Imran Ashraf Surprises Fans with Debut Punjabi Film, Shares Poster of Cross-Border Comedy

Actor and TV host Imran Ashraf surprised fans by taking a major leap in his acting career, sharing the poster of his upcoming Punjabi film Enna Nu Rehna Sehna Nahi Aunda on social media.

“We all have worked very hard on this film,” he wrote, as he revealed a poster featuring several prominent Indian Punjabi artists, underscoring a strong cross-border collaboration.

He announced that the film will release worldwide on August 22.

Surendra Arora penned the script, while Indian-origin Canadian filmmaker Rapan Bal directed the film. A Canadian-Punjabi comedy, the story explores the struggles faced by international students.

The team completed shooting last year, assembling a diverse cast that includes Imran Ashraf, Nasir Chinyoti, Indian actor-singer Jassi Gill, Ranjit Bawa, Nirmal Rishi, and Navpreet Kaur Banga.

This film marks Imran’s first international project and makes him the second Pakistani actor, after Hania Aamir, to work in a major cross-border production. While Hania’s Sardaar Ji 3 still awaits clearance in India, it has already achieved major success in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, promotions for Enna Nu Rehna Sehna Nahi Aunda are in full swing, generating buzz on both sides of the border.

Also Read: Imran Ashraf Makes Bollywood Debut

Pakistani superstar Humayun Saeed has finally opened up about one of the most talked-about moments of his international career — filming an intimate scene for Netflix’s The Crown. Known for his iconic roles in Pakistani dramas, Saeed took a massive leap into global recognition when he played Dr. Hasnat Khan, the British-Pakistani heart surgeon who famously shared a deep bond with Princess Diana.

In Season 5 of The Crown, Saeed made history as the first mainstream Pakistani actor to feature in the globally acclaimed British series. But behind the glamour of this milestone was a personal struggle many fans didn’t know about.

During a recent appearance, the Mere Paas Tum Ho actor shared how his journey with The Crown began during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I had a fever of 102 when I sent in my audition,” he recalled. “I had COVID at the time but still recorded the tape with the help of my director friend Nadir and sent it in. Twenty days later, I got the call.”

Once on set, Saeed was impressed by the team’s professionalism and dedication. “Even when I thought I was early, everyone was already there. It was a different level of commitment,” he said.

However, it was the intimate scene with actress Elizabeth Debicki, who played Princess Diana, that challenged Saeed on both cultural and emotional grounds. “I told them immediately that in our culture, even real-life husband and wife actors don’t do such scenes. We speak from a distance — it’s just how it is. This could be difficult for me,” he explained.

To his relief, the production team respected his concerns. “They all became worried after hearing me,” he shared. “Elizabeth Debicki was kind and supportive. She encouraged me and helped me feel at ease. The scene was only filmed when I felt completely comfortable.”

This marked the first time in Humayun Saeed’s career that he filmed such a scene; he expressed deep gratitude for how sensitively it was handled. “It wasn’t just about acting; it was about understanding where I come from. That meant a lot.”

Saeed’s portrayal of Dr. Hasnat Khan, often referred to as “Mr. Wonderful” by Princess Diana herself, added emotional depth to the season. Their relationship, though private, was well-documented and considered deeply meaningful in Diana’s life.

Read more: Humayun Saeed Addresses Career Criticism and Hate

When Nadia Hussain speaks, people listen, even when her words challenge societal taboos.

A household name in Pakistan, known for her modelling, acting, and sharp entrepreneurial acumen, Nadia has never been one to hide behind polite silence. Whether defending her family amidst recent personal controversy or addressing deeply polarizing issues, she speaks with the kind of fearless clarity that’s rare in mainstream media. And her latest appearance on the podcast proved no different.

The topic? Queerness is a subject often reduced to whispers, mockery, or outright denial in Pakistan’s public discourse.

When asked if homosexuality exists within the world of fashion and showbiz, Nadia didn’t flinch. “Of course it does,” she said, “but singling out one industry is unfair and intellectually dishonest.”

She was quick to challenge the assumption that queerness or cases of same-sex behavior are a product of the entertainment industry alone. “Why are we only asking this about fashion or showbiz?” she posed. “Are we willing to talk about what happens in religious seminaries? In our villages? Or even in our so-called ‘moral’ households?”

Nadia referenced a moment involving Dr. Zakir Naik, a well-known Islamic scholar, where a girl once raised this question, pointing to such incidents in religious spaces. According to Nadia, his answer sidestepped the reality, highlighting how this uncomfortable truth is often brushed under the rug.

But perhaps the most striking part of her comments was her reference to Pakistan’s Northern Areas, often romanticised for their beauty, but rarely scrutinised socially. Nadia revealed that for years she has heard stories of same-sex abuse and behaviour from that region. “These things happen there too, and no one wants to talk about it,” she stated. “So why the selective outrage when it happens in media or fashion?”

“People need to stop being judgmental and start understanding the bigger picture. Human behaviour, identity, and struggle aren’t boxed into just one profession or place. We need to acknowledge that.”

In a country where even acknowledging LGBTQ+ existence is considered controversial, Nadia Hussain’s unfiltered take shifts the lens away from one community and placing responsibility on the entire society, she invited Pakistanis to confront their own contradictions.

Read more: Nadia Hussain Defends Husband Amid Fraud Allegations