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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Humaira Asghar’s Brother Raises Questions Over Her Death

Humaira Asghar’s tragic death and its horrific details have deeply grieved the nation. Pakistanis are now demanding a free and fair investigation into the incident. Many Pakistani celebrities have raised their voices for Humaira Asghar, while her family has actively given interviews to local digital media platforms.

Lately, Humaira Asghar’s brother spoke with Lahore-based YouTuber Ali Hamza and expressed his suspicions about her death. He urged the authorities to investigate the landlord, her colleagues from recent projects, and her travel history.

Talking about it, Naveed Asghar said, “In my opinion, it should be properly investigated. The landlord’s data should be collected, his CDR should be obtained, and it should be investigated how long he has been residing in Karachi and whether he has any links in Lahore as well.”

Naveed also said, “Investigation officers have informed me that the back door was open when they entered. The terrace was continuously open, which is why the smell didn’t spread in the front area it was a pre-planned murder. They did it with proper planning.”

He further added, “I also want to request the authorities to investigate her travel history,y whether she used to travel alone or with anyon,e because we are 90 % sure that it was a murder.”

He also requested the authorities to investigate her colleagues at her last projects. He further added, ”I don’t know why her colleagues aren’t giving proper information, are they afraid of someone? They should cooperate in this regard if they are clear regarding everything. It should be checked properly.”

Celebrities

Tazeen Hussain Says Faisal Rehman Is a ‘Riot’ on Set

What’s It Like Reuniting with a Co-Star After 28 Years? For Tazeen Hussain, It Feels Like No Time Has Passed at All

When Tazeen Hussain reunited with fellow actor Faisal Rehman after 28 years, she picked up right where they left off—as if no time had passed.

“It didn’t feel like 28 years. It felt like 28 minutes—or even 28 seconds!” she recalled, referring to her onscreen husband in Qarze Jaan (2024), during a resurfaced clip from The Rafay Mahmood Podcast. Longtime fans of Pakistani television may remember their first pairing in Shahpar (1997), but for Tazeen, the decades in between haven’t changed a thing.

“Faisal hasn’t changed much—and he told me I haven’t either!” she added. “He’s a riot to work with. That’s how it was back then, and that’s exactly how it is now.”

Tazeen praised Faisal’s spontaneous energy on set, crediting his knack for improvisation. “A lot of our scenes involved improv. He’s amazing at it,” she explained.

She also pointed out Faisal’s playful tendency to tweak scenes without warning. “He’s very clever!” she laughed. “He knows if he tells me what he’s planning, I won’t agree. So he just does it on camera!”

Despite the surprises, Tazeen said their chemistry allows her to respond with instinct. “My reactions to him are totally natural,” she admitted.

Reflecting on one particularly challenging scene—her wedding night sequence in Qarze Jaan—Tazeen revealed how Faisal’s presence helped her stay grounded. “I was so stressed and told [director] Saqib [Khan] I couldn’t do it. But Faisal calmed me down, and the scene turned out beautifully. It worked because he was with me. Having that level of comfort with your co-actor makes all the difference.”

Tazeen praised Faisal for fostering a respectful, relaxed environment on set. “He respects all his co-stars, whether they’re new or experienced,” she said. “And he owns what he does—he’s totally shameless and unapologetic about it. That’s what makes him who he is.”

Also Read: Tazeen Hussain Starts a New Chapter with Her Marriage

Celebrities

Meera Makes Emotional Appeal to UK for Visa

The acclaimed actress promptly reported the theft to the local authorities, pointing fingers at one of her domestic help as the prime suspect of Meera's house theft.

Renowned Pakistani actress Meera has issued a heartfelt plea to British authorities, requesting the United Kingdom to consider her visa application on humanitarian grounds. The Lollywood star, whose real name is Syeda Irtiza Rubab, is seeking entry into the UK to visit her ailing sister undergoing cancer treatment in London.

Addressing the UK High Commission and High Commissioner Jane Marriott, Meera said, “My home is in London. My family lives there. My sister is battling cancer and I need to be by her side. I humbly ask the UK authorities to grant me a visa on merit.”

Meera submitted a new visa application this week after a string of setbacks. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the UK immigration authorities had imposed a 10-year entry ban on her—a restriction that has now expired. The ban was reportedly the result of miscommunication during an English-language interview, which caused confusion and led to her movements being restricted by immigration officials.

Following the expiry of the ban, Meera’s attempt to re-enter the UK hit yet another roadblock when her travel agent mistakenly submitted incorrect information, resulting in a denial due to “false representation.” Meera has since confirmed that she is now taking matters into her own hands and will reapply with complete transparency.

Her mother, Shafqat Zahra Bukhari, has also stepped forward in support, emphasizing that Meera’s family home is in London, and several film projects — in which Meera plays lead roles — are currently stalled due to her absence. “The ban is over. She should be allowed to enter. Meera is a respected artist and has worked hard for her place. Let her reunite with her family,” she appealed.

Meera’s younger sister lives in Germany, while another sister — a qualified solicitor — resides in London. Her mother spends most of her time in the UK at the family home, which was reportedly purchased with Meera’s earnings from her acting career.

Despite her frequent travel to the United States as a Green Card holder, Meera’s inability to enter the UK remains a deeply personal and professional setback.