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Pakistani music icon Atif Aslam has opened up about the personal journey behind his upcoming studio album Subah Aye Na, revealing that years of touring and commercial commitments left him disconnected from his artistic identity. Ahead of the album’s release, the singer shared that he had to “go back to zero” to rediscover himself as an artist. Speaking in recent interviews with Virgin Radio Dubai and Khaleej Times, Aslam reflected on the creative process behind Subah Aye Na, his first studio album in 18 years. The singer described the project as one of the most personal milestones of his career. “I forgot who I was, so I went back to zero and told myself that people had made me a star, by the grace of God, but now is the time to become an artist,” Aslam said. The singer explained that after spending more than two decades performing around the world, he realised he had been creating music mainly for audiences, concerts and record labels rather than for himself. “I have been doing it for the people, for my listeners, for music companies,” he said. “I thought of doing something for myself. And I found myself through this album.” Reflecting on the past 25 years of his career, Aslam admitted that his busy schedule had gradually distanced him from the creative passion that first inspired him to pursue music. “I had somehow lost touch with myself while staying busy with projects, concerts and other things, though that too is a blessing I acknowledge. But it was about time to look within and do what my heart had been yearning for,” he shared. Unlike his previous work, Aslam said he refused to rush the album’s production and instead allowed the music to develop naturally. “I did not want to be driven by timelines. I wanted it to come straight from the soul,” he explained. The award-winning singer also confessed that he had planned to release another album years ago but never completed it. “I was working on the album, but I couldn’t compile it earlier. I guess you could say, as candidly as it gets, that I was lazy,” he admitted with a smile. “But you eventually have to decide when you will perform and when you will make your own music. You have to do both.” Looking ahead, Aslam revealed that he hopes to maintain a more consistent release schedule and aims to put out a new album every year. During the interviews, the Aadat singer also shared that cricket—not music—was his first dream. He revealed that he wanted to become a fast bowler and was even selected for an under-19 cricket team before his parents encouraged him to focus on academics. “I wanted to be a fast bowler. I got selected for the under-19 cricket team, but my parents wanted me to study,” he recalled. Aslam said he only realised his vocal potential after his father’s transfer to another city. “When I hit that high note, I got scared. That’s when I realised something could come of it,” he said. Explaining the difference between his albums and film songs, Aslam noted that his studio records are deeply personal because he composes them himself. “I have composed all of my albums myself, but film songs are created with music producers and directors. My albums reflect what I have been through, the people I have met, what has inspired me and how it has shaped me,” he said. The singer also expressed gratitude to his Indian fans, recalling how his music first reached audiences across the border. “I remember when my first album came out, people would burn CDs and take them to India. Now we’re back to those days again,” he said, while thanking listeners who continue to support his music despite ongoing restrictions. Subah Aye Na, featuring eight tracks, is scheduled for release on July 31, marking Aslam’s long-awaited return to the studio album format after nearly two decades.

Several Pakistani celebrities have spoken out over the recent unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), using their social media platforms to express solidarity with residents while urging peace, justice and accountability. Among the first to react was actor Durefishan Saleem, who shared a lengthy Instagram post explaining why she believes speaking about political and social issues is a responsibility rather than a choice. “You’re too political. Of course I am. How could I not be when everything happening around me is connected to the lives we live?” she wrote. The actor added that the decisions made by those in power affect every aspect of daily life. “The prices we pay, the education we receive, the opportunities we get, and the future we are slowly building are all affected by the choices made by people in power. I speak up because I pay attention.” She concluded her message by saying she did not want to remain silent until issues directly affected her. “I don’t want to be the person who only starts caring when an issue finally reaches my doorstep.” Ending the post, she wrote, “Yes, I am political. Because how can I not be, when this is the country I call home.” Several other celebrities, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Osman Khalid Butt, Minal Khan, Komal Meer, Nadia Afgan, Kinza Hashmi and Hina Afridi, also shared posts highlighting the situation and expressing support for the people of AJK. Television host Anoushey Ashraf voiced concern over reports that Gaza-based activist Mushtaq Ahmed had allegedly been prevented from entering Kashmir while attempting to express solidarity with residents. Sharing her thoughts on Instagram Stories, she wrote, “They behave like they’ve given us such amazing lives that we stop trusting our own people and trust them? Trust your brothers in Pakistan. They’re our families and our sisters. Our children. Not anyone else’s agents.” Actor Mashal Khan also addressed the violence through an emotional video, captioning it, “Human life is HUMAN LIFE.” In the video, she questioned the growing loss of human compassion. “What is happening in the world? Every day on Instagram, there is something happening somewhere. This many people have died, that many people have died. We’ve made human lives worthless, as if the lives of mothers and children are worth money. Sometimes Kashmir, sometimes Iran.” Comedian Tabish Hashmi also shared a video expressing his concerns. “I don’t know what the consequences will be for speaking out about this in this country, but what I have been seeing on social media is very disheartening,” he said. He added, “There is not much I can do besides make this video and share my voice, hoping that it can help bring about change.” Actor Mishi Khan urged more members of Pakistan’s entertainment industry to publicly address the issue instead of remaining silent. “In showbiz, there have been many Gen Z protests that were talked about in India, and now when it comes to Pakistan, Azad Kashmir and Balochistan, why are we not raising our voices?” she asked. She continued, “I am not saying to take up arms or go out onto the streets, but as citizens of Pakistan, it is our right to raise our voices on social media, speak out against what is wrong, and stand with the people of Kashmir.” Actors Samar Jafri and Bilal Qureshi also joined the growing calls for solidarity. Jafri shared an Instagram Story that read, “Sad to see what’s happening in our country. My heart goes out to the people of Azad Kashmir.” Meanwhile, Qureshi criticised the entertainment industry for overlooking the issue. “Disrespect happens in the industry every day. Please, for God’s sake, talk about the national issue affecting our brothers and sisters and raise your voices for them. Kashmir bleeds!” he wrote. As videos and reports from AJK continue to circulate online, public figures across Pakistan’s entertainment industry have increasingly used their platforms to call for peace, justice and support for those affected.

Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, has once again found himself at the centre of relationship speculation after he was spotted with a mystery woman during a recent outing in London. Photos and videos of the pair quickly went viral on social media, prompting fans to speculate about Aryan’s personal life. According to reports, the woman accompanying Aryan has been identified by social media users as content creator Vini Takyar. The two were allegedly seen leaving a casino in London together, with footage of the outing circulating widely online. Neither Aryan nor Vini has publicly addressed the dating rumours. For the outing, both Aryan and Vini opted for coordinated all-black outfits. Aryan kept his look understated, wearing a black T-shirt paired with matching trousers, while Vini also chose an all-black ensemble, adding to the attention surrounding their appearance together. The speculation gained further momentum after Vini shared photographs from her London trip on Instagram shortly after the videos surfaced online. She captioned the post simply, “London, ily.” Fans were also quick to notice that Aryan and Vini follow each other on Instagram, leading many to wonder if there is more than friendship between them. However, neither has confirmed the nature of their relationship, and no official statement has been issued by either side. This is not the first time Aryan Khan has made headlines over his rumoured love life. In recent years, he was linked to Brazilian model and actress Larissa Bonesi, although neither of them confirmed the reports. The speculation surrounding Larissa intensified after she appeared in promotional campaigns for D’YAVOL X, Aryan Khan’s luxury streetwear label. She was also seen attending the premiere of Aryan’s directorial debut web series, The Ba****ds of Bollywood, further fuelling rumours at the time. Despite the constant public interest in his personal life, Aryan has largely stayed away from discussing relationships and maintains a relatively private presence compared to other celebrity children. Professionally, Aryan has chosen a path different from his father. Instead of pursuing acting, he has focused on filmmaking and entrepreneurship. He first entered the business world by launching his premium fashion label, D’YAVOL X, which has collaborated with several well-known personalities and has become one of India’s most talked-about luxury streetwear brands. Aryan later made his directorial debut with The Ba****ds of Bollywood, marking his first major project behind the camera. The series attracted significant attention even before its release, with fans eager to see the filmmaker’s creative vision. Although Aryan generally avoids media attention and keeps his social media activity limited, his public appearances frequently generate widespread discussion online. Every outing, brand event or interaction is closely followed by fans, making him one of Bollywood’s most-watched celebrity children. The latest London sighting has once again sparked debate across social media, with many fans speculating about a possible romance between Aryan Khan and Vini Takyar. However, until either of them comments publicly, the reports remain unconfirmed. For now, Aryan continues to focus on expanding his career as a filmmaker and entrepreneur, while his private life remains a subject of intense curiosity among fans and entertainment followers.

Television host and social media personality Mathira has urged society to change the way boys are raised, saying men should be allowed to express their emotions without fear of being judged. She believes many men struggle with emotional pressure because they are expected to remain strong at all times while carrying the burden of family and financial responsibilities. Speaking in a recent interview, Mathira said society often teaches boys to hide their feelings from an early age. As they grow older, they become uncomfortable talking about sadness, stress, anxiety, or depression. According to her, this emotional suppression affects their personal lives and relationships. She said many men work tirelessly to support their families but rarely receive emotional support themselves. The pressure to provide and meet expectations often leaves them mentally exhausted. As a result, some find it difficult to become emotionally available as fathers, husbands, sons, or brothers. Mathira stressed that emotional intelligence should be taught during childhood. She said parents play the biggest role in shaping a child’s personality and values. Instead of telling boys to suppress their emotions, families should encourage them to express their feelings openly and honestly. She also rejected the idea that television or social media is responsible for raising children. According to her, parents decide what children watch, what they learn, and the values they adopt. She said children spend their early years learning from their families, making the home environment the most important influence on their development. Mathira emphasized that mothers and fathers should work together to create a safe and supportive atmosphere where children feel comfortable discussing their emotions. She believes such an environment helps children develop confidence, empathy, and healthy communication skills. Sharing her own experience, Mathira said she is raising three sons and has always encouraged them to speak openly about their emotions. She tells them that crying, feeling sad, or admitting they are having a difficult day is completely normal. She believes emotional expression is a sign of honesty and strength rather than weakness. The television host also said she teaches her children to respect women and avoid judging others based on appearance, clothing, or personal choices. Growing up in a household led by women, she said her sons have learned to understand the challenges women often face in society and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect. Reflecting on her experience as a divorced single mother, Mathira said both men and women should develop qualities that help build stronger relationships. She believes men should embrace emotional sensitivity, while women should develop confidence and resilience to face life’s challenges.