Life & Style

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    Mustafa Zahid may return for ‘Awarapan 2’ remake track

    Nearly two decades after Tera Mera Rishta became one of the biggest hits from Awarapan, original singer Mustafa Zahid may be returning for the sequel. The Pakistani vocalist appears set to reunite with the franchise’s makers. According to a Mid-day report, the 41-year-old is reportedly in talks with producers Mukesh Bhatt and Vishesh Bhatt. The discussions center around a remake for Awarapan 2. The development is notable given Bollywood’s long-standing stance on Pakistani artistes since the 2016 Uri attack. That boycott was reaffirmed more recently, following the 2025 Pahalgam attack. Despite that backdrop, talks are reportedly moving forward. If the deal goes through, the song would reportedly be recorded in Dubai rather than India. A source close to the matter told the publication that this could mark one of the rare recent instances of a Pakistani playback singer working on a mainstream Hindi film. However, the track itself will not feature in Awarapan 2 directly, as its inclusion could create certification complications for the film. To work around that, the makers are said to be considering releasing the song exclusively through social media promotions, bypassing theatrical use entirely. Meanwhile, the film’s own trailer dropped on August 6, marking the franchise’s return after 19 years. Emraan Hashmi reprises his role as Shivam Pandit, now portrayed as older and more emotionally scarred. Disha Patani joins the cast as Zara, while Shabana Azmi takes on the role of antagonist Nafisa. The soundtrack brings together composers Mithoon, Jeet Gannguli and Amaal Malik, among others, with tracks like Ve Junoon and Yeh Awarapan already released. The trailer also includes a recreated version of Tera Mera Rishta, now sung by Saaj Bhatt and Subodhh Sharma. Original lyricist Sayeed Qadri has returned to pen the updated version of the track. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, Awarapan 2 is set for a worldwide release on August 14. The film will clash at the box office with Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947, setting up a high-profile release-date showdown.

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    Umera Ahmed urges fans to avoid AI-generated content

    Renowned Urdu novelist Umera Ahmed has appealed to readers and content creators to stop producing and sharing AI-generated visuals based on her literary works, saying such content diminishes the emotional and spiritual depth of her stories. In a statement shared through her official Instagram page, Ahmed’s team thanked readers for their continued love and support but expressed concern over the growing number of AI-generated images, videos and reels portraying scenes, characters and dialogues from her novels. The statement urged fan pages and digital creators to refrain from using artificial intelligence to recreate her books. According to the team, literature offers every reader a unique and personal experience, while AI-generated visuals limit that imagination by presenting a fixed interpretation of characters and events. Special concern was raised over Ahmed’s acclaimed novel Peer-e-Kamil, which the team described as a deeply spiritual and emotionally sensitive work. They said its message, beauty and sanctity should not be diluted through artificial intelligence-generated content. While appreciating the passion and dedication of fan communities, the statement encouraged readers to experience and share the author’s work in its original form, allowing the stories to leave their intended emotional impact without technological alteration. The appeal comes as artificial intelligence continues to spark debate within Pakistan’s creative and entertainment industries. Concerns over the misuse of AI have grown in recent months, with artists and public figures warning about its impact on originality, artistic integrity and personal image rights. The discussion intensified after an AI-generated promotional music video released by the Ministry of Planning and Development drew widespread criticism. Separately, television personalities Tauseeq Haider and Farah Saadia were forced to deny false rumours after AI-created images depicting their alleged wedding circulated online. Actor Hira Tareen has also urged fellow performers to carefully review contract terms, warning that some agreements may allow studios to use an actor’s likeness for AI-generated productions without adequate safeguards.

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    Shah Rukh Khan overtakes Virat Kohli in brand rankings

    Shah Rukh Khan has reclaimed the top position as India’s most valuable celebrity brand, surpassing cricketer Virat Kohli in the latest Kroll India Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2025. The report values Khan’s brand at $177.9 million, marking a significant rise from his third-place ranking in 2024. The increase reflects the commercial success of his recent films, strong audience appeal and continued popularity among advertisers and major brands. Actor Ranveer Singh secured second place with the same estimated brand value of $177.9 million, while Kohli dropped to third with a valuation of $158.4 million after recording a notable decline over the past two years. The rankings evaluate celebrities based on endorsement deals, brand partnerships, public image, media visibility and influence across digital and social media platforms. Khan’s brand value has grown by $57.2 million during the last two years, highlighting his strong comeback and renewed commercial strength. Among female celebrities, Alia Bhatt remained the highest-ranked woman, securing sixth place with a brand value of $93.9 million. She was followed by Deepika Padukone in seventh with $89.2 million. The top 10 also includes Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar, reflecting the continued commercial influence of Bollywood’s biggest names. Further down the rankings, Ranbir Kapoor and Salman Khan retained places among India’s leading celebrity brands, while younger stars including Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor continued to strengthen their commercial presence. The latest rankings underline the growing importance of box office performance, digital influence and public engagement in determining the market value of celebrities, with Shah Rukh Khan once again emerging as India’s most sought-after brand ambassador.

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    Alia Bhatt leads female celebrities in India’s brand rankings

    Actor Alia Bhatt has emerged as India’s highest-ranked female celebrity in the Kroll Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2025, securing sixth place overall with a brand value of $93.9 million. While Shah Rukh Khan retained his position as India’s most valuable celebrity brand, Alia topped the list among female stars, reflecting her strong commercial appeal and endorsement value. According to the report, Deepika Padukone ranked seventh with a brand value of $89.2 million, while Alia’s husband, Ranbir Kapoor, secured 10th place with a brand valuation of $80 million. Among the rising stars, Rashmika Mandanna claimed 12th position with a brand value of $75.2 million. Veteran actress Kareena Kapoor Khan ranked 15th with a brand value of $61.8 million, followed by Kiara Advani in 16th place at $51.9 million. The report also highlighted the growing commercial influence of younger actresses. Kriti Sanon secured 18th place with a brand value of $50.2 million, supported by the success of her skincare venture, while Ananya Panday ranked 19th with a valuation of $48.5 million, driven by her partnerships with several international brands

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    ‘Ramayana: Part One’ finally gets official release date

    The makers of one of the year’s most anticipated films have finally locked in a release date. Sony Pictures confirmed on X that the epic will hit theatres soon. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash in lead roles. It’s set to release on November 6, 2026, just two days ahead of Diwali. Produced by Namit Malhotra, the project is being released as a two-part film. While Part One arrives this November, Part Two isn’t expected until around Diwali 2027, though an exact date is yet to be revealed. Ranbir Kapoor recently opened up to The Direct about the difficulty of adapting the sprawling epic into just two films. He admitted that doing justice to the story in such a limited format wasn’t easy. The 43-year-old actor explained that a story as vast as Ramayana would typically need far more room to be told properly. He said condensing it into two parts posed a genuine creative challenge. Kapoor also pushed back against the idea that the story required reinterpretation for today’s audiences. He said the text has endured for roughly 4,000 years, offering timeless lessons on courage, forgiveness, compassion and the battle between good and evil. He added that Lord Rama has remained a moral guide for millions of people across generations. For Kapoor, the story’s themes still resonate strongly without needing modern updates. The film’s trailer, released in July, opens with Yash’s Ravana declaring dominion over all three worlds before triggering widespread chaos. That destruction prompts Lord Vishnu to take the form of Ram to restore balance. The story then follows Ram’s journey through childhood, battles with demons, and his marriage to Sita, before he is sent into 14 years of exile. Sita and Lakshman choose to accompany him during that period. The narrative eventually shifts toward Sita’s abduction by Ravana, setting up the climactic battle that follows. With the release date now locked, anticipation for the film’s arrival is only expected to grow.

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    Saba, Soha reveal why they missed Saif’s first wedding

    Saif Ali Khan’s sisters, Saba and Soha, have opened up about missing their brother’s wedding to Amrita Singh. Their confession quickly caught the internet’s attention. Speaking with Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi, the Pataudi sisters revealed they were still in school when Saif got married. They said the news reached them in an unusual way. Saba explained that she and Soha were called into the principal’s office when the wedding happened. Their parents had phoned in specifically to instruct them not to tell anyone about it. She added that by the time they got the call, the news had already made it into the newspapers. Despite that, they were still told to keep quiet about it. Soha addressed the reaction from Neha Dhupia during the conversation, admitting she was quite young at the time. She recalled learning about the wedding from her French teacher rather than her own family. She described the entire event as something that happened almost without warning. According to her, it truly was a last-minute affair that caught everyone off guard. Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh got married in October 1991, in a private Islamic ceremony. The wedding wasn’t a public affair, which explains why even close family members were kept out of the loop. The couple went on to build a life together over the next several years. They welcomed daughter Sara Ali Khan in 1995, followed by son Ibrahim Ali Khan in 2001. After thirteen years of marriage, Saif and Amrita eventually parted ways in 2004. Their children have since gone on to build their own careers in the entertainment industry. Decades later, this candid revelation from Saba and Soha has given fans a rare, personal glimpse into a chapter of their brother’s life that mostly stayed private at the time.

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    James Haven comes out as gay after marriage annulment

    James Haven, the older brother of Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, has publicly shared that he is gay following the end of his marriage to Romi Imbelli. Haven revealed his sexuality during a live broadcast that appeared on Imbelli’s Substack platform. During the conversation, he also announced the launch of his upcoming weekly podcast, Save Haven with James Haven, where he plans to speak with guests about the defining moments, personal decisions, and life experiences that have shaped their identities. Speaking openly about his journey, Haven explained that he came out to Imbelli after their marriage was annulled in March 2025. The couple had tied the knot in August 2024, but their relationship ended only 15 days after the wedding. Reflecting on his childhood, Haven shared that he had always felt different but did not have the words to explain those feelings at the time. He recalled being fascinated by Disney princesses from a very young age, saying the characters helped him connect with a part of himself that he could not yet understand. He emphasized that his interest was never about pretending to be someone else. Instead, he described it as allowing his authentic personality to shine through. According to Haven, publicly acknowledging his sexuality is not about changing who he is but about letting others see the person he has always been. The actor and producer also expressed hope that his family and those close to him would respond with compassion and understanding. He said he wished people would choose love over fear and focus on their personal connection with him rather than labels or assumptions. Haven added that he remains the same individual, with the same personality and heart, despite sharing this deeply personal part of his life. During the livestream, Romi Imbelli voiced her support for Haven and admitted that she had long suspected he was gay. She explained that accepting the reality of the situation was emotionally difficult because she feared it would mean losing the relationship they had built together. Imbelli said she wanted to continue loving and supporting Haven while also coming to terms with the truth. She acknowledged that balancing those emotions had been challenging but ultimately believed honesty was the best path forward. Despite the end of their marriage, Imbelli described Haven as her lifelong partner in a different sense, saying they would continue to support one another through life. She expressed affection for him and said his sexual orientation did not change the love and respect she had for him as a person. Haven and Imbelli were married in a private ceremony in Laguna Beach, California, in August 2024. The intimate event was attended by close family members, including Haven’s father, actor Jon Voight. However, his sister, Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie, was reportedly not present at the ceremony. By publicly sharing his story, Haven hopes his experience will encourage greater understanding, acceptance, and compassion for others who are navigating similar personal journeys.

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    Tom Holland and Zendaya celebrate exclusive post-wedding event

    Hollywood stars Zendaya and Tom Holland have reportedly celebrated their marriage once again with an intimate wedding ceremony in England, months after quietly tying the knot earlier this year. The couple, who have remained one of the entertainment industry’s most private pairs, reportedly took a break from their demanding work schedules and international press commitments to mark the special occasion with a close circle of family members and friends. The private celebration was held at the luxurious Beaverbrook Hotel in Surrey, located near Kingston-upon-Thames in southwest London, an area closely connected to Holland’s upbringing. The exclusive venue, known for its historic charm and scenic surroundings, was reserved exclusively for the couple and their guests for the special event. The lavish Victorian estate spans approximately 370 acres and has welcomed numerous high-profile visitors over the years. Its rich history and secluded location made it an ideal setting for the couple’s intimate celebration away from the public eye. To maintain complete privacy, strict security measures were reportedly put in place throughout the event. Guests and staff members were required to follow a no-phone policy, ensuring that no photographs or videos from the ceremony were shared publicly. The precaution reflected the couple’s long-standing commitment to keeping their personal lives out of the spotlight. According to reports, the wedding celebration was designed to remain entirely confidential, with organizers taking significant steps to prevent any details from leaking before or after the event. The ceremony allowed the newlyweds to celebrate their relationship in a relaxed and private atmosphere surrounded by their closest loved ones. Zendaya and Holland’s romance began after the two met while filming Marvel’s Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016. Although speculation about their relationship circulated for years, they largely kept their romance private and rarely discussed it publicly. Their relationship continued to grow over the years, and the pair reportedly became engaged in 2024. Fans have closely followed their journey ever since, with the couple frequently earning praise for balancing their successful careers while maintaining a low-profile personal life. Earlier this year, speculation about their marriage intensified after Zendaya’s longtime stylist, Law Roach, publicly indicated that the pair had already exchanged vows. While neither Zendaya nor Holland has officially shared details of their wedding, reports of the private ceremony in England have further fueled excitement among fans around the world. Despite their global fame, the couple continue to prioritize privacy, choosing intimate celebrations over highly publicized events as they begin the next chapter of their life together.

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    Justin Bieber wins $1 million at Fanatics Games

    Justin Bieber proved he has more than musical talent after taking on some of the biggest names in sports during the Fanatics Games, an event held as part of Fanatics Fest. The Canadian singer joined a star-studded lineup of athletes and celebrities for a series of fun yet competitive challenges, showing confidence and determination throughout the event. One of the most talked-about moments came when Bieber faced tennis legend Novak Djokovic in a friendly game of table tennis. Before the match, the pop star confidently backed his own skills, joking that he was the better player. “I am a superior ping pong player. He knows it,” Bieber said while speaking in a behind-the-scenes clip from Fanatics Fest: All Access. Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players in history, admitted he had not expected such a strong challenge from the singer. The Serbian star praised Bieber’s athletic ability and confessed that he had underestimated him before stepping onto the table tennis court. “I must say, I underestimated Justin’s athletic abilities,” Djokovic said after the match. Despite Bieber’s confidence and impressive performance, Djokovic eventually secured victory in their table tennis showdown, proving why he remains one of the world’s elite athletes. The match was played in a light-hearted spirit, with both stars enjoying the competition and entertaining fans. The Fanatics Games featured a unique mix of celebrities and professional athletes competing across different sporting challenges. The event was designed to bring together personalities from music, entertainment and sports, creating memorable moments for fans both at the venue and online. Throughout the competition, Bieber interacted with several high-profile sports figures, including NFL legend Tom Brady, NBA stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Victor Wembanyama, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, social media personality and gymnast Livvy Dunne, and former NFL star Rob Gronkowski. Their friendly exchanges and competitive spirit added excitement to the event, making it one of the highlights of Fanatics Fest. While Bieber did not defeat Djokovic in table tennis, he enjoyed tremendous success in the overall competition. His consistent performances across the various challenges helped him emerge as the overall winner of the Fanatics Games, earning the event’s top prize worth $1 million. Rather than keeping the entire prize money for himself, Bieber chose to share his winnings in a generous gesture. He distributed $500,000 among the 50 fan competitors who participated in the event, with each receiving $10,000. The remaining $500,000 was donated to charity, reflecting the singer’s desire to give back to both fans and meaningful causes. Bieber’s decision to split the prize money was widely praised, highlighting not only his competitive nature but also his generosity. The event showcased a different side of the Grammy-winning artist, combining sportsmanship, entertainment and philanthropy while creating unforgettable moments alongside some of the biggest names in professional sports.

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    TikTok star Sydney Towle dies at 26 after cancer battle

    Sydney Towle, a popular TikTok creator who documented her battle with a rare form of cancer, has died at the age of 26 after a nearly three-year fight with the disease. Her family confirmed that the American influencer passed away on Thursday due to complications from cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the bile ducts that had spread to other parts of her body. The heartbreaking news was shared by her brother, Austin, in a video posted on TikTok. He said Sydney died peacefully after enduring an incredibly difficult journey with the illness. “Syd went peacefully last night after an almost three-year-long battle with cholangiocarcinoma,” Austin said in the emotional announcement, thanking supporters for standing by the family throughout her treatment. Sydney had built a loyal online community of more than 200,000 followers across social media platforms, where she openly documented her cancer journey. Through regular updates, she shared the physical and emotional realities of living with a life-threatening illness while encouraging others to remain hopeful in the face of adversity. Rather than focusing solely on her diagnosis, Sydney used her platform to educate people about rare cancers and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. She frequently urged followers to advocate for their own health, seek medical advice when something felt wrong, and never ignore persistent health concerns. In a statement released after her passing, her family expressed immense pride in the courage and determination she displayed throughout her battle. “We are so proud of how hard Sydney fought and for sharing her journey with so many people,” the statement read. The family also said that Sydney was deeply committed to raising awareness about rare cancers and inspiring others through her story. They pledged to continue honoring her legacy by supporting the causes she cared about and ensuring her message reaches more people. “Sydney wanted to raise awareness for rare cancers and was passionate about promoting self-advocacy. We will continue her legacy and honor her in every way we can,” they added. Just a few months before her death, Sydney posted videos from the hospital while receiving treatment for complications related to her illness. Despite the pain and uncertainty she faced, her videos reflected resilience, gratitude, and optimism, qualities that resonated with thousands of followers. Her candid updates, positive outlook, and willingness to share vulnerable moments earned her admiration from people around the world. Many supporters credited her with helping them better understand the realities of cancer while inspiring them to remain hopeful during their own struggles. Following the announcement of her death, tributes poured in across social media, with fans remembering Sydney as a courageous young woman who transformed her personal battle into a source of strength and awareness for others. Her advocacy for rare cancer research, patient empowerment, and early diagnosis leaves behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire countless people.