THE GRAPEVINE

Published June 25, 2023

Malala, The Fan

Which is Nobel laureate Malala Yousufzai’s favourite OTT show? Well, there are a few, and one of them is Never Have I Ever, starring the super-talented Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. Now that the comedy series has reached its end, meaning no new season, it has saddened Malala Y. Using a social media platform, that’s how she expressed herself, “Never Have I Ever… finished a whole season in one evening. Wiping away tears that this show is over.” Don’t be like that Malala. As a producer now yourself, maybe you can come up with something even better?

Grateful Mahira

Mahira Khan was recently in a mountainous area on, we’re assuming, an acting assignment. She apparently enjoys visiting tranquil places. However, something terrible happened during the trip and there were people who came to her rescue. She wrote about it on Instagram: “I also survived a very bad accident on this horse. If any of those who helped me are reading this, I’m so grateful for the way you took care of me. Grateful to be alive.” Indeed, Mahira K! And thoughtful of you to extend your gratitude to those who looked after you. Never forget your benefactors.

Nominations Galore

Jemima Khan must be on cloud nine. The film that she penned and produced, What’s Love Got to Do With It? has earned no fewer than nine nominations at the National Film Awards to be held soon in the UK. They include best screenplay (by her), best film (for her), best actress (for Lily James) and best director (for Shekhar Kapur). Wow! Congratulations to Jemima K and her team!

May you win the most categories because your film has got everything to do with… love.

Old is Gold

Oscar winner Al Pacino is 83 years of age. His current girlfriend, Noor Alfallah, is 29 who, on June 15, gave birth to their first child, a boy named Roman. The actor has three children from two previous relationships, the eldest being a 33-year-old girl. The interesting thing is that in the past Noor A has had a relationship with rock star Mick Jagger (79) and for some time also sparked the rumour that she was going out with Clint Eastwood (93), which she later denied. What is she digging? Stars or just maturity?

Merub Cherub

We all know that pop star Asim Azhar and actress

Merub Ali are engaged to be married. It seems that the girl believes in destiny, which is fine. We say this because, talking about her relationship and wedding plans in a recent interview, she has said: “Our parents said that this was a good thing to do. They decided for us, and we agreed. Everyone was in agreement. It was very easy... It was written, and it happened… I don’t plan for my future, ever. Whenever you plan and things don’t work out, you are saddened. Whenever it [marriage] is written, it will happen.” Indeed, Meerub A. It’s always good to have everything in writing.

The Cuppa

Wahaj Ali is one of the most sought-after actors in the Pakistan TV and film industries these days. It seems that he’s taken to fame like a duck to water. Last week, he uploaded on social media a picture of himself with a cup that, some suggest, was sent to him by an admirer. His caption was: “I am looking forward to using this cup for my daily cuppa. Every time I enjoy a sip, I will be reminded of your kindness and constant support. I feel incredibly fortunate to have fans like you who take the time to show their appreciation.” Hmmm… they say there’s many a slip between the cup and the lip. We can’t seem to find them here.

Published in Dawn, ICON, June 25th, 2023

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