Connect with us

Celebrities

Fawad Khan Addresses Pakistan Idol Criticism

Fawad Khan

The revival of Pakistan Idol after a decade has brought a wave of powerful new voices, public excitement and a fair share of controversy.

The new judging panel includes Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Zeb Bangash, Bilal Maqsood, and Fawad Khan — with Fawad unexpectedly finding himself at the centre of debate.

Following criticism over his role as a judge, Fawad finally broke his silence. In a viral video, when asked what it felt like to be on the Pakistan Idol panel, he smiled and replied, “The nation knows what they want to know. Today everyone knows everything.”

He explained that Pakistan Idol is meant to give young artists a platform: “Whenever I sit in this chair, I remember Battle of the Bands. It was always about entertainment and discovering new talent. I cheer for these artists as part of the audience. It’s an honour to see them perform.”

Fawad added, “Only one person wins in the end, but being on such a stage introduces you to the world. It’s about exposure and opportunity.”

His response followed another viral clip from the Neelofar music launch in Lahore, where he joked, “No, I haven’t sung any song… Pakistan isn’t letting me sing,” earning laughs from fans for his lighthearted take on the backlash.

Earlier, singer Humaira Arshad criticised the show’s producers for “prioritising star power over musical authority,” implying that some judges lacked deep musical expertise. Her remarks reignited debate about reality shows focusing more on celebrity appeal than genuine talent discovery.

However, many have defended Fawad, pointing to his roots as lead vocalist of the rock band Entity Paradigm (EP), known for 2000s anthems like Hamesha and Waqt. Supporters also note that both Fawad and fellow judge Bilal Maqsood — of the legendary pop-rock duo Strings — bring valuable experience in performance, composition, and entertainment.

Read more: Faakhir’s Take On Fawad Khan Judging Pakistan Idol

Celebrities

Sania Saeed says Karachi needs jobs, not just transport projects

Sania Saeed

Senior Pakistani actor Sania Saeed has stated that transport infrastructure projects alone are insufficient to address Karachi’s urban challenges, emphasizing that job creation is the real solution to the city’s problems.

Speaking during a press interaction in Karachi, she highlighted the multiple difficulties the city faces and argued that development should not be limited to transportation initiatives.

She questioned the effectiveness of major transit systems, noting that without employment opportunities, such facilities serve little purpose for ordinary citizens. “If I don’t have a job, where will I go even if I can travel on a Green Line bus?” she remarked, pointing to the need for economic inclusion.

Saeed stressed that the true challenge lies in integrating people into the economy by creating sustainable job opportunities, particularly for young people. She said that without employment, transport projects alone cannot bring meaningful change. She further noted that Karachi’s rapid population growth demands a comprehensive strategy focused on employment, economic development, and urban planning.

According to her, genuine urban progress does not come from bus lines such as the Green, Orange, or Red Line, but from ensuring that people are economically empowered and able to contribute to the system.

Saeed urged policymakers to prioritize jobs and long-term economic planning so that the growing population can be better supported and future generations can enjoy improved prospects.

Read more: Sania Saeed Speaks On Divorce For The First Time

Continue Reading

Celebrities

“Men should step up”: Ayesha Omar, Aliya Ali speak on women’s safety

Aliya Ali and Ayesha Omar

Actors Aliya Ali and Ayesha Omar have called for stronger legal protections, greater accountability, and collective action to ensure women’s safety and rights, sharing their perspectives at an event in London.

Discussing how men perceive the idea of women not feeling safe around them, Omar remarked that if the situation were reversed and men felt unsafe around women, women would feel deeply ashamed of their behavior. “We will feel terrible about it,” she said, adding, “Men should sit together and really think about it.

If your daughter doesn’t feel safe, if my sister doesn’t feel safe, then what could be done to create a safe place for them?” She further emphasized, “It’s about time men step up and figure out a safe place for women,” urging men to advocate for women’s safety. Omar also spoke about finding acting as her purpose, stating that working on films that promote female empowerment is, for her, the next step in paving the way for the future.

Talking about the difficulties faced by women in everyday life, whether they are working women or homemakers, Aliya said that “until the system is strong enough, no change can occur for women’s rights.”

She further elaborated, saying, “If there is no law and order in place, enforcing punishment with force, the system will stay the same.”

Adding to this, she said that while many love marriages are taking place, in instances where a woman does not agree to a marriage proposal, her refusal should be respected rather than being met with threats of violence or death.

Through their remarks, both Ali and Omar highlighted the need for stronger legal protections, greater accountability, and a collective effort to create a safer environment where women’s choices, dignity, and rights are respected.

The discussion followed an event in London where Ali, well known for her work in Maann Aangan, performed a traditional dance routine on stage.

A video of the performance later surfaced online and attracted criticism from some social media users.

The post received mocking comments, with some users suggesting that everyone should close their eyes while watching it.

Some users compared her moves to those of children in a school play, while others asked people to turn their faces away from the performance.

The conversation, however, eventually moved beyond criticism of Aliya’s performance and shifted towards broader social concerns discussed by both actors during the event.

Read more: Ayesha Omar Reveals First Look of Mera Lyari

Continue Reading

Celebrities

Sajal Aly Opens Up About the Freedom She Finds On Screen

sajal Aly

One of Pakistan’s most celebrated actors, Sajal Aly, has shared a heartfelt glimpse into her relationship with acting, describing it as more than just a career; it is a space where she feels truly free to express herself.

During a recent masterclass hosted by renowned makeup artist and creative director Babar Zaheer, Sajal reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry and spoke candidly about the emotional connection she has developed with her craft over the years.

In an unreleased clip from the session that has since captured attention online, the actor revealed that she cannot imagine choosing any profession other than acting. According to Sajal, performing allows her to explore emotions and experiences that are often restricted by societal expectations.

She explained that many forms of self-expression can feel limited in everyday life, whether it is speaking openly, laughing freely, or displaying certain emotions without fear of judgment. Acting, she said, provides a rare opportunity to step beyond those boundaries and embrace different facets of human emotion.

For Sajal, the profession is not merely about playing characters on screen. It is a creative outlet that enables her to connect with feelings and perspectives that might otherwise remain unspoken. Her remarks struck a chord with fans, many of whom praised her honesty and admired the passion she continues to bring to her work.

The event generated further buzz when another clip surfaced on social media showing the actor revisiting one of the most memorable moments of her career. Sajal delighted attendees by singing the original soundtrack of her acclaimed drama O Rangreza, a song she first performed nearly a decade ago in 2017. The nostalgic performance quickly became a favorite among fans, who welcomed the chance to see a different side of the star.

Beyond discussions about acting, the masterclass also offered insights into the worlds of beauty, fashion, and creative expression. Sajal and Babar Zaheer engaged in conversations about makeup artistry, personal styling, and the artistic process behind creating memorable looks. Zaheer also spoke about his signature eye makeup techniques and his approach to fashion and beauty trends.

The admiration between the two creatives was evident throughout the event. Following the masterclass, Sajal shared a photograph with Zaheer on her Instagram Stories, accompanied by a simple yet meaningful message: “Proud of you,” showing her support for his work and achievements.

Read more: Sajal Aly Brings Nostalgia With O Rangreza OST

 

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright © 2025 PMC Media Group.