Magazine

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    Gohar Rasheed criticises celebrity culture

      Actors Gohar Rasheed and Khaqan Shahnawaz recently shared their views on Pakistan’s entertainment industry, discussing everything from celebrity culture and political awareness to the Aurat March and the treatment of artists behind the scenes. During the interview, Gohar Rasheed expressed concern over what he sees as a growing lack of awareness among many celebrities. According to him, several actors and public figures avoid discussing political or social issues, choosing instead to remain neutral in order to protect their public image. Rasheed said that many stars are reluctant to speak not only about Pakistan’s political matters but also about important international events. In his opinion, this tendency to remain silent reflects a broader lack of general knowledge within the entertainment industry. He argued that many personalities are more focused on maintaining popularity than engaging with issues that affect society. He also criticized the industry’s increasing obsession with social media success, saying that likes, followers and online engagement have become more important than artistic excellence. Rasheed noted that many people in showbiz are competing for digital numbers instead of concentrating on improving their craft. He believes this shift has weakened the creative standards of the industry and distracted performers from meaningful storytelling. The discussion later moved to the Aurat March, Pakistan’s annual movement advocating for women’s rights. Rasheed clarified that he supports the overall goals of the campaign, particularly its efforts to promote equality and highlight issues affecting women. However, he said that he disagrees with some of the slogans displayed during the marches, arguing that a few of them can be interpreted as disrespectful or controversial. Using item songs as an example, Rasheed explained that he opposes anything that objectifies women and believes campaigns for women’s rights should communicate their message in a way that appeals to a wider audience. He suggested that activists can continue advocating for equal rights while choosing language that is less likely to divide public opinion or shift attention away from the movement’s main objectives. Khaqan Shahnawaz offered a different perspective, defending the Aurat March against criticism. He argued that many people focus only on a small number of controversial slogans while ignoring the movement’s broader mission. According to Shahnawaz, the campaign raises awareness about serious issues including acid attacks, gender-based violence, femicide and the denial of basic rights to women across Pakistan. He said the Aurat March is one of the few public platforms that consistently highlights these problems and demands meaningful reforms. Shahnawaz added that criticizing the wording of a few slogans overlooks the larger struggle for justice and equality. He also emphasized that the frustration expressed by many participants reflects the realities faced by women who experience discrimination and violence. Shahnawaz further argued that the language used during protests should not overshadow the importance of the causes being raised. In his view, people should pay greater attention to the issues themselves rather than attempting to dictate how protesters express their emotions. He also said that participation in the Aurat March should not automatically define a celebrity’s responsibilities as a public figure. Beyond social issues, Rasheed highlighted long-standing problems within Pakistan’s entertainment industry. He called for fairer treatment of actors, writers, directors and technical crew members, stressing that many professionals continue to face delayed payments and inadequate financial recognition for their work. He also urged producers and production houses to ensure timely compensation and a fair distribution of royalties, saying that everyone involved in creating television and film projects deserves respect and proper remuneration. Rasheed warned against exploiting creative professionals, adding that those who mistreat workers may eventually be held accountable for their actions. On the professional front, Gohar Rasheed is preparing for several upcoming television projects, including Fanaa, Ae Dil, Hasrat and Jindo. Meanwhile, Khaqan Shahnawaz continues to build his acting career with performances in dramas such as Hadsa, Sukoon and My Dear Cinderella, while also maintaining a strong presence as a digital content creator.

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    Zeb Bangash confirms Pakistan Idol’s long-awaited return

      Singer Zeb Bangash has officially confirmed that Pakistan Idol is returning to complete its long-awaited second season, delighting fans who had been waiting for updates after production was unexpectedly paused earlier this year. The announcement came through Bangash’s Instagram Stories, where she shared a glimpse of the show’s return by posting a screenshot from a behind-the-scenes video of herself preparing for filming. She also uploaded photos featuring fellow judges and contestants, signalling that production is once again in full swing.   Expressing her excitement, Bangash thanked viewers for their continued support and patience throughout the delay. “Our Pakistan Idol bulbuls are back and so are we. Coming soon to you all! Thank you all for the love and for missing us so much! We missed you too,” she wrote, hinting that audiences will not have to wait much longer before the popular singing competition returns to television.   Her announcement follows several recent social media posts from members of the judging panel, which had already sparked speculation that filming had resumed. Fans closely followed the updates, with many believing they were signs that the show’s comeback was imminent. Just last week, Bangash shared a behind-the-scenes video showing her getting ready before heading to the Pakistan Idol set. The clip also featured fellow judge Bilal Maqsood, offering viewers a sneak peek into the preparations taking place behind the cameras. Alongside the video, Bangash wrote, “It takes a village,” while expressing gratitude to the team working to bring the production back to life. Bilal Maqsood also fuelled excitement by posting photographs from the set featuring Bangash and legendary singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Although he kept his caption brief, using only smiling emojis, the images quickly attracted attention from fans eager to see the judges reunited. Music composer and judge Shuja Haider joined the excitement by sharing his own behind-the-scenes footage from the judging panel on Instagram. His posts further confirmed that the production team had returned to work, increasing anticipation among viewers who have been waiting for the continuation of the season. Earlier this year, the production of Pakistan Idol was temporarily halted, leaving many fans wondering whether the competition would return. However, in June, director Nadeem J reassured audiences that filming had officially resumed. At the time, he expressed optimism that the show could return either by the end of July or sometime in August if production continued according to schedule. Nadeem J also explained that the team was carefully following the international production standards established by Fremantle, the global company behind the Idol franchise. According to him, every aspect of the programme is being developed within Fremantle’s production framework to ensure that the Pakistani edition maintains the same quality and credibility associated with the globally recognised format. The revival of Pakistan Idol has generated significant excitement among music lovers, especially because the franchise has played an important role in discovering and promoting emerging singing talent in Pakistan. Over the years, the programme has provided aspiring artists with a national platform to showcase their abilities before experienced musicians and industry professionals. While Bangash’s latest announcement has confirmed that the reality show is officially returning, the production team has not yet revealed an exact premiere date. Fans are now eagerly awaiting an official broadcast schedule and further details about when the remaining episodes of the second season will finally air. With filming back on track and the judges once again assembled, viewers can expect Pakistan Idol to make its long-awaited return in the coming weeks, bringing fresh performances, talented contestants and renewed excitement to Pakistan’s television audience.

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    Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal bring humour to new Spider-Man film

    Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal have revealed how their friendship helped create a more humorous atmosphere while filming Marvel’s upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The two actors had previously worked together on Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic The Odyssey. Holland described that experience as remarkable but demanding. After completing work on Nolan’s film, the actors moved on to the new Spider-Man project. Holland said the change in atmosphere was immediate. According to Holland, the pair spent around six weeks working in an improvised and relaxed environment. They frequently joked on set and looked for new ways to add humour to the upcoming movie. Holland said their off-screen relationship also influenced the connection between their characters. He explained that the relationship originally written in the script changed significantly during production. Holland credited Bernthal’s acting and creative input for helping shape the final dynamic. Bernthal also spoke warmly about his long-standing relationship with Holland. The actor said he had known Holland since the British star was 17. The two had even worked together on audition tapes for the Marvel Cinematic Universe before Holland became widely known for playing Spider-Man. Bernthal praised Holland’s development as an actor and said he remained impressed by his personality. He described Holland as kind, hardworking and grounded despite his enormous success in Hollywood. The upcoming film will bring Holland’s Spider-Man together with Bernthal’s Punisher. Their partnership is expected to be one of the major attractions of the new Marvel project. The actors’ comments suggest that their real-life friendship played an important role in developing the chemistry between their characters.

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    Nolan’s Odyssey explores the cost of flawed choices

    Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey explores a character who is far from a conventional hero. Odysseus is brave, intelligent and determined. He is also deeply flawed. That complexity appears to be at the centre of Nolan’s interest in the ancient Greek epic. The nearly 3,000-year-old story follows Odysseus as he attempts to return to Ithaca after the Trojan War. His journey is filled with violence, loss, temptation and encounters with powerful gods and mythical creatures. Yet the film is not simply about a warrior trying to find his way home. It is also about the consequences of his decisions. Odysseus repeatedly makes choices that produce consequences he struggles to control. His actions often begin with understandable motives. Revenge, anger, pride and a desire to protect his men push him into increasingly dangerous situations. His treatment of the Trojans is one example. Odysseus considers himself a man who respects the rules of combat. However, the Trojan War forces him into tactics that contradict his personal principles. The wooden horse becomes the most striking example of this conflict. His deception helps the Greeks defeat Troy, but it also establishes a chain of events that follows him long after the war ends. His encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus further exposes his weaknesses. Odysseus and his crew manage to escape the Cyclops’ cave. But instead of leaving quietly, Odysseus attacks again. His decision is driven by anger and revenge. The consequences are devastating. Polyphemus calls upon his father, Poseidon, to punish Odysseus. The resulting curse turns the journey home into an extended ordeal. Odysseus continues trying to save his men. However, his efforts repeatedly end in tragedy. One decision leads to another, and the consequences gradually become impossible to contain. His crew members begin to lose faith in their commander. The man determined to bring them home becomes the leader whose decisions ultimately contribute to their deaths. This moral conflict is familiar territory for Nolan. The director has repeatedly built stories around protagonists whose choices carry enormous consequences. Bruce Wayne, for example, attempts to protect Gotham by allowing a dangerous lie surrounding Harvey Dent to survive. The consequences eventually force him to confront the price of that decision. In Oppenheimer, the central character develops the atomic bomb in an attempt to help defeat Nazi Germany. Yet his success leaves him haunted by the destructive power he helped unleash. Dunkirk presents another interpretation of home. For the soldiers trapped on the beaches of France, home represents survival, safety and the possibility of returning with their dignity intact. For Oppenheimer, however, home becomes something more complicated. It represents the peace of mind he can no longer recover after witnessing the consequences of his work. For Odysseus, home is deeply personal. Ithaca represents his family, his kingdom and the identity he lost during two decades away. Returning home is therefore more than reaching a physical destination. His journey changes him. He leaves as a king and eventually returns disguised as a beggar. Along the way, he encounters monsters, hostile forces and divine punishment. He also watches his companions disappear one by one. By the time Odysseus reaches the end of his journey, the question is no longer simply whether he can return home. The bigger question is whether a man who has experienced so much violence can ever truly return as the person he once was. That question sits comfortably within Nolan’s broader storytelling style. His characters often achieve their goals but pay an enormous personal price. Their victories rarely come without consequences. The Odyssey brings that recurring theme to one of its most ancient and powerful forms. Odysseus survives the journey, but survival does not erase what happened along the way. His homecoming becomes a reckoning with the violence, losses and choices that shaped him. Nolan’s interpretation therefore turns the epic into more than an adventure story. It becomes a meditation on guilt, responsibility, identity and the lasting cost of extraordinary choices. At its heart, The Odyssey asks what happens when a man spends years fighting to return home, only to discover that the journey has changed the meaning of home itself.

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    Mathira and Sahiba’s runway walk goes viral after near falls

    Pakistani showbiz personalities Mathira and Sahiba have become the centre of attention on social media after videos from a fashion show went viral. The videos were widely shared by users. However, their runway walk itself was not the main reason for the attention. Instead, viewers focused on several incidents that took place during the fashion show. Mathira and Sahiba were among several celebrities who walked the runway during the event. The show featured a number of participants who appeared on the catwalk one after another. However, several participants struggled to maintain their balance while walking. Some were seen stumbling. Others appeared to come close to falling. The unusual moments were captured on video. The clips were later shared across social media platforms. The videos quickly attracted the attention of users. Many viewers began discussing the condition of the runway. Several social media users claimed that the runway appeared uneven. They suggested that its condition may have made it difficult for participants to walk properly. Some viewers questioned whether the runway had been properly inspected before the fashion show. Others criticised the event organisers. They said the catwalk should have been checked carefully before participants were allowed to walk on it. One social media user claimed that the runway was visibly damaged. The user said the problem should have been identified and fixed before the event. Another user pointed out that several participants appeared to struggle while walking. The comments were not limited to criticism of the organisers. Some users also discussed the skills required for runway walking. They argued that walking confidently on a fashion runway requires professional practice and training. According to these users, models and celebrities need to be comfortable with different types of catwalk surfaces. The viral videos have generated mixed reactions online. Some users focused on the condition of the runway. Others commented on the participants’ walking techniques. The incident has also raised questions about safety arrangements at fashion events. A properly prepared runway is important for participants because even a minor surface problem can affect their balance. The videos continue to circulate on social media. Users are sharing the clips while offering different explanations for what happened. Neither Mathira nor Sahiba’s runway appearance was the only part of the event discussed online. Instead, the moments when participants stumbled became the main talking point. The incident has once again highlighted how quickly unusual moments at entertainment events can attract attention on social media.

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    Hamza Sohail’s new look sparks Chulbul Pandey comparisons

    Pakistani actor Hamza Sohail has grabbed attention on social media with his latest appearance. Fans were quick to compare his new look with Salman Khan’s iconic character Chulbul Pandey from the Bollywood film Dabangg. Hamza recently shared a short mirror video on his Instagram Story. He appeared in a noticeably different style. The actor was seen wearing glasses and sporting a thick moustache. His new appearance was a clear change from his usual clean-shaven look. The unexpected transformation immediately caught the attention of his followers. Fans began discussing his new style across social media platforms. Several users compared Hamza’s moustache-and-glasses look to Salman Khan’s portrayal of police officer Chulbul Pandey. The character became widely popular after Salman Khan played the role in the blockbuster Dabangg franchise. Fans praised Hamza’s latest appearance in the comments and online posts. Many described him as a “hero” and a “90s-style hero”. Others called him extremely dashing. Several fans also used fire emojis to show their appreciation for the new look. The new appearance comes as Hamza continues to attract attention both for his acting and his personal life. Rumours surrounding Hamza Sohail and actress Sajal Aly have also recently gained momentum on social media. However, the latest discussion surrounding the actor has largely focused on his dramatic change in appearance. Hamza is considered one of the prominent young actors in Pakistani television. He is the son of renowned actor and comedian Sohail Ahmed. Despite coming from an established entertainment family, Hamza has worked to build his own identity in the industry. The actor began his television career with the drama Raqeeb. His performance helped him establish himself as a young talent. He later gained wider recognition through the comedy drama Fairy Tale. The show brought him considerable popularity among television viewers. Hamza subsequently appeared in Zard Patton Ka Bunn. His performance in the drama was also appreciated by audiences. Over the years, the actor has continued to experiment with different roles and appearances. His latest style has once again placed him in the spotlight. The comparison with Salman Khan’s Chulbul Pandey has added further interest to his new appearance.

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    Madison Beer announces engagement to Justin Herbert

    Singer-songwriter Madison Beer has announced her engagement to NFL quarterback Justin Herbert, sharing the joyful news with fans through her official Instagram account. The surprise announcement quickly captured widespread attention, marking a major personal milestone for the couple after months of public appearances and growing speculation about their relationship. Beer revealed the engagement by posting a collection of photographs from the proposal, which took place in a scenic outdoor setting surrounded by flowers and mountain views. The images showed Herbert getting down on one knee before the pair embraced and celebrated the moment together. Keeping the caption simple yet meaningful, Beer wrote, “meet my fiancé,” confirming the engagement to her millions of followers. The post immediately drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans, friends, and fellow celebrities, with many celebrating the couple’s happy news in the comments. Within hours, the announcement had generated millions of likes and widespread discussion across social media platforms. Beer and Herbert were first linked romantically in 2025 before making their relationship public. Since then, they have occasionally shared glimpses of their life together while largely maintaining a private relationship. Earlier this year, Herbert also made an appearance in Beer’s “Lovergirl” music video, giving fans another look at their partnership beyond the headlines. Beer has built a successful music career through projects including Life Support and Silence Between Songs, earning praise for her emotional songwriting and powerful vocals. Herbert, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the NFL’s leading quarterbacks, admired for his performances on the field and calm leadership. Although the couple has not announced wedding plans or shared additional details about the ceremony, the engagement marks an exciting new chapter in both of their lives. For fans who have followed Beer’s journey over the years, the Instagram announcement offered a heartfelt glimpse into a deeply personal moment, one that was celebrated around the world almost instantly after it was shared. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbenjamin/2026/07/28/madison-beer-engaged-to-nfl-star-justin-herbert/

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    Dakota Johnson goes blonde to portray Marilyn Monroe in flesh impact

    Dakota Johnson has undergone a dramatic transformation, debuting platinum blonde hair to portray Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe in the upcoming short film Flesh Impact. Newly released first-look images showcase the actress with Monroe’s signature curled hairstyle, bold red lipstick, and famous beauty mark, offering audiences an early glimpse of one of her most striking screen appearances to date. Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal, Flesh Impact is a 17-minute short film created to mark what would have been Monroe’s 100th birthday. Rather than telling the story of Monroe’s life through a conventional biographical approach, the project presents an imaginative exploration of her legacy by examining both the woman the world knew and the future she never had the chance to experience. Johnson portrays Monroe during the height of her Hollywood career, while Academy Award-winning actress Ellen Burstyn plays an imagined older version of the screen legend. The cast also includes Sepideh Moafi and Peter Sarsgaard, adding further depth to the film’s unique interpretation of Monroe’s enduring influence. Gyllenhaal has described the project as an opportunity to look beyond Monroe’s glamorous public image and reflect on the complexity, vulnerability, and resilience that defined her life. The filmmaker aims to celebrate Monroe not simply as a global celebrity but as a woman whose story continues to resonate with audiences around the world decades after her death. Flesh Impact is set to make its world premiere at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival, where Ellen Burstyn will also be honoured with the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. Following the release of the first images, Johnson’s transformation has already generated widespread attention, with many praising the actress’s remarkable resemblance to Monroe. More than six decades after her passing, Marilyn Monroe remains one of cinema’s most recognisable and influential figures, remembered for classics including Some Like It Hot, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and The Seven Year Itch. With Flesh Impact, Gyllenhaal and her cast hope to honour Monroe’s lasting legacy while offering audiences a thoughtful and imaginative perspective on the Hollywood icon’s extraordinary life. https://www.instagram.com/p/DbVfWs0Dpab/?igsh=Z3hwZjhteGdydXB5

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    Jared Leto faces sexual misconduct allegations

    American actor and musician Jared Leto is facing new public allegations of sexual misconduct after 10 women came forward in a BBC documentary titled _Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret_. The film focuses on claims that span more than a decade, between 2002 and 2016. During that period Leto was in his 30s and 40s. He is now 54. The women allege they encountered Leto when they were teenagers or in their early 20s. Four of the women detail what they describe as criminal sexual conduct. One woman said she was sexually assaulted in a motel bathroom when she was 17. Another said Leto threatened her with sexual assault when she was 19. A third alleged she had sex with Leto in California at age 17. In California the legal age of consent is 18, meaning the act would be classified as statutory rape. She told the BBC that when she raised the issue of age, Leto dismissed it. A fourth woman alleged she was groomed by Leto from age 16, including receiving multiple sexually explicit phone calls in which he suggested they have sex. Beyond those four, four other women told the BBC they received repeated phone calls from Leto that were strange and often sexual in nature while they were still young. They said the calls left them uncomfortable and confused at the time. The BBC said it attempted to verify the accounts. According to the broadcaster, friends and family members of several women confirmed they were told about the encounters with Leto at the time they happened. In some cases the BBC said it had reviewed photographs and messages that supported parts of the women’s statements. The documentary also includes testimony from two men who worked with Leto’s band, Thirty Seconds to Mars, for many years. Both described an uneasy atmosphere among crew members regarding Leto’s interactions with young female fans. They said staff observed Leto inviting teenage girls backstage to his dressing room and to the house where the band was recording. “I think everyone thought the age gap was way too big,” one of them said in the film. Leto did not respond to the BBC’s requests for comment ahead of the documentary’s release. Representatives for the actor have not issued a public statement as of press time. The program also references the broader conversation around Leto online. The BBC reported it had counted more than 120 separate allegations posted online over the years relating to Leto’s behavior toward women, some of them dating back more than a decade. Leto is a well-known Hollywood actor and Academy Award winner. His credits include _Dallas Buyers Club_, for which he won Best Supporting Actor, _Suicide Squad_, and the recent _Masters of the Universe_. He is also the lead singer of the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the allegations detailed in the documentary.

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    Gohar Rasheed criticises Aurat March posters

    Actor Gohar Rasheed, known for his versatility and outspoken nature, has sparked a fresh round of public debate after sharing his views on Aurat March during a recent podcast appearance, taking particular issue with what he described as vulgar posters that appear at the annual women’s rights march. Rasheed drew a comparison between two things he sees as similarly problematic. He said that women should not be objectified, and in that spirit, item numbers in films should not exist because they reduce women to objects. He then extended that same logic to certain placards that appear at Aurat March, arguing that some posters cross a line into vulgarity and do not represent an appropriate way to communicate ideas or demands. He said the same points could be made in a more sophisticated manner without resorting to language or imagery that he found objectionable. The remarks touched on one of the most consistently contested topics in Pakistani public life. Aurat March, held annually on March 8 in major cities across Pakistan to mark International Women’s Day, has been a flashpoint for debate since its earliest editions. Supporters argue it is a necessary and long-overdue platform for women to voice demands around safety, equality and rights. Critics, including Rasheed, have frequently taken issue with specific posters that appear at the marches, arguing that certain slogans or images do not reflect the broader values of Pakistani society. The response online was immediate and divided, as it tends to be whenever the march becomes the subject of public commentary. Some users agreed with Rasheed. One person wrote: “He is right. Now Aurat Marchers will go against him,” anticipating the backlash while expressing support for the sentiment. Others pushed back sharply. One commenter wrote: “I wish he was this offended by violence against women and child rape,” arguing that the energy directed at posters would be better channelled toward the far graver issues women face daily. Another said: “Three men mansplaining what women should do or not do,” pointing to the irony of male voices deciding what is and is not an appropriate mode of feminist expression. The division in the comments reflects the genuine complexity of the debate. For those who support Aurat March unconditionally, the criticism of posters is a distraction from the march’s core purpose and represents the kind of policing of women’s expression that the march itself is pushing back against. For those who share Rasheed’s view, the concern is that certain forms of communication within the march alienate potential allies and hand critics easy ammunition to dismiss the broader cause. What is clear from the reaction is that this is a conversation Pakistan has not finished having, and that every public voice that enters it, whether from the entertainment industry or elsewhere, adds another layer to a debate that touches on deeply held values about gender, expression and what it means to advocate for change.