Latest news with #IshqMurshid
Express Tribune
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Buzz cut and no chill
On Monday, Pakistani actor Naeema Butt shared an Instagram story featuring a doctored photo of her getting her head shaved. The gesture, according to the post, was a tribute to "the people who lost their lives in Pakistan." The original post, shared by an Indian troll read: "Naeema Butt sacrificing her long hair to support the people who lost their lives in Pakistan. PS – she can do this for real." The meme showed Butt with tears in her eyes, holding a chunk of her cut hair, while a man used clippers to shave the rest. The image was particularly jarring given that the actor's long, sleek hair has been the talk of town ever since she played the suave antagonist Rubab in the Hania Aamir and Fahad Mustafa-starrer Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. In response, Butt added a caption directly addressing the ill attempt at humour. Her reply read: "Wow, look at you man. I'm happy to sacrifice anything for my people and my country, Pakistan. But you guys sacrificed your souls to darkness, harming innocent lives. Your path is destructive; mine is for the greater good." The story was shared widely on social media platforms, with users noting Butt's calm but firm tone. On social media, fans praised Butt's gesture and response. One user commented, "Thank you and appreciated." Another wrote, "What a slap across their faces!" Many also appeared to be confused regarding the image, and what the purpose of such an act could be until other users clarified that it is fake. Deepfakes have become a serious concern in South Asia's entertainment industry, as manipulated clips of popular dramas circulate widely on social media. In March, actor Faysal Quraishi warned about AI-generated videos disrupting narrative integrity, citing audience confusion over fabricated scenes. Viral clips falsely depicting intimate moments between actors in Ishq Murshid and Jaan Nisar sparked outrage and regulatory scrutiny, despite being proven fake.
Mint
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Instagram bans Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi in India after Pahalgam terror attack, ‘…goes against local law'
Instagram has blocked the accounts of prominent Pakistani cricketers Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi in India. The social media platform has cited legal reasons for it. 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content,' it shows when someone from India tries to access their accounts. 'We received a legal request to restrict this content. We reviewed it against our policies and conducted a legal and human rights assessment,' it says. 'After the review, we restricted access to the content in the location where it goes against local law,' it adds. The Indian government has already blamed Pakistan for the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed at least 26 people. The Centre has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading harmful content. Earlier, popular Pakistani stars like Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan and Ali Zafar had their Instagram accounts blocked in India. This happened days after the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. Actress Hania Aamir reacted to the Pahalgam terror attack. 'My heart is with the innocent lives affected by the recent events. In pain, in grief, and in hope-we are one. When innocent lives are lost, the pain is not theirs alone-it belongs to all of us. No matter where we come from, grief speaks the same language. May we choose humanity, always," she wrote. Many other Pakistani celebrities have faced Instagram bans in India. Such names include athlete Arshad Nadeem, singer Momina Mustehsan (the singer known for Afreen song on Coke Studio), actress Sanam Saeed (known for Zindagi Gulzar Hai) and actor Bilal Abbas (known for Ishq Murshid). Pakistani actor Arsalan Naseer jokingly blamed Fawad Khan for the Instagram blocks in India. According to Arsalan, Khan is unlucky, like the squirrel from the Ice Age movie. Khan's Bollywood comeback Abir Gulaal, also starring Vaani Kapoor, got banned in India after border tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. After the Pahalgam terror attack, the bilateral relations between India and Pakistan have taken a major hit. India blames Pakistan for the attack while Islamabad denies its involvement. India has closed its airspace to Pakistani planes. Meanwhile, the US has urged India and Pakistan to reduce tensions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to leaders of both nations while condemning the attack. Rubio asked Pakistan to help India investigate the incident. Pakistan, on the other hand, urged the US to calm India's reaction. First Published: 2 May 2025, 05:39 PM IST
Express Tribune
30-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Faysal Quraishi warns of AI's disruptive impact on TV
Actor and host, Faysal Quraishi recently expressed concern over the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the entertainment industry, particularly drama serials. During his Ramazan transmission for a local channel, he addressed how AI manipulation is altering the perception of Pakistani dramas. "Strange videos are circulating," Quraishi noted, referring to doctored clips that misrepresent original scenes from popular serials. These AI-generated videos, he explained, disrupt the narrative integrity of the dramas. "Our audience reaches out to us with questions about the manipulated scenes," he said, adding, "and we tell them that even we don't know where this came from." Quraishi's remarks highlight a growing issue in the entertainment industry as AI technology becomes more accessible and sophisticated. Manipulated clips, often taken out of context or completely fabricated, can tarnish the reputation of actors and production teams. For creators, it is a frustrating challenge to see their work distorted and redistributed, often with malicious intent. "These kinds of things are happening," Quraishi admitted, "to which we don't have a solution right now." His observations come at a time when the global entertainment industry is grappling with the implications of AI in content creation and manipulation. While AI has been lauded for enhancing production quality and streamlining processes, its misuse in generating fake content is increasingly causing harm. Earlier this year, fabricated videos of Pakistani actors went viral on social media, sparking outrage. These explicit clips, created using generative AI tools, falsely depicted Bilal Abbas Khan and Durefishan Saleem in Ishq Murshid, as well as Danish Taimoor and Hiba Qadir in Jaan Nisar, kissing on-screen. The circulation of these AI-manipulated videos not only spread misinformation but also highlighted the growing misuse of deepfake technology for harmful purposes in Pakistan. The clips drew criticism and calls for action from PEMRA, Pakistan's media regulator. A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) asked, "What has happened to Pakistan's drama industry? It is breaking new records of nudity and obscenity." The manipulated footage garnered over 250,000 views, fuelling widespread misinformation. Reverse image searches revealed the original, unaltered scenes from Ishq Murshid and Jaan Nisar, which contain no such moments. The authentic clips, posted by official accounts, demonstrate how far AI manipulation has gone in misleading audiences. Quraishi's concerns also raise important questions about regulation and awareness in the digital space. With AI tools becoming more widely available, the line between authentic and inauthentic content continues to blur. As a prominent figure in the entertainment world, his call for solutions emphasises the need for collaborative efforts from industry stakeholders to counter the misuse of AI.
Express Tribune
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
11 Pakistani Celebrities Who Have a Huge Fan Following in India
Pakistani celebrities have seen a massive surge in global popularity, and India is no exception. With social media breaking barriers and streaming platforms giving access to Pakistani dramas worldwide, many stars have garnered a dedicated fan base across the border. Some of the biggest Pakistani dramas, from Ishq Murshid to Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, have become household names in India, racking up millions of views on YouTube every week. Despite political tensions leading to a ban on Pakistani artists in Bollywood, the love for these stars has remained unwavering. Their performances, charm, and talent continue to win over Indian audiences, with many fans eagerly following their latest projects. Here are 11 Pakistani celebrities with an immense fan following in India. 1. Wahaj Ali Wahaj Ali became a household name in India with his role as Murtasim Khan in Tere Bin, a drama that broke viewership records. The intensity of his performance, coupled with his undeniable charm, won over millions of Indian fans. Many have even compared his stardom to that of Bollywood's leading men, and his presence at international events always sparks a frenzy among his Indian admirers. 2. Mahira Khan Mahira Khan's Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees introduced her to the Indian audience, but her stardom had already begun with Humsafar. The actress, despite the restrictions on Pakistani artists, remains an iconic figure in India. Her elegance and performances keep her relevant, and she continues to be celebrated by fans and media alike. 3. Fawad Khan Fawad Khan's impact in India is undeniable. After captivating audiences with Zindagi Gulzar Hai, he was welcomed into Bollywood with Khoobsurat, Kapoor & Sons, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Even years after his last Bollywood appearance, his fan following in India remains massive, and anticipation for his upcoming OTT project with Vaani Kapoor is at an all-time high. 4. Bilal Abbas Khan Bilal Abbas Khan has cemented his place in Indian hearts with his stellar performances in Ishq Murshid and Abdullahpur Ka Devdas. The intensity he brings to his roles has resonated strongly with Indian audiences, and with Abdullahpur Ka Devdas rumored to have a second season, his stardom across the border is only growing. 5. Durefishan Saleem With the unprecedented success of Ishq Murshid, Durefishan Saleem has found a loyal fan base in India. Her grace, acting prowess, and undeniable screen presence have made her a favorite. Her name frequently trends among Indian audiences, and fans eagerly wait for her next project. 6. Sanam Saeed Sanam Saeed's portrayal of Kashaf Murtaza in Zindagi Gulzar Hai made her a sensation in India. Her strong screen presence and choice of roles have kept her in the limelight. Even after all these years, Indian fans hold her in high regard and are always eager to see her in more projects. 7. Mawra Hocane Mawra Hocane became a Bollywood sweetheart with Sanam Teri Kasam. The film, despite its initial release years ago, has gained cult status among Indian fans, who are now demanding a sequel. Her connection to India remains strong, with fans frequently reaching out to her on social media, requesting her return to Bollywood. 8. Farhan Saeed Farhan Saeed's music has long been popular in India, but his acting in Mere Humsafar took his stardom to new heights. His chemistry with Hania Aamir made waves, and his earlier role as Arsal in Suno Chanda also continues to have a strong following among Indian viewers. 9. Yumna Zaidi Yumna Zaidi has always been critically acclaimed, but her role as Meerab in Tere Bin catapulted her to another level of fame in India. The demand for Tere Bin 2 has been overwhelming, with Indian fans eagerly waiting to see their beloved character return. 10. Hania Aamir Hania Aamir has become one of the most beloved Pakistani celebrities in India. Her breakout role in Mere Humsafar introduced her to a massive audience, and her continued success in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum solidified her stardom. Her frequent interactions with Indian artists like Badshah and Diljit Dosanjh have further fueled excitement about her possible Bollywood debut. 11. Atif Aslam Atif Aslam is a household name in India, thanks to his soulful voice and timeless songs that have defined an entire era of Bollywood music. From Tera Hone Laga Hoon to Jeene Laga Hoon, his contributions to Indian cinema remain unmatched, despite the ban on Pakistani artists. His live concerts in India used to sell out within minutes, and his songs continue to dominate playlists across the border. Even today, Indian fans eagerly await new music from him, proving that his influence and legacy in the Indian music industry remain as strong as ever. With these stars continuing to win hearts across the border, their influence in India is undeniable. While the political landscape may have halted collaborations, the love for Pakistani talent remains stronger than ever. Whether through dramas, music, or films, these celebrities are proving that entertainment knows no borders.
