Latest news with #YaqeenKaSafar
Express Tribune
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
No preaching, no horror
Is there any tried and tested way of handling the pressures of being a role model from making a living in front of the camera lens? During a recent appearance on YouTube podcast Sunday Times, television heartthrob Ahad Raza Mir thinks he knows the answer – and it is a refreshingly laid back one. "Whatever you see on TV or in a film, you need to remember that it's just a story," muses the star, having only recently wrapped up his latest drama, Meem Se Mohabbat, earlier this month. "You shouldn't think too much about it. Just sit back and enjoy it. But it's great that people watch something and they're so moved that they feel this desire to communicate how they feel about it." Driven by the urge to be part of a story that moves people and leaves them, on the whole, feeling happier than when they first sat down to watch, Ahad stresses that he is not weighed down by a pressure to preach any lessons in any of his work. "We need to tell stories that uplift people. Everything doesn't need to have a social cause," he insists. "You should watch something and feel good about it. If you've watched a story that helps you develop new perspectives that's great – but I never think, 'This is the objective of this drama.' Let people experience what they want!" There is one thing, however, that as an artist, Ahad takes very seriously. "Our responsibility is to show good characters and show how people develop in life – there's always a lesson you learn from every story, every character," he notes. As anyone who will have gleaned after glancing at Ahad's catalogue of work, ranging from Yaqeen Ka Safar to Hum Tum, this is the lens that the actor sees all of his projects through. "When I choose something, I think, what am I going to learn from this?" he adds. "And I think, maybe the audience will feel the same way. At least, that's kind of how I look at it." Which medium is best? Television drama fans will mostly be familiar with Ahad's work on the small screen, but the TV star is no stranger to the stage either – not that he has any preference for one medium over the other. "It's all about the story you are telling," remarks Ahad. "Of course, every medium has its own technical aspects. When you're doing a TV show, there's no audience – but then you get to experience it with your audience every week. And in theatre, of course, every night is different. I don't know which one I'd say I like more. It really depends on the mood." Having trained in Canada and performed in Pakistan, Ahad is well qualified to gauge the differences between local and international acting, but is cautious to avoid painting either in a worse light than the other. "There's convincing acting, and there's not convincing acting," he reflects matter-of-factly. "If a story is moving you, it's good. I think we all adjust our styles depending on the story and the genre." Stage or screen, and international or local, there is one thing that Ahad is able to say with concrete certainty. "I'd go crazy without acting," he states, leaving little room for doubt. "As human beings, we evolve and forever change with our highs and lows, and in acting, you pick up things from the people around you." Crediting the highs of his career to the large gamut of colleagues he has worked with, Ahad continues in gratitude, "Anything you need to do to be successful is just a representation of the people around you – the writers, the directors, the actors. I've been very lucky in that respect." Career preferences Like viewers, Ahad, too, has certain genres he will gravitate towards, and it will surprise very few to learn that the laid back actor has a penchant for "romance and comedy". "I love a good thriller, too!" he adds. "There is one genre, however, that Ahad is adamant he will never touch. "I won't do horror, because I get scared," he confesses. "I don't watch any horror at home either. I don't like anything that spoils your mood or leaves you feeling unhappy or depressed!" Even within the scope of his preferred drama genres, Ahad points out that the target audience for Pakistani television is expanding ever more – and that it doesn't matter how a traditional Pakistani story is played out, as long as it remains captivating. "Our audience is not just an Urdu speaking audience – I've run into viewers from Mauritius or Nepal who don't speak Urdu, who just watch our shows with subtitles," shares the actor. "Our way of telling a story may have a set pattern, but it has nothing to do with being traditional or modern. At the end of the day, a story is a story. It's how you tell it that matters." Regardless, Ahad concedes that the showbiz industry is forever adapting to keep up with an evolving audience and a fresh wave of actors. "I think that trends are changing, and we have to change with the time," he admits. "If you compare the industry with the past seven years, a lot has changed, and if you look five years ahead, then a lot will change. It's when more new people start coming in and start pushing their ideas that change happens – and I think that shift is happening." Shift or no shift, there is one unwavering thing that Ahad is grateful for above all else. "I'm very lucky to have a large fan base of supporters who really understand who I am," he says with warmth. "It's a nice feeling to be so supported and loved." Ahad is next scheduled to appear alongside fellow star Iqra Aziz in Pakistan's long-awaited, star-studded first-ever Netflix show, Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, rumoured to be released this June.
Express Tribune
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Saboor Ali's daughter has Sajal Ali's eyes
In a wholesome Instagram carousel shared on Friday, Sajal Ali posed with her actor-sister Saboor Ali and the latter's baby, Serena. The actors sported chic casualwear as they hid the baby's face from the camera's view. While showering the little one with the abundant love of a khala, the Yaqeen Ka Safar actor pointed out a key resemblance between the two. "She got my eyes!" Sajal wrote in the caption. First-time parents Saboor and actor-husband Ali Ansari were blessed with a daughter in March. Announcing the happy news on Instagram, Saboor wrote, "Our tiny miracle, our biggest blessing. The sight of the smallest of hands leaving the biggest of impact is unbelievable. Welcome, Serena Ali, to the world. The magic awaits you." The heartfelt note was attached to a black-and-white carousel of Saboor in the hospital bed and Ali standing by her side as they held their little one up. The post also featured the newborn baby's tiny feet and hands enveloped in her parents' hands. Peers and fans congratulated the couple on the arrival of their little girl. Among them was Serena's star aunt, who wrote, "Welcome to the world little princess! We love you more than words can say." Fans, on the other hand, expressed pleasant surprise at the news. "What a big surprise to your fans! Masha Allah, congratulations! May Allah keep her safe and bring her good luck," a user wrote. Fans' sentiments stemmed from the fact that Saboor and Ali made no official announcement of the pregnancy prior to the post, though a clip from the godh bharai ceremony did circulate on social media in January. Speculation heightened after Saboor posted photos from her birthday celebration, wearing a polka dot dress, which had fans wondering if she was in maternity clothes.
Express Tribune
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Six Pakistani dramas to binge-watch this Women's Day
Listen to article Pakistani dramas have long been known for their emotional storytelling, often centred around romance and family conflicts. However, some shows have challenged stereotypes by portraying strong female leads who inspire audiences with their resilience and determination. Ahead of International Women's Day, here are some standout Pakistani dramas that put powerful women at the heart of their narratives. 'Kuch Ankahi' (2023) A modern take on women's struggles, 'Kuch Ankahi' follows three sisters navigating societal pressures. Starring Sajal Aly, Bilal Abbas Khan, Mira Sethi, and Qudsia Ali, the drama highlights issues such as financial independence, marriage expectations, and career ambitions. 'Yaqeen Ka Safar' (2017) Featuring Sajal Aly and Ahad Raza Mir, 'Yaqeen Ka Safar' tells the story of Zubia, a woman who escapes an abusive home and rebuilds her life as a doctor. Her journey of perseverance despite societal judgment makes the drama an inspiring watch. 'Dobara' (2021-2022) Challenging traditional norms, 'Dobara' stars Hadiqa Kiani as Mehrunnisa, a widow who reclaims her life after her husband's death. The drama explores the societal backlash she faces for choosing to remarry a younger man, questioning the rigid expectations placed on women. 'Mujhay Jeene Do' (2017) Starring Hania Aamir and Gohar Rasheed, 'Mujhay Jeene Do' sheds light on child marriage and its devastating impact. It follows Shahina, a young girl forced into marriage, and Dr. Yasemine, who fights against oppressive traditions. 'Baaghi' (2017) Based on the life of Qandeel Baloch, 'Baaghi' features Saba Qamar as Fauzia, a woman who challenges conservative norms and faces intense societal backlash. The drama tackles themes of honour killing, domestic abuse, and female independence, making it a compelling and thought-provoking story. 'Sinf-e-Aahan' (2021-2022) Featuring Sajal Aly, Yumna Zaidi, Ramsha Khan, Kubra Khan, Syra Yousuf, Dananeer Mobeen, and Yehali Tashiya Kalidasa, 'Sinf-e-Aahan' follows seven women who qualify for the Pakistan Army. The drama highlights their struggles, resilience, and the pursuit of their dreams, delivering a strong message of female empowerment.
Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ahad Raza Mir stuns fans with rare IG spree
Ahad Raza Mir, who has a habit of disappearing from social media, is active on Instagram again, and fans can't help but be sceptical. In a photo shared on Tuesday, the Yaqeen Ka Safar actor shared two photos of himself, clad in a padded jacket, casual t-shirt and jeans, and sunglasses, with the wind making a mess of his hair. "Yeah, I'm a little lost," he wrote. The top comment? "Your account definitely got hacked." Other fans seemed to echo the sentiment, with one writing, "This can't be Ahad. I refuse to believe it's him posting these!" Another fan posed, "Ahad Raza Mir, are you okay? So many posts in one month?" While the actor's usual inactivity left his fans questioning the sudden burst of posts, his peers had other things to point out. "Your hair's hairing," wrote Iqra Aziz, to which Ahad replied with a promising "My hair's just getting started." Meanwhile, his Ehde Wafa co-star Osman Khalid Butt hilariously remarked, "Babygirl?" The fans seemed to agree, spamming Osman's comment with laughing emojis. Maintaining the joke, Ahad replied, "Come, save me." The fanbase's fondness for Ahad offers something new under every post. Under the Ye Dil Mera actor's second latest post, which was a carousel of his time in Japan, fans couldn't help but voice out their grievances after the recent episode of Meem Se Mohabbat. Ahad plays a single father, Talha, in the serial, which also stars Dananeer Mobeen as Roshi. "Here's Sir Talha, enjoying his life after traumatising the audience," a fan wrote. "Talha after giving us depression," echoed another. But in the end, the melancholic admirers also couldn't get enough of their favourite star's charm. "Ahad posting such a cute thread made my day," a user wrote. Though, certain truths needed to be acknowledged as another user joked, "Ahad, you posted content for a whole year. Now, it's time to hibernate."
Express Tribune
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Sajal Ali didn't begin her journey in an acting school
In a meet and greet held in New York, Sajal Ali recalled her time filming Jemima Goldsmith's What's Love Got to Do with It? and shared that there's no formal background to her acting career. "I have never taken on projects for the sake of winning awards. But yes, I am driven by people's appreciation for me, and I do like performing for them. I'm grateful to Allah for being here because through this work I'm able to tell many fascinating stories. Even when a local artist is chosen to represent Pakistan on an international level, that's a feat worth commending," she began. Continuing her enthusiastic response, Sajal added, "I'm also proud of working on What's Love Got to Do with It? That was a great experience. It always feels good to work with and observe so many brilliant actors like Lily James, Emma Thompson, and Shabana Azmi. And there's also much to learn when you're in that environment," she said. Sajal, who played Maymouna in the 2022 romantic comedy, maintained that there's no secret ingredient to what she does. "I haven't learned acting from anywhere. There's no method to what I do. "But I do try to spend a lot of time with senior actors, be it in Pakistan or abroad, aside from work. I try to learn as much as I can from them, and, of course, make Pakistan proud," she said. Remarking on her journey to stardom, Sajal expressed gratitude to have received opportunities and of a lot of support from her family, close friends, and manager. "The journey is never just your own; it's always a team effort. So, I'm blessed with great people in that regard," she said. Despite her undeniable accomplishments, the 31-year-old actor still doubts her skills time and again. "I get confused doing every new project as if it's my first," she said. "But aside from talent, I do feel that getting opportunities is also important. There might be many talented people in Pakistan who go unnoticed. So, I consider myself lucky in that regard." Sajal credits her success to the early-career projects that shaped her skills as an actor and helped her explore her strengths. "If I'd felt I was bad at it, I would've called it quits back then. But after those experiences, I started to believe that I might have a little something in me, you know?" she said. A desire to inspire The Aangan actor believes that there is a well of inspiration in her line of work and that an actor changes and grows with time. "There have been a lot of people who have inspired me. But I do work towards becoming that person for myself and inspire others, too," she said. Owing to her experience, Sajal added that actors don't always resonate with the characters that they play since they're playing different personalities each time. "If I'm always looking for similarities between me and my characters, then that would be boring, even for the audience. Then they won't see the characters; they'll see Sajal," she explained. The Yaqeen Ka Safar star further explained her quest to seek challenging roles that help her explore something new as an artist. "I rarely ever regret turning down certain projects," she said.
