Rasheed Naz, RIP!

On January 17, television and film actor Rasheed Naz passed away. He was 73. He was one of the finest character actors that Pakistan has produced. He worked in a number of TV plays from the PTV Peshawar Centre, including the extremely popular Namoos. He was also part of the country’s first private television serial, Dasht. Apart from that, his work in Shoaib Mansoor’s film Khuda Ke Liye was widely appreciated. May he rest in peace!

The Ambassador

Pop star Shehzad Roy and his Zindagi Trust have been doing a commendable job in bringing about positive changes in the education sector of the country. Here’s another feather in his social work cap: the federal task force on population, headed by the president of Pakistan, has made him honorary brand ambassador for population and family planning. The singer feels that population explosion is the underlying cause for almost all problems that afflict our nation, so we need to act fast. Indeed, Shehzad R. With you involved in resolving the issue, slowness is not even an option.

The Pir Engagement

On January 12, comedian Ali Gul Pir, who is known for his spoofy videos and satirical rap numbers, got engaged to Azeemah Nakhoda. Family members of both the bride- and groom-to-be, and a close circle of their friends, were invited to the ceremony. The pictures that were released afterwards showed the couple in a happy mood. We congratulate them and wish them a joyous married life ahead. We also hope Ali GP doesn’t make a funny video about his own engagement.

Director In Love

Subhashi Ghai is a veteran Indian filmmaker who has produced and directed megahits such as Karma, Khalnayak and Taal. These days he is busy producing a web series (which he wrote during lockdown) working with the young cast of Amol Prashar, Barkha Singh and Flora Saini. Talking to a journo about his work ethic, the septuagenarian said, “I have to fall in love with the actor I work with and it is not just about following the script for their performance, but having a great interaction with my actor is part of my process. I am surprised to see how smart and sharp Amol is, to understand my mind.” Hmmm… weird situation: he has a mind-reader with him whom he has fallen in love with.

Still Together?

Rumours were recently rife that Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor have parted ways after a couple of years of togetherness. They were initially met with silence from the pair. But then Arjun K, who is known for holding back no punches, put up a black and white photo of the two in a lovey-dovey pose on social media with the caption, “Ain’t no place for shady rumours. Stay safe. Stay blessed. Wish well for people. Love y’all.” Is it okay to say, ‘All’s well that ends well’?

Aquaman Divorce

Divorces, sadly, it seems are taking place left, right and centre. The latest high-profile case is that of Hollywood A-lister Jason Momoa and his longtime partner Lisa Bonet. They were together for 16 years and married for five. Last week, the couple announced their decision to split on Jason M’s Instagram page: “We have all felt the squeeze and changes of these transformational times. A revolution is unfolding and our family is no exception…feeling and growing from the seismic shifts occurring. And so we share our family news that we are parting ways in marriage.” “A revolution” may not be televised but it looks like it might be on Instagram.

Published in Dawn, ICON, January 23rd, 2022