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Hania Aamir faces criticism over dance video amid PIMS tragedy

Hania Aamir

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Hania Aamir has come under criticism after sharing a dance video on social media amid a series of tragic incidents in the country.

Aamir recently posted a video on Instagram in which she was wearing a Pakistan cricket team shirt and dancing to a song while drinking coffee in an open-top vehicle.

The video drew criticism from social media users, who questioned the timing of the post as the country mourns recent tragedies. Some users argued that public figures with large followings should use their platforms to raise awareness about important issues.

Several users specifically referred to the deaths of 14 newborn babies in a fire at PIMS hospital in Islamabad and questioned why Aamir had not spoken about the incident.

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Others referred to the reported rape and killing of 4-year-old Ayat Noor in Haripur and called on the actor to speak out about the case.

The criticism has sparked discussion on social media over the role of celebrities and influencers in addressing serious social issues during times of national tragedy.

Actor Amitabh Bachchan shares humorous wedding advice for husbands

Actor Amitabh

MUMBAI: Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has offered married couples a humorous piece of advice, telling husbands to admit their mistakes in front of their wives to avoid trouble.

During his show, Bachchan shared his tongue-in-cheek formula for maintaining peace in married life and joked about the precautions husbands should take during disagreements with their wives.

The veteran actor said the wisest thing for a husband to do when his wife is angry or a dispute arises is to immediately accept his mistake rather than argue.

Bachchan jokingly warned that if a husband refuses to admit his mistake or responds with an argument, “shoes, slippers and rolling pins” may soon come into play, suggesting that silence is sometimes the safest option.

His remarks prompted laughter from the audience, particularly the married men present on the set.

Bachchan’s lighthearted advice has also received a positive response on social media, with many users enjoying his humorous take on married life.

Maryam Nafees breaks down over violence against women and children

Maryam Nafees

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Maryam Nafees broke down in tears while speaking about cases of sexual violence and killings involving women and young children.

Nafees shared an emotional video on her Instagram account in which she was seen crying as she expressed her distress over the repeated incidents of violence against women and minors in society.

The actress referred to several reported cases, including the alleged gang rape and killing of a 5-year-old girl whose body was later found in a well. She also mentioned a newborn girl found outside an orphanage and the killing of a woman named Hina, allegedly by her husband.

Nafees also referred to reported cases involving a 20-year-old woman and an 18-month-old girl, expressing frustration over the continued violence and asking what could be done to prevent such incidents.

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“Are we doing anything? What are we supposed to do?” she said while speaking emotionally in the video.

Her comments came amid renewed public concern over violence against women and children and calls for stronger measures to protect vulnerable members of society.

Indian Singer Ankit Baliyan shot dead in Uttar Pradesh

Indian Singer

NEW DELHI: Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Baliyan was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants outside a gym in India’s Uttar Pradesh state, Indian media reported Thursday.

According to reports, Baliyan was leaving a gym in the Kotwali police station area of Shamli district on Wednesday evening when attackers riding two motorcycles opened fire on him multiple times.

Baliyan died at the scene from his injuries, police said.

Authorities sent his body for a post-mortem examination and launched an investigation into the killing. Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the shooting.

Political angle being examined

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister described the killing as an attack on the Jat community, according to Indian media reports.

There has also been speculation that Baliyan was planning to contest upcoming local panchayat elections. However, neither his relatives nor police officials have publicly confirmed the reports.

Baliyan had large YouTube following

Baliyan had more than 366,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, where he was known for his Haryanvi music and videos.

Police have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the killing.

Pakistani showbiz figures react to PIMS tragedy, demand actions

Pakistani showbiz

ISLAMABAD: The deaths of 14 newborn babies in a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad have sparked grief and anger across Pakistan, with several showbiz personalities calling for a thorough investigation and accountability.

The fire broke out Wednesday morning in the nursery on the third floor of the hospital’s Mother and Child Health Ward, where newborn babies were receiving treatment. Authorities said 14 infants died in the incident while one baby was rescued.

Zunaira Inam, wife of actor Osman Mukhtar, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and questioned whether those allegedly responsible for the tragedy would ever be held accountable.

She also raised concerns that public attention could fade within days, allowing the incident to be forgotten until another tragedy occurs.

Veteran actor Muhammad Ahmed expressed grief over the incident and called for a complete investigation.

He said those responsible for the tragedy should be identified and held accountable.

Television host Madiha Naqvi expressed solidarity with the affected mothers and families and prayed for them to have the strength to endure the devastating loss.

The reactions from showbiz personalities also included criticism of the country’s system, with concerns that tragedies often lead to public condemnation and expressions of grief but fail to result in lasting reforms or accountability.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an immediate investigation into the PIMS fire and directed authorities to determine those responsible.

Actress Ushna Shah welcomes first child

Actress Ushna

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Ushna Shah has welcomed her first child, a baby boy, she announced on social media Tuesday evening.

Shah shared several photos of her newborn son on Instagram, but did not reveal his face. She has also not disclosed the baby’s name.

Fans and fellow actors congratulated Shah and her husband on the arrival of their first child.

Shah is known for her work in Pakistan’s television drama industry. She married Hamza Amin in 2023.

Dolly Parton Dies at 80: Her Music, Movies and Lasting Legacy

Dolly Parton dies at 80: symbolic country music memorial stage

Dolly Parton dies at 80, leaving a legacy that reaches far beyond country music. Her family and representatives confirmed that the singer, songwriter, actor and philanthropist died peacefully in Nashville on August 25, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

News of her death produced an extraordinary wave of public interest. Google Trends recorded more than 10 million searches for “Dolly Parton” in the United States within 24 hours, with people also searching for her cause of death, songs and relationship with Miley Cyrus.

Dolly Parton dies at 80: what has been confirmed

Parton’s official website now carries a memorial marking her life from January 19, 1946, to August 25, 2026. The Associated Press and Reuters also reported the death after statements from her family and publicist.

Her team said she had faced a brief battle with cancer. A private service is planned for immediate family. Fans have been encouraged to honour her through messages and support for literacy work rather than treating unverified social-media claims as fact.

The White House ordered US flags to be flown at half-staff through sunset on September 1, reflecting the national scale of the response. Tributes have come from musicians, actors and public figures across generations.

From Tennessee to global stardom

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born in rural Tennessee and grew up in a large family with limited means. Her songwriting talent and unmistakable voice carried her to Nashville, where she built one of the longest and most successful careers in American entertainment.

Her catalogue includes “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” The last of those became a second global phenomenon through Whitney Houston’s recording, but the writing remained Parton’s — a reminder that she was as important a songwriter as she was a performer.

Her career crossed genres without losing its roots. She brought country storytelling to pop audiences, performed memorable duets and became an immediately recognisable television personality. She was inducted into major music halls of fame and earned multiple Grammy Awards over a career spanning more than six decades.

Dolly Parton’s movies and screen career

Parton also became a major film star. Her performance in the 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5 introduced her to a wider cinema audience, while the title song became one of her signature recordings. She later appeared in films including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.

Her screen appeal came from the same qualities audiences saw in interviews: quick humour, warmth and complete confidence in the glamorous image she created. She could be larger than life without appearing distant.

The Imagination Library may be her biggest legacy

Parton’s cultural impact cannot be measured only through sales or awards. In 1995 she launched the Imagination Library in her home county to send free books to young children. The programme expanded across the United States and internationally, delivering hundreds of millions of books.

She also supported disaster relief, education and medical research. Her philanthropy was unusually practical: it focused on getting books into homes, helping communities recover and supporting work that could improve lives.

Why Dolly Parton connected across generations

The news that Dolly Parton dies at 80 prompted millions of fans to revisit the values behind her work.

Few entertainers maintain affection across age groups, musical genres and political divisions. Parton did so by combining sharp business judgment with self-deprecating humour and a consistent message of generosity. She controlled her songs, understood the value of her public image and repeatedly used her success to support other people.

For longtime fans, her death marks the end of a singular American career. For younger listeners discovering her through streaming, films or family memories, the work remains immediately accessible.

Frequently asked questions

How old was Dolly Parton?

She was 80. She was born on January 19, 1946, and died on August 25, 2026.

What was Dolly Parton’s cause of death?

Her representatives said she died after a brief battle with cancer.

Was Dolly Parton Miley Cyrus’s godmother?

Parton was widely described as Miley Cyrus’s honorary godmother and appeared with her on television and in musical performances.

What is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library?

It is a literacy programme founded by Parton that mails free, age-appropriate books to enrolled children.

Sources: Dolly Parton’s official website, Associated Press, Reuters, White House proclamation, and Imagination Library.

Toxic Movie Review: What Early Reactions Say About Yash’s Film

Yash as Raya in Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups

Toxic movie review searches are surging as Yash returns to cinemas with Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. The film opened worldwide on August 26, 2026, and early audience discussion is sharply divided: viewers broadly agree that the scale, production design and Yash’s screen presence are impressive, while opinions on the screenplay and adult content are more mixed.

This is a spoiler-free guide to the early reaction, cast, certification, runtime and opening-day interest. It is based on publicly reported audience and critic responses, not a claim that Future Soch attended a press screening.

Why Toxic is trending in India

Google Trends showed more than 500,000 searches for “toxic review” in India during the past 24 hours on August 26, with related searches including “toxic collection,” “BookMyShow” and “Yash toxic movie review.” The surge reflects both Yash’s first major theatrical release after the KGF phenomenon and the film’s unusually broad multilingual rollout.

The movie is playing in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and English. Its official social account confirmed the August 26 worldwide release, while ticketing listings describe it as an action-crime period thriller.

Toxic review: the early verdict

The clearest early consensus is that Toxic is designed as a large-screen spectacle. Viewers praising the movie are highlighting its stylised action, atmospheric production design, background score and Yash’s commanding performance. Nayanthara and Kiara Advani are also drawing attention in an ensemble that includes Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth.

The reservations are just as consistent. Some early reactions describe the storytelling as uneven and say the visual ambition is stronger than the emotional depth. The film carries adult themes, violence and drug-related material, so families should not assume it is a conventional mass-market action movie.

That split matters when reading social-media “reviews.” Fan celebrations and one-line negative posts can both exaggerate the picture. A useful expectation is a dark, lavishly mounted gangster drama that prioritises mood and star power. Viewers looking mainly for tight plotting may respond less enthusiastically.

Cast and key details

Detail Information
Film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups
Director Geetu Mohandas
Lead cast Yash, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani
Supporting cast Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth
Genre Period action-crime thriller
Release date August 26, 2026
Reported runtime About 3 hours 14 minutes
India certification Adults only for the Hindi version after required edits

What is known about the box office

Opening-day figures were still moving when this article was prepared. Live trackers reported a very strong start, but same-day totals are estimates and may include different combinations of gross, net, blocked seats or advance sales. Final producer or trade figures can therefore differ.

The reliable takeaway is demand rather than a precise final number: ticket sales were heavy, cinemas added early-morning and late-night shows in major cities, and search interest remained active throughout release day. Readers should treat any definitive “day-one record” claim published before the day closes as provisional.

Toxic movie review verdict: is it worth watching?

Toxic is likely to work best for adult viewers who want a visually aggressive Yash-led event film and are comfortable with a long runtime and mature material. It may be less suitable for viewers seeking a family outing, restrained violence or a tightly paced drama.

This Toxic movie review finds the fairest spoiler-free verdict is: strong spectacle and star presence, with a more debated screenplay. As more verified reviews and final box-office data arrive, the longer-term audience verdict will become clearer than release-day fan battles.

Frequently asked questions

When was Toxic released?

The film opened worldwide on August 26, 2026.

Is Toxic a family movie?

No. The Hindi version received an adults-only certificate after edits, and the film contains mature themes and violence.

Who directed Toxic?

Geetu Mohandas directed the film and co-wrote it with Yash.

Where can I book Toxic tickets?

Availability varies by city and language. Check your local cinema or a recognised ticketing platform for current showtimes.

Sources: Google Trends India, official Toxic account, BookMyShow listing, and Rotten Tomatoes film details.

Kriti Sanon under fire over Rakhi ad featuring pet dog

Kriti Sanon

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon has faced criticism on social media over a recent Raksha Bandhan advertisement in which she is shown tying a rakhi to a pet dog.

The jewelry campaign features Sanon wearing an ivory bralette-style blouse with a cape and draped skirt. Some social media users questioned the outfit’s suitability for a traditional festival, while others objected to the portrayal of the dog as part of the Raksha Bandhan ritual.

The advertisement, released by jewelry brand GIVA, depicts Sanon celebrating Raksha Bandhan with her family and extending the bond of protection to the family dog. The campaign was intended to present pets as members of the family, but the portrayal sparked debate online.

The controversy intensified after actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut criticized Sanon’s outfit and questioned why someone would wear a bikini-style outfit while celebrating the festival.

Sanon later responded to the criticism, saying the essence of festivals lies in the emotions and meaning attached to traditions rather than clothing. She also questioned the practice of judging women’s cultural values based on their attire and said pets can also be part of a family’s celebrations.

The advertisement has since sparked a broader discussion on social media over traditional cultural celebrations, modern fashion and the portrayal of festivals in advertising.

Faisalabad’s Hira Qaiser wins Pakistan Idol 2026

Faisalabad’

LAHORE: Hira Qaiser of Faisalabad has won Pakistan Idol 2026, taking the title after a closely contested grand finale of the country’s major music competition.

The show concluded with the winner announced during a special finale ceremony. Qaiser was declared the champion following a unanimous decision by the judges.

The grand finale featured intense competition among the finalists, while internationally renowned singer Atif Aslam gave a special performance. Special screenings of the finale were also arranged at cinemas in Karachi and Faisalabad.

Qaiser, who comes from a middle-class family, impressed audiences and judges throughout the competition with her performances.

Speaking  after her victory, Qaiser said she would now work toward fulfilling her dreams. She credited her success to the prayers and support of her parents and family.

Renowned singer and Pakistan Idol judge Rahat Fateh Ali Khan said Pakistan had an abundance of musical talent and called for more platforms such as Pakistan Idol to be created to provide opportunities for aspiring singers.