Pakistani singer Gohar Mumtaz has disclosed that Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt once approached Jal Band for permission to use their hit track ‘Aadat’ in a film, though the song ultimately appeared in a production by the Bhatt camp instead.

Mumtaz shared the story during a podcast appearance on a private TV channel, where he reflected on his career and the band’s early days. The host asked about the memorable moment when, as a 19-year-old, Mumtaz received a call from Dutt’s team. He recounted that the band was in Mumbai’s Juhu area to launch a new album when their manager urgently summoned them.

“When we arrived, the manager told us that Sanjay Dutt had called and wanted to use our song ‘Aadat’ in his film,” Mumtaz said. “We were all stunned because we could not believe it.”

The song, however, did not make it into Dutt’s project. “That song went to Bhatt sahab’s film instead,” Gohar said.

He added that during a concert trip to Mumbai, the band invited Dutt and later visited him at his home, where they asked him how he had first heard ‘Aadat’.

“He told us that a woman he knew in Pakistan had brought him a CD and told him, ‘These are two new boys, Gohar and Atif Aslam, listen to their new song,'” Gohar recalled.

Dutt also told them he played Jal Band’s music in his car, and mentioned that Salman Khan, Jackie Shroff, and Anil Kapoor were among those who listened to ‘Aadat’ as well.

Gohar also reflected on how recognition worked differently for Pakistani artists at the time.

“In Pakistan, we were not acknowledged in the same way until we made it in Bollywood, even though our songs were already doing very well and were hits here,” he said.

He added that Pakistanis should take pride in the fact that their artists never depended on outside validation. He also directed a message at new musicians, saying, “That time has now come where you put a song on YouTube and it becomes a hit in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.”

Gohar founded Jal in Lahore in 2002, with ‘Aadat’ becoming one of Pakistan’s most downloaded tracks after its release in 2003.

The band went on to release albums including ‘Boondh’ in 2007 and ‘Pyaas’ in 2013, the latter of which received nominations at both the Hum Awards and Lux Style Awards.

Read more: The Story Behind Atif Aslam’s Apology to Gohar Mumtaz

Fawad Khan and Ayeza Khan are uniting on screen for the first time, generating significant anticipation. Director Nadeem Baig, famous for Love Guru, is helming the project, which holds added importance as it marks Ayeza’s entry into film.

Both actors are acclaimed for their television work: Fawad is celebrated for roles in hits like Humsafar, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, and Dastaan, and recently starred in Neelofar with Mahira Khan.

Ayeza, on the other hand, has consistently impressed audiences with performances in hit dramas such as Pyarey Afzal, Chupke Chupke, Mein, and Mere Paas Tum Ho. She has previously worked with Baig on several dramas, but the upcoming project will mark her first appearance on the big screen.

The stars’ pairing gained attention when the two appeared together in a fashion campaign for the brand Siraa which is owned by Fawad’s wife, Sadaf. Ayeza and Fawad’s chemistry in the campaign quickly caught fans’ interest, with many calling for them to work together in a larger project.

The upcoming film is reportedly planned for release in 2027 but fans have already begun expressing their excitement for the project online, particularly due to Ayeza and Fawad’s fresh pairing.

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

In a recent interview, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari launched a scathing critique of actress Fiza Ali, accusing her of resorting to desperate and inappropriate measures solely to boost television ratings.

The minister was reacting to a viral video that has ignited a fierce debate across social media platforms.

The controversial footage captures a moment during a broadcast where Fiza Ali asks her husband if he can lift her, leading to him hoisting her onto his shoulders. This display of affection created an awkward atmosphere that quickly drew widespread criticism online.

Bukhari condemned the incident as “regrettable,” raising serious ethical questions about such conduct, particularly noting that it occurred on camera in the presence of a young child.

She expressed disappointment over what she perceives as a pattern of behavior, suggesting that while Fiza Ali claims personal happiness in her marriage, it does not justify public displays that cross the line of decency.

Bukhari further alleged that the content was deliberately aired—and could have easily been edited out—implying that the pursuit of higher ratings was prioritized over professional standards.

Read more: Fiza Ali Defends Viral Husband Lifting Moment Amid Public Criticism