Celebrities

Adnan Shah Tipu: If Hollywood Cast Like Pakistan, Al Pacino Would Quit

Adnan Shah Tipu, a familiar face in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, reflected on his 25-year journey during an interview with BBC Urdu. Known for his dynamic performances, Tipu has carved out a niche as a character actor but believes the industry’s preference for appearance over talent remains a major obstacle for true talent to thrive.

In the interview, Tipu expressed that he doesn’t mind whether his characters have shorter or longer screen time as long as they resonate with him. “For me, whether a character is one page long or 10 pages long, if it makes sense to me, it’s a challenge. And if I can bring some positive change in society through that character, then why not?” he explained.

Adnan Shah Tipu and his Thoughts

The In Flames actor also discussed his career as a character actor, lamenting that Pakistan’s entertainment industry still hasn’t fully embraced character-driven films and shows. “I’ve always considered myself a hero, whether in a leading or supporting role. It’s the quality of work that makes you a hero or a zero,” he emphasized.

Contrasting this with the global scene, he highlighted actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui in India, saying, “In India, Nawazuddin can land a leading role because the film revolves around the character, not his appearance. Here, even if they create a character-driven film, they’ll cast someone who doesn’t fit the role to play it.”

Adnan Shah Tipu openly expressed his frustration with the Pakistani entertainment industry’s obsession with appearance and social media following. He stated, “If people around the world started casting actors based on our standards and their following, actors like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino would quit.”

He also highlighted another issue that restricts the diversity of actors in the industry. “With the type of stories we’re focusing on, we’ll never achieve the diversity needed to cast a range of actors,” he said, stressing the need for more nuanced storytelling that allows talented but unconventional actors to take the spotlight.

Tipu praised filmmakers like Kashif Nisar for breaking this mold, citing Nisar’s bold choice to cast Ehteshamuddin in the lead role of Kabuli Pulao as an example of change.

Switching Off the Villain

The conversation also delved into the psychological effects of playing dark characters. Tipu acknowledged the toll repeated villainous roles can take on an actor’s mental health. “Yes, it affects you, but you have to remember it’s just acting. When you come home and see your wife and kids, that’s your reality check.”

He stressed the importance of learning how to “switch on and switch off” to avoid emotional burnout.

When asked about facing real-life backlash for his real-life villains, Tipu revealed that he often receives hate comments online. He also shared a startling encounter: “I was on a bike with my daughter when a man stopped me and said I deserved what was happening to my character in the drama,” Tipu recalled, adding that such reactions should be seen as compliments. “If this happens, it means you’ve done a great job as an actor.”

Refusing to Be Typecast

Tipu’s career hasn’t been without its struggles. He talked about the challenges of securing serious roles despite his critically acclaimed performance in Khamosh Pani. After his success in the sitcom Sub Set Hai, he received 36 sitcom offers, all of which he had to reject in order to pursue more serious roles. “I went hungry for two years because I didn’t want to be pigeonholed into one style or genre.”

For Tipu, versatility is the essence of acting. “Comedy lets me experiment and lighten the mood, while serious roles allow me to deeply explore emotions. It’s essential to keep growing and challenging yourself. Otherwise, what’s the point?”

The Road Ahead

Despite the challenges, Tipu remains optimistic about change. He pointed to his recent leading role in the film 13 as a sign of progress, though he admitted the change is slower than he’d like. “Things are evolving, but not at the pace we’d prefer. Globally, the focus has shifted to character-driven stories.”

Also Read: Adnan Shah Tipu On Losing Film With Madhuri Dixit

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Celebrities

The Evil Eye Took a Toll on My Family: Nida Yasir

The morning show queen and beloved TV personality Nida Yasir has revealed how the evil eye — a concept often brushed off in modern circles — silently crept into her life and affected her family in profound ways.

Known for her radiant personality and infectious energy, Nida has been a household name for nearly two decades. Hosting ARY Digital’s morning show for 16 years, producing popular films and dramas like Chakkar, Mehrunissa V Lub U, Wrong Number, and Nadaniyan, and building an Instagram following of 2.6 million, Nida Yasir has long lived life in the public eye. But now, she’s reflecting on how that very openness may have come with an unseen cost.

During a heartfelt conversation, Nida candidly shared how her children repeatedly fell ill whenever she shared their pictures online. “It’s almost like clockwork,” she said. “Every time I posted their photos, they would get sick. It stopped me in my tracks. That’s when I realized what the evil eye truly means.” Her reflection wasn’t rooted in superstition, but in a pattern she couldn’t ignore. “It’s tried and tested,” she added. “Now I understand why people cover their kids’ faces with emojis. I used to wonder—but not anymore.”

Even today, as she marked her 23rd wedding anniversary with Yasir Nawaz, Nida cautiously prayed for protection from negative energies while sharing a celebratory reel. Married for over two decades and raising three children, the couple has often been seen as an ideal showbiz pair. But behind the glitz and glam, Nida admits, “I have always worn my heart on my sleeve. I love sharing my happiness—with my friends, my viewers, and even strangers. That’s just who I am. But sometimes, even pure joy needs protection.”

Her revelation resonates with many in the entertainment industry and beyond, including actress Beena Chaudhary, who confessed that posting pictures with her husband often led to unexpected arguments on the same day.

Celebrities

HSY Defends Fawad Khan Against On-going Criticism

Fawad Khan is among the biggest stars of Pakistan. He has given many hit projects to Pakistan before he shited focus on his Bollywood career. HSY on the other hand is one of the biggest designers and actors of Pakistan and he is friends with Fawad. Recently Fawad is going through a lot of criticism. It all started with the star promoting his upcoming Indian film Abir Gulaal which then got shelved after the Pahalgam Attacks.

Fawad Khan who never makes any political remarks condemned the attacks. Later on a war started between the two countries and after remaining silent, Fawad shared his side in a measured way as to not offend either side. This made Pakistani people criticize him more as he did not openly support Pakistan. HSY just spoke to journalist Ambreen Fatima and she asked his opinion on the criticism on Fawad Khan.

HSY defended Fawad Khan as he shared that Fawad is a great friend of his. No one can actually tell what is going on in someone’s heart but he knows how big a patriot Fawad is and how much he loves his country.

HSY further added that he also understands where people are coming from. We were all very angry after India’s attack and since people make stars who they are, they feel stars are a part of their lives. They expected more to come from their favourite actor which might not have come. He cannot say anything about if Fawad Khan was pressurized or not as he does not have those details. He knows Fawad and knows he is patriotic but he also understands people’s feelings and criticism.

Celebrities

Nadia Jamil Reveals She Waited 15 Years to Meet Her Soulmate

In a world of swipe-right romances and headline-making divorces, Nadia Jamil steps in as a refreshing reminder of what lasting love truly looks like. On Friday, the actor and activist took to X (formerly Twitter) with a heartfelt post that unfolded like a Bollywood film—full of soul, wisdom, and zero theatrics.

“We were 14 and 15,” she wrote, diving into a teenage love story that nearly didn’t survive family objections, long-distance hurdles, and a global pandemic. She described herself as an “emotional romantic artist” from a liberal home, while he was a “stoic finance whizz kid” from a conservative family. All parents disapproved. But love persisted.

Nadia waited 15 years to marry him—longer than many celebrity marriages last. When they finally wed, their union began a journey defined by resilience, shared challenges, and slow, steady growth.

“The marriage itself is such a story,” she shared. “It’s had its ups and downs. We are both strong personalities, but we both held on.”

True to her honest and graceful style, Nadia didn’t gloss over the hard parts. She recounted the strain of living apart—she in Cambridge with the kids, he in Lahore supporting family. Cancer, grief, financial setbacks, and parenting from different continents tested their bond. But those trials also brought them closer.

To Nadia, the real secret is respect—being flexible, growing emotionally, and holding space for each other’s evolution.

And the love story continues: their eldest son is now engaged, and Nadia is proudly stepping into the role of mother-in-law to a “fantastic young woman.”

Now mentoring other couples, Nadia draws from her own experience. Her advice? Marry your best friend—the one who grows with you, learns with you, and stays when things get tough.

Also Read: Nadia Jamil Reveals How Imran Khan Saved Her From Police