Celebrities

Mahira Khan: “Our men, women couldn’t digest it” – explains why ‘Verna’ failed

Superstar Mahira Khan has recently reflected on the reception of her 2017 film Verna during a session at Jashn-e-Rekhta in Dubai, addressing why the project did not resonate with audiences.

Directed by Shoaib Mansoor, the film centers on a rape survivor who seeks retribution. Khan acknowledged that the narrative choices contributed to the film’s commercial failure. “I did a film, Verna, written by Shoaib Mansoor, in which the lead character was a rape victim.

The story didn’t perform well, and I feel like the reason it didn’t perform well is because it had some problems, and I take full responsibility for it,” Khan stated. The actor explained that the plot required her character to return to her abuser to gather evidence, a creative decision that faced resistance from viewers. Khan shared Mansoor’s perspective on the public reaction, stating, “Shoaib sahab said that this concept was difficult for the men and women of our country to digest.”

She added that portraying the character was a difficult experience. The actor’s retrospective remarks triggered a debate online, with social media users expressing divided opinions on the film’s merits and its controversial plot point. Several viewers defended the film, praising its execution and subject matter. One user commented, “The film was outstanding, to be honest.

I have never seen such a film in Pakistani media”. Another viewer expressed regret over its box office performance, writing, “Sad that Vernawas a flop even though it was a great movie.” Others labeled it “the best movie ever” and called it “a gem produced by Lollywood,” praising the writing, acting, and direction. Some commentators suggested that the film was ahead of its time, with one user noting, “Vernashould release again; the audience was not ready for the movie at that time”.

However, others agreed with the criticism regarding the narrative trajectory. One individual countered Mansoor’s assessment, stating, “She brilliantly acted in that role, but of course, I also can’t find it justifiable to go back to your rapist with the intention just to collect evidence.

That was really not about ‘hazam hona’”. Released in 2017, Vernais a social drama film written, directed, and produced by Shoaib Mansoor under the banner of Shoman Productions. The feature stars Khan in the leading role alongside debutants Haroon Shahid, Zarrar Khan, and Naimal Khawar.

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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.”