Latest news with #TaxaliGate
Express Tribune
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Mehar Bano slams the dark side of showbiz
Is there a dark side plaguing the showbiz industry in Pakistan? Taxali Gate actor Mehar Bano is convinced there is, and did not mince her words when delivering her scathing verdict on the subject during a recent appearance on Hasna Mana Hai. "There is a dark side in every industry, and even more so here because there are so many beautiful faces involved," began the actor as she mused over the obstacles strewn across her chosen career path. "You also get electric, larger than life personalities, and celebrities want to meet with them, mingle with them." In Bano's experience, the downside of these beautiful, electrifying people all mingling with each other all points to the biggest red flag in the world of showbiz: harassment. "There are lots of people – men and women – who face harassment, be it on set or off set," she stressed. "Then there is also the fact that when someone offers you work, often they expect something back in return. There is an exchange of favours." Although Bano did not explicitly state what that 'something' would be, or what these 'favours' were, her words hinted at the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry where all paid word comes with strings attached. "Yes, this happens even in 2025," she stated firmly. "It is not the only thing that happens, but I would say that it happens as well. And it happens a lot, I won't lie." Bano did not elaborate on whether or not she personally has experienced harassment throughout the course of her career. No stranger to controversy, however, the actor – known for her performances in Churails and Mere Paas Tum Ho – faced backlash from fans last year after posting dance videos on her Instagram account. The actor's words on wide scale harassment unconsciously echo those of screenwriter Bee Gul's, who appeared on Rafay Mahmood's podcast last year and gave an almost identical account of the entertainment industry in Pakistan by noting that sexual exploitation has become a hallmark of showbiz. "It is so common that any girl who enters the industry considers it normal," declared Bee in a matter-of-fact tone, ripping to shreds the misguided notion that the industry could ever be "paak saaf". "It happens everywhere I know. Women are mentally prepared for it. They know that at some point, they will have to trade off their body or beauty." Bee was adamant that granting sexual favours is such an entrenched part of climbing the ladder to success that often if women are to progress, they have no choice but to give in. "For so many, it is their only way to the top, no matter how good an actor they are otherwise," she lamented.
Express Tribune
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Cinemas should lower prices: Abu Aleeha
In a post shared to Instagram on Wednesday, film director Abu Aleeha advocated for the reduction of ticket prices to boost business in Pakistani cinemas. Backing the suggestion to bring back Indian films to Pakistani theatres, he highlighted that there was a bigger problem at play. "We should screen Indian films, but why are we refusing to reduce ticket prices from 1000 to 250 rupees, or popcorn and drink prices from 500 to 150?" he posed. "Cinema is a common people's entertainment. Please open your cinemas for them." The Taxali Gate director elaborated on his argument further in a grid post. "The cinema owners' stance is stubborn: show Indian films or we will shut down cinemas. However, they refuse to halve ticket prices because they don't want ordinary people in their air-conditioned halls," he wrote. Drawing comparisons with Bollywood, he added, "Around the world, parallel cinema thrives on affordable tickets. In India, big-budget films like Animal, Chhaava, Jawan, and Stree 2 were shown with tickets as low as 199 rupees to maximise audience turnout. If Pakistani films like Javed Iqbal, Maadari, John, and Laal Kabootar had 250-rupee tickets, they would have not only doubled their investment but also spurred the creation of dozens more similar films." Abu Aleeha believes that the solution lies in making the cinema an accessible experience for all. "Screen Indian films, by all means, but keep ticket prices low so that both the elite and the common person can enjoy movies. Cinema-going is a habit, not a luxury. By making cinema more accessible, we can revitalise the Pakistani film industry and create a thriving cultural scene." Followers echoed Abu Aleeha's sentiments in the comments section. "It is totally possible. If we have open-air cinemas, sell cheap street fare, and bring in a larger audience, we could sell tickets at a much lower price and still make a profit. Not everybody needs to go to fancy air-conditioned halls in posh locales to watch films," a user wrote, while others expressed that they couldn't agree more with the director's words. Actor Ahmad Ali Butt also spoke out on the cinema crisis in an Instagram Story shared recently. "Our cinema needs films," he stressed, listing various industries to make his point. "We can't afford to close cinema houses anymore."
