On the Stage, Poorly

Some commentators’ remarks on writer Anwar Maqsood’s interview of Mahira Khan at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi on March 19 were not nice to say the least. But we also feel that Anwar M needs to revisit his line of questioning and his attempts to partisanally politicise innocent discussions. Mahira K was talking about the negative portrayal of women in TV dramas and Anwar M took it in an unwarranted political direction. The fact that Mahira K laughed along with his distasteful, misogynist comments should also make her think a little about attending public events and weighing what her reactions can be construed as. The seasoned humourist also asked her questions about or discussed ‘payment’ on more than one occasion, which made some members of the audience scratch their heads thinking: why? Maybe he’s all about the payment now?

The Obituary  

Last week, actor, writer and social media star Yasra Rizvi surprised her followers by uploading her obituary on social media. This is what she wrote: “I have passed away. I don’t know when but if anyone who knew me says anything like ‘what a loss,’ don’t believe them because nobody ever truly knew, understood or felt me. Most people tried and I am grateful for that but I guess I was too much and too difficult to feel and to hold. I also tried to simplify myself and fit in. I apologised repeatedly for being myself but maybe I just never belonged here. Maybe it was all a mistake. Maybe I was the mistake… So whenever this actually happens, know that there is no one to blame. It is just who and what I was — simply not fit for this world!” All we can say is, we hope this is just all in creative jest.

Touchy Footy  

These days, people need the tiniest and most insignificant of issues to turn them into a mountain of a problem. Sheheryar Munawar touched Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s feet at an award function in Dubai, and apparently that hasn’t gone down well with many of his Pakistani fans. In response he has first talked about the context of the image that went viral and then reasoned that he’s a Sindhi, “This [touching feet] is my culture which is thousands of years old. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Indeed. But Nawazuddin’s wife, with whom he reportedly has been vicious, might disagree with Sheheryar M too.

The Apology 

On March 23, Kangana Ranaut celebrated her 36th birthday in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Prior to her big day celebrations, she posted a video on social media in which she apologised to all those who she may have or had hurt. “My thought process is pretty simple. I have always wanted good for everyone. So if I have inadvertently or for the sake of a larger picture hurt anyone, I’d like to apologise to them.” That’s sweet. Still, they say, better safe than sorry.

The Adviser

Jennifer Aniston was on Jimmy Fallon’s talk show and Adam Sandler’s name came up — the two Hollywood A-listers have been friends for three decades. It lit up the actress’s eyes and, talking fondly about him, she disclosed that Adam S is the one who gives her advice on men. She said that as if she has a great deal of confidence in him. Well, who knew that the comedian who often plays mentally dull characters on screen would be so perceptive about men… Oh, wait a minute!

Shame Game  

Sometimes celebrities act in a terribly insensitive manner. In one of the recent episodes of American Idol, a 25-year-old woman named Sara Beth Liebe came to audition. The three judges — Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry — were surprised to know that the aspirant is a mother of three. Seeing 38-year-old Katy P’s reaction as she stood up to mock-fan herself, Sara BL said, “If Katy lays on the table, I think I’m going to pass out.” To this the singer replied, “Honey you’ve been laying on the table too much.” It hurt the young mom terribly, and she later expressed her feelings in a TikTok video, calling Katy P’s comments “Mom-shaming”. Netizens were also furious. On the positive side, Katy P did end up sending Sara BL on to Hollywood.

Published in Dawn, ICON, April 2nd, 2023