Latest news with #Asim
Express Tribune
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Asim Azhar requests fans to stop chanting Merub's name during concert
Listen to article Pakistani singer Asim Azhar gracefully handled an uncomfortable moment during a recent concert when fans repeatedly chanted the name of his former fiancée, Merub Ali. A video of the incident quickly circulated on social media. Asim, known for his hit songs, has often been in the spotlight for his personal relationships, including his 2019 relationship with actress Hania Aamir. Hania Aamir and Asim Azhar as they walk the ramp. PHOTO: ASIM AZHAR/INSTAGRAM After their breakup in 2022, Asim became engaged to model and actress Merub Ali, a relationship that has also recently ended. During the concert, as fans began calling out 'Merub,' Asim calmly requested the crowd to stop, reminding them, 'Please don't do that. You all have families too,' urging respect and consideration. After addressing the crowd, Asim performed his emotional track, which many fans viewed as expressing his personal sentiments.
Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Asim and Merub end engagement with grace
Singer Asim Azhar and actor Merub Ali have officially ended their engagement, the couple confirmed via Instagram on Thursday. In a heartfelt joint statement posted to his Instagram Stories, the Radd singer wrote: "We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to take a moment to share something personal, as we believe we owe that to those who have supported us — fans, friends, and well-wishers." "After a great deal of thought and reflection," he continued, "Merub and I have chosen to move forward on separate paths peacefully and mutually. While we shared meaningful moments and genuinely hoped for a future together, life sometimes takes its own course." Asim, who got engaged to the Sinfe Aahan actor in 2021, emphasised that the separation was amicable. "We have the utmost respect for each other and the families involved, and always will," he wrote, requesting fans and media for privacy during this period. The announcement concluded with a note of gratitude: "Thank you for your continued support." The pair had long kept their relationship largely private, occasionally sharing glimpses of their bond on social media. Even before they confirmed their relationship status in 2021, the duo had been fuelling the rumour mill for quite some time. Shortly before the engagement announcement, Asim took to X to clarify that he had never labelled Merub as his "sister", as was allegedly being claimed by some based on a doctored screenshot. He wrote, "To all reposting a screenshot of a 'news channel' that said I had labelled Merub as my sister [because] of a fake chat a fan had made, I clarified it a year ago." The singer continued, "Reminder, since this is a beautiful moment of my life that I want to cherish. Doosre ki khushi mai khush hona chahiye [You should be happy for others]." He went on to add in a separate post, "Clarification was important because the narrative was disgusting. Anyways, baaki sab ko mithaai jald hi ghar pohanch jayegi [the mithai will reach everyone else's homes soon]. I love you guys. Thank you for the love and duas." Merub also took to her Instagram story to request people to steer clear of spreading rumours for the sake of gossip. She wrote, "Please refrain from spreading false info, fake dates and especially refrain from bringing other humans down to celebrate us," in a possible nod to fans bullying actor Hania Aamir, whom Asim previously dated.
Express Tribune
09-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Heatwave dampens Eid recreation
A severe heatwave gripped South Punjab during the Eid holidays, forcing people to stay indoors as temperatures soared up to 45 degrees Celsius across the region. Public parks, recreational spots and streets wore a deserted look during what is usually a festive holiday season. The extreme heat left little room for traditional family outings or outdoor celebrations. "It's just too hot. We don't even feel like stepping out of the house," said Salman Amjad, a local resident. "You feel drained the moment you open the door." According to the Meteorological Department, the heatwave is expected to persist until June 12, with no significant drop in temperature forecast in the coming days. Many residents, especially those who returned to their hometowns for the Eid, preferred staying indoors with their families. "We chose to stay inside. After eating meat, the heat feels even more unbearable," said Asim, a resident of Nawabpur. A healthcare expert, Dr Waqas Arqam, warned that high temperatures, combined with heavy meat intake on the Eid, might cause dehydration and fatigue. He advised citizens to drink plenty of water, avoid exposure to the sun and limit physical activity. Local authorities also reported a noticeable drop in footfall at public places, with parks, play areas and tourist spots largely empty on all three Eid days.
India Today
31-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
'Feels like home': Interview video of Indian 'spy' in Pak alerted agencies
Kasim (marked in red circle), the man arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI, is seen in a YouTube video posted by a Pakistani media outlet. (Screengrab) Kasim arrested from Rajasthan for spying for Pakistan Radicalised several individuals in India Kasim's brother Asim also arrested for espionage activities The man arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly spying for Pakistan visited the country twice in a year to receive training from his ISI handlers, officials told India Today. That Kasim, a resident of Rajasthan, visited Pakistan was confirmed after he was seen in a YouTube video speaking to a Pakistani media outlet. Kasim was arrested in the Deeg area of Mewat in Rajasthan on Thursday. The video, posted by the YouTube channel 'Rehbar-e-Mewat', shows Kasim telling the news anchor that it "felt like home" in Pakistan. "Mr Kasim, welcome to Pakistan once again. How does it feel to be back in Pakistan?" the anchor is heard asking him. To this, Kasim replies, "It feels like home. I get so much love and affection here that it brings me back so soon. I am back here in less than three months due to your people's love and affection". According to officials, Kasim visited Pakistan for the first time in August 2024 and again in March 2025, staying for about 90 days in total. During these visits, he received espionage training from his ISI handlers and senior operatives. Investigations revealed that Kasim was sending Indian SIM cards to Pakistan, which were then used by Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) to contact Indians via WhatsApp for gathering sensitive military and government-related information. Kasim is also alleged to have radicalised several individuals in India and authorities believe he has a wider network, with further arrests expected soon. KASIM'S BROTHER HELD FOR ESPIONAGE Kasim's brother Asim has also been arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI, sources told India Today. He had been on Indian intelligence agencies' radar for some time due to his suspicious cross-border connections. His name came up during the questioning of Kasim. As per sources, Asim made repeated visits to Pakistan under the pretext of meeting relatives, during which he allegedly came in contact with ISI agents. These interactions during his visits to Pakistan are now part of a broader probe, sources said. During interrogation, Kasim told the police that after reaching Pakistan for the first time, he was informed by his handlers that his brother was already working for them. Kasim came into the picture after Asim's visa expired. It was then that Kasim was allegedly asked to continue the link and facilitate further communication. Sources said that Asim would be taken to Gurugram and Barmer for further investigation. Hearing the matter on Saturday, a Delhi court asked the Delhi Police if this could be a case of cyber fraud rather than espionage. Police said there have been multiple instances where Indian numbers were used in Pakistan to honey-trap officials. The SIM cards, obtained from Central Delhi's Anand Parbat area, were issued in Asim's name and were taken to Pakistan by Kasim, they added. Meanwhile, sections under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) are likely to be invoked against Kasim at a later stage, according to sources. The man arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly spying for Pakistan visited the country twice in a year to receive training from his ISI handlers, officials told India Today. That Kasim, a resident of Rajasthan, visited Pakistan was confirmed after he was seen in a YouTube video speaking to a Pakistani media outlet. Kasim was arrested in the Deeg area of Mewat in Rajasthan on Thursday. The video, posted by the YouTube channel 'Rehbar-e-Mewat', shows Kasim telling the news anchor that it "felt like home" in Pakistan. "Mr Kasim, welcome to Pakistan once again. How does it feel to be back in Pakistan?" the anchor is heard asking him. To this, Kasim replies, "It feels like home. I get so much love and affection here that it brings me back so soon. I am back here in less than three months due to your people's love and affection". According to officials, Kasim visited Pakistan for the first time in August 2024 and again in March 2025, staying for about 90 days in total. During these visits, he received espionage training from his ISI handlers and senior operatives. Investigations revealed that Kasim was sending Indian SIM cards to Pakistan, which were then used by Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) to contact Indians via WhatsApp for gathering sensitive military and government-related information. Kasim is also alleged to have radicalised several individuals in India and authorities believe he has a wider network, with further arrests expected soon. KASIM'S BROTHER HELD FOR ESPIONAGE Kasim's brother Asim has also been arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI, sources told India Today. He had been on Indian intelligence agencies' radar for some time due to his suspicious cross-border connections. His name came up during the questioning of Kasim. As per sources, Asim made repeated visits to Pakistan under the pretext of meeting relatives, during which he allegedly came in contact with ISI agents. These interactions during his visits to Pakistan are now part of a broader probe, sources said. During interrogation, Kasim told the police that after reaching Pakistan for the first time, he was informed by his handlers that his brother was already working for them. Kasim came into the picture after Asim's visa expired. It was then that Kasim was allegedly asked to continue the link and facilitate further communication. Sources said that Asim would be taken to Gurugram and Barmer for further investigation. Hearing the matter on Saturday, a Delhi court asked the Delhi Police if this could be a case of cyber fraud rather than espionage. Police said there have been multiple instances where Indian numbers were used in Pakistan to honey-trap officials. The SIM cards, obtained from Central Delhi's Anand Parbat area, were issued in Asim's name and were taken to Pakistan by Kasim, they added. Meanwhile, sections under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) are likely to be invoked against Kasim at a later stage, according to sources. Join our WhatsApp Channel
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Revisiting Aranyer Din Ratri: Even after 55 years, this Satyajit Ray film remains a timeless study of privilege
It took the help of the Satyajit Ray fanboy in Wes Anderson, plus the persistence of filmmaker Martin Scorsese, the team of The Film Foundation and the efforts of Shivendra Singh Dungarpur and the Film Heritage Foundation to restore Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest). It is an important moment for the history of Indian Cinema. The crucial act of preservation of the film makes for a beautiful opportunity to revisit it once more. A great film endures- over time, place and generations- and opens up new avenues of thought and interrogation. Aranyer Din Ratri, which first released in 1970, is one such film. Even 55 years later, it remains as pointed in its critique of unchecked privilege and bourgeois moralities as ever. (Also read: Sharmila Tagore, Simi Garewal attend Aranyer Din Ratri Cannes screening, hang out with Satyajit Ray fanboy Wes Anderson) Aranyer Din Ratri opens up like a magic trick. You expect the film to be about something else, and it slowly turns into an entirely different film by the end. The shift occurs with such calculated yet seemingly effortless precision that the viewer is left slightly shaken, slightly pushed from the ground beneath their feet. Ray's masterful mis-en-scene allows the viewer in the opening minutes to form a joyful association with the film's premise. Four friends are on their way to a vacation at Palamau, in Bihar. The first half of the film is all about their boyish ambivalence and willful ignorance; they are here to take a few days off from the stress of their daily urban chores and relax. They break rules, stay at the forest guest house without permission, and drink up till late in the night. A post shared by Film Heritage Foundation (@filmheritagefoundation) The shift occurs when these four men chance upon the two ladies who stay at a nearby bungalow. After a brief introduction, the four men are invited to have breakfast the next day and they form a casual bond with one another- which Ray observes with the eye of a strategic chess master. It is Asim (played by the great Soumitra Chatterjee), who vies for the attention of Aparna (Sharmila Tagore, in a performance of unmatched radiance); which picks up the momentum of the film. It does not help that Aparna catches Asim creating a scene one night when he is totally drunk, or sees him taking a bath outside the guest house in just his boxers. Asim is flummoxed; he cannot understand what he must do to win her over. Aparna crushes his pride with great tactility, and gently exposes the callousness with which he inhabits the world. Ray's direction is masterful in these scenes, as he connects the dots in which Asim and his bunch of friends choose to acknowledge their hollow sense of manly privilege and morality. If the first half feels like an incoming buddy comedy, the second half takes on the propulsive intrigue of a psychological drama. Ray shifts the viewer's attention from a sense of wonder to that of gentle reflection. Suddenly, these men become a little too discomfiting in their relativity. Their goodness hides a classist point of view willfully seeking beauty amid the pain and distress that is caused by their actions. Aranyer Din Ratri is revelatory in its dissection of identity politics, in showing how the veneer of conservatism transpires behind progressive ideals, and leads on to hypocritical standards of society. It seems like a simple film, but hides a profound secret of human nature beneath the surface. Ray reveals layers within each of these characters, throws them off the hook and sees how they respond to it. The forest becomes the great leveler, stripping the sophistication of these men to make room for some self-interrogation. What will happen when they go back? (Interestingly, Goutam Ghose made a sequel to Aranyer Din Ratri in Abar Aranye, which is also a great follow-up in this case) Still, Aranyer Din Ratri is not just a story of four men, it points at a larger and much more universal masculinity that is embedded in the socio-cultural fabric. Gorgeously shot and filled with superb performances from the ensemble cast, Aranyer Din Ratri is a deeply intelligent film that remains one of the very best works of Satyajit Ray. The questions it raises are timeless.
