12 YEARS LATER

Mishi Khan ain’t happy with singer Abrarul Haq for mentioning that, more than a decade ago, he had received an offer to work in Bollywood. Apparently, the two have been exchanging not-so-savoury arguments on that subject. Take for example Mishi K’s following words: ““If you are such a philanthropist and humanitarian, why go into the details of a project offered to you 12 years back? Yes, I laughed at you, and I own that. But have you forgotten when I encouraged you back when you were a teacher? No one knew you back then! You once appeared on my channel as well.” Kya karein Mishi K, people have short memories. They don’t even remember which singer, actor or actress worked in the ’90s on PTV.

PAKISTAN AT CANNES

It seems that Pakistani filmmaking talent will finally have a platform at the world’s oldest and biggest film festival. For the first time, Pakistan will have a central hub at the Cannes Film Festival, like many other countries have had for years. Called the Pakistan Crescent Collective (nice name, by the way), and the brainchild of Oscar Academy member Mo Naqvi, it will officially represent the country at the high-profile event. Its motto: “To discover and nurture the next generation of talent, preserve film and promote Pakistani and Diaspora films globally, thereby advancing Pakistan’s visual culture.” Cool… This was definitely much-needed!

RAPPING TRUTH

While most of Hollywood and the music industry are quiet on the issue of Palestine, there are some voices that dare to speak the truth. American rapper Macklemore is one of them. He has come out with a track titled Hind’s Hall,focusing on Israel’s war on Gaza and the student community’s protests in the US. To boot, the proceeds from the streaming of the song will go to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency which aids Palestinian refugees and which the US has cut off funding to, under pressure from Israel. More praise for Macklemore!

THE DARK SIDE OF THE INDUSTRY

Television playwright Bee Gul has raised an issue which people are already aware of but prefer to keep mum about. During an interview, she lamented that girls who join our showbiz industry often accept sexual exploitation to advance their careers. She added even good actresses find that route the “only way to the top.” Bee G is right. It’s a sad and condemnable scenario. Unfortunately, it exists in almost all genres of the performing arts — film, TV and theatre — and not just in Pakistan.

NEVER BEEN IN LOVE

In 2021, singer Zayn Malik and supermodel Gigi Hadid broke up. Together, they have a baby named Khai. Subsequently, Gigi H began going out with actor Bradley Cooper, who separated from his partner supermodel Irina Shayk, with whom he too has a daughter. Zayn M wasn’t happy with his ex’s new affair. Now, news is that he’s come to terms with Gigi H’s life (apparently for the sake of their baby) and is ‘happy’ for her. He has also recently claimed in an interview that he doesn’t think he’s ever been truly in love. Zayn M, we think Gigi H believes you.

SHE TOO…

Indian actress Sonakshi Sinha appeared on the Kapil Sharma Show on Netflix (the programme, by the way, is a dud, incurring losses to the streaming service) accompanied by the cast of the (awful) series Heeramandi. As the chit chat went on, the host asked her about her marriage plans, to which she replied that, after seeing Aalia Bhatt and Kiara Advani tying the knot, she too wants to get hitched. Our best wishes Sonakshi S! The only thing is that, like Aalia B and Kiara A, you too will need a groom.

Published in Dawn, ICON, May 19th, 2024