Magazine

The Recording Academy is reconsidering its newly introduced Asian Pop category after K-pop superstars BTS announced that they would not submit music for the 2027 Grammy Awards. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the organisation had held discussions with artists and other stakeholders following the group’s decision. He acknowledged that some musicians believe the new category does not adequately represent the music and artists it was created to recognise. Mason said the Academy’s goal is to ensure that musicians from different communities feel properly represented and heard. He added that feedback from artists in the Asian music scene had prompted the organisation to reassess the category. The review comes shortly after BTS confirmed that the group would not enter music for next year’s Grammy ceremony. BTS leader RM announced the decision last month, saying the group wanted music to be appreciated without being divided according to language or geographical region. The band has a huge international following and has played a major role in bringing K-pop to audiences around the world. Its decision not to participate in the upcoming Grammy process has therefore drawn considerable attention within the global music industry. The Recording Academy has not yet announced what changes could be made to the Asian Pop category. However, Mason indicated that the organisation’s management and board are committed to responding to concerns raised by musicians. The new category was intended to broaden recognition of Asian music within the Grammys and provide artists with a dedicated platform. The Academy’s latest review could lead to changes in how the category is structured or which styles and artists it covers. BTS’ withdrawal has also renewed discussion about how major international music awards classify artists and genres in an increasingly global music industry.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani-British soprano and Sufi opera singer Saira Peter has been selected for the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in recognition of her outstanding contributions to music and performing arts. President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the list of Pakistan’s Civil Awards for 2026. The names of the individuals selected for the national honours were announced by the government on the occasion of Independence Day. Saira Peter is among the prominent personalities selected for a national honour for their services in their respective fields. She is known for blending Western classical opera with South Asian and Sufi musical traditions. Through her work in Sufi opera, she has developed a distinctive artistic identity. Her performances combine a powerful soprano voice with Pakistani poetry, Sufi thought and elements of Eastern music. Peter has performed at various national and international platforms. Through her music, she has played a role in introducing Pakistan’s literary and cultural traditions to audiences around the world. She has also represented Pakistan at several cultural, governmental, diplomatic and international events. She has performed at prestigious venues, including the President House in Islamabad. Her artistic work focuses on bringing together Eastern musical traditions and cultural heritage with Western classical opera. Peter has continued to promote Pakistani poetry and the message of Sufism internationally through a contemporary and distinctive musical style. Her selection for the Sitara-e-Imtiaz is being seen as recognition of her long artistic career and efforts to promote Pakistan’s music, culture and national identity on international platforms. The honour is also being described as a proud moment for the Pakistani diaspora. It highlights the contributions of Pakistani artists living abroad who continue to promote the country’s cultural heritage, music and performing arts around the world. Pakistan announces its Civil Awards every year on Independence Day. The formal investiture ceremonies are held at a later date.

Bollywood actor Sunny Deol has recalled his visit to the Kartarpur Corridor, saying he received considerable affection in Pakistan despite the political tensions between the two neighbouring countries. Deol made the remarks while promoting his latest film, Batwara (1947), which was released in India and several other countries on Friday. During a recent interview, the actor was asked whether he had ever travelled to Pakistan. Deol clarified that he had never formally visited Pakistan, but had the opportunity to travel to the Kartarpur Corridor when it was opened. As the corridor falls within his parliamentary constituency, he was included in a delegation that visited Kartarpur. Recalling the experience, Deol said he was surprised by the warmth he encountered on the Pakistani side. “I received a lot of love in Pakistan,” the actor said, adding that members of the military also expressed affection and spoke to him about his films. According to Deol, some of those he met told him they admired him but asked him not to make films portraying Pakistan negatively because they felt a strong connection with him as an actor. Deol said his response was that he was only performing a character in films and that the views of a fictional character should not necessarily be confused with his personal beliefs. The actor also spoke about the wider human dimension of relations between India and Pakistan. He said people naturally love their own countries but argued that innocent civilians should never be targeted. His comments come as Deol promotes Batwara (1947), a film dealing with the turbulent period surrounding the Partition of British India. The Kartarpur Corridor, which links India with the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, has long been viewed as an important religious and people-to-people connection between the two countries. Deol’s recollection has attracted attention because of his long association with patriotic and action-oriented Bollywood roles, some of which have featured strong anti-Pakistan themes. His latest remarks, however, offered a more personal perspective, highlighting how an encounter across the border left him with memories of warmth and affection.

Pakistan’s first Miss Universe, Erica Robin, used Independence Day to highlight an urgent issue facing children across the country, urging parents to take stronger measures to protect them from sexual abuse. In a message shared on social media, Robin said that while Independence Day is a time to celebrate Pakistan, the occasion should also be used to speak about serious social problems. She said recent reports of violence and abuse involving children were deeply disturbing and required greater awareness among families. Robin offered parents three key suggestions for protecting their children. First, she urged parents not to assume that children are automatically safe with relatives or other people they know. She said families should remain aware of who has regular access to their children, regardless of whether the child is a boy or a girl. Her second recommendation was to teach children about personal boundaries. Robin said children should understand that their bodies belong to them and that they have the right to refuse unwanted physical contact. Parents, she stressed, should never force children to hug, kiss or show affection to another person if they are uncomfortable. Robin identified open communication as the most important step. She encouraged parents to create an environment where children can speak freely about anything that makes them uncomfortable or frightened. She also advised parents to pay attention to sudden changes in a child’s behaviour, particularly when the child appears uneasy around a particular person. The model urged parents to share these lessons with others and work collectively to create an environment where children feel safe, respected and heard. Her message comes amid continuing concerns over child abuse in Pakistan. More than 1,900 cases of child abuse were reported across the country during the first half of the year, according to data cited in the report. Several recent cases have intensified public concern. In Karachi, police arrested a 17-year-old relative after the father of a young girl reported that she had gone out with him to buy something and later returned unconscious after being sexually assaulted. Earlier, the deaths of two young girls in Karachi and Sargodha also sparked outrage. Police investigations into both cases involved allegations of sexual violence, while several suspects were detained in connection with the incidents.

The Government of Pakistan has announced its annual list of civil awards as part of the country’s Independence Day celebrations, honouring 372 individuals for their contributions across various fields. The recipients will be formally presented with their awards on Pakistan Day, March 23, next year. According to the announced list, 54 awards have been allocated for services to the arts, while 29 recognise contributions to literature and nine have been awarded in the field of sports. Several prominent names from Pakistan’s entertainment and cultural landscape have been included among this year’s recipients. Actors Sania Saeed, Maria Wasti and Mahmood Aslam, musicians Shiraz Uppal and Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan, better known as Xulfi, and television host Shafat Ali are among the notable awardees. In the arts category, Sultana Siddiqi has been selected for the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for her services to production, while Nisho Begum, Iftikhar Ahmed Thakur, Fasih Uddin Soharwardy, Shakir Hussain, Taranam Naz and several other prominent figures have been named for Sitara-i-Imtiaz and other civil awards. Mahmood Aslam, Sarfraz Hussain Ansari, M Ehtesham Warsi, Ghazala Kaifi, Shazma Haleem, Maria Wasti and Sania Saeed are among those receiving the President’s Award for Pride of Performance for their contributions to acting and direction. The list also recognises artists and musicians from different parts of the country. Classical musicians, singers, painters, sculptors, choreographers, qawwali performers and traditional craftsmen have been honoured for preserving and promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage. Among the recipients are Xulfi, awarded for music; Aftab Zafar for painting and illustration; Nadeem Salamat for qawwali; Tayyeba Aziz for painting and sculpting; and several artists recognised for traditional crafts including embroidery, block printing, stone carving and regional handicrafts. The literature category features a wide range of writers, poets, playwrights and researchers. Asad Muhammad Khan has been selected for the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his contributions to playwriting and poetry. Ejaz Rahim and Muhammad Khurshid Ul Hasan Rizvi are among those receiving the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, while writers including Shakeel Adilzada, Waheed Uz Zaman Tariq, Maqsood Hussain Jafri, Hashim Nadeem and other literary figures have been named for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. The President’s Award for Pride of Performance in literature has also been awarded to several writers and poets, including Dr Shahida Shaheen, Ali Muhammad Farshi, Aslam Javed, Rehman Faris and other contributors to Urdu and regional literature. The government has also recognised contributions to sports. Atta Mohammad Kakar and Dr Waseem A Tai have been selected for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz for their services to boxing coaching and yoga, respectively. The President’s Award for Pride of Performance in sports includes wrest­ler Bashir Bhola, shooter Kishmala Talat, squash player Noor Zaman, ramp-jump performer Sultan Muhammad Golden, boxer Muhammad Waseem and cricketer Sadiq Muhammad. Athlete Faiqa Riaz has been named for the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. The annual civil awards recognise individuals who have made notable contributions to Pakistan in areas including culture, literature, sports and the arts. The awards ceremony will be held on March 23, when the recipients will officially receive their respective honours.

Pakistani actor and host Mariyam Nafees has called for the introduction of separate priority queues in Pakistan for people who may find it difficult to stand in regular lines for long periods. The actor raised the issue during a special Independence Day episode of Good Morning Pakistan, where she appeared alongside Sarwat Gillani, Amar Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Mohsin Abbas and Omair Rana. During the programme, Mariyam highlighted the difficulties faced by elderly people, pregnant women, young children and individuals with disabilities or health problems when they have to wait in long queues. She said priority lines are commonly available in many countries to facilitate people who need special consideration. In her view, young and physically fit individuals can generally wait longer, while vulnerable people may not be able to do so comfortably. Mariyam said Pakistan should also consider introducing dedicated queues at public offices and other places where people regularly have to wait for services. She stressed that simply allowing vulnerable people to move ahead is not always effective because some members of the public may ignore their needs. According to her, a formal priority system could make the process more organised and ensure that deserving people receive timely assistance. The actor’s comments focused on the broader issue of public behaviour and social responsibility. She suggested that a structured system could reduce disputes and make public spaces more accessible for those who need additional consideration. During the discussion, Saif Ali Khan also supported the broader point. He noted that the problem is not limited to queue arrangements. He pointed out that people sometimes give preference to friends, relatives or acquaintances at offices and other places. He argued that such preferential treatment should also be discouraged. The discussion drew attention to the importance of fairness in public spaces and equal access to services. Mariyam’s remarks have also sparked conversation about whether Pakistan should introduce more formal systems to assist elderly citizens, pregnant women, children and people with disabilities.

Actor Christian Convery has opened up about his experience filming the sci-fi thriller The End of Oak Street, describing the production as both exciting and emotionally demanding while praising his co-star Anne Hathaway. The film features Convery alongside Hathaway, Ewan McGregor and Maisy Stella. The story follows the Platt family as they struggle to survive after their neighbourhood is mysteriously displaced into an unfamiliar and dangerous environment. Speaking about the filming experience, Convery said the production involved a sharp contrast between lighthearted family scenes and emotionally intense sequences. He explained that scenes involving ordinary family moments, such as a neighbourhood party or a meal together, were enjoyable to film. However, extended periods of emotionally heavy scenes became exhausting for the cast. The young actor said the demanding nature of the production helped the cast connect with their characters on a deeper level. According to Convery, the actors were placed under considerable physical and emotional pressure during filming, which helped them portray the fear, tension and uncertainty experienced by their characters more convincingly. Convery also discussed how the cast developed a believable family dynamic on screen. He said there was no special formula for creating chemistry because the cast members naturally connected when they first met. He credited the table read, preparation sessions and regular discussions for helping the actors understand their relationships within the story. The cast also spent time together away from the set, including during meals and weekends, which further strengthened their bond. The actor said the close relationship eventually extended beyond the principal cast, describing the entire production team as a large family. Convery also spoke warmly about working with Anne Hathaway, admitting that he initially felt nervous because she had been one of his acting heroes for many years. He said Hathaway treated him as a professional colleague rather than simply as a young actor. That approach helped him feel respected and gave him an opportunity to learn from her while maintaining a clear distinction between their on-screen relationship and their real-life professional relationship. Convery has been working in the entertainment industry since childhood. He said a major turning point came when he was around nine years old and landed the lead role in Sweet Tooth, a project he filmed over several years in New Zealand. He explained that the experience encouraged him to take acting more seriously and develop a deeper understanding of filmmaking. He began studying different performances, directors and classic films while learning more about the creative process behind cinema. Despite his early success, Convery said he remains focused on improving his craft and believes actors should remain grounded and recognise that there is always more to learn.

American singer and actress Selena Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey and former business partner Daniella Pierson are facing a lawsuit from investors in Wondermind, a mental health startup co-founded by Gomez. The investors have accused the three of misleading them about the company’s financial condition, business activities and future plans. The lawsuit was filed in a Delaware court on Thursday. According to the complaint, two groups of investors collectively invested nearly $1.2 million in Wondermind. They allege that the company’s founders and executives made representations about its business that did not match reality. The investors have brought several claims, including securities fraud, common-law fraud and breach of contract. They allege that they were kept unaware of serious problems within the company while their money continued to fund its operations. Wondermind was launched in 2021 with a focus on mental fitness. The company promotes practical ways for people to prioritise their mental wellbeing in everyday life. Gomez is identified as a co-founder of the startup, while Teefey served as its chief executive. Pierson was also a co-founder but left the company in 2023 following reported disagreements with Teefey. The investors claim they were encouraged to put money into Wondermind after being told about major commercial opportunities. These allegedly included partnerships with companies such as JPMorgan, advertising arrangements, celebrity magazine features and plans for a major mobile application. According to the lawsuit, those opportunities either did not exist or failed to materialise. The investors also allege that the promised app was never developed. The complaint claims the investors only became aware of the company’s internal problems after a September report examined disputes within Wondermind and allegations of mismanagement. The investors subsequently contacted Teefey in November and requested that their money be returned. They say Teefey initially indicated that she would respond within 10 days but did not provide a substantive response. The complaint states that Teefey later replied to another notice in April, saying she believed the investment had already been returned. She reportedly referred further questions to Gomez’s legal team. The investors allege that Teefey later said Wondermind had established an escrow account to facilitate repayment. However, they claim repeated requests for information about the account went unanswered. The plaintiffs allege that no such escrow account existed and describe the events as part of an alleged years-long scheme to mislead investors. The lawsuit seeks repayment of the investors’ original funds, along with additional damages and legal costs.

Pakistani celebrities marked Independence Day 2026 with messages that went beyond traditional celebrations, highlighting the challenges facing the country and calling for greater responsibility, unity and respect for national values. As Pakistanis celebrated August 14, several prominent figures used social media to reflect on the country’s difficult circumstances. Rising living costs, security concerns, violence and political uncertainty were among the issues reflected in their messages. Rather than limiting their posts to patriotic greetings, the celebrities expressed disappointment over problems that continue to affect ordinary citizens. Their messages carried a serious and emotional tone while also stressing the need for collective efforts to improve the country. Actress Zara Noor Abbas acknowledged that she has complaints about the country but said the sacrifices made by previous generations should not be forgotten. Her message focused on remembering those who struggled for Pakistan while also recognising the responsibility of the present generation. Sonya Hussyn also shared a strong message on Independence Day. She urged people not to view freedom only as a reason for celebration but as a responsibility that requires citizens to stand up for their country. Actor Usama Khan focused on the importance of respecting Pakistan’s Constitution. He questioned whether the country had truly upheld its constitutional principles and called for accountability for those who violate or undermine the Constitution. The messages came against the backdrop of a difficult year for many Pakistanis. Economic pressures, rising prices and concerns over security have added to public anxiety. Ongoing violence and reports involving vulnerable members of society have also sparked widespread concern. For the celebrities, Independence Day therefore became an opportunity to reflect on what freedom should mean in everyday life. Their comments highlighted the gap between celebrating the country’s independence and addressing the challenges that continue to affect its people. The messages also carried an underlying call for change. The celebrities stressed that patriotism should not end with flags, songs and celebrations but should be reflected through responsible citizenship, respect for the law and efforts to build a safer and fairer society.