TREASURE TROVE

Pakistani beauties post no-makeup selfies for #WokeUpThisWay challenge

Nadia Hussain took to Instagram to promote women empowerment by posting a photo of herself without any make-up on, hoping to create a healthy body image for her fans across Pakistan. Inspired by American model Cindy Crawford, she accompanied her picture with a hard-hitting caption and asked, “Why do we think that posting our authentic, real self is somehow not lovable enough? It’s time to wake up. Your true you is the bomb.” The entrepreneur also requested other celebrities to promote the cause and share their bare faces, nominating Mahira Khan, Mawra Hocane and Ayesha Omar to take the challenge.

While the three leading ladies are yet to respond to her request, Sahiba Afzal, wife of actor Afzal Khan (known as Jan Rambo), was one of the first people to accept the challenge and post a no-makeup picture of herself followed by Zhalay Sarhadi. Humaima Malick’s sister Dua did not shy away from the challenge either. The mother-of-two shared her pictures and confessed, “Yes, we all have acne scars, dark circles, blackheads, facial hair and what not. That’s life. We don’t want to sleep with photoshop.”

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#FROMTHEHEART
Sajal pens heartfelt message for Ahad

Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly have fast become one of Pakistan’s favourite on-screen couples, and their chemistry is just as tight in real life. This was evident at the trailer launch of Ahad’s feature film debut Parwaaz Hai Junoon in Karachi, where Sajal stood by him like a rock. Taking to Twitter, the Mom starlet praised her co-star for his performance in the film and wrote, “I was forced into writing this congratulatory post, not only because of Ahad’s great reveal in Parwaaz Hai Junoon but mostly because of the spark I saw in his mother’s eyes.”

She added, “I can relate so much to this picture as this was my own mother rooting for me. Mother’s become your first fans, first love, first audience, first critics and only support system. So I have to tell you Ahad, we all may be proud of you but your mother is easily the proudest! Congratulations.”

#DREAMCOMETRUE
Hareem on cloud nine after meeting Justin Trudeau

Hareem Farooq recently flew to Canada in hopes of expanding her banner of films. But the best part of her trip was certainly meeting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Talking exclusively to Mag, the actress shared, “For me the best part about the meeting is the realisation that Pakistan’s entertainment industry is relevant enough that it can bridge such huge barriers and give opportunities to an average Pakistani girl like me to be sitting with the Prime Minister of Canada. I guess, it’s now that I can really see and believe the power of dreams and how if you truly believe you can make those dreams your reality!”

#MUSICREVIEW
Farhan Saeed’s official anthem for PTI, disappoints fans

Music has always played an integral role in allotting election campaigns their heightened frenzy in Pakistan. Supporters waving party flags amidst a chorus of their official anthem are common sights (and noises) during the days leading up to the election. With election campaigns picking up steam every day, political parties are forming alliances with the country’s musicians to create their own anthem and jingles. Recently, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) joined hands with Farhan Saeed, to create the party’s new official anthem titled, “Ab sirf Imran Khan”.

Farhan Saeed has sung some of the most beautiful, chart-topping songs in his musical career, but honestly, his take on PTI’s official anthem isn’t his best so far. Election campaign songs usually bank on the catchy tunes that sticks to one’s head and use of emotional, impactful lyrics; however, Saeed’s anthem for the party lacks the catchy melody and is forgettable to say the least. The lyrical narrations, too, lack powerful wordings that could land an impact on a patriotic listener. Needless to say, Farhan Saeed’s voice and the lyrical composition pales next to PTI’s previous anthem which was sung five years ago by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and was a rendition of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poignant poetry Hum Dekhen Ge. Ab Sirf Imran Khan fails to instill a patriotic fervour in many and doesn’t have a memorable chorus either.

#WATCHOUT
Reham's tell-all biography gets a surprise release on Amazon

TV journalist and former wife of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Reham Khan, announced the release of her tell-all biography on Amazon last week. Titled Reham Khan, the 563-page biography is said to detail the main events of her life as she balanced motherhood with a career that veered from broadcasting to social activism. However, the book caused a furore prior to the release due to its rumoured portrayal of her

ex-husband in negative light.

Reham locked horns over the book's contents with several public figures, most notably Hamza Ali Abbasi. The book's Amazon page adds that it "touches sensitive issues both, political and social, and the author has had to resist extreme bullying, harassment and life-threatening situations to bring it to you."

The book is available in paperback in the UK and select territories, and also in ebook format worldwide.

#ACROSSTHEBORDER
Atif & Rahat to lend their vocals for Namaste England

Music lovers are sure in for a treat! According to Mumbai Mirror, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has teamed up with ace lyricist Javed Akhtar for an upcoming number that will be featured in Vipul Shah’s next, Namaste England. The song will be picturised on Arjun Kapoor, as he plays the male lead in the film opposite Parineeti Chopra. Titled Tu Meri Main Tera, the song has been recorded in Dubai.

On the other hand, Atif Aslam has also been roped in to croon a romantic number Tere Liye. Composer Mannan Shah shared, “Atif was always my first choice for the song. I adore his voice and he’s sung a quintessential romantic song.”