Life & Style

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.

Fitness coach and television personality Joe Wicks has opened up about how exercise has transformed not only his physical health but also his parenting, revealing that his daily workout routine helps him remain patient with his four young children. The 40-year-old fitness expert, who has built a global following with more than four million Instagram followers, shared the personal insight during a recent question-and-answer session, explaining that he exercises every morning before his children wake up to help regulate his emotions. Wicks said his message about fitness has evolved over the years and is now centred more on mental wellbeing than physical appearance. “The message I always share now is that exercise is about mental health. It’s about boosting your mood into being confident and energised and being a good parent and being patient,” he said. The father of four admitted that raising young children can be overwhelming, but said regular exercise allows him to approach parenting with a calmer mindset. “I have got four kids under seven and they stress me out so much, right? And if I didn’t exercise, I would be like my mum – she screamed at me and shouted at me and slammed doors. I’d be like my dad, I’d be aggressive and so for me, it’s like, I exercise every morning before they wake up, so I’m a calm dad,” Wicks explained. The fitness coach has previously spoken publicly about the difficult environment he experienced growing up. His father struggled with a long-term heroin addiction, while his mother battled obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders. Drawing on those experiences, Wicks said he is determined to create a different atmosphere for his own family and believes physical activity plays an important role in achieving that goal. He stressed that exercise should not be viewed simply as a way to improve appearance, but rather as a tool for improving overall wellbeing and relationships. “And that’s what I always share, exercise isn’t about how you look, it is also more than that. It’s so much more than that,” he said. Encouraging others to use their influence responsibly, Wicks urged people with public platforms to promote the wider benefits of staying active. “So just wherever you are, if you’re an influencer or you’ve got a platform, always share that message that exercise is a really powerful tool to change how you feel and help the relationship around you,” he added. Wicks shares four children with his wife Rosie. The couple are parents to Indie, Marley, Leni and Dusty, and the fitness coach has frequently spoken about balancing family life with his career. Known internationally for promoting home workouts and healthy living, Wicks has increasingly focused on the emotional and psychological benefits of exercise in recent years. His latest comments highlight how fitness has become part of his daily parenting routine, helping him stay patient and emotionally present for his children. Rather than chasing physical goals alone, Wicks said his morning workouts are about becoming the best version of himself for his family, explaining that maintaining his own mental wellbeing allows him to build healthier relationships with the people he loves most.

Netflix is facing a $105 million lawsuit after filmmakers accused the streaming giant of mishandling an unreleased movie, alleging that a master copy of their World War II thriller Fortitude was stolen from the company’s Los Angeles offices, jeopardising the film’s commercial future. According to a lawsuit filed Thursday in a California federal court, writer-producer Simon Afram and his production company Op-Fortitude claim Netflix failed to properly safeguard an unencrypted copy of the film after requesting it for internal review. The complaint states that Netflix first expressed interest in acquiring Fortitude after receiving promotional materials in December 2025. The company later requested a working version of the film in June so executives could screen it internally. The filmmakers said Netflix instructed them to provide the movie through a digital cinema package (DCP), a format commonly used to protect films from unauthorised access during screenings. According to the lawsuit, one of the film’s producers personally delivered the unencrypted drive to Netflix’s Sunset Bronson Studios office on June 15. The producer allegedly instructed the company to delete the files after the screening and notify him when the drive was ready for collection. Ten days later, the filmmakers claim they were informed that the drive had been stolen. An email included in the court filing quotes Netflix’s Head of Film Acquisitions, Sean Berney, who wrote: “This is a first for us. Unfortunately, someone stole a good amount of drives from our office desks this past week. We’ve been working through this with our security teams to no luck. Our piracy teams are on high alert with the breach and will monitor.” Netflix later determined that the other missing drives contained no data. The lawsuit further alleges that Netflix refused to confirm whether it had filed a police report and declined the filmmakers’ request to involve the Los Angeles Police Department, despite the producers filing their own report. Netflix has rejected the allegations, saying it does not accept responsibility for the loss. In a statement, the company said it disputes bearing “the risk of loss for a film delivered without the proper industry-standard safeguards,” while adding that it had offered to monitor piracy websites for any unauthorised release of the film. The streamer also claimed it stopped sharing details of its internal investigation after lawyers representing Afram demanded $165 million, describing the demand as a “hostile attempt to extort money” rather than an effort to resolve the dispute in good faith. The filmmakers argue that the theft has significantly damaged the film’s market value because any potential distributor would now have to be informed that an unencrypted copy may still exist. They claim the incident has complicated acquisition discussions, insurance coverage and marketing plans while increasing the risk of an online leak before the movie’s official release. According to the lawsuit, the producers have paused negotiations with several interested domestic and international distributors until the matter is resolved. Directed by Simon West, Fortitude is based on a true World War II story about British intelligence operatives outsmarting Nazi leadership. The film stars Nicolas Cage, Matthew Goode, Ed Skrein, Jordi Mollà and Alice Eve.

Actor Jeff Hiller has earned his second career Emmy nomination for a performance that lasted just seven minutes, but it is the unexpected comparison to ChatGPT that has amused him the most. Hiller received a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his appearance as Larry in Apple TV+’s science-fiction drama Pluribus. The actor recently addressed the reaction during an appearance on The Daily Show, where he admitted he never expected viewers to compare his character to artificial intelligence. “I’ve heard this. A lot of people have said, ‘You’re just like ChatGPT,’” Hiller said while discussing audience reactions to his role. Reflecting on his performance, he joked that his original intention had been very different from how viewers interpreted it. “I was trying to convey extreme love for her. And instead, I did ChatGPT. Anyway, I got an Emmy nomination for it. Sometimes you aim for one target, you hit another,” he said. In Pluribus, created by Vince Gilligan, Hiller portrays Larry, a cheerful biker who shares a memorable conversation with Carol, played by Rhea Seehorn, in the fourth episode of the series. The show is set in a world where a mysterious virus has transformed most of humanity into a blissfully content hive mind. Carol is among the few people who remain unaffected, and her interaction with Larry becomes one of the episode’s defining moments. The scene, in which Carol questions Larry about the intentions of the hive mind, ultimately earned Hiller widespread praise and an Emmy nomination despite his limited screen time. Speaking about his chances of winning at this year’s ceremony, Hiller remained characteristically humorous. “I’m not gonna win,” he joked before revealing the acceptance speech he believes would fit the unusual journey of his performance. “Suck it!” he quipped, laughing at the idea that his role had resonated with audiences in such an unexpected way. The nomination marks another milestone in Hiller’s career. It is his second Emmy nomination in two years, following his success for portraying Joel in the final season of HBO’s critically acclaimed comedy Somebody Somewhere. Since then, Hiller has continued to build an impressive television résumé with guest appearances in series including Elsbeth, Ghosts and Widow’s Bay, further establishing himself as one of television’s most dependable character actors. His latest recognition also highlights the impact a brief but memorable performance can have, with just seven minutes on screen proving enough to leave a lasting impression on both viewers and Emmy voters. The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards nominees were announced earlier this month, with Hiller among the contenders in the guest actor drama category. The ceremony will honour the year’s best performances across television. While Hiller insists he is not expecting to take home another Emmy trophy, his humorous response to being compared with ChatGPT has become one of the lighter moments of this year’s awards season, showing that even an unconventional audience reaction can become part of an actor’s success story.

Marvel Studios has reportedly cancelled Wonder Man after its first season, with the Disney+ series not expected to return for a second instalment as the company continues reshaping its television strategy. According to Variety, Marvel never planned to move forward with a second season in the traditional way. A source told the publication that a writers’ room for a follow-up season was never opened, and members of the creative team have since been released from the project. The comedy-drama starred Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as aspiring actor Simon Williams, alongside Ben Kingsley, who reprised his Marvel role as Trevor Slattery. The cast also included X Mayo, Demetrius Grosse, Zlatko Burić, Arian Moayed and Olivia Thirlby. The series was created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest. Cretton directed the opening two episodes, while Guest served as the show’s executive producer and showrunner. Despite its reported cancellation, Wonder Man received a strong response from critics. The show’s first season earned a 91% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of Marvel Television’s best-reviewed recent projects. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II also received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance. The nomination marked another milestone in his career, making him the first live-action performer to receive Emmy recognition for both Marvel and DC projects after previously winning for HBO’s Watchmen. Television critic Alison Herman praised the performances of the two lead actors, writing, “Abdul-Mateen and Kingsley make their characters equally ridiculous and romantic, urged on by a motivation more intimate and individual than saving the world.” Marvel described the series through its official synopsis, stating, “Aspiring Hollywood actor Simon Williams (Abdul Mateen) is struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery (Kingsley), an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns legendary director Von Kovak (Burić) is remaking the superhero film ‘Wonder Man.’” The synopsis continues, “These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as audiences get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.” Although Disney has not released official streaming figures, Wonder Man briefly reached No. 8 on Nielsen’s Streaming Originals chart during its debut week before dropping out of the rankings the following week. The reported cancellation comes as Disney continues reducing its Marvel television output in favour of fewer, more focused productions. The studio has increasingly shifted away from producing a large number of interconnected streaming series, instead prioritising projects with stronger long-term potential. The latest development is particularly surprising because Wonder Man had reportedly been greenlit for a second season in March, only weeks after its debut. However, according to Variety, those plans ultimately did not progress into active development, with no writers’ room ever being assembled. While Marvel Studios has not officially commented on the report, the decision signals another step in Disney’s broader effort to streamline its Marvel Television slate despite the show’s positive reviews and award recognition.