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Javed Sheikh says he refused fee for Om Shanti Om

Veteran Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh has revealed that he initially refused to take any remuneration for his role in the hit 2007 Bollywood film Om Shanti Om, stating that sharing the screen with Indian megastar Shah Rukh Khan was an honor in itself.
​Speaking in an interview with Vasay Chaudhry, the veteran actor reminisced about playing the role of Rajesh Kapoor—Shah Rukh Khan’s on-screen father in the Farah Khan directorial—and reflected on the immense warmth and respect he experienced during the film’s production.
Recalling the financial negotiations prior to filming, Sheikh shared that when the production manager approached him to finalize his contract and discuss his fee, he immediately declined monetary compensation. He emphasized that being chosen out of countless actors across India to portray Shah Rukh Khan’s father felt like a massive privilege that transcended money:
​”Farah Khan wanted me to play Shah Rukh’s father and they started discussing my fee. I said, ‘Money? I won’t take it.’ They said that was impossible. I told them it was such a big honour that, out of everyone in India, they had chosen a Pakistani actor to play Shah Rukh Khan’s father. Money wasn’t important.”

​When the production team insisted that working without pay violated contract guidelines, Sheikh jokingly proposed accepting a symbolic fee of just one rupee. However, both director Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan rejected the gesture, insisting on compensating him generously to honor his professional standing. Sheikh praised Shah Rukh Khan for his exceptional hospitality and care on set, describing their working relationship during the shoot as superb.
​Reflecting on his journey in the entertainment industry, Sheikh spoke candidly about his early career struggles. He disclosed that despite his deep passion for acting—which often involved running from school to Radio Pakistan—his father remained strict and skeptical. After his debut film Dhamaka (1974) failed at the box office, his career faced significant setbacks, leaving him devastated when industry insiders initially labeled him a “flop actor.”
​Five years later, his fortunes took a dramatic turn with the hit television drama Ankahi, which earned immense popularity across both Pakistan and India, effectively cementing his star status. Sheikh concluded by highlighting the mindset that guided his decade-long career: focusing entirely on self-improvement rather than competition, envy, or status.
​With a career spanning over four decades, Javed Sheikh continues to remain a vital force across Pakistani media, recently appearing in prominent projects including Delhi Gate, Aag Lagey Basti Mein, and the drama series Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.

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    This gold is for Pakistan, claims Ehsanullah Mahsud

    Pakistani taekwondo player Ehsanullah Mahsud has dedicated his latest gold medal to the people of Pakistan. He credited their prayers and support as a major reason behind his success in the competition. Speaking to Geo News after his win, Mahsud did not hold back his gratitude. He said the medal was not just his own achievement. It belonged to the nation that stood behind him throughout the tournament. The gold came at the Thailand International Taekwondo Championship. Mahsud put together a strong run from the very first round. He opened his campaign with a win against a Kazakh opponent. That victory set the tone early and gave him the momentum he needed heading into the tougher rounds ahead. He carried that form into the semi-final. There, he faced off against an Indian competitor. Mahsud came out on top in that matchup, securing his place in the final. Beating a regional rival at that stage is never easy, and the win added extra weight to his overall run. In the final, Mahsud went up against a player from Sri Lanka. He delivered another strong performance, finishing the tournament with a win and claiming the gold medal. Each stage of the competition tested him differently. From facing a Central Asian opponent early on, to going head-to-head with regional rivals in the later rounds, Mahsud’s path to gold wasn’t a simple one. Every match added pressure, and every win built on the last. This is not just a personal milestone for him. Wins like these also add to Pakistan’s growing presence in international taekwondo, a sport that continues to produce strong performances from Pakistani athletes on the global stage. For Mahsud, the victory reflects months of preparation and discipline. Competing internationally requires consistent training, sharp reflexes, and the ability to perform under pressure across multiple rounds in a short span of time. As he continues competing on the international circuit, this gold adds another achievement to his growing list of accomplishments. It also reinforces his position as one of the athletes representing Pakistan on international platforms. For now, Mahsud’s focus remains on what comes next, as he continues building on this latest success and preparing for future competitions ahead.

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    Bigg Boss season 20 goes multilingual, confirms September premiere

    South Asia’s biggest reality TV franchise is making a comeback, and this time, the scale is unprecedented. JioHotstar and Colors TV confirmed on Tuesday that Bigg Boss is returning for its 20th season. They also revealed a new motion logo with a redesigned, multi-coloured eye, marking two decades of the show. The announcement clip kept things minimal, closing simply with “Bigg Boss coming soon.” The accompanying caption leaned into the show’s long run, calling it “still the most eye-conic one” two decades in, and promising the new season, “jald aa raha hai”. A specific premiere date has not been locked in yet. That, however, has not stopped fans from flooding social media with reactions. Comments ranged from pure excitement to specific demands, with several users asking producers to cast genuinely interesting contestants this time, rather than the same recycled reality-TV faces. The bigger story here, though, is the format shift. For the first time, JioStar will roll out six language editions simultaneously including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Bangla, all launching together across JioStar’s television network and its streaming platform, JioHotstar. It is a scale of rollout the show has never attempted before, effectively turning Bigg Boss into a pan-regional television event rather than a single-language phenomenon. Each regional edition will have its own celebrity host. Salman Khan continues his long-standing role anchoring the Hindi season, while the other editions bring in heavyweight names from their respective industries. Sourav Ganguly will front the Bangla version, Vijay Sethupathi takes charge of the Tamil edition, Nagarjuna leads the Telugu season, Kichcha Sudeepa hosts the Kannada edition, and Mohanlal fronts the Malayalam version. No official contestant list has been released, but speculations are already running wild online. Names being floated as possible participants include Jannat Zubair, Urfi Javed, Faisal Shaikh, Anjali Arora, Arbaz Patel, and rapper Santy Sharma, though none of this has been confirmed by the makers. With six simultaneous editions, a starry roster of hosts, and a September launch window, Bigg Boss Season 20 is shaping up to be the franchise’s most ambitious outing yet.

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    Pakistan faces 400+ cyberattacks this year

    Pakistan has faced more than 400 cyberattacks during the current year, with authorities successfully stopping all reported attacks in time, according to the Director General of the National Cyber Emergency Response Team, Dr Haider Abbas. Dr Abbas said the growing number of cyber threats showed the need for stronger national cybersecurity measures. He called for the establishment of a powerful National Cyber Security Authority to coordinate cybersecurity efforts across the country. Speaking in an interview, he said Pakistan was facing increasingly complex cyber threats. He also warned about the risks posed by cyberattacks allegedly backed by state actors. According to Dr Abbas, Pakistan needs a central institution with sufficient authority to deal with the growing cybersecurity challenges. He proposed placing the National Cyber Security Authority under the prime minister. He said a national authority working under the prime minister could respond more effectively to major cyber threats. It could also improve coordination between government institutions and other organisations responsible for digital security. The official stressed that cybersecurity had become an important national issue. The increasing dependence on digital systems has also increased the potential risks to government institutions, businesses and other critical sectors. More than 400 attacks reported this year highlight the scale of the challenge facing Pakistan. Although the attacks were reportedly prevented, officials believe the country needs stronger systems to detect and respond to future threats. Dr Abbas said the proposed authority should oversee cybersecurity across the country. It should also ensure that different institutions follow effective security measures and remain prepared for emerging digital threats. A central cybersecurity body could help improve coordination during cyber emergencies. It could also allow authorities to respond quickly when sensitive digital systems come under attack. The official’s proposal comes as cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated worldwide. Governments are increasingly focusing on protecting critical infrastructure, public institutions and digital networks from cyberattacks. Pakistan has also expanded its dependence on online systems in government, banking, communications and other sectors. Any major cyberattack on important infrastructure could potentially disrupt essential services. Dr Abbas therefore called for a stronger national framework to protect Pakistan’s digital environment. He said the proposed authority should have a clear mandate and sufficient powers to manage cybersecurity across the country. He also emphasised the importance of a coordinated national response. Different government departments and institutions need to work together to identify threats and prevent attacks before they cause damage. The official said placing the authority under the prime minister would give it greater effectiveness and allow important decisions to be taken quickly. The disclosure of more than 400 cyberattacks this year has renewed attention on Pakistan’s digital security. Authorities are now facing growing pressure to strengthen national cybersecurity systems and improve preparedness against future threats.

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    Ertugrul star Celal Al confirms upcoming Pakistan visit for fans

    Turkish actor Celal Al, best known for portraying Abdur Rahman Alp in the globally popular historical drama Diriliş: Ertuğrul, has announced that he will soon visit Pakistan once again. The actor shared the exciting news through a heartfelt message on his Instagram Story, expressing his affection for his Pakistani fans and hinting at several surprises during his upcoming trip. In his message, Celal Al addressed his followers in Pakistan with warmth and gratitude, saying that he misses them dearly and looks forward to meeting them again. He revealed that he would soon be returning to Pakistan and promised to bring many surprises for his supporters. Asking fans if they were ready for the special reunion, the actor’s announcement quickly generated excitement among those who have followed his career for years. He concluded his message with the phrases “Dil Dil Pakistan” and “Jan Jan Türkiye,” reflecting the close cultural bond and friendship between the two countries. His words were warmly received by fans, many of whom expressed their eagerness to welcome him back. According to Celal Al, the visit is linked to his collaboration with a well-known Turkish brand. However, he did not disclose the name of the company or provide details about the partnership. He also refrained from announcing the exact dates of his Pakistan tour, leaving fans curious about the upcoming visit. Celal Al became a household name in Pakistan after Diriliş: Ertuğrul gained extraordinary popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The historical series attracted millions of Pakistani viewers, and his portrayal of the brave and loyal warrior Abdur Rahman Alp earned him widespread admiration. His previous visits to Pakistan also received an overwhelming response, with fans gathering in large numbers to meet the actor. Beyond Diriliş: Ertuğrul, Celal Al has built an impressive career in Turkish cinema and television. He appeared in the 2012 historical film Fetih 1453, which depicted the conquest of Constantinople. He has also served as a co-producer of the award-winning short film Zemberek, showcasing his contributions behind the camera as well. Apart from acting, Celal Al is actively involved in humanitarian work. He has participated in various charitable and relief initiatives, working with organizations such as the Turkish Red Crescent and other international aid groups. His commitment to social welfare, combined with his successful acting career, has helped him earn admiration not only in Türkiye but also among audiences around the world, particularly in Pakistan, where he continues to enjoy a loyal and passionate fan following.

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    Gold becomes cheaper in Pakistan after major price…

    Gold prices in Pakistan witnessed a significant decline on Thursday, providing relief to buyers as rates fell in line with the downward trend in the international bullion market. According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association, the price of one tola of gold decreased by Rs. 1,800, bringing the new rate down to Rs. 432,036 per tola. The price of 10 grams of gold also recorded a decline of Rs. 1,543, settling at Rs. 370,401 across the local market. The drop in domestic gold prices follows a decline in international bullion rates. In the global market, the price of gold fell by $18 per ounce, reaching $4,096 per ounce. Gold prices in Pakistan are influenced by fluctuations in international markets as well as movements in the exchange rate. Market analysts say changes in global demand, investor sentiment, and economic developments continue to impact bullion prices on a daily basis. Traders expect gold prices to remain sensitive to international market trends in the coming days, with further fluctuations possible depending on global economic data and investor activity.

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    SEF, Sindh Boy Scouts launch initiative to expand scouting across Foundation-assisted schools*

    KARACHI: The Sindh Education Foundation (SEF), Government of Sindh has initiated a collaboration with the Sindh Boy Scouts Association by holding a Group Scout Leadership Seminar aimed at promoting leadership, discipline and community service among students enrolled in Foundation Assisted Schools. The seminar, held at the Sindh Boy Scouts Association headquarters in Karachi, brought together representatives from 32 Foundation Assisted Schools, including head teachers, faculty members and students. The event was attended by SEF Managing Director Gahanwer Ali Laghari, Deputy Managing Director Shahpara Rizvi, Regional Head Karachi Ashfaque Hussain Meerani, senior directors, assistant directors and other officials. The Sindh Boy Scouts Association was represented by Provincial Scout Secretary Syed Akhter Meer, and other office-bearers. Addressing the seminar, Provincial Scout Secretary Syed Akhter Meer welcomed the participation of SEF schools and said introducing students to the history and values of scouting would encourage them to become part of a global movement focused on leadership, character building and service. He also recalled the support extended to the scouting movement by the late Prof Dr Anita Ghulam Ali during her tenure at SEF, saying it was encouraging to witness the Foundation continuing the same commitment under the leadership of Managing Director Gahanwer Ali Laghari. Participants were also briefed on the history of the scouting movement in Sindh, its achievements and future roadmap through a presentation highlighting the organisation’s contribution to youth development. Former senior bureaucrat Ghulam Ali Pasha said leadership and discipline could not be developed through classroom education alone, stressing that scouting provides young people with practical exposure to teamwork, responsibility and community service. He described such initiatives as essential for preparing students to become confident and responsible leaders. Speaking on the occasion, SEF Managing Director Gahanwer Ali Laghari said the Foundation’s mandate extended beyond improving access to education and academic outcomes. “Alongside quality education, we want our students to develop leadership, discipline and a sense of responsibility. Through scouting, they will have an opportunity to become part of an international movement that promotes these values,” he said. Laghari announced that SEF and the Sindh Boy Scouts Association would jointly organise a series of scouting activities across Foundation Assisted Schools throughout the province. He said the initiative had been launched with schools in Karachi and would gradually be expanded to all SEF-supported schools. “Our objective is to engage the entire network of Foundation Assisted Schools, and we are hopeful that within the next one-and-a-half years, scouting activities will be introduced across the province,” he added. The initiative is expected to provide students with greater opportunities for leadership development, teamwork and community engagement alongside their academic education.

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