Celebrities

Mahira Khan reflects on why Raees felt “almost like school”

For Pakistani actor Mahira Khan, starring opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees was nothing less than a dream come true. Making her Bollywood debut alongside one of India’s biggest stars was a major milestone, and Mahira openly expressed her excitement over being chosen as the female lead in Rahul Dholakia’s film.

However, the experience did not unfold exactly as she had hoped. Due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan at the time, Mahira was unable to travel to India for the film’s promotions or share the promotional stage with Shah Rukh Khan.

Speaking to NDTV in Karachi after the film’s release, Mahira said Raees would always remain her film. She admitted that she would have enjoyed promoting it in India, meeting people and giving interviews, but added that she was not upset. According to her, being part of the songs, trailers and overall response to the film was meaningful enough.

Before the film’s release, Mahira had told Dawn that being included in promotions was her right. However, after Raees became successful and she received love from audiences, she said those disappointments felt much smaller.

The film’s journey was affected by political tensions following the Uri attack and subsequent cross-border strain, which reduced cultural exchange between the two countries. Reports at the time also said Shah Rukh Khan met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray to assure him that Mahira would not take part in the film’s promotions.

Mahira faced another disappointment when Raees was not cleared for release in Pakistan, even though the country had recently lifted its ban on Indian films. While Hrithik Roshan’s Kaabil was allowed to release, Raees was reportedly declared unsuitable for screening over concerns about its portrayal of the Muslim community.

Despite these challenges, Mahira described Raees as everything she had wished for and more. She said the film felt like a major learning experience, almost like attending school or university. Being outside her comfort zone, working on a large-scale production and building new relationships taught her patience, discipline and the value of hard work.

Mahira said Raees was special because it gave her two years of professional and personal growth. She learned that no phase, whether good or bad, lasts forever.

The actor, who made her film debut in Bol opposite Atif Aslam and became widely known through the hit drama Humsafar with Fawad Khan, said she does not know whether another Bollywood project will happen in the future.

Mahira added that she cannot plan such opportunities in advance. For now, she said she is happy that Raees succeeded and feels that all the effort, challenges and emotions connected to the film were worth it.

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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.”