Latest news with #Fawad
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
We must dig deep to figure out someone's intentions'
In an interview with Ambreen Fatima, fashion designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY) shared his views on the vitriol that actors like Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir received for not condemning India's war crimes as strongly as their fans hoped they would. "The eyes are the windows to a man's soul. One must dig deep to figure out what someone's actual mindset and intentions are," HSY said. "I know Fawad very well, and I know how much of a die-hard Pakistani he truly is. He's my friend." The designer also added Mahira Khan to his observation. "Mahira, another friend of mine, is devoted to Pakistan. I know how much she works to promote the Pakistani sentiment and does what she can for those who cannot raise their own voices." Bringing up yet another showbiz friend, he continued, "Hania is a relatively recent entry in the industry. I've seen her since the beginning of her career. I've also worked with her. We're friends and we share mutuals. Hania is very pro-Pakistan." HSY reckoned that the criticism was fuelled by a collective anger or passion that netizens have for showbiz. "Those watching must believe that they are a part of a celebrity's life, and rightfully so because they are involved in everything, be it the movies or the promotions," he acknowledged. HSY reasoned that, perhaps, the mentioned stars weren't able to express themselves as strongly as their fans were hoping they would. "I can't say anything about that because your opinions are valid," he said. "But I can vouch for my friends and safely say that they didn't intend to cause any hurt." The designer added that everyone can speculate as much as they want, but they won't have the answers to everything. In the same way, he can speak about Fawad at a friend's capacity, nothing less or more. "I am aware of the public's disapproval of his statement," HSY said. "Because he is my friend, I'll share my perception of him. But neither has anyone paid me to do so nor is this benefitting me in any way. HSY is going to remain HSY. But I can uplift someone else's truth because that's the right thing to do." He, however, reiterated that public criticisms weren't misplaced. "Yes, the public's belief that celebrities should confidently speak out is valid. And we are the ones who should be taking that stand because every drop counts and makes one Pakistan, which is not a small thing. So wherever I am qualified to talk about Pakistan, I try to do so to the best of my abilities," he vowed. What the stars said Following India's aerial attack on Pakistani civilians last month, multiple local celebrities took to social media to condemn the aggression, stand in solidarity with the victims, and call out Indian celebrities who celebrated the loss of lives in Pakistan. This included Mahira, who decried India's "war and hate rhetoric" and asserted that the Indian entertainment industry was claiming victory in fear-induced silence. "To me, that silence is your greatest defeat. You attack cities in the middle of the night and call it a victory? Shame on you," she said. Fawad, meanwhile, offered his deepest condolences to those injured and killed in "this shameful attack". Adding a prayer for the deceased and the bereaved, he said, "A respectful request to all: stop stoking the flames with rabble-rousing words. It's not worth the lives of innocent people. May better sense prevail, InshaAllah. Pakistan Zindabad!" Joining the chorus, Hania rued India's aggression with a heavy heart. "A child is gone. Families are shattered. And for what? This is not how you protect anyone. This is cruelty - plain and simple. You don't get to bomb innocent people and call it a strategy. This isn't strength. This is shameful. This is cowardly. And we see you." Netizens criticised some of the artists for not outright naming India as the aggressor and upholding peaceful sentiments while Indian artists stood by their war-mongering narrative.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Faysal defends Fawad, Hania
Faysal Quraishi, currently promoting his upcoming film Deemak, recently addressed the backlash that fellow actors Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir have faced in recent weeks. In a candid interview with journalist Ambreen Fatima at a promotional event for the film held on last week, Quraishi expressed his disapproval of the way fans and critics have attacked the two stars, urging the public to avoid vilifying their own artists. "Who chose to speak, who didn't, and who delayed speaking out against India ... We shouldn't bash our own people. That's not our job," said Faysal, referring to the online scrutiny Pakistani celebrities have faced regarding their responses, or lack thereof, on the recent political tensions between Pakistan and India. He emphasised that calls for unity should also extend to public behaviour online. "We talk about unity, so why should I expect others to speak? I will do my part," he said. Using Fawad and Hania as examples, Faysal pointed out that while fans may have expected a faster or louder reaction from them, attacking them publicly was unnecessary and potentially harmful. "Okay, let's talk about Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir - why are people going after them? I didn't like the bashing they received," he said. Acknowledging the criticism Fawad received for not immediately speaking up, Faysal offered a more empathetic perspective. "Yes, we admit that Fawad tweeted (for Pahalgam) and he wasn't vocal otherwise but he tried to save his film (Abir Gulaal), a project he worked on for six months," he explained. "After whatever happened, he did speak out." Fawad had remained relatively silent during the initial wave of protests and statements in support of Kashmir and Palestine, prompting criticism from fans who expected him to take a firmer public stand. However, Faysal urged people to consider the pressures artists face, especially when involved in international projects. "Hania tweeted and Mahira has been vocal from day one," Quraishi added, noting that Mahira Khan's stance was appreciated by many. "But still, it wasn't appropriate to attack Fawad and Hania." He further suggested that Fawad's silence might not have come from indifference, but from fear of damaging a career milestone. "Fawad just tried to protect his film. Maybe he realised later that he was wrong," Faysal said. "Nowadays, people get angry and lash out at artists which puts them in danger." Learning from the past In a pointed reminder of how public outrage can escalate dangerously, Faysal recalled a past incident involving late singer Junaid Jamshed. "The same thing once happened to Junaid Jamshed. People spread hate about him, and he was physically attacked," he reminded viewers. "Is this what people want?" Commenting on how fellow host Nadia Khan had been vocal about her stance, he added that he had cautioned her from the beginning. "Nadia is a very good friend of mine, and I had personally warned her that it wasn't our concern and we shouldn't do this," he noted. Throughout the interview, the actor maintained that while everyone has the right to speak, or not to, public dialogue should not come at the cost of safety or compassion. "Let's not destroy our own people. Let's understand. Everyone has a reason, everyone has pressure," he said. Set to hit cinemas this Eidul Azha, Deemak offers a chilling departure from the season's typical romantic releases. Directed by Rafay Rashdi and written by debut screenwriter Ayesha Muzaffar, the film blends psychological horror with haunting family drama. The trailer hints at a tense power struggle between Faysal's character, his new wife (Sonya Hussyn), and his domineering mother (Samina Peerzada), layered with elements of possession and dark magic. Through this promotional event held in Lahore, fans got a sneak peek of the cast's onscreen personas, and the buzz has only grown louder since. While the lead trio commands attention, the supporting cast is no less impressive, featuring Bushra Ansari, Javed Sheikh, and Saman Ansari in intriguing roles shrouded in secrecy. With Deemak competing against the star-studded rom-com Love Guru, audiences this Eid will have two wildly different cinematic experiences to choose from: fluff and frights, laughter and lore.
Express Tribune
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Drop the victim card: Hina
In a statement shared on Instagram, Hina Altaf criticised Fawad Khan's stance on the political tensions between Pakistan and India. "You condemned the attack but never named the attacker," she wrote. "You benefited from this country's pride and brands, now you're playing the victim card? That's not how loyalty works." Hina added that neutrality on the matter might be individually beneficial but not when it comes to one's nation. "In this case, you lose respect on both sides, which is pretty visible given how the citizens of your own country were banned, humiliated, and asked to leave within 48 hours. Kids and soldiers lost their lives. God! Drop the victim card," she said. The actor-host commented her thoughts under a post about Fawad's wife, Sadaf Fawad, who shared a written piece supporting the Humsafar star through patriotic loyalty tests during the fragile situation, given Fawad's multiple acting credits in Bollywood. The piece also sparked conversations across social media, with other celebrities also chiming in. Durefishan Saleem shared it on Instagram Stories, quoting a part of the text, "Turning patriotism into a popularity contest and bullying your own is the problem." Earlier, Fawad broke his silence on the conflict between the two nations following India's attack which claimed civilian lives in Pakistan. "My deepest condolences to the families of those injured and killed in this shameful attack. I pray for the souls of the deceased and strength for their loved ones in the days to come," The Legend of Maula Jatt actor wrote on Instagram Stories. He added, "A respectful request to all: stop stoking the flames with rabble-rousing words. It is not worth the lives of innocent people. May better sense prevail. Insha'Allah. Pakistan Zindabad." Fawad's take encountered mixed responses from netizens. While some lauded him for speaking up in tandem with his peers, others deemed his stance too diplomatic against India's aggression. "Why didn't you condemn India?" a user outright questioned, while another wrote, "He's still trying to save his career in the Indian film industry." Some also said his response was "too late" and hence felt performative. "This was needed way earlier," a user said. "Stop saving face." Surrounding the escalation of conflict, India also imposed a nationwide ban on the social media accounts of Pakistani celebrities, as well as removing them from film posters, music video thumbnails, and singing credits. Caught in this virtual crossfire were all Pakistani stars who had worked on the other side of the border, including Fawad, Mahira Khan, and Atif Aslam.
News18
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Celina Jaitly Slams Fawad & Mahira Khan: 'They're Silent About Terrorism Pakistan Backs'
Last Updated: Celina Jaitly reacts to Bollywood's stars remaining silent on Operation Sindoor, reiterating how 'history will always remember who stood up and who turned away'. The Pahalgam attack on Indian tourists by Pakistani terrorists on April 22 led to the ban on the release of Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal in India. Ashoke Pandit, President of the IFTDA, stated that 'with folded hands', he's calling for the Indian film industry to not work with Pakistani actors. Following Operation Sindoor by the Indian Armed Forces that successfully neutralised terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK, the AICWA strongly condemned Fawad and Mahira Khan for their 'anti-India' statements. It further reiterated its stance on a total ban against any Pakistani talent in the Indian entertainment industry. As a consequence, theirs Instagram accounts along with that of Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, among others, have been blocked in India. Additionally, Fawad, Mahira and Mawra Hocane have been removed from the posters of Kapoor & Sons, Raees and Sanam Teri Kasam, respectively, on music platforms. And joining the league of actors who've openly supported these decisions is Celina Jaitly. Speaking exclusively to News18 Showsha, she says, 'India must come first. Our national interest must always be our top priority. Pakistani artists are quick to benefit from our thriving entertainment industry but remain silent about the terrorism their government supports. They've the platforms to demand change and condemn violence, yet they choose silence. Until there is real accountability and sincere efforts to dismantle terror networks, we must stand firm and draw clear boundaries." In a recent development, the Government of India issued an advisory to media streaming services and intermediaries regarding content originating from Pakistan. OTT platforms were further asked to avoid Pakistan-origin content, which not only threatens national security but also harms relations with foreign countries. But the one thing that continues to not sit well with Indian citizens is Bollywood stars not speaking up on Operation Sindoor and Pakistan's ceasefire violation. Talking about it, Celina tells us, 'When those with the power to influence millions choose silence, that silence becomes deafening. Patriotism isn't about grandstanding; it's about standing tall for your country when it needs you most. History will always remember who stood up and who turned away. But as the daughter and granddaughter of decorated war veterans and the sister of a Special Forces officer, I can say this with conviction that patriotism runs through my very DNA." However, she chooses to look at the silver lining and lauds those who've extended their support to the efforts taken by the government and the armed forces. 'This is exactly the kind of solidarity that matters. When our soldiers stand on the frontlines and families mourn unimaginable losses, it's only right for our industry to pause and reflect. This unity sends a message – that our nation and its people come before everything else. True patriotism shines brightest in times of shared grief and resilience," remarks Celina. First Published:
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Locals decry encroachment on playground
A historic playground in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 13A is getting encroached upon. A political party is constructing its office in the ground. Residents fear that their right to play cricket, football, run, jog and walk or simply enjoy the open air would be lost to the security of the office of the political party which runs the local government of the Gulshan Town. Locals have protested against the plan, claiming that all the playgrounds in Gulshan-e-Iqbal have already been demolished, and that this is the only one left in the area. The protesters argue that young people use the playground for healthy activities, and it is also used as an Eidgah (Eid prayer place); however, the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town administration wants to make it their office. A citizen also claimed that a political party is making the ground its office while eliminating healthy activities. The protesters warned that if the construction is not halted, they will approach the court. Meanwhile, when contacted, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town Chairman, Dr Fawad, did not answer the phone.
