THE GRAPEVINE

The Gap

Atiqa Odho is not in a good mood. Nowadays, she gives opinions — no-holds-barred at that — on shows that can be seen on national television. Her recent comment is causing quite a stir. She argues that Humayun Saeed is being consistently cast opposite girls that are way younger than him, for example, Yumna Zaidi in the series The Gentlemen. Come to think of it, how old was Elizabeth Debicki when she played Lady Di in The Crown and Humayun S essayed the role of Dr Hasnat? Well, 32. Wait. Perhaps that’s appropriate casting in terms of the age gap between the princess and the doctor. Again, wait. They could’ve taken a younger male actor and whitened his hair. Wait. Why are we even discussing this? Isn’t it the producers and directors’ prerogative?
Smelly Smell

Saba Qamar is a fine artist and a woman with a mind of her own. In an interview that’s making the rounds these days, she has revealed something rather peculiar about herself. The actress says she has the habit of ‘smelling’ people. When someone — belonging to any gender — passes by her, she sniffs them because, she claims, she has an especially sensitive nose. Also, Saba Q insists she is particular about hygiene and refuses to compromise on it. Now isn’t that interesting! Working in showbiz where you get to interact with dozens of people, from actors to technical crew — imagine if you start ‘smelling’ them as soon as they get closer to you. Perish the very thought!
Whose Child Is It Anway?

Film star Reema Khan has a child with her cardiologist husband Dr Tariq Shahab. Something strange happened last week when a picture of her carrying a baby went viral. People thought she had given birth to another kid. Hubby dear was quick to respond. He told a media outlet that the child was not theirs and, if any such good news was forthcoming, the media would be informed about it. We think Reema K was trying to suggest to her fans something that might indicate her rebirth in show business. Some may even think that’s totally uncalled for.
Hamza Heads to Netflix?

Hamza Sohail, the son of comedian Sohail Ahmed, is a talented actor. His work in Burns Road Ke Romeo and Juliet was by and large appreciated. News is that he has been roped in for a Netflix project, which will be shot in Canada next year. Not just that, he is also reportedly co-writing it. Collaborating with some Indian artists, the series is said to be a mix of romance and lighthearted comedy. Great. This also means that Pakistan-India relations, at least in the realm of performing art, appear to be back on working track. Good news, indeed!
Feelings, What Feelings?

Priyanka Chopra is one of the busiest celebs in the US. Of course, it’s her work (acting and modelling) that keeps her on her toes. Yes, she’s married to singer Nick Jonas and has a kid, but she has told a journo that after waking up at 5am every day and working for 12 hours on the trot, she has no time for ‘feelings.’ It’s only when she gets back home that she deals with such stuff. We’re sure ‘feelings’ is not a euphemism for husband.
Princess Procrastination

It’s been a few years since Jenna Dewan filed for divorce from Channing Tatum. The couple also has a daughter together. But Channing T has had it now… apparently. He claims that her latest legal move (about some financial matter) is a delay tactic, a “transparent attempt to divert the court’s attention.” Not just that, he also wants Jenna D to reimburse him 20,000 US dollars for the legal fee that the delay has incurred. Hmmm… on the bright side, Channing T can now play Shakespeare’s character Hamlet — every actor’s dream role — in a better way because it is all about… delay.
Published in Dawn, ICON, September 8th, 2024