Life & Style

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    Amaal Malik’s bizarre move at Awarapan 2 party

    Amaal Malik found himself at the center of attention after an unexpected incident outside the success party of Awarapan 2. The music composer, who was among the key members of the film’s team, surprised onlookers when he briefly appeared to encourage a fight among fans before stepping in to calm the situation. The Awarapan 2 success celebration was held on August 24 and brought together several members of the film’s cast and crew. Lead actors Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani attended the event, along with composer and music director Amaal Malik and other members of the production team. The gathering was organized to celebrate the film’s performance following its theatrical release. However, an incident outside the venue quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening. A video showing Amaal outside the event venue has been circulating widely on social media. In the footage, a fight can be seen breaking out among people gathered outside the venue. Instead of immediately walking away from the commotion, Amaal appeared amused by what was happening at first. He could be seen cheering the people involved and playfully shouting, “Laro laro,” meaning “fight, fight.” He also performed a small, humorous dance move while watching the confrontation. The situation, however, appeared to become more serious within moments. Realizing that the argument could escalate, Amaal changed his approach and moved toward the crowd. He stepped in to help stop the confrontation and attempted to bring the people involved under control. In a surprising turn, the composer not only helped separate the individuals but also hugged them, seemingly encouraging them to put the argument behind them. The unusual sequence of events quickly caught the attention of social media users, with many viewers amused by Amaal’s initial reaction and his decision to intervene moments later. Amaal also attracted attention for his appearance at the event. He opted for a relaxed yet stylish look, wearing a casual blue T-shirt paired with black jeans and a black leather jacket. His informal outfit complemented the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the film’s success. The composer has particular reason to celebrate the success of Awarapan 2. He was given the opportunity to create the music for the sequel to Emraan Hashmi’s much-loved 2007 film Awarapan. The original movie developed a strong following over the years, with its music becoming one of its most remembered aspects. Working on the sequel therefore represented an important opportunity for Amaal, especially given the popularity associated with the original film. The project brought together a new generation of talent while continuing the franchise connected to Hashmi’s earlier work. Awarapan 2 has reportedly performed well commercially since its release and has emerged as a notable success at the box office. The film also reportedly surpassed Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947 in terms of box-office numbers, adding another achievement to its growing list. While the film’s commercial performance remains the main reason for the celebrations, Amaal Malik’s unexpected behavior outside the venue has given fans another memorable moment to discuss. His transition from playfully encouraging the argument to personally stepping in and embracing those involved made the incident particularly unusual. The viral video has since added another layer of attention to the film’s success party, putting Amaal in the spotlight beyond his contribution to the movie’s music.

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    Amitabh Bachchan opens up about doing household chores to keep wife Jaya happy

      Bollywood legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan has recently opened up about his personal life, revealing that he does not hesitate to take care of household chores himself when necessary. The 83-year-old actor made the revelation during a recent episode of his long-running television quiz showKaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), where he spoke about his daily life and his relationship with his wife, veteran actress Jaya Bachchan. During the programme, Amitabh said that he willingly helps with household responsibilities and performs different chores himself, particularly when there is no domestic staff available at home. He explained that he does not consider household work beneath him and is comfortable taking responsibility for routine tasks. The veteran actor also shared that there are usually several domestic workers at his residence. According to him, the household may have four, eight or even 10 staff members to take care of various responsibilities. However, when none of them is present, he takes care of the work himself rather than waiting for someone else to do it. Amitabh said that he even handles cleaning and other household tasks when required. His comments offered fans a glimpse into the actor’s personal routine away from the cameras and his busy professional life. The Bollywood star also spoke about cooking, admitting that it is one household responsibility he is not particularly skilled at. He said that he does not know how to cook, so there are times when he orders food from outside. On other occasions, he asks Jaya to prepare something for him. According to Amitabh, Jaya enjoys preparing meals for him and takes pleasure in knowing whether he liked the food. The actor explained that Jaya sometimes prepares different dishes for him and then asks how he found the meal. He suggested that her interest in cooking for him and seeking his opinion is a source of happiness for her. His comments about helping around the house and appreciating his wife’s cooking quickly attracted attention, as fans were given an uncommon insight into the couple’s long-standing relationship. Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan have been married for more than five decades and are among Bollywood’s most well-known couples. The actor’s remarks also highlighted a more personal side of his life, contrasting with his public image as one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated performers. Despite his decades-long career, Amitabh continues to maintain a strong connection with audiences through his television appearances and films. Amitabh Bachchan is currently in the spotlight due to the 18th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati, the popular quiz-based television programme that he has hosted for several seasons. The show has become closely associated with the actor, who is widely recognised for his distinctive hosting style and interactions with contestants. Through his latest comments, Bachchan once again connected with viewers by sharing simple details about his life at home. His willingness to discuss household responsibilities, his limited cooking skills and his wife’s enthusiasm for preparing meals provided fans with a relatable glimpse into the private life of one of Bollywood’s most iconic stars.

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    Rakhi Sawant says She would love to join Pakistani reality show Tamasha

      Indian reality television personality Rakhi Sawant recently expressed her desire to become part of Pakistan’s popular reality show *Tamasha*, saying that if the programme had been filmed in Dubai, she would have loved to participate and “make the whole world go mad.” Her comments were discussed during the podcast where host Adnan Siddiqui was asked whether he could handle Sawant if she joined the show. Siddiqui, who serves as the host of *Tamasha* and is known as the show’s “Badshah Salamat”, admitted that bringing Sawant onto the Pakistani programme would be difficult under current circumstances. However, he acknowledged that her participation would certainly make the show highly entertaining. Siddiqui also revealed that Sawant’s admiration for *Tamasha* was not an isolated incident. According to him, the reality show has developed a following among Indian viewers since its first season, with audiences across the border regularly commenting on the programme. The actor recalled receiving a phone call from renowned Indian comedian Johnny Lever, who praised his work on the show. Siddiqui remembered Lever telling him that he was doing a great job, a compliment he described as particularly meaningful. For Siddiqui, the growing interest in *Tamasha* from Indian audiences is an important achievement, especially now that the programme has completed five seasons. He said that seeing viewers from India discuss and appreciate the show makes the entire team proud. He recalled reading one Indian viewer’s comment that described the programme’s title as perfectly suited to the events inside the house. The viewer reportedly wrote that the contestants were truly creating a “spectacle” and said they had become interested in watching all the previous seasons after discovering the show. *Tamasha* follows a reality television format that has gained worldwide popularity through the Dutch programme *Big Brother*. The format has been adapted in numerous countries, including India, where the show is known as *Bigg Boss* and is hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Earlier in the podcast, Rehman pointed out that some viewers compare Siddiqui’s hosting style with Khan’s, particularly when he reprimands contestants. Siddiqui responded light-heartedly, saying there was nothing wrong with the comparison because Khan is a major actor and he would not mind being compared with him. Discussing the scale of *Tamasha*, Siddiqui said the production team had achieved considerable success despite operating with fewer resources than many international reality shows. He explained that the team tries to improve and expand the programme with every new season. Siddiqui acknowledged that international versions often have larger teams, bigger budgets and more established production systems. Nevertheless, he argued that *Tamasha* should not be dismissed when compared with such programmes. He suggested that if an international reality show deserved a rating of 20, *Tamasha* could reasonably be considered an 18, reflecting the progress made by its team despite financial and logistical limitations. The growing attention from Indian audiences, along with Sawant’s comments, highlights the cross-border popularity that *Tamasha* has managed to develop over the years.

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    Atif Aslam returns to albums with “Subah Aye Na” after 18 years

      Pakistani music star Atif Aslam has returned to the album format after an 18-year gap with his new project *Subah Aye Na*, arriving at a time when music consumption is increasingly shaped by algorithms, social media and short-form content. At the promotional launch of *Subah Aye Na* at Karamax Studio in Karachi’s Korangi, Aslam reflected on his musical journey, artistic freedom and the changing way audiences discover and experience music. The singer, who rose to fame as the former lead vocalist of Jal – The Band through the hit song *Aadat*, also spoke about his connection with his fans, known as Aadeez, and why he believes genuine art should not be created according to formulas. At the event, Aslam performed several of his most popular songs, including *Meri Zindagi Hai Tu*, *Woh Lamhe*, *Jalpari*, *Doorie*, *Hona Tha Pyar* and *Hum Kis Gali Ja Rahe Hain*. He also introduced audiences to newer tracks such as *Let’s Have Some Fun* and *Hoon Tere Liye*, before ending the performance with the album’s title track, *Subah Aye Na*. Fahad Mustafa, Asim Azhar and Talha Anjum also joined him on stage. At Anjum’s request, Aslam performed verses from *Tere Liye*, featured in the 2010 Indian film *Prince*, alongside *O Mere Khuda*. The crowd later encouraged him to sing *Aadat*, prompting the singer to perform a few lines of the song before concluding the evening. Speaking about his decision to release an album after nearly two decades, Aslam said he wanted to break away from the expectations that artists often place upon themselves. According to him, constantly observing what others are doing can lead artists to develop unwritten rules about the type of music they should make and the kind of work audiences will approve of. He explained that his decision was not a deliberate act of rebellion but came from the same instinct that motivated him when he first entered music: the desire to challenge conventional sounds and experiment with different forms of expression. For Aslam, creating *Subah Aye Na* was therefore more important than predicting how audiences would consume it. Whether listeners hear the complete album, select individual songs or connect with only a few tracks is secondary to the creative process itself. The singer compared this approach with the work of legendary artists such as Pablo Picasso, pointing out that not every work by a celebrated artist becomes equally popular. A lack of mainstream recognition, he argued, does not necessarily reduce the artistic value of a creation. Aslam also rejected the idea that successful or timeless music can be produced through a fixed formula. He believes audiences ultimately decide what resonates with them, making success both personal and unpredictable. While acknowledging the growing influence of social media and algorithms, he said these platforms are not solely responsible for changing musical tastes. Short-form content has made listeners accustomed to consuming brief sections of songs, but meaningful and layered music still has an audience. He pointed to Pakistani acts such as Bayaan and the continuing appreciation for poets including Mirza Ghalib and Faiz Ahmed Faiz as evidence that audiences still value depth, poetry and substance.   Aslam said he does not want to “conquer the world” through his music. Instead, he hopes his work can genuinely touch a smaller number of people. For him, even influencing a few listeners in a meaningful way represents success. He concluded that artists should not create music by constantly calculating who might like it. Once approval becomes the primary goal, he believes art can lose its honesty. For Aslam, *Subah Aye Na* is ultimately an expression of artistic freedom rather than an attempt to satisfy an algorithm or predict what the audience wants.

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    Free Russian film screenings to be held at Centaur…

    ISLAMABAD: Residents of Islamabad will have an opportunity to watch a selection of Russian films for free this weekend at Centaurus Mall. The event, organised with the support of the Russian Embassy, will feature screenings of four Russian movies. Organisers said admission will be free, but seating will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The organisers clarified that the event is open to the general public and is not restricted to invited guests. No seats will be reserved for embassy officials, special guests or any particular group. Visitors can choose to attend any of the four scheduled movie screenings. Families are also welcome to attend the event, providing they follow the age restrictions applicable to individual films. Organisers have particularly advised visitors to check the age classification before attending. Two of the movies are intended exclusively for adult audiences and will not be suitable for children. The film screenings are aimed at providing residents with an opportunity to experience Russian cinema and explore its cultural and artistic themes in an informal setting. Visitors are also permitted to take photographs and record videos during the event. However, they have been requested to respect other audience members and avoid creating disturbances. Guests have been asked not to use flashlights or make excessive noise while taking photographs or videos, so that the screenings can continue without disruption

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    Ushna Shah welcomes first child with Lion King-themed reveal

    KARACHI: Pakistani actor Ushna Shah and her husband, Hamza Amin, have welcomed their first child, a baby boy. The actor shared the news with her followers on social media on Tuesday, introducing her newborn son through a playful Lion King-inspired announcement. Shah shared several pictures of the baby and affectionately described him as her “little lion cub”. She said the newborn had already become the centre of their world. The actor also joked about the early days of motherhood, describing the baby’s routine as a cycle of eating, sleeping and diaper changes. The pictures featured the newborn wearing a cute lion-themed outfit. In one of the images, the baby appeared dressed as a lion cub while the popular animated film The Lion King played in the background. Shah also gave her followers a glimpse of the preparations made to welcome the new family member. The photographs included welcome cookies, floral decorations and the baby’s crib. The announcement quickly attracted congratulatory messages from Shah’s fans, friends and fellow members of the entertainment industry. The arrival of the baby marks a new chapter in Shah and Amin’s lives. The couple got married in 2023 and have now welcomed their first child together. Ushna Shah is a well-known name in Pakistan’s television industry. She has earned recognition for her performances in several popular drama serials and has built a strong following through her work on television and social media.

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    Sheheryar Munawar shares snapshots from London to Spain getaway

    Actor Sheheryar Munawar and his wife, Maheen Siddiqui, have been treating fans to glimpses of their latest European trip. The couple shared a series of snapshots from their travels across London and Spain. Sheheryar kicked things off with a photo of himself wearing a beret while taking in the sights. In another shot, the couple posed together at a gift shop in London’s Notting Hill, with Maheen smiling beside him. A separate photo captured Sheheryar sharing a lighthearted moment with children, though he kept their faces hidden in the post. He captioned the carousel with a playful note about the clouds catching his attention. Maheen also documented parts of the trip herself, sharing photos from Malaga, Spain. In one post, she’s seen soaking up the sunshine in a yellow outfit, set against the city’s scenic coastal backdrop. Sheheryar later added more photos from Spain, jokingly declaring he’d entered his “cowboy era.” The pictures showed him hiking under the sun in a grey tank top, along with another shot posing beside an off-road vehicle. He also showed off a fresh tan while exploring various Spanish cities, sampling local food and taking in traditional flamenco performances. His caption played on the tan itself, adding a playful touch to the post. The couple also shared a more relaxed side of the trip, posing together on an electric bike during one of their outings. Together, the series of posts gave followers a colourful look into their summer getaway, spanning London’s streets, coastal Spain, outdoor adventures, local cuisine and quieter, laid-back moments. Sheheryar and Maheen married in December 2024 and have continued sharing glimpses of their life together on social media since. Their latest travel updates offer fans another warm look into their journey as a married couple, blending sightseeing, adventure and everyday affection throughout the trip.

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    Nadia Afgan says actors mask money worries behind curated posts

    Actor Nadia Afgan is speaking candidly about the financial pressures young actors face early in their careers. She specifically criticised the trend of moving into expensive, high-status neighbourhoods purely to keep up appearances. Reflecting on how demanding the profession really is, Nadia said the job is far tougher than it looks from the outside. She explained that young actors often work incredibly hard when starting out, and encouraged them to prioritise saving money or investing in property, rather than chasing status symbols just because their peers happen to live a certain lifestyle. According to Nadia, that kind of comparison amounts to peer pressure, and it’s pushing many actors into spending well beyond what they can sustainably afford. She also took aim at social media for reinforcing that illusion. Nadia pointed out that people readily post about their cars, scenic views or business-class flights, but rarely share the moments of genuine financial stress that often follow, like panicking over a hefty bill. Speaking more broadly about shifts within the entertainment industry, Nadia said visibility now often matters more than actual talent. She noted that becoming an influencer first has become a common route into television dramas, with anyone holding a camera and an active social media following able to break in more easily. She added that production houses tend to prioritise numbers over craft as well. According to Nadia, casting someone with a large following almost guarantees higher viewership, which directly benefits the channel or production house involved. She admitted knowing many genuinely talented individuals who get overlooked, while influencers with large followings continue landing opportunities instead. Beyond industry commentary, Nadia also reflected on her own journey as an actor. She spoke about her long-held desire to move beyond comedic roles, admitting that meaningful change only came gradually, as her personality and outlook evolved over time. She shared that her father’s illness and eventual passing brought a newfound sense of steadiness to her life. According to Nadia, having witnessed life’s ups and downs so closely has helped her understand and portray complex characters with far greater depth. Nadia is best known for her roles in dramas including “Suno Chanda,” “Shashlik,” “Shehr-e-Zaat” and “Kabuli Pulao.”

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    Swedish DJ Axwell to headline Karachi’s first electronic music event

    Karachi is preparing to host its first-ever international electronic music event. Swedish DJ and producer Axwell will headline “First Light” on September 19 at Moin Khan Academy, DHA Sports Club, according to a statement from OP Productions. Axwell, whose real name is Axel Christofer Hedfors, is a member of the globally renowned group Swedish House Mafia. Organisers describe him as one of the most influential figures in modern electronic music. Conceived and creatively directed by OP Productions CEO Omer H Paracha, “First Light” draws its name from the symbolic moment of dawn breaking. According to the statement, the event has been designed as a cinematic, light-driven production, combining an international headliner with a custom-built stage, large-scale visuals, and a strong emphasis on audience safety and overall experience. Local acts Bilal Brohi and Hazey will open the night ahead of Axwell’s headline performance, organisers confirmed. OP Productions described Pakistan as one of the largest untapped markets in global live entertainment. The company pointed to the country’s population of more than 240 million and its notably young median age as key factors that make it an attractive destination for international touring artists. According to the organisers, “First Light” is intended to serve as a long-term platform for bringing global touring acts to Pakistan, positioning the country more firmly on the international live-entertainment map. Paracha said the event is meant to show the world what Pakistan is truly ready for. He added that Pakistanis deserve the chance to experience world-class live entertainment, and that the country has every right to claim its place on the global stage. He further stated that Pakistan already has the audience, energy and appetite for large-scale live events, and that “First Light” aims to prove the country is fully capable of hosting them. Tickets are being sold through Ticketwala, with Bronze, Silver, Gold, VIP and Platinum categories available. Limited early-bird pricing is currently on offer across select tiers. Organisers also confirmed a dedicated Pink section has been reserved exclusively for solo women, reflecting the event’s stated commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment for all attendees. OP Productions describes itself as a Karachi-based live-entertainment company specialising in international artist bookings, large-scale event production, and ticketing operations across Pakistan.

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    ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ closing in on ‘Titanic’ at box office

    “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is rapidly closing in on “Titanic” at the global box office. The Marvel film now sits just tens of millions of dollars away from knocking James Cameron’s 1997 classic out of the all-time top five. Starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, “Brand New Day” continued its impressive run into its fourth weekend, adding $39 million domestically and $109 million internationally. That brings its worldwide total to approximately $2.22 billion. That leaves the film roughly $44 million behind “Titanic,” which currently holds fifth place on the all-time global chart with around $2.264 billion. If the film maintains its current momentum, it is expected to overtake Cameron’s blockbuster within days. The achievement would add yet another milestone to what has already been a record-breaking theatrical run. “Brand New Day” became the first film in the Spider-Man franchise to cross $2 billion worldwide, reaching that mark in just three weekends, the second-fastest film ever to do so, trailing only “Avengers: Endgame.” Its domestic performance has been equally striking. The film has now earned more than $854.9 million in the US and Canada, putting it on track to overtake “Avengers: Endgame” as the second-highest-grossing domestic release of all time, behind only “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” The film’s remarkable run began with a record-setting opening weekend. It debuted to around $360 million domestically, surpassing “Avengers: Endgame” for the biggest domestic opening in history, while also posting the second-biggest global opening ever at roughly $932 million worldwide. It has continued breaking records since, crossing $1 billion worldwide in just six days, the second-fastest film to do so, before going on to become the highest-grossing film of 2026 overall. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film marks Holland’s fourth solo outing as Peter Parker. Its cast also includes Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal and Mark Ruffalo. Should it overtake “Titanic,” the film would edge into an increasingly exclusive tier of the box office charts. It currently trails “Ne Zha 2,” which sits just ahead with roughly $2.27 billion worldwide, suggesting another ranking shift could follow soon after. More than 25 years after “Titanic” first became a box office phenomenon, another Marvel blockbuster now stands ready to challenge its place in cinema history, with the gap between them narrowing by the day.