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.

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Dananeer Says Bollywood Classic Devdas Never Made Sense to Her Despite Its Fame

Pakistani actress and social media sensation Dananeer Mobeen is once again making headlines for her take on one of Bollywood’s most celebrated films, Devdas.

The actress, who is currently busy promoting her upcoming sports drama Mera Lyari, recently appeared in a lighthearted chit-chat session. During the conversation, Dananeer was asked to name a classic movie she believes is overrated and she did not hesitate before naming Devdas.

Known for speaking her mind with honesty and humor, Dananeer questioned why the film continues to receive such legendary status despite its emotionally chaotic storyline. Sharing her unfiltered thoughts, she said she never really understood the appeal of the film and felt the plot lacked substance beneath all the visual grandeur.

According to Dananeer, the movie revolves around deeply problematic characters and relationships that fail to make sense when looked at critically. She pointed out the toxic behavior of the lead character, the emotional suffering of the women in the story, and the complicated relationships forced upon various characters throughout the film.

While criticizing the narrative, the actress admitted that the film undeniably delivered stunning visuals, lavish costumes, iconic jewelry, and unforgettable production design. However, she maintained that aesthetics alone were not enough to make her appreciate the story itself.

Her remarks quickly caught the attention of social media users, with many agreeing that Devdas is remembered more for its extravagant presentation than its actual plot. Others, however, defended the film’s emotional depth and cultural impact, calling it a timeless cinematic masterpiece.

Originally directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Devdas starred Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Madhuri Dixit in lead roles and remains one of Bollywood’s most visually iconic films decades after its release.

Entertainment

Sajal Aly’s Pixie Cut Becomes the Internet’s Latest Obsession

Pakistani actor Sajal Aly has once again sent social media into overdrive with a dramatic new hairstyle that fans did not see coming. Known for her signature long locks and timeless on-screen appearance, the star surprised followers after unveiling what appeared to be a sharp pixie-cut transformation on Instagram.

The actor shared a series of photos and a short video earlier this week, showing off the edgy new look that instantly became a talking point online. Keeping things mysterious, Sajal captioned the post with a simple, “11:11. Hi ????,” while also tagging her sister, Saboor Aly.

Within minutes, fans flooded the comments section with reactions ranging from admiration to complete disbelief. While many praised the daring transformation and called it refreshing, others began speculating whether the short hairstyle was actually real or merely part of a wig for an upcoming drama or photoshoot.

The uncertainty only added to the frenzy, with social media users zooming into clips and screenshots trying to figure out whether Sajal had truly chopped off her hair. Some fans applauded her confidence for experimenting with such a bold appearance, while others admitted they could barely recognize the actor at first glance.

The viral makeover also reignited conversations around Sajal’s personal life, which has remained a frequent subject of online speculation in recent months. Rumours surrounding a possible remarriage have circulated repeatedly on social media, and the actor’s latest appearance quickly became tied to those discussions as well. Several users jokingly commented that the dramatic haircut seemed like proof that wedding plans were “definitely not happening anytime soon.”

Despite the endless theories, Sajal herself has remained silent about the inspiration behind the makeover, leaving fans curious whether the look is temporary, role-related, or a genuine personal style shift.

Over the years, the actor has earned praise for reinventing herself through powerful performances and elegant fashion choices, but this latest transformation may be one of her most unexpected yet.

Entertainment

Talha Anjum, Bohemia Lead Pakistan’s First-Ever Rap Competition Show; Teaser Released

Pakistan’s music scene is gearing up for a major shift as the country’s first-ever rap reality show, Rap Icon Pakistan, has officially dropped its first teaser and it’s already creating buzz among hip-hop fans. Featuring powerhouse judges Talha Anjum and Bohemia, the upcoming series promises fierce rap battles, larger-than-life performances, and a platform for fresh underground talent to finally step into the spotlight.

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The teaser, released by Pixel Entertainment on Instagram Tuesday, delivers everything fans would expect from a modern rap competition; flashy cars, oversized chains, tinted sunglasses, aggressive punchlines, and contestants going head-to-head in intense lyrical face-offs. The short clip hints at a competition built around not only performance skills but also originality, confidence, and street credibility.

The season promo, which was released earlier this week, confirmed that Rap Icon Pakistan will officially premiere on May 24 through Pixel Entertainment’s YouTube channel. The release comes after a delay from its initially planned Eidul Fitr launch window, but the anticipation surrounding the project appears to have only grown stronger in the meantime.

According to executive producer Rizwan Siddiqui, the reality series will follow 12 emerging rappers competing across 10 episodes for the coveted title of “Rap Icon.” The show aims to discover Pakistan’s next breakout rap superstar, with Siddiqui previously stating that the vision is to find “the next Talha Anjum or the next Bohemia.”

Contestants will reportedly face a variety of rap-centered challenges inspired by different styles, flows, and themes. From diss battles to storytelling rounds and performance-based eliminations, the competition is expected to test every aspect of an artist’s creativity and stage presence. As the episodes progress, contestants will be eliminated one by one until only the strongest performers make it to the grand finale.

While Rap Icon Pakistan marks a first for Pakistan’s entertainment industry, the format itself has seen massive success internationally. American reality series like The Rap Game and Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow helped bring rap culture into mainstream television, with global stars including Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, DJ Khaled and Ludacris serving as mentors and judges.

The arrival of Rap Icon Pakistan also reflects the growing revival of reality television in the country. Over the past few years, local audiences have embraced Pakistani adaptations of international formats like MasterChef, Shark Tank, and the revived Pakistan Idol. Although Pakistan Idol recently faced uncertainty after its finale was postponed amid rising regional tensions and calls for austerity, entertainment producers appear determined to keep the reality TV momentum alive.