Home Blog Page 46

Actor Sami Khan at Receiving End of Derogatory Interview

By
Maisooma Batool
-
Sami Khan and show hosts

Non-fictional entertainment shows have given the news cycle its fair share of controversies and moments of sheer idiocy. However, it’s rare for an “entertainment” show to stoop down to such low levels that all lines of decency are crossed. Sami Khan unfortunately had to go through the experience of witnessing the unfortunate example of just how insensitive the people who are allowed to go on national television to question and interview people are when it comes to having manners.

What Happened?

Recently, Sami Khan and Momal Sheikh were invited as guests on the PSL8 special program The Fourth Umpire hosted by Fahad Mustafa. It was all fun and games until the segment where Sami Khan had to answer some questions asked by the dedicated comedians of the show.

What was supposed to be a light hearted roasting done in good humor turned into a volley of personal insults thrown towards Sami Khan.

Sheikh Qasim, a well-known comedian and host, led the segment. He questioned Sami Khan about why his movies didn’t work well on the box office. And when Sami defended his projects and cited the examples of his debut movie Salakhain and his recent movie Wrong Number 2 as being commercial success, Sheikh Qasim appeared to take it personally.

He retorted by pointing out how Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar who has written blockbuster movies Punjab Nahin Jaungi had a flop like Kaaf Kangana and attributed the failure of that movie to Sami Khan being its lead.

Further on, he even suggested Sami to start doing supporting roles and not lead roles. He even brought up an instance of an actress refusing to work with Sami Khan because of his age. It didn’t end here. Sheikh Qasim also said that Sami Khan was publicly berated by a director he worked with.

Indecent Questions Directed at Sami Khan

The questions were all bordering on being personally insulting towards Sami Khan. However, to Sami’s credit he answered them with composure and grace that reflect his stature as one of the most respected actors of the industry with a flourishing career spanning two decades.

What was more baffling to watch was the main host of the show, Fahad Mustafa, sitting by and letting it all happen. Fahad Mustafa is no stranger to hosting business. The man has been single-handedly hosting the biggest game show of the country for years now.

Prior to that he has had a successful stint as a morning show host. But more importantly, Fahad Mustafa is a well-respected and reputed producer and actor of the very same industry that Sami Khan is a part of. In fact, as actors, Sami Khan is Fahad Mustafa’s contemporary. For all these reasons Fahad Mustafa had every reason to interfere when the questions became insulting but for some reason, he chose not to.

Celebrities React

Well, what Fahad didn’t do was done by the other members of the entertainment industry. Comments under this interview clip posted on Galaxy Lollywood’s Instagram page were full of support for Sami Khan by his industry contemporaries. The people who have worked with Sami as well as the audiences all wrote words of support for Sami Khan and called out Sheikh Qasim and Fahad Mustafa for allowing such an insulting situation to occur on national television in the first place.

Our Verdict

Due to the arbitrary definition of permitted entertainment on Pakistani television the conversation about what should be allowed or banned is a regular occurrence. However, it’s truly surprising that even in the year 2023 we have to remind the people taking up expensive prime time airtime while hosting a show to be respectful towards the guests appearing on their show.

Just because someone is the host doesn’t give them the right to make any kind of personal attacks towards the guests and then defend them by saying they were all just “jokes”. No, insults are not jokes. Personal attacks are not jokes. And if a “host” isn’t even able to distinguish between them perhaps they shouldn’t be given the chance to go on national television to interview anyone. It’s just that simple.

Washmallay Serves Multi-Lingual Brilliance in Ethereal Composition

By
Armaan Shehreyaar
-
Washmallay clip

Pakistani music is a diverse and rich blend of various genres and styles, influenced by the country’s history, culture, and geography. Pakistan’s folk music scene reflects its multicultural and multilingual society, with regional variations in music styles and instruments.

Pakistani folk music is regionally diverse, with distinct styles in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the beauty of our folk culture and music lies in compositions that bring the style and aura of multiple languages in one melody.

Washmallay by Sahir Ali Bagga and Aima Baig does just that and much more. The song makes you groove to its catchy beat, while also leaving you stunned with the vocals on offer.

Welcoming Washmallay

Youth icons Sahir Ali Bagga and Aima Baig, who have given several hits to the music industry including Coke Studio’s Baazi and Dholaa are back with yet another dynamic collaboration in ‘Washmallay’

The music video has a refreshing touch to it as the song is composed in three popular regional languages of Pakistan. Written by Imran Raza, Washmallay serves a beautiful blend of Punjabi and Balochi along with heart touching Urdu phrases to it.

Aima Baig and Sahir Ali Bagga Deliver Another Hit

The duo Of Sahir Ali Bagga and Aima Baig has gained huge popularity previously with their songs on different platforms including Coke Studio.

Their collaboration on “Baazi” showcased their ability to blend different musical styles and create a unique sound that resonates with audiences in Pakistan and beyond. The song was a commercial success and earned critical acclaim for their powerful vocals and impressive composition.

Refreshing Wave of Change

It is very refreshing to see mainstream Urdu artists creating impactful content in regional languages. The masses have always applauded regional songs with Hadiqa Kiani’s Manne Di Mauj the first to come to mind. Off late, Ali Zafar has produced songs in regional languages that people adored much including “Allay” and “Larsha Pekhawar”.

It is true that art can often transcend language barriers and communicate emotions and ideas through visual or auditory mediums; it is also true that the interpretation and understanding of art can be influenced by cultural, linguistic, and historical context.

Pakistanis are loving the blend of three languages in Washmallay, and we at Galaxy are all for the accurate representation of culture through art pieces.

Exciting Ramadan 2023 Special Dramas To Look Forward to

By
Ozair Majeed
-
Ramadan dramas 2023

The devil is chained up in the holy month of Ramadan and so are our daily (devilish) soaps. The evil saas, scheming bahus and more recently the toxic damaads, all get to sit back and relax for a month.

With Ramadan special plays becoming a staple on prime time, viewers get a much-needed break from the stereotypical content and enjoy thirty days of nonstop easy breezy entertainment. Stay with us as we look at Ramadan 2023 Special Dramas.

Quick Flashback

For the unversed, this trend started with the humongous success of ‘Suno Chanda’ (2018) followed by another blockbuster ‘Chupke Chupke’ (2021). ‘Ishq Jalebi’ (2021), Taana Baana (2021), ‘Chaudhry & Sons’ and ‘Hum Tum’ (2022). All these prime time shows managed to impress viewers and emerged as notable successes. The joint family setups with unique characters of all ages; comic situations peppered with romance and emotions so far work big time in Ramadan plays.

Back Live

In 2023, writers are now well aware of the fact that viewers are kind of done with cousin marriages and neighborhood romance. Resultantly the channels relatively have a different approach this year.

Four Ramadan shows are lined up two each airing on HUM and GEO. The show features an interesting mix of actors, new onscreen pairing, some tried and tested pairings along with debutant actors.

Geo Entertainment Ramadan 2023 Special Dramas

Show 1: Heer Da Hero

Starring: Imran Ashraf and Amar Khan

Directed by: Saima Waseem

Written by: Amar Khan

Another debut for Amar Khan…How? The project not just marks her first appearance in a Ramadan play but is also her first as a TV writer. She pairs up with Imran Ashraf yet again who plays an entirely different character something he hasn’t done earlier in his career.

Shot in Lahore, the show will of course have hardcore Punjabi humor, BUT with no cousin marriage angle. Khan and Ashraf have earlier mesmerized the audience with their chemistry in the debut film ‘Dum Mastam’. It would be interesting to see what they bring to the table this time. This Jodi is our personal favorite! 

Show 2: Tere Aany Se

Starring: Muneeb Butt and Komal Meer

Directed by: Zeeshan Ahmed

Written by: Samra Bukhari

Over the years Muneeb Butt has evolved as a fine actor, his act in the ongoing limited series ‘Sar-e-Rah’ is a testimony of his craft. The actor will be seen in a light-hearted avatar in GEO’s untitled Ramadan play with Komal Meer as the female lead.

The details of the plot have been kept under wraps. However, we are impressed with the duo’s performance in the ongoing TV show ‘Qalandar’. The dynamics of both shows are different and so are the viewer’s expectations. 

HUM TV Ramadan 2023 Special Dramas

Show 1: Chand Tara

Starring: Danish Taimoor and Ayeza Khan

Directed by: Danish Nawaz

Written by: Saima Akram Chaudhry

Talking of Ramadan plays, Danish Nawaz has a Midas touch in making such content. His last couple of outings ‘Chupke Chupke’ and ‘Hum Tum’ have been a hit with viewers. This time around Nawaz is set to explore the world of romance with ‘Chand Tara’.

He has roped in real-life couple Danish Taimoor and Ayeza Khan; hence the chemistry would come across as more authentic. As per sources, Khan plays a doctor and Taimoor is a software engineer. The former has been brought up alone so she craves to get married in a joint family. The latter lives in a joint family and wants to live separately. Sounds interesting! They aren’t cousins, or neighbors and aren’t fighting all the time. The supporting cast includes Romaisa Khan, Aashir Wajahat, Adnan Jaffar, Saba Faisal, Behroze Sabzwari, Madiha Iftikhar and Rehan Sheikh.   

Show 2: Fairy Tail

Starring: Adnan Raza Mir, Hamza Sohail and Sehar khan

Directed by: Ali Hassan

Written by: Saira Najeeb

Adnan Raza Mir couldn’t have asked for a better acting debut. Son of veteran actor Asif Raza Mir, Adnan is all set to join the entertainment world and will headline HUM TV’s Ramadan play with Hamza Sohail (‘Raqeeb Se’ fame) and Sehar Khan. Director Ali Hassan’s last Ramadan outing ‘Paristan’ was well received by the viewers. Also his current project Pyari Mona is getting rave reviews. We are surely rooting for this one.

Which Ramadan play will you be watching? Let us know in the comment section!

Are BIBA Plagiarism Claims Justified or Is It Misinformed Hoopla Yet Again?

By
Kasim Bilal
-
BIBA Original Song Cover

Plagiarism is a serious issue in any entertainment industry. In Pakistan, it has always been a heated topic considering our history with Indian cinema plagiarizing our content.

Whether it’s a shot-by-shot copy of our music video or outright ripping off plotlines from our movies, Bollywood has done it all. The examples are endless. So, we are bound to be on edge when it comes to this issue.

The latest case is the song ‘BIBA’ by Farasat Anees. The song came out over 2 years ago and was recently featured on the ‘Joyland’ soundtrack. Last week, famous Indian label T-Series released a song with a similar title and all hell broke loose.

What Went Down

Following the release of the song, Farasat took to Instagram stories and said, “So f-ked up of T-series for copying my track ‘Biba’. We coming your way, hang on tight.” He also wrote, “I mean what else can we expect from a world-famous label like T-Series. Such a disgrace.”

He also alleged that the label “clearly stole chords, intro, arrangements of our version,” and called it a “clear theft”. T-Series has yet to make any comment.

The music video credits Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Lijo George – DJ Chetas and Farrukh Ali Khan for the music. Anees or any of his collaborators were not credited in any capacity. However, it should be noted that ‘Biba Sada Dil Mor Dey’ was originally composed and sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who is credited in the T-Series video.

Support started pouring in from his Indian fan base with the comments section for both versions flooded with support for Farasat. For which he thanked his fans on Twitter.

Actress Saba Qamar also took to Instagram stories to condemn T-Series in a show of support.

A Legal Quandary Surrounding BIBA

So, while emotions are high, and everyone is up in arms it’s easy to get carried away sometimes over accusations that ended up being misinformed and misplaced anger.

Just a while ago back in 2021, an uproar was caused on social media when Umair Jaswal accused singer Dhvani Bhanushali of plagiarism in her song ‘Mehendi.’ The song according to him copied heavily from his song ‘Gagar.’ Galaxy Lollywood covered it back when this happened.

The truth, however, turned out to be something completely different. Turns out that the similarities in Dhvani’s song were not due to plagiarism but because it is a classic folk song. A clip resurfaced of Lata Mangeshkar singing the same song from long before even Alamgir came out with his version.

Folk songs happen to be public domain and not usually owned by any single artist or record label, so no plagiarism occurred and this whole fiasco ended up being a bunch of hoopla.

Another similar incident occured last year when the Bollywood film ‘Jug Jugg Jeeyo’ remade Abrar-ul-Haq’s iconic song ‘Nach Punjaban.’ The singer slammed the filmmakers for this act and big names in our industry also showed their support by condemning the film.

The filmmakers responded, which set the record straight that they had legally acquired the rights to adapt Abrar’s song via his record label. Record labels are the ones that own songs rather than artists themselves, and it is within their legal rights to allow anyone to adapt them.

So, this rendered the outrage useless considering no actual theft was committed. Galaxy Lollywood followed the entire timeline of this story here.

Lack Of Transparency

The jury is still out on this case with Farasat Anees’ song but our history with dubious claims of plagiarism should teach us a lesson. The real problem here is a lack of transparency. Everything about our entertainment industry has a level of obscurity.

Our box office numbers are still heavily fabricated with no real way of authenticating them. Meanwhile in Hollywood you can listen to live investor calls for major entertainment companies and watch major court hearings live as well. Important legal information about films is also available online for anyone to read.

In Pakistan there’s a lack of information and understanding of these topics which leads to our tendency to create fake narratives. The ethics of the situation get muddled up with its legality.

Hopefully T-Series will release an official statement soon and set the record straight. Galaxy Lollywood will be following this story very closely.

‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ Set to Hit Local Screens on 3rd March, 2023

By
Armaan Shehreyaar
-
What's Love Got To Do With It

Last year we got to hear that our very own Sajal Aly is going to make her Hollywood debut with Jemima Goldsmith’s upcoming romantic comedy ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’.

The film which is finally going to release in Pakistan next month, promises to examine the complexity of love in a fun and humorous manner. The rom-com, which has gathered substantial acclaim for its unique storytelling, has a stellar ensemble that includes Sajal Aly, Shabana Azmi, Emma Thompson, Lily James, and Shazad Latif.

‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’ is directed by Shekhar Kapur and scripted by Jemima Goldsmith. The film is anticipated to offer a fresh perspective on the perennial dilemma of what love truly entails.

The Refreshing Plot:

The story of the movie focuses on the lives of two couples, one of whom is born in London while the other is shown to be Asians, and how their paths unexpectedly cross.

Zoe played by Lily James; a documentary filmmaker plays an integral role in the film as she unsuccessfully attempts to navigate the contemporary dating environment. While on the other hand, Zoe’s childhood friend and neighbor Kazim played by Shahzad Latif chooses to pursue an arranged marriage with Pakistani bride Maymouna, portrayed by Sajal Aly.

The light-hearted rom-com claims to examine the cultural disparities and difficulties that develop when people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds fall in love. It digs into the nuances of relationships, including the sacrifices and compromises that people make for love, as well as the ups and downs that are part of any long-term commitment.

What to Expect from The Films?

Shekhar Kapur, the director of visually magnificent movies like “Elizabeth” and “The Four Feathers,” has expressed excitement for the project and stated that he thinks viewers would enjoy it since it will be a special and unforgettable movie. Kapur promises to bring his signature style of storytelling to a modern romantic comedy.

The writer of the film, Jemima Goldsmith, expressed her enthusiasm for it and said it was a pleasure to work on a project that humorously and light-heartedly examines the complexities of love and relationships. The movie promises to be a humorous and poignant exploration of love in the 21st century, with all its highs and lows.

‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ to Be Released in Cinemas Across Pakistan Next Month:

It has undoubtedly created a lot of hype as people in Pakistan are excited for its arrival finally this year and elicit interesting discussions about the different facets of love. The film made its global premiere on September 10, 2022 at the Toronto International Film Festival and won Best Comedy on October 22, 2022, at the Rome Film Festival. ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’ is slated for release on 3rd March, 2023, in Pakistan.

Summing Up:

What’s Love Got to Do With It is building up to be a movie not to be missed with its superb cast, gripping plot, and amazing creative team.

The film promises to highlight cross-cultural polarities and social norms in relationships. It also marks Sajal Aly’s return to local cinemas after Nabeel Qureshi’s ‘Khel Khel Mein’ this time in a much refreshing British project.

Stuck in Love and Bound by Values; Murtasim Khan Impresses Viewers

By
Ifrah Butt
-
Murtasim Khan from Tere Bin

“Murtasim Khan” from Tere Bin is a phenomenon. The name itself is enough to give goosebumps to ladies today. Heartthrob; dream guy and not your average boy next door is how this character should be described.

Any girl will fall for him; Murtasim is that good. And what makes this character more desirable is the fact that Wahaj Ali has played Murtasim Khan to perfection. Murtasim has flaws, but he is someone the ladies swoon over, no matter how inscrutable he comes across.

The Show

Tere Bin on Geo Entertainment stars Yumna Zaidi and Wahaj Ali in lead roles. Murtasim Khan played by Wahaj Ali hails from a conservative family of landlords. He respects and values the morals and traditions of his family more than anything and would die before letting his family down.

On the other hand, Meerub (Yumna Zaidi) has a strong and very confident personality. She is very vocal and voices her opinions actively against social injustices around her. Although Murtasim’s cousin, Meerub has been brought up by her father’s friend and his wife. She considers them her parents and has a different mindset and values than the rest of the family.  

A stroke of fate and familial obligations brings Meerub and Murtasim together but their difference of opinion makes it difficult for them to co-exist. Despite their hatred for each other, both Meerub and Murtasim find themselves falling for each other, however, the dynamics of their elephant-sized egos make it impossible for each one of them to accept their feelings for each other.

Murtasim- Character Sketch

Murtasim Khan, the rich and intelligent landlord hails from Hyderabad. Murtasim grows up witnessing and valuing his family’s respect, tradition and moral values more than anything. Life happens and Murtasim is married to Meerub.

Although their difference of opinion is huge, Murtasim falls in love with Meerub, without even realizing. This leads to a love story, which has become more like a saga now.

Meerub rejects and retaliates against Murtasim every step of the way. Murtasim’s character is one such who loves with immense passion. Perhaps the biggest development in Murtasim’s character is his ability to stand for Meerub where necessary. Although he is one who wouldn’t ever let his family down for anything, Murtasim sometimes revolts because of Meerub.

He never stood up against his own mother but has now started voicing his opinion for the sake of Meerub. Murtasim Khan displays the perfect blend of an obsessive, possessive yet selfless lover, whose every action has a justification that Meerub fails to understand. Sexist yet upright, indifferent yet selfless, Murtasim ensures that living and dying for only the woman he loves is something worth valuing.

Success of Murtasim Khan

Wahaj Ali’s Murtasim has become the most celebrated character on screen today. Murtasim’s charisma, his dialogues, and his overall personality make him the central character of the show. He is a doting son, clever businessman, selfless lover and above all a man with attitude and charm.

The man who has brought life to Murtasim and so much adulation for this character is none other than the amazing Wahaj Ali. Wahaj has not only given his acting chops to Murtasim, but his creativity as well.

Murtasim is no more its writer’s product, but a combined effort of the writer, director and Wahaj’s excellent acting prowess. Murtasim’s values, his moral and revolt for his love have set the bar high for all future male characters onscreen.

Meesha Shafi Admits to Distorting Facts in Harassment Case

By
Armaan Shehreyaar
-
Meesha Shafi and Ali Zafar

Singer Meesha Shafi, who accused Ali Zafar of sexually harassing her in a jamming session, has admitted to lying to the media and courts. The latest admission was made during a session of her defamation case in a Lahore Court on Monday.

In their most recent court session, Meesha Shafi was caught lying in a series of incidents during the proceedings. Questions regarding a picture on Meesha Shafi’s official Facebook page were asked by Ali Zafar’s lawyers. The picture features a beaming Meesha Shafi striking a pose with Ali Zafar on the night of the alleged harassment.

What Happened?

Meesha Shafi had previously claimed she was harassed before taking the said picture during a party. Despite her initial claims, Shafi shared the photo on her social media on the same night, with the caption “tonight we party.”

When questioned, she admitted that the image was authentic but claimed that the caption was not hers. She was then confronted with her own Facebook page, where the picture was shared, which led to her confession that she was wrong.

Not only this, Meesha Shafi also previously claimed on media that the court had never summoned her. When discussions related to her assertions were brought up, Meesha admitted she had made a dishonest assertion. She agreed to receiving all court summons.  

The pathological trend of lying in front of both court and media brings multiple questions regarding Meesha’s integrity and honesty to the fore. All such evidences will play an integral role in reaching a conclusion to this 5-year-old long court case.

Barrister Ambreen Qureshi shared an update on the case and posted legal documents on her twitter feed.

Lawyer Umer Tariq Gill also shared narratives from the court on twitter.

History of the Harassment Case

In April 2018, Meesha Shafi accused Zafar of sexual harassment on social media, claiming that he had made unwanted moves towards her while they were at a jamming session. Zafar refuted the claims and sued Shafi for defamation, which is still pending in the courts. The matter has gone through a lot of media attention and has generated a lot of public discussion.

After multiple hearings in the matter, the court dismissed Shafi’s defamation claim. The court declared that Shafi had not offered any verifiable proof of an employer-employee relationship.

Where Do Fans Stand?

In December 2020, a sessions court in Lahore dismissed Shafi’s case against Zafar, citing insufficient evidence. Shafi has since appealed the decision in the Lahore High Court.

While many people did initially support Meesha Shafi for her bold stance, the support has dwindled down due to the loopholes in her case. We hope and pray that justice is delivered in a timely manner.

Pakistani Celebrities Who Left Showbiz For Islam

By
Maisooma Batool
-
Celebrities who left showbiz

The world of showbiz, with all its glamour and fame, has often proven to be too overwhelming for some celebs. Although it is hard to let go of the glamour once it encapsulates every sphere of your existence, there have been a few Pakistani celebrities who left showbiz for Islam.

Religion and showbiz are two very different fields, and the decision to leave one for the other is a highly personal one that depends on individual circumstances and beliefs. We look at some of the Pakistani celebrities who left showbiz for Islam and recall the reasons behind their decision.

Zarnish Khan

Zarnish Khan received the calling of the Almighty when she was blessed with the opportunity of performing Umrah recently. The beautiful actress shared a picture of her standing in front of the Holy Kaa’ba on her Instagram profile as well as an Instagram Story with a long caption talking about how the world’s affairs get us all distracted from the true meaning of living life.

She also deleted all her photographs from her Instagram profile except one of her in front of the Kaa’ba. She didn’t formally announce her departure from the industry however, her social hiatus is an indication that the announcement to come.

Anum Fayyaz

Actress Anum Fayyaz formally announced her departure from the Pakistani entertainment industry with an Instagram post. Anum hasn’t been working actively in any TV project for quite some years.

Her Instagram feed also has very less pictures of her and the ones there are show her donning a hijab. Despite not being active in the industry, Anum’s association with it was strong. We guess that is why she took the time to announce her complete departure from it via a post to tell her fans who eagerly waited for her return on screen.

Noor Bukhari

Noor Bukhari once ruled the silver screen of Pakistan. But just as glamorous as she used to be on screen, her real life saw her go through some turbulent times. After her divorce in 2017, Noor turned towards religion to find the missing peace and solace from her life.

Noor’s transformation is a thing of public record as she has advocated for living a life as per the teachings of Islam multiple times in public. Noor hasn’t completely broken her relationship with the entertainment industry as she still appears of morning shows however, she does it to promote the message of Islam while donning a hijab and an abaya.

Junaid Jamshed

The entire country knows of Junaid Jamshed’s transformation. For one generation, Junaid Jamshed was the leading pop musical icon of the country with multiple chartbusting songs. However, to the next generation Junaid Jamshed was the voice that exclusively crooned many serene naats.

That is because Junaid Jamshed’s religions awakening had him completely abandon his music career. Instead, he devoted all of his God gifted talents and his platform to spread the message of Islam. Even until his untimely tragic death, Junaid Jamshed was busy in doing his duties towards religion.

Hamza Ali Abbasi

Hamza Ali Abbasi has always been popular in Pakistani circles. His habit of not mincing his words and being vocal about the issues that he endorsed earned him a huge social media following. Hamza announced his decision to quit the acting industry in a long YouTube video and also shared that his journey had been one from atheism to religion.

In the same video he announced that he will be turning towards production and that his projects will promote the beauty of Islam and show the positive side of Pakistan. However, his decision to quit acting hasn’t meant that he’s completely shied away from the industry.

Hamza has endorsed and promoted the two acting projects he did before he made the decision of quitting acting and recently, he even appeared in the 2023 version of Peshawar Zalmi’s anthem, a PSL team he has endorsed for years.

Rabi Pirzada

Singer Rabi Pirzada’s life as a celebrity was full of controversies. Eventually, a popular breach of privacy led to Rabi Pirzada taking the decision of quitting the entertainment industry.

She announced the decision on her twitter after what was one of the most eventful months of her life which started with pythons and led to revenge porn to ultimately, her quitting the industry.

Ali Afzal

The green-eyed actor Ali Afzal is not a stranger to anyone who has followed Pakistani television from mid-2000s till mid-2010s. Ali Afzal was part of many popular Pakistani TV shows and even appeared on TV as a host. The actor decided to quit the showbiz industry after learning more about the religion in depth. He has also changed his appearance to show his association with the religion. Currently, Ali Afzal is busy in preaching and spreading the message of Islam.

Urooj Nasir

Urooj Nasir did many gigs as a model, actor, and TV host. She was no stranger to television and showbiz industry of the country. However, she quit the industry for pursuing a more religious path. Apart from regularly making videos about various aspects of Islam and its history, Urooj also runs a successful clothing store called ‘Hijabeaze’ that offers hijabs and abayas.

Sanam Chaudhry

Known both for her negative roles as well as positive ones, Sanam Chaudhry had earned a good and reputable name for herself in the hearts of Pakistani television fans. However, post her marriage, Sanam decided to quit the industry. She took to her social media and announced her decision. She also removed all her pictures from her public feed. Sanam now uses her social media platform to post about religion.

Sara Chaudhry

Sara Chaudhry had been part of the showbiz industry since a very young age. From early 2000s to early 2010s, Sara Chaudhry’s was a regular sight on Pakistani television screens. She was part of the successful long running soap Tere Pehlu Main before she decided to quit the acting industry.

She shared that her decision to leave the industry was not due to any pressure from anyone but because she was following the call of God.

Feroze Khan

Feroze Khan shocked his fans when he suddenly announced he would be quitting the showbiz industry. The Khaani actor has millions of fans hooked to his dramas, as evident by the amount of views his projects would get on Youtube.

Feroze Khan had been sharing posts about religion and spirituality for some time before he officially made the announcement of him quitting the industry. However, it didn’t take Feroze to retract that statement as Feroze continued to work in dramas and telefilms despite making the announcement.

He then claimed that his Sheikh (his spiritual teacher) had advised him not to quit the industry and instead use his platform to promote the message of religion. Feroze’s last project was Habs. Currently, Feroze is on a hiatus owing to allegations of domestic abuse against him issued by his ex-wife Alizey Sultan.

Abdullah Qureshi

Abdullah Qureshi gained popularity as a singer from his university days through covers of many songs. However, Abdullah Qureshi took to his social media last year to announce that he would be quitting his profession as a full-time musician due to religions reasons.

The announcement came after the singer went on a break when he was accused of harassing women over Instagram DMs. Abdullah admitted to those allegations and apologized for his behavior. He requested not to be contacted again for performing concerts. However, he said he’d be open to have media and public appearances to promote issues that fall within the folds of Islam.

Javed Akhtar Irks Pakistanis with Detestable Claims Over Mumbai Attacks

By
Faizanullah Khan
-
Javed Akhtar and Pakistani Celebs

Ek Tarfa Pyar Ki Taqat Hi Kuch Aur Hoti Hai

Auron Ke Rishton Ki Tarah Yeh Do Logon Mein Nahi Bat’ti

Sirf Mera Haq Hai Ispe

Shahrukh Khan was indeed right when he said Ek tarfa pyaar ki taqat hi kuch aur hoti hai. Unrequited love is an emotion unlike any other. It gives you pain; it tears you apart, and most importantly it kills your emotions.

Javed Akhtar walked into Pakistan recently for an appearance at the Faiz Ahmed Faiz Festival in Lahore. Images of the Indian poet/screenwriter entering Pakistan through Wagah surfaced last week and gathered love from Pakistanis online.

Love and Celebration  

The initial response to Javed Akhtar’s attendance was one of love and celebration. Pakistani’s rejoiced over the poet’s attendance at the Faiz Festival and welcomed this as a harbinger of change.

The internet was thronged with posts applauding Javed Akhtar for his brave stance, and for putting art over borders.

What Happened?

Once the early fanfare of the Faiz Festival in Lahore ended, and videos from the event started surfacing online, viewers noticed a rather peculiar statement from Javed Akhtar.

Responding in Urdu to a question from an audience member at the gathering, he said, “The 26/11 attackers weren’t from Norway, or from Egypt. They are still present in your country, so you should not be offended if an Indian complains about this.” He also said that while India has hosted several Pakistani artists in the past, Pakistan has never hosted singer Lata Mangeshkar.

The video has been shared across both countries, with Kangana Ranaut even calling it as ‘ghar main ghus ker maara’.

Not only this, Javed Akhtar went back home to give another interview to NDTV, where he said the audience applauded his comments on the Mumbai attack. When asked about the audience’s response to his remark, Javed said in an interview to NDTV, “They all clapped. They agreed with me. There are many people who admire India, want to have a relationship with us. We tend to think of countries as monolith. That is not the case. How do we connect with millions of people, who want to connect with India.”

Actress Amar Khan has, however, clarified the clapping and said the audience clapped over the mention of Lata Mangeshkar and not over Javed’s claims regarding terrorists in Pakistan.

Adding Salt to the Wound

While Pakistani’s online were still reeling from the impact of the politically influenced statement, videos from the Faiz Festival presented an interesting take into the situation.

In a video shared by multiple celebrities, Javed Akhtar can be seen crowded by Adeel Hashmi, Ali Zafar, and Sarwat Gillani among a few notable artists. The love, camaraderie, and respect, which was previously cherished, was now looked down upon in Pakistani social circles.

Internet went abuzz with contrasting views from celebs and influencers. Anoushey Ashraf was the first to call a spade a spade and highlighted the issue in her tweet.

Saboor Aly then posted an Insta story blasting celebs for not giving the same respect to local talent.

Actress Resham, who was also in attendance at the Faiz Festival, and can be seen in a viral video alongside Javed Akhtar, also came out to clarify her stance. Resham said she was unaware of Javed Akhtar’s previous statement, and would always uphold the nation’s pride and sovereignty.

What Do We Make of It?

Love always wins over hate. At least that is what we are expected to believe. For a good part of the last decade, our celebrities have rejoiced at the sight of an Indian celeb, kept politics away from art, and tried their luck at harmonizing relations between the two countries.

Be it Fahad Mustafa gushing over Govinda at an award ceremony, or Sarwat Gillani posting a fan note for Javed Akhtar after meeting him, Pakistani celebrities have celebrated the art and the artist from across the border.

However, there comes a time in life when every unrequited lover calls it a day. And that time seems to have arrived. We will still cherish that occasional Shahrukh Khan poster, still sing along to a Lata Mangeshkar melody; but, as long as the Kangana Ranaut’s, Himesh Reshammiya’s, and even the Javed Akhtar’s of India politicize every platform and pander to the radical Indian, our love will be long lost.

For now, we grieve, because nothing grieves more deeply or pathetically than one half of a great love that isn’t meant to be.

Muqadar ka Sitara Asks Questions with No Answers

By
Faizanullah Khan
-
Muqadar ka Sitara cast

Muqadar ka Sitara, ARY Digital’s daily bout of family trivialities, aired its last episode on 18th Feb 2023. Starring Babar Ali, Fatima Effendi, Arez Ahmed, and Inayat Khan in lead roles, the finale put an end to the dramatic storyline.

Quick Round-Up

Muqadar ka Sitara’s last episode appears rushed with a few glaring loopholes. The final episode saw Babar Ali step in and end Faizan’s marriage with Hadia. Hadia and Razi are hurriedly married off to each other. Natasha, Faizan’s younger sister, dies in a car accident. The only possible reason for Natasha’s death could be to pacify viewers vouching for Razi and Natasha. Which, again, is a sign of weak storytelling.

Faizan is sent off to prison for money laundering and is shown to be suffering the consequences of his actions. All is shown to be well, but only after 62 episodes of masochistic torture.

Positives in Muqadar ka Sitara

Inayat Khan stands out in this otherwise forgettable experience. Razi, played by Inayat Ali, has a gentle on-screen presence, developed through his acting prowess and powerful expressions. Previously having appeared in Dil Lagi with Humayun Saeed, Muqadar ka Sitara will open future doors of success for him.

Babar Ali and Arez Ahmed have a few powerful scenes where they show the brilliant acting standards we have become used to.

Negatives

Fatima Effendi promised a lot in Betiyaan but couldn’t live up to that in Muqadar ka Sitara. Playing the role of Faizan’s first wife, Hadia is shown to be petite and powerless. Call it a weak storyline or Fatima Effendi’s limited range of expressions, but the character didn’t gather the sympathy it should.

The lack of a strong female lead was also visible across the 62 episodes. Tania Hussain did have a few strong scenes as Ramsha, but the ulterior motives behind them don’t spark much interest.

Our Verdict – What Can Go Wrong Will Go Wrong

Muqadar ka Sitara was an elaborate example of what can go wrong will go wrong. The Saqib Zafar Khan directorial left viewers stunned with on-screen deaths, breakups, frauds, embezzlements, court cases, family conspiracies, and rivalries.

The serial lacked feel-good moments that most other 7 pm ARY Digital serials are generously inundated with. The protagonist had zero on-screen chemistry with either of his wives, and the endless family commotion became irrelevant and annoying by the end of the serial.

With the final episode done and dusted, this is a goodbye we definitely don’t feel sad about.

1...454647...299Page 46 of 299