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Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Is feminism really that easy?
Known for Sabaat and currently starring in Sher, actor Sarah Khan's recent rejection of feminism was delivered with casual ease. "I'm from the old times," she told Independent Urdu. "I'm a stay-at-home woman. I don't like standing in long queues to pay bills." Among Pakistani actors, it's become almost a ritual to distance themselves from feminism. By doing so, Sarah joins a growing list of celebrities who risk being labelled ungrateful, deluded, brainwashed — or, perhaps most cuttingly, a "pick me." But set aside, for a moment, the troubling ease with which "pick me" accusations are lobbed at unpopular women. Sarah's remarks might actually be the most honest a celebrity can afford to be. In Pakistan's entertainment industry — and, to varying degrees, far beyond it — any political stance is a liability. But Pakistan's entertainment scene also comes with its own peculiar set of restraints: given the lamentable state of storytelling across its small and big screens, feminism might well spell the end of homegrown cinema and television as we know it. Could Sarah embrace feminism and still survive in this business? If all the internet demands is a declaration, then there's no expectation that she challenge the industry's tired tropes: marital rape framed as romance, cheating husbands and weeping wives, villainous in-laws on loop. And yet, even those who do claim feminism rarely escape scrutiny. In another timeline, Sarah might call herself a feminist - and still end up like Mahira Khan, defending Humsafar as decidedly feminist. Unless she waits for a script that aligns with her politics — a patience more feasible for veterans like Sania Saeed than for the younger lot — Sarah, like many, must navigate an industry with few real choices. Celebrities may not be anti-feminist so much as anti-permanence, determined to keep all doors open in a volatile landscape. At this cultural juncture, perhaps it's time to retire the reflexive urge to dismiss them as uninformed or unserious. After all, feminism doesn't require credentials. Or does it? Of flawed feminists Of all the accusations hurled at women who reject feminism, "pick me" might be the most accurate - not with derision, but as a simple observation. These women do get picked, or at least, they don't get dropped. It is far easier to be a perfect anti-feminist than to be a flawed feminist. In 2025, the internet remains the primary venue for these debates. It is many things — chaotic, compulsive, connective — but it is not, by design, a place for dialogue. In lieu of coalition, we get temporary publics that vanish with a single accidental refresh. Sarah's remarks, unfortunately but unsurprisingly, are rewarded. She earns the approval of many women, even more men, her corporate backers, and, most reliably, the algorithm and its appetite for controversy. In contrast, claiming feminism would likely win her no one - not even feminists. Consider, for instance, the loudly marketed feminism of Priyanka Chopra or Gal Gadot, which always stops short of calling out the genocidal regimes they represent. This is simply because feminism, unlike celebrity culture, has never been about victories or perfection - both imply a final destination, a tangible reward. But feminism is, and has always been, a long, often grueling project of constructing alternatives. When Sarah says she isn't a feminist because she doesn't like standing in queues to pay bills, it's hard not to smile. Who has ever dreamt of engaging with mind-numbing bureaucracy? However, to move from personal inconvenience to structural critique — to ask who is forced to endure such banalities and who can afford to opt out — requires a working knowledge of class, capitalism, and economic inequality. Sarah's discomfort is valid. She has two choices: repeat polite, vague affirmations of "women's empowerment" or be honest about what bothers her. Shorthands without shelter It can be an uncomfortable realisation, especially for those whose first exposure to feminist politics comes online: the "right" politics is not a moral instinct and in fact, requires labour and access. Harsh realities, too, are not always radicalising, not unless you find others to hold onto. Isn't this why we extend grace to our mothers? Most would never call themselves feminists, yet we recognise in their lives the slow work of navigating time, access, and patriarchy. This grace comes from understanding that naming something is a privilege; not everyone has the means or the language to do so. Despite the many ways of practicing feminism, it's language is still a matter of access and cultural capital — online and offline both. But even the language aside, to suggest that feminism should come naturally — without friction, without labour, without missteps — misses the point of any resistance movement. At any given moment on the Pakistani internet, someone is explaining, often impatiently, why using the n-word is wrong, why blackface is racist, or why cultural appropriation matters. Frequently, this confidence to correct comes from assuming proximity to discourse equals clarity. God forbid anyone asks why feminism is good or racism is bad. These are no longer merely uncomfortable questions, but bad-faith attacks that feminists are all too tired to answer. A natural reflex to these presumably futile remarks is to let disappointment or betrayal creep in. It is a good strategy to cope with the bad days. But good days must come bearing patience for an unlearning that takes its sweet time. After all, both vitriol-spewing trolls and young feminists will find us in the same world of shorthands. In this world, there is no luxury of time and space to write in case you missed it, when ICYMI is an option. We know that Instagram/TikTok reels perform best at under 60 seconds, that X posts are limited to 280 characters, and that long, boring blocks of text belong to Medium or LinkedIn. It is within this sheer compression of context that many find feminism and anti-feminism that come too easily, more as identity than practice. While one can survive being stripped of context and care, the other cannot. This is why it simply should not matter whether Sarah calls herself a feminist or not. And without doubt, calling Sarah a "pick me" is more damaging than her remarks about feminism. After all, saying "I am a feminist" is just another shorthand unless there is a corresponding space to figure out whatever the hell that means.
Express Tribune
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
'I am nothing without my sister'
Sarah Khan and Falak Shabir, beloved by fans for their heartfelt bond and commitment to each other, recently took a moment on a local channel's special Eid show to honour someone who has played an instrumental role in their lives: Sarah's sister, Noor Zafar Khan. During the Eid show, Sarah shared just how vital Noor is to her. "Noor goes with us wherever we travel. She is always with me unless she has work in Karachi. I am nothing without my sister Noor," Sarah revealed. In a moment of playful yet sincere camaraderie, Sarah recounted a recent favour she asked of Noor. "I asked Noor to take care of Alyana during a project. She agreed but jokingly demanded either a signature on Alyana's adoption papers or half the payment from my shoot!" Sarah laughed, hinting at the close-knit, supportive bond they share. She added, "I don't know what I'll do after she gets married; she's my biggest support system." Falak, the ever-romantic and devoted husband, also joined the conversation, showering Noor with praise. "We don't see her as a star," he said. "She's more like a nanny for us. We rely on her so much. I genuinely pray that she gets blessed with daughters like herself. She's a perfectionist, a homemaker, and someone who truly deserves a prince." Sarah, an important name in Pakistan's entertainment industry, is celebrated for her stunning performances in dramas like Sabaat, Raqse Bismil, Hum Tum, Mumkin, and Laapata. But beneath her professional achievements lies an incredibly strong and loving family bond, particularly with her sister Noor, who she credits as an essential part of her life. On the work front, Sarah recently unveiled the first look of her character, Dr Fajar, from the upcoming drama Shair, co-starring Danish Taimoor. Additionally, she revealed that Falak has lent his voice to the drama's original soundtrack, adding a personal touch to the production. Falak, on the other hand, is actively preparing to release a new single. While specific details about the release date and title have yet to be announced, fans are eagerly anticipating his upcoming work.
Express Tribune
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
It's Wedding Season in Lollywood! Actress Anmol Baloch Might Be the Next One to Tie the Knot
Wedding season in Pakistan is one of the most exciting times of the year, especially during the winter months. With the summer heat in cities like Karachi making weddings almost impossible, winter becomes the perfect backdrop for celebrations. January and December are usually the peak months for weddings, with back-to-back events keeping us busy. But as the peak wedding season winds down, it seems like the Pakistani entertainment industry is just getting started! Lately, we've been bombarded with wedding rumors, announcements, photos, and videos of our favorite stars. Love is truly in the air in Lollywood, and we couldn't be happier about it! Anmol Baloch: The Next Lollywood Bride? Anmol Baloch has been making waves in the Pakistani entertainment industry with her stellar acting in dramas like Iqtidar , where she garnered praise for her acting chops. Known for her grace, beauty, and professional demeanor, Anmol has long been admired by fans. Now, the actress is making headlines for something even more exciting: her wedding rumors! According to reports, Anmol is set to marry in 2025, and her soon-to-be husband is Omair Baig, a millionaire businessman and the son of a well-known minister. While Anmol has kept her personal life private, the news of her wedding has sent fans into a frenzy. The actress has yet to confirm the details, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting the official announcement—or maybe even a surprise wedding post, like Mawra Hocane and Ameer Gilani did! Ahmed Ali Akbar Ahmed Ali Akbar, the heartthrob behind the iconic role of Parizaad , is no stranger to stealing hearts. With his charismatic performances and down-to-earth persona, it's no surprise that he's also one of the most eligible bachelors in the industry. While Ahmed has kept his personal life fairly private, rumors are swirling that he's set to marry in February. Social media detectives have dug into his Instagram, with many speculating that his bride-to-be is Maham Batool, a lawyer and digital content creator. Although neither Ahmed nor Maham has confirmed the speculation, fans are eager to know if February will be the month that brings wedding bells for the beloved actor. Mawra Hocane and Ameer Gilani: A Dream Wedding Come True In an unexpected move that delighted their fans, Mawra Hocane and Ameer Gilani have tied the knot! The two, known for their sizzling chemistry in hit dramas like Sabaat and Neem , shocked fans by getting married out of the blue, just as wedding rumors were circulating. Fans had been eagerly awaiting confirmation of the wedding, and the couple decided to surprise everyone with their wedding photoshoot at the beautiful Lahore Fort. The duo, who first met in 2020, have captivated audiences with their natural connection and playful social media banter. It's a moment to celebrate for their fans, who have followed their journey from on-screen chemistry to a real-life happily ever after. Kubra Khan and Gohar Rasheed: Wedding Bells for This Longtime Duo Kubra Khan and Gohar Rasheed, who have been best friends for over a decade, have taken their relationship to the next level. Their friendship has been admired by fans, and their undeniable on-screen chemistry, especially in Jannat Se Aage , fueled speculations about their off-screen bond. The couple recently confirmed their relationship and announced their marriage in a sweet and playful Instagram post. The wedding festivities have officially begun, with a dholki night hosted by Momal Sheikh. Gohar Rasheed shared his excitement, thanking everyone who made the night special. With rumors swirling that their nikkah will be held in Saudi Arabia, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of Kubra and Gohar's love story. 2025 seems to be a year of love and new beginnings for these stars, and February seems to be particularly lucky!
Express Tribune
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Who is Mawra Hocane husband Ameer Gilani?
Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane recently married fellow actor Ameer Gilani, with their wedding photoshoot held at Lahore Fort. Known for their on-screen chemistry in hit dramas like Sabaat and Neem , Ameer and Mawra have been a fan-favorite duo since they first met in 2020. Their natural connection in Sabaat —which became a massive hit—had fans speculating that their bond extended beyond the screen. Despite the duo's chemistry on screen, Mawra Hocane and Ameer Gilani had never publicly confirmed their relationship, however they recently surprised fans by sharing a joint Instagram post of their dreamy wedding photoshoot. The couple's wedding celebrations were held in Lahore and Islamabad. On Thursday morning, a photographer released a short video showcasing glimpses of -+-+-+Mawra and Ameer's wedding ceremony. In a post, Ameer Gilani expressed his joy, saying, "Alhamdulillah, I married my best friend and celebrated with my world. Thank you all for your love and prayers." Who is Ameer Gilani? Ameer Gilani hails from a distinguished and educated family in Pakistan. His grandfather, Syed Iftikhar Hussain Gilani, was a prominent lawyer and senior politician. He served as the Federal Minister of Law from 1988 to 1990 in former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's cabinet. Ameer Gilani graduated from Harvard Law School in 2022. Despite holding a law degree, he gained fame for his acting career, particularly for his role as 'Hassan' in the drama Sabat . In addition to his TV acting, Ameer has also performed in various music videos and was last seen in the series Very Filmy . Mawra's older sister, Urwa Hocane, married actor and singer Farhan Saeed on December 18, 2016. The couple has received congratulations from showbiz personalities and fans, who have extended their best wishes for their new journey together.
Express Tribune
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Surprise! Ameer Gilani and Mawra Hocane Are Married
In a move that left fans both stunned and delighted, Pakistani actors Ameer Gilani and Mawra Hocane have officially tied the knot! Rumors of their wedding had been swirling for weeks, with fans anticipating a ceremony later this month. A trusted source in the industry, Irfanistan, made this post on Instagram: But the couple decided to pull off the ultimate surprise by getting married out of the blue, leaving everyone in awe. Known for their on-screen chemistry in hit dramas like Sabaat and Neem , Ameer and Mawra have been a fan-favorite duo since they first met in 2020. Their natural connection in Sabaat —which became a massive hit—had fans speculating that their bond extended beyond the screen. Mawra even playfully teased her followers recently with an Instagram story that read, 'I do I do I do! Wedding venue finalized,' followed by, 'We're all set.. Only need to find the groom now.' Well, she found him indeed! The couple surprised fans by sharing a joint Instagram post of their dreamy wedding photoshoot at Lahore Fort. Mawra looked ethereal in a stunning sharara from Rano's Heirlooms, while Ameer complemented her perfectly. The photos exuded fairytale vibes, capturing the couple's love and joy in every frame. In addition to the photoshoot, the duo also shared intimate nikkah pictures surrounded by their close friends and family. The ceremony was a beautiful blend of tradition and elegance, with the couple radiating happiness as they embarked on this new chapter of their lives together. Fans and industry colleagues flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating the union of two beloved stars. As the couple begins their married life, fans are eagerly awaiting more glimpses of their fairytale romance. Here's to a lifetime of love and happiness for Ameer Gilani and Mawra Hocane!
