Interviews

Iqra Aziz Challenges the Myth: A Woman’s Life Doesn’t End After Having a Baby

Like her husband, actor Yasir Hussain, Iqra Aziz does not hesitate to express her thoughts. In a recent interview with BBC Urdu, the Suno Chanda actor addressed societal expectations and stereotypes surrounding motherhood that she faced during her pregnancy. Reflecting on the negativity she faced, she commented, “Maybe older people have traumatized us, suggesting that if you give birth to children, then you cannot do anything else.” Despite discouraging comments, Iqra Aziz underscored her affection for children and her family-oriented nature, expressing her enthusiasm about becoming a mother.

The discussion turned to Aziz’s current on-air drama, Mannat Murad, in which she takes on the lead role. When questioned about her character choice, Aziz emphasized her confidence in the production house of Asad Qureshi and Abdullah Kadwani, stating, “I had worked with them on Khuda Aur Mohabbat season 3, so there was no hesitation in taking on their project if I liked the script.” She highlighted the importance of depicting the realities of family life, steering away from the typical portrayal of blaming in-laws and instead focusing on the dynamics of building relationships and families in dramas.

Unveiling the playful atmosphere on the set, Aziz disclosed, “I had a fondness for eating a lot, and Talha Chahour used to be on a diet. I used to tease him by asking whether we should have samosa today or chaat or fried chicken. I always used to spoil his diet,” she laughed.

The host questioned whether the industry should depict that a girl’s story doesn’t end after marriage. Aziz passionately responded, “It is very important, and as we move forward with this story, you will see it.” She highlighted the period when a woman finds love. Adjusts to her new life and temporarily puts her dreams on hold, emphasising that this is not negative.

As the discussion delved deeper into her character Mannat, Aziz revealed her personal connection to the role. “I relate a lot. Maybe in actual life, I faced fewer difficulties as much as my character of Mannat is facing. Mannat is trying very hard to get her love. I relate a lot to the ambitious girl and happy soul girl part of the story. I have learned a lot from Mannat,” she shared.

The interview took a personal turn when Aziz was asked about her break from the industry after the birth of her son, Kabir. Opening up about the challenges, she admitted, “The one thing which was difficult for me was to leave Kabir after his birth. It was my first project in which I had to go out.” She discussed the emotional moment at the airport counter when the reality of leaving her child behind hit her.

Responding to rumours on social media about her taking a back seat in her career after Kabir’s birth, Aziz clarified, “I did not want to make the peak of my career an overly ambitious thing. This is my choice. I have to give some time to my life.” She expressed her desire to savour the moments with her first child, prioritising personal happiness over career milestones.

In a final reflection on her choices, Aziz concluded, “Before I met Yasir, I used to work every Sunday. I have started doing work from a very early age. But this was my choice, and now I want to relax and enjoy myself for some time. This is my first child, and I want to make this time unforgettable.”

Also Read: Iqra Aziz’s Project Draws Criticism for Allegedly Copying Saboor Aly’s Wedding Style.

Interviews

Saqib Sumeer Shares Chilling Encounter with a Jinn

Pakistani actor Saqib Sumeer shared the most terrifying experience of his life when he encountered a girl allegedly possessed by a jinn.

During a recent TV program, Saqib recalled how his casual friendship with two neighboring girls took a frightening turn. “I was living in a rented house when I became friends with two girls who lived next door. One day, they told me that a jinn would sometimes possess one of them,” he said.

Wanting to help, Saqib told them to call him whenever it happened. When the jinn returned, the girls contacted him. Concerned about gossip, Saqib invited them to his house instead of going to theirs.

As the possession began, Saqib described how the girl’s hair covered her face and she made strange noises. Frightened, he began silently reciting Surah An-Naas — until the jinn looked at him and said, “Stop reciting.” The chilling moment left him trembling.

Despite his fear, Saqib stayed calm and continued supporting the girls through the ordeal. “It was the scariest moment of my life — something I’ll never forget,” he said.

Also Read: Samina Peerzada Claims Jinn Attack Before Deemak Shoot

Interviews

Samina Peerzada Claims Jinn Attack Before Deemak Shoot

Veteran actress Samina Peerzada recently opened up about a strange and frightening experience she had before filming her horror movie Deemak.

Speaking on a television program, she revealed that a jinn attacked her just before the shoot began.

“I was attacked by a jinn before the shooting of Deemak. It had already come to me,” she said, recalling the incident.

She explained that when the backyard light at her home wouldn’t turn on despite asking her house help multiple times, she decided to turn it on herself.

“As I turned on the light and walked back, something suddenly pushed me hard from behind,” she said. “I fell far and got several injuries—but there was no one else there. It was the jinn.”

Despite the terrifying encounter, Samina didn’t let it interfere with her work. “I bandaged my injury and went straight to the shoot. I completed the filming,” she shared.

Deemak, a horror film featuring Samina Peerzada, Faisal Quraishi, and Sonia Hussain, released on Eid-ul-Adha and has been well received at the box office.

Who is Samina Peerzada

Samina Peerzada began her career as a model in 1974 before acting in films like Nazdikiyan, Mukhra, and Bulandi. She performed internationally, including at Oslo’s Ibsen Festival, and starred in stage plays like Raaz-o-Niaz and A Doll’s House.

Her TV roles include Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan. She debuted in Hollywood with The Valley (2018) and directed Inteha, a film on marital rape, followed by Shararat. She now hosts the YouTube show Rewind with Samina Peerzada.

Also Read: Samina Peerzada Opens Up About 7-Year Break from Showbiz

Interviews

Sunita Marshall Talks Love, Identity on Podcast

In a candid and heartfelt conversation on the FWhy Podcast with Frieha Altaf, actor and former supermodel Sunita Marshall openly discussed her experiences with love, identity, and living authentically in Pakistan’s culturally divided society.

Sunita, who was born into a Christian family, often encounters confusion due to her name. She recalled with a laugh how a driver in Dubai once asked, “Madam, who are you?” after reading her full name—Sunita Marshall Ahmed. “Sunita is a Hindu name, Marshall is Christian, and now I’ve added Ahmed,” she explained, calling the driver’s question “a beautiful one.”

She met actor Hassan Ahmed in 2003, and after five years of quiet dating, chose to marry him despite religious and familial concerns. “Everyone around me said I had to marry within my community,” she shared. “But I live in Pakistan and I love my life here. I didn’t want to leave acting or modelling. I knew Hassan and his family—they loved me.”

When her family moved to the UK and her younger brother received an immigration letter to Canada, Sunita faced the possibility of living alone. In response, she and Hassan decided to accelerate their wedding plans. Once Hassan met her Uncle Kenny, the rest of her family agreed to support their union.

To avoid potential objections from extended relatives, they held a private Christian wedding. Sunita emphasized that while Hassan’s family never pressured her to convert, her own family had to manage expectations around their interfaith marriage. She described the wedding preparations as hectic and last-minute.

Even today, Sunita hears criticism. “People say, ‘You’re so beautiful—if only you were Muslim!’” she said with amusement, choosing not to take such comments to heart.

Now living in a joint family setup, she credited her husband and in-laws for supporting her career. “I never gave up my work or felt limited. Of course, you need to be mindful—it’s like, ‘When in Rome, live like Romans.’”

Sunita, who has two children with Hassan, also spoke about parenting. In a past interview with Nida Yasir, she said both parents and teachers shape a child’s thinking, and sometimes adults need to step back. “We shouldn’t interfere in everything. Positive reinforcement has a big impact on a child’s development,” she said.

Also Read: Sunita Marshall Talks About Her Kids And Dating, “Not At This Age”