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Hadiqa Kiani releases much-awaited folk-classical single ‘Challa’

Pakistan’s iconic singer Hadiqa Kiani has thrilling news for fans: her highly anticipated new track Challa is officially out today, December 11, on Sufiscore and all major digital music platforms.

In a reel shared by the star, she opened up about the song’s deep personal and artistic meaning, calling it a long-held dream come true. “I’m overjoyed to share that my new song Challa releases December 11 on Sufiscore and all major digital platforms,” she said. “This timeless folk-classical piece has been performed by countless legends, and I’ve always dreamed of putting my own spin on it—pouring my heart into every note.”

For Kiani, Challa is more than just a cover: “Everyone connects with this song in their own way, but to me, it’s a soul—a spirit that enters the world, journeys through it, and ultimately finds its final destination.”

A beloved Punjabi folk classic, Kiani’s rendition pays tribute to iconic poets like Shiv Kumar Batalvi and Reshma, with music arranged by Irfan Kiani and produced by Sufiscore.

Renowned for her genre-defying versatility, Kiani has carved a decades-long career spanning pop hits, emotional ballads, and folk-inspired melodies, solidifying her status as one of Pakistan’s most cherished and enduring artists. Beyond music, she’s celebrated for her philanthropy and cultural impact: she was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors) in 2006 for her contributions to music, and named to the BBC’s prestigious “100 Women 2024” list for her work as a humanitarian leader.

As a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Kiani has led initiatives like Vaseela-e-Raah, which provided critical relief and built homes for flood-affected families in Pakistan—using her platform to uplift communities in need.

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Atiqa Odho on Talha Anjum’s flag row: Art has no borders, but self-respect matters

Atiqa Odho thinks art shouldn’t be limited by borders, but self-respect matters too — and she’s sharing her thoughts on the controversy where rapper Talha Anjum draped an Indian flag over his shoulders at a Kathmandu concert last November.

Odho was a guest on The Current Podcast when host Ismaeel Qasim asked about the incident. She said she’s “really torn” because it involves two things she believes in: agreeing with Anjum’s view that “art has no borders,” but also thinking “you have to treat others how they treat you.”

She complained that politics gets in the way of art. She said Indian celebrities who visit Pakistan are “treated like royalty” and get lots of love and respect, but “they won’t let our films play in their cinemas.”

“It has to be a two-way relationship,” she stressed several times during the interview.

As a former head of Pakistan’s United Producers Association (UPA), Odho said the group banned Indian films in Pakistan as a tit-for-tat move — because “cultural exchange can’t be one-sided.” She regretted that a great film like Maula Jatt didn’t get shown in India due to politics.

She recalled a time when she was UPA chair: India’s film association said they’d fine any producer 5 million INR (to go to the Indian Army’s welfare fund) for hiring Pakistanis. Back then, Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan were working in Bollywood. Odho said this move sent a terrible message — that Pakistani artists are like terrorists, and they have to “pay for the right” to work there.

She explained why India does this: Pakistani content on Indian screens “breaks their story that Pakistan only makes suicide bombers” — because it shows people there that Pakistan has art and culture too.

Odho said both countries have so much talent. “If our musicians, actors, and filmmakers work together, we could take the world by storm,” she said. She hopes things open up again someday, but “it has to be a two-way street.”

When the host noted that Indian fans love Pakistani artists (even if the Indian government doesn’t), Odho agreed: “We have lots of fans in India, and we want to make them happy. But people here reacting the way they are — it’s understandable given the current situation.” She added that Anjum made a choice and “will have to face the consequences.”

Earlier in the show, the host asked about a TV segment where host Rehan Tariq shamed TikTok creator Warda Malik for her content. Odho said everyone has the right to post what they want (as long as it’s legal) — “none of us are morality police.”

“If you find something really offensive, there are proper ways to handle it,” she said. “Government agencies and social media platforms have rules to take down or ban things.” She added that no one is perfect, and people have different ideas of what’s moral. She pointed to a recent case where a woman posted videos of animal abuse — and authorities stepped in, as they should. “These news anchors who humiliate people to act like morality police? They’re just trying to get more views,” she said.

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Naima Butt’s Photos with Nawazuddin Siddiqui Spark Social Media Buzz

Pakistani actress Naima Butt has become the talk of the town online, after a set of photos featuring her with acclaimed Bollywood star Nawazuddin Siddiqui took social media by storm.

Butt shared a carousel of pictures on her Instagram handle, capturing the pair in high spirits at what seems to be a European destination. She also tagged the Indian actor in her post—a move that led to the snapshots spreading like wildfire across various social platforms in no time.

The viral images have racked up thousands of likes within hours, while fans and netizens alike have been flooding the comments section with a mix of curiosity, excitement, and speculation about the duo’s meeting.

Beyond this viral moment, Naima Butt has built a steady career in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, with a focus on both television and film projects. She first gained recognition for her supporting role in the hit Pakistani drama Dil e Muztar, where her portrayal of a feisty, loyal friend earned her praise for her natural acting chops. She later transitioned to the big screen, featuring in the 2021 social drama Khel Khel Mein, which explored themes of youth activism and historical reconciliation. Butt has also made a mark with her work in regional theatre, often taking on challenging roles that highlight social issues like gender inequality and mental health.

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Sardaar Ji 3 Sets New Box Office Record in Pakistan

Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and Indian superstar Diljit Dosanjh are celebrating massive box office success as their film Sardaar Ji 3 races past several major titles in Pakistan.

Reports confirm that Sardaar Ji 3 has shattered records nationwide, especially in Lahore, where it’s playing on over 30 cinema screens. Producers Gambhir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu, and Diljit Dosanjh released the film across Pakistan on June 27.

Despite strong opposition in India, Sardaar Ji 3 made history by earning the highest-ever first-day box office for an Indian film in Pakistan, collecting PKR 3.5 crore and surpassing Salman Khan’s Sultan (2016). Globally, the film has already earned over ?36.6 crore.

Blending comedy, fantasy, and horror, the film stars Diljit as a ghost hunter on a thrilling mission in a haunted UK mansion. The cast includes Hania Aamir, Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, and Pakistani actors Nasir Chinyoti, Saleem Albela, and Daniyal Khawar.

With packed theatres and glowing reviews, the movie shows no signs of slowing down at the box office.

Also Read: Hania Aamir and Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 Cleared for Release in Pakistan and Overseas Today