Celebrities

Shaan Shahid urges original storytelling in Pakistani cinema

Shaan Shahid has called for a fundamental shift in Pakistani cinema, urging the industry to abandon recycled formulas and invest in original, locally rooted storytelling. In a joint interview with Meera, he stressed that filmmakers must take creative risks rather than chase safe commercial bets.

“We cannot keep recycling romantic comedies or presenting ourselves as a budget imitation of Bollywood. The industry needs its own content, its own identity, told in the context of modern Pakistan,” he said. Meera echoed his views, citing her upcoming film Psychoas an example of bold, genre-defying storytelling closer to Hollywood standards.

She added that such projects represent an effort to broaden the scope of storytelling in Pakistan and push audiences towards new genres.

Building on this creative direction, Shaan revealed that a new film is currently in development titled English Minglish, with Meera in the lead role. He has written the script, screenplay, and is directing the project himself.

“The pipeline ahead features a comedy film, and its name is English Minglish,” he said. “It stars Meera, and her character’s task in the movie is that she has to learn English in three months.”

When asked about casting the male lead, Shaan said he is considering a different actor this time, preferring to remain behind the camera. “I really enjoy being behind the camera. I feel I can define and shape a story much better if I don’t carry the full responsibility of acting on my shoulders.”

Meera said she is excited about collaborating again with Shaan on the project and is also working on Psycho 2.

The conversation then shifted to the challenges faced by artists in the industry and the way public perception often overshadows creative effort. Shaan noted that audiences tend to focus more on negativity than the work itself, particularly in the case of public figures.

Reflecting on Meera’s journey, he said her return to films came at a difficult time. “When Meera decided she wanted to do a film again, I felt here is an actress, a woman, struggling to define herself and find her domain. My effort is to develop an ecosystem of scripts around her,” he said.

He also urged audiences not to obstruct women trying to rebuild their careers, but to support their creative reinvention.

When asked what they value most about each other, Meera spoke with visible emotion. “The best thing about Shaan ji is that he is Shaan, and he is with me. I trust him, and I rely on him; I don’t trust anyone else besides him,” she said. “No one really understands me, but Shaan sahib understands me.”

She added that trusting him again has been an important step in her personal journey.

Shaan, in turn, praised her resilience and determination, saying she continues to move forward despite scrutiny and setbacks. He described her strength in simple terms, saying it is something he deeply respects.

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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.”