Divided Or Opinionated?

Here’s an example of how divided our entertainment industry is. Or one could argue that everyone’s entitled to their opinion — after all, we are a democracy.

After Firdaus Jamal’s comments about Mahira Khan’s age whipped up a huge ruckus, a big number of showbiz personalities came out to condemn what the senior actor had remarked about his younger colleague. Then renowned TV and film producer Momina Duraid — whose film starring Mahira K was about to release — went a step further and announced that her company, MD Productions, would not work with Firdaus J in the future. That set in motion a new ruckus.

First, Fidaus J’s son Hamza criticised her decision, followed by actor Feroze Khan vowing not to work with MD Productions again.

Then movie star Shaan wrote a few lines in support of Firdaus J, saying his dedication to work and brilliance in acting should never be disrespected.

Others also weighed in, saying that Momina D had gone overboard and should apologise. Which way the proverbial camel sits is still to be seen. In the meantime, you can decide whether this division is healthy or not.

First Woman

Congratulations to Muneeza Hashmi, former General Manager of Pakistan Television (PTV) and daughter of the poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz, for becoming chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Lahore Arts Council.

She is the first woman to hold this office in the history of the institution. With her progressive mindset, we hope she is going to bring about some positive and forward-looking changes in the way the council works.

The Other Kaif

Fans of Katrina Kaif, hold on to your hearts. Her younger sister, Isabelle Kaif, is following in her older sibling’s footsteps and has signed up for a film titled Kwatha opposite another young actor Ayush Sharma — who has already appeared in a movie, Love Yatri, produced by Salman Khan.

Kwatha will be directed by Karan Lalit Butani, and the story is said to be about ‘human adventure based on true incidences’. Well, tell you what: anything that has a member of the Kaif family in it cannot be short of adventure.

Bloodmoon

Folks, the prequel to Game of Thrones, details of which are being kept under wraps, is called Bloodmoon. This we got to know while going through an interview that actress Naomi Watts, who is playing the lead role in the series, gave to a digital media outlet.

She also disclosed, rather unwittingly, that prior to getting the offer, she hadn’t seen GoT at all and, when the offer came her way, her brother Ben implored her not to pass up the chance. So she said ‘yes’ and saw seven seasons of GoT in three months. Three months? We’re guessing it took you an equal amount of time to watch the last season because it was not a patch upon the initial seven.

The Mara-Phoenix Ring

After much speculation it’s official that the Hollywood star known for his reclusive lifestyle Joaquin Phoenix and actress Rooney Mara are engaged. They started seeing each other in 2013 and, in the beginning, some people harboured the idea that since both are eccentric characters, their relationship might not go the distance. Nope, that isn’t the case.

Recently, Rooney M was seen wearing a dazzling diamond ring, confirming, as an American magazine reported, that the couple is now engaged to be married (soon).

Hmmm … Rooney Phoenix! The name does have a ring to it.

Dia Explains

On August 1, actress Dia Mirza announced her separation from husband Sahil Singha, whom she had married in November 2014. The moment her statement hit cyberspace, rumour mills went overboard in suggesting that it was screenwriter Kanika Dhillon who became the cause of the separation, because she’s allegedly having an affair with Sahil S. Dia M immediately took to her Twitter page, clarifying: “There is absolutely no truth to the alleged reports and no third person is the reason for Sahil and I to part ways … What is even more unfortunate that our colleagues’ names are being tarnished and maligned by the media. As a woman, I will not stand for another woman’s name being used so irresponsibly to perpetuate a lie.”

Wow! Well done, Dia M. In an age where allegations of moral misconduct fly left, right and centre, you choose not to lose your balance. Our respect!

Published in Dawn, ICON, August 11th, 2019