Dramas
‘The Glassworker’ Makes History As Pakistan’s First Animated Submission To Oscars

Pakistan’s first-ever hand-drawn animated feature film, ‘The Glassworker’ written by Usman Riaz, has been selected for the animated films category among other eligible flicks for the 97th Academy Awards.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Thursday that 31 animated features, 169 documentaries, and 85 international films stand eligible for Oscar nominations this year, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
A production of Geo Films in collaboration with Mano Animation Studios, The Glassworker’s inclusion as the first animated submission to the Oscars from Pakistan marks a historic moment for the country.
In the animated feature category, the film finds itself competing with industry giants such as Pixar’s Inside Out 2, already celebrated as the highest-grossing animated film of all time, and DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot.
Other significant contenders include Kung Fu Panda 4, Despicable Me 4, and the Japanese entry Kensuke’s Kingdom.
‘The Glassworker’ took 10 years in the making and was critically acclaimed by enthralled viewers for every filmmaking aspect — from storytelling and cinematography to music, composing, art, animation, and voice-over performances.
It takes the viewers through the story of a young boy named “Vincent” and his father “Tomas”, running a fine glass workshop in the country. That is when they find their lives uprooted by an impending war in which they do not want to participate.
Earlier, the film was officially selected for the 2025 Oscars in the International Feature Film category, alongside entries from 84 nations, including India’s Laapata Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao.
Palestine’s submission, From Ground Zero, has also secured a place on the list.
This year’s competition features several critically acclaimed works, such as France’s Emilia Pérez, Germany’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig, and Brazil’s I’m Still Here.
The shortlists for these categories are set to be revealed on 17 December, narrowing the field before the final nominations, which will be announced on 23 January 2025.
Dramas
Farhan Saeed Teases Fans with Big Hint About ‘Suno Chanda’ Season 3 — Is It Finally Happening?
Pakistani superstar Farhan Saeed has ignited a spark of hope among Suno Chanda fans with a playful update that has everyone talking. Appearing on a TV show recently, the singer-turned-actor revealed that the Suno Chanda Season 3 script is currently in the works. While staying tight-lipped about the details, his carefully chosen words were enough to stir excitement in the fandom.
During a rapid-fire Q&A segment, Farhan was asked whether rumors about Suno Chanda 3 secretly being in production and him having read the script were true. With a mischievous smile, he said, “Half of it is true and half of it is false.” He clarified he hasn’t read the script himself but confirmed that it is in development, though the final decision is still under wraps.
Adding fuel to the frenzy, Farhan Saeed recently dropped a whimsical video on social media featuring AI-generated baby versions of himself and his co-star Nadia Afghan. The short clip recreated a beloved scene from the original Suno Chanda, reimagined with childlike, cartoonish charm. The clever use of artificial intelligence not only showcased Farhan’s sense of humor but also reminded viewers why the original series was so adored – its heart, its hilarity, and its unforgettable characters.
Read more: The public criticises Suno Chanda’s writer for putting too much emphasis on her dramas.
Dramas
Faizan Khawaja Exposes Showbiz Scams, Reveals The Dark Side Of The Industry
Faizan Khawaja, a remarkable Pakistani television and film actor, earned acclaim for his performances in hit dramas such as “Aik Nai Cinderella”, “Dulhan”, “Jaal”, “Ishq Tamasha”, “Tu Ishq Hai”, “Saudai”, and “Qismat”. As the son of renowned producer Rashid Khawaja, who introduced many successful Pakistani actors, including Sami Khan, Faizan built a strong reputation in the industry. He also gained recognition for his short film “Twisted Sapnay” alongside Zubab Rana. Despite his popularity and critical praise for dramas like “Ishq Tamasha” and “Tu Ishq Hai”, Faizan stepped away from acting due to the widespread unprofessionalism in the television, fashion, and film industries.
Faizan Khawaja has spoken out openly about the issue of non-payment in the industry. Recently, veteran actor Muhammad Ahmed also raised this concern, highlighting its ongoing impact on artists.
Talking about it, Faizan Khawaja said, “I say this with profound grief and deep regret — seniors like Muhammad Ahmed and Mehreen Jabbar have to beg for their own money. People are making digital headlines in my name, claiming that I exposed showbiz — I didn’t expose anyone, I spoke the truth. And trust me, I am not doing this to go viral. I’m not looking for followers. Humaira Asghar had 700K followers — what did they do for her? I once did a commercial and had to beg for my payment. I decided not to do commercials again in my life. But when my drama and film became hits, I was offered a commercial — and I had to go through the same experience. Let me clarify — no one owes me any money. This isn’t about me. “It’s about all the people the industry hasn’t paid for their work.”
He further added, “Also, I didn’t leave acting — I just stopped working with those who don’t pay on time. It’s been five years since my last drama. The problem is, you have to chase producers to get the money you rightfully earned”.
Faizan Khawaja said he is speaking out for struggling actors whose livelihoods depend on the showbiz industry and who face multiple challenges in their careers.
Dramas
Sarah Khan Wasn’t the First Pick for Sher; Sehar Hashmi Reveals
ARY Digital’s hit drama Sher has charmed audiences every Wednesday and Thursday at 8 PM. With a powerhouse cast featuring Sarah Khan, Danish Taimoor, Sunita Marshall, Arjumand Rahim, and others, Sher has quickly become one of the most-watched Pakistani dramas on YouTube. Viewers especially love the sizzling on-screen chemistry between Sarah Khan and Danish Taimoor. However, many don’t know that Sarah wasn’t the first choice for the lead role of Doctor Fajar.
In a recent appearance on Fuchsia Magazine’s YouTube show, actress Sehar Hashmi made a surprising revelation. She disclosed that she was initially approached for Sher and was even considered to play the female lead opposite Danish Taimoor. “I had been hearing for over a year that I would be cast with Danish,” she shared.
Sehar mentioned that she had a meeting with Sher’s director Aehsun Talish and was seriously considered. But unfortunately, the opportunity slipped away. According to her, “Due to pressures and the risks of casting a newcomer, the production house eventually backed off.”
While she may have missed out on Sher, Sehar’s journey didn’t stop there. She was soon spotted by the team at 7th Sky, where director Ali Faizan and producer Marry Baji saw potential in her and cast her as Riya in Mann Mast Malang, a move that kickstarted her rising career.
Meanwhile, Sarah Khan stepped into the role of Doctor Fajar and won the audience over with her grace and depth, but now fans are wondering what Sher would’ve looked like with Sehar in the lead.
Read more: Reham Khan Publicly Slams Sarah Khan
-
Featured1 month ago
Sardaar Ji 3 Sets New Box Office Record in Pakistan
-
Celebrities4 weeks ago
Nadia Khan Warns: ‘Next Attack Will Go to Court’
-
Celebrities1 month ago
Nadia Khan Backtracks on Hania Aamir’s Bollywood Debut
-
Celebrities1 month ago
Merub Ali Shares Cryptic Post After Breakup
-
Interviews4 weeks ago
Saqib Sumeer Shares Chilling Encounter with a Jinn