Covid Bash

We all know about the hubbub following Sarwat Gilani’s husband, cosmetic surgeon Fahad Mirza’s 40th birthday party, where a host of celebs got together cheek by jowl. This was preceded by the usual social media sermonising to follow the SOPs to avoid the hazards of the pandemic from at least two of them — actors Mansha Pasha and Sheheryar Munawar — who were then seen at the bash, contrary to their concern for the disease. Good for Sheheryar M that he didn’t take much to time to realise his mistake, and apologised by saying there was no justification for his actions, “taking the mask off” to strike a pose. He also thanked his admirers for keeping his “moral compass in check”. Mansha P, your turn.

Language Please!

To criticise government functionaries for their mismanagement of things is every citizen’s fundamental right. But the kind of language that some young people employed against the Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood, for the way he handled the issue of the CAIE exams, is deplorable, to say the least. Apart from the minister, it did not go down well with actress Ayesha Omar who tweeted: “Dear students, criticism and difference of opinion does not mean one needs to be disrespectful. We can get our point across with respect. Let’s try to regulate and stabilise our emotions in stressful situations. It’s better for us and others. Positive manifestations also help.” Indeed girl. It seems you’re a good student of life.

Record Maker

In case you don’t know who Rahul Shetty is, the answer is: he is an ace Bollywood dance director who has choreographed dances for films such as Baghi 2, ABCD, Race 3 and Street Dancer 3D. The young man’s name can now be found in the Guinness Book of World Records for choreographing the largest roller skating dance routine, participated recently by no fewer than 270 dancers for the Shiv Ganga Roller Skating Club Belgaum, Karnataka. Congrats, Rahul S! Now try and come up with an easy exercise routine that will enable your Bollywood stars to twist and turn in their Indian homes, rather than running off to the Maldives to jog along the beach, when thousands of people are dying on a daily basis.

Get Well Soon

Those of us who are still in denial of the pandemic or still taking it lightly, well, listen to what the seasoned actress Marina Khan, who tested positive for Covid-19 last week, has to say about it: “It’s very real, it’s out there. So far, I have fatigue but it’s not as bad as earlier. Fever as well. Please look after yourselves. I shouldn’t have to dictate the necessary precautions we have to take to avoid Covid-19. I just have one thing to say: it’s Ramazan, it’s almost Eid. The fancy clothes, new clothes aren’t imperative. If you don’t wear new clothes one year, it’s not the end of the world.” Get well soon, Marina K; and sound advice from a samajhdar woman. Will they listen, though?

Bennifer Again?

Boy, oh boy, talk about the fickleness — or return to the loyal ways — of tinseltown folks! It hasn’t been even a month since Jennifer Lopez separated from Alex Rodriquez, and rumour already has it that she’s gone back into the arms of her old flame, Ben Affleck. On April 30, the Hollywood A-lister (Good Will Hunting) was spotted walking out of J-Lo’s palatial Los Angeles house, getting into a private car and then later on returning to the same four walls. For those who do not know about their intimate relationship in the past, the two were together in 2002. So, what was wrong 19 years ago seems right now? Strange…

On the Cards

David and Victoria Beckham’s son Brooklyn is engaged to pretty-looking actress Nicola Peltz (The Last Airbender). The talented young girl is, these days, not feeling well and is bed-ridden. The nature of her illness is not known. As a gesture to make her feel good, the entire Beckham family, through Brooklyn B’s Insta-story, has sent her a thoughtfully penned get-well card, signed by all members of the clan: “Dear Nicola, we love and miss you. Get well soon. Sending lots of love and kisses.” Apparently, after receiving the message, the actress is on the mend. Mend it like Beckham. Wink.

Published in Dawn, ICON, May 9th, 2021