Latest news with #FawadKhan


The Print
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Hope one can calm down on hate, create room for love and kindness: Vaani Kapoor
'Last couple of months, years, everything became hectic and heavy on social media. So, I hope one can calm down on hate, create room for love and kindness, I know it doesn't sound very interesting. But what you give will come back to you. If you hate or troll somebody, it will someday get back at you, and it's going to sting you worse. Vaani's comments come months after she faced criticism for sharing screen space with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in the movie 'Abir Gulaal'. The romantic film, which was set to arrive in cinema halls on May 9, was not allowed to release in India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Mumbai, Jul 15 (PTI) Actor Vaani Kapoor on Tuesday said social media has increasingly become a space filled with negativity and urged people to check the amount of hate they put out into the world. 'So, just be nice, kind, and try to be just as humans. I'm wishing we could be in a happier space, and be kinder to each other and ourselves,' Kapoor told reporters at the trailer launch of her debut OTT show 'Mandala Murders'. The Netflix title is a mythological-crime thriller series that delves into ancient secrets, eerie symbols, and a trail of ritualistic killings. It is created and directed by Gopi Puthran, known for his work on the 'Mardaani' franchise. Manan Rawat serves as the co-director. Puthran said he is grateful to Netflix and YRF for supporting his vision for 'Mandala Murders'. 'I had explored realism (in 'Mardaani' franchise) and thought of taking up a challenge to create this world, which has its mythology and has many characters that have layers. It took me four years to make this,' the director said. Actors Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, Shriya Pilgaokar, and Raghubir Yadav round out the cast of the show. Vaani said she had a great time collaborating with her co-stars and the director. 'Everyone came with the right intentions, the cast and crew. A filmmaker set the tone on the sets; there was room for discovery, which was exciting. I remember meeting Gopi sir, and he asked, 'What do I think about my character, Riya. Let's collaborate, I want to get something out of you'. He wanted to merge that with what he had written. I couldn't have asked for a better team and co-stars, they're incredibly good,' she added. 'Mandala Murders' is produced by YRF Entertainment, with Aditya Chopra, Uday Chopra, Yogendra Mogre and Akshaye Widhani serving as executive producers. The show will premiere on July 25 on Netflix. PTI KKP RB HIG HIG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.


Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Illegal cigarette market in Pakistan: Govt urged to prioritise anti-smuggling measures
KARACHI: Fawad Khan, spokesperson for Mustehkam Pakistan, has emphasised that 'Illicit trade is draining the country's resources and undermining its ability to function effectively. We hope the World Health Organization considers that further tax increases could unintentionally encourage the illegal cigarette market in Pakistan.' He further stated that while legal cigarette manufacturers contribute nearly all of the sector's tax revenue, they face growing pressure from untaxed and illicit products, many of which do not carry mandatory health warnings. 'Unless enforcement is strengthened, additional tax hikes may prove counterproductive by driving more consumers toward illicit brands,' he warned. Instead of focusing solely on tax increases, Pakistan must prioritise anti-illicit trade enforcement, as higher taxes without strong implementation may shift more consumers toward illegal products rather than reducing tobacco use. Current data revealed that the compliant tobacco sector generates nearly 98% of total tobacco tax revenue, yet holds just 46% of the market share. Meanwhile, untaxed and illegal products now account for over half of the market, resulting in an estimated annual loss of Rs 415 billion to the national exchequer. While the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to advocate for higher tobacco taxation as part of its efforts to reduce smoking, experts cautioned that ignoring the rampant illicit trade could undermine both public health objectives and revenue gains. If not addressed, further tax hikes may inadvertently fuel the black market for cigarettes. Fawad Khan emphasised that policy momentum must now be translated into action, including the implementation of a robust Track & Trace system, closing legal loopholes, and enhancing coordination among the FBR, Customs, and law enforcement agencies. He noted that similar digital monitoring mechanisms in the sugar and cement sectors have significantly improved revenue collection and could yield similar results in the tobacco sector. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Arab News
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Pakistani films Nayab and Deemak win top honors at SCO Film Festival in China
ISLAMABAD: Two Pakistani films, Nayab and Deemak, have won major accolades at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival in China, state-run news agency APP reported on Monday. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ The festival showcased 27 films from SCO member states, including China, Russia, Pakistan, India, and Central Asian countries. Organized to foster regional cinematic exchange, the event featured screenings, industry forums, a film technology expo, and a gala concert, with awards presented in ten categories. The SCO Film Festival first launched in 2018 and is a cultural initiative of the multilateral bloc to promote cooperation in cinema and the creative industries among member countries. 'Pakistani film Nayab and Deemak received prestigious 'Jury Special Award' and 'Best Editing Award' respectively at the colorful concluding ceremony of SCO film festival held at Chongqing, China,' Associated Press of Pakistan reported. Nayab, released in 2024, is a sports-drama centered on a young woman from Karachi, played by Yumna Zaidi, who aspires to become a professional cricketer despite intense family and societal opposition. The cast includes Fawad Khan, Javed Sheikh, and Adnan Siddiqui. The film has previously won multiple awards, including Best Foreign Film and Best First-Time Filmmaker (Feature) at the World Film Festival in Cannes, and a Special Jury Diploma at the 30th Minsk International Film Festival. 'The cinema was packed, and what truly moved me was how deeply they engaged with the film,' Nayab's director Umair Nasir Ali told APP after the film's screen at the SCO festival. 'They picked up on the layers, the emotional arcs and asked thoughtful, relevant questions that showed how closely they had followed the story.' Deemak is a psychological horror film directed by Rafay Akbar Rashdi and starring Soniya Hussyn, Faysal Quraishi, Samina Peerzada, and Bushra Ansari. Set in an aging home haunted by unexplained phenomena, the film explores family tensions and mental trauma. It became Pakistan's highest-grossing horror film when it released earlier this year, earning over Rs60 million [$211,173] in its opening week. Pakistan's film industry has seen a steady resurgence in recent years, with a new generation of filmmakers experimenting with genres from sports dramas to horror and social realism. Joyland (2022) became the first Pakistani feature to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section, and was later selected as Pakistan's official entry to the Oscars. The country has also received two Academy Award wins in the documentary short category by filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. Meanwhile, The Legend of Maula Jatt (2022) set new box office records, becoming Pakistan's highest-grossing film to date and finding global audiences with its big-budget, Punjabi-language action storytelling.
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First Post
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Why Pakistani actors Fawad Khan, Diljit Dosanjh's 'Sardaar Ji 3' co-star Hania Aamir's Instagram accounts were briefly unblocked in India and then blocked again?
Fawad Khan, Hania Aamir, and Mahira Khan's accounts remained inaccessible from yesterday. The message that appears is- 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.' read more Pakistani actors like Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor's Instagram accounts were briefly unblocked in India and then blocked again. There are other names like in the list as well. These accounts were restored due to 'technical reasons', according to the sources. However, Fawad Khan, Hania Aamir, and Mahira Khan's accounts remained inaccessible from yesterday. The message that appears is- 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The ban on Pakistani content in India 'OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription-based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect,' a statement by the government said that was released publicly. All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA)'s demand on banning Pakistani artists Urgent Appeal to Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji Regarding the Reappearance of Pakistani Artists' Social Media & Channels in India – AICWA Demands Immediate and Permanent Ban All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) makes a direct and urgent appeal to the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji, to immediately impose a complete ban on the social media presence and media channels of all Pakistani nationals, artists, influencers, and entertainment entities in India. PRESS RELEASE Date: 2nd July 2025 From: All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) Subject: Urgent Appeal to Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji Regarding the Reappearance of Pakistani Artists' Social Media & Channels in India – AICWA Demands Immediate and… — All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) July 2, 2025 It is deeply concerning and absolutely unacceptable that social media accounts of Pakistani artists like Mawra Hocane, Yumna Zaidi, and several Pakistan-based channels are once again visible in India. This is not merely a digital appearance — it is a direct insult to the sacrifice of our martyred soldiers and an emotional assault on every Indian who lost a loved one in terror attacks perpetrated by Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD


Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sonakshi Sinha weighs in on Pakistani actors being banned in India amid Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaar Ji 3 casting Hania Aamir: 'Do they allow Indian actors to work there?'
The debate over Pakistani artists in Indian cinema has resurfaced, intensified by recent events and calls for boycotts. Sonakshi Sinha voiced her support for national solidarity, highlighting the lack of reciprocity from Pakistan. Following the Pahalgam attack, FWICE reiterated its ban, stalling Fawad Khan's film and impacting Diljit Dosanjh's project. The long-standing debate over the presence of Pakistani artists in Indian cinema has resurfaced, reigniting tensions within the industry. With Sardaar Ji 3 facing backlash for casting Pakistani actor Hania Aamir and Fawad Khan 's Abir Gulal stalled amid fresh calls for a boycott, voices from Bollywood are once again weighing in. Among them is Sonakshi Sinha , who, while promoting her upcoming film Nikita Roy, shared her stance on the issue—emphasising national solidarity and questioning the lack of reciprocity from Pakistan's side. When asked by NDTV about the ban on Pakistani actors in India, Sonakshi Sinha responded by saying she stands in solidarity with her country and supports whatever decision it takes, pointing out that Indian actors aren't allowed to work in Pakistan either. Following the Pahalgam terror attack , the Federation of Western India Cine Employees once again called for a boycott of Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians in the Indian film industry. A similar ban was earlier imposed after the 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 35 paramilitary personnel. In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) renewed its directive, reiterating a complete boycott of Pakistani artists. Citing the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film Abir Gulaal, FWICE stated that no Pakistani artists, singers, or technicians should be involved in any Indian film or entertainment project—regardless of where the collaboration takes place globally. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Amid renewed calls to ban Pakistani artistes in India, the release of Fawad Khan's film Abir Gulal was stalled in May. To avoid controversy amid the ongoing debate over Pakistani artistes, Diljit Dosanjh 's Sardaar Ji 3 skipped its India release. The film is set to hit theatres overseas, including in Pakistan, on June 27. Sonakshi Sinha's upcoming film Nikita Roy marks the directorial debut of her brother, Kussh S Sinha. She plays the lead role, with Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal, and Suhail Nayyar also featuring in key roles.