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Danish Taimoor clarifies viral Ronaldo remark after social media backlash

Danish Taimoor

KARACHI: Pakistani actor Danish Taimoor has clarified his recent remarks about football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo after they sparked debate on social media, saying his comments were misunderstood and were intended only as a tribute to one of his favorite athletes.

Taimoor recently paid tribute to Ronaldo ahead of what could be the footballer’s final FIFA World Cup, saying he had “grown up watching” the Portuguese star.

The remark drew criticism from some social media users, who pointed out that Taimoor is about two years older than Ronaldo.

Responding to the criticism, the actor shared a statement on Instagram, explaining that his words had been taken out of context.

“I am, Alhamdulillah, 43 years old,” Taimoor wrote. He said he meant that he had followed Ronaldo’s career from his own twenties into his forties and had remained an admirer throughout the footballer’s journey.

Following the clarification, many social media users came to Taimoor’s defense, arguing that his original comment was a figure of speech that had been unnecessarily turned into a controversy.

Several fans said they had understood his intended meaning from the outset, while others criticized what they described as an attempt to create unnecessary online drama over an emotional tribute.

Taimoor has long been known as a football enthusiast and has frequently expressed his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo on various occasions.

Ali Rehman Khan, Sonya Hussyn to star together in new film ‘Double Siyapa’

Ali Rehman Khan

KARACHI: Actors Ali Rehman Khan and Sonya Hussyn are set to share the screen for the first time as lead stars in the upcoming feature film Double Siyapa.

Directed by Kashif Saleem, the film is scheduled to begin shooting in the United Kingdom next week. The project has already generated excitement among fans following its official announcement.

In addition to Ali Rehman Khan and Sonya Hussyn, the cast includes Dodi Khan and Saif Ali Khan in key roles. The filmmakers have yet to reveal details about the storyline, but the ensemble cast has raised expectations for an entertaining production.

Ali Rehman Khan is among Pakistan’s leading actors, having earned acclaim for his performances in television dramas including Parchayee, Suno Chanda and Gudi, as well as the feature film Parey Hut Love.

Sonya Hussyn has also established herself as one of Pakistan’s most versatile actresses through acclaimed performances in dramas such as Ishq Zahe Naseeb, Saraab, Tere Bina and Mere Humdum Mere Dost. She has also expanded her career into films with a variety of roles.

Although Double Siyapa remains in its early stages of production, its international filming location and star-studded cast have already generated considerable interest ahead of its release.

British Pakistani doctor Azqa Sohail crowned Miss Supranational Pakistan 2026

British Pakistani doctor

LONDON: British Pakistani doctor Azqa Sohail has been crowned Miss Supranational Pakistan 2026 and will represent Pakistan at the Miss Supranational 2026 pageant in Poland.

Miss Supranational is regarded as one of the world’s five major international beauty pageants, bringing together contestants from across the globe to showcase their countries’ culture, traditions, social initiatives and personal achievements.

Sohail is a medical doctor and aesthetic practitioner based in the United Kingdom. Alongside her medical career, she is actively involved in women’s empowerment initiatives and serves on the board of Adana, a London-based charitable organization focused on education, welfare and social development for women and girls.

She said community service remains an important part of her life and credited her mother as her greatest inspiration. Sohail said her mother, who came from a small village in Punjab’s Malkwal district, rose through education and determination to become a college principal in the United Kingdom.

Representing Pakistan on the international stage for the first time, Sohail said she considers the opportunity a major milestone and hopes to highlight Pakistan’s culture, traditions, values and the achievements of its women during the competition.

Miss Pakistan Organization President Sonia Ahmed congratulated Sohail on her selection, noting that Miss Supranational is among the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants and that Sohail will become the third contestant to represent Pakistan in the competition.

Ahmed expressed confidence that Sohail’s talent, confidence and personality would enable her to deliver a strong performance and achieve success for Pakistan.

Karachi court sentences man to death twice in anchor murder case

Karachi court

KARACHI: A district court in Karachi has sentenced the main accused, Atif Zaman, to death on two counts in the 2019 murder case of television anchor Mureed Abbas and his friend Khizar Hayat.

The verdict was delivered by the Additional District and Sessions Court (South), which announced its decision seven years after the case was filed. Proceedings were conducted at the Judicial Complex inside Karachi Central Jail.

The court found Atif Zaman guilty of murdering Abbas and Hayat and ordered him to pay compensation of Rs500,000 to the legal heirs of each victim.

In addition to the death sentences, the court sentenced Zaman to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs50,000 for possessing illegal weapons.

The court also issued permanent arrest warrants for absconding co-accused Adil Zaman and directed authorities to continue legal proceedings against him.

Adil Zaman was declared a proclaimed offender after fleeing following the rejection of his bail plea by Pakistan’s Supreme Court.

Television anchor Mureed Abbas and Khizar Hayat were shot dead in Karachi on July 9, 2019.

Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira to headline World Cup final halftime show

Justin Bieber

NEW JERSEY: The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature the tournament’s first-ever halftime show, with a star-studded lineup of international music artists set to perform.

The halftime show will take place during the World Cup final on July 19 at New Jersey Stadium, featuring performances by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and South Korean pop group BTS.

Also scheduled to perform are Nigerian singer Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, British rock band Coldplay and the PS22 Chorus.

Justin Bieber said it was an honor to be part of the event, adding that the FIFA World Cup brings people together from around the globe.

Organizers also announced that beloved characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets will make appearances during the historic halftime show.

Diljit Dosanjh took nominal fee for ‘Sutlej,’ director reveals

Diljit Dosanjh

MUMBAI: Indian singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh did not charge his usual acting fee for the historical drama Sutlej, according to the film’s director, who said the star accepted only a nominal payment to fulfill contractual requirements.

In a previously recorded interview that has resurfaced on social media, director Honey Trehan said Dosanjh was deeply committed to portraying Sikh human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and viewed the role as a responsibility rather than a commercial project.

Trehan said the film’s limited budget would not have allowed the production to hire Dosanjh at his standard market rate. According to the director, the actor never asked for payment and accepted only a token amount because a formal contract required compensation.

The director also said Dosanjh had long wanted to make a film about Khalra’s life. Trehan told him he had already completed research on the subject and secured the rights from Khalra’s family, after which the actor immediately agreed to take on the role.

Sutlej, released on July 3, is based on the alleged 1995 abduction and subsequent events involving Khalra. The film was removed from the streaming platform ZEE5 two days after its release, prompting discussion online, though no official explanation for its removal has been announced.

Wasim Abbas opens up about divorce from Saba Hameed

Wasim Abbas

ISLAMABAD: Veteran actor Wasim Abbas has confirmed for the first time that he and fellow actor Saba Hameed are divorced, saying the couple had been living separately for the past 14 years before their 29-year marriage was legally dissolved.

In a recent interview, Abbas said the separation was amicable and that the two continued to maintain a cordial relationship despite ending their marriage. He said they worked together on various projects after separating and occasionally met as friends.

Abbas said there was no bitterness between them and that he would be willing to work with Hameed again if offered a suitable role. He added that neither had spoken negatively about the other in public and that they had always prioritized mutual respect.

Reflecting on the divorce, Abbas said he did not regret the decision, explaining that the emotional bond necessary to sustain the marriage had faded over time. He also noted that the couple did not have children together.

Asked about remarriage, Abbas said he did not consider his second marriage entirely wrong at the time, but in hindsight believed it may not have been the right decision.

He added that he currently has no plans to marry again, saying he is now a grandfather and is content with his family life.

Hameed has not publicly commented on Abbas’ remarks.

Aamir Khan’s intimate wedding features custom ruby ring

Aamir Khan

MUMBAI:  Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt were married in a private registered ceremony at the actor’s Pali Hill residence in Mumbai on July 6, with only close family members in attendance.

The couple opted for a low-key celebration instead of a lavish celebrity wedding, keeping the event private and family-focused.

Much of the attention centered on Spratt’s custom-designed wedding ring, created by luxury jewelry brand Qween. The ring features a natural cabochon-cut ruby sourced from Madagascar, set in a crown-inspired gold design surrounded by 40 natural diamonds.

According to the jeweler, it took nearly three months to source the ruby, while the ring required more than 256 hours of craftsmanship involving 131 artisans.

Reports said Khan had previously commissioned another bespoke ring for Spratt featuring a rare aquamarine gemstone from Brazil, also surrounded by 40 natural diamonds.

For the ceremony, Spratt wore an embroidered pastel lehenga by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee instead of a traditional red bridal outfit. She paired the ensemble with a sheer dupatta, polki jewelry with emerald accents, understated makeup and a fishtail braid adorned with white flowers.

The couple’s sons also took part in the ceremony. Khan’s son, Azad Rao Khan, and Spratt’s son, Quinn, served as ring bearers, adding a personal touch to the intimate family celebration.

Isha Ambani showcases $2m diamond Birkin at Paris Fashion event

Isha Ambani

PARIS: Isha Ambani drew attention at Paris Haute Couture Week with a rare diamond-studded Hermès Birkin bag reportedly valued at about $2 million, overshadowing even her couture ensemble.

Ambani attended Indian designer Rahul Mishra’s runway show carrying the Hermès Birkin Sac Bijou, a highly exclusive piece regarded as one of the world’s most valuable handbags.

According to luxury resale platform Privé Porter and auction house Sotheby’s, the jeweled handbag is valued at approximately $2 million. Unlike a traditional Birkin, the miniature piece is designed as high jewelry rather than for everyday use.

Designed by Pierre Hardy for Hermès’ haute joaillerie collection, the bag is crafted from 18-karat white gold and set with 3,025 diamonds totaling more than 111 carats. It also features a crocodile-inspired texture in white gold.

Reports said the rare handbag belongs to Ambani’s mother, Nita Ambani.

Ambani paired the accessory with a gray couture gown featuring a sweetheart neckline, a corset-style bodice and intricate beadwork, along with diamond jewelry by designer Lorraine Schwartz, including a statement necklace, earrings and a diamond ring.

Boney Kapoor’s daughter Anshula Kapoor marries to Rohan Thakkar

Boney Kapoor'

MUMBAI: Anshula Kapoor, the daughter of film producer Boney Kapoor, has married her longtime partner, Rohan Thakkar, in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends.

Indian media reported that Anshula, the sister of actor Arjun Kapoor, shared photographs from the wedding on Instagram, confirming the marriage.

The images showed the couple taking part in traditional wedding ceremonies. One photograph also featured Anshula’s half-sisters, actresses Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor.

In a heartfelt caption accompanying the photos, Anshula expressed her love for her husband and revealed that the couple was married on July 6.

According to Indian media, the wedding was an intimate event attended by close relatives and friends.

Anshula Kapoor and Rohan Thakkar got engaged in July 2025 after dating for several years.