Entertainment

Mahira Khan thanks her ‘Aag Lagay Basti Mein’ team for the memorable journey

Mahira Khan took to social media on Sunday to reflect on the journey of her latest theatrical release, Aag Lagay Basti Mein, sharing a heartfelt note of gratitude for everyone who contributed to the on-set experience.

She extended special thanks to her director for his faith in her, her co-actor for crafting unforgettable moments, and her makeup artist for authentically bringing her character, Almas, to life.

Mahira started her post by mentioning the director Bilal Atif Khan, highlighting the time he brought the script to her for reading. She said in her post, “When Bilal came to me with this story.. I was listening with my eyes wide open, laughing while he narrated it. And then I told him I can’t do this, no one will believe it or want to believe it. He said – ‘for me it’s only you!’.”

Mahira praised the director further and how proud she was of him, stating that she may have cried “like your ama did for you”. She said to always believe in himself, “the world is your oyster my friend.”

She then mentioned her long-time stylist and friend Baber Zaheer, thanking him for putting life into her character. She wrote, “Everyone who came on board just became attached to the characters and the story. Babar, you made Almas raw yet beautiful. Love you”

She further mentioned her manager, saying, “Anushay thank you for the faith you had in me.”

Next, she acknowledged the cinematographer and filmmakers Abid Rizvi and Salman Noorani, highlighting their excellence in work and sending them well wishes for future projects. In her words, “Talking about frames.. Hello abid! As azlan said.. frames were so cool,” she continued giving him well wishes for the future.

She then wrote, “Salman.. by far my fav sequence is the hiest one! I didn’t know what you were doing then but mannn oh man how cool was that!”

Mahira also mentioned the debut actor Tabish Hashmi for his brilliant work and said that sharing a frame with Javed Sheikh was a lifetime honour. She gave honorary tribute to the ADs, technicians, spot boys, drivers, wardrobe assistants, and guards.

Lastly, she mentioned the movie’s producer and her co-actor Fahad Mustafa, saying, “Thank you for having the guts to make this film. Thank you for having a heart big enough to give space for everyone to shine. Thank you for having the passion to make a film like this. Thank you for being a co-actor who elevates everyone around them. Fahad Mustafa, THIS is your win, never change the way you are. Ever.”

Closing off her post, Mahira made a final mention of the audience for making her “small baby” a big success. She shared her happiness and gratitude for their support, signing off as Almas, her character in the film.

Mahira Khan’s film Aag Lagay Basti Mein has now entered its third week in theatres, showing across Pakistan as well as internationally in the US, UK, UAE, Canada, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

The story follows Barkat (Mustafa) and Almas (Mahira), a couple with big ambitions but limited means. Almas’ kleptomaniac tendencies and dream of a luxurious life in Dubai lead them into a heist, sparking a chain of chaotic and comedic events as they soon discover that the stakes are much higher than they imagined.

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Namra Shahid criticizes industry hypocrisy and fake PR-driven fame

In a recent conversation, actor Namra Shahid spoke candidly about the entertainment industry’s inner workings, highlighting the glaring disconnect between genuine talent and public recognition.

Though she briefly mentioned her role as Asiya in the drama Muamma, her focus centered on the less visible dynamics that shape careers. “Awards don’t really go to the most deserving,” she remarked, noting that recognition often hinges on “PR, contacts, and followers” rather than merit alone.

She pointed out how social media has started to matter just as much as acting itself.

“If you’re not active online, people think you’re not working,” she shared, hinting at the pressure actors now face to stay visible all the time.

For her, this shift feels unfair, especially for those who focus more on their craft than their online image. Talking about favouritism, Namra kept it real. “There is favouritism, of course there is,” she said, without sugarcoating it.

According to her, the system often rewards those who play the game right rather than those who put in the most effort on screen. It’s something she has experienced first-hand, especially when it comes to award shows and recognition.

At the same time, she made it clear that good work still exists. Recalling her experience working with Saba Qamar, she said, “She’s very professional and makes you feel comfortable,” showing that not everything in the industry is surface-level.

After taking a two-and-a-half-year break, Namra returned to a space that felt different. “Things have changed a lot,” she noted, especially with how much importance is now given to image and online presence.

Even when she spoke about learning Saraiki for a project with Kashif Nisar, she hinted at how such hard work often goes unnoticed. “You work so hard on a role, but that’s not what gets highlighted,” she said.

Through it all, Namra’s tone stayed honest and grounded, calling out the system, but still holding on to the importance of real acting.

Entertainment

‘Mera Lyari’ heads to UK Asian Film Festival, tackles stereotypes

Pakistani cinema is once more drawing international attention, reflecting the industry’s expanding global influence. The latest example is the film Mera Lyari, scheduled for its world premiere on May 2, 2026, as part of the 28th UK Asian Film Festival hosted at London’s British Film Institute.

For years, cinematic portrayals of Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood have predominantly framed it through the lens of crime and turmoil. Mera Lyari counters this established narrative by foregrounding the community’s vitality, perseverance, and its significant role in nurturing Pakistan’s sporting talent. The film seeks to reframe Lyari’s image, offering a more authentic perspective centred on its residents, cultural life, and profound passion for football.

Mera Lyari was first released in Pakistan in January 2026 with support from the Sindh government. The film features a strong cast including Dananeer Mobeen, Ayesha Omar and Samiya Mumtaz. It is written and directed by Abu Aleeha, who has tried to tell a story that reflects everyday life in Lyari rather than repeating familiar stereotypes.

A notable aspect of the film is that many members of the supporting cast are from Lyari. Their involvement adds a sense of authenticity to the story, allowing the film to present a more natural and honest reflection of the community, its language and its way of life.

At its core, the film revolves around football, a sport that holds a special place in the area. It shows how the game brings people together and serves as a source of hope and identity for the community. Through its characters and setting, the film presents Lyari as a centre of talent and culture, rather than one of violence.

The release of Mera Lyari also comes in response to the Indian film Dhurandhar, which faced criticism for its portrayal of Lyari as a hub of terrorism and gang conflict. The depiction sparked displeasure among those in Pakistan, with many arguing that the movie ignored the area’s positive aspects.

The controversy even led to a constitutional petition being filed in a Karachi court, particularly over the portrayal of political figures such as Benazir Bhutto.

By taking the film to an international platform, the makers of Mera Lyari hope to offer a more balanced perspective of the area and of Karachi as a whole. The screening at the UK festival may open new doors for Pakistani cinema, while also helping reshape global perceptions of the country.

More importantly, the film sends a clear message: Lyari is more than the stereotypes and stories; it is a place of culture, sport and community.

Entertainment

‘Zombeid’ Teaser: Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat Enter Zombie Madness

The wait just got a lot more intense and a lot more terrifying. The teaser for Zombeid, starring Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat, has finally dropped, and it wastes no time in setting a grim, blood-soaked tone.

Opening with a haunting voiceover – “We’ve seen wars, we’ve seen the pandemic, only this was left” – the teaser plunges straight into a chaotic montage of snarling zombies, flashing danger from every corner. It’s loud, unsettling, and unapologetically gory, signaling a dramatic departure from the safer, formula-driven storytelling Pakistani audiences are used to.

Touted as Pakistan’s first full-fledged zombie thriller, Zombeid looks determined to push boundaries. The teaser hints at a high-adrenaline narrative packed with action. One standout moment features Fahad Mustafa inside a fighting octagon, stripped down and ready for combat, suggesting that survival here won’t come easy it’ll be fought for, brutally.

Behind the madness is the familiar powerhouse duo of Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza, known for delivering crowd-pleasing hits. This time, however, they seem to be trading humor and social commentary for tension, fear, and spectacle

Amid the chaos, the teaser also offers a softer glimpse into the story. A brief but intimate shot of Mustafa and Hayat together hints at an emotional core beneath the horror, a relationship that might be tested in the face of unimaginable danger. It’s a reminder that even in a world overrun by the undead, human connection remains at stake.

Set for an Eidul Azha release, Zombeid is shaping up to be one of the most unconventional films to hit Pakistani cinemas in years.

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