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Hira Mani Spoke About Dua Zehra. Here’s Why It’s Problematic

By
Sajeer Shaikh
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Celebrities have a tendency to share their opinions on matters in the news. Usually, their opinions can be taken into stride, given that they might be harmless or hold no consequence. While this offers celebrities the agency to sometimes also post problematic statements, calling out those takes becomes imperative, since these stars also preside over massive influence. Hira Mani is one such star who spoke up about the Dua Zehra case, and the statement was highly problematic.

Hira Mani Shares Statement

Amidst the ongoing proceedings of Dua Zehra’s case, Hira Mani took to Instagram to share the following statement:

“Main chahti hun kay Dua Zehra or Zaheer Kabhi Alag na houn !! Allah tala mere ye dua zaroor sunienge”

(I wish that Dua Zehra and Zaheer never separate. God will definitely listen to my prayer.”)

Once called out for this, she shared a follow-up, stating that she is not politically correct, but emotionally correct, which is why she is Hira Mani.

Why Is This Problematic?

We reached out to Sheeraz Khan Soomro, a human rights activist and one of the lawyers fighting Dua Zehra’s case alongside Jibran Nasir and his team. This is what he had to say:

“Currently, Lahore Magistrate has passed order to custody of Dua Zehra to Sindh Police who’ll bring her back to Karachi Child Protection Centre as per law. Dua is no longer with Zaheer, nor does she want to be with him. Zaheer and his brother Shabir have pre-arrest bail application arguments going on in the court right now and the next hearing is set to be for August 1.”

“All this is ample to depict how ill-informed and far from reality was the statement issued by actress Hira Mani. Not only it is ethically incorrect but irresponsible from a legal viewpoint. Hira Mani has around 7 million followers online and as a mainstream celebrity, all her statements and acts are capable of being broadcast over various media outlets.”

“The emphasis here is that her reach and influence is humongous. Majority of her following consist of impressionable audience and to endorse child grooming, child marriage, and possible human trafficking in front of such a massive audience is extremely dangerous.”

“Not only does it pose a question on all the legal efforts of this case but also causes severe distress to already disturbed parents of Dua Zehra who are begging for justice for months. Hira Mani has ignored all the latest updates on the case along with the sensitivity of the matter and romanticized an almost criminal situation. All celebrities must be held accountable for misusing their position of power and privilege.”

Our celebrities could do well by being better informed on matters, instead of letting misinformed emotions guide their statements that carry weight. What is your take on the matter? Let us know in the comments.

Ex-Wife Sara Bhatti Responds To Claims By Mikaal Zulfiqar

By
Sajeer Shaikh
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Divorce and separation – these are tough journeys for any individual to go through. When you’re a public figure, the difficulty increases, owing to the often public nature of the split. Actor Mikaal Zulfiqar and his ex-wife Sara Bhatti seem to be embodying just how difficult this can be with a string of statements.

Mikaal Zulfiqar Shares Statement

In a recent interview, Mikaal opened up about marriage and divorce, stating the following:

“I am still scarred and scared but I am open to the idea of remarrying. I don’t think about it all the time, though. I am very busy with work and I have my girls. In my marriage, I had certainly felt the pressure to clarify things with my wife. I would feel bad for her. The nature of this work can lead to your spouse making assumptions even if there is no truth to them at all.”

Sara Bhatti Shuts Statements Down

Taking to Instagram, Sara shared multiple stories regarding the news pieces floating around, carrying Mikaal’s statements. It reads as follows:

“For years, a number of fake accounts have written comments and numerous online publications have put up articles about me which have no basis in truth. I’ve been accused of being a bad mother, various lies are constantly published about me. I just want to say one thing. My children absolutely adore me and for them I am the kindest, most loving mother in the world. As for any other rumours about me, I genuinely don’t even think they’re worth addressing because whatever really.”

“I am living a blessed and happy life, and all I want to do is be of service to people in anyway I can. That is what I aim to achieve through RawPhilosophy, my coaching sessions, courses, even while I’m hosting events. I genuinely want everyone to be their best version. I’m on my life path, Alhamdulillah. I do hope that all those people doing this should be on their own life paths. I know for a fact God did not create you to spread gossip and lies about others. Duas and prayers.”

In another story, she addresses Mikaal’s statements directly, sharing a post that has quoted his alleged ordeal. It reads as follows:

“There is absolutely no truth to the statements about me in this article. I was an extremely supportive wife who took the entire responsibility on her shoulders alone just so Mikaal could travel and work, which he did non-stop. I never ever questioned him about women he worked with. Yes, I did absolutely question him about things which had actual “truth” in them. I don’t know whether he actually said this or not but if it’s a lie, I’m gonna sue you guys for defamation and character assassination.”

There you have it, folks. Here’s hoping the matter is resolved amicably. What’s your take on the matter? Let us know.

The Curious Case of Usama Khan’s Dating Life

By
Sajeer Shaikh
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With the general audience often speculating over who’s dating whom in the industry, and fan pages making edits of actors who work together and have any semblance of chemistry, many stars have had to come forth and offer some form of clarification about their relationship status. Whether they refer to their partner as their best friend whom they will eventually marry, or ease audiences in with coy pictures, opening up about one’s personal life can often become inevitable. Usama Khan is the most recent actor on the list to learn this, and react to it.

Usama Khan And Zainab Shabbir: A Brief Recap

Let’s talk about Usama Khan and Zainab Shabbir, first and foremost. While the duo have worked on many shows together, posting pictures has always been a part and parcel of the process. In a BBC interview, Zainab opens up about sharing a picture with Usama Khan, and falling asleep, waking up to a bevy of congratulatory messages.

Baffled, Zainab inquires what has happened, only to find out that news has spread about her and Usama Khan having gotten engaged. Usama chimes in, talking about how he went to an event and was asked about why he didn’t bring along his fiancé. He went onto state that even Rubina Ashraf congratulated him on the matter. However, the two put relationship rumors to the rest in the interview about.

Enter: Anmol Baloch

Pictures do not seem to side with Usama Khan, for images of him and Anmol Baloch from the set of Aik Sitam Aur went viral, leading to more speculation. Funnily enough, in the previous interview with BBC, Usama Khan mentions how he is linked with any star with whom he is doing a show. Something similar seems to have happened in this case as well.

While fans have been busy shipping Usama Khan and Anmol Baloch, the two made an appearance on another interview for Fuschia Magazine, where Anmol is seen, perhaps jokingly, stating that Usama has found the one, and is going to get married soon.

Usama Khan Speaks Up

Perhaps he has had enough, or perhaps, he felt it necessary to provide definite clarification. Taking to his story, Usama Khan stated the following:

“My family will never allow me to date anyone. [Those are] my family values, & I have few friends in this industry. “DATE” isn’t a nice word. I’ll [be better] nikkahfied [than] dating anyone. I have never discussed my personal life with any colleague because I don’t want to. I am here to work. Please stop commenting about anyone’s personal life. I am still [surprised]. How can ANY XYZ with zero knowledge comment on anyone’s personal life?”

There you have it. We hope that puts the entire drama to rest, and ceases all speculation. What’s your take on the whole ordeal? Let us know.

Bakhtawar, Despite Strong Performances, Takes Half-Baked Start

By
Ozair Majeed
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Yumna Zaidi, over the years, has built a reputation for herself in a way where a project featuring her becomes a must-watch. This has happened because of class acts in projects like Darr Si Jati Hai Sila, Pyar Ke Sadqay, Dil Na Umeed Tau Nahi, Raaz-e-Ulfat, and many more. Her recent outing, Bakhtawar showcases the journey of a headstrong girl who breaks shackles and aims to create a better tomorrow for herself.

Bakhtawar: Cast, Crew, And Story

For readers who are unversed about Bakhtawar, here’s a quick intro. The drama serial is written by Nadia Akhtar, directed by Shahid Shafaat, and produced by Momina Duraid. Apart from Yumna, the cast includes, Zaviyar Naumaan Ijaz, Saqib Sameer, Mizna Waqas, Noreen Gulwani, Shamoon Abbasi, Sunil Shankar, Huma Nawab, Adnan Shah Tipu, and others.

The plot opens with a flashback where young Bakhtawar (Yumna Zaidi) is indulged in a sweet conversation with her elder sister, Naseem. The situation takes a horrible turn when her father Razzaq (Noor-ul-Hassan) forces Naseem for a Nikkah. Razzaq is a drug addict, alcoholic, and gambler who crosses all limits. Bakhtawar’s mother Shareefa (Huma Nawab) tries her best to save Naseem but fails.

The narrative leaps over six years. Razzaq is missing, and there’s no clue about Naseem’s whereabouts either. Bakhtawar is now in college but the situation around her hasn’t changed much. They struggle badly to make ends meet. Bakhtawar gives tuition and pays for her college fee. Shareefa is worried about the medication of her bedridden son, Guddu. Adding more to the horror is her brother Hameed (Adnan Shah Tipu) who compensates for their household expenses but with a purpose. Hameed eyes Bakhtawar to marry his mentally disabled son, Rizwan.

Amongst all the tense moments, there’s also a wedding sequence of Bakhtawar’s friend Naeema. The latter’s brother, Ahad falls in love with Bakhtawar in a love-at-first-sight moment. In another series of unfortunate events, Guddu passes away. Hameed takes advantage of the situation and forces Bakhtawar to marry Rizwan. The episode concludes with the reluctant Bakhtawar packing her bags and leaving for Karachi.

Narrative And Performances

Episode one started in a high-speed mode. The director served the narrative piping hot, that, at times became irksome. It felt like there was a tight deadline to finish shooting the scenes. Or maybe it was the writer? Guddu was just shown twice and killed off. There wasn’t any sign of the mentally disabled Rizwan? Resultantly, viewers couldn’t relate to Bakhtawar’s misery. The fast proceedings aren’t an objection, but unfortunately, the narrative struggled to make the intended impact. The editing was sloppy, making the scenes look disjointed. Also, the romantic sequence between Ahad and Bakhtawar was half-baked.

Bakhtawar is undoubtedly Yumna’s show all the way. She continues her top form and looks convincing in a premise that requires her to let free of her inhibitions to do justice to an intricate role. Her act as Bakhtawar is highly controlled and effective. Huma Nawab is dependable as the sobbing mother. Adnan Shah Tipu is first rate. Noor-ul-Hassan is convincing. The rest of the cast members are yet to make an appearance.

Bakhtawar: Verdict So Far

Bakhtawar didn’t take a gigantic start as expected, especially after the hype created with the exciting promos. The first episode was half-baked but thankfully the performances were the saving grace. Having said that, there’s a lot more to witness in Bakhtawar’s journey in the upcoming episodes.

Ahad Raza Mir Starring In Steamy Scenes Sparks Debate

By
Sajeer Shaikh
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Everyone loves Ahad Raza Mir, right? He’s one of the finest actors we have right now – a fact he’s proven every now and again through brilliant performances. In fact, such is his dedication to his craft that many fans were left bowled over by the fact that he’d be making an appearance overseas – as he has, on Resident Evil. Given that he’s also been signed on for the second season of BBC’s World On Fire, fans had even more reasons to celebrate.

But here’s the kicker: Ahad Raza Mir has starred in some steamy(ish) scenes in Resident Evil, and while it’s nothing that the general Netflix/OTT watching awaam isn’t already used to, it has sparked a larger debate.

Love And Criticism

Again, some fans have shown nothing but blind love and support – as is their right. We get it. You enjoy an actor’s craft and you have reason to celebrate more of it. Many people are also claiming that they’re proud of the actor’s trajectory. However, there is criticism as well.

There are certain boundaries that exist when a local actor goes overseas to perform. While global art is not necessarily bound by shades of traditional morality, our actors seem to carry those values upon their backs when they travel. It is due to the occurrence of certain actions on Ahad’s character’s part that have led to a debate over how a line was allegedly crossed. People are claiming that if one abandons their moral compass, being cast overseas becomes a lot easier.

We must acknowledge that this criticism comes from an audience that ties morality heavily with their artists. Ahad is not the first artist to perform overseas, and strangely enough, he is also not the first to offend the audience to such an extent either. Which brings us to the second aspect of this larger conversation.

Double Standards

An actress smoking with an Indian actor had to face weeks of backlash, moral policing, and shaming. Another actress was in certain intimate scenes in a Bollywood flick, and could not live that down for quite a while. Actresses, should they choose to don anything other than what the audience deems modest, face a plethora of trolling, shaming, name-calling, and degradation – on quite a regular basis. The fact that there is a gendered angle to all this cannot be ignored.

It is quite a privilege to then, be a man, and be able to leave home, committing to a scene that may invoke anger, without seemingly worrying about the consequences. Especially when the scene in question is not entirely pertinent to the plot, and could have (seemingly) easily been omitted. However, the perceived luxury of choice has not gone unnoticed.

Is this a lesson for the actor in question, or the audience at large? That, perhaps, is an open-ended query for all of you to answer.

Eid Films And Telefilms That Will Keep You Entertained At Home

By
Armaan Shehreyaar
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The most exciting time of the year is here in the form of Eid-ul-Azha. Continuing the trend of promised entertainment, our TV channels are also geared up with a line up of special transmissions. Here’s a list of some exciting films and telefilms airing on TV.

Punjab Nahin Jaungi

Blockbuster film PNJ is ready to entertain the audience on the 1st day of Eid at 2 pm on ARY Digital.

Teefa In Trouble

Teefa is back yet again on television as the blockbuster film will air on ARY Digital at 1pm on the 2nd day of Eid.

Parey Hut Love

The mega blockbuster feature film starring Sheheryar Munawar and Maya Ali is set to have its television run at 1pm on the 3rd day of Eid-ul-Azha on ARY Digital.

Wrong No. 2

The Neelam Muneer and Sami Khan starring, feature film will be airing on the 1st day of Eid-ul-Azha at 2pm on Geo TV.

Chakkar

Recently released, Yasir Nawaz’s mystery-thriller will have its television premiere on the 1st day of Eid-ul-Azha at 9pm.

Dum Mastam

One of the most loved feature films of 2022 starring Imran Ashraf and Amar Khan will have its television premiere on Eid’s 1st day at 8pm on HUM TV.

Parde Mein Rehne Do

Wajahat Rauf’s latest release is set to have its television premiere on the 1st day of Eid-ul-Azha at 8pm on Geo TV.

Full Fry

Madiha Imam and Mohib Mirza have paired up for ARY Digital’s hilarious telefilm. It will air at 7 pm on the 1st day of Eid-ul-Azha.

Bhoot Bakra

Another exciting telefilm by ARY Digital, Bhoot Bakra is a Big Bang Entertainment Production that stars Neelam Muneer opposite Syed Jibran. The telefilm will air on the 2nd day of Eid at 7 pm.

Chaand Si Dulhan

Starring Sumbul Iqbal and Junaid Khan, the telefilm will air on the 3rd day of Eid at 7pm on ARY Digital. It also stars Samina Ahmed and Saima Qureshi in pivotal roles.

Aunty Allergy

Popular on and off-screen pair Aagha Ali and Hina Altaf have reunited for a project yet again, and this time its ARY Digital’s special telefilm Aunty Allergy. The telefilm will air at 9pm on the 3rd day of Eid.

Chal Dil Mere

HUM TV’s special telefilm Chal Dil Mere stars Muneeb Butt opposite Hareem Farooq and will air at 6pm on the 1st day of Eid-ul-Azha.

Pyare Ko Pyar Nahin Mila

Just like its name, the telefilm promises to tickle your funny bones on the 2nd day of Eid-ul-Azha at 7 pm on HUM TV. It stars Hina Altaf, Aijaz Aslam, and Maria Wasti.

Ghapla

Hina Dilpazeer is set to entertain us again with another hilarious telefilm. Ghapla also stars Mira Sethi, Saif e Hassan, Aadi Khan, and Sumayya Bakhsh in pivotal roles. The telefilm will air on the 3rd day of Eid-ul-Azha at 7pm on HUM TV.

Love Life Ka Law

Starring the power couple Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui and Asad Siddiqui, Geo TV’s famous telefilm is ready to entertain yet again on the 1st day of Eid at 5:30pm

Dil Phisla Rey

One of the most loved on-screen jodis, Sonya Hussyn and Zahid Ahmed star together in Geo Tv’s special telefilm Dil Phisla Rey. The telefilm will air on the 2nd day of Eid-ul- at 9pm.

It seems our TV channels have quite a blockbuster line up of feature films and telefilms. What are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below.

SHOTCUT Trailer Packs In Wholesome Punjabi Fun

By
Sajeer Shaikh
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The SHOTCUT trailer has dropped, and the star-studded affair is all about fun, comic relief, and a whole lot of Punjabi goodness wrapped in one promising film.

SHOTCUT: Cast And Crew

Releasing on 2nd September 2022, SHOTCUT is a Punjabi comedy that has been written and directed by Abu Aleeha. The film has been produced by Javed Ahmed Kakepoto, Faheem Samejo, and Sufi Hashim Bin Harris under the banner of KK Films Production. It stars Mirza Gohar Rasheed, Juggan Kazim, Sana Fakhar, Naseem Vicky, Ahmed Hassan Marhoom Ahmed Bilal, Nawaz Anjum, Honey Albela, and debutant Alia Khan, among many others.

Trailer Review

Packed with color, humorous quips, and the evergreen recipe for comic relief – manufactured mayhem – SHOTCUT takes one on a vibrant ride. It’s also inundated with interestingly shot songs, and the trailer, overall, hints at a situational comedy that will keep audiences engaged at every turn.

With a trailer and release date out, one can expect the film to appeal to the general audience, raking in hordes of people who are looking forward to experiencing good old Punjabi humor create magic on-screen.

Lafangey Receives Clearance After Full Board Review

By
Sajeer Shaikh
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A few days ago, news broke about horror-comedy film Lafangey being banned due to issues with the content. The team did not take the news well, with concerns being raised about how banning an entire film did not make sense, and possible edits could have been suggested to let the film at least hit the big screen. The film was thus scheduled to be presented for a full board review in Islamabad.

Now, as per Tehmina Khaled, the founder and CEO of TAKEII PR, Lafangey has received a clearance after a full board review at Islamabad. It has also been cleared at the Sindh and Punjab censor boards accordingly, as per Khaled’s statement. The film be releasing as per schedule on Eid-ul-Adha, alongside other giants such as Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad and London Nahi Jaunga.

Given the flippant and unpredictability of censorship, this is, undoubtedly, a positive step, that is perhaps reflective of the fact that a situation can perhaps be resolved through compromise. It will definitely be interesting to see how this decision impacts the final cut of Lafangey.

Regardless, props to the team, and wishing the cast and crew the absolute best for the film.

Yumna Zaidi Sparks Intrigue With New Avatar In Bakhtawar

By
Armaan Shehreyaar
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If there is one actress who never disappoints the audience with her choice of scripts, it has to be Yumna Zaidi. The uber talented star has been ruling hearts with her performance in each character she picks. Be it Shakra, an imaginary character from Ishq Zahe Naseeb, or the visually impaired sculptor, RJ Ainy in Parizaad, Yumna has a bag full of characters that she portrays beautifully like a chameleon. Another such role by the actor is on its way to entertain fans in HUM TV’s upcoming drama ‘Bakhtawar’.

Breaking Down The Bakhtawar Teasers

Not many teasers or promos have been launched yet. However, the audience is already rooting for their favourite performer who is set to outshine everyone yet again. The teasers of the show promise a unique storyline featuring Yumna Zaidi in a very complex character this time as well. Bakhtawar is written by Nadia Akhtar of Silaa e Mohabbat and directed by ace director Shahid Shafaat of Khasaara and Dil Mom Ka Diya.

Analysis

This time the maestro is seen portraying a very intricate role as we see Bakhtawar as a proper tomboy who is working for some powerful gang. We also see Yumna being a girl-next-door when she is at home with her family. Well, these chunks are enough to make one anticipate the show.

Good acting and impactful performances are always a delight, especially when it comes to television. Yumna Zaidi is one of the very few heartily celebrated artists in recent times. We wonder what mystery her character holds in this upcoming venture.

Fawad Khan And Mehwish Hayat Set Ms Marvel Ablaze With Chemistry

By
Sajeer Shaikh
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We all been knew that when the two most iconic Pakistani actors would come together on-screen, magic would be created. However, to have that magic come to life in THE Marvel Cinematic Universe? COME ON. Sitaaro se aagey jahan aur bhi hain and Fawad Khan and Mehwish Hayat have already reached there.

Fawad Khan And Mehwish Hayat: Undeniable Chemistry

Fawad Khan and Mehwish Hayat are BOTH in episode 5 of Ms Marvel. They play Kamala Khan’s great grandparents. Fawad Khan’s character (Hasan) is a freedom fighter for whom Mehwish Hayat’s character (Aisha) falls, thus kicking off a chemistry for which none of us were prepared.

Fans on Twitter have rightfully lost their collective cool, letting it be known loud and clear that we are all HERE for this pairing, which isn’t just great, but is also an official thing in the MCU now.

For one thing, people who were not already in the know are taken aback by just how good looking these two are. We knew all along, of course. But it’s nice to have the rest of the world catch up on the hype. The way they meet is also all kinds of adorable, and the progression of their arcs addresses major issues that are pertinent when it comes to Muslim representation.

More than anything though, it’s the aankhon hee aankhon main pyaar hona that has us absolutely weak. The romance is subtle, yet you are drawn in for more. The sparks between them are explosive, and it almost makes up for the five-episode wait this backstory took to unfold.

We’re hooked onto Ms Marvel for numerous reasons, but seeing Fawad Khan and Mehwish Hayat together has to be in the top three. What’s your take on their chemistry? Let us know in the comments.

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