Latest news with #Azlan
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Mahira grows into her stardom
When Mahira Khan sits down for an interview, she makes it adequately evident that she is indeed a star, a performer who never fails to deliver. Her recent appearance on Excuse Me with Ahmad Ali Butt felt less like a Q&A and more like a rollercoaster ride through memories, mistakes, men and defending Fawad Khan's dance moves to calling Nadeem Baig an "addiction," Mahira's hour and a half-long tell-all speaks to her endless charm and candour. "I felt like a child again," Mahira recalled being on the set of Love Guru, her eyes gleaming. "I had the time of my life." After years of near misses and misfires — she famously said no to Punjab Nahi Jaungi and turned down a few other Nadeem Baig projects — Love Guru is her long-awaited collaboration with Pakistan's blockbuster director. "Nadeem Baig is an addiction," she confessed. "I wish I'd worked with him earlier." Turns out, it was worth the wait. "I was doing a dance with Nadeem at one point. I couldn't even understand what he was saying, but we just vibed," she said about her chemistry with the director. And while Mahira has always been known as an actor's actor, she was clear: it's directors who fascinate her. "I'm very amused by directors. Every director has their own unique personality," she mused. "Actors don't really do it for me. But directors, I fall in love with them." The brotherhood of blockbusters Mahira had nothing but praise for her co-star Humayun Saeed. "There's no one like him. He's generous, secure, and just has a big heart," she said. "He'll give the best line to his co-actor and say, 'It's your scene, speak now.'" But it wasn't just Humayun who got love. Her long-time collaborator Fawad as well as Fahad Mustafa and Bilal Ashraf, Mahira's favourite trio, were all in the mix. "I call Bilal 'Billu Bhai.' Every time I needed him, I'd call him and he'd show up." she smiled. "Fahad, on the other hand, is a fantastic dancer. I love dancing with him." On the other hand, Fawad, she candidly dubbed a "terrible dancer." While the duo's chemistry has delighted fans for years, Mahira revealed an equally intimate off-screen dynamic. "What I cherish about Fawad is those moments when he's true to himself. That's rare. I've always protected that side of him." Marriage and motherhood Mahira also opened up about her marriage and the fears that preceded it. "I was scared," she admitted. "Not of love, but of how it would affect Azlan. I chose to leave a marriage once. I didn't want my son to go through that again." It was Azlan who gave her the green light. "He said, 'Mama, what's wrong with you?' That's when I knew it was time." Now, Mahira is happily married to businessman Saleem Karim and glowing with gratitude. "Azlan loves him for his own reasons, not just because I do." Regardless of good and bad times, the star's faith in the universe remains unshaken. "I tell Azlan all the time: imagine, pray, and work hard for it. I'm a living example of manifestation," Mahira said, grinning. "I even wrote letters to the love of my life and became his Zaalima! But remember, every dream has a price." Calling out nonsense Mahira acknowledged that she should have addressed her differences with Khalil privately, saying, "He said that I should have called him. He's right." Following the widely publicised dispute between the two, the actor's mother also suggested the matter could have been handled more discreetly, citing Khalil's seniority. Still, Mahira maintained that the writer's remarks were unacceptable. "What he said was wrong," she said. "And in our industry, we only call people out when we have nothing to lose. That's not okay I can separate the artist from the man. And I have done that." Mahira and Khalil had a falling out after the writer verbally attacked human rights activist Marvi Sirmed on live television over her feminist views in 2020. Khalil took a hardline stance on the matter and repeatedly said he would neither forgive nor forget Mahira Khan's "cheap" tweet criticizing him. He often voiced his disappointment, arguing that instead of posting publicly, Mahira should have reached out to him privately to share her concerns. As for years of industry trolling, the star recalled regaining her confidence with age. "I used to feel guilty. Like I didn't deserve success. But now, I don't let it get to me. I actually believe that if people just meet me once, they'll be mesmerised," she deadpanned. Roots in Rampur Offering rare glimpses into her upbringing, the star spoke about her father, a double-MBA hippie who once lived on a Colombian island, carved wood, and played the flute. "He went to Woodstock in '69!" she said. "He was all about free love." On the other hand, her mother was a pioneering remedial teacher who fought to support children with autism and dyslexia. "She was one of the first to do it in our school. I'm so proud of her." Though her parents' marriage was rocky, Mahira's childhood was filled with music, cousins, and laughter. "I remember my dad playing No Woman No Cry during fights. There was chaos, but there was also love." When asked what's next, Mahira laughed: "I don't plan. I never have. My career's has been entirely intuitive." She wants to act more, direct soon, and maybe, just maybe, go back to school. "But only for three months. That's my limit," she quipped. The actor closed the podcast with her usual blend of honesty and sparkle: "I just want to do a lot more. And I want to enjoy it while it's happening because it never comes back."
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Lorry driver charged with misappropriating frozen products
KOTA KINABALU (May 26): A lorry driver was charged in a Sessions Court here with committing criminal breach of trust involving frozen products worth RM39,326. Azlan Limin, 38, pleaded not guilty before judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan, to a charge under section 407 of the Penal Code. The indictment carries a jail term of up to 10 years, with whipping and also liable to a fine, upon conviction. Azlan was accused of breaching the trust given to him as a lorry driver whom he was allegedly entrusted by his employer with the 316 cartons of frozen goods on April 9 at the company premises in Papar. The court fixed June 25 for pre-trial case management and released Azlan on RM3,000 bail with two local sureties. Azlan was also ordered to report to a nearest police station once a month, pending disposal of the case.
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- New Straits Times
'Datuk' civil servant charged with misappropriating RM200k
SHAH ALAM: A civil servant holding a "Datuk" title has been charged at the Sessions Court with the misappropriation of RM200,000. The accused, Datuk Azlan Johar, 54, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him before judge Awang Kerisnada Awang Mahmud. According to the charge, Azlan is accused of dishonestly misappropriating part of an allocation from the Felda Madani Empowerment Programme 2024, amounting to RM200,000, by handing it over to his 57-year-old elder brother for personal use. He allegedly committed the offence inside a Proton X70 that was parked by the roadside in Section 9, Bandar Baru Bangi, on the morning of Sept 7, 2024. Azlan is currently assigned to the Public Service Department. In a separate case in the same court, the managing director of a travel company was charged with misappropriating RM128,399 belonging to the company. The accused, Mohamad Anas Mohamad Naem, 33, pleaded not guilty before Judge Awang Kerisnada. He was accused of committing the offence at a bank branch in Denai Alam between Nov 16, 2023, and Sept 6, 2024. Both Azlan and Anas were charged under Section 403 of the Penal Code for the dishonest misappropriation of property. The offence carries a punishment of up to five years' imprisonment, whipping, and a fine. Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin proposed that each accused be granted bail of between RM20,000 and RM30,000, with one surety each. He also proposed additional conditions, including that both accused surrender their passports to the court and refrain from contacting any prosecution witnesses. Lawyer Zainal Omar represented Azlan, while lawyer Muhammad Kausar Mohd Khairi represented Mohamad Anas. Both requested reduced bail amounts. The court then set bail at RM25,000 for each accused, with one surety, and allowed the additional conditions proposed by the prosecution. The case involving Mohamad Anas was fixed for mention on June 25, while Azlan's case will be mentioned on July 23.
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New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
RMAF pilots fuelled by fire within [WATCH]
news@ Not even an interview with the New Straits Times could contain the passion for flying shown by Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Major Mohd Azlan Kasiah and Major Md Zailimi Md Zin. They leapt from their seats and dashed out of the tent mid-interview, drawn by the thunderous roar of two United States Navy F/A18E/F Super Hornets streaking past Langkawi International Airport. The brief interruption during a rainy pause at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25) captured more than awe. It reflected the passion that both pilots have for military aviation, even after years at the helm of the RMAF's formidable F/A-18D Hornets. For Azlan, 34, from Yan in Kedah, the journey to the cockpit of a fighter jet began as a cadet under the diploma programme at the Air Force College. He then underwent the Fighter Lead-In Training (FLIT) on the BAE Systems Hawk aircraft, a prerequisite before graduating to the RMAF's multirole combat aircraft (MRCA). "Before we're assigned to the MRCA, we have to go through vital training first. "Only then are we inducted into the squadron," said Azlan, who has been serving with No. 18 Squadron since 2018 and is now flight instructor and head of flight operations. A seasoned aviator, he views his role in shaping future pilots as an honour and a major responsibility. "Training fighter pilots requires a lot of effort. The F/A-18D is a multirole aircraft, so those who join No. 18 Squadron must be properly prepared. "As an instructor, I have to sacrifice my time, effort and energy to make sure these trainees are competent to conduct frontline operations and defend the nation's sovereignty. "It's a huge responsibility that demands consistency and strong character." Azlan, who made his first Lima appearance in 2019 as a commentator, now plays a more prominent role in the air display team. "I flew as the second slot aircraft in the aerobatic formation. Alhamdulillah, I'm thankful for the opportunity to be part of it." Azlan, when asked about his callsign "Conan", said that it was bestowed during training, inspired by the famous anime detective. "One of my instructors noticed how, when I gave briefings, it felt more like an investigation. That reminded him of Detective Conan, and the name stuck." Meanwhile, Zailimi, who joined the Hornet fleet in 2015 after being posted to No. 18 Squadron, recalled how he received the callsign "Shrink" early in his training, a tongue-in-cheek reference to some early challenges coordinating flight planning and cognitive workload. "There was a particular incident during my Hornet training. My seniors gave me the callsign based on what they observed, hoping I'd improve. "And most pilots do, with experience." By 2017, he had completed his conversion course and was qualified to fly the aircraft solo as a wingman, although senior pilots still flew alongside him at times. Since then, he has participated in numerous air operations and exercises domestically and internationally, including Five Power Defence Arrangement exercises, such as Bersama Lima and Bersama Shield and Exercise Pitch Black in Australia. "That exercise gave me a sense of what a large-scale operation is like. It was a very valuable experience." At Lima '25, Zailimi was entrusted to perform aerial displays with the Hornet, flying alongside Azlan. Addressing their popularity with the public while being the knights protecting Malaysia's skies, Zalimi had a simple message. "May we be granted safety and ease in our tasks. "To fans of military aviation, I invite everyone to come and witness Lima '25, and to continue supporting not only No. 18 Squadron, but also the RMAF and the armed forces. "And to the next generation hoping to follow in our footsteps, you need to put in the effort, have trust in Allah, and have the right intention. "If your intentions are sincere, you pray and work hard, InsyaAllah, you'll get what you aim for." Previous Next
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
More consistent, composed Thailand still hold the edge, says sepak takraw coach
KUALA LUMPUR: The national sepak takraw squad concluded their campaign at the Asian Cup which concluded yesterday (May 18) with a decent two gold and two silver haul but more importantly continued to keep heavyweights Thailand on their toes. Malaysia's first-choice regu of Azlan Alias (killer), Syahir Rosdi (tekong) and veteran feeder Farhan Adam beat Sittipong Khamchan, Varayut Jantarasena and Yotsawat Uthaijaronsri in straight sets to win the inter-regu gold at the Titiwangsa Stadium last week which proved Malaysia's win over Thailand in the Kuala Lumpur World Cup last year was no fluke. Doubles duo Noraizat Nordin and Aidil Aiman Azwawi, who beat Thailand in the World Cup final last year, this time lost in three sets to Boonkoom Tipwong-Sirisak Anuloon. National head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun opted to tweak his regus for the team event final yesterday, opting to field Azlan and Syahir with Amirul Zazwan Amir in the first regu. They lost in three sets to Sutthikiarat Panseankaew, Jakkrit Thinbangbon and Wuttinun Kamsanor. Farhan joined forces with Noraizat and Haziq Hairul Nizam in the second regu but also lost in three sets to Tanaphon Sapyen, Sittipong Kamchan and Sirisak Anuloon. Amirul Zazwan Amir, Norfaizzul Abd Razak, Shahalril Aiman Halim and Afifuddin Mohd Razali also won the quadrant gold for Malaysia, beating Japan (Toshitaka Naito, Yuki Sato, Ryota Haruhara and Wataru Narawa) in straight sets. Thailand, however, did not compete in the quadrant which is a relatively newer event though is expected to be contested at the Thailand Sea Games in December. Jais admitted that his charges will have to raise their game if they are to end Thailand's dominance in the team event. Malaysia has not beaten Thailand - who have immense strength-in-depth - in the team event since the 1991 Manila Sea Games. "Thailand were much more composed in the team final and were solid in both attack and defence. They found an extra gear when it mattered," said Jais yesterday. "I was hoping that we could win one of the first two regus to force a decider and possibly sneak an upset win. We came close in the first two matches but unfortunately it did not go our way. "I have to admit that our team has to work even harder to improve if we are to beat them, we have to multiply our efforts. We have to be more consistent with our serves and be more solid in defence. "The Thais are very consistent and are good at absorbing pressure. At the moment, that is what separates us. "We still have the Thai King's Cup as well as the Thailand Sea Games to compete in this year so we have to keep our chin up and keep grinding." Malaysia has now beaten Thailand twice in the inter-regu (World Cup and Asian Cup) after many years of playing perennial bridesmaids to the latter. But whether Azlan, Syahir and Farhan can repeat the feat at the Sea Games this year, where Thailand will have home ground advantage, remains to be seen. Jais is looking to use the King's Cup, which will be held in Korat on July 20-27, to prepare his squad for the Sea Games. "Personally, I would prefer to send some different players to the King's Cup," said Jais. "I believe we have young players who have strong potential but may be lacking exposure in the really big international events. "This would be a good chance for us to prepare ourselves for the Sea Games."
