Abhi Abhi Natasha

Natasha Humera Ejaz is a fine, fine singer — and sadly someone who has not been hailed as much as she deserves for her prodigious talent.

Her latest song Abhi Abhi, whose video is being watched with great affection on the internet, is a beautiful and timely addition to the somewhat barren music scene in Pakistan. It’s melodious and poetic, and the singer is at the top of her game. Kudos … and more!

Age and Grace

Mahira Khan is one of those rare Pakistani celebs who you don’t expect to give vain or silly statements. And it’s been quite a while since she stepped into the glitzy world of showbiz.

It’s in this context that her recent Instagram post about her putting on years must be appreciated.

“I look older.

I feel it. In my bones.

On my face. The white strands in my hair. And I quite like it.” That’s called putting on years with grace. This is why she’s Mahira Khan, the true Raeeszaadi.

Eat Dabangg

Those of us who think that Salman Khan’s popularity is confined to the subcontinent, well, guess what: that’s not the case. The Bollywood actor is apparently super famous and beloved in Latin America as well.

A fan of Sallu mian has opened a restaurant in Buenos Aires called Gran Dabangg (named after his blockbuster Dabangg series). The eatery is decorated with posters of the actor’s successful movies. Cool! We hope the dishes there are not named after his films though, because, you know, ‘Sweet and Sour Kick’ and ‘Ek Tha Pepper Steak’might sound a bit awkward.

In the Pink

Congratulations to the seasoned actor Rishi Kapoor for successful recovery from a lethal disease. On May 2, he told the media that he had been battling cancer for the last eight months and is now “cancer-free”.

He still needs a bone-marrow transplant, though, and complete recuperation may take a couple of more months. Rishi K, with countless prayers and good wishes coming your way from your fans all over the world, this too shall pass in the blink of an eye.

Miss USA 2019

On May 1, Miss North Carolina, Cheslie Kryst, was crowned Miss USA 2019 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. She beat no fewer than 50 contestants at the 68th edition of the colourful pageant.

Apparently what proved to be the title-clincher for her, apart from the 28-year-old’s great looks, was the answer to the question put to her by one of the judges about millennials. “I would say that my tgeneration is innovative. I’m standing here in Nevada, in the state that has the first majority female legislature in this entire country. Mine is the first generation to have that forward-looking mindset that has inclusivity, diversity, and strength and empowered women.” Now that’s what you call a Kryst(al) clear response. Way to go, girl!

Stark Reality

Game of Thrones’ final season has eclipsed virtually everything else being offered on the small screen, including by the Netflix juggernaut. The ravishing Sophie Turner plays the tough-as-nails Sansa Stark on the show. But in real life — and it came as a shock to many when they got to know about it — she has had to go through a torrid time to stay in character.

During filming, the actress began to gain weight which made the studio bigwigs point out to her that she must shed some pounds to prevent a drastic decision being taken. This caused her tremendous stress, forcing her to go to a therapist. Fortunately, things worked out, and she was back in shape in no time. Ah, the stark realities of life and Sophie’s choice(s).

Published in Dawn, ICON, May 12th, 2019