Celebrities

Faisal Qureshi says honesty drives lasting creative success

Faisal Qureshi has long been known for his sharp, fast-paced and socially aware humour. From Kollege Jeans and the popular 3×3 sketches to some of Pakistan’s most memorable commercials, the writer, director and satirist has played an important role in shaping local comedy.

In a recent interview, Qureshi explained that his humour does not come from loud performance or slapstick comedy, but from careful observation. He described himself as a serious person who finds comedy in real-life situations.

“I take humour out of seriousness,” he said, adding that everyday human behaviour often becomes the starting point for his characters. Whether it is a small gesture, an unusual interaction or a strange attitude, Qureshi said he observes people closely and later turns those details into creative material.

He also spoke about the challenges facing Pakistan’s film industry, saying that cinema requires scale, investment and infrastructure. According to him, audiences go to cinemas to experience something larger than life, but Pakistani filmmakers often struggle with limited budgets, few training institutions and a shortage of screens.

Qureshi said the lack of cinemas makes it difficult for films to recover their costs. He noted that when several films are released at the same time, each receives a limited number of screens, making sustainable earnings difficult.

He added that many passionate people enter the industry but eventually become discouraged because there is no clear future or stable structure for creative professionals.

Despite these challenges, Qureshi said failure is a natural part of the creative process. He compared it to great artists whose masterpieces come after many unsuccessful attempts, saying every flop can become a step toward better work.

The filmmaker also reflected on his business ventures, including a sugar-free traditional dessert brand and a children’s fine-dining restaurant in Karachi that later closed. He said he does not regret failed projects and sees them as part of learning.

Speaking about digital creators and the pressure to follow algorithms, Qureshi said young people often advise him to make certain types of reels because they attract money and views. However, he said he cannot create work that does not come from the heart.

According to him, audiences connect with work only when the creator is honest and emotionally invested in it.

Looking ahead, Qureshi said he remains hopeful about alternative media and believes audiences are now more open to different kinds of storytelling. However, he said the one thing he would like to see restored in Pakistan’s creative industries is honesty.

He concluded that if people are honest with themselves, their money and their work, everything else can fall into place.

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Celebrities

Sanam Jung questions Karachi’s e-challan system after six traffic fines

Pakistani actor and television host Sanam Jung says she received six traffic e-challans within a month of returning to Pakistan, claiming that several were issued for violations she did not commit.

In an Instagram video, Sanam said the repeated fines had frustrated her family, particularly her father. She accepted responsibility for the first challan, which was issued for using a mobile phone while driving.

However, she disputed some of the later fines, including one for allegedly not wearing a seat belt. Sanam said fastening a seat belt had become a regular habit during her time abroad and insisted that she never begins driving without it.

Questioning the accuracy of the system, she expressed concern over being penalised for offences she says did not occur.

Celebrities

Tipu Sharif laments Karachi’s disappearing trees and shrinking green spaces

Actor Tipu Sharif has urged Karachi residents to plant more trees as rapid development continues to shrink the city’s green spaces.

Sharing an Instagram video of himself distributing plantation supplies, Sharif encouraged people to take part in tree-planting drives. He remarked that many graveyards now appear greener than residential areas and called for living spaces to be made equally green.

The actor warned that Karachi is losing trees at an alarming rate, leading to hotter streets, poorer air quality, less shade and fewer birds.

Referring to the monsoon season, Sharif said it presented the ideal opportunity to increase the city’s greenery. “The monsoon season is starting in Karachi. There’s no better time to start planting trees. I request you guys to fill Karachi’s roads, footpaths, and alleys. Please plant trees everywhere and increase greenery,” he said.

Highlighting the city’s rapid construction and property developments, the actor warned that continued deforestation could lead to serious environmental and health concerns. “In Karachi, there is not even two per cent of trees left and there’s construction and development happening. After a few years, we won’t even be able to breathe,” he stated.

Regarding his own efforts to combat the issue, Sharif shared that he had been distributing agricultural material across different parts of the city. “Today I am at the forestry nursery, taking 200 peepal trees to be planted in different areas, cemeteries, and places where greenery is lacking,” he said.

“Just think, people who have already passed away have greener surroundings in these cemeteries, while people living today don’t have clean air to breathe. Why is this?” the actor questioned.

Concluding his message, Sharif wrote, “Our one simple goal is to leave behind shade for people we’ll probably never meet. A tree planted today is a gift to future generations. Let’s stop turning Karachi into a concrete jungle and start bringing life back, one tree at a time.”

Sharif is known for his performances in dramas including Tapish, Humrahi, and Sitaron Se Agay. Along with advocating for environmental conservation, the actor also runs an advocacy page on Instagram addressing issues regarding animal abuse and sharing content about distributing food among the homeless.

Celebrities

Waqar Hussain’s Beautiful Gesture For Female Workers Win Hearts

Waqar Hussain is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with many big names in the industry. He is also a versatile actor and his stint on Qudussi Sahab Ki Bewa is unmatched. He sat for a podcast and revealed a lesser known side of him. Fans are loving it and singing praises of him.

Waqar Hussain is also known for his bridal makeups. He makes the best brides in Pakistan but his greatness is not just limited to decorating brides. He revealed a great relationship that he shares with his female workers.

He shared that he has always treated his female workers as his own family. He has no daughter of his own but he has married off 10 girls who worked for him like his daughters. Mostly women do not continue to work after marriage but he is happy that he trained those women to have independent careers if they need it anytime.

The star is being applauded for his greatness. Babar Zaheer said, “You are great.” Another added, “So kind of you.” One said, “This is why Allah has blessed you.”