No Pay, No Play

The comments made by filmmaker Mehreen Jabbar and writer-actor Mohammad Ahmed about the payment issue vis-à-vis television networks have created quite a stir. Actor and musician Ahmed Ali Butt has also expressed his views on the matter by saying that late payment is an “industry standard.” The mashwara [advice] that he has given to his fellow industry peeps is they “work for YouTube” and be their own boss. Spot on, sir! The fault lies at the door of the bosses, not the stars they hire. So make your own mistakes as your own boss.

One for All

After the tragic death of actress and model Humaira Asghar, a bunch of actresses living in Karachi have formed a private WhatsApp group to support those women who are living alone and to keep a check on whether they require ‘emotional or practical support.’ The actresses who are part of this effort include Mansha Pasha, Zhalay Sarhadi and Yashma Gill. We think it’s a good idea. However, it needs a great deal of consistency, selflessness and less scrutiny to make it work. Still, all the best to the group!

Not in the Pic

During the red carpet ceremony for the fourth installment of the slasher series I Know What You Did Last Summer, journalists and fans took notice of the fact that Sarah Michelle Geller (who appeared in the first film in the franchise) was not seen with the star of the movie Jennifer Love Hewitt. It gave rise to the rumour about friction between the two. Sarah MG clarified: “For everyone asking, I never got to see JLH who is fantastic in the movie. I was inside with my kids when the big carpet happened. Unfortunately, JLH didn’t come to the after party…some things happen only in real life and not online.” Dear Sarah M G, some out-of-line behaviour in life can be called out online...

Love Letter or Subtle Jab?

Sanam Saeed took a bit of a maternity hiatus from work. She has now returned to the field of acting and will soon be seen in television dramas. Prior to that, she lauded the TV industry in a social media post, saying: “I have to admit, there’s really nothing like television and the love and appreciation we get from the audience. TV is also the most impactful medium and the best place to showcase pure Pakistani talent. From the storytelling to the cinematography, direction, acting and soundtracks.” Hmmm…is she trying to send some of her colleagues a message who have lately been critical of the industry?

Bollywood Baby

One of Bollywood’s most celebrated couples, Siddharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, are now proud parents of a child. A little more than a week ago, the actress gave birth to a baby girl and a few days later the pair announced it on Instagram. But the two did not give out details and kept the name and other information of the baby secret. We think they did the right thing because they want their privacy intact. Congratulations Siddharth M and Kiara A!

Presidential Break-up?

Recently the former first lady of the US, Michelle Obama, got tongues wagging when she said that if she had problems with her husband (former US President Barack Obama) everybody would know about it. A few days later, the couple appeared on a podcast that Michelle co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson, and when the husband and wife hugged each other, Craig R said, “Wait, you guys like each other.” To this, Michelle replied, “That’s the rumour mill.” But things got a little iffy when Barack O admitted during the chitchat, “It was touch and go for a while,” to which Michelle O responded, “Don’t start now.” Well, we think it has started.

Published in Dawn, ICON, July 27th, 2025