Shop Shop Walk

Syra Yousuf is in a superstore, moving around the aisles as we usually do. She suddenly hides her face in the hoodie that she’s wearing, puts a good number of chocolates in her bag, and scampers off. The scene is captured by the CCTV camera. Now some believe it’s an act of shoplifting and Syra Y needs to see someone who can help her mentally. Others say it was a publicity act on the part of those who run the business. We say, either way, chocolates are delicious.

Up In The Air

Something pretty interesting happened recently. Actor and reality TV star Umer Alam was on a local flight with his girlfriend. Midair, he got up, went down on one knee, took out a ring from his pocket and proposed marriage to her. She accepted. Apparently, the airline crew was told in advance what was going to transpire. We congratulate the couple and hope they will choose some place more grounded for the wedding so that more people can take part in the happy occasion.

Age Is a Number

There’s a Pakistani actor by the name of Khaqan Shahnawaz. Last week, he had to face the ire of netizens for saying something about Indian actress Kareena Kapoor-Khan. On a talk show, when an interviewer asked him about his prospects of working with her, he said he could play her son, implying she’s old. As a result, a lot of comments from both sides of the Wagah border came his way, condemning his ageist approach to life. Hmmm… The question is, let’s suppose Khaqan S were offered to play the love interest of Kareena K K, would the same commentators then keep their peace?

The Pushpa Curse

Ever since the Tamil language Pushpa 2: The Rule directed by Sukumar has been released, it’s been in the news, mostly for not-so-good reasons. First, a stampede during the premiere of the film took the life of a woman and injured her son (because of which the movie’s hero Allu Arjun was briefly detained by the authorities). Now, dangerous gangster Vishal Meshram, who is a fan of the blockbuster franchise, was caught by the police while watching a late night show of the movie in Nagpur. The police knew about his profound fondness for Allu A’s gangster character in Pushpa (1), followed him closely and then caught him while he was in the cinema hall, comfortably ensconced in his seat. We think it’s the perfect plot for Pushpa 3.

Love Notes

Recently, pop icon Mariah Carey was seen holding hands with rapper Anderson Paak (yes, that’s how he spells his name) at a party in Aspen, Colorado. She is 55 years of age and he is 39. She has been married twice and in between has had other brief relationships. He, too, has been married two times. We hope that the phrase third time lucky proves right for both of them and they get rid of the two-timing situation.

Home comings

Bollywood star Varun Dhawan says he has nothing to worry about in his marriage to Natasha Dalal. He says transparency and communication are vital for a marital relationship. Talking to a journo, the actor has been quoted to have said he has never looked at anyone inappropriately and if he finds someone beautiful or cute, he discusses it with wifey dear. On his chemistry with female co-stars, he said, “She knows how I am; she knows me inside out. Us ko pata hai ghar hi aane wala hai laut ke [She knows I am going to come back home].” Varun D, it’s great to have such an understanding partner, but don’t take things too much for granted either.

Published in Dawn, ICON, January 5th, 2025