MANI AND AAMIR

After a long time, comedian Mani has got a chance to display his acting talent in a major project. We are referring to the film Money Back Guarantee in which he plays the part of G.A. Muhajir. As a result, he is in the news. In a recent interview, he has revealed that the late TV celeb Aamir Liaquat Hussain had expressed his desire to play the part when Mani discussed the role with him after it was offered to the actor. We’re not sure in what spirit Aamir L.H. said that, but we think he would not have done a lesser job than Mani… if not better.

NORWAY CALLING

Pop star Asim Azhar is going places, literally. He is in the US these days doing concerts and the singer’s international fame has now earned him collaboration with a renowned Norwegian artist Astrid S. The Pakistani vocalist will sing alongside her in the latest version of the Norwegian’s hit track Darkest Hour. This was announced by Asim A himself on his Instagram page, “My first global collaboration. Darkest Hour. Releasing Soon.” Congrats. Hope it will be your brightest hour!

THE SPLIT

Another famous pair bites the dust. After 18 years of marriage and three children together, Hollywood A-lister and Oscar winner Kevin Costner’s wife Christine Baumgartner on May 3 filed for divorce. Reasons for the split haven’t been given. Kevin C (68) and Christine B (49) got married in 2004. The actor has two children from his previous marriage as well. All we can say is that it’s a sad state of affairs. In an unrelated story, Kevin C’s most famous film Dances with Wolves (1990) is being watched again with renewed interest.

PEN DOWN

Thousands of writers in Hollywood on May 2 went on a pen-down strike on the issue of how they are compensated in the streaming era. The no-work situation unfolded after a three-year contract expired on May 1 and a new agreement as per the writers’ desires wasn’t forthcoming. In a statement, the Writers Guild of America stated: “The companies’ behaviour has created a gig economy inside a union workforce, and their immovable stance in this negotiation has betrayed a commitment to further devaluing the profession of writing. No such deal could ever be contemplated by this membership.” Fifteen years ago, a similar strike, but not vis-à-vis streaming services, had paralysed Hollywood. Any lessons for Pakistani writers here? 

RITZY RESTROOM

Grammy and Oscar winner Billie Eilish is as quirky a person as her songs. Last week, at the glitzy annual Met Gala in The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the pop star flouted the no-selfie rule and took a picture on her phone with Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke and Halle Bailey in… wait for it… the bathroom. To boot, there were no smoking, no vaping signs in the lavatory and Billie E posted her own similar signs in the image she uploaded on social media. The gal is mischievous. Her act reminds us of lyrics from one of her songs… I’m that bad type, make your mama sad type.

NOT ME

It was for the first time that Aalia Bhatt took part in the Met Gala. Naturally, the Indian media focused on her appearance at the event. But the international (read: American) media wasn’t far behind, though it didn’t quite do its job well. When the actress made her appearance on the red carpet, one of the shutterbugs addressed her as Aishwariya — that is, he mistook her for Aishwariya Rai-Bachchan. Aalia B took that in her stride and kept posing for the camera. That’s what you call borrowed glory.

Published in Dawn, ICON, May 14th, 2023