Latest news with #Humsafar
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.
NDTV
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Netflix, Amazon Prime, Zee 5 Take Down All Pakistani Shows And Content After Government Note
New Delhi: Following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and the subsequent Operation Sindoor by India targeting terror camps in Pakistan, the entertainment industry has been impacted amid rising tensions along the border. On Thursday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory asking streaming platforms to stop hosting content that originates in Pakistan. "In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect," the advisory stated. A quick search shows that major OTT platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Zee5 and JioCinema currently do not host any Pakistani content. Earlier, shows like Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Humsafar were available on Netflix but have since been removed. Zee Zindagi, known for streaming Pakistani originals in the past, has also taken down such titles from its catalogue. The much-awaited show Barzakh, starring Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed, has also been removed from ZEE5. A source close to the channel told India Today that the content was removed before any formal advisory was issued, as a precautionary measure to avoid controversy. Even before Operation Sindoor, YouTube had blocked Pakistani entertainment channels such as Hum TV and ARY Digital in India. Sixteen other channels were also banned for allegedly spreading misinformation. However, Pakistani music content like Coke Studio Pakistan and songs by individual artists are still accessible. A trade source said the advisory came into effect only on Thursday evening and will take time to be fully enforced. "Also, it said that content which had its origins in Pakistan, but a lot of content by Pakistani artists has also been produced in India. So there is no clarity around the same. Coke is a global brand, so we still don't know if Coke Studio falls into the Pakistan-originated content. As time passes, we will have better clarity," they said.
India Today
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Cancelled events to delayed releases: Impact of Indo-Pak tension on film industry
Following the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, a somber mood has settled over the entertainment industry. The atmosphere further intensified after India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan, with rising border tensions now visibly impacting the film world. As a gesture of national solidarity and in consideration of security concerns, several concerts and public events have been cancelled. Additonally, Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi's film 'Bhool Chuk Maaf', originally scheduled for a theatrical release on May 9, will now premiere the nation closely following every development on both sides of the border, here's a look at how the escalating situation has impacted the entertainment OF THE I&B ADVISORYOn Thursday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India issued an advisory to discontinue content that has originated in Pakistan. 'In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect,' a part of the advisory read.A quick search across major OTT platforms shows that Netflix, JioHotstar, and Prime Video currently host no Pakistani content. Popular shows like 'Zindagi Gulzar Hai' and 'Humsafar' were reportedly available on Netflix a few years ago but have since been Zee Zindagi, which once streamed original Pakistani content, has also deleted such titles from its platform. Even 'Barzakh', starring Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed, has been taken down from ZEE5. A source close to the channel told India Today that the content was removed ahead of any formal advisory, as a precaution to avoid potential controversy. Even before Operation Sindoor, YouTube had blocked Pakistani channels Hum TV and ARY Digital - both known for streaming popular soap operas - in India. Additionally, 16 other channels were banned for allegedly spreading misinformation. However, platforms like Coke Studio Pakistan and music by Pakistani artists remain accessible. A trade source revealed that the advisory was issued only on Thursday evening and will take time to be fully implemented."Also, it said that content which had its origins in Pakistan, but a lot of content by Pakistani artists has also been produced in India. So there is no clarity around the same. Coke is a global brand, so we still don't know if Coke Studio falls into the Pakistan-originated content. As time passes, we will have better clarity," they LIVE EVENTSadvertisementEven before the official advisory was issued, several celebrities took conscious steps to postpone or cancel their events in light of the sensitive situation. On Friday, Tamil actor Kamal Haasan announced the rescheduling of the audio launch for his upcoming film 'Thug Life', which was originally set to take place on May 16."Art can wait. India comes first. As our soldiers stand firm on the frontlines with unflinching courage in defence of our motherland, I believe it is a time for quiet solidarity, not celebration. A new date will be announced at a later, more appropriate time. At this time, our thoughts are with the brave men and women of our armed forces who stand vigilant, safeguarding our nation. As citizens, it is our duty to respond with restraint and solidarity. Celebration must make way for reflection (sic)," the statement the statement: Following his Chennai concert, singer and composer Arijit Singh cancelled his scheduled performance in Abu Dhabi on May 9. Usha Uthup's Mumbai concert, planned for May 10, has also been called off, while Rishab Rikhiram Sharma postponed his Indore show originally set for the same day. Earlier, Salman Khan cancelled his UK tour, The Bollywood Big One (May 4-5), and reports suggest that the unveiling of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol's statue in the UK was also cancelled due to rising Indo-Pak television show 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' had planned a special Mother's Day celebration for media personnel and their families on Friday. However, just hours before the event, the team cancelled it, issuing a statement: 'In light of recent developments, we will not be going ahead with today's Mother's Day gathering at the 'TMKOC' set. Thank you for your understanding and continued support (sic)."FILM RELEASES AFFECTEDTurning to films, on Thursday, production house Maddock Films announced the cancellation of the theatrical release of Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi's upcoming movie 'Bhool Chuk Maaf', just a day before it was scheduled to hit cinemas. The film will now premiere directly on an OTT platform next week."In light of recent events and the heightened security drills across the nation, we at Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios have decided to bring our family entertainer, 'Bhool Chuk Maaf', directly to your homes on May 16, only on Prime Video, worldwide. While we were eagerly looking forward to celebrating this film with you in theatres, the spirit of the nation comes first. Jai Hindi," the note TVF rescheduled the release of the second season of the upcoming show 'Very Parivarik'. The note on Instagram read, "Given recent events, the release of our show 'Very Parivarik S2' will be rescheduled. We appreciate your patience and support (sic)."Meanwhile, 'Abir Gaulaal', starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, has borne the brunt of the rising tensions. Its release has been postponed indefinitely, and all promotional material, including the trailer and songs, has been removed from digital Watch
Express Tribune
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Mahira Khan blooms in white button-up and denim
Let Mahira Khan be your guide on how to elevate a simple look with subtle flower power. In a photo dump shared on Instagram, the Love Guru star donned an oversized, white button-up shirt that had only a fleck of colour - a tiny red flower just below the collar. She paired the casual top with a pair of blue jeans. Mahira showed us two ways of owning the minimal look. In some photos, she leaned into the lazy summer vibes, relaxing on a bed with her shirt rumpled and her hair fashionably unkempt. In the other photos, she struck practiced poses in front of the mirror, with her hair neatly tied back, her waterline thick with kohl, and sturdy golden earrings hanging parallel to her neck. Code-switching mid-word in the caption, she spelled out the outfit's appeal for those still confused: "Phool-ing in the flower shirt." The Humsafar actor carried the spam over to Instagram Stories, where she shared yet another shot in her baggy shirt paired with the stylish but messy hair. Phool by Yawar shared the shoot on their Instagram account, as the designer Yawar Iqbal penned a heartfelt note for Mahira. Recalling the actor's bearing from before she began her career, Yawar wrote, "She was in skinny jeans and long boots with her million dollar-charm and girl-next-door naivety - a blend we never saw before. We all witnessed a star." The artist continued, "She was on every mood board I made and every advertisement I imagined. She is and will remain the biggest star in the region and beyond, not just for her talent or beauty but also for her generosity of spirit. She is a star unlike any we've seen before because she's got the gift to make everyone and everything feel special, even a humble white shirt with a tiny flower." Actor Zara Noor Abbas and makeup artist Babar Zaheer were among the admirers in Mahira's comments section. "How pretty," Zara wrote, sending hearts and adding a crown for the screen queen. Meanwhile, Babar led with fire emojis before teasing Mahira's fans some more, "So hot. Should I post the behind-the-scenes videos from these selfies?" While greeting Babar's offer with an enthusiastic response, fans also came in clutch with fitting flowery compliments. "I love this flower and the shirt with the flower as well," one user wrote, while another said, "Who's going to look at the flower on the shirt when you're the whole bouquet?"
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar banned on Instagram in India after Pahalgam attack. Full details inside
Several prominent Pakistani celebrities have had their Instagram accounts blocked for Indian users following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Popular actors including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Sajal Aly, and singer Ali Zafar are among those whose accounts now show the message: "Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content." This restriction comes days after a deadly terror attack in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the death of 26 individuals. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack A Chinese shadow falls on Pahalgam terror attack case probe How India can use water to pressure Pakistan Buzzkill: How India can dissolve the Pakistan problem, not just swat it As per the Times of India , though no formal statement has been issued regarding the exact reason behind the Instagram bans, the action appears to be part of a broader digital and diplomatic response following the April 22 attack. Among those killed were mostly Indian nationals and one tourist from Nepal. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers asked victims about their religion before executing them at close range. Government Expands Crackdown The Instagram bans follow the Indian government's decision to block 16 Pakistani YouTube channels earlier in April. These included major news outlets such as Dawn News, Geo News, ARY News, and Samaa TV, along with personal channels run by individuals like former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar and podcaster Shehzad Ghias. The blocked content is no longer available in India, with users seeing a message indicating removal due to government orders relating to national security or public order. A government source, cited by ANI , stated that the action was taken on the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs due to concerns about the dissemination of 'provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives and misinformation' directed against India and its security forces. Entertainment platforms have also been affected. Indian fans can no longer access social media pages of Pakistani drama channels like HUM TV, ARY Digital, and Geo Entertainment. The message users encounter reflects a legal order tied to national security. The clampdown has sparked emotional reactions across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with many fans expressing disappointment over the loss of access to popular Pakistani serials such as Humsafar, Mere Humsafar, and Zindagi Gulzar Hai. Diplomatic Fallout and Cultural Isolation Following the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government also took several additional measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of the Attari border crossing, and the revocation of visas for Pakistani nationals. Reports also indicate that the release of Fawad Khan's anticipated Bollywood film Abir Gulaal has been cancelled in India. In retaliation, Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian flights and halted trade, including indirect trade via third countries. Islamabad strongly rejected the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and warned that any attempts to cut water flow would be considered an "act of war."
