Celebrities

Mani Talks About Being Called ‘Zan Mureed’ for Supporting Hira Mani

In a candid conversation with Ahmad Ali Butt on his podcast Excuse Me with Ahmad Ali Butt, actor and producer Salman Saqib — better known as Mani — opened up about facing harsh criticism for supporting his wife, Hira Mani, in her career.

During the interview, Butt praised Mani for backing Hira at the start of her career, a time when many in Pakistani society discouraged women from entering showbiz. Recalling how Mani stood by Hira when she shifted from hosting to acting, Butt said, “You have made your wife.”

Mani responded by acknowledging that while Hira had talent and earned her success, his support played a key role. He added, “We live in a society where women aren’t allowed to step out easily. Because I supported her, people trolled and criticised me heavily.”

Mani admitted that such remarks once hurt him, but he and Hira have since moved past them. He didn’t agree with the claim that he “made” his wife, but he addressed the label people often used against him — “zan mureed” (a man subservient to his wife).

“People call me ‘zan mureed,’ but I believe one must be supportive,” Mani said. “If I had a daughter, I would want her to become a swimmer or an athlete, to work and stand on her own feet.”

He explained that he supported Hira not just because she was his wife but because he believed women deserved the chance to pursue their ambitions. “Even if it weren’t Hira but someone else, I would have supported her talent in the same way. I would never want a woman to say she failed because I held her back.”

Mani criticised the rigid traditional family systems celebrated in the region. “We force this khandani system down everyone’s throat,” he said. “These traditions are dictated. Maybe it’s a problem rooted in India and Pakistan. Doing things differently doesn’t mean we have become westernised.”

He credited his progressive outlook to his father, who was also an actor and supported his daughter’s career. Mani stressed that he wanted to keep the chain of talent alive in his family, whether through women or men. “Whether it’s my wife’s sister or another relative, I would feel equally proud of their success.”

Butt noted how rare it is for someone to truly celebrate another’s success. Mani agreed and praised Hira for her resilience. “Hira has proven herself through her acting. She faced many setbacks but always stood back up. We have seen many ups and downs.”

They also discussed the struggles working women face in balancing professional and personal life. Mani shared how demanding Hira’s work routine could be. “You’ve seen drama shoots — long, exhausting hours. Yet when Hira comes home, she cooks meals like parathas and daal for the kids without complaint.”

Mani concluded by calling for a cultural shift where people respect and support women’s dreams. “I feel this way for all girls,” he said.

Also Read: Hira Mani Faces Backlash Over No-Makeup Look

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Celebrities

The Evil Eye Took a Toll on My Family: Nida Yasir

The morning show queen and beloved TV personality Nida Yasir has revealed how the evil eye — a concept often brushed off in modern circles — silently crept into her life and affected her family in profound ways.

Known for her radiant personality and infectious energy, Nida has been a household name for nearly two decades. Hosting ARY Digital’s morning show for 16 years, producing popular films and dramas like Chakkar, Mehrunissa V Lub U, Wrong Number, and Nadaniyan, and building an Instagram following of 2.6 million, Nida Yasir has long lived life in the public eye. But now, she’s reflecting on how that very openness may have come with an unseen cost.

During a heartfelt conversation, Nida candidly shared how her children repeatedly fell ill whenever she shared their pictures online. “It’s almost like clockwork,” she said. “Every time I posted their photos, they would get sick. It stopped me in my tracks. That’s when I realized what the evil eye truly means.” Her reflection wasn’t rooted in superstition, but in a pattern she couldn’t ignore. “It’s tried and tested,” she added. “Now I understand why people cover their kids’ faces with emojis. I used to wonder—but not anymore.”

Even today, as she marked her 23rd wedding anniversary with Yasir Nawaz, Nida cautiously prayed for protection from negative energies while sharing a celebratory reel. Married for over two decades and raising three children, the couple has often been seen as an ideal showbiz pair. But behind the glitz and glam, Nida admits, “I have always worn my heart on my sleeve. I love sharing my happiness—with my friends, my viewers, and even strangers. That’s just who I am. But sometimes, even pure joy needs protection.”

Her revelation resonates with many in the entertainment industry and beyond, including actress Beena Chaudhary, who confessed that posting pictures with her husband often led to unexpected arguments on the same day.

Celebrities

HSY Defends Fawad Khan Against On-going Criticism

Fawad Khan is among the biggest stars of Pakistan. He has given many hit projects to Pakistan before he shited focus on his Bollywood career. HSY on the other hand is one of the biggest designers and actors of Pakistan and he is friends with Fawad. Recently Fawad is going through a lot of criticism. It all started with the star promoting his upcoming Indian film Abir Gulaal which then got shelved after the Pahalgam Attacks.

Fawad Khan who never makes any political remarks condemned the attacks. Later on a war started between the two countries and after remaining silent, Fawad shared his side in a measured way as to not offend either side. This made Pakistani people criticize him more as he did not openly support Pakistan. HSY just spoke to journalist Ambreen Fatima and she asked his opinion on the criticism on Fawad Khan.

HSY defended Fawad Khan as he shared that Fawad is a great friend of his. No one can actually tell what is going on in someone’s heart but he knows how big a patriot Fawad is and how much he loves his country.

HSY further added that he also understands where people are coming from. We were all very angry after India’s attack and since people make stars who they are, they feel stars are a part of their lives. They expected more to come from their favourite actor which might not have come. He cannot say anything about if Fawad Khan was pressurized or not as he does not have those details. He knows Fawad and knows he is patriotic but he also understands people’s feelings and criticism.

Celebrities

Nadia Jamil Reveals She Waited 15 Years to Meet Her Soulmate

In a world of swipe-right romances and headline-making divorces, Nadia Jamil steps in as a refreshing reminder of what lasting love truly looks like. On Friday, the actor and activist took to X (formerly Twitter) with a heartfelt post that unfolded like a Bollywood film—full of soul, wisdom, and zero theatrics.

“We were 14 and 15,” she wrote, diving into a teenage love story that nearly didn’t survive family objections, long-distance hurdles, and a global pandemic. She described herself as an “emotional romantic artist” from a liberal home, while he was a “stoic finance whizz kid” from a conservative family. All parents disapproved. But love persisted.

Nadia waited 15 years to marry him—longer than many celebrity marriages last. When they finally wed, their union began a journey defined by resilience, shared challenges, and slow, steady growth.

“The marriage itself is such a story,” she shared. “It’s had its ups and downs. We are both strong personalities, but we both held on.”

True to her honest and graceful style, Nadia didn’t gloss over the hard parts. She recounted the strain of living apart—she in Cambridge with the kids, he in Lahore supporting family. Cancer, grief, financial setbacks, and parenting from different continents tested their bond. But those trials also brought them closer.

To Nadia, the real secret is respect—being flexible, growing emotionally, and holding space for each other’s evolution.

And the love story continues: their eldest son is now engaged, and Nadia is proudly stepping into the role of mother-in-law to a “fantastic young woman.”

Now mentoring other couples, Nadia draws from her own experience. Her advice? Marry your best friend—the one who grows with you, learns with you, and stays when things get tough.

Also Read: Nadia Jamil Reveals How Imran Khan Saved Her From Police