Smog Saga

Lahore is shrouded in mist. No, we don’t mean it in a poetic way; we’re referring to the smog that has lately disturbed the daily lives of the citizens of Punjab‘s capital. Actor Simi Raheal is also perturbed by it, and has something specific to say about it: “Lahore is dying and no one is doing anything to save it! Not everyone has the option of going to London!” Who is she alluding to by mentioning London? Oh, it’s not an allusion — she pointedly means the chief minister of Punjab. So, Simi R can’t go to London? And we thought she could go anywhere in the world!

The Age Unlimit 

Hina Altaf is gaining popularity as a competent actress. She might also gain traction as someone who can give advice to the younger (perhaps even older) lot. On her YouTube channel, talking about marital matters, she has asserted that there is no right age for women to get married. She claimed she could elaborate so much on this, based on the kind of videos she’s been seeing on social media. “But all I’ll say is, you’ll get married when you’re destined to, when the right person enters your life and your heart makes the big decision. There is no age.” Well, Hina A, you may be absolutely right but how do people stave off the societal pressure for marriage, which is all about age?

The Brink of Retirement

Aamir Khan says that, before signing up for Laal Singh Chadha, he had decided to quit acting, realising that he had given all his energy to films since the age of 18 and spent little time with family. But his son Junaid and former wife Kiran Rao talked him out of it. According to him: “Junaid told me, ‘Why do you have to go from one extreme to the other?’” and Kiran said, “You’re a child of cinema. By leaving films, you’re leaving us.’” Well, we think, he should have perhaps given it another thought after Laal Singh Chadha, because a lot of people wanted him to retire after watching the mediocre Forrest Gump remake.

The Arrest

A couple of weeks ago, we mentioned the death threat received by Shah Rukh Khan from a lawyer named Faizan (who calls himself Hindustani) from Raipur. Well, last week, he was arrested by the local police. Apparently, the suspect has denied the charges, claiming that his phone had been stolen on November 2 and someone who is in possession of the phone has framed him in the case. On the other hand, the media suggests that Faizan has a criminal past. Till last reports came in, investigations were going on. The man of law may yet come out as an outlaw.

Remake Anniston

There is a famous Dolly Parton song ’9 to 5’as well as a film made in 1980 with the same title starring, among others, Dolly P herself. Now, news is that Jennifer Anniston is producing a remake of the movie. When the legendary country singer was asked about who is going to play her part in the remake, she replied she doesn’t know, but stressed that Jennifer A should do one of the parts in it. If Dolly P’s advice is taken, Jennifer A would produce and star in the film. Come to think of it, the Friends star does need a 9 to 5 job these days, doesn’t she!

Pop Mother

This is a tad surprising. Pop icon Taylor Swift has revealed that she is the godmother to Hollywood A-lister Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s children — James, Inez, Betty and Olin. Ryan R has been quoted to have said that Taylor S enjoys a good relationship with his kids, adding,

“I need that one on my gravestone, actually.” Hmmm… we’re not sure ‘Taylor Swift enjoyed a good relationship with his kids’ is particularly inspiring, actually.

Published in Dawn, ICON, November 24th, 2024