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Entertainment & Fashion

Bollywood Actor Kartik Aaryan linked to teen girl after Goa images emerge

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Bollywood Actor Kartik

Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan has once again become a topic of discussion on social media, with fresh rumours about his personal life drawing widespread attention.

Speculation circulating on Reddit and other social media platforms suggests that the actor is allegedly dating a younger woman based in the United Kingdom. The rumours gained momentum after photos from a recent vacation in Goa surfaced online, leaving fans and users intrigued.

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According to social media claims, the 35-year-old actor’s name has been linked with a woman identified as Karina Kobyliot.

The discussion began when users noticed striking similarities between beachside photos shared separately by Kartik Aaryan and the alleged companion. Observers pointed out matching backgrounds, beach setups and locations, which quickly led to viral posts on popular Reddit pages.

Fuel was added to the speculation when Kartik Aaryan reportedly unfollowed Karina on Instagram shortly after the rumours began circulating. However, the actor has neither confirmed nor denied the reports so far.

Amid growing speculation, the woman at the centre of the rumours issued a statement clarifying that she is not Kartik Aaryan’s girlfriend.

Despite this, social media users remain unconvinced, with many expressing confusion and continuing to debate the matter online.

This is not the first time Kartik Aaryan’s dating life has made headlines. In the past, his name has been linked with prominent Bollywood actresses such as Sara Ali Khan and Ananya Panday, relationships that were openly acknowledged at the time.

On the professional front, Kartik Aaryan was recently seen in the film Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri and is set to appear next in Naag Zilla as well as an upcoming project directed by Anurag Basu. Despite the ongoing social media buzz, the actor appears focused on his upcoming projects.

Actress Hania Aamir’s Instagram video goes viral

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Actress Hania Aamir

KARACHI: Popular Pakistani actress Hania Aamir has once again captured social media attention as her latest Instagram video went viral within hours of being shared.

The actress posted a video on the photo and video-sharing platform Instagram, in which she can be seen performing to a song in a cheerful and lively mood.

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Sharing the clip, Hania Aamir captioned it, “Aisay nahi bhoolo, zara dekho.” The video quickly garnered thousands of views, with fans showering her with praise through appreciative comments.

Hania Aamir is currently receiving widespread acclaim for her role as Aira in drama serial Meri Zindagi Hai Tu, where she stars opposite Bilal Abbas.

The drama’s popularity has extended beyond Pakistan, gaining significant traction in Bangladesh and other countries. Its growing international appeal was highlighted recently when the drama’s OST was played during a Bangladesh Premier League match.

Previously, Hania Aamir has also delivered notable performances in ARY Digital dramas Mere Humsafar and Mujhe Pyar Hua Tha, alongside actors Farhan Saeed and Wahaj Ali.

With her strong on-screen presence and active social media engagement, Hania Aamir continues to remain one of the most talked-about stars in the entertainment industry.

Court grants relief to Rajab Butt, Nadeem Mubarak in Gambling app case

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Court grants relief

LAHORE: Famous TikTokers Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak have received relief from the court in a case related to the promotion of a gambling application.

The matter was heard in the Sessions Court Lahore, where Additional Sessions Judge Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi took up the interim bail petitions filed by the two accused. Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak were presented before the court under strict security arrangements.

During the hearing, the court granted time to the investigating officer to submit the relevant record and extended the interim bail of both accused until January 26.

Earlier in the day, the NCCIA requested additional time to submit the investigation report. Counsel for the NCCIA informed the court that the investigating officer was engaged in proceedings at the High Court, and sought an extension for submitting the record.

The court kept the bail petitions pending, marked the attendance of Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak, and subsequently allowed them to leave the courtroom.

Hollywood Star Will Smith faces sexual harassment lawsuit

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Hollywood Star

Los Angeles: Hollywood actor and rapper Will Smith is facing a new legal challenge, with allegations of sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation made by a male associate involved in his 2025 music tour. The lawsuit has been filed in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles.

The plaintiff, Brian King Joseph, stated that he was hired as a violist in November 2024 for a San Diego show and was later offered participation in Smith’s 2025 tour and the upcoming album based on a true story.

The lawsuit claims that Smith allegedly adopted a predatory approach, gradually grooming Joseph for sexual exploitation. Joseph alleges that Smith told him at one point, “Our relationship is special; I don’t have this kind of connection with anyone else.”

A central incident highlighted in the case occurred in March 2025 in Las Vegas during one of Smith’s performances. Joseph claims that a bag containing his hotel room key went missing, and he later found that someone had entered his room. A handwritten note reading, “Brian, I’ll be back… just us”, accompanied by a heart symbol, reportedly left Joseph in fear.

Joseph further stated that additional items in the room included wipes, a beer bottle, a red bag, HIV medications in another person’s name, hair, and hospital discharge documents. Fearing a potential sexual assault, Joseph reported the matter to hotel security, Smith’s representatives, and the police non-emergency line. However, he claims that a member of Smith’s management team later humiliated him and terminated his employment, causing him PTSD and other psychological issues.

In response, Will Smith’s attorney, Alan B. Gradsky, strongly denied all allegations, calling them “baseless, false, and irresponsible”, and stated that Smith would pursue all legal avenues to establish the truth.

It is notable that Will Smith released his album Based on a True Story in March 2025. He performed at the House of Blues in Las Vegas on March 20, 2025, and his tour officially began in June 2025 in Rabat, Morocco. The case has since drawn significant attention in the entertainment industry.

Salman Khan once offered to work for free for Rajesh Khanna

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Salman Khan

Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan had once offered to work without remuneration in a film starring legendary actor Rajesh Khanna in an attempt to purchase Khanna’s iconic bungalow, Aashirwad, Indian media reports have revealed.

According to reports, during a difficult phase in Rajesh Khanna’s life marked by severe financial troubles, Salman Khan approached him with an offer to buy the famous bungalow and additionally proposed to act for free in one of Khanna’s films.

However, Rajesh Khanna reportedly doubted Salman’s intentions, rejected the offer, and accused him of attempting to financially and socially undermine him.

Rajesh Khanna had purchased Aashirwad in the early 1970s from actor Rajendra Kumar for Rs 350,000. Khanna believed that selling the house would weaken his standing, both financially and socially.

Author Gautam Chintamani, in his book Dark Star: The Loneliness of Being Rajesh Khanna, writes that after moving into Aashirwad, Khanna lived with a regal aura, often holding court while seated on a high chair, wearing his signature silk lungi and kurta. Only a select few were allowed access to the inner areas of the house, while close associates enjoyed long late-night gatherings marked by excessive admiration.

The book also notes that Khanna did not tolerate opinions that went against his temperament and would often ask people to leave his home. As his stardom faded, Amitabh Bachchan rose to prominence with films such as Zanjeer, Sholay, and Deewar, replacing Khanna as Bollywood’s leading star.

According to Chintamani, Salman Khan later made multiple attractive offers to purchase the bungalow—allegedly on behalf of his brother Sohail Khan—including assurances to settle outstanding income tax dues and again offering to work without charge. Despite these efforts, Rajesh Khanna refused to sell the property and lived there in isolation until his death.

After Khanna’s passing, the bungalow was eventually sold, demolished, and replaced with a high-rise building, marking the end of one of Bollywood’s most iconic residences.

From Mentor to Rival: Schwartz and Sonnenblick head to Oscars

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From Mentor to Rival

Los Angeles: Legendary composer Stephen Schwartz, known for Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin, and rising star Mark Sonnenblick, composer for K-pop hit Demon Hunters, are set to face off at the upcoming Oscars.

At the start of 2025, Schwartz and Sonnenblick shared a mentor-mentee relationship after meeting at the ASCAP Foundational Musical Theatre Workshop, where Schwartz guided Sonnenblick on his work. That bond has now evolved into a friendly rivalry as both vie for top honors.

Both composers are on the Academy Awards shortlist for Best Original Song and have also earned Golden Globe nominations, putting their tracks in direct competition.

Schwartz contributed two original songs for Wicked: “For Good”, Cynthia Erivo’s “No Place Like Home”, and Ariana Grande’s “The Girl in the Bubble”. Sonnenblick co-wrote “Golden”, the breakout hit from Demon Hunters, which has dominated the Billboard Hot 100 chart for several weeks.

Reflecting on his Golden Globe nominations, Schwartz said he had forgotten about the awards until receiving a congratulatory text from director Jon M. Chu, calling it “a perfect moment.” Sonnenblick has yet to comment publicly on facing his mentor.

The Golden Globe Awards will air on January 11, 2026, while the Oscars premiere live on March 15, 2026.

Sana Javed rings in New Year 2026 with Shoaib Malik, shares festive moments

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Sana Javed

DUBAI: Renowned Pakistani model and actor Sana Javed welcomed the New Year in Dubai alongside her husband, former cricketer Shoaib Malik, sharing memorable moments from the celebration with her fans.

Photos and videos posted by the actor quickly gained traction on social media, drawing widespread attention and engagement.

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Sana Javed shared stunning images taken against the iconic backdrop of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, along with dazzling fireworks lighting up the sky.

The pictures captured the festive spirit of New Year celebrations, with Sana and Shoaib seen in a cheerful and relaxed mood.

Through multiple posts on the photo and video-sharing platform, the actor not only extended New Year wishes to her followers but also gave them a glimpse into her joyful celebrations. The vibrant visuals reflected the excitement and glamour of the occasion.

Social media users have warmly appreciated the couple’s pictures, flooding the comments section with congratulatory messages, best wishes, and enthusiastic reactions for the duo.

 Saba Qamar faces social media backlash over bold styling in new drama

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 Saba Qamar

KARACHI: Renowned and fashion-forward Pakistani actor Saba Qamar, widely admired for her powerful portrayals of complex and serious characters, has once again found herself in the spotlight — this time for her wardrobe choices.

Over the years, Saba has earned critical acclaim for her performances in hit dramas such as Pani Jaisa Pyar, Baaghi, Besharam, Cheekh, Digest Writer, Sangat, Fraud, Sar-e-Raah and Tumhare Husn Ke Naam. Currently, she is receiving praise for her strong performances in Case No. 9 and Pamaal, while her role in the newly aired drama Muamma has also attracted significant attention.

However, Saba’s appearance in Muamma has sparked controversy on social media, with viewers reacting strongly to what many described as an unusually bold outfit worn by the actor in the show.

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Adding to the debate, images from her recent photoshoot — featuring Saba in a modern, form-fitting gown — have gone viral across digital platforms.

Social media users have shared mixed opinions, with some criticizing the styling as inconsistent with the family-oriented nature of Pakistani television, while others questioned the role of broadcasters and regulatory authorities.

Several commentators stressed that actors should maintain grace and defined boundaries in their on-screen attire, whereas others emphasized the distinction between personal fashion choices and professional screen appearances.

Pakistan’s official Oscar entry “Hunden” could not compete amid documentation glitches

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Pakistan’s official Oscar

Pakistan’s 98th Academy Awards selection saw the historic Burushaski-language film “Hunden” being officially chosen by the country’s Oscars selection committee. However, due to documentation and administrative complications, the film could not make it to the international stage.

Director Karamat Ali revealed that the selection committee informed him via email that Hunden had been designated as Pakistan’s official entry.

Following this, the team submitted all required documents through the Academy’s official online portal. Later, they received another email stating that the documents were incomplete.

The team promptly resubmitted everything, but instead of a confirmation, they were informed that the film could not be accepted as Pakistan’s official entry due to incomplete documentation.

Karamat Ali further stated that the Academy mistakenly sent an email regarding another film, Palestine 36, claiming its documents were incomplete. Pakistani Oscars selection committee chairman Mohammad Ali Naqvi (Mo Naqvi) clarified to the Academy team that Hunden was the officially selected film. Despite Mo Naqvi maintaining consistent communication and the Academy acknowledging the error, the nomination issue remained unresolved.

Under Academy rules, any film must be commercially released in its home country for at least seven consecutive days between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, and at least 50% of the dialogue must be in a non-English language. Director Karamat Ali confirmed that all required documents for Hunden were submitted before the deadline of October 1, 2025.

Despite not making it to the Oscars, Karamat Ali expressed pride in the film’s selection, saying, “We are happy that our film was chosen to represent Pakistan, and we consider that achievement a success.”

Hunden is based on a folk tale from Hunza and is Pakistan’s first film in the Burushaski language. It emphasizes the harmony between nature and human life. This year, due to documentary and administrative challenges, no Pakistani film was officially submitted for the Oscars.

Prominent figures from arts, politics, sports and media passed away in 2025

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Prominent figures

KARACHI: The year 2025 witnessed the loss of several prominent personalities from Pakistan’s arts, politics, sports and media sectors, leaving a lasting impact on their respective fields.

In the political arena, senior leaders Irfan Siddiqui, Mian Manzoor Wattoo, Mian Muhammad Azhar and Agha Siraj Durrani passed away during the year.

Renowned economist and the country’s first female Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Shamshad Akhtar, also died in 2025, marking a significant loss for the financial and academic community.

Among other notable figures, respected intellectual Dr Arifa Syeda Zahra and acclaimed poet Tajammul Kaleem also passed away this year.

The television and film industry mourned the loss of veteran actress Ayesha Khan, along with Humaira Asghar, Humaira Abid Ali, and child star Umar Shah.

Additionally, celebrated artists Anwar Ali, Javed Kodu and Lucky Dear also left the world of entertainment forever.

In the world of sports, former international cricket umpire Khizar Hayat passed away, drawing tributes from the cricketing fraternity.

These losses marked a somber chapter in 2025, as the nation bid farewell to individuals who made enduring contributions to public life, culture, and sports.