Celebrities

Mariyam Nafees Says Society Shuns Confident Women

In an interview with Madeha Naqvi, actor Mariyam Nafees dropped some truth bombs. “I don’t know how this will be interpreted, but I will genuinely say that our society is very patriarchal,” she said. “People do not like women who are confident.”

Mariyam related her insights to her own experiences, noting that society can’t stomach a woman who speaks her mind. “Even some of the people watching us right now would have a problem with us having a conversation so early in the morning. They’d want us to stay inside our kitchens and take care of our children. It’s so unfortunate because people say things like, “Girls like this don’t attract boys. They don’t like dominant, opinionated women.'”

She observed that often women feed into the narrative. “I get to hear this so many times, that I’m too opinionated. And this is something women say to me, even the ones who live abroad and have access to education.”

Unapologetic about how she carries herself, she added, “I’m entitled to my opinion. Why can I not be opinionated? People can’t digest this.”

The Yaqeen Ka Safar actor believes that his mindset is extended to those who work in the entertainment industry at large. She feels that people have uninformed, biased perceptions of how celebrities and media personalities act, which stem from a general sense of contempt towards showbiz professions.

“People don’t like women in the industry, and we come from a variety of different backgrounds. They pour scorn on our work,” she said. “What are we doing wrong? We offer prayers diligently at our sets, we have our meals together, and we make the most of the 12 hours we are required to spend with each other. No one at our sets and studios considers other people and professions to be beneath them.”

Meaningful bonds

Seated opposite to Mariyam, Rabab Hashim chimed in, adding that it’s impractical to imagine crew members isolating themselves when working so closely. “We spend most of the week working together for six to eight months. So it’s impossible to be that person all the time. You can’t do it.”

She added, “I’m sure some people might still do it, as there are always exceptions. But for the majority of us, we live, breathe, and eat together. Everything’s happening all at once.”

The two actors took the opportunity to look back on how their friendship blossomed on set. Mariyam began by sharing that she doesn’t have many close friends in the industry, but having shared a lot of screentime with Rabab brought the two closer in a way Mariyam didn’t expect.

“[Rabab] takes time to open up to people, but when does, she unravels all at once,” the Neem actor enthused. “Because I’m originally from Islamabad, she would bring homemade curry and bhindi for me. And I’d think, ‘Yes, this girl! I’m going to keep her with me.”

Rabab agreed that she’s an introvert who gets comfortable with people at her own pace. Voicing her admiration of Mariyam, the Meray Mohsin actor said, “She’s amazing. We became friends fairly quickly and the set was also a fun place to be. We had lovely co-stars, so our days would be spent well and we would hang out often.”

Sharing her honest first impression of Mariyam Nafees, Rabab said with a laugh, “I found her very overwhelming. I kept wondering, ‘Is she actually like this?’ But as I got to know her, I realised that you need at least one friend in your life who’s this energetic.”

Also Read: Mariyam Nafees Hits Back at Intrusive Fan Question

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Celebrities

Humayun Saeed Dismisses ‘Too Old to Be Hero’ Criticism

Men in their fifties shouldn’t feel like they’re past their prime — and Humayun Saeed proves that. In his latest film Love Guru, the A-list actor shows that older men can still play romantic leads, especially when they’ve held that title for decades. Age doesn’t bother Humayun, nor do the critics who say he’s too old to be a hero.

“I’ve been a hero for a long time, and I’ve been around for a long time,” Humayun said during an appearance on Vasay Chaudhry’s talk show. The two discussed Love Guru, which Chaudhry also wrote.

Humayun defended his role as the leading man despite the presence of younger actors. “My films also include Fahad Mustafa and Hamza Ali Abbasi,” he said, showing confidence. He explained that years in showbiz have thickened his skin. “Let people target me if they want to,” he added.

When Chaudhry praised his dancing, Humayun laughed and replied, “Did that look like dancing to you?”

While Humayun stays unfazed by age-related comments, he admitted that promoting the film was more exhausting than making it. “Promotions are harder than filming. It looks fun, but it’s hard work,” he confessed. “We had to travel a lot, and I changed outfits two or three times a day. It was tiring. Earlier, I’d stick to one outfit all day, but now, when Mahira [Khan] changes, I have to match her!”

Despite the challenges, Humayun shared a joyful moment from filming. “Ahmad Ali Butt kept the set full of laughter,” he said. “He’s talented, but more than that, he keeps me entertained — that’s why I keep working with him!”

Also Read: Humayun Saeed Says He’s a ‘Love Guru’ Off-Screen Too

Celebrities

Asim Azhar and Merub Ali Call Off Engagement After Three-Years

Pakistani singer Asim Azhar and actress Merub Ali have revealed that they have mutually decided to end their engagement after three years together. The couple, once considered one of the most promising and beloved young duos in the entertainment industry, shared the news in a joint message emphasizing mutual respect, understanding, and the natural course of life.

Late Wednesday night, Asim Azhar took to his Instagram stories with a message marked by sincerity and grace. “Merub and I have chosen to move forward on separate paths peacefully and mutually,” he wrote, acknowledging that while their time together was filled with “meaningful moments,” life has a way of unfolding in ways no one can predict.

The couple first made their engagement public in March 2022 through coordinated social media posts. The announcement was simple yet elegant, featuring intimate images from the private ceremony — a serene moment where Merub was seen placing a ring on Asim’s finger, both dressed in traditional attire and surrounded by close family. The moment symbolized a quiet beginning full of hope and shared dreams.

Though they remained reserved about their personal lives, Asim and Merub frequently supported each other’s creative endeavors and were seen at various public events together, subtly becoming fan favorites as a real-life pair. Their quiet confidence and mutual respect set them apart in an industry often dominated by spectacle.

Now, as they go their separate ways, both Asim and Merub are asking fans and followers for kindness and discretion. “We have the utmost respect for each other and the families involved, and always will,” the statement concluded. “We kindly ask for your understanding and privacy during this time.”

Social media has since been flooded with messages of love, heartbreak, and empathy — a reflection of the deep connection their audience felt toward their relationship.

Celebrities

Mahira Khan Says Salim Tried for Years to Convince Her to Marry

Superstar Mahira Khan revealed that her husband, Salim Karim, spent years convincing her to get married before they finally tied the knot.

Appearing on Nida Yasir’s Eid morning show with the cast of Love Guru, Mahira opened up about her personal life, emotional nature, and her love story.

“I don’t hide my emotions,” she said. “I’m expressive by nature and can’t keep things bottled up for long. I’m a romantic in real life too and never delay expressing my feelings.”

When asked about her relationship, Mahira said, “Salim kept asking me to marry him for years,” though she didn’t mention exactly how long it took her to agree.

Describing her husband, she shared, “He’s shy and prefers to stay away from the camera, which is why you don’t often see him with me at events.”

She recalled a trip to London: “Everyone recognized me and kept calling out ‘Mahira Saleem Karim.’ Since then, Salim avoids public events.”

Mahira laughed while adding, “After our wedding videos went viral, people memorized his face. Now, everyone recognizes him — but he’s still not comfortable in the spotlight.”

Wishing he were more expressive, she added, “I just wish he were as romantic and open with his emotions as I am.”

She mentioned this was her second Eid-ul-Adha after marriage and noted, “Life hasn’t changed much since we got married.”

Mahira Khan married businessman Salim Karim in October 2023. It was her second marriage after parting ways with her first husband, Ali Askari, in 2015. The couple shares a son, Azlan.

Also Read: Mahira Khan’s Prayer Sparks Online Debate