Magazine

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    Veteran Pakistani actor and music composer Khalid Nizami passes away in Karachi

      Renowned Pakistani actor, comedian, and music composer Khalid Nizami has passed away in Karachi after a prolonged illness, his family confirmed. His death marks the end of an era for Pakistan’s entertainment industry, where he was celebrated for his remarkable contributions to television, film, and music over several decades. According to his family, Khalid Nizami had been battling health issues for a long time before his demise. His funeral prayers will be offered after Zuhr prayers on Thursday at Usmania Mosque, Buffer Zone 15-B, in Karachi Central, where family members, friends, colleagues, and admirers are expected to gather to pay their final respects. Born in 1947 in Mussoorie, located in the Dehradun district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Khalid Nizami later moved to Pakistan with his family. He received his early education at Karachi Grammar School before completing his Bachelor of Arts degree from Islamia College Karachi. His educational background and artistic talent helped lay the foundation for an illustrious career in the country’s entertainment industry. Khalid Nizami earned widespread recognition as one of Pakistan’s most versatile actors. His natural comic timing, expressive performances, and ability to portray a wide range of characters made him a household name. He rose to prominence with his role in the Pakistan Television (PTV) drama Uncle Urfi in 1972, a classic serial that remains highly regarded among audiences even today. His popularity continued to grow with memorable performances in Shehzori (1974) and the iconic drama Un Kahi (1982), both of which are considered milestones in the history of Pakistani television. These productions showcased his exceptional acting skills and established him as one of the country’s finest performers. Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous successful television dramas, including celebrated writer Haseena Moin’s Eid Ka Jora, further cementing his place among Pakistan’s television legends. Apart from television, Khalid Nizami also made notable contributions to Pakistani cinema. He appeared in several films, including director Nazrul Islam’s Haqeeqat (1974), Pehchan (1975), and the Punjabi film Aj Diyan Kuriyan (1977). His performances on the big screen reflected the same versatility and charisma that had made him a favorite among television viewers. In addition to acting, Khalid Nizami was a gifted music composer. One of his most enduring musical contributions was composing the melody for the famous song “Tum Sang Naina Lage, Mane Na Hi Jiyara,” beautifully sung by renowned Pakistani vocalist Rubina Badar. The song remains popular among music lovers and stands as a testament to his creative brilliance beyond acting. The passing of Khalid Nizami is being mourned across Pakistan’s entertainment fraternity. Colleagues, fans, and fellow artists have remembered him not only as an outstanding performer but also as a humble, kind-hearted individual who inspired generations of actors and musicians. His timeless performances, unforgettable comic roles, and memorable musical compositions will continue to entertain audiences for years to come, ensuring that his legacy remains an enduring part of Pakistan’s cultural and artistic heritage.

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    Fahad Sheikh responds to Syed Mohammad Ahmed controversy

    Pakistani actor and host Fahad Sheikh has addressed the controversy surrounding allegations that he mistreated veteran actor Syed Mohammad Ahmed on a drama set. The controversy began after Syed Mohammad Ahmed spoke about an unpleasant experience involving a younger lead actor. Although he did not publicly name the actor, Fahad Sheikh was later identified by social media users as the person allegedly involved in the incident. The allegations quickly attracted attention across social media, with several Pakistani celebrities and fans expressing support for the veteran actor. Fahad also faced criticism over the incident and was urged to explain his side of the story. Responding to the controversy, Fahad Sheikh said the video circulating online was taken from what he described as a joking interaction among members of the cast. He maintained that the actors had developed a family-like bond while working together. Fahad also addressed Syed Mohammad Ahmed directly and offered an apology. He said he was willing to apologise publicly again if the senior actor wanted him to do so. However, Fahad expressed anger over the leaked footage. He warned that legal action could be taken against those responsible for recording or sharing the video without permission. His response has failed to end the controversy, as social media users continue to debate whether the incident should be dismissed as a joke or treated as inappropriate behaviour towards a senior colleague. Some users criticised Fahad for focusing on the leaked video and possible legal action rather than giving a stronger apology. Others argued that the complete context of the incident should be considered before reaching a final conclusion. The controversy has also reignited discussions about workplace behaviour and respect for senior artists in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Syed Mohammad Ahmed remains a respected figure in Pakistani television and has received considerable support from fellow actors and viewers following his account of the incident.

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    Meghan Markle shares Prince Harry’s inspirational advice

      Meghan Markle has shared a heartfelt piece of advice from Prince Harry that she says has helped her navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. The Duchess of Sussex revealed the personal story while attending a special screening of Cookie Queen a documentary celebrating the achievements of Girl Scouts, in  Los Angeles. The event marked Meghan’s first public appearance since returning from her recent visit to the United Kingdom. She and Prince Harry served as executive producers of the documentary, highlighting their continued support for projects that promote youth empowerment and community leadership. During the screening, Meghan participated in a question-and-answer session alongside the film’s producer, Alysa Nahmias, where she spoke about resilience, optimism, and overcoming challenges. During the discussion, Meghan was asked how she copes with difficult periods in life. In response, she recalled a memorable piece of advice Prince Harry shared with her years ago, inspired by his decade of service as a helicopter pilot in the British Army. Meghan explained that Harry often reminded her to maintain perspective during challenging times. Recalling his words, she said he once told her, “My love, even if there’s a storm happening, above the storm, the sun’s always shining.” She added that the message has stayed with her because it encourages people to step back from immediate difficulties and remember that better days lie ahead. According to Meghan, the quote reflects the wisdom Harry gained during his military career, where he learned to remain calm and focused despite demanding situations. She said the advice serves as a reminder that hardships are temporary and that maintaining a broader perspective can help people face adversity with greater strength and hope. The audience responded warmly to Meghan’s remarks, which offered a glimpse into the couple’s private conversations and the support they provide one another. Her comments emphasized the importance of resilience, optimism, and finding encouragement from loved ones during life’s uncertainties. Following the event, Meghan shared several photographs from the screening on social media. The images included moments with Girl Scouts who attended the event, reflecting her continued involvement in initiatives focused on young people, leadership, and community service. The Los Angeles appearance came shortly after Meghan offered followers a look at her family’s recent trip to the United Kingdom. During that visit, she, Prince Harry, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, visited Althorp, the Spencer family estate where Harry’s mother, the late Princess Diana, is buried. The visit to Althorp held personal significance for the family, as it allowed Archie and Lilibet to connect with an important part of their family’s history. Meghan shared moments from the trip, highlighting the family’s time together during their stay in Britain. The visit also attracted considerable public attention because Harry and Meghan reportedly introduced their children to King Charles during the trip. It marked the first time in four years that Archie and Lilibet had visited their grandfather at his country residence. Before this visit, the children had last been in the United Kingdom during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Their recent return was viewed as a meaningful family reunion and generated widespread interest among royal watchers. Meghan’s latest public appearance and personal reflections offered a rare insight into her relationship with Prince Harry, while also highlighting the values of perseverance, hope, and family that continue to shape their public and private lives.

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    Olivia Rodrigo appears to confirm new romance duri…

    Pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo has sparked widespread attention after stepping out in New York City with private equity associate Julian Croonenberghs, with the pair’s affectionate public appearance widely viewed as the strongest indication yet that they are in a relationship. The singer-songwriter was photographed walking hand in hand with Croonenberghs through Brooklyn, where the pair embraced, smiled, and appeared relaxed during a stroll through a local park. The candid outing quickly drew attention online, with many fans viewing the public display of affection as a clear sign that the two are romantically involved. Although Rodrigo has not release an official statement about her relationship status, the outing marks the first time she has been seen openly sharing such intimate moments with Croonenberghs. The photographs have fueled speculation that the Grammy-winning artist has quietly begun a new chapter in her personal life following the reported end of her previous relationship. Croonenberghs has largely stayed out of the public spotlight. A Brown University graduate, he previously worked at Goldman Sachs before moving into private equity. He also represented the United States men’s national field hockey team, maintaining a successful career both in sports and finance while living a relatively private life. The New York appearance comes after reports that Rodrigo and British actor Louis Partridge ended their relationship following more than a year together. Neither publicly addressed the reported split, and Rodrigo has continued to keep details of her personal life largely out of the public eye. Known for turning personal experiences into chart-topping music, Rodrigo has often written about heartbreak, self-discovery, and growing up. Despite her global fame, she has consistently chosen to keep her relationships private, making this rare public outing particularly notable. Fans quickly reacted across social media, expressing excitement and support as the photos circulated online. While Rodrigo has yet to comment publicly on the relationship, the affectionate New York outing has been widely interpreted as her strongest indication yet that she and Croonenberghs are together, offering a rare glimpse into the singer’s life away from the stage. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/olivia-rodrigo-boyfriend-julian-croonenberghs-213817645.html

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    Harry Styles’ 30-Night Madison Square Garden residency countdown officially begins

    Excitement is continuing to build as the countdown officially begins for Harry Styles’ landmark 30-night residency at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. On July 27, the iconic arena shared a celebratory “30 days until 30 nights with Harry Styles” message across its official social media accounts, marking one month until the residency gets underway. The highly anticipated run will serve as Styles’ only U.S. performances on his Together, Together world tour. Beginning in late August and continuing through Oct. 31, the residency will feature shows every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, giving fans multiple opportunities to experience the Grammy-winning artist’s latest live production in one of the world’s most famous concert venues. The residency is also set to make Madison Square Garden history. With 30 scheduled performances, Styles will become the artist with the most shows performed during a single residency at the venue, surpassing previous records held by legendary performers. The achievement further cements his longstanding connection with the arena, where he has delivered numerous sold-out concerts over the years. Adding to the anticipation, acclaimed English producer and DJ Jamie xx is scheduled to appear as a special guest on many of the residency dates. The final two performances, taking place on Oct. 30 and 31, will once again transform into the fan-favorite Harryween celebrations, known for elaborate costumes, themed productions and unforgettable moments. Demand for tickets has been unprecedented. More than 11 million fans registered during the presale process, with every date selling out quickly. Across social media, fans have been sharing their excitement after securing seats, while others continue searching resale platforms in hopes of finding tickets at more affordable prices. Madison Square Garden’s countdown announcement has only heightened anticipation as opening night approaches. With record-breaking demand, a historic milestone for the venue and an ambitious 30-show schedule, Styles’ residency is already being viewed as one of the biggest live music events of 2026. As thousands prepare to travel to New York, the stage is set for a memorable chapter in both the singer’s career and Madison Square Garden’s celebrated concert history. https://x.com/thegarden/status/2081774187325132853?s=46

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    Saima Noor’s epic transformation breaks the internet

    Veteran Pakistani actress Saima Noor has become the centre of attention on social media after videos showcasing her remarkable fitness transformation and youthful energy went viral. The 58-year-old actress was seen performing intense workout routines, including squats, kettlebell swings and other strength-training exercises. Her dedication to fitness drew widespread praise from fans, who admired her stamina, strength and disciplined lifestyle. Other viral clips also showed Saima Noor visiting a salon, where many social media users noticed her visible weight loss and refreshed appearance. Fans described the actress as “evergreen” and applauded her youthful looks. Some users jokingly remarked that the videos appeared so impressive they looked as though they had been created using artificial intelligence (AI). The renewed attention also brought back clips from Saima Noor’s earlier interviews, in which she spoke openly about her fitness journey and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. The actress revealed that there was a time when she felt she had become overweight, prompting her to make significant lifestyle changes to improve her health and overall well-being. Saima Noor said she does not follow strict or complicated diet plans. Instead, she prefers eating balanced meals in moderate portions and has incorporated intermittent fasting into her daily routine. She credited regular exercise, mental well-being and a disciplined lifestyle for helping her regain her fitness, boost her energy levels and maintain a healthy, youthful appearance.

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    Arooba Mirza shares alleged chats linked to MPA Saqib Chadhar

    Pakistani actress Arooba Mirza has shared alleged screenshots of Instagram messages linked to Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Saqib Chadhar, claiming he repeatedly tried to contact her through social media. The actress posted the screenshots on her Instagram Stories, alleging they showed repeated attempts to start a conversation and requests to continue chatting on Snapchat. Alongside the images, Arooba wrote, “Momina Iqbal, Syeda Tuba, and now me,” suggesting that she was the latest person to make such allegations. Her claims surfaced while Saqib Chadhar is already facing controversy over separate allegations involving actress and television host Syeda Tuba, who claimed she was offered an iPhone as a gift. Meanwhile, actress Momina Iqbal has also initiated legal proceedings against the lawmaker. According to her complaint, she has accused the MPA of cyberstalking, harassment, blackmail and issuing threats after she allegedly rejected a marriage proposal. The case has been registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and is being investigated by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Momina Iqbal has repeatedly stated that she is seeking justice and has denied reports suggesting an out-of-court settlement. She has maintained that forensic evidence has strengthened the investigation, while the case remains pending before the court. Following Arooba Mirza’s latest social media posts, public debate over the controversy has intensified. However, the allegations made by Arooba Mirza, Momina Iqbal and Syeda Tuba remain subject to ongoing legal and judicial proceedings, and no court has reached a final verdict on the claims.

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    Usher jokes about viral fan rejection during concert

    BIRMINGHAM: American R&B star Usher has addressed the viral on-stage moment from his Nashville concert, making a lighthearted remark during his latest performance in Birmingham, Alabama. While interacting with fans, the singer joked that anyone who was not willing to participate should avoid coming on stage, a comment widely seen as a playful reference to the Nashville incident that sparked widespread discussion on social media. The earlier moment went viral after Usher ended a signature audience interaction when a fan appeared uncomfortable during the performance. The fan, later identified as Gabrielle Cheyenne, later explained that she had not rejected Usher personally. Instead, she had hoped to be invited on stage by fellow performer Chris Brown after unexpectedly receiving a VIP seat upgrade. During the Birmingham concert, Usher invited another audience member on stage, and the interaction was met with enthusiasm, drawing cheers from the crowd and helping put the previous controversy behind him. The Nashville incident generated millions of views online, with fans debating the misunderstanding. However, the singer’s humorous response during his latest show signalled that he had moved on from the viral moment. Usher and Chris Brown are currently touring together across the United States, with their joint R&B tour continuing through the summer and attracting large audiences at every stop.

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    Fans urge Faysal Quraishi to stop weight loss procedures

    Faysal Quraishi has been one of Pakistani television’s most recognisable faces for decades. His body of work includes acclaimed performances in dramas such as Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan, Main Abdul Qadir Hoon, Bashar Momin, Muqaddar, Khaie, Haiwaan, Farq, Hook, Behroopia, Bheegi Palkain and Fitoor, and he most recently earned widespread praise for his outstanding portrayal of Kamran in Case No. 9. In recent weeks, however, it is not his acting that has been generating conversation online. It is his dramatically altered physical appearance. Quraishi has been visibly losing weight over an extended period, and what initially drew admiration as a fitness transformation has now become a source of genuine worry among fans. In a recent clip that spread across social media, the actor appeared noticeably leaner than before, with deeply sunken cheeks and a physique that many of his followers found alarming rather than impressive. The reaction in the comments was immediate and concerned. One fan wrote, “What has he done to himself, look at him how thin he has become.” Another was more direct in their appeal, writing, “Faysal Quraishi should immediately stop all the weight loss procedures that he is taking.” A Turkish fan reached out with a message that combined admiration with worry, writing, “Faysal sir why are you looking so thin, I hope you are not sick.” Others expressed a simple preference for how he looked before, with one commenter writing, “He used to look handsome when he was chubby.” Some fans went further, speculating about the methods behind the transformation. Several commenters raised the possibility that Quraishi had been using Ozempic, the weight loss injection that has been widely discussed in both medical and celebrity circles in recent years. Quraishi himself has not responded publicly to the concern or addressed the speculation about how he has been achieving his weight loss. He has not commented on Ozempic or any other weight loss method, and no statement has been issued by his representatives. The situation reflects a broader shift in how Pakistani audiences engage with celebrity health and appearance. While weight loss is often celebrated, the speed and visibility of certain transformations have increasingly prompted followers to raise questions about sustainability, health and the procedures that might be involved. The reaction to Quraishi’s appearance suggests that for many fans, concern for a beloved figure can override the usual tendency to simply praise visible physical change. Faysal Quraishi remains one of the most celebrated and consistently working actors in Pakistani television. His fans clearly remain deeply invested in his wellbeing, and the volume and tone of the comments surrounding his recent appearance reflect exactly that investment. Whether he chooses to address the concern publicly or simply continue on his current path remains to be seen.

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    Salman Shahid claims seniors also annoy youngsters

    The conversation sparked by Muhammad Ahmed’s recent remarks about the behaviour of junior actors on set has drawn a thoughtful and balanced response from veteran Pakistani actor Salman Shahid, who offered a perspective that many in the industry may have been thinking but had not yet said out loud. Shahid, who built his reputation through beloved comedy productions including Such Gup, Teen Bata Teen and Family Front before going on to appear in acclaimed dramas such as Seerhian, Aseer Zadi, Khuda Aur Mohabbat, Main Manto Nahi Hoon and Sher, appeared on Rise and Shine, hosted by Zohaib Hassan, where the conversation turned to Muhammad Ahmed’s complaints about junior actors on set. His response was measured, fair and grounded in his own experience of what set dynamics actually look like from the inside. “Listen, if juniors misbehave with seniors, there are also seniors who become unreasonable and behave the same way with younger actors,” he said. “It depends on a person’s nature. Sometimes, seniors also annoy juniors because they want to show their authority. They say things like, ‘You’re young, what do you know about acting? We’ve been doing this for so many years. You’re doing it wrong.’ So, this issue exists on both sides.” The point Shahid was making was not that Muhammad Ahmed’s concerns were invalid. It was that the problem is not generational but personal. Difficult behaviour on set is not exclusively a junior actor problem. It can come from anyone, regardless of how many years they have spent in the industry or how much respect they command. What made his remarks feel credible rather than defensive was the contrast he drew with his own approach to working life. He spoke with evident warmth about the aspects of set culture that he actively enjoys. “Personally, I love socialising,” he said. “I enjoy tea breaks and interacting with my co-stars on set. I really love it. It’s part of my social life, no matter what age my colleagues are. The image he painted was of someone who genuinely takes pleasure in the shared environment of a drama production, for whom the time between scenes is as much a part of the experience as the work itself. It was a reminder that sets are workplaces where people spend long hours together, and that the atmosphere on them is shaped by everyone present, senior and junior alike. Shahid is currently earning praise for his performance in the ongoing drama Bas Tera Saath Hu, which has resonated strongly with audiences. He is the son of legendary actress Begum Khursheed Shahid, is married to Tahira Ali, and has been a consistent and respected presence in Pakistani television for decades. His contribution to the current conversation about generational dynamics in the industry is characteristically grounded. He did not take sides. He simply told the truth.