Life & Style

  • Punjab revives family theatre with ‘Friends of 70s’ at Alhamra

    LAHORE – The Punjab government has decided to revive the tradition of family-oriented and quality theatre by presenting the stage play “Friends of 70s” which will be staged at the Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra from August 8 to 14. The production is being presented under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to promote healthy, meaningful and family-friendly entertainment. The initiative aims to restore the dignity of Pakistani theatre while further strengthening Punjab’s cultural landscape. The production has been organized with the special support of Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bukhari. Written by renowned playwright Saeed Anjum and directed by acclaimed actor and director Waseem Abbas, “Friends of 70s” pays tribute to an era remembered for strong family bonds, better social values, cultural grace and timeless music. The play combines comedy, nostalgia and an emotional storyline. It seeks to recreate the social and cultural atmosphere of the 1970s while highlighting the importance of preserving cultural identity through theatre, promoting social harmony and connecting different generations. The cast includes Honey Albela, Qaiser Piya, Ashraf Khan, Mehr Chaudhry, Eman Noor, Usman Raj, Sheeza Butt and Ahmed Mughal. The production design has been created by Mehr-un-Nisa and Bilal with the aim of recreating the atmosphere warmth and visual style of the 1970s. The Lahore Arts Council has described the production as part of its broader efforts to revive meaningful performing arts and provide audiences with quality Pakistani theatre. Executive Director Lahore Arts Council Muhammad Nawaz Gondal said that good theatre not only entertains audiences but also plays an important role in preserving cultural identity strengthening shared values and promoting meaningful dialogue between generations. He said productions such as “Friends of 70s” reflect Alhamra’s commitment to restoring the finest traditions of Pakistani theatre. He added that Alhamra is providing quality cultural experiences to contemporary audiences while also creating opportunities for emerging artists. To introduce the younger generation to the country’s theatre history and cultural heritage, Alhamra has also specially invited students from schools, colleges and universities giving them an opportunity to watch and experience quality Pakistani theatre. Prominent personalities associated with theatre, television, film, literature and the performing arts are expected to attend the opening ceremony. The ticket price for “Friends of 70s” has been set at Rs. 500 while advance booking and on-the-spot ticket purchase facilities will also be available for audiences. According to the organizers, the production is not merely a stage play but a cultural initiative aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s artistic traditions and promoting healthy, family-friendly entertainment rooted in the country’s social and cultural values.

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    Tom Holland admits Justin Bieber was his childhood obsession

    Tom Holland has confessed that he once idolised Justin Bieber and even tried copying his look as a kid. The actor opened up about his childhood crush during a recent TV appearance. Speaking on Julian Shapiro-Barnum’s “Celebrity Substitute” show on Wednesday, the 30-year-old actor named Bieber as his biggest childhood obsession. He said he genuinely believed Bieber was the coolest person he’d ever seen at the time. Holland admitted he tried to style his hair just like Bieber’s when he was around 11 or 12 years old. He joked that the attempt didn’t go too well, since his hair simply wasn’t built for that look. The confession quickly caught fans’ attention online, with clips of the moment spreading across social media. Many pointed out that Holland’s admiration for Bieber actually predates their now-friendly relationship by more than a decade. The two stars famously connected during the COVID-19 lockdown, when they went live together on Instagram. During that stream, both artists openly praised each other’s work and expressed mutual admiration. Holland’s latest comments add a fun bit of context to that earlier friendship, showing his appreciation for Bieber started long before they ever crossed paths professionally. Fans have since revisited the old livestream clip, drawing comparisons between his teenage fandom and his adult friendship with the singer. On the professional front, Holland remains busy promoting his newest Marvel film, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” The movie officially released on July 31 and has already crossed the billion-dollar mark at the global box office. Holland reprises his role as Peter Parker in the film, starring alongside his real-life wife, Zendaya. The couple’s on-screen and off-screen partnership has continued to draw significant attention from fans and media alike. With “Brand New Day” performing strongly worldwide, Holland’s star continues to rise both critically and commercially. His playful trip down memory lane, though, has given fans a lighter, more personal glimpse into the actor’s life outside the superhero suit.

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    Christine McGuinness shuts down Nicola Adams dating rumours

    Christine McGuinness has firmly denied rumours suggesting she is dating boxer Nicola Adams. She addressed the speculations directly in a new interview. Speaking to The Sun, the model and TV presenter clarified that she and Adams have only crossed paths once, at a public event. She dismissed any suggestion of romance between them outright. While shutting down that specific rumour, McGuinness did confirm something else about her dating life. The Real Housewives of Cheshire star revealed she now exclusively dates women. She explained that she no longer sees herself pursuing relationships with men going forward. According to her, certain women bring out a spark and intensity she genuinely enjoys experiencing. The 38-year-old described her experience dating women as noticeably more intense compared to previous relationships. She said she particularly loves the emotional closeness and intimacy that comes with it. This is not the first time McGuinness has opened up about her personal life recently. Back in May, she told the same publication that she’s been enjoying her time being single. At the time, she explained that she does not juggle multiple partners simultaneously. Instead, she said she tends to stick with one connection when she’s genuinely happy, though she remains in touch with several people through texting. McGuinness was previously married to comedian Paddy McGuinness for eleven years. The couple ended their marriage in July 2022 and share three children together. Since the split, McGuinness has been fairly open about navigating her personal life in the public eye. Her latest comments add further clarity to how she’s approaching relationships now, following years of speculation about her romantic life after the divorce. Fans and followers have responded warmly to her honesty, with many praising her openness about her evolving preferences. For now, McGuinness appears focused on enjoying her independence while staying open to the connections that feel right for her.

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    Meghan Markle feels vindicated as William, Kate ‘failed’ to block her return

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reportedly do not need approval from Prince William and Kate Middleton to reconnect with the royal family. Insiders say the shift has significantly boosted Meghan’s confidence. The claims emerge as King Charles pushes for reconciliation with his son and daughter-in-law. Sources close to the family say the monarch is actively working to move past the years-long rift. An insider told the Examiner that it it becoming increasingly clear the couple does not need William and Kate’s blessing to rejoin royal circles. That realisation, the source said, has given Meghan a real sense of confidence. Another confidant claimed the California-based couple believe William, and likely Kate too, tried hard to make things difficult for them. They reportedly felt the couple attempted to block their path at nearly every turn. Despite those efforts, the source said the future king and queen ultimately failed to keep Harry and Meghan out. A separate palace insider described King Charles’s reconciliation efforts as deeply satisfying to watch unfold. The insider added that Charles is not just focused on healing the rift for Harry and Meghan themselves. He’s reportedly laying groundwork meant to benefit their children and future generations of the family as well. Royal commentator Dan Wootton added further detail during a recent appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show. He revealed that the king has offered Meghan and Harry open access to the palace whenever they’d like to visit. Wootton said Charles has also invited the couple to join him this summer at Balmoral, the family’s private Scottish estate. That invitation is seen as a significant gesture toward mending ties. Sources close to Harry and Meghan say the couple feels genuinely vindicated by these developments. At the same time, they reportedly remain hopeful about eventually improving their relationship with William and Kate specifically. Insiders say the couple intends to keep working toward that goal moving forward, even as tensions with the Wales household persist behind the scenes.

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    Netflix traps man in billboard to promote new horror film

    Netflix has gone with an unconventional approach to promote its upcoming horror film, The Last House. The streaming giant transformed a regular billboard into a live psychological stunt above Hollywood traffic. The bizarre campaign involves a man hired by Netflix, who is now “living” inside a small room built into the billboard structure itself. Footage circulating widely on social media shows him going about everyday routines like reading and stretching in full public view. Commuters and passersby along Sunset Boulevard can watch him throughout the day. Unable to speak directly to the crowd below, the performer communicates using a whiteboard instead. The billboard itself is designed to resemble a vine-covered house, complete with a front door, drainage pipe and chimney. Beneath a window, an ominous message reads: how long can you survive? According to Netflix, the man will remain inside the structure from August 6 through August 8. The company described the stunt as an eerie echo of the film’s central storyline. In an official post, Netflix explained that the performer would try to carry on as normally as possible inside the enclosed space. His interactions with the public, they said, deliberately mirror the trapped predicament faced by the film’s characters. The Last House is a Netflix-presented horror thriller starring Greta Lee and Wagner Moura as parents Ann and Jason. The film also features Riley Chung and Noah Alexander Sosnowski as their children, Ruth and Graham. The story follows a family who find themselves trapped inside their own home, with a sinister threat lurking somewhere within its walls. The unconventional marketing push appears designed to build intrigue ahead of the film’s streaming debut. The Last House officially premiered on Netflix on August 7, giving audiences their first chance to see how the trapped-family concept plays out on screen.

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    Lionel Messi mourns father Jorge, his lifelong pillar of support

    Jorge Messi, father of football icon Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68. He had reportedly been battling a long-term illness and was receiving treatment in Rosario. Jorge wasn’t just Messi’s father, he also served as his long-term agent throughout much of his career. He played a central role in guiding Messi’s rise into one of the greatest footballers of all time. Lionel Messi shared an emotional tribute following his father’s passing. He said his father had always been his biggest support in life, and that everything he’d achieved was built on that belief. Messi added that football had given him everything, but family would always come first for him. He described himself as a son before anything else, no matter how far his career had taken him. He went on to say that he had lost the man who stood behind him at every step of his journey. Messi called his father his biggest supporter and the person who believed in him from the very beginning. Jorge largely avoided the public spotlight throughout his life, choosing instead to work quietly behind the scenes. He represented his son in commercial negotiations and handled much of the business side of his career. His health had reportedly declined around the time of the last World Cup. Messi had hinted then that things were difficult at home, without going into further detail publicly. Years earlier, Jorge had played a key role in Messi’s early football journey. He sought out treatment options that would allow his son to keep playing during childhood, and later moved with him to Barcelona to begin their life in Europe. That move would go on to shape the course of football history, launching Messi’s rise from a young academy prospect into a global superstar. Tributes have poured in from fans and figures across the football world following news of Jorge’s passing.

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    Noor Hassan’s Pakistan exit remark sparks fury

    Pakistani actor Noor Hassan has sparked a heated discussion on social media after sharing a post about his decision to leave Pakistan. The actor, who has built a strong reputation through several popular television dramas, recently took to Instagram to share a picture along with a caption suggesting that he found greater peace after moving away from his home country. His remark quickly caught the attention of social media users, with many interpreting it as a criticism of the conditions in Pakistan. The statement has since generated a wide range of reactions, reflecting the growing debate among Pakistanis about life opportunities, security, freedom and quality of living. Some users strongly criticised Hassan for speaking negatively about Pakistan after gaining recognition and success in the country’s entertainment industry. They argued that celebrities who achieve fame locally should not publicly portray the country in a negative manner. Others, however, defended the actor and said his statement should be viewed in the context of the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens. They pointed to concerns surrounding economic pressures, limited opportunities, governance issues and what they described as a lack of basic rights. Several commenters also connected Hassan’s remarks to the broader issue of brain drain, arguing that many skilled professionals and young people consider moving abroad because they believe they can find better career prospects and living conditions elsewhere. The contrasting reactions have turned the actor’s social media post into a wider conversation about whether leaving Pakistan necessarily means rejecting one’s homeland or simply seeking a more peaceful and stable life. Noor Hassan is known for his performances in a number of well-known television projects, including Humsafar, Maat, Muqaddar, Meer Abro and Aseer Zadi. He has also received appreciation for his recent performance in the drama Noor Jahan. While some viewers continue to disagree with his remarks, others believe the discussion highlights genuine frustrations experienced by people who are considering opportunities outside Pakistan.

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    Amber Khan’s dance video draws mixed reactions online

    Pakistani actress, television host and former model Amber Khan has found herself at the centre of an online discussion after a recent dance video from a wedding celebration attracted criticism on social media. Amber, who has remained active in Pakistan’s entertainment industry for years, has recently been sharing glimpses of her personal and professional life with followers through Instagram and YouTube. The actress has been attending wedding festivities with friends and posting pictures and videos from the celebrations. In a recent clip, Amber was seen dancing with her friends to the popular Bollywood song “Munni Badnam Hui”. The video quickly circulated among social media users, prompting a variety of reactions from viewers. While some followers appeared to enjoy the celebratory mood and praised Amber for confidently participating in the festivities, others were less impressed by the dance performance. Several commenters criticised what they considered to be the style and nature of the performance, with some describing it as inappropriate for a public social media post. A section of users also questioned whether such dance performances were suitable for family gatherings. Some comments focused on Amber’s age, while others criticised celebrities more broadly for sharing content that they believe may invite unnecessary controversy. However, social media reactions were not entirely negative. Many people argued that celebrities should be allowed to enjoy private celebrations and that a short dance video from a wedding should not become the subject of harsh personal criticism. Amber Khan has enjoyed a long association with Pakistani television and has appeared in several drama serials, including Dobara, Kismat, Mumkin, Manjhali, Muhabbat Aur Mehngai and Modern Family. She also gained wider public attention after participating in the reality show Tamasha in 2023. Apart from acting and hosting, Amber is also associated with the beauty industry and digital content creation. She continues to maintain an active presence on social media, where she regularly interacts with her followers.

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    ‘Tamasha’ returns for season five, promises bigger drama

    Adnan Siddiqui has officially confirmed the return of Tamasha, announcing that its fifth season premieres today. He shared the news alongside photos with the show’s former winners, building instant buzz among fans. The actor posted images with past champions of the reality series to mark the occasion. In his caption, he promised the drama would be bigger and the arguments meaner than in previous seasons. Siddiqui kept his message short but effective, simply telling fans to expect the unexpected. The line was enough to stir fresh anticipation among the show’s loyal viewer base. Tamasha follows a group of celebrity contestants living together inside a house, completely cut off from the outside world. Throughout the season, they face daily tasks, public evictions and constant conflict among housemates. Siddiqui has now overseen four previous seasons of the show, each producing a new winner. Past champions include Umer Aalam, Aruba Mirza, Malik Aqeel and Saif Ali Khan, all of whom remain closely associated with the franchise. Just last week, a short teaser gave fans their first real look at the upcoming season. It showed new contestants covering their faces as they made their way toward the house, keeping their identities hidden for now. Several former winners also jumped in to share their own posts, adding to the reunion excitement. Season two winner Aruba Mirza wrote that every season creates new stories, but some victories become memories that last forever. Season four champion Saif Ali Khan shared his own photos from around the newly revamped mansion. He captioned the post by hinting at a bigger house and even bigger dreams this time around. Last season’s finale had already generated massive hype, with viewers hooked on the drama and viral clips flooding social media. Alongside that popularity, though, the show also faced criticism over incidents of alleged sexist behaviour inside the house. Those controversies, paired with the friendships and rivalries unfolding on screen, kept audiences deeply invested throughout the run. With a new batch of contestants, a redesigned house, and Siddiqui himself promising even bigger drama, season five looks primed to dominate conversations all over again.

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    Shahid Afridi picks up trash, urges tourists to keep north clean

    Shahid Afridi has urged tourists visiting Pakistan’s northern areas to take greater responsibility for protecting the environment. The former captain called on visitors to stop leaving garbage behind at scenic spots. Afridi took to Instagram to spotlight the growing waste problem at some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. In a video filmed among the mountains, he stood surrounded by lakes and waterfalls that had been littered with plastic and bottles. He appealed directly to visitors, asking them to enjoy the region’s beauty while making sure they leave it clean. In his caption, he said exploring the mountains of North Pakistan is a blessing, not an excuse to leave trash behind. He encouraged people to take memories instead of leaving mess, adding that keeping Pakistan clean and green is everyone’s shared responsibility. The message struck a chord with many of his followers online. In the clip, Afridi was seen picking up scattered litter himself while urging families to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. He said people should visit and enjoy time with family, but stressed that dumping garbage carelessly simply isn’t acceptable. He also explained that protecting Pakistan’s natural beauty requires more than just individual effort from tourists. According to him, practical support for local communities plays an equally important role in solving the problem long-term. To make disposal easier for visitors, Afridi said he’s arranging dustbins to be placed around the area. He mentioned that around four to five bins would soon be set up to help tackle the litter issue directly. Beyond the environmental message, Afridi also used his visit to highlight requests from local children. He said kids in the area had approached him with one simple wish, a cricket pitch where they could finally play the sport they love. He said he would try to get the pitch built before Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14, calling it a small but meaningful gesture. Afridi added that the children had specifically asked for this before the national holiday. The move reflects Afridi’s continued involvement in community-focused efforts, particularly those aimed at supporting children and improving facilities in underserved regions.