Entertainment

Maharashtra Opposition Puts Fawad Khan’s ‘Abir Gulaal’ in Jeopardy

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s upcoming Bollywood film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, has run into stiff opposition in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has strongly objected to the film’s release in the state due to Khan’s Pakistani nationality. This controversy has reignited the long-standing debate over the participation of Pakistani artists in Indian cinema.

Abir Gulaal Faces Backlash in Maharashtra

MNS leader Ameya Khopkar made a firm declaration, stating that the party would not permit the release of Abir Gulaal in Maharashtra. According to Khopkar, the makers of the film failed to anticipate the reaction their casting decision would provoke. He emphasized that MNS has consistently opposed Pakistani actors working in Bollywood and will not allow any exceptions.

Echoing similar sentiments, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam pointed to the prevalent anti-Pakistan sentiment in India, arguing that films featuring Pakistani artists struggle to gain widespread acceptance. He claimed that while some viewers may watch Abir Gulaal out of curiosity, the general audience remains uninterested in supporting projects involving Pakistani talent.

Cross-Border Tensions and the Bollywood-Pakistan Divide

This backlash against the movie comes against the backdrop of historical tensions between India and Pakistan. The ban on Pakistani artists in Bollywood gained traction following the 2016 Uri attack, after which political groups like MNS demanded an industry-wide prohibition on Pakistani actors. At the time, several filmmakers and actors debated whether such restrictions were justified, with some arguing that art should remain independent of political conflict.

Despite legal rulings allowing collaborations, sentiments against Pakistani artists persist in certain factions of the Indian film industry. Abir Gulaal, directed by Aarti S Bagdi and filmed in London, was scheduled for release on May 9. However, with mounting opposition from political groups in Maharashtra, the fate of the film remains uncertain.

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Entertainment

Humaira Asghar’s Parents Break Silence: “We Fear Foul Play In Our Daughter’s Mysterious Death”

The tragic story of model and actress Humaira Asghar continues to haunt many; her lifeless body was found in her Karachi apartment, nine months after her passing. As the disturbing mystery surrounding her death spread like wildfire, many speculated about her family’s silence. Now, for the first time, her grieving parents have come forward, breaking their silence in an interview.

“She Was Full of Life and Passion,” Says Father

In an emotional conversation with Lahore Rang, Humaira’s father, Dr. Asghar, shared glimpses of the daughter he raised. “She was always into art,” he said, recounting her early days. A graduate of the prestigious National College of Arts (NCA), Humaira later pursued a career in showbiz, relocating to Karachi seven years ago with her father’s full support. “She had my permission to chase her dreams,” he added, brushing away claims that he abandoned her.

Humaira’s parents revealed they were in touch with her frequently, and she used to visit them every couple of months, maintaining a loving bond. However, things took a chilling turn when they lost contact with her last August.

“Her Last Call Was a Cry for Help,” Mother Recalls

Humaira’s mother recounted their last conversation. “She said her SIM cards were being blocked and she needed help,” she shared, visibly shaken. But the help Humaira needed was never made clear, and after that day, communication ceased.

The couple admitted they didn’t follow up due to their unfamiliarity with Karachi and not knowing anyone there. However, they insist the rumors that they refused to accept her body are false. Dr. Asghar clarified that as a doctor, he knew a post-mortem was necessary before the body could be claimed.

“She Had Money – She Would Never Leave Rent Unpaid”

Dr. Asghar suspects foul play. “She had money. It’s impossible she wouldn’t pay her rent.” He also firmly denied ever having disputes with her over property. “Humaira would never say something so low. She never asked for her share – never.”

Entertainment

Arshad Nadeem Breaks Silence on Fake Plot Promises After Olympic Win

Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, who made the nation proud with his historic gold medal win in javelin at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has now come forward with a startling revelation. Despite being showered with grand promises and accolades, Arshad disclosed that some of the rewards, particularly the much-publicized residential plots never materialized. The athlete’s honest admission has again spotlighted the gap between words and action in the country’s treatment of its sports heroes.

In a recent media talk in London, Arshad Nadeem opened up about the aftermath of his Olympic triumph. “They showered me with announcements of rewards,” he said, adding, “If you look at the plots that were promised, they were all fake.”

While Arshad graciously acknowledged receiving the promised cash awards, including over PKR 300 million from the federal and provincial governments, he made it clear that the land plots touted by various bodies were nothing more than empty gestures. This revelation has left fans disheartened, raising questions about accountability and the sincerity of government and private institutions in supporting national athletes.

Despite the disillusionment, Arshad remains committed to his mission. “Right now, I am concentrating fully on myself because the targets ahead are very big,” he shared, indicating that his sights are set on future championships.

Yet, he hasn’t turned his back on the next generation. The Olympian revealed that he continues to mentor young Pakistani athletes when time allows. “Our youth come to us for training, and Alhamdulillah, we do train them,” he said.

Entertainment

Ahsan Khan Faces Backlash After Meeting With Javed Akhtar

Ahsan Khan, a celebrated name in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, has recently found himself at the center of a heated social media storm. The actor and host, admired for his charm, was seen attending an event in the UK alongside renowned Indian lyricist Javed Akhtar and veteran actress Shabana Azmi. While the gathering was meant to highlight cultural ties and artistic unity, it instead stirred intense emotions across Pakistan, mainly due to Javed Akhtar’s previously controversial remarks about the country.

@murtazaviews

Poet and writer Javed Akhtar with actor Ahsan Khan, celebrating art beyond boundaries at an event in the UK Parliament #AhsanKhan #ShabanaAzmi #LondonDiaries #BollywoodMeetsLollywood @azmishabana18 @khanahsanofficial

? original sound – Murtaza Ali Shah

During the UK event, Ahsan Khan emphasised the power of dialogue and togetherness. Speaking with sincerity, he expressed, “It’s time we all stand for peace—not politics.” He reiterated that artists should lead the charge in mending bridges, not burning them. However, many Pakistanis found it hard to overlook Javed Akhtar’s past comments, in which he accused Pakistan of harbouring hatred and supported aggressive posturing against it.

Social media quickly exploded with contrasting views; some fans praised Ahsan for showing maturity and choosing diplomacy over division. Others felt deeply disappointed, interpreting the actor’s presence with Akhtar as a betrayal of national sentiment.

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, users voiced their thoughts under trending hashtags like #AhsanKhan and #JavedAkhtar. Critics argued that sharing a stage with someone who has openly disrespected Pakistan was tone-deaf and insensitive, especially after recent Indo-Pak tensions nearly escalated into conflict. Supporters, however, reminded everyone that art often succeeds where politics fails—and that peace demands courage from both sides.