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

Adnan Shah Tipu

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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Saba Qamar Returns to TV Spotlight

Saba Qamar

Saba Qamar makes a powerful comeback to television with Pamaal, an upcoming drama that explores emotional trauma, identity, and resilience.

Set to air soon on Green Entertainment, Pamaal features Saba as Malika — a character shaped by personal struggle and the woman who raised her.

The drama’s first teaser has already sparked buzz online, showcasing Saba’s raw, emotionally charged performance that hints at a deeply moving story.

Known for fearless roles in Cheekh, Baaghi, Fraud, and Sangat, Saba continues to embrace narratives that go beyond surface-level storytelling. She also earned critical acclaim for her film work in Lahore Se Agay and Hindi Medium, strengthening her status in both TV and cinema.

With over 6.2 million followers, Saba quickly stirred reactions from fans who called the teaser “powerful” and “relatable.”

Taking to social media, Saba shared her personal connection to Pamaal and urged women to watch it with open hearts. She clarified that the drama doesn’t follow a typical romantic plot but instead reflects how women often lose themselves trying to meet others’ expectations.

“This is about real women who hide their pain behind smiles, who are strong even when they’re breaking inside,” she wrote.

She explained that Malika’s story captures the quiet endurance and emotional exhaustion many women live with daily. “Most women will see a part of themselves in Malika — in her silence, her strength, and in the battles no one else sees,” she added.

Saba emphasized that Pamaal is more than just a drama — it’s a mirror meant to inspire healing, self-worth, and introspection. She hopes viewers will see themselves in the story and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone.

Written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah, known for emotionally rich storytelling, and directed by Khizer Idrees, with Tehreem Chaudhary as producer, Pamaal promises to deliver one of the year’s most compelling serials.

As anticipation builds, Saba Qamar’s heartfelt connection to the project suggests Pamaal may soon leave a lasting mark on Pakistani television.

Also Read: Saba Qamar Joins UNICEF Campaign Against Child Marriage

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Mehwish Hayat Defends Sahir Lodhi

Mehwish Hayat

Actress Mehwish Hayat responded to the viral trend of celebrities and influencers imitating Sahir Lodhi on social media, urging people to practice kindness and respect.

Recently, Sahir Lodhi’s official social media accounts shared videos showing him seemingly “unaware” while preparing for meetings. These clips, which appeared overly staged and featured repetitive expressions, quickly went viral.

As the videos circulated, social media users flooded them with humorous comments. Several well-known actors and influencers—such as Faisal Qureshi, Yasir Nawaz, and Aijaz Aslam—joined the trend by posting light-hearted imitations of Sahir’s dramatic style.

What began as routine content turned into meme material as celebrities and influencers mimicked Lodhi’s behavior, drawing massive attention online.

However, Mehwish Hayat stepped in to call out the mockery. She defended Sahir Lodhi and urged people to show more compassion.

“Every human being deserves basic respect,” Mehwish wrote on Instagram. “One should not abandon the rule of decency and gentleness while criticizing someone’s style.”

She emphasized Sahir Lodhi’s dedication, stating, “He’s worked consistently, shown up with passion, and built a name in an industry that’s not easy to survive in. It’s really not fair how some people mock him, forgetting that he’s human, just like the rest of us.”

She concluded by saying, “You don’t have to agree with someone’s style or choices, but basic respect should never go out of fashion. Let’s normalize kindness, especially toward those who keep showing up, no matter what the world throws at them!”

Also Read: Mehwish Hayat, Yo Yo Honey Singh Could Face UK Performance Ban

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Shahid Afridi Hits Back at Indian Players After WCL Match Fallout

When cricket fans tuned in expecting a clash of legends at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, they were instead met with disappointment—and controversy. The much-awaited India-Pakistan encounter was cancelled abruptly. Now, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has broken his silence, lashing out at Indian players for what he calls “politics overshadowing sport.”

The cancellation came amid heightened geopolitical tensions following the recent Pahalgam attacks and Operation Sindoor. Several Indian players, including Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan reportedly opted out of the game, citing public sentiment. While official confirmations were few, Shikhar Dhawan publicly shared an email with organizers declaring his withdrawal, calling it a personal decision in light of recent events.

But for Shahid Afridi, the turn of events was both disheartening and unnecessary.

“We are here to play cricket,” he told reporters, visibly frustrated. “Cricket should rise above politics. A player must act like an ambassador, not someone who becomes a source of embarrassment for their country.”

Afridi didn’t hold back. He questioned the timing of the Indian withdrawals, highlighting the fact that both teams had already arrived, trained, and prepared. “If India didn’t want to play, they should’ve said so before we all came here. What’s the point of pulling out at the last minute after everything’s been arranged?”

Addressing the elephant in the room, whether his presence was the trigger, Afridi responded with humility: “If I had even the slightest idea that my presence would lead to the match being called off, I wouldn’t have stepped onto the ground. Who is Shahid Afridi compared to cricket? Nothing. Cricket should go on; it’s bigger than all of us.”

The ex-skipper also expressed concern over the role of politics in eroding the spirit of sportsmanship. “Sport is supposed to build bridges, not burn them,” he said. “If politics keeps creeping in, how can we ever move forward? Lack of dialogue only deepens mistrust.”

Afridi acknowledged that while disagreements are inevitable, players should lead by example, especially those who once carried the hopes of millions. “We came here not just to play, but to connect, to sit together, talk, and maybe heal a few wounds. Sadly, one or two negative voices can ruin the opportunity for everyone.”

Read more: Shaheen Afridi Melts Hearts With Adorable Video of Son Aliyaar’s First Steps

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