1. #MeToo Pakistan: More Women Accuse Ali Zafar of Sexual Harassment
After being accused of sexual harassment by Pakistani singer Meesha Shafi, Ali Zafar has issued a statement, denying the singer’s claims. Meesha Safi had recently released a statement invoking the #MeToo movement, and accusing the Dear Zindagi actor of sexual harassment. Shafi and Zafar have shared the stage on multiple occasions. Ali Zafar claims that Shafi’s claims are slanderous and that he has nothing to hide.
“I categorically deny any and all claims of harassment lodged against me by Ms Shafi. I intend to take this through the courts of law and to address this professionally and seriously rather than to lodge any allegations here, contesting personal vendettas on social media and in turn disrespecting the (#MeToo) movement, my family, the industry and my fans.”Ali Zafar, Singer/Actor
However, now other women are speaking up accusing Zafar of harassment. Journalist Maham Javaid took to Twitter to share how Zafar had tried to kiss her cousin several years back and how then, they had decided not to speak up about it because they knew his celebrity status would ensure non-action.
Read more on The Quint.
2. Aamir Khan Has a 5-Year Plan for Maharashtra
Bollywood star Aamir Khan, who leads NGO Paani Foundation, hopes Maharashtra is drought-free and doesn't need such a platform after the next five years.
Set up in 2016 by the team of the TV series Satyamev Jayate -- which was led by Aamir -- the NGO aims to fight drought in rural Maharashtra by harnessing the power of communication to mobilise, motivate and train people in this mission.
Aamir on Friday visited the Symbiosis institute here to pin up call-to-action posters for students' participation in 'Shramdaan' (labour donation) across villages fighting against water scarcity and drought situations.
Read more on The Quint.
3. It’s Time to Go “Badumbaaa” With Big B and Rishi Kapoor
102 Not Out will be bringing together Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor on screen after 20 years. They would be seen playing a 102-year-old father and his 75-year-old son respectively, who try to break a world record.
The makers have released the first song of the film, “Badumbaaa”, sung by Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor themselves. A fun song with a dose of the Bachchan rap, where Big B is seen trying to cheer a grumpy Rishi up with quite a bit of hip-swinging.
See more on The Quint.
4. My Aged Mother Was Insulted to Divert Attention: Pawan Kalyan
Actor-politician Pawan Kalyan on Friday morning lashed out at Andhra Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for “using the media channels under his control” and diverting attention from the Special Category Status (SCS) to the Sri Reddy issue.
Read more on The Quint.
5. In Pics: Kareena, Karisma, Saif Celebrate Babita Kapoor’s Birthday
The close-knit Kapoor khandaan came together again, this time to celebrate Babita Kapoor’s birthday. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, and Randhir Kapoor gathered to ring in Babita’s big day. They were also joined by Randhir Kapoor’s sister Rema Jain along with her sons Armaan Jain, Adar Jain and other members of the Kapoor family. But guess what? The only one missing from the celebrations was baby Taimur.
See more on The Quint.
(The Quint is now on WhatsApp. To receive handpicked stories on topics you care about, subscribe to our WhatsApp services. Just go to TheQuint.com/WhatsApp and hit send.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)