Latest news with #AeDil
Express Tribune
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
The quiet rebellion of Sania
We all know the seasoned actor Sania Saeed for her screen presence and the lasting impression she leaves on her fans with every role. A symbol of humility and quiet star power, Sania has expressed multiple times that she's not too fond of the limelight despite the influence she inadvertently commands. But before she was Sania Saeed, one of Pakistan's most beloved actors, she was just Sania - a girl raised in a home of love and taught a strong sense of responsibility that shaped the rest of her life. In an interview on Frieha Altaf's podcast, the Sange Mar Mar actor shared that she first touched base with social justice when she was barely a teenager. The actor recalled the widespread protests that were afoot during Zia's regime, calling for justice for sexual assault victims. "There was a girl who was legally punished. She was raped, she was pregnant, and she was blind. But she was also convicted," Sania said. "I took a signature campaign to school and told the other girls that this was wrong. I must've been 14 or 15. But I was very clear even then, mostly because of my parents, on what is right and what should not be tolerated." Sania added that the situation in the country at the time sparked dissent and conversations that were deemed controversial, which was why she was reprimanded for her actions. "I was almost kicked out because they said, 'Politics isn't allowed in school.' I argued that this wasn't politics, this was about human rights." Persisting issues Although her days of decrying injustice were from an era long gone, the Ae Dil actor believes that there's much work yet to be done. "We haven't gotten out of that time period. Now, thanks to social media, we see these things more frequently. People might not be stoned physically, but they do suffer socially." Still, Sania doesn't believe that all hope is lost. "It's changing. But all changes are slow. One just hopes that they are not necessarily bloody. But with a social structure like this, even change can be strict. It is a helpless compulsion." The Raqeeb Se actor added, "It upsets me that a country that's made up of such good people is in such dire straits." But Sania believes there's a catch to virtue as well. "We are good with our traditions but not in our practices. We might even have good intentions, but since we're ignorant, we haven't earned sufficient education, and we can't keep pace with the world, then even good intentions can't save us from bad behaviour and regressive attitudes." She observed that people tend to view an imperfect society from the surface level and conclude that progress is thriving, especially when it comes to gender equality. "People look at less than one per cent of the population and say, 'A lot of women work now.' Yes, they've always been working. But the point is to acknowledge the pay gap, property issues, rights given by the law, and if they even feel safe here." She stated that multiple factors compel women to work, including their own ambitions, but they can't even do that safely. "Your gaze, your words, your behaviour instill fright in a woman. Shouldn't you be ashamed of yourself for that?" she posed. "But anyway, I don't think there's a way out of this aside from pushing back." Lending a hand While Sania has played her part by attending protests and marches in the past, she doesn't want to hog space, knowing she might take attention away from what's important. "What happens is that the celebrity becomes the focus at such events. Not that they shouldn't participate, but people tend to get distracted by pointless things," she said. "The agenda of Aurat March is never misplaced, but it can be overshadowed by this ruckus. So, that's why I used to think that my attendance was not that helpful." Despite the setbacks, Sania's support for the movement remains loud and clear: "I'm always there in spirit."
Express Tribune
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Komal Meer has had enough of the internet's comments about her looks and 'weight gain'
Pakistani actress Komal Meer is no stranger to the spotlight. With standout roles in dramas like Badshah Begum, Wehshi, and Tere Aane Se, the Ae Dil star has quickly climbed the ranks of television fame. But along with fame comes scrutiny, especially online. Lately, Komal has been the subject of intense speculation over a noticeable 'weight gain,' with internet users ruthlessly commenting on her appearance. Still as radiant and healthy-looking as ever, she's now speaking up, setting the record straight on Excuse Me, a podcast hosted by Ahmed Ali Butt. Addressing rumours of cosmetic surgery, Komal responded with honesty and humour: 'I think everyone is having cosmetic procedures. Now normal people are having more procedures than celebrities. I go for my facials and I get shocked to see house wives having treatments and giving hefty bills to aesthetic clinics, but I haven't done anything like this. I swear! I haven't done anything people are seeing my cheeks but aren't seeing my double chin.' She also called out the fat-shaming she's been receiving online. 'I don't know why people fat shamed me, when I was skinny they did shame me. I don't think so I became fat. I just gained 6 kg. It was for a drama, I did gain for a project but the project has now delayed. Also, I took this character as a motivation and have started eating. It was a good project I wanted to do that and I also wanted to gain weight because I was under weight throughout my life. I have been listening this my whole life. That I need to gain,' she explained. Meer also stated, "No matter what, our general public is never happy." True that! To her critics, Komal offered a sharp but graceful message: 'I want to give a message to my trolls that don't be jealous of my weight gain. It's okay, let me breathe, I will go to the gym and tone my body. Just wait and those asking for a diet plan, please wait I will share it soon.' Let's be honest: women's bodies change and that's perfectly normal. Even if Komal had opted for a certain cosmetic enhancement (not that it matters), it's her choice, not a call for endless negative commentary. She still looks stunning, strong, and completely at ease in her skin. It's incredibly easy to sit behind a screen and tear someone down over their looks, but it says far more about the commenter than the target. Whether she's gained a few kilos for a role or not, Komal Meer continues to shine and perhaps it's time we let people exist without turning every photo into a referendum on their appearance.
Express Tribune
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Azaan shows off mother Zeba's beautiful clicks
In an Instagram post shared on Sunday, actor-singer Azaan Sami Khan flaunted a dazzling set of photos of his mother, film and TV actor Zeba Bakhtiar. "My beautiful Amma," he wrote. "Not a day goes by that I don't thank Allah SWT that He made me your son." The photoshoot saw Zeba in glamorous ensembles, from an intricate gown to a glittering red sari. The last photo saw the actor in a black-and-white photo, posing in contemplation in a chic black outfit. All the photos highlighted her timeless beauty after decades of serving in the industry. Fans agreed with Azaan's sentiments regarding his mother. "First time I saw her in Henna, I was mesmerised by her beauty. She has such a beautiful face and has aged gracefully," a user wrote, while others flooded the comments section with well wishes. This post is one of the many times Azaan has expressed fondness for his family on social media. In February, he penned a heartfelt note to his daughter Lilly. "Happy birthday to the love of my life, my princess, my jaan and angel," the Ae Dil actor wrote, before adding in love for his son as well, "Both of you are Allah SWT's greatest gift to me, your Baba, forever. When you're older and read this, it will all make sense." The caption was attached to a carousel of heartwarming clicks. One photo saw Lilly hugging her father in a recording booth, while another captured Azaan kissing her on the cheek. The adorable thread ended with twin grins from the two. While the Meri Tanhai actor had disabled comments under his post, Instagram users reshared the photos with much fondness for the family. Some even pointed out Lilly's stark resemblance to her star grandmother.
