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UAE Moments
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Fawad Khan to Return to Pakistan Idol as Judge After the Show's 11-Year Hiatus
Pakistan Idol is set to make a long‑awaited comeback after an 11‑year hiatus, reviving one of Pakistan's most popular reality TV franchises with a high-profile judging panel led by actor‑singer Fawad Khan. Produced by MHL Global, the revival has secured the rights from Fremantle and plans to relaunch the series later this year. In a bold first for any Idol adaptation worldwide, the show is slated to air simultaneously across five major television networks, aiming for national reach across Pakistan's diverse linguistic and regional landscape. Fawad Khan will be joined on the judging panel by acclaimed Pakistani musicians Zeb Bangash, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Bilal Maqsood of Strings fame. This eclectic mix promises wide appeal, combining pop, folk, and qawwali styles to spotlight emerging talent from all corners of the country. According to Variety, the production will blend modern digital engagement with traditional broadcast formats. Online auditions have already kicked off on the Begin platform, while in-person casting calls are scheduled across major cities and remote regions to attract a diverse contestant pool. Zoya Merchant, director at MHL Global, described the show's return as more than entertainment—a 'cultural movement.' She emphasized that Pakistan's musical heritage will now be showcased on a national and global stage, uniting varied audiences via music. The original season of Pakistan Idol aired from December 2013 to April 2014 on Geo Entertainment, judged by Ali Azmat, Hadiqa Kiani, and Bushra Ansari. Its finale drew over one million votes and crowned Zamad Baig as the winner. This fresh reboot aims to recapture and exceed that cultural impact. While production is expected to begin later in 2025, organizers have not yet revealed the premiere date or broadcasting schedule. But with the combined star power of Fawad Khan and his fellow judges, along with a pioneering multi-network approach, Pakistan Idol is poised for a high‑stakes and high‑profile return that could redefine reality television in the region. Pakistan Idol 's revival marks both a technological and cultural leap, embracing digital auditions and simultaneous airing, while a judging panel spanning multiple musical genres adds fresh energy to a beloved format.
Arab News
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Fawad Khan among celebrity judges as ‘Pakistan Idol' returns after hiatus
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani singer and actor Fawad Khan will be part of a panel of prominent judges who will feature in 'Pakistan Idol,' which is set to make a comeback after a decade-long hiatus, a report in the international website Variety said this week. Pakistan Idol was a reality singing television competition show that followed the 'Idol' franchise created by British entrepreneur Simon Fuller. The show ran from December 2013 to April 2014 and featured pop stars Ali Azmat, Hadiqa Kiani and prominent actress Bushra Ansari as judges. The show ran on Geo Entertainment and featured just one season. Production company MHL Global has secured the rights for Pakistan Idol from format distributor Fremantle to revive the singing competition series, Variety reported on Saturday. 'The show will feature a star-studded judging panel including actor Fawad Khan, singer Zeb Bangash, qawwali artist Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Strings musician Bilal Maqsood,' Variety said. 'The revival marks a significant return for the franchise, which last aired in 2014.' The report said MHL Global has planned an ambitious distribution strategy for the show's reboot, with it set to air simultaneously across five television networks, a first for any 'Idol' franchise globally. 'According to the company, this multi-platform approach aims to reach diverse audiences across Pakistan's various regions and languages,' it added. Zoya Merchant, director of MHL Global, said the launch represented 'a cultural movement.' 'Pakistan has incredible musical talent, and this platform will not only spotlight it nationwide but elevate it to the global stage,' she said. Variety said the production will incorporate modern digital engagement alongside traditional television broadcasting, adding that online auditions are launching through the Begin platform, while in-person casting calls are planned for major cities and remote regions. 'Production is expected to begin later this year, with broadcast details and premiere dates to be announced,' the report disclosed. Khan enjoys heartthrob status in both Pakistan and India. After making a name for himself in hit Pakistani TV drama serials and movies such as Humsafar, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, The Legend of Maula Jutt and Khuda Kay Liye, he went on to star in Bollywood films Kapoor and Sons, Khoobsurat and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Before his acting career took off, Khan was a member of the Lahore-based rock band Entity Paradigm. He also sang the Pakistan Super League (PSL) anthem for the 2019 edition of the cricket league.
Business Recorder
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Recorder
‘Pakistan Idol': Fawad Khan, Zeb Bangash, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Bilal Maqsood confirmed as judges
'Pakistan Idol', the iconic music competition format, is officially launching nationwide, with Fawad Khan, Zeb Bangash, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Bilal Maqsood set to be the judging panel, announced a press release on Saturday. Produced under license from Fremantle, the global powerhouse behind the Idol franchise, the show will be brought to local audiences by MHL Global, one of Pakistan's leading media and entertainment companies, added the press release. Contestants will receive world-class mentorship, perform on national television and will have their fate decided by audience votes. The show is committed to showcasing a wide spectrum of musical talent from across Pakistan's diverse cultural and regional backgrounds. The judging panel is set to feature four of the nation's most celebrated artists: Fawad Khan, Zeb Bangash, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Bilal Maqsood. 'Our partnership with Fremantle on Pakistan Idol marks a major step forward for Pakistan's creative and entertainment industries,' Zoya Merchant, Director of MHL Global was quoted as saying in the press release. 'This launch represents more than entertainment - it's a cultural movement. Pakistan has incredible musical talent, and this platform will not only spotlight it nationwide but elevate it to the global stage.' The original 'Pakistan Idol' premiered on Geo Entertainment in December 2013 and concluded in April 2014 with Lahore singer Zamad Baig claiming the title. Online auditions start today on the official platform Begin, while on-ground auditions in major cities and remote regions will commence later in the month, ensuring equal opportunity for talent from every corner of the country. The show is set to premiere on television and select digital platforms, with full broadcast details and audition schedules to be announced at a later date. In a first for the global Idol franchise, Pakistan Idol will be aired concurrently on five major television networks across the country. This unprecedented multi-channel strategy aims to maximize accessibility and reach, connecting millions of viewers across regions, languages, and platforms.
