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In a pointed cultural retort to perceived media propaganda, Pakistan is set to release the film *‘Mera Lyari’*, a project intended to project a positive and authentic image of Karachi’s Lyari district onto the global stage. This move is a direct response to the recently released high-profile Indian film, *‘Dhurandhar,’* which allegedly portrays Lyari in a negative and fictional light.
The Indian production, *‘Dhurandhar,’* which stars top Bollywood actors including Ranveer Singh, Akshay Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt, reportedly depicts a storyline where an Indian spy eradicates organized gangs in Karachi. Pakistani critics claim the film presents Lyari through a biased lens, attempting to link the locality to India’s domestic issues and presenting it as a hub of violence. The film’s release has already been met with setbacks for lead actor Ranveer Singh.
Pakistan’s cultural answer, *‘Mera Lyari’* (originally titled *‘Behnaz’*), is being hailed as a realistic and cultural counter-narrative. The film aims to highlight Lyari’s rich sports culture, heritage, and positive social aspects. The cast features the cinematic debut of actress Dananeer Mobeen, alongside senior actress Samina Mumtaz in a pivotal role. The film is scheduled for release next month.
The production has garnered immediate political support. Sharjeel Inam Memon, Senior Minister of Sindh, condemned *‘Dhurandhar’* on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) as a propaganda tool. He asserted that *‘Mera Lyari’* will reveal the true character of the area—one that symbolizes peace, pride, development, culture, and sport, rather than violence.
The announcement of the Pakistani film has triggered extensive debate on social media, where users have called for the film to receive international exposure as a necessary rebuttal to Bollywood’s persistent focus on Pakistan-related themes.
### Bollywood Legal and Industry Update
The Indian entertainment industry simultaneously grappled with legal challenges and celebrity drama. Renowned Bollywood filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambari, were remanded to judicial custody after a court rejected their interim bail application in connection with an alleged ₹30 crore fraud case.
Separately, Bollywood stars faced travel disruptions. Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared his unique experience of having to travel by train from Varanasi to Khajuraho after missing a connecting Indigo flight. Meanwhile, actress Sonakshi Sinha publicly criticized Air India for a six-hour flight delay, noting she received no updated information; she later deleted the post.
In other news, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan expressed humility, stating he does not consider himself a “great actor.”
### Pakistani Arts and Cultural Highlights
On the domestic front, the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, hosted a press conference in preparation for the 18th World Urdu Conference 2025, branded as Jashn-e-Pakistan. Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmad Shah, poetess Zehra Nigah, and educationist Peerzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui were among those who provided briefings to the attending journalists.
The Pakistani industry also saw personal and professional developments: prominent actress Armeena Rana Khan revealed she is battling multiple health issues, while global sensation Atif Aslam’s scheduled concert in Dhaka was abruptly canceled, leading to widespread fan disappointment. Actress Yumna Zaidi also faced social media backlash regarding her recent wardrobe choices.
In political adjacent news, video footage of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removing a Muslim doctor’s hijab during a state ceremony drew sharp criticism from human rights bodies, including the Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRCP).
Finally, Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s ongoing tour of India continues to generate buzz, with videos and images of his meetings with various Indian celebrities circulating widely online.
