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Sanam Saeed to represent Pakistan at Cannes Film Festival

Sanam Saeed

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Sanam Saeed and model Roma Riaz will represent Pakistan at the Cannes Film Festival, marking another presence for the country on the global cinematic stage.

Saeed is set to make her debut at the prestigious festival and has been included in the inaugural honorary group of South Asian Women Excellence in Cinema & Arts.

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A post shared by Sanam Saeed Mirza (@sanammody)

Sharing a video on social media, she said she will carry the legacy of legendary Pakistani actress Begum Shamim Ara to Cannes.

Meanwhile, model Roma Riaz will also represent Pakistan at the international platform, highlighting the country’s growing visibility in global fashion and film circuits.

It is worth noting that in 2018, renowned Pakistani actor Mahira Khan became the first Pakistani actress to debut on the Cannes red carpet.

Salman Khan reveals unusual approach to film selection

Salman Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood super star Salman Khan has revealed that despite contributing to scriptwriting during his career, he has never personally read a film script before choosing a movie.

In a recent interview, the Bollywood star said he prefers to listen to scripts narrated by writers or directors rather than reading them himself.

“I have written scripts, but I have never read one,” Khan said, explaining that when he reads, his mind tends to jump ahead and he loses track of the material.

He said hearing a script directly from its writer or director helps him better understand the direction of the film and the filmmaker’s creative vision.

Khan added that he evaluates projects based on the strength of the story, its emotional impact and its commercial potential.

“If I read the script myself, I start thinking about how I would make the film,” he said, noting that his vision may differ from that of the director or writer.

The actor also shared a personal detail, saying that although he is often seen wearing expensive watches, he does not maintain a large luxury watch collection and frequently borrows timepieces from friends.

King Khan adds luxury Cadillac Escalade worth over ₹4 crore to his car collection

King Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has expanded his luxury car collection with a high-end SUV reportedly worth more than ₹4 crore, sparking fresh attention on social media.

The actor was recently spotted driving the newly acquired Cadillac Escalade on the streets of Mumbai, with videos and images quickly going viral online.

According to reports, the 61-year-old star imported the vehicle privately, as Cadillac does not officially sell cars in India. After import duties and additional charges, the SUV’s estimated value is said to be between ₹4 crore and ₹5 crore.

The Cadillac Escalade is considered one of the most premium full-size luxury SUVs globally, powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine designed for both performance and comfort.

The vehicle features a 38-inch curved OLED display, a high-end entertainment system, flexible cargo space, a tri-zone climate control system and signature ambient lighting.

Luxury amenities also include heated, cooled and massage seats, a built-in refrigerator mode console, and a dual-pane panoramic sky roof.

Fans reacted widely on social media, with many praising the actor’s lifestyle and calling him the “King of Bollywood,” while others commented humorously on the scale of his wealth and luxury collection.

On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan was last seen in blockbuster films “Pathaan,” “Jawan” and “Dunki” in 2023, and also made a cameo appearance in “Tiger 3.”

He is currently working on his upcoming film “King,” directed by Siddharth Anand, which also stars Suhana Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, with a possible Christmas release this year.

‘3 Idiots’ sequel buzz builds as new story details, cast rumors emerge

‘3 Idiots’

MUMBAI: Fresh developments surrounding a possible sequel to Bollywood blockbuster “3 Idiots” have sparked renewed excitement among fans, with reports suggesting a new narrative direction and a major time jump.

According to entertainment reports, the sequel to the 2009 hit film is expected to move beyond a traditional continuation and instead explore the characters’ lives in a new phase, introducing a significant time leap in the storyline.

The original film’s emotional depth and nostalgic tone are expected to remain intact, while the new installment is likely to blend familiar elements with fresh storytelling angles.

Sources claim that superstar Aamir Khan has already begun preliminary work on the project, further fueling speculation around the film’s development.

Reports also suggest that acclaimed director Rajkumar Hirani may once again helm the project, although no official confirmation has been made.

Meanwhile, actor Vicky Kaushal is reportedly being considered for a key new role that could introduce a fresh twist to the storyline.

The sequel is said to potentially bring back the original lead characters while also introducing a new generation, expanding the scope of the narrative.

The original “3 Idiots,” released in 2009, remains one of the most influential and successful films in Indian cinema, widely praised for its commentary on the education system and youth pressure.

With growing speculation around casting and production, anticipation continues to build as fans await official confirmation of the project.

Hadiqa Kiani honored with Sitara-i-Imtiaz at Lahore ceremony

Hadiqa Kiani

LAHORE: A dignified civil awards ceremony was held at the Governor House Lahore, where celebrated Pakistani singer Hadiqa Kiani was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in recognition of her outstanding contributions to music.

The award was presented by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider on behalf of the President of Pakistan during the formal ceremony.

Sharing the moment on her Instagram account, Hadiqa Kiani posted videos and photos of receiving the award and expressed deep gratitude, pride and humility over the honor.

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A post shared by Hadiqa Kiani (@hadiqakianiofficial)

She said it felt “incredible” to receive the Sitara-i-Imtiaz two decades after being awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, calling it a deeply meaningful milestone in her artistic journey.

The singer dedicated the award to her son, fans, family and supporters, saying they have been part of her journey throughout the years.

Hadiqa Kiani also noted a personal coincidence, saying she wore a red outfit for the ceremony—similar to the one she wore when she received her Tamgha-i-Imtiaz 20 years ago.

Hina Altaf recalls disturbing experience during drama shoot

Hina Altaf

KARACHI: Pakistani actress and host Hina Altaf has revealed a disturbing and unsafe experience during the shooting of a drama project, drawing attention to workplace safety in the entertainment industry.

In an Instagram story, Hina Altaf said she felt “highly unsafe and extremely uncomfortable” after an interaction with a person present on set.

She said she immediately sensed that the situation was not secure and chose to remove herself from the environment without delay. The actor added that she also reported the incident to the relevant production house.

Following her statement, social media users praised her courage and decision to speak out, expressing strong support for her stance.

Many users described her disclosure as an important step toward highlighting harassment issues in professional workplaces and stressed the need to ensure safe working environments for women in the entertainment industry.

Sajal Aly faces social media backlash over new short pixie haircut

Sajal Aly faces

Pakistani actress Sajal Aly is facing criticism on social media after unveiling a bold new hairstyle that sparked mixed reactions among fans.

The Pakistani actress recently shared a video on Instagram, where she appeared in a short pixie haircut instead of her usual long, thick hair. The post quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention from fans and online users.

In the caption of her video, Sajal Aly tagged her sister, actress Saboor Aly, who had also recently opted for a short bob haircut, further fueling discussions among followers.

Many social media users expressed disappointment over her new look, while others speculated that the hairstyle could be for an upcoming role. Some fans even suggested that the pixie cut might not be permanent and could possibly be a wig.

A section of users also compared her transformation to other celebrities, while some claimed she may have been inspired by fellow actor Sahifa Jabbar Khattak, who previously faced similar attention for her bold fashion and hairstyle choices.

Despite the criticism, the new look has kept Sajal Aly trending across social platforms, with fans divided between praise for her experimentation and preference for her traditional style.

Sara Ali Khan reflects on early fame, failure, and learning from criticism

Sara Ali Khan

Indian actress Sara Ali Khan has spoken candidly about the pressures of early success in Bollywood, saying that sudden fame can sometimes be dangerous and overwhelming.

In a recent interview, the actress revealed that her mother Amrita Singh had warned her early in her career about how rapid success can affect judgment and stability in the film industry.

Sara Ali Khan made her debut in 2018 with Kedarnath, starring alongside Sushant Singh Rajput. She said that her first two films brought her immense popularity, but later projects such as Love Aaj Kal and Coolie No. 1 failed at the box office, leading to intense public criticism.

The actress admitted that experiencing both success and failure within a short span gave her a more realistic understanding of the industry. She added that she now values constructive criticism while ignoring unnecessary negativity.

Sara emphasized that artists must recognize their weaknesses and continuously work on self-improvement rather than being carried away by public attention.

She is currently busy promoting her upcoming film Pati Patni Aur Woh 2, directed by Mudassar Aziz, which is a sequel to the 2019 hit Pati Patni Aur Woh.

Pakistan’s ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ set for landmark release in China

Pakistan

Pakistan and China have taken a significant step in strengthening cultural ties, as the blockbuster film The Legend of Maula Jatt is set to be released in China on May 21.

The announcement was made by director Bilal Lashari, who shared the news alongside a Chinese-dubbed trailer of the film, marking a major milestone for Pakistani cinema.

This is the first time a major Pakistani film has secured a prominent place in China’s limited foreign film market, reflecting growing interest in cross-border cultural exchange between the two countries.

Released in 2022, The Legend of Maula Jatt is widely regarded as Pakistan’s most expensive and highest-grossing film to date. The movie achieved significant international success, earning millions of dollars worldwide and gaining recognition beyond South Asia.

The upcoming Chinese release is being seen as an important development for Pakistan’s film industry, potentially opening doors for wider distribution of Pakistani cinema in global markets.

Tabu speaks out on ageism and challenges faced by women in Bollywood

Tabu speaks out

Indian actress Tabu has openly discussed the difficulties women face in the Indian film industry, highlighting how age often becomes a greater focus than talent in Bollywood.

The 54-year-old acclaimed actress, known for her powerful performances, shared in a recent interview that actresses are frequently judged more on their age than their abilities.

She noted that people tend to be overly concerned about an actress’s age, often reminding them of it unnecessarily, as if they are not already aware of it themselves.

“Age does not increase overnight; it is a daily experience,” Tabu remarked, emphasizing the constant scrutiny women face regarding aging in the industry.

She further pointed out that women in the industry are often advised to be diplomatic in conversations and professional dealings.

However, she personally prefers honesty, stating that if she does not like a script or project, she directly expresses her opinion instead of making excuses.

Tabu also revealed that she is often encouraged to decline projects by citing scheduling conflicts rather than giving honest feedback, but she chooses transparency instead.

Her recent film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has already been released, and she is now preparing for her upcoming project, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni’s 100th film King 100, which explores the struggles of women in Bollywood and the industry’s rigid standards.