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Entertainment & Fashion

Nora Fatehi hits back at critics over peace message

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Nora Fatehi hits

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress and dancer Nora Fatehi has strongly responded to critics who targeted her after she shared a message calling for global peace and unity.

The 34-year-old Canadian-born star recently took to Instagram to condemn reported joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran, while urging peace and solidarity across the world. However, some social media users criticized her, accusing her of selectively supporting Muslims.

In a new video posted on Instagram, Nora addressed the backlash directly. She said many people have “lost the ability to listen and understand,” adding that critical thinking is something everyone is taught in school.

Clarifying her stance, she emphasized that her message of peace and unity is for every human being, regardless of nationality or religion. “If a call for peace triggers you, then you need self-reflection,” she said, adding that speaking against chaos does not make someone an enemy.

Expressing her emotions during the holy month of fasting, the actress said it is alarming that people become upset when someone talks about peace. She described this trend as deeply troubling.

In the caption of her video, Nora reiterated that she stands by her words and suggested that anyone angered by calls for global peace and unity should consider seeking help.

Previously, she had also expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East, stating that the continuous stream of tragic news and visuals had been emotionally overwhelming.

Saba Hameed reveals she slapped Hiba Bukhari for real during drama

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Saba Hameed reveals

KARACHI: Senior Pakistani actress Saba Hameed has revealed that she once slapped actress Hiba Bukhari for real while filming a drama scene.

The veteran star made the disclosure during her recent appearance on comedy show Hansna Mana Hai, hosted by Tabish Hashmi, where she discussed some of the most memorable scenes from her career.

While talking about the popular Entertainment drama Fitoor, Saba Hameed shared details about a scene in which she had to slap her on-screen daughter, played by Hiba Bukhari.

The senior actress admitted that she is usually skilled at “cheating” such scenes during filming, making them look realistic without actual contact. However, she said the director insisted that the slap be performed authentically to capture the required intensity.

“As a result, I ended up slapping her for real,” Saba Hameed revealed, adding that the slap landed quite hard. She later apologized to Hiba Bukhari for the unexpected intensity of the scene.

The candid confession amused viewers and offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the realities of drama production.

Aamir Khan enters mediation as Ranveer Singh quits Don 3

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Aamir Khan enters

MUMBAI: Don 3 has emerged as one of Bollywood’s most discussed projects after lead actor Ranveer Singh stepped away from the film, sparking industry-wide speculation.

Initially cast in the title role, Ranveer’s reported exit has led to efforts by senior industry figures to mediate between the parties. According to Indian media reports, a high-level meeting was held to address the situation and deliberate on the future of the project.

The meeting was attended by prominent names including Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Rajkumar Hirani, Zoya Akhtar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Ramesh Taurani, Kumar Mangat, and Amritpal Singh Bindra.

Reports suggest that the core issue revolves around Ranveer Singh’s departure from the film. Excel Entertainment, headed by Farhan Akhtar, reportedly sought ₹40 crore in compensation following the actor’s withdrawal.

Sources indicate that Aamir Khan stepped in to mediate between the two sides to resolve the matter amicably. The speculation gained further traction after Karan Johar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Ekta Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar, and Zoya Akhtar were seen leaving Aamir Khan’s residence in Mumbai days later.

The Don franchise originally began with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. The 2006 film was a remake of the 1978 classic and was followed by a sequel in 2011. In 2023, Excel Entertainment officially announced that Ranveer Singh would headline the third installment of the series.

Hania Aamir’s drama criticized for romanticizing violent male characters

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Hania Aamir’s drama

KARACHI: Pakistani drama viewers are currently engaged in a heated debate over what constitutes “healthy love” on screen, as the television serial Meri Zindagi Hai Tu faces intense criticism for its storyline and character dynamics.

The drama stars Bilal Abbas Khan and Hania Aamir in lead roles. The story revolves around Ira, a principled medical student, whose life takes a turn when Kamyar, a wealthy and influential young man, enters her world. Kamyar is portrayed as someone who views love as a mix of control and persistence, often interpreting rejection as a challenge.

A significant number of viewers argue that the serial repeats a familiar formula: a powerful, affluent man persistently pursues a woman, disregards her refusal, intrudes into her life without consent, and yet is ultimately presented in a romantic light. Over time, Ira’s resistance appears to weaken, and she gradually becomes inclined toward Kamyar — reinforcing the notion that stubbornness and relentless pressure are proof of love.

Critics on social media contend that the issue extends beyond a single character’s behavior. They question the writing and the limited development of Ira’s character, arguing that the serial not only depicts toxic behavior but normalizes and glamorizes it.

Some commentators have also objected to the portrayal of a character shown as aggressive and struggling with substance abuse being partially justified within the narrative. Additionally, certain scenes referencing religion to establish moral superiority have drawn criticism.

The controversy surrounding “Meri Zindagi Hai Tu” has once again reignited debate over whether Pakistani dramas are reinforcing unhealthy relationship dynamics by labeling them as romance, potentially shaping misleading perceptions among younger audiences.

Priyanka Chopra explains why she expanded her career to Hollywood

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Priyanka Chopra

Globally acclaimed Indian actress Priyanka Chopra has opened up about her decision to work in Hollywood, despite enjoying a successful career in Bollywood.

According to Indian media reports, Chopra shared in a recent interview that she never intended to leave Hindi cinema. However, while working in Bollywood, she often felt restricted for various reasons.

“I don’t think I ever wanted to leave Bollywood,” she said. “But while I was working in Hindi films, I felt limited in many ways.”

The actress explained that she wanted to broaden her creative horizons and explore opportunities that would allow her to grow as an artist. “I felt pushed to seek out the kind of opportunities I should be pursuing as a performer,” she added, noting that this eventually led her to the United States for work.

Reflecting on her journey, Chopra said more than 12 years have now passed since she began working internationally, and choosing meaningful projects remains a challenge.

Responding to another question, she emphasized her love for Indian cinema and expressed happiness about returning to India. “I don’t like choosing between Bollywood and Hollywood. I enjoy working in both industries,” she said.

Chopra further noted that working across two industries with different cultures has shaped her professionally. “Both industries function differently, but now my mind can operate in two distinct ways. It’s a unique, amazing, and fun experience,” she concluded.

Karan Johar says ‘There is no loyalty in Bollywood’

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Karan Johar

Renowned Bollywood filmmaker and producer Karan Johar has claimed that loyalty is lacking in the Indian film industry, saying frequent agency shifts reflect growing insecurity among actors.

In a recent interview with Indian media, Johar spoke candidly about the industry and the behavior of actors within the business.

Johar stated that many actors move from one agency to another every two years because they feel insecure and fear being perceived as “stuck” in one place.

“There is no honesty in this business,” he remarked, adding that actors often switch affiliations despite long-term investments made in nurturing their careers.

Without naming anyone specifically, Johar said producers may spend two years grooming a talent, only for that individual to abruptly leave. He added that some later wish to return after finding dissatisfaction elsewhere.

According to Indian media reports, Johar’s remarks come months after actress Janhvi Kapoor reportedly moved from Dharma Productions to the Collective Artists Network.

His comments have sparked discussion within Bollywood circles about professional loyalty and long-term partnerships in the entertainment industry.

Islamic scholar criticizes altered spelling of Urwa Hocane’s name

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Islamic scholar

KARACHI: A video of a prominent Mufti commenting on the spelling of actress Urwa Hocane’s name has gone viral on social media.

The scholar was featured on a private TV channel’s Ramadan transmission discussing the Islamic perspective on deliberately altering names.

During the program, the host highlighted a growing trend where celebrities modify the spelling of their names for stylistic or modern appeal. In Urwa’s case, her original surname “Hussain” is now spelled and pronounced as “Hocane.”

The Mufti responded that it is not permissible to distort someone’s name. “‘Hocane’ is not an Arabic name, and using such a version is not correct,” he said. He cited a historical example, noting that Ali ibn Abi Talib once observed a person mispronouncing someone’s name and remarked that doing so is an injustice, as correctly pronouncing a person’s name is their right, and it is given by their parents.

He further explained that care should be taken even when choosing Islamic names. Some avoid the name “Muhammad” due to its respect and responsibilities, and likewise, deliberately altering a name is considered inappropriate.

Hema Malini denies family feud, honors late Dharmendra

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Hema Malini denies

LONDON: Bollywood actress Hema Malini has dismissed rumours of family discord, emphasizing that there is no animosity within the family and that everyone was very close to her late husband, legendary actor Dharmendra.

The veteran actor was recently honored posthumously at the 79th BAFTA Awards in London. His wife, Hema Malini, accepted the tribute on his behalf. Speaking at the ceremony, she said, “It was a beautiful moment, and he truly deserved it. This is not just an honor for us but for the entire country. No Indian artist has received this recognition this year.”

Hema Malini added that Dharmendra’s fans spanned the globe and that he left an impact not only as an actor but also as a human being.

Addressing questions about alleged family tensions, she said: “There is nothing negative. Papa is there, and everyone will do anything for him. Whether it’s Esha, Ahana, Sunny, or Bobby, they all loved Dharm Ji very much. They liked each other a lot. There is absolutely no hatred in the family. Dharm Ji was a source of love for everyone.”

The legendary actor passed away in November of last year, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian cinema.

Faryal Gohar calls marriage to Jamal Shah a “wrong decision”

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Faryal Gohar

KARACHI:  Veteran Pakistani actress Faryal Gohar has made candid remarks about her past marriage, with a video of her comments going viral on social media.

The former celebrity couple — Faryal Gohar and her ex-husband, renowned actor Jamal Shah — recently appeared together on a private TV channel’s Ramadan transmission. During the interview, both addressed sensitive aspects of their past with seriousness and mutual respect.

At one point, Jamal Shah admitted that he tends to break his belongings in moments of anger. When the host asked whether he had ever broken Faryal Gohar’s possessions, she responded spontaneously, saying, “I never really had anything of my own.”

Later, when questioned about past life decisions, Faryal Gohar looked towards Jamal Shah and stated that marrying him had been a wrong decision in her life. The remark quickly gained traction online, with short clips from the programme circulating widely and drawing strong reactions from viewers.

The host has also faced criticism for inviting the former couple to appear together on the show.

It is worth noting that Faryal Gohar and Jamal Shah were once considered one of Pakistan’s most admired showbiz couples before parting ways in 1992.

Actor Muneeb Butt shares joy over blessings of daughters

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Actor Muneeb Butt

KARACHI: Renowned Muneeb Butt, a prominent figure in Pakistan’s drama industry, recently shared heartfelt thoughts about the joy and blessings his daughters bring to his life.

Speaking on a television program, Muneeb Butt revealed that every time a daughter was born in his family, it brought increased happiness and prosperity to their home.

 The actor and his wife Aiman Khan, considered one of showbiz’s most beloved couples, are now proud parents of three daughters.

The couple has always prioritized family alongside their careers, supporting each other in both professional and personal spheres.

Muneeb Butt expressed gratitude for the recent arrival of their third daughter, noting that the three girls have roughly two-and-a-half-year gaps between their ages.

He explained that while many showbiz couples intentionally plan longer intervals between children for financial or personal reasons, his family did not follow a strict plan; everything unfolded naturally.

Muneeb Butt further shared that he had a premonition that his third child would also be a girl. Smiling, he said that whenever a daughter arrived, it brought more joy and blessings into their lives.

Confident in this belief, he had even told his wife in advance that their newest addition would be a girl, continuing the flow of happiness and divine favor in their home.