Renowned Pakistani director and actress Sangeeta has openly criticized veteran actor Nauman Ijaz, accusing him of highly unprofessional conduct that has caused significant disruptions to her ambitious drama serial, ‘Bulleh Shah’. The revelations came during a recent interview on a private media channel, where Sangeeta also detailed broader concerns about harassment on her film sets.
The director, currently engrossed in the production of ‘Bulleh Shah’, disclosed that she has been grappling with multiple incidents of harassment. Notably, she recently filed a police report against a lawyer who allegedly brought a weapon onto her set and engaged in harassing behavior. In the same discussion, Sangeeta addressed the challenges posed by Nauman Ijaz’s alleged lack of professionalism, which she stated has been a major source of distress for the production.
Sangeeta, a prominent figure in the Pakistani film industry, recounted serious allegations against Nauman Ijaz. She claimed that the actor received his full payment for ‘Bulleh Shah’ three years ago but subsequently refused to participate in filming once production commenced. According to Sangeeta, Ijaz offered a string of excuses, including various illnesses like a heart attack and cancer, as well as citing hot weather conditions as a reason for not being able to wear a prosthetic beard. Even when winter dates were allocated for shooting, she alleged, he failed to appear.
The director revealed that these delays led to the suspension of recording for her drama, compelling her to report the matter to the police. She confirmed that while Nauman Ijaz did complete a single day of shooting—the footage of which still exists—he never returned to the set thereafter. Despite his son playing the pivotal role of Bulleh Shah in the same serial, Nauman Ijaz has now been replaced by another artist. Sangeeta emphasized that ‘Bulleh Shah’ is a mega-project, with expenditures already running into crores of rupees.
**In Brief: Showbiz and Beyond**
**Pakistani Entertainment Update:**
* **Dananeer Mobeen’s Fiancé Search:** ‘Pawri Girl’ sensation Dananeer Mobeen stirred social media by asking her followers about the identity of her prospective fiancé.
* **Jena Tess’s Situationship Reveal:** Rising actress and model Jena Tess disclosed that she was once offered a “situationship” by a married man.
* **Hania Aamir in the Limelight:** Actress Hania Aamir shared celebratory photos and videos post an awards night, while also remaining a subject of public discussion regarding alleged cosmetic procedures, despite her natural beauty.
* **Nauman Ijaz on Ablution:** Separately, versatile actor Nauman Ijaz clarified his past comments regarding performing with ablution (wudhu).
* **Bilal Qureshi’s Payment Woes:** Actor Bilal Qureshi revealed ongoing disputes with channels over delayed payments for his work.
* **Yasir Nawaz vs. Fiza Ali:** Actor, director, and producer Yasir Nawaz publicly criticized fellow actress Fiza Ali for her critical remarks about his wife, TV host Nida Yasir.
* **Saba Faisal Sparks Debate:** Veteran actress Saba Faisal’s statement about allowing her daughters-in-law to choose their own attire has ignited a fresh debate across social media.
* **’Lazawal Ishq’ Removed:** The Pakistani reality show ‘Lazawal Ishq,’ which bore resemblance to the British format ‘Love Island,’ was removed from YouTube in Pakistan after 50 episodes.
* **Sara Ali Khan’s Ex on New Love:** Actor Veer Pahariya, former boyfriend of Sara Ali Khan, shared details about how he grew close to and fell in love with actress Tara Sutaria.
* **Nida Dar’s Missing Pet:** Actress Nida Dar reported that her dog was stolen from outside her home.
**International Entertainment News:**
* **Taylor Swift’s Generous Bonus:** Pop superstar Taylor Swift brought tears of joy to her crew members by distributing $197 million in bonuses.
* **Salman Khan’s Routine:** Bollywood icon Salman Khan reflected on his life, stating it largely revolves around “shooting, airport, or hotel.”
* **John Cena’s Symbolic Act:** Wrestler and actor John Cena symbolically left his signature shoes, armbands, and wristbands in the ring, hinting at a potential transition.
* **Arjun Rampal’s Family:** Actor Arjun Rampal and Gabriella Demetriades, who have been together since 2018, are parents to two sons.
**National and Sports Headlines:**
* **’Dharmendra’ Film Controversy:** Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon criticized the Indian film ‘Dharmendra,’ calling it another example of negative propaganda against Pakistan, particularly Karachi’s Lyari district. Nooreen Aslam, widow of martyred Sindh Police officer Chaudhry Aslam, also vowed to counter the anti-Pakistan Indian film in a cinematic manner.
* **Rana Sanaullah’s Political Claim:** Politician Rana Sanaullah asserted that current affairs were progressing according to the wishes of Faiz Hameed, General Bajwa, and the founder of PTI.
* **Babar Azam’s Brief Innings:** Pakistani cricket captain Babar Azam was caught out after facing just five balls and scoring two runs.
* **PFF Appointment:** The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) announced Fatima Sharif Naghabi’s appointment, citing her extensive international experience and strong technical expertise.
