Soldiering On

People often envy the lives that showbiz celebs lead without thinking that they’re human beings just like any other human beings. They face, or can face, the same issues as normal persons. Bollywood big gun Salman Khan, in his recent appearance on the Kapil Sharma Show, surprised many by telling the host that, in addition to trigeminal neuralgia, he has a brain aneurysm and AV malformation (which causes problems between arteries and veins). And yet, he said, he’s still working and carrying on with his personal and professional lives. Good to know about your resilient attitude to living, Salman K. You may not have done well on screen in Sikandar but you sure are a Sikandar in real life.

Ayesha Khan, RIP

One of the finest character actresses that Pakistan Television has ever produced, Ayesha Khan, died in her Gulshan-i-Iqbal Karachi apartment on June 19. She was 77. She was the older sister of the late Khalida Riyasat, a great actress in her own right. Ms Khan — whose performances in drama series such as Afshaan, Uroosa and Naqab Zann were both critically acclaimed and admired by television viewers — was found dead in her apartment a week after she had breathed her last. It goes to show how quickly some big names in the world of showbiz are forgotten, especially by those who have the means to benefit from their talent. May Ms Khan rest in eternal peace.

Colab Gossip

K-pop sensation Jackson Wang has dinner with Hrithik Roshan during his visit to India, and it sets tongues wagging. People start speculating that the former might feature in the latter’s forthcoming film Krrish 4. When asked about it, the singer replied, rather mischievously at that, “He’s doing that Krrish 4. Yeah. It’s not in production yet, right? I’m in it. I’m the new Krrish. I’m just joking. I’m sorry, I’m an extrovert. Please accept that. I’d like to mix things up. Maybe, I’m gonna tell him tonight.” Jackson W, don’t tell Hrithik R, he may lose his superpower.

Mahira’s Mood

These days, Mahira Khan seems to be in a playful, happy mood. Which is good. Perhaps it has something to do with the success of her film Love Guru. Or probably there’s more to it than meets the eye. Why are we saying this? Well, she has pleasantly surprised her followers on Instagram by putting up a video in which she can be seen in different, cozy poses against the audio backdrop of Madam Noor Jehan’s iconic song ‘Main te mera dilbar jani’. Hmmm … dilbar jani… love guru… whatever is happening in her life and making her happy, we hope it stays that way!

Daughter Time

Supermodel Gigi Hadid is going out with Hollywood A-lister Bradley Cooper. But romance hasn’t made her motherly duties take a back seat. Gigi H has a four-year-old daughter, Khai (with ex Zayn Malik), who is at the top of her priority list. That’s why when she shared her springtime pictures on social media with Khai, everyone liked them. In the photos, the mother-daughter pair are seen having a good time in a park. Then there are pictures taken at home in which the lil’ one is filling up pages in her colouring book and having her favourite breakfast that includes, among other yummies, strawberry pancakes. It appears, using a reference from her mom’s boyfriend’s life, a star is born!

Patriotic Khan

Indian society has become so shallow and bigoted that Muslim actors now need to prove their patriotism to keep their career going. Aamir Khan’s latest sports comedy film Sitaare Zameen Par has hit cinema screens. Before that, he appeared on a TV show Aap Ki Adalat and answered questions about his loyalty to India. He was at pains to point out that his film Sarfarosh (1999) was the first one in which Pakistan’s name was used (in a negative manner). What a sorry state Bollywood is in! And it seems that his performance on the programme worked, as Sitaare Zameen Par has thus far done well at the box office. Perhaps it’s time the Khans of Bollywood began speaking the truth (for they have nothing to prove in terms of their careers), which is: India has become unliveable for minorities.

Published in Dawn, ICON, June 29th, 2025