Entertainment

Haya Khan opens up about the harsh realities of working in Pakistan’s entertainment industry

Actor Haya Khan candidly discussed the harsh realitiesof working in the entertainment industry during a recent podcast, addressing a lackof transparency, online criticism, workplace boundaries, and social media pressures.

Reflecting on her journey, she criticized what she called the industry’s habit of offering “lame excuses” rather than providing honest casting feedback. “In our industry, instead of giving a direct answer, people often make lame excuses,” she stated, noting that this leaves many young artists confused and without professional closure when they are not selected for projects.

The actor also spoke about maintaining professional boundaries in the industry, revealing that she frequently brings her mother along to meetings. “I often take my mother with me to meetings so that I feel comfortable, ” Haya explained that having a family member present helps her avoid uncomfortable situations and maintain professionalism in unfamiliar environments.

Recalling one of her early career experiences, Haya shared that she once walked away from a project after dealing with a director who was verbally aggressive and unreasonable on set. Although she described the experience as deeply upsetting, she noted that it taught her the importance of standing up for herself in professional spaces.

The actor also discussed the increasing pressure social media places on celebrities, particularly the expectation to maintain a polished online image. She said, “You feel that pressure because it becomes a race. And if you fall behind, then you remain behind. You need to keep up with it.”

Speaking further about social media culture, Haya shared how even festive occasions come with expectations to constantly post content online. She recalled, “Now I have to post them… I was getting messages asking, ‘Where are your Eid pictures?’ so I quickly got ready.”

Discussing her acting choices, Haya said she wants to explore more layered and unconventional characters instead of repetitive family dramas. She said, “I want to do something different. I do not want to do typical mother-in-law and household relationship stories… everyone wants to see something new.”

The actor added that she often takes inspiration from films such as Dear Zindagi while preparing for emotionally nuanced performances.

Haya also reflected on her drama Kafeel, which she described as a turning point in her career. Sharing the excitement of joining the project alongside Sanam Saeed and Meesam, she said: “When Kafeel came to me, I was already excited… and when I read the script and understood the story, I felt this had never been done before. It was just like a dream.”

Currently, Haya is working on a new drama for Express TV, which she says is very different from her previous work. She shared, “The drama I am currently working on has a very interesting character, and that is exactly my aim for the future.”

She further revealed that she has been working gruelling 12 to 16-hour shifts for the project while focusing intensely on improving her craft as an actor. Regarding women’s safety, Haya recounted a distressing incident during an outdoor shoot where strangers filmed her without her consent. She said the experience reinforced how unsafe public spaces can often feel for women, especially those working in the entertainment industry.

Outside of acting, Haya shared that she keeps herself occupied with hobbies such as painting and playing padel during quieter periods in her career. Looking ahead, the actor said she hopes to take on more meaningful, high-quality projects, including the possibility of starring in a biopic someday.

She also expressed interest in working alongside fellow actor Bilal Abbas Khan in the future.

Related Topics:'Dear Zindagi'Bilal Abbas Khan Express TV Haya Khan Kafeel Online criticism Sanam Saeed

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Mehwish Hayat Gives Fans a Glimpse of Her Off-Screen Bond With Fahad Mustafa

While audiences watched them battle zombies and navigate chaos on the big screen, the atmosphere behind the cameras was a lot lighter for Mehwish Hayat and Fahad Mustafa.

The stars of Zombeid, Pakistan’s much-talked-about zombie thriller, recently gave fans a glimpse into the fun and friendship that fueled the film’s production. Mehwish took to Instagram to share a collection of behind-the-scenes moments from the set, offering a refreshing look at the camaraderie that developed while filming one of the country’s most ambitious cinematic projects.

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A post shared by Mehwish Hayat (@mehwishhayatofficial)

Released on Eidul Azha, Zombeid quickly emerged as one of the most discussed Pakistani films of the holiday season. The movie, which blends horror, action and comedy, has been widely recognized as Pakistan’s first major zombie thriller and continues to attract audiences in cinemas across the country.

In her latest social media post, Mehwish shared a series of candid photographs and videos featuring herself and Fahad Mustafa. Since much of the film takes place inside a gym, several images showed the actors dressed in workout gear, laughing and enjoying breaks between scenes.

Among the highlights were snapshots of the pair riding a motorcycle together, Mehwish posing beside a bright yellow car, and a playful video showing the co-stars holding hands while suspended from a rope ladder during filming. The cheerful moments offered a sharp contrast to the high-stakes survival story portrayed on screen.

Reflecting on their experience, Mehwish referenced their characters, Zara and Wali, and revealed that the real story behind the cameras was filled with laughter rather than fear.

She wrote that while audiences saw the characters fighting for survival amid the zombie outbreak, the set itself was packed with fun memories, endless laughter, and Fahad Mustafa’s trademark sense of humor.

The actress went on to thank her co-star for bringing positive energy to every day of filming, affectionately describing him as the “most fun co-star” she could imagine surviving a zombie apocalypse with. According to Mehwish, the memories created during the project are ones she will cherish for years to come.

Fans were equally delighted by the friendly exchange that followed in the comments section. Fahad responded with a heartfelt message of appreciation, while Mehwish replied with a playful GIF calling him “my hero,” further highlighting the warm bond the two actors share off-screen.

The behind-the-scenes glimpse has only added to the excitement surrounding Zombeid, which remains in cinemas nationwide. The film has continued making headlines in recent weeks, particularly after Fahad Mustafa publicly urged authorities to ease austerity-related cinema timing restrictions in Punjab. His appeal was met with a positive response, leading to a relaxation of the curbs and providing a welcome boost for cinema owners and moviegoers alike.

Entertainment

“Gen Z Can’t Match My Legacy”: Meera

Veteran Pakistani actress Meera has once again found herself at the center of online conversation, proving that her star power remains as strong as ever. A recent viral social media post celebrating her contributions to the entertainment industry has reignited discussions about her lasting influence, with many fans arguing that today’s younger generation of celebrities still struggles to replicate the charisma and cultural impact she brought to the screen.

The widely circulated tribute described Meera as a phenomenon who captured public attention long before the era of viral trends, influencers, and social media fame. According to admirers, she was already commanding headlines and shaping pop culture at a time when celebrities relied solely on their talent and screen presence to stay relevant.

Supporters praised the actress for her decades-long journey in showbiz, highlighting her role during some of the most challenging periods in Pakistan’s film industry. The post suggested that while the local cinema landscape faced ups and downs over the years, performers like Meera continued to keep audiences engaged and contributed significantly to the industry’s survival.

Fans also applauded what they called her unmatched confidence, distinctive personality, and magnetic screen presence. Many social media users referred to her as “the original star,” arguing that her unique aura and ability to remain a topic of discussion after so many years set her apart from newer faces in the industry.

The renewed attention comes at a time when Meera has been actively promoting her latest film, Psycho, which has generated considerable buzz since its release. During a recent media interaction, the actress addressed criticism surrounding the project and did not hold back when responding to remarks she considered disrespectful.

The situation unfolded when a journalist referred to her as a “psycho” while discussing the film. Meera expressed disappointment over the comment, saying that artists and their work deserve greater respect and thoughtful discussion, particularly when they invest significant effort into challenging creative projects.

Speaking about Psycho, the actress revealed that the role was among the most demanding of her career. She explained that portraying the character required courage and emotional commitment, adding that the film explores themes that are rarely tackled in mainstream Pakistani cinema.

Meera also emphasized that audiences should recognize the dedication behind such productions rather than reduce them to jokes or headlines. She specifically acknowledged the efforts of her co-stars, including Shaan Shahid, and stressed that meaningful storytelling often requires artists to step outside their comfort zones and take creative risks.

Released on Eid-ul-Azha 2026, Psycho features Meera alongside Shaan Shahid and Sonya Hussyn. Since hitting cinemas, the film has remained a talking point among moviegoers and critics, fueling conversations about its themes, performances, and ambitious storytelling.

Entertainment

Irrfan Khan’s Widow Can’t Stop Praising This Pakistani Star

Sutapa Sikdar, the acclaimed screenwriter and widow of legendary actor Irrfan Khan, recently expressed her admiration for Pakistani actress Hajra Yamin’s work while commenting on a social media post discussing the actress’s performance in the Pakistani drama Doctor Bahu. Her words quickly caught the attention of drama lovers on both sides of the border.

Sharing her thoughts, Sikdar described Hajra as an “underrated gem,” praising her ability to elevate scenes regardless of the actors around her. She noted that she had watched the actress in several projects and was consistently impressed by the depth and commitment she brought to her performances.

According to Sikdar, Yamin’s command over her craft is so strong that she often shines even when paired with less experienced co-stars. At the same time, she observed that whenever Hajra worked alongside equally talented performers, the chemistry and impact of the scenes reached an entirely different level.

The veteran writer also reserved special praise for Doctor Bahu, calling it a thoughtfully written and skillfully directed drama. Her remarks highlighted not only her appreciation for Yamin’s talent but also her admiration for the quality of storytelling being produced in Pakistan.

Journalist Sadiq Saleem, whose Instagram post sparked the conversation, responded by saying that Hajra would be delighted to read such praise coming from someone associated with one of South Asia’s most respected artistic families. As it turned out, he was right.

Hajra Yamin later replied with a heartfelt message of gratitude, revealing how meaningful the recognition was for her. The actress shared that she had long admired the work of the late Irrfan Khan and considered herself both a fan and a student of his performances.

She thanked Sikdar for her support, describing the compliment as incredibly special given the immense respect she holds for Irrfan’s artistic legacy.

The exchange has also rekindled memories of a time when artists from Pakistan and India frequently celebrated each other’s work and collaborated across borders. Irrfan Khan himself was a symbol of that cultural connection. Throughout his career, he worked alongside several Pakistani stars, including Adnan Siddiqui in the film A Mighty Heart and Saba Qamar in the critically acclaimed Hindi Medium; his passing in 2020 was mourned deeply by audiences in both countries, reflecting the immense admiration he commanded across South Asia.