Entertainment

Nida Yasir’s Father Kazim Pasha Gets Real About PTV’s Golden Era

Veteran television director Kazim Pasha has offered one of his most revealing interviews yet, opening up about the untold stories behind Pakistan Television’s golden years, the relentless discipline that shaped iconic dramas, and the moments that nearly convinced him to walk away from the industry forever.

Reflecting on decades spent behind the camera, Pasha revisited the challenges of directing some of Pakistan’s biggest stars while navigating strict censorship, limited resources, and the immense responsibility of creating meaningful television.

One of the interview’s most surprising moments came when Pasha admitted that working with actor Adnan Siddiqui on a particular drama tested his patience to the limit.

“There was a time when I genuinely thought about quitting production,” he revealed, recalling how the experience became one of the toughest chapters of his career.

According to Pasha, what began as a routine casting decision gradually turned into a production headache. He claimed that travel arrangements kept expanding, beginning with a request for an assistant’s airline ticket before growing to include Siddiqui’s daughters and their nanny.

The veteran director said the additional demands placed unexpected pressure on the production budget, even prompting actor Sajid Hasan to jokingly ask whether the team intended to bankrupt itself. Despite the challenges, Pasha insisted he respected Siddiqui’s stature as the leading man and chose to accommodate the requests.

The difficulties, he said, didn’t end there. During filming at actor Aijaz Aslam’s residence, Siddiqui would occasionally halt shooting over personal preferences, including requests for meals from specific restaurants before agreeing to resume work.

Despite recalling the exhausting experience, he described Adnan Siddiqui as someone who has always shown him respect and affection, adding that the actor shares a special bond with his daughters and remains a genuinely kind-hearted individual.

The conversation also shed light on the challenges of producing television during the late 1970s and 1980s, when convincing families to allow women to pursue acting was often as difficult as making the dramas themselves. Pasha recalled personally working to reassure families that PTV offered a respectable and secure environment, helping introduce future stars such as Laila Zuberi to television audiences.

Known for demanding complete emotional commitment from his actors, Pasha also shared one of his most controversial directing techniques. During the production of a serial following the sudden passing of veteran actor Qurban Jillani, actress Sadia Imam struggled to perform an emotionally charged scene.

Believing genuine emotion could not be forced through repeated rehearsals, Pasha admitted he intentionally created an atmosphere of psychological pressure off-camera. Once Sadia became overwhelmed with real emotion, he quietly instructed the crew to begin filming, capturing what he considered the authenticity the scene required.

Throughout his career, Pasha said he applied the same uncompromising standards to every production, regardless of an actor’s fame. While directing the acclaimed serial Kashkol, he convinced legendary film star Syed Kamal to embrace television, carefully balancing the expectations of a cinematic icon within PTV’s disciplined production environment.

His commitment to realism extended beyond performances. Pasha recalled directing a historical project based on the PNS Ghazi submarine, a production that involved real naval coordination and underwater filming long before computer-generated visual effects became common in television.

Looking back at Pakistan’s entertainment landscape, the veteran filmmaker argued that the downfall of Lollywood was largely self-inflicted. In his view, the industry’s unwillingness to innovate and its dependence on repetitive storytelling allowed television dramas to become the country’s dominant cultural force.

Pasha also reflected on his own unexpected journey into broadcasting. Before television became his life’s work, he was employed at the State Bank of Pakistan and had initially dreamed of becoming an actor. Everything changed, however, after watching legendary director Qasim Jalali command a production set, inspiring him to pursue directing instead.

He described the old PTV system as an institution built on discipline, professionalism, and flawless language, where performers were trained with exceptional rigor. Beyond dramas, he also fondly remembered directing live Qawwali transmissions featuring Sabri Brothers legend Ghulam Farid Sabri, calling those productions some of the most spiritually rewarding experiences of his career.

Among the projects closest to his heart was the landmark drama Jangloos, which stirred national debate with its unflinching portrayal of feudal oppression and social injustice. Pasha revealed that the serial attracted immense political pressure and even faced calls for a ban in the National Assembly because of its bold themes.

Rather than confronting censorship directly, he said directors of that era learned to communicate through symbolism, layered dialogue, and carefully crafted metaphors that allowed powerful messages to reach audiences without violating official restrictions.

Despite the many obstacles he faced, Pasha spoke warmly about the people who stood beside him throughout his journey. He praised actors such as Sajid Hasan and Adnan Jilani for their ability to understand complex scripts, expressed deep gratitude to his wife for supporting the family during his demanding work schedule, and celebrated the success of his daughter, Nida Yasir, as one of Pakistan’s most recognizable television personalities.

Looking back on a career spanning generations, Kazim Pasha said he has no regrets. For him, the greatest reward has never been financial success but witnessing the talent he helped nurture continue to flourish.

“I planted the seeds,” he reflected. “Today they have grown into towering trees, and seeing them thrive is the greatest legacy I could ever ask for.”

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‘Aag Lagey Basti Mein’ returns to cinemas on popular demand

Pakistani comedy Aag Lagey Basti Mein has returned to cinemas across the country following strong public demand after its Eid-ul-Fitr release.

Starring Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa, the film performed well despite releasing alongside local titles Delhi Gate and Bullah, as well as international films Ready or Not 2: Here I Come and Project Hail Mary.

The film reunites Mahira and Fahad after Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad. They play Almas and Barkat, a married couple whose contrasting personalities and hidden truths drive the story.

Mahira’s Almas is a fashion-loving dreamer determined to move to Dubai, while Fahad plays Barkat, a restrained and conflicted man trying to avoid his family’s criminal path. After marriage, the couple discover that both had concealed important details about their lives.

Their financial struggles force Almas to work as a maid and Barkat as a janitor. Their situation worsens when Barkat is accused of theft, pushing the couple into a chaotic journey involving poverty, crime and their dream of reaching Dubai.

The film blends comedy with social issues, including child labour, financial hardship and the influence of criminal groups. Guest appearances and comic situations add energy, while Javed Sheikh and Tabish Hashmi feature in key supporting roles.

However, the story’s sudden shift from emotional drama to dark slapstick comedy in the second half feels abrupt. Some scenes also run longer than necessary, while the visuals occasionally resemble television production rather than polished cinema.

Despite its uneven pacing and tonal changes, Aag Lagey Basti Mein delivers several entertaining moments. Mahira and Fahad’s chemistry remains its strongest feature, making it an enjoyable lighthearted watch for families and friends.

Entertainment

Huma Saleem’s Instagram Vanishes Hours After Harassment Claims Against Unnamed Pakistani Cricketer

Pakistani model Huma Saleem has found herself at the center of a growing controversy after her official Instagram account suddenly became inaccessible, just hours after she posted a series of serious allegations against an unnamed Pakistani cricketer.

Users attempting to visit Huma’s Instagram profile are now greeted with a message stating that the page is no longer available, sparking widespread speculation across social media. The timing has fueled public curiosity, as the account disappeared less than a day after the influencer publicly accused the cricketer of harassment, emotional abuse, and intimidation through a series of Instagram Stories.

In the now-unavailable posts, Huma claimed that the cricketer had threatened and harassed her despite the two having no contact for nearly two months. She described him as a “cheat, fraud, and womaniser,” alleging that his behavior had crossed every boundary and left her feeling compelled to finally speak out.

The model further revealed that the alleged mistreatment had been ongoing throughout what she described as an abusive relationship. According to Huma, she had chosen to remain silent in the past but felt she could no longer ignore what she said had become a pattern of emotional abuse. She stated that the latest incident pushed her beyond her limit and convinced her to share her side of the story publicly.

Beyond the allegations of personal harassment, Huma also accused the unnamed cricketer of attempting to damage her reputation by contacting people connected to her personal and professional life. She alleged that he reached out to her colleagues, family members, and workplace associates in an effort to tarnish her image and credibility.

The influencer also hinted at making additional claims in the future, including allegations involving the alleged misuse of funds connected to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). While she did not provide supporting evidence publicly, Huma stated that she intended to hand over relevant material to her legal team and pursue the matter through the courts.

In her statements, Huma maintained that there were two sides to every story, accusing the cricketer of misleading others about their relationship while also claiming that he had cheated on her and damaged her reputation. She said legal proceedings were being prepared and that she expected the matter to move forward in the coming days.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the identity of the cricketer has not been disclosed publicly. As of now, no individual has come forward to respond to the claims, and no official statement has been issued on behalf of the alleged individual. Likewise, the Pakistan Cricket Board has remained silent on the issue.

Entertainment

Anniqa Meraj Becomes Pakistan’s First-Ever Representative at the Miss World Pageant

Pakistan is set to achieve a major milestone on the international beauty pageant stage as Anniqa Meraj has officially been crowned Miss World Pakistan 2026, earning the distinction of becoming the first Pakistani woman to represent the country at the prestigious Miss World competition.

The historic announcement was confirmed by the Miss World Organization through its official website and Instagram page on Thursday, marking a new chapter for Pakistan’s growing presence in global pageantry. Meraj will represent the nation at the 75th Anniversary Edition of the Miss World Festival, scheduled to take place in Vietnam from August 9 to September 5.

The crowning ceremony was held at Lahore’s iconic Faletti’s Hotel, where Anniqa Meraj received the coveted title in a celebration attended by pageant officials and supporters. During the same event, Attaullah Gujjar was also crowned Mr. Pakistan World, adding another highlight to the occasion.

At just 24 years old, Meraj has already built an impressive profile that extends far beyond beauty pageants. Holding a degree in Business Administration and Economics, she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Auditing and Accounting, balancing academic excellence with an active career on the international stage.

Speaking about her aspirations, Meraj shared that her long-term goal is to become a State-Authorised Public Accountant. Alongside her professional ambitions, she also hopes to use her platform to champion causes close to her heart, particularly children’s rights and girls’ education, believing these initiatives can contribute to a stronger future for Pakistan.

This is not her first experience representing Pakistan before a global audience. Over the years, she has proudly carried the national flag at several international competitions, including Miss Earth, Miss Global, Miss Cosmo, Miss Eco International, and Miss Aura International. Her journey has also been decorated with success, including winning four titles at the Freedom of the World competition held in Kosovo.

Pakistan’s debut at the Miss World pageant represents another significant step in the country’s expanding presence in international beauty contests. While this will be the nation’s first appearance at Miss World, Pakistan has steadily gained recognition in recent years through participation in other major competitions.

Representatives such as Erica Robin and Roma Riaz have previously brought Pakistan into the global spotlight through the Miss Universe platform, earning praise for confidently showcasing the country’s culture, talent, and diversity on the world stage.