ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

In 2020, Ahad Raza Mir was slated to do the role of Hamlet on stage in Canada — the reference is to Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. Unfortunately, Covid-19 happened and things stalled. Now things are back on track and the actor has somewhat gleefully announced, “After delaying this show for almost two years, I am beyond excited to finally make this announcement. I’ll see you on stage.” Those of us who are interested in watching it, the production will take place later this year in GTA (Greater Toronto Area). Those of us who are but can’t, well, as Hamlet would say… not to be.

VINNIE VENTS

Former supermodel Vaneeza Ahmed is back in the showbiz limelight with an acting assignment. But that’s not what we’ve mentioned her here for. It’s her thoughtful opinion on a particular issue that has made us talk about the ramp-walker. In an interview, when a journo asked her about certain aspects of Pakistani drama, she said, “Why do we show negativity? I am against that. This is why I haven’t done so many dramas. We highlight the wrong things. Why don’t speak about the good — like good paternal aunts?” Spot on! We bet she herself is a good Phuppo Ji.

NEIGHBOURLY ADMIRATION

After appearing in two Western projects — Ms Marvel and now Polite Society — Nimra Bucha is flying high and mighty. She is being invited to important showbizy events one of which, the UK Asian Film Festival, happened recently where she got a chance to mingle with Indian actor Rajkummar Rao. When a picture of the meeting was shared on social media, the Indian star wrote, “Good luck for all the exciting work you’re doing, Nimra,” to which she responded, “Thanks for all the good advice today, parrosi [neighbour]. Your work is way more exciting and inspiring.” It is, actually.

PARTING WAYS

The super-talented Grammy and Oscar winning singer and songwriter Billie Eilish was dating another singer and songwriter Jesse Rutherford for the last one year. News is that they have broken up. Sad. Naturally, when something like this happens, people try to find the reasons for the split. According to Billie E’s representative, all cheating rumours [about Jesse R] are false and both the artists are now single. Well, you don’t have to be not single in order to cheat, no!

NOSEY POSEY

Here’s a cute little incident involving a mother-daughter duo. Actress Kristen Bell was doing (read: practising) jujitsu with her eight-year-old daughter Delta. As they got too immersed in it, the young girl’s teeth hit her 42-year-old mum’s nose, and cut it. Later, the Bad Moms star uploaded a picture of her injury on Instagram with the words, “Minor jujitsu injury... took some teeth to the nose. Will recover. You should see the other guy! (She is 8, the fruit of my loins, and has big, sharp, buck teeth).” Kirsten B, we hope she hasn’t cut your nose to spite your face.

BF, NOT HUBBY

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have been married for a decade. In that connection, check something interesting out. After watching a video on TikTok of the couple, someone addressing Justin B commented, “I don’t know who you are but your girlfriend looks like Jessica Biel. Congrats!” The pop star played along and replied, “Yeah, yeah. From now on I’m only going by Jessica Biel’s Boyfriend.” Hmmm… Does the person who commented know something that no one knows except the couple?

Published in Dawn, ICON, May 28th, 2023