Magazine

Shagufta Ejaz has been a constant presence in Pakistani television since the PTV era, building a career that has spanned decades and generations of audiences. From her earliest roles in the golden age of state television to her continued prominence in contemporary drama, she has remained one of the industry’s most beloved and respected figures. In recent years, however, she has added an entirely new dimension to her public presence, stepping into the world of digital content creation and building a YouTube channel that has resonated with fans for its warmth, authenticity and the glimpses it offers of her family life. Appearing as a guest on Star and Style, Shagufta Ejaz spoke about what prompted her to make that shift, and the answer was a family connection rather than a professional calculation. The inspiration behind her YouTube journey was her son-in-law, Ali Hamza Baloch, who was already an established daily vlogger before she started her own channel. Shagufta explained that watching him work gave her a firsthand look at what the medium was capable of. She saw how deeply his audience connected with him, how his viewers followed his daily life and felt genuinely close to him through the screen, and something about that connection appealed to her. It was the kind of relationship with an audience that felt personal and immediate in a way that drama, for all its reach, does not always allow. With his help, she launched her own channel, and the early days of the venture were a family effort in more ways than one. Her children stepped in to handle the editing at the beginning, helping her find her footing in a format that operates very differently from the structured, scripted world of television production. Over time, however, she took ownership of the process herself and now edits her own videos, a progression that reflects both her growing comfort with the medium and her characteristic commitment to doing things properly. The content she produces has found a genuine audience. Fans have responded warmly to the homely, unpolished quality of her videos, which feature her family, her daily life and the kind of natural, unguarded moments that would never make it into a drama production. For an actress who has spent her career embodying carefully crafted characters, the channel offers something entirely different: just Shagufta Ejaz, being herself. It is a quality that her audience clearly values, and one that speaks to why she has remained relevant across so many years and so many changes in the entertainment landscape. Whether she is performing a complex character on screen or talking to her camera at home, the authenticity that has always defined her work comes through in exactly the same way.

Mahira Khan has never been a passive bystander when it comes to causes she believes in, and her latest trip to the United Kingdom has made that commitment tangible in a way that goes well beyond a social media post. The actress and UNHCR ambassador raised an extraordinary 180,000 pounds for Palestine through a series of fan meet and greet events held across the UK, with all proceeds donated directly to Palestinian relief efforts. Mahira has been among the most vocal Pakistani celebrities in speaking out about the situation in Gaza since the conflict intensified. Her advocacy has been consistent and public, spanning social media posts, interviews and now direct fundraising action that has translated her words into significant material support. The UK events were hosted by Haroon Rashid, who organised the meet and greets and shared a statement following their conclusion expressing the collective feeling of everyone involved. Mahira herself appeared in two beautiful looks across the events, meeting fans, taking photographs and spending time with the people who came out to support both her and the cause she was representing. The response from those who attended and from the wider public online has been overwhelmingly warm. Fans flooded social media with admiration and gratitude. “Love for Mahira,” wrote one follower. “Great work,” said another. A third simply noted how beautiful she looked throughout the events, a reminder that even in the midst of serious humanitarian advocacy, her public presence carries the kind of warmth and grace that has made her one of Pakistan’s most beloved figures for over a decade. The figure of 180,000 pounds is a remarkable achievement for a celebrity-led charitable initiative, and it reflects both the depth of feeling around the Palestine issue among the Pakistani diaspora in the UK and the genuine affection and respect that Mahira Khan commands from her fanbase across the world. Mahira Khan has been a UNHCR National Goodwill Ambassador since 2019, using her platform to advocate for refugees and vulnerable communities. Her Palestine fundraising adds another significant chapter to that record of humanitarian engagement, demonstrating that the commitments she expresses publicly are ones she is willing to back with real effort. For Pakistani audiences watching from home, the news of the fundraising total has prompted considerable pride. It is a reminder that the influence that comes with celebrity, when directed thoughtfully and consistently toward meaningful causes, can generate outcomes that go well beyond anything a single voice in an interview can achieve. Mahira Khan raised 180,000 pounds for Palestine not by speaking about the issue but by showing up in person, meeting her fans one by one, and turning that connection into something that will reach people who need it most.

Dr Omer Adil is no stranger to controversy, and his latest appearance on Dr Ruby Malik’s podcast has once again put him at the centre of a heated public debate. The host and YouTuber, who has built a reputation for speaking about celebrities with unusual bluntness, turned his attention this time to the husbands of wealthy and famous women, naming Bushra Ansari’s second husband as a specific example of what he described as a deeply troubling dynamic. Dr Omer Adil framed his argument by first reaching back to a conversation he once had with the late legendary singer Madam Noor Jehan, who had told him that her throat was effectively her husband, her most prized possession, the one thing that had sustained her family throughout her life. He used this anecdote as a springboard to make a broader point about the particular vulnerability of women whose talent generates significant wealth. His central argument was this: when a woman earns abundantly because of her extraordinary ability, she does not always attract people who genuinely love her. Instead, she attracts those who are drawn to what she has built. In his characterisation, these are not family members but leeches, people who attach themselves to a successful woman and remain there, draining her resources until there is nothing left. He then named Bushra Ansari directly as an example, directing his sharpest remarks toward her second husband, Iqbal Hussain. His objection was rooted in what he saw as a fundamental inversion of the role a husband should play. He questioned how a man could sit at home, making no visible financial contribution to the household, while his wife continues to work and support the family. The image he painted, of a man with a large beard sitting idle while Bushra Ansari carries the professional and financial weight of the marriage, was delivered as a pointed indictment rather than a neutral observation. This is not the first time Dr Omer Adil has publicly expressed his discomfort with Bushra Ansari’s second marriage. He has previously aired his opinions about the relationship on multiple occasions, and each time has done so without walking back his criticism. His willingness to name celebrities specifically and speak about their private lives in such direct terms is what has both earned him a loyal digital audience and placed him at the centre of repeated controversies. Bushra Ansari’s husband Iqbal Hussain had previously appeared in public alongside her and defended their relationship, pushing back against the age-gap criticism the marriage drew. He described the criticism as reflecting double standards and expressed deep admiration and support for his wife. The remarks by Dr Omer Adil have once again reignited debate about who has the right to comment on the private choices of public figures, and whether the kind of blunt, personal commentary he delivers crosses a line between honest observation and unwarranted intrusion into someone else’s marriage.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his fiancée Georgina Rodríguez have reignited speculation about their wedding after the couple were spotted wearing matching diamond rings during a summer getaway in Mallorca, Spain. The appearance quickly fuelled rumours that the football icon and his longtime partner may finally be preparing to tie the knot. Photographs published on Friday showed Ronaldo and Rodríguez boarding a luxury yacht with friends while enjoying their holiday in Mallorca. According to The Sun, the Portuguese superstar was seen wearing a large diamond ring on the ring finger of his left hand, a finger traditionally associated with wedding and engagement bands. Rodríguez was also photographed wearing the engagement ring Ronaldo gave her after proposing last year. The sight of both partners wearing diamond rings on their ring fingers immediately sparked fresh speculation that a wedding could be approaching. The rumours gained further momentum after an unverified notice circulated online claiming the couple planned to marry on Saturday at Quinta da Regaleira, a historic estate in Portugal. However, the claims were never officially confirmed and were later dismissed. Sources close to the couple denied the reports, pointing out that Quinta da Regaleira remained open to the public on the alleged wedding date and was scheduled to host an evening musical performance, making a private ceremony highly unlikely. Fans nevertheless continued to speculate on social media. One user on X wrote: “They have been wearing matching luxury rings for years, but hopefully this means the actual date is finally set.” Another commented: “If he still failed his promise he said, ‘the next day after the World Cup, he will propose to her with the WC trophy.’” Although neither Ronaldo nor Rodríguez has publicly commented on the latest rumours, the couple have repeatedly spoken about their commitment to one another. They have been together since 2016 and share a family with their children, while Rodríguez also helps raise Ronaldo’s older children. Ronaldo has previously addressed the topic of marriage, explaining that he intends to marry Rodríguez when the time feels right. Speaking about his future plans, he said: “I’m going to marry her because I believe it’s the right time. Not just because she’s the mother of my children, but because she’s the person I love most.” The heartfelt statement has frequently been cited by fans whenever speculation about the couple’s wedding resurfaces. For now, there has been no official confirmation that wedding plans are underway. Despite the excitement generated by the matching diamond rings, reports of an imminent ceremony remain unverified. Still, the latest photographs have once again captured the imagination of fans, many of whom hope the football superstar and his longtime partner will soon make their relationship official after years together. 

Actors Sunita Marshall and Hassan Ahmed have shared heartwarming and humorous insights into their 18-year marriage, revealing how time has strengthened their relationship and admitting that they are equally clumsy in everyday life. Appearing together on a comedy show, the celebrity couple reflected on their journey, memorable incidents and the lessons they have learned over nearly two decades together. Speaking about married life, Hassan said understanding develops naturally over the years and eventually reaches a point where words are no longer necessary. “If you take out the first eight to 10 years, after that you understand each other so well that you don’t even have to ask why the other person is quiet. You also learn to ignore some faults.” He also credited Sunita with changing the way he approaches life. “She has taught me not to worry over every small issue and to avoid overthinking.” The couple, who belong to different faiths, married in 2008 through both an Islamic Nikah and a Catholic church ceremony. They are now parents to two children and are regarded as one of Pakistan’s most admired celebrity couples. Sunita recalled a funny incident from the early days of their marriage when the pair were walking to a nearby shoot. Hassan realised he had forgotten his sunglasses and insisted on going back because he wanted to look “cool.” Despite Sunita repeatedly telling him he would have to remove them once inside the dark studio, he refused. She recalled: “As soon as I entered the studio, I turned around to tell him again to take them off. The next thing I heard was a loud noise. He was lying on the floor.” The actor explained that Hassan had failed to notice a small step at the entrance because he walked straight from bright sunlight into the dimly lit studio while still wearing the sunglasses. The couple also laughed about another accident at home, when Sunita slipped while walking downstairs. Hassan recalled: “She kept sliding down and just wouldn’t stop.” Instead of panicking, he admitted he burst into laughter, adding that he himself has fallen at least three times because of his own clumsiness. Hassan also confessed that his awkward moments extend to driving. He remembered accidentally reversing his car into a drain while his father was sitting beside him and being immediately scolded. The actor further narrated a spooky incident from his younger days when he believed he saw a woman dressed in white while driving home late at night. He said his car stalled, and after restarting it, the mysterious figure had disappeared. Frightened, he called a friend, who jokingly replied: “Wait, let me switch on my room lights first, then tell me.” The interview also touched on their acting careers. Hassan revealed that his role in Pinjra was emotionally exhausting. “I would never want to relive that character because it had a huge impact on my mind and heart.” Sunita said she was grateful for the roles she had played despite many being tragic. “Still, I am very content with all the roles I have done but I wouldn’t want to do them again because they were all tragic.” Hassan also admitted that audiences often confuse him with the villains he portrays. “After playing so many negative characters, people start believing that is how you are in real life.” Filled with laughter, heartfelt reflections and amusing stories, the interview gave fans another glimpse into the chemistry that has made Sunita Marshall and Hassan Ahmed one of Pakistan’s most beloved celebrity couples both on and off screen. 

Kangana Ranaut has once again addressed her long-running feud with Hrithik Roshan after a viral social media trend reignited public discussion about their 2016 controversy. The actress and BJP MP shared a strongly worded message on Instagram, accusing Roshan of encouraging online criticism directed at her and urging him to stop “adding fuel to the fire.” The renewed controversy began after Kangana faced backlash for comments she made about a recent Gen-Z protest in India over alleged corruption in the education system and examination paper leaks. During her remarks, she criticised the protesters, described them as part of a problematic generation and referred to young women as “Generation Gutter,” prompting widespread criticism on social media. As criticism of Kangana intensified, many users revisited her highly publicised dispute with Hrithik Roshan. The discussion quickly evolved into a viral online trend under the slogan: “The World owes Hrithik Roshan an apology.” The trend referred to the actors’ long-running legal and public battle that began in 2016. The dispute originated when Kangana, during an interview, referred to Hrithik as her “silly ex.” Roshan denied that the two had ever been in a relationship, after which both stars exchanged legal notices and accused each other of harassment and defamation. The case ultimately concluded without a definitive legal finding because of insufficient evidence, although public opinion remained sharply divided. As the latest trend gathered momentum, Hrithik responded by commenting on an Instagram post shared by influencer Freddy Birdy. Rather than embracing the online campaign, the actor urged people to avoid taking sides without considering the full context. He wrote: “My friend, siding with ‘A’ just cause you don’t like ‘B’ anymore is a small part of the larger systemic issue plaguing our society. I’ll wait, for when the context to it is the right one, and motivated by facts. That would be fair. But then again, who cares anymore right?” Kangana later responded through her Instagram Stories, directly addressing Roshan and urging him not to encourage those attacking her online. She wrote: “Dear Hrithik, I am happy that you have found your perfect match, Saba Azad and you both look great together, you are in a committed relationship and it doesn’t suit you to tease a woman like this. Instead, you should condemn all those who are harassing and bullying me using your name.” The actress then added another pointed remark, saying: “Stop adding fuel to fire and embarrassing your partner. Hope better sense prevails and you stop making unreasonable comments.” Her latest statements quickly went viral, generating another wave of reactions across social media. While some users supported her right to respond, many others criticised the actress, arguing that reopening the years-old dispute was unnecessary. The exchange has once again brought one of Bollywood’s most talked-about celebrity feuds back into the spotlight. Although nearly a decade has passed since the original controversy, the latest online trend and subsequent responses from both actors demonstrate that the dispute continues to attract widespread public attention whenever it resurfaces. 

A new BBC documentary, Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret, has renewed public scrutiny of Oscar-winning actor and musician Jared Leto after multiple women alleged they were teenagers when they first encountered him. Leto has strongly denied all allegations, while the documentary has also reignited debate over Hollywood’s handling of long-standing rumours involving powerful figures. The documentary examines allegations made by several women regarding their interactions with Leto. Although the claims have attracted widespread attention, the actor has categorically rejected every accusation made against him. In a statement, Leto said: “I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life. These claims are absolutely and categorically false.” The documentary has prompted broader discussions beyond the allegations themselves, with many industry insiders questioning whether Hollywood has done enough to address persistent rumours before they become major public scandals. One talent agent interviewed in connection with the documentary criticised the industry’s culture of silence, saying: “Hollywood doesn’t have an information problem. It has a courage problem. Everybody hears the whispers. Almost nobody wants to be the first person to ask the hard question.” According to the documentary, reports and entertainment industry gossip regarding Leto’s interactions with younger women have circulated for years, including a 2005 Page Six report that cited anonymous allegations. However, none of those reports established criminal wrongdoing. Critics interviewed in the documentary argue that while allegations alone should not be treated as proof of misconduct, repeated concerns should have encouraged greater scrutiny instead of being dismissed. A veteran Hollywood manager commented: “Young actresses talk to each other. Hair and makeup artists talk. Assistants talk. Drivers talk. The idea that nobody knew anything is almost never true.” The documentary also draws comparisons with lessons learned during the #MeToo movement, suggesting that repeated allegations deserve careful attention even when they have not been legally proven. It argues that the entertainment industry should be willing to investigate concerns earlier rather than waiting until they receive widespread media coverage. A longtime entertainment executive featured in the programme summarised the broader issue by saying: “The real test of Hollywood isn’t how it reacts after a documentary airs. It’s what it does with the whispers years before anyone picks up a camera.” The documentary has therefore shifted part of the conversation away from Leto himself and towards the wider culture within the entertainment industry. Many observers believe the central question is whether Hollywood has truly changed since the #MeToo movement or whether concerns continue to be ignored until they become impossible to overlook. While Leto continues to deny all allegations and no criminal wrongdoing has been established in relation to the claims discussed in the documentary, Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret has once again placed the spotlight on accountability within the entertainment industry. For many, the debate now extends beyond one celebrity to whether Hollywood is willing to confront troubling rumours before they evolve into public controversies. 

Nicki Minaj has responded through her legal team after a business dispute with production company 24/7 Productions intensified in court. The rapper’s lawyers have strongly rejected claims made by the company, arguing that the lawsuit unfairly targets her personally and attempts to damage her reputation instead of focusing on the contractual issues at the centre of the case. The latest development comes after 24/7 Productions described Minaj as a “spoiled and entitled” rap star in court filings related to an ongoing payment dispute. Her lawyers argue that such language has no relevance to the legal issues and was included solely to create a negative public image of the Grammy-nominated artist. According to Minaj’s legal team, the remarks were designed to distract attention from the actual contractual disagreement. The dispute centres on production work carried out during Minaj’s Jingle Ball performances and the Pink Friday 2 launch events held in New York in 2023. 24/7 Productions claims it covered a wide range of event-related expenses, including hotel accommodation, staffing, security services and production costs. The company alleges that it has not yet received full payment for those services and has therefore taken legal action to recover the outstanding amount. Minaj’s lawyers, however, dispute those claims and insist that the hotel accommodation and related expenses were already included in the agreed budget for an artist of her stature. They argue that such costs should not be portrayed as unusual or excessive. Her legal team also contends that the production company is attempting to sensationalise the case by focusing on her celebrity lifestyle rather than the actual business agreement between the parties. Another key argument presented by Minaj’s lawyers concerns the identity of the contracting party. They maintain that the agreement was entered into with Pink Friday Productions LLC, not with Nicki Minaj in her personal capacity. As a result, they argue that the rapper herself should not be held personally responsible for any financial obligations arising from the company’s agreements. The legal team has also insisted that the disputed payments have already been made, directly challenging the production company’s allegations that it remains unpaid. The case is scheduled to return to court on August 3, when a judge will consider Minaj’s request to have her name removed from the lawsuit. The hearing is expected to focus on whether the claims should proceed against the artist personally or remain directed at Pink Friday Productions LLC instead. For now, both sides remain firmly committed to their opposing positions. While 24/7 Productions continues to pursue payment through the courts, Nicki Minaj’s legal representatives insist that the company has mischaracterised both the facts of the dispute and the rapper’s role in the contractual arrangement. The outcome of the upcoming court hearing will likely determine how the case proceeds in the months ahead.

Actor Yami Gautam has revealed that she was once on the verge of leaving Bollywood after years of struggling to find meaningful roles despite the success of her debut film. In a recent interview, the Vicky Donor star reflected on one of the most difficult phases of her career, admitting that she had almost returned to her hometown in Himachal Pradesh before her breakthrough with Uri: The Surgical Strike changed everything. Gautam made her Bollywood debut opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in the 2012 hit Vicky Donor. Although the film was well received, she said the success did not translate into the kind of opportunities she had hoped for. Instead, she spent years waiting for substantial roles while being labelled an “unconventional” actress because she had not been introduced as a typical Bollywood heroine. Recalling that difficult period, Gautam told Filmfare: “Just before Uri and Bala, I had made peace with leaving the industry altogether. I thought I’d return to Himachal. We have farmland there. I imagined beginning a completely different life. My parents were incredibly supportive. They simply said, ‘Come home.’” The actress explained that she had become disheartened by the lack of opportunities and had accepted the possibility of stepping away from acting altogether. However, everything changed when she was cast opposite Vicky Kaushal in the 2019 blockbuster Uri: The Surgical Strike. The film proved to be a turning point in her career and restored her confidence in the industry. She recalled: “And strangely, the moment I stopped clinging to the industry out of fear, everything changed. Uri happened. Bala happened. Life changed almost overnight.” During the interview, Gautam also spoke candidly about the challenges of being an outsider in Bollywood. While she said she never viewed being an outsider as the biggest obstacle, she admitted that constantly having to prove herself was emotionally exhausting. She said: “The difficult part wasn’t being an outsider. It was constantly having to prove yourself. Sometimes you’d feel you were ready for a particular opportunity, yet someone else would receive repeated chances simply because they already belonged to the ecosystem.” The Article 370 actor noted that star children often receive multiple opportunities even after unsuccessful projects, while outsiders frequently have to wait years for a single meaningful role. She added: “You’d think, If I were given that many opportunities, wouldn’t I also continue growing as an actor? That was the real frustration.” Despite those experiences, Gautam believes the industry has evolved in recent years and that audiences are placing greater importance on talent rather than background. She concluded: “But I genuinely believe things have changed. Today, audiences don’t care where you come from. They care whether you’re a good actor. Whether your films are worth watching. Whether they trust your choices. That gives me tremendous hope for the next generation.” On the personal front, Yami Gautam married Uri: The Surgical Strike director Aditya Dhar on June 4, 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Vedavid, on May 10, 2024. Today, Gautam is regarded as one of Bollywood’s most respected performers, with her journey serving as an example of perseverance despite years of setbacks. 

A small on-stage mishap during BTS’ latest ARIRANG World Tour stop has become one of the group’s most talked-about viral moments, with fans praising the members for turning an unexpected mistake into comedy. What began as a missed stage cue quickly transformed into a light-hearted interaction that showcased the group’s trademark chemistry and sense of humour. The incident occurred during BTS’ performance of Normal, when leader RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, appeared to miss his cue to step onto an elevating stage platform. As the performance continued, fans noticed RM looking briefly confused while trying to recover from the unexpected moment. Several audience members captured the incident on video, and the clips quickly spread across social media. Different camera angles showed the sequence from multiple perspectives, allowing fans to watch the group’s spontaneous reactions as the brief mishap unfolded. Among the first to react was Jimin, who could not contain his laughter after noticing RM had missed his mark. Instead of ignoring the situation, the singer decided to play along, adding to the comedy by pretending to scold his bandmate in an exaggerated manner. With his hands placed on his hips, Jimin jokingly acted as though he was reprimanding RM for missing the cue. The playful exchange immediately sent both the audience and fellow BTS members into laughter, while RM smiled through the moment before quickly returning to the performance. Fan-recorded videos also captured the reactions of the other members. Jin and Jungkook were seen watching the interaction with amused smiles, enjoying the brotherly banter unfolding on stage. Their reactions further highlighted the relaxed atmosphere that allowed the members to laugh off the unexpected mistake. The clips quickly went viral across social media platforms, where fans praised the group’s natural chemistry and ability to handle live performance mishaps with humour rather than embarrassment. Many fans affectionately described RM’s confused facial expression as having “golden retriever energy,” while others joked that the moment was another classic “Vmin versus Joon” interaction, referring to the playful dynamic between V, Jimin, and RM. According to fans attending the concert, the brief interruption lasted only a few seconds before the performance resumed smoothly. Rather than affecting the show, the incident became one of the evening’s most memorable highlights, with audience members cheering as the members laughed together on stage. The viral moment once again demonstrated why BTS’ live performances remain so popular among fans. Even when unexpected technical or staging issues arise, the group often embraces them with humour, creating genuine moments that resonate with audiences long after the concert ends. As videos of the interaction continue circulating online, fans have celebrated the incident as another example of the members’ close friendship and ability to entertain both on and off script. For many ARMY members, the brief mishap was not a mistake at all—it became one of the funniest and most endearing moments of the tour so far.