Life & Style

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    Akbar Islam exposes reality of working with Sana Javed

    Sana Javed’s reputation within the Pakistani entertainment industry has been complicated for several years. Before her marriage to cricketer Shoaib Malik, a wave of allegations from colleagues and crew members described her as rude and difficult to work with on set, a controversy that temporarily cost her significant public goodwill. Following her marriage, she stepped away from acting for a period, and her return to screens in the ongoing drama Bas Tera Saath Ho has been watched closely by audiences curious about how the comeback would land. Now, a co-star from the same production has stepped forward to share his firsthand experience of working alongside her, and what he had to say runs contrary to the narrative that had built up around her. Akbar Islam, who plays a supportive neighbour uncle in Bas Tera Saath Ho, was asked directly about his experience working with Sana Javed and whether the stories about her difficult behaviour on set reflected the reality he had encountered. His response was thoughtful and contextual rather than simply defensive of the actress. He said that what people interpret as rudeness is not always what it appears to be. Actors, he explained, need to maintain a certain aura on set. A professional distance, a sense of presence and composure, is part of how performers protect the quality of the work and the integrity of their characters. What some people read as aloofness or arrogance may simply be an actor holding that professional boundary. He said this was the context in which he understood what had previously been said about Sana Javed, and about her co-star Farhan Saeed as well. As for his own experience working with them on Bas Tera Saath Ho, he described it plainly as a great one. He added that dynamics differ from set to set and production to production, suggesting that past accounts may have reflected specific circumstances rather than a fixed truth about either actor’s character. Sana Javed’s performance in Bas Tera Saath Ho has been receiving positive attention from viewers, marking a steady rehabilitation of her public image following the controversy that preceded her comeback. The drama itself has been well received, with Akbar Islam’s own performance drawing warm feedback from audiences who appreciate the warmth and depth he brings to his supporting role. His remarks offer a counterpoint to the accounts that once dominated the conversation about Sana Javed, framing the earlier criticism through the lens of professional behaviour rather than personal failing, and suggesting that the version of her colleagues have encountered during the filming of Bas Tera Saath Ho has been a different and more positive experience altogether.

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    Barbie sequel talks hit roadblock as negotiations …

    The huge success of Barbie made a sequel seem almost inevitable. After all, the 2023 film became a global phenomenon, earning more than $1.4 billion at the worldwide box office and turning into one of Warner Bros.’ biggest hits ever. Fans quickly began asking when Barbie and Ken would return to the big screen. However, the road to a second film has become more complicated than many expected. Recent reports suggest that negotiations for a Barbie sequel have reached a major roadblock. Warner Bros. is reportedly still working to secure new agreements with key members of the original team, including director Greta Gerwig, co-writer Noah Baumbach, and stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. None of them were contractually committed to a sequel after the first film, meaning fresh deals must be negotiated before production can move forward.  Adding to the pressure is a reported deadline tied to the film rights. According to recent reports, Warner Bros. has until December to finalize arrangements for a sequel before certain rights could revert to Mattel, the company behind the iconic Barbie doll. That deadline has increased the urgency of the ongoing talks.  The creative side of the project has also played a role in the delay. Following the release of the original film, Greta Gerwig repeatedly said she did not have an idea for a sequel. She explained that she had poured everything into the first movie and was not thinking about a follow-up at the time. More recent reports, however, indicate that Gerwig and Baumbach may now have a potential story in mind, but they are reportedly keeping those details private while negotiations continue.  Money is believed to be another major factor in the discussions. Reports claim that salary demands and profit-sharing arrangements are among the issues slowing progress, with all sides trying to reach an agreement that reflects the original film’s enormous success.  Despite the current challenges, a sequel has not been ruled out. Industry insiders believe there is still strong interest from both the studio and the creative team to continue the franchise if the right deal can be reached. For now, fans will have to wait as negotiations continue behind the scenes, hoping Barbie’s next adventure eventually makes its way to theaters.

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    Internet slams Naeem Hanif over remarks on Mohammad Ahmed.

    Journalist Naeem Hanif has come under fire on social media after commenting on veteran actor and writer Syed Mohammad Ahmed’s recent claims of being mistreated by younger actors on a drama set. His remarks sparked widespread criticism, with many internet users accusing him of being disrespectful toward a senior artist. Syed Mohammad Ahmed recently revealed that he had faced inappropriate behaviour from younger actors during a shoot. In his interview, he named actors Fahad Sheikh, Faizan Sheikh, and Jenan Hussain, saying they repeatedly made fun of him and crossed professional boundaries on set. The veteran actor’s statements received overwhelming support from fans and fellow celebrities, many of whom praised him for speaking openly about the issue. Ahmed later clarified that he had not intended for the interview to be uploaded publicly. However, once the video surfaced online, it quickly went viral, bringing the alleged incident into the spotlight and triggering a wider conversation about respect for senior artists in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Reacting to the controversy, Naeem Hanif argued that Syed Mohammad Ahmed had exaggerated the situation. According to Hanif, actors on drama sets often joke with one another, and the incident should not have been presented as a major issue. During his analysis, Hanif said, “Muhammad Ahmed, before you make such a big thing, understand where you are. You are not a lecturer. You are not teaching an Islamiat lecture in a university that you got so offended by someone making fun of you.” He further added, “What is your venue where this all happened? You are doing a drama. You are doing acting. You are in showbiz.” His comments quickly drew backlash online, with many social media users saying his remarks were insensitive and failed to acknowledge the importance of treating senior colleagues with dignity and respect, regardless of the workplace. One user criticised Hanif for disrespecting an elder, saying it was shameful for someone calling himself a journalist to speak in such a manner about a veteran artist. The commenter also questioned his credibility as a journalist. Another social media user accused Hanif of having double standards. The commenter argued that if he believed interactions with unrelated women in the media were inappropriate, he should also reflect on his own work in television and digital media. The user questioned why he was preaching morality while continuing to benefit from the same industry. Many others echoed similar views, stating that professionalism should never be compromised and that no one, especially a senior actor with decades of experience, deserves to be ridiculed on a professional set. The debate continues online, with a large number of fans standing by Syed Mohammad Ahmed and maintaining that respect for senior artists should remain a fundamental value within the entertainment industry.

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    Kylie Kelce shuts down pregnancy rumors with blunt…

    Kylie Kelce shuts down pregnancy rumors with blunt message: ‘Stop it’ By Amna Malik Kylie Kelce has made one thing crystal clear—she is not expecting baby number five. The 34-year-old podcast host and wife of former NFL star Jason Kelce addressed the growing speculation during the latest episode of her Not Gonna Lie podcast after online rumors claimed she was pregnant again. Kylie, who shares four daughters with Jason, did not hold back as she responded to the claims with her trademark honesty and humor.  “We have four kids,” Kylie said before delivering a direct message to those fueling the rumors. “Stop trying to get me to have more. Stop it. That’s between me and my husband and my motherf—ing uterus.”  The rumors reportedly gained traction after photos from the family’s recent vacation in Paris showed Kylie wearing a loose-fitting dress. Some social media users quickly began speculating that the outfit was hiding a baby bump. Kylie, however, rejected those assumptions and explained why people should stop commenting on women’s bodies.  During the podcast, Kylie stressed that wearing comfortable or oversized clothing should never be viewed as proof that someone is pregnant. She argued that people need to stop making assumptions based solely on appearance, adding that such comments can be hurtful and intrusive.  Kylie and Jason Kelce are parents to four daughters: Wyatt, Elliotte, Bennett and Finnley. The couple has often shared funny and heartfelt parenting moments with fans, but Kylie made it clear that decisions about expanding their family remain private.  This is not the first time Kylie has spoken out against pregnancy speculation. In the past, she revealed that she had experienced a miscarriage before welcoming her children, making false pregnancy rumors especially painful. Her previous comments encouraged people to think twice before asking women whether they are expecting, as they never know what someone may be going through behind the scenes.  Fans praised Kylie for addressing the rumors so openly, with many applauding her for speaking about body image and personal boundaries. Her candid remarks also sparked a wider conversation online about respecting women’s privacy and avoiding unnecessary speculation about pregnancy. For now, Kylie says her family is complete with four children, and she hopes people will stop turning every outfit or vacation photo into another round of baby rumors. Her message was simple, firm and impossible to misunderstand: decisions about having children belong to her and Jason alone—not the internet. 

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    Mathira reveals age and cosmetic procedures she has undergone

    Pakistani television host and actress Mathira has candidly spoken about her age, cosmetic procedures, and her views on ageing during a recent appearance on Inqilaab Voice’s podcast The Hot Seat. Known for her outspoken personality, the television star shared personal details while addressing beauty standards, self-confidence, and life in the public eye. Mathira has established herself as a prominent television personality through hosting, acting, and her active presence on social media. With more than 2.6 million Instagram followers, she has appeared in projects including Chaal, Quddusi Sahab Ki Bewa, Nagan, Dil Ke Rung Hazar, 21 MM Show, and Raasta. She is also recognised as a single mother raising three sons while balancing her career. During the podcast, Mathira honestly revealed her age while dismissing society’s obsession with youth and appearance. She said, “I will be honest, I am 34. I think I am a thick woman, and I can still turn heads. Youth is a part of your life; no one can live forever young. To be famous is written in your fate; not everyone becomes famous.” Speaking about her journey in the entertainment industry, Mathira emphasised that she built her career on her own. “Who launched me and gave me fame? No one, I am self-made. I am not worried about my future and youth. I’m a public person who loves private life, and I’m not worried about weight shaming,” she said. The actress also addressed rumours surrounding cosmetic procedures and openly admitted to having undergone several treatments over the years. She explained that her nose surgery was not done for cosmetic reasons alone but was necessary after an accident. “I did get a nose job, that’s for sure, because of my accident my bone got slanted or disfigured. I got it done in Turkey,” Mathira revealed. She further acknowledged that she occasionally opts for non-surgical cosmetic treatments. “Yes, I do get a bit of fillers or Botox. I did get a bit of liposuction 15 years ago,” she shared. Mathira also challenged the stigma surrounding ageing, particularly the pressure placed on women to remain young. According to her, society often unfairly judges women based on their age while celebrating youth as the only standard of beauty. Expressing her views, she said, “A woman doesn’t get old that easily. Have you seen Shakira, how well is she doing? We have stereotyped women, saying women ageing or ‘Umer dhalna’ is a very disgraceful thing.” Her remarks resonated with many viewers, as she encouraged women to embrace every stage of life instead of feeling pressured by unrealistic beauty standards. Throughout the conversation, Mathira maintained that confidence, self-acceptance, and individuality matter far more than age, adding that she has never allowed criticism over her appearance or body to affect her outlook on life.

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    Drew Starkey recalls emotional final day on Outer …

    Saying goodbye to Outer Banks was far more emotional than Drew Starkey expected. The 32-year-old actor, who has played Rafe Cameron since the Netflix series debuted in 2020, recently revealed that he broke down in tears after filming his final scene for the show’s fifth and final season. Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Starkey reflected on wrapping up a journey that lasted seven years and shaped a significant chapter of his life.  During the interview, Starkey admitted that he believed he was handling the show’s ending surprisingly well while filming the final episodes. He joked that he even wondered if something was wrong because he wasn’t feeling emotional during the last few months on set. “It was totally bittersweet,” Starkey said. “We spent seven years on that show and those are my best friends.” He explained that he thought he was ready to move on, but everything changed the moment cameras stopped rolling on his final scene.  “The last shot of my last scene, right when they yelled ‘cut,’ I was just weeping,” Starkey shared. The actor said he cried continuously for nearly two hours as cast and crew members came over to comfort him. Every conversation brought fresh tears, making it impossible for him to hold back his emotions.  Looking back, Starkey said the overwhelming reaction came from realizing how much time had passed. He joined Outer Banks when he was 25 years old and is now 32. As filming ended, memories from the past seven years came rushing back, reminding him of the friendships, experiences and personal growth he had gained through the series.  The emotional farewell comes as Outer Banks prepares for its fifth and final season, which promises to bring the popular adventure drama to an exciting conclusion. The new season follows the Pogues after the devastating loss of JJ, forcing them to face dangerous enemies while embarking on one last mission together. The story also sees Rafe Cameron becoming an uneasy ally as the group fights for its future.  For fans, Starkey’s heartfelt comments highlight just how close the cast became during the making of the hit series. What started as a teen adventure drama evolved into one of Netflix’s biggest franchises, creating lifelong friendships behind the scenes. Although saying goodbye was difficult, Starkey’s emotional farewell reflects the impact Outer Banks had on everyone involved. As the final season approaches, viewers can expect an ending filled with action, emotion and nostalgia, while the cast celebrates a remarkable journey that has lasted nearly a decade. 

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    Spiderman-A Brand New Day- a film of identity and resilience

    “I am not just Peter Parker, I am Spiderman, and sometimes Spiderman has to do hard things, leaving Peter Parker’s heart broken.” This sentence lies at the heart of the film. Spiderman must help the people of New York even if that comes at the cost of his personal happiness. He has distanced himself from those he used to know, such as his girlfriend MJ and his friend Ned. Spider-Man: A Brand New Day has been directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and is a Marvel Studios production. It falls into the genre of action, sci-fi and adventure. With a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes, it has been rated at 8.2/10 on IMDB. The plot is a fight of good against evil. The damage control centre kills Sarah, Jean’s sister, for her special powers. Jean is in their imprisonment. Bill, the director of Damage Control, seeks Spider-Man’s help to eliminate Jean. Spiderman does not know the truth, and he helps Bill. What is the truth? Will Spider-Man find out in time? The film follows a flashback where Jean and Sarah are together, and the damage control employees kidnap Sarah. The damage control is after V. Max, and no one knows what it is. Jean possesses extraordinary psychic abilities. Jean can get into people’s minds. She can control their minds and possess them. She has powers she cannot curb. As Spiderman follows the trail and puts two and two together, he realises Bill was the real culprit. As Jean tries to destroy Bill, Spiderman convinces her not to. Once again, the film shows that Spider-Man’s greatest strength is compassion and not brute force. Spiderman helps Jean understand the healing power of love. He promises to stay by her side. In the subplot is Peter Parker’s romantic relationship with MJ (Zendaya). The relationship on the verge of destruction is restored as MJ remembers the time she spent with Peter. Spiderman is severely injured at the end, and as Jean uses her magical powers to cure him, she is successful. The film offers a bit of comic relief when Spider-Man exits the hospital without being noticed. It sends the audience into peals of laughter. The characterisation is superb. Tom Holland’s (Peter Parker) performance is outstanding. Tom appears as a more mature Spider-Man who carries the burden of immense personal sacrifice without losing his compassion and sense of humour. Zendaya (MJ) also spontaneously delivers her role. The chemistry between the two is striking despite the heartbreaking distance between them. Visually, the film is spectacular. The web singing sequences through NewYork are exhilarating, and the cinematography is great. The thematic concerns are of identity, sacrifice, loneliness and hope. Peter’s struggle to rebuild his life after having lost everything makes him more relatable than ever. Spiderman- A Brand New Day follows the film Spiderman: No Way Home, documenting Peter Parker’s journey since then. As Parker is faced with a choice to either be Spiderman or Peter he chooses to be both. At the end, the film promises another movie, calling it Spiderman Returns. On the whole, Spiderman: A Brand New Day is a story about resilience and selflessness, and it remains true to the character of  Spiderman. It delivers thrilling action and heartfelt performances. A great film that deserves applause. So grab your tickets before they run out!

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    Spider-Man: Brand New Day overcomes leak fears as …

    Spider-Man: Brand New Day has proven that even a major piracy leak cannot slow down one of Marvel’s biggest theatrical events in years. Just hours before the highly anticipated film officially premiered, a high-quality bootleg copy reportedly surfaced online and quickly spread across X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk. The leak sparked concerns that piracy could hurt the movie’s opening-day performance, with fans urged across social media to avoid spoilers and support the official theatrical release.  Despite those fears, the latest Spider-Man adventure bounced back in spectacular fashion. According to early box office figures, Spider-Man: Brand New Day earned an astonishing $72 million in preview screenings, setting a new Marvel record. The figure surpassed the previous preview record of $60 million, which had been held by Avengers: Endgame since 2019. The milestone highlights the enormous excitement surrounding Tom Holland’s return as Peter Parker and demonstrates that audience demand remained strong despite the piracy concerns.  Industry analysts now expect the film to deliver one of the biggest opening weekends in box office history, with projections ranging between $260 million and $280 million worldwide. If those estimates hold, Brand New Day will cement itself as one of Marvel Studios’ most successful launches ever.  The overwhelming interest is hardly surprising. The film marks Holland’s first solo Spider-Man outing since 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home. The story follows Peter Parker as he struggles with life after Doctor Strange’s memory spell erased his identity from the world. Living in isolation, Peter faces emotional challenges while confronting dangerous new enemies in a fresh chapter for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Marvel has also benefited from an extensive promotional campaign leading up to the release. Earlier this year, the movie’s trailer generated unprecedented online attention, becoming the biggest trailer launch in history with more than 719 million views in its first 24 hours. That record later placed it ahead of the first Avengers: Doomsday trailer, underlining just how much anticipation surrounded the Spider-Man sequel long before tickets went on sale.  The recent piracy incident nevertheless serves as another reminder of the growing challenge facing major Hollywood releases. High-profile films increasingly become targets for online leaks, forcing studios to step up security while encouraging audiences to experience blockbusters in theaters instead of through illegal copies.  For Marvel, however, the early results suggest the leak had little impact on audience enthusiasm. Instead of slowing momentum, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has swung past expectations, broken a long-standing Marvel preview record, and positioned itself as one of the defining box office successes of 2026.

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    Met Gala 2027 to honour British fashion designer

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced that celebrated British fashion designer John Galliano will be the focus of its Spring 2027 Costume Institute exhibition, titled John Galliano: Horizons. The exhibition will also serve as the inspiration for the Met Gala 2027, making Galliano only the third living designer to receive a solo exhibition at the museum. The announcement marks a significant milestone in Galliano’s career. Before him, only Yves Saint Laurent in 1983 and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons in 2017 had been honoured with individual exhibitions while still alive. The Costume Institute exhibition will officially open on May 9, 2027, with the Met Gala serving as its traditional fundraising event before remaining on display until January 9, 2028. According to the museum, John Galliano: Horizons will explore the designer’s extraordinary career, tracing his creative evolution from his acclaimed 1984 graduation collection at Central Saint Martins to his work at Givenchy, Christian Dior, his own label, and Maison Margiela. The exhibition will feature garments, sketches, research books and archival material drawn from the Costume Institute’s extensive collection. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who has long admired Galliano’s work, praised the designer while announcing the exhibition. “There is no one more deserving of an exhibition of this scale than John Galliano,” Wintour said in a statement. She continued, “His body of work, at Dior, Givenchy, Margiela, his namesake label and more, combines erudition and creativity, darkness and light, the past, the present, the future all smashing together in a brilliant way.” The exhibition has been curated by Andrew Bolton, who explained the philosophy behind the project and why Galliano’s career remains an important subject in contemporary fashion. Bolton described the exhibition as treating “fashion as a form of cartography, mapping not territories but affinities, tensions, and transformations.” He further explained that the exhibition would examine “how Galliano has remapped the world through fashion and how his conduct, its consequences, and changing cultural values have reshaped our understanding of his work.” Organisers have also confirmed that the exhibition will not avoid one of the most controversial chapters of Galliano’s life. In 2011, the designer was dismissed from both Christian Dior and his own fashion label after making racist and antisemitic remarks. He was later convicted by a Paris court for public insults based on race, religion and ethnicity. According to The New York Times, the museum’s decision to move forward with the exhibition followed a private meeting held in May between Galliano, Andrew Bolton, Anna Wintour and several Jewish community leaders in New York. Rather than overlooking the controversy, the exhibition aims to place it within the broader context of Galliano’s life and career, examining both his artistic achievements and the consequences of his actions. With John Galliano: Horizons, the Metropolitan Museum of Art hopes to present a comprehensive look at one of fashion’s most influential and debated designers, while the Met Gala 2027 is expected to celebrate his lasting impact on the global fashion industry.

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    Jersey Shore star Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi shar…

    Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is focusing on recovery after undergoing a hysterectomy as part of her treatment for stage 1 cervical cancer. The Jersey Shore star shared a heartfelt health update with fans after having surgery on Friday, revealing that while the procedure was successful, the recovery has been more difficult than she expected. Polizzi documented the experience on TikTok, giving followers an honest look at her journey from the hospital bed.  In the emotional video, the 38-year-old reality television personality thanked fans for their support while admitting she is still struggling physically and emotionally. Although she tried to stay positive, Polizzi said recovering from such a major operation has been challenging. She also shared a lighthearted moment by showing the meal she enjoyed after surgery—curly fries with ketchup—which brought a smile to many of her followers.  Polizzi first revealed her stage 1 cervical cancer diagnosis in February after receiving results from a cone biopsy. Doctors diagnosed her with adenocarcinoma, a form of cervical cancer, but assured her that it had been caught at an early stage. A subsequent PET scan showed no signs that the cancer had spread, leading doctors to recommend a hysterectomy to prevent future complications.  Before undergoing surgery, Polizzi admitted she was nervous about the procedure, calling it one of the scariest medical experiences she had ever faced. She explained that the operation would remove her uterus and cervix through an abdominal incision, making recovery more demanding than any surgery she had previously experienced.  Throughout her health journey, the mother of three has remained committed to raising awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of routine screenings. Polizzi revealed that she had experienced abnormal Pap smear results for several years before receiving her diagnosis, encouraging women not to delay regular checkups, even if the appointments feel uncomfortable or intimidating. She credits early detection with giving her the best possible chance for a full recovery.  Support has poured in from fans, family members and fellow Jersey Shore castmates, many of whom have praised Polizzi for openly sharing her experience. She has said that documenting her journey is her way of helping others feel less alone and encouraging more people to prioritize preventive healthcare.  Despite the difficult recovery, Polizzi remains optimistic about the future. She has assured followers that she is taking things one day at a time and focusing on healing. Her candid updates have transformed a deeply personal battle into an important conversation about early detection, women’s health and the power of sharing personal experiences to help others.