Cinema Blues

It was quite saddening to see cinema workers protesting outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC). They were there to request the Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, and chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, to reopen cinema halls because their closure due to the pandemic has been causing them tremendous financial suffering. The protestors ranged from gatekeepers to cooks to projector handlers. They were of the opinion that if other businesses can be allowed to function complying with health guidelines, why can’t cinemas be permitted to do business. One can empathise with their suffering but, to be honest, at a time when indoor restaurant dining has again been disallowed, it is highly unlikely cinemas will reopen quickly.

Right and Wrong

Social activist Jibran Nasir and his fiancée actor Mansha Pasha make a cute couple. These days they’re seen talking about each other in the media, and the admiration is mutual. But we have to say it’s Jibran N who appears to be a tad more in awe of his partner, as was witnessed during their interview with Mira Sethi. According to the activist, Mansha P has a “very strong sense of right and wrong”. Yep, nothing wrong about that. Right?

Item or Not?

Rumour has it that Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal are going out. The two, obviously, haven’t confirmed or denied the buzz, but something happened on New Year’s Eve that has got tongues wagging about their alleged affair faster than before. Apparently, both spent the new year together at Alibaug. Someone even took photos of them. Hmmm… So if they are an item, would that make them Katricky or Kaifaushal?

Return of Khan

Feroze Khan left showbiz; then came back. Let’s not comment on that; it’s his personal decision. Let’s also not comment on his reasoning that his ‘sheikh’ has ordered him not to leave showbiz. Again, it’s his personal matter. He has also denied that he has anything to do with being romantically attached to Hania Aamir; so we must respect that, too. The fact that he has called the industry a source of paigham (message) is pretty interesting, though. Yep, we agree here. In the fraternity that he is a part of, the medium is the message. Once you join the medium, you can’t move away from its message… whatever that is.

Scientology And Harassment

Four women have accused actor Danny Masterson (That ’70s Show), the Church of Scientology (which he follows) and its leader David Miscavige of hatching a plot to cover up the actor’s sexual misconduct against them. He has already been charged with three counts of alleged rape. In a statement released by Danny M’s lawyers, he has termed the accusation as ‘beyond ridiculous’. However, things are moving on in a direction that might not favour him. Actress Leah Remini (King of Queens) has tweeted, “Finally victims are being heard when it comes to Scientology. Praise the lord. This is just the beginning. Scientology, your days of getting away with it [are] coming to an end.” Danny M, now your statement looks beyond ridiculous.

Rock Therapy

A couple of months ago, Chris Rock revealed that he’s undergoing therapy with two therapists for seven hours a week. In his latest interview, given to Gayle King for an American TV network, the comedian has revealed details about it. “I learned that I could be very hard on myself. Like really, really hard on myself, and I need to relax. And I need to listen, I need to take chances. Sometimes I wasn’t kind, and sometimes I wasn’t listening, and sometimes I was selfish, and some, you know, a lot of times. And sometimes, you know, I took advantage of circumstances, and positions, of you know, just everyday things. And you know, it’s ultimately, who do you want to be?” Thanks for being honest Chris R. There’s a lesson in this for a good number of showbiz stars.

Published in Dawn, ICON, January 10th, 2021