BREAKING NEWS
Advertise with us >

Zayed Khan holds mother’s last rites in Hindu traditions-The Backstory

Zayed Khan

MUMBAI: Zareen Khan, mother of Bollywood actor Zayed Khan and Sussanne Khan, has passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness, Indian media reported.

According to reports, Zareen breathed her last on Friday at her Mumbai residence, where she had been battling multiple health issues for several years. Her final rites were performed in Mumbai.

Videos circulating on social media showed Zayed Khan performing his mother’s last rites according to Hindu traditions, prompting widespread discussion among users questioning why the ceremony was held under Hindu customs.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)

Indian media clarified that Zareen Khan was born into a Hindu family. Before her marriage, she was known as Zareen Katrak. After marrying actor-producer Sanjay Khan, she adopted the surname ‘Khan’ but never converted to Islam, according to reports.

Following her passing, her family conducted her last rites under Hindu rituals. The ceremony was attended by several prominent Bollywood personalities, including Hrithik Roshan, Jaya Bachchan, Shweta Bachchan Nanda, Rani Mukerji, Jackie Shroff, and Bobby Deol.

Zareen Katrak’s early life, marriage & career

Zareen first met Sanjay Khan at the age of 14 through her mother, Bibi Fatima Begum Khan. The two began dating in 1966 and later married. The couple had four children: Sussanne Khan, Simone Arora, Farah Ali Khan, and Zayed Khan.

Before her marriage, Zareen had a brief but memorable stint in the Indian film industry, appearing in films such as Tere Ghar Ke Saamne and Ek Phool Do Maali.

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal welcome baby boy

Katrina Kaif

Bollywood stars Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal have welcomed a baby boy, the couple announced on Instagram.

Sharing the good news with fans, Vicky Kaushal posted that the couple has been blessed with a son. “Our little bundle of joy is here. With immense love and gratitude, we welcome our baby,” he wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09)

He also revealed the newborn’s date of birth, stating that their son arrived on 7 November 2025.

Soon after the announcement, fellow actors, fans, and followers flooded the couple’s social media with congratulatory messages and prayers for the newborn.

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal tied the knot on 9 December 2021 in a grand royal-style wedding at a Rajasthan resort.

Mehmood Akhtar claims western funding influencing drama themes

Mehmood Akhtar

KARACHI: Pakistani veteran actor Mehmood Akhtar has alleged that Western funding is being directed toward the production of local dramas based on specific themes.

In an interview, Akhtar said that the entertainment industry has undergone a drastic shift over the years. He noted that while almost everything has changed, one thing that stood out in the past was the strong quality of scriptwriting.

He said that the popularity of digest-based stories later brought a decline in content quality, claiming that it “ruined the essence of storytelling.”

Akhtar further alleged that a major issue facing the industry today is what he termed a “big scandal,” claiming that substantial amounts of money are flowing in from the West to promote certain themes in dramas.

According to him, such funding is contributing to “distortion within society,” negatively influencing younger generations. He added that these funds push specific agendas, yet “no one seems bothered,” warning that if this continues, the societal impact could be severe.

Miss Universe in turmoil after Thai official calls Miss Mexico ‘Dumb’

Miss Universe

BANGKOK: The Miss Universe 2025 event in Thailand has come under fire after several contestants walked out in protest over what they described as “humiliating and disrespectful behavior” toward Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch.

According to international media reports, the controversy erupted when the pageant’s Executive Director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, allegedly made an inappropriate remark toward Miss Mexico during a live event.

The situation escalated when Nawat questioned Fatima Bosch about her absence from a promotional photoshoot and, in front of the audience, called her “dumb.” The exchange immediately soured the atmosphere, prompting outrage among participants and viewers alike.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by amusestan (@amusestan)

A video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, with several contestants condemning the remarks as degrading and walking out in solidarity with Miss Mexico.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by World Beauty Queen Press (@wpressofficial)

Contestant Victoria Thielvig said the treatment of Miss Mexico was “against the standards of any international competition.”

In a statement posted online, Fatima Bosch said she “will not remain silent like cattle” and vowed to continue speaking up for women’s dignity and respect, declaring, “No one can silence our voices.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pageantry_com (@pageantry_com)

Social media users also rallied behind Miss Mexico, harshly criticizing the Thai executive director’s conduct and calling for his removal from the post.

In response, the Miss Universe Organization issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to treating all participants with respect, noting that an internal investigation is underway and measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Javeria Saud says ‘perfect-looking’ couples often face hidden marital issues

Javeria Saud

KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani actress and television host Javeria Saud has said that couples who appear to have “perfect” marriages are often the ones struggling with hidden relationship issues.

Speaking on a morning show recently, Javeria Saud discussed the topic of husbands’ infidelity and the misconceptions people have about ideal relationships.

She said that in real life — unlike in dramas — if a couple seems flawless and a husband appears to be overly caring and attentive, it can sometimes indicate that “he is involved in an extramarital relationship.”

Explaining her point, the actress added, “Such men tend to overcompensate to avoid suspicion. They buy gifts, act extra sweet, and try to make their wives feel secure.”

Sharing a lighthearted personal example, Javeria remarked, “If my husband Saud suddenly becomes too nice to me, I immediately ask him if he needs something or if there’s something going on. Later, I find out it’s usually about the kids or some small favor.”

Hamza Ali Abbasi opens up about surviving life-threatening illness in childhood

Hamza Ali Abbasi

KARACHI: Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi has opened up about a serious illness he faced during childhood, revealing that he suffered from a severe kidney condition known as nephritis.

Clips from a recent interview of the actor have gone viral on social media, in which Hamza confirmed that he was diagnosed with the disease as a child. “It was a very strange and painful time,” he recalled. “I was around eight or twelve years old when I went through intense suffering. In this disease, your kidneys start to fail without any clear reason.”

Sharing the emotional experience, Hamza said that his mother prayed fervently for his recovery. “My mother spread out the prayer mat and cried before Allah,” he said. “Alhamdulillah, I was blessed with complete healing.”

During the interview, Hamza also shared that he had once promised his mother that if he passed the CSS exam, he would not pursue a government job. “I passed with good marks,” he said. “I even trained and joined the police department for a while, but my passion was acting, and eventually, I convinced my mother to let me follow my dream.”

Hamza Ali Abbasi, known for his powerful performances and outspoken nature, continues to inspire fans with his honesty and resilience both on and off screen.

Actor Zahid Ahmed issues clarification after backlash over podcast remarks

Actor Zahid Ahmed

KARACHI: Pakistani actor Zahid Ahmed has issued a clarification on social media following backlash over his recent controversial remarks, saying that his words were taken out of context.

The controversy began after Zahid’s comments in a podcast went viral, where he appeared to use harsh language about social media and digital creators.

In a clarification video posted on Instagram, Zahid explained that his statement was misunderstood.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zahid Ahmed (@zahid.ahmed.official)

“I was talking about content makers on social media, not digital creators,” he said. “I wrongly called them people destined for hell — that was my mistake. I spoke in the heat of the moment and regret saying that because it’s not my place to judge anyone’s fate.”

Pakistani actor Zahid Ahmed has said that only Allah has the authority to judge people, adding that he wanted to correct his statement because many young people look up to him and he did not wish to send a wrong message about religion.

“I wanted to clarify my words because many youngsters are influenced by me,” Zahid said in his video message. “It is Allah’s job to decide anyone’s fate, not mine.”

His clarification drew mixed reactions on social media.

Many users praised Zahid for showing humility and courage by admitting his mistake, calling it a sign of maturity.

However, others mocked his change of stance, sarcastically commenting that “Zahid Ahmed’s software has been updated,” implying that he altered his statement in response to public backlash.

Ustad Naseeruddin Sami to receive ‘Patron’s Award’ at Aga Khan Music Awards

Ustad Naseeruddin

KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani classical vocalist Ustad Naseeruddin Sami will be honoured with the ‘Patron’s Award’ at the Aga Khan Music Awards 2025, in recognition of his lifelong contribution to preserving the ancient Sufi tradition of Khyal Gayaki.

According to the organizers, the award celebrates Ustad Sami’s efforts in reviving and promoting Pakistan’s rich classical heritage on a global stage.

The Aga Khan Music Awards ceremony will be held in London from November 20 to 23, during which the Sami family from Pakistan and the Warsi Brothers from India will jointly receive the prestigious honour on November 21.

The Sami family’s musical legacy has played a pivotal role in introducing Pakistan’s classical traditions to international audiences.

King Shah Rukh Khan continues to defy age with fitness and charm

King Shah Rukh Khan

MUMBAI: As Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan approaches his 60th birthday, his youthful energy and fitness continue to amaze fans and critics alike.

Known not only for his acting prowess but also for maintaining remarkable fitness, the actor remains one of the most admired figures in the Indian film industry.

Recently, Shah Rukh interacted with fans on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) through a question-and-answer session, where admirers once again praised his timeless charisma and discipline.

During the session, a fan asked Shah Rukh Khan how he manages to look younger with every passing year, jokingly wondering if it was due to “black magic or a skincare routine.”

In his trademark witty style, the superstar replied, “The truth is, it’s because ‘dil to bachcha hai ji’ (the heart is still young), and beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.”

In another light-hearted exchange, a fan asked Shah Rukh Khan, “How are you so handsome?”

Responding with his signature charm, the actor wrote, “I think age suits me.”

It is worth mentioning that in a past interview, Shah Rukh Khan spoke about his fitness routine, revealing that he eats only two meals a day — lunch and dinner — and avoids snacking in between.

The actor further shared that he is not fond of elaborate dishes, saying, “I don’t enjoy rich food; I prefer grilled chicken, broccoli, and lentils. These are the meals I’ve been having for years.”

Singer Naseebo Lal welcomes arrival of her grandson

Singer Naseebo Lal

KARACHI: Pakistani singer Naseebo Lal has announced that she has become a grandmother, putting an end to recent rumors circulating on social media.

For the past few days, various social media platforms had been abuzz with claims that the 56-year-old singer had given birth to a baby boy.

A photo of Naseebo Lal with her husband and a newborn child had also been widely circulated online, adding to the speculation.

In the viral picture, Naseebo Lal could be seen joyfully looking at a newborn while dressed in a red outfit, with her husband also present in the photo.

However, breaking her silence over the circulating rumors, Naseebo Lal has now clarified the truth to her fans.

Pakistani singer Naseebo Lal expressed gratitude to God in a Facebook post, announcing, “Alhamdulillah, I have become a grandmother.”

Earlier, the singer had shared a photo of the newborn on Facebook, asking fans to suggest beautiful and unique names for the baby boy.

Meanwhile, a video has also surfaced on social media showing Naseebo Lal singing at a hospital.

According to details shared on the page, the singer performed her popular song “Kadi Te Hans Bol Ve” to celebrate the birth of her grandson with the hospital staff.