Films

Nasir Adeeb On Daughter’s Support For Reema Amidst Controversy

Nasir Adeeb is a veteran Pakistani film writer who has crafted the stories of numerous hit Pakistani films. His famous films are Jungle Ka Qanoon, Jarnel Singh, Sher Khan, Thakur, Dushman, Silsila, Qalandar, Maula Jutt and The Legend of Maula Jatt. His film Maula Jutt, starring Sultan Rahi and Mustafa Qureshi, made him a timeless star of the Pakistani film industry. He is currently garnering recognition due to his famous podcast for Suno TV in which he reveals facts about Pakistani film industry and actors.

Nasir Adeeb recently appeared in Shaan e Sahoor with her daughter Zoya Nasir. In the show, he opened up about his daughter’s stance regarding his viral statement about Reema.

Talking about it, Nasir Adeeb said, “She made me realize that it was a mistake, and I am proud of the fact that she supported Reema on whatever I said, although, I never intended to hurt anyone. I also apologized for it. However, what made me most proud was her attitude that she supported the other party. I am her father, but I am also a human being who commits mistakes. Although, I don’t believe in spreading lies, I always spoke truth but now I understand that not every truth should be shared on TV.”

Zoya Nasir also said, “It’s a channel where my father works. He goes there and talks, his speech is recorded there and he comes back. At that time, we used to have a very contained environment like our drawing room. Nowadays, there is a fact checking on internet, so we have to be careful while speaking, as things stay on the internet forever. You shouldn’t say anything that could have a negative impact online.”

Films

‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ debuts in China, marking a cultural milestone in Pak-China ties

Pakistan’s cinematic blockbuster, ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt,’ has premiered in China, underscoring a pivotal moment in cultural partnership between the two nations.

An official statement from the Pakistan Embassy in China highlighted that the film’s launch constitutes a historic advance in bilateral cinematic collaboration. The statement further noted that Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, extended congratulations to filmmaker Bilal Lashari for this groundbreaking accomplishment and conveyed gratitude to the China Film Administration, the China Film Import and Export Corporation, and the China Film Group for their essential support in presenting the film to Chinese audiences.

“Hashmi noted that the release of the film coincided with celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, saying that the film offered Chinese audiences a unique opportunity to experience the richness and vibrancy of Pakistani cinema while reflecting the spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation between the film industries of the two countries,” the statement said.

The ambassador further added that the film’s release followed the Film Co-Production Agreement signed in June 2024 between Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the China Film Administration. “The agreement aims to promote exchanges between filmmakers and encourage joint productions that resonate with audiences in both countries,” he said.

According to the statement, Hashmi said the country had over 200 million telecom subscribers, more than 200 television channels, and state-of-the-art cinema infrastructure. He also underscored Pakistan’s growing international recognition in the film industry, with Pakistani filmmakers recently receiving accolades at the SCO Film Festival in China.

The ambassador noted that the premiere of the film was not only a proud recognition of Pakistani creative talent but also an important step forward in deepening cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and China.

“He expressed confidence that more Pakistani films would reach Chinese audiences, while more Chinese films would find a home in Pakistan, further strengthening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two countries,” the statement added.

The statement further stated that the screening of the film represented a significant new chapter in Pakistan-China cultural cooperation and underscored the shared commitment of both countries to fostering deeper understanding through artistic and cinematic exchange.

Films

Dananeer ends Mera Lyari debut film comparisons

Speaking to journalists at the movie’s premiere in London, Mobeen was asked if the project served as a response to the Indian propaganda film, to which she said it should be defined by external comparisons instead.

“It’s a disservice to think of this movie as response to another film,” Mobeen said. She added that the movie’s core was extremely special as makers explored a number of themes including women in sports.

Directed by Abu Aleeha, Mera Lyari follows the lives of female footballers in Lyari, focusing on the hardships faced by women pursuing careers in sports.

“There are so many layers in this story so watching the film from one angle would be injustice. We all should watch this movie from bird’s eye view. It’s a beautiful film, it’s a beautiful image of Lyari,” Mobeen said when asked about comparisons between her new movie and the Bollywood flick that presented a fictitious version of the Lyari gang war.

The actress also spoke about her experience filming in the Karachi neighbourhood, noting that she felt welcomed. “I didn’t feel that there’s something totally different as Pakistan overall is a very hospitable country,” she said.

While fans are praising Mobeen’s maturity, saying she “speaks sense”, the actor’s red-carpet attire has also drawn attention for its cultural symbolism.

Wearing a traditional Baloch shalwar paired with a structured corset featuring illustrations of girls playing football, Mobeen also had jewelry and nail art specifically referencing Lyari and her character Afsana Baloch.

Films

‘Kapoor & Sons’ 10-Year Mark: Director Reveals Fawad Khan’s Big Question on Gay Theme

Shakun Batra’s critically acclaimed family drama Kapoor & Sonshas completed a decade since its release. In a recent interview, the filmmaker looked back on the film’s challenging journey, revealing that multiple actors initially turned it down due to discomfort with its subtle portrayal of a closeted gay character, causing a two-year delay between the script’s completion and the start of filming.

In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Shakun Batra said, “There was a two-year gap between when the film was written and when it got made. A lot of actors turned it down in the beginning. Actors weren’t comfortable playing homosexuals back then, and at one point I thought I needed to move on-I’d never get to make the film. Fawad loved the script and called me to ask, ‘Is homosexuality a whisper or a shout?’ I told him it was a whisper, and he was on board. That’s the only conversation we had-that homosexuality would be presented in a subtle manner, without saying it out loud.”

He added, “There are little hints, like tangerine shoes or self-conscious moments with his mother. We wanted families to connect to the film and feel this person could be part of their family, and it does not change anything. We didn’t show anything that would be off-putting. I remember watching the scene where Fawad Khan breaks down in front of Ratna Pathak Shah, saying he isn’t the perfect son, and I haven’t been so touched by any other scene. I watched it from the lens of an audience, not a filmmaker.”

The filmmaker furthermore revealed how there wasn’t a single day on set when there wasn’t an argument with the late Rishi Kapoor.

Shakun Batra said, “But he showered me with so much love after watching the movie. He invited me for dinner at Royal China, and it was a weird date where he let his guard down and told me how much love he received for the character.”

He said, “Greg Cannom, the Oscar-winning makeup artist who had done Benjamin Button’s look for Brad Pitt, was in India, and he agreed to do Rishiji’s makeup. At that point, there were very few artists doing that quality of silicone prosthetics. Neetuji (Kapoor) could not recognise him in his getup.”