latest web series, The Pink Shirt promises just that. Presented by Applause Entertainment, a Zindagi original, The Pink Shirt unfolds as a raw and invigorating tale, delving into the intricacies of relationships, love, and the multifaceted journey of life.

The eight-episode web series is a South Asian collaboration between Pakistan and India. The web series has been penned by the talented screenwriter Bee Gul, who has previously written many notable dramas including Dar Si Jati Hai Sila, Working Women, and Raqeeb Se. The series is helmed by the maestro Kashif Nisar, who is known for delivering excellent projects, some of which include Kabuli Pulao, O Rangreza, and Raqeeb Se among others.

The Pink Shirt also has a star-studded cast, with Sajal Aly and Wahaj Ali as the lead actors alongside Sania Saeed, and Rehan Sheikh.

The Pink Shirt goes global

This series has made an impressive global debut and its mark is felt far and wide. It made its debut at the SXSW Film Festival in Sydney 2023 on October 16, taking its place as a standout selection in the festival’s esteemed lineup. Notably, it was the only South Asian web series chosen for this year’s festival.

Moreover, this web series also graced the screen in the Series Presentation category at the London Indian Film Festival on October 27, 2023, further cementing its presence on the international stage.

Unveiling ‘The Pink Shirt’: A Break From StereotypesA closer look at the teaser

The teaser of The Pink Shirt grabs your attention. It opens with Sajal Aly humming a song in the background, completely looking her part. We are introduced to Sofia — played by Sajal Aly — a feisty, carefree girl, who lives her life on her own terms.

The story follows Sofia who just broke up with her husband of five years and unexpectedly gets a surprise visit from her mother-in-law, with whom she is meeting for the first time. The series navigates as she struggles to deal with the unexpected obstacles that life is throwing her way while rediscovering herself. In this journey, she crosses paths with Umer — played by Wahaj Ali — who falls for Sofia. The story evolves as the characters navigate through toxic relationships, yearn to find love and embark on a quest of self-discovery.

The characters seem to break the stereotypes that we usually see on television. Sajal Aly as Sofia is free-spirited. She speaks her mind, drinks, and smokes, and is unapologetic about it. This depiction of a complex character is a testament to Sajal’s acting prowess. On the other hand, Umer is also essayed to be a guy who is not afraid to express his emotions- a quality that we rarely see in our traditional Pakistani male characters.

It’ll be interesting to see their chemistry for the first time on screen in this unusual love story.

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