HOW POPULAR ACTOR ALI REHMAN KHAN IS MAKING A MASSIVE IMPACT WITH FILM AND TELEVISION PROJECTS
by ASJAD NAZIR
AN EXCITING new wave of Pakistani talent is skilfully balancing big screen performances with winning turns on television.
This has resulted in perhaps the best content being produced in a generation in Pakistan and drawing positive attention from all over the world. A shining star in this fast emerging galaxy of Pakistani talent is Ali Rehman Khan, who has maintained a beautiful balance between cinema and television.
The dashing actor’s successes include the films Janaan, Parchi and Heer Maan Ja, along with top TV drama serials like Bewafa, Khaas, Main Khayal Hoon Kisi Aur Ka and multi-starrer Diyar-e-Dil. He has forthcoming projects like high-profile film Parde Mein Rehne Do on the way.
Eastern Eye caught up with Ali Rehman Khan in lockdown to talk about his acting journey, hopes, inspirations and more.
How have you handled lockdown?
Lockdown has been a very different time in my life. With all the changes it has brought, it has left plenty of time to be with your thoughts, friends and family. It would be nice to start work again, but given the whole world is in despair, I don’t think I should complain about lockdown. Instead, I am trying to use this time to help people in need and invest my time towards social causes and charities.
How do you look back on your acting journey?
It may seem a relatively short journey, but in reality, it has been a long hard road that started with my continual dream of becoming an actor. Now having achieved that, it’s a great feeling. I had to work hard to be to where I am and didn’t get any favours. I didn’t know people in the industry, faced rejection and had to deal with it. My own hard work and the grace of God have enabled me to realise my dream and be on such a rewarding journey, which was never about chasing fame. It has always been about being able to perform and improve my craft.
Which project has given you the greatest joy?
All of my work has given me great joy – from theatre to independent films, television and commercial cinema, I have great pride in every one of them. They all gave me a rush! Working with different actors, directors and people has been quite an experience. If I had to choose an absolute favourite it would be between Diyar-e -Dil and Janaan. Diyar-e-Dil had a phenomenal script and I worked with exceptional actors, and we worked really hard on it. Janaan was really one of the most magical times, doing our first commercial film. The excitement and energy was unmatched.
What has been the most challenging project so far?
My first TV project Rishtay Kuch Adhooray Se was challenging because I wasn’t used to the television format of shooting between 15-26 episodes. So, there was a lot of content to go through within a very short period of time, which meant that sometimes we did scenes from the last episode, and right after a scene from the first episode. So, there was no way to gauge your emotions and prepare for it, but I got used to it. So, doing it all for the first time and adjusting to that type of format was my biggest challenge.
Does your approach change between films and TV?
My approach and style of preparation usually stays the same for both, but with films there is a lot more time to prepare for the role. There is also more time to rehearse scenes compared to television. In dramas, you have 20 odd episodes to tell a story, so even though you don’t get much time to rehearse, it’s easy to get into character because it’s a much longer story. So you grow with the character, as much as the audience does. There is much more room to play with your character and experiment.
Who have you most enjoyed working with?
I have had the good fortune of working with some of the best in the industry. To say that I have enjoyed one over the other would be disrespectful and a disservice to their talent and exceptional careers because everyone has a different energy, and a different story. I have learnt so much from each of them individually and I don’t think I can summarise that in words. Everyone brings something unique to the table, so you try learning from them and have a good time while doing so.
What is the master plan going forward?
The plan is to keep on telling stories that captivate people’s imagination, diversify my journey and see where that takes me. I dreamt of being in films since I was a child. But now that I am acting professionally and doing what I love, it doesn’t mean this is where the dream ends. I’d like to experience working in other film industries, in other languages and explore opportunities from around the world. I also want to bring back what I learn and apply it here in Pakistan.
Do you see yourself working in projects in the west?
Yes, absolutely! I don’t think one should limit themselves to a certain type or place, but should keep evolving and working towards bettering themselves and their craft, just like in any other profession. With the amount of exceptional talent around the world, it would be an honour and privilege to be able to work with such talent, learn and hopefully apply some of it back here.
Do you have a dream role?
I had only one dream role since the age of nine, and that was to play a superhero. More specifically, Superman! I got into this world because of that dream. That’s the impact it had on my life. So yes, that would be my dream role. Hopefully, someday, I can play a Pakistani superhero and take it to a new dimension.
Who would you say is your own acting hero?
It’s impossible to have one hero among all the amazing talents. Growing up, I loved Superman so much it was always Christopher Reeve. As I started watching more films, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, Amitabh Bachchan, Marlon Brando, Meryl Streep, and many more got added to that list. Every actor has a uniqueness to their technique and art. Actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Irrfan Khan, Sridevi, Alia Bhatt and Jennifer Lawrence have all done incredible work, it’s hard to like just one. I have accumulated heroes over the years.
Who would you love to work with?
I’d love to work with any of the actors I’ve mentioned. There’s a huge list, but at the top, it would definitely be Jennifer Lawrence. I have loved her work ever since I watched her in Silver Linings Playbook. I also really admire Alia Bhatt’s work and would love to work with Nawazuddin Siddiqui as well. Like I said, it is a long list and I can’t just pick one.
What do you like watching as an audience member?
I watch everything. I’m a big fan of independent and international cinema, especially Korean. I enjoy crime dramas, thrillers and horrors, but my most favourite genre is science fiction and comic book films. Growing up, I adored Superman, but developed a passion for science fiction, adventure and films based on Greek mythology. I love everything that has a fantasy element or is based on something supernatural or science fiction.
What are your big passions away from work?
I keep myself involved with charity work and social causes. I have been doing it for a while now. If there is an opportunity to help people and use my voice as an actor to make a difference, I try my best to get involved. I also really enjoy travelling, meeting new people, disconnecting from the world and being alone with my thoughts. I’ve also learned to really enjoy cooking again. Every time I step in the kitchen, it is somewhat cathartic for me.
If you could master something new, what would it be?
I would definitely want to master the piano. It’s a beautiful instrument, it sings to my heart, and I have always been fascinated by it.
What are your future hopes for Pakistani cinema?
I hope Pakistani cinema continues to grow. I hope we are able to make more screens available for the masses so that everyone can afford to watch a film with their families and friends. I think Pakistani films are now on an upward trajectory, where we already have an international market, which will definitely keep growing. In Pakistan, we have so many unique indigenous stories to tell that the world doesn’t know about and need to start focusing on writing those stories. Once this pandemic is over and when we are back on our feet, I hope we continue that upward trajectory, with more movies and screens in every city in Pakistan.
What is the best advice you ever got?
One of the best advice I got was, ‘if you lose something, it was never meant to be yours in the first place.’ So don’t get stuck with those thoughts. Dream big, keep your head down, work hard and never ever try to find shortcuts in life, because they usually end up with someone doing something wrong. I prefer doing things the right way no matter how long it takes.
What inspires you?
I could say nature inspires me, but I think that’s true for everyone. I think people inspire me. Every day, people inspire me to do something new, try something new, be bold, be confident and think beyond just my four walls. To really go out there and make your dreams come true. And I think that’s the best inspiration one can get.
What is the first thing you’ll do when lockdown is fully lifted?
The first thing I’d definitely like to do is get back to work. Once I am done with my projects and have a little more time on my hands, I’d love to get back to travelling. It is something I really miss. This pandemic has given me a new view on life and what it means to be alive. I feel like it is a reminder for all of us to live every moment like it is your last, be happy and keep others around you happy.
FILE PHOTO: Officials inspect the wreckage of an Air India Express jet at Calicut International Airport in Karipur, Kerala, on August 8, 2020. (Photo by ARUNCHANDRA BOSE/AFP via Getty Images)
INDIA has witnessed several major air disasters over the decades, reflecting both the challenges of aviation safety and the complexities of its growing air traffic. While many flights operate safely each day, a few tragic incidents have left lasting impacts on the nation’s aviation history. Below is a list of some of the most significant plane crashes that have occurred in India.
1. Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision (Nov 12, 1996) A Saudi Boeing 747 and a Kazakh IL-76 cargo plane collided mid-air near Delhi due to communication failures. All 349 people on both aircraft died, making it the deadliest air disaster in Indian airspace.
2. Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka bombing) (Jun 2, 1985) The Boeing 747 exploded mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean after a bomb detonated on board. All 329 people were killed in the terrorist attack, which remains the worst aviation-related act of terrorism involving Air India.
3. Air India Flight 855 ("Emperor Ashoka") (Jan 1, 1978) Shortly after take-off from Mumbai, the Boeing 747 crashed into the Arabian Sea due to instrument failure and pilot disorientation. All 213 passengers and crew were killed.
4. Air India Express Flight 812 (May 22, 2010) The aircraft overshot the runway while landing at Mangalore airport and crashed into a valley. 158 of the 166 people on board lost their lives.
5. Air India Express Flight 1344 (Aug 7, 2020) Attempting to land in heavy rain at Kozhikode’s tabletop runway in Kerala, the plane skidded off and broke into pieces. 21 people died, while many others were injured.
6. Indian Airlines Flight 605 (Feb 14, 1990) The Airbus A320 crashed short of the runway while landing at Bengaluru airport. 92 of the 146 people on board were killed.
7. Alliance Air Flight 7412 (Jul 17, 2000) While approaching Patna airport, the plane crashed into a residential area after engine issues and loss of control. 60 people, including some on the ground, died.
8. Air India Flight 403 (Jun 21, 1982) The Boeing 707 crash-landed at Mumbai during a monsoon storm. 17 people were killed in the accident.
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Join Jasbinder at Barnes Children’s Literature Festival
Readers and families in London are in for a culturally rich, story-filled experience as Jasbinder Bilan, one of the UK’s most acclaimed children’s authors, headlines an exciting event at the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival. Taking place on Saturday, 21 June at the Barnes Green Centre on Church Road, London SW13 9HE, the event will offer young audiences the exclusive opportunity to meet the Costa Children’s Book Award winner and hear about her latest novel, Naeli and the Secret Song. Known for blending adventure, history, and folklore into captivating tales for young readers, Bilan’s newest book promises to enchant and empower children with themes of identity, bravery, and the magic of self-discovery.
Organised as part of the UK’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival, the interactive session will be tailored for children and families, giving them the chance to connect directly with the author. Jasbinder will introduce Naeli and the Secret Song, a beautifully written historical adventure set against a richly imagined landscape, infused with cultural heritage, ancient songs, and mysterious secrets. Young readers will not only get to hear excerpts from the book but also take part in a vibrant Q&A and creative activities designed to ignite their imaginations and deepen their love of storytelling.
Bilan, who first gained national recognition with her bestselling debut Asha & the Spirit Bird, continues to draw on her Himalayan roots to craft stories that reflect diverse voices and underrepresented narratives. Naeli and the Secret Song continues this tradition, following a courageous young girl who must unlock the secrets of her ancestry while navigating a journey of self-belief and resilience. Her work has been praised for its lyrical prose, emotional depth, and authentic representation of South Asian heritage — qualities that have resonated with readers, educators, and literary critics across the UK.
This event is ideal for parents, teachers, and young readers looking to experience literature that reflects multicultural Britain and introduces children to worlds that are both fantastical and emotionally real. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for budding writers and readers to learn about the writing process, character development, and the role of cultural identity in fiction.
The Barnes Children’s Literature Festival continues to be a major highlight of the capital’s cultural calendar, championing creativity, learning, and inclusivity through books. The festival has become known not only for its star-studded line-up of authors and illustrators but also for its dedication to nurturing a lifelong love of reading among children of all backgrounds.
Tickets for Jasbinder Bilan’s event and the full festival programme can be booked via Eventbrite. Early reservation is recommended due to high demand and limited seating.
Don’t miss this magical afternoon of stories, imagination, and inspiration with one of Britain’s most powerful literary voices in children’s fiction. Whether you're a fan of her previous novels or discovering her work for the first time, this is an unmissable event that promises to be as meaningful as it is memorable.
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Protect yourself and others during the warmer months
Colds and respiratory viruses are usually associated with winter, as colder weather drives people indoors and lowers the body’s natural defences. However, illnesses are still affecting people during the warmer months — and this summer, it could be down to a common virus or a new strain of Covid-19 now being monitored in the UK.
So, what’s behind that runny nose or sore throat, and how can you tell the difference?
New Covid strain under watch in the UK
A new Covid-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is currently being monitored by health authorities. First detected in China in January, the variant is now being tracked by the World Health Organization due to mutations that may allow it to partially evade immune responses.
Dr Lindsay Broadbent, assistant professor in virology at the University of Surrey, said early data suggests the variant might have a slightly increased ability to bypass antibodies, although it does not appear to cause more severe illness. “People don’t need to be overly concerned,” she said.
According to the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data, 5.2 per cent of patients tested by GPs were positive for Covid-19, up from 4.5 per cent the previous week. Since NB.1.8.1 was first identified in the UK in January, 13 cases have been confirmed — 12 of which were reported in April and May. Around 50 positive tests are currently being sequenced weekly to determine the variant.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director at UKHSA, noted that international data suggests NB.1.8.1 is growing in proportion globally, but there is no indication that it causes more severe illness or that current vaccines are less effective.
Summer colds still spreading
Although winter is typically associated with colds, certain viruses circulate more widely in summer. According to Prof Fidelma Fitzpatrick, head of clinical microbiology at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, viruses such as parainfluenza Type 3 and enteroviruses are more common in warmer months.
Other viruses, including adenoviruses and rhinoviruses — the typical causes of winter colds, can also continue to circulate in summer. “The risk of exposure depends on behaviour, the environment, and how widespread these viruses are at the time,” Dr Broadbent explained.
How can you tell the difference?NHS
Summer social activities, such as weddings, festivals, and holidays, increase the risk of virus transmission. People are often in close contact with others from different households and regions, raising the chance of catching something.
Lifestyle factors associated with summer — such as alcohol consumption, irregular sleep, and processed foods — can also weaken the immune system. Additionally, air conditioning may dry out the nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to infect.
It’s unclear whether summer colds are increasing, as the UKHSA does not track all cold-causing viruses. However, data shows a slight drop in parainfluenza cases in the week to 1 June.
Similar symptoms make diagnosis tricky
Both Covid-19 and summer colds typically cause mild symptoms. Prof Fitzpatrick said that most people infected with Covid will have cold-like signs, including a runny nose, sore throat, congestion, tiredness, and headaches.
Those with underlying health conditions may experience more severe symptoms or a longer illness. Unfortunately, symptoms of summer colds are almost identical, making it hard to tell the difference without testing.
Covid-19 tests remain available in pharmacies, starting at around £2. While there are no formal restrictions, public health advice recommends staying at home if you test positive.
How to reduce your risk of infection
There is no guaranteed way to avoid viruses entirely, but good hygiene and healthy habits can reduce the risk.
“Advice for avoiding summer colds is the same as at other times of year,” said Dr Broadbent. She recommends regular handwashing and good respiratory hygiene, including using tissues.
Prof Fitzpatrick advised staying well hydrated, limiting alcohol intake, and sanitising shared surfaces, such as gym equipment and aeroplane trays. Maintaining a strong immune system through sleep, balanced meals, and managing stress can also help.
Taking vitamin D supplements and drinking plenty of fluids may offer additional support. If you catch a cold, it’s best to avoid contact with vulnerable individuals, including older adults and those with lung or heart conditions.
Managing symptoms at home
Most people can recover from both Covid and summer colds at home. Prof Fitzpatrick recommends rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol to relieve fever, aches, and headaches.
Decongestants and throat lozenges can ease nasal and throat discomfort. However, antibiotics are not effective for viral infections like Covid or colds.
Medical help should be sought if symptoms worsen or include difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion, especially for individuals with existing health issues.
Whether it's a summer cold or a new Covid variant, symptoms are often mild but still unpleasant. Understanding the cause and taking basic precautions — including testing if needed — can help protect yourself and others during the warmer months.
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A yellow alert indicates potential increased pressure on health services
The UK is set to experience a combination of hot and humid weather alongside a series of thunderstorms over the next few days, prompting a heat-health alert and multiple weather warnings from the Met Office. Temperatures could reach up to 30°C in some areas, particularly in parts of south-east and central England.
Heat-health alert issued across southern and eastern England
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in collaboration with the Met Office, has issued a yellow heat-health alert covering the east of England, the East Midlands, London and the South East. The alert will be in place from 9pm on Thursday, 13 June, until 8am on Sunday, 16 June.
Under the UKHSA’s guidance, a yellow alert indicates potential increased pressure on health services, especially due to impacts on vulnerable populations. People over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions, such as cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, are particularly at risk. The agency has advised the public to stay hydrated, avoid excess sun exposure during peak hours, and check on elderly neighbours or those with health concerns.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, noted: “Even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults. It is important for people to take sensible precautions and remain aware of the forecast. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, please ensure they are following health guidance.”
Thunderstorm warnings in place through Saturday
Alongside the heat alert, the Met Office has issued several yellow thunderstorm warnings as warm, humid air moves northwards from the Iberian Peninsula.
A yellow warning was issued for the South West of England and Northern Ireland from Thursday until 1pm. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to develop and move north, with the potential for travel disruption. The Met Office warned of difficult driving conditions due to spray, standing water, and possibly hail. Delays to rail and bus services are also possible, with a risk of short-term power outages.
A second yellow thunderstorm warning covers the South East of England from 3pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday. The warning highlights the possibility of sudden flooding, road closures, and the chance that isolated communities could be temporarily cut off by floodwaters. There is also a risk of damage to buildings caused by lightning, hail, strong winds, and fast-flowing floodwater.
“There is a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life,” the Met Office stated.
Weather overview: temperatures climb as storms approach
Temperatures are expected to peak later in the week. Highs of 27°C are forecast on Wednesday, with parts of central and south-east England potentially reaching 30°C on Friday.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said, “After largely benign weather early in the week, some intense, thundery showers will move in on Wednesday evening. These thunderstorms are being triggered by some warm, humid air that is moving into the UK from the south.”
This warm spell may feel more uncomfortable than May’s fine weather due to increased humidityiStock
Mr Silverstone added that heatwave thresholds could be reached in some regions, including the northwest Midlands, northwest England and northeast Wales. However, he noted that this depends on cloud cover, making it uncertain.
He also pointed out that this warm spell may feel more uncomfortable than May’s fine weather due to increased humidity. “Additionally, while in May the nights were still fairly cool, overnight temperatures this week are forecast to remain fairly warm, which can disrupt people’s sleep,” he said.
Detailed forecast: Wednesday to Sunday
Wednesday: A largely dry and sunny day is expected across much of the UK, especially after morning cloud dissipates in the south. The far northwest of Scotland will remain cloudy with periods of rain. Temperatures will be widely very warm.
By the evening, showers will begin to move into western areas, followed by a more organised band of thundery rain developing overnight. Many areas will experience a warm night.
Thursday: Rain, occasionally heavy, will push north and east across the country throughout the day. Brighter spells may follow in some regions, though scattered showers are also likely. The day will remain warm and increasingly humid, despite breezy conditions.
Friday to Sunday Outlook: The warm and humid conditions will continue on Friday, with another round of heavy and thundery rain forecast, particularly during the afternoon and evening. The weekend will remain unsettled with further spells of rain and showers, although fresher air will gradually begin to spread across the country.
Some western areas could receive between 20-40mm of rain within a few hours on Thursday. The Met Office has indicated that lightning and intense downpours may cause localised flooding and disruption.
Advice for the public
The UKHSA and the Met Office have advised the public to monitor weather updates and follow health and safety guidance during the period of high heat and storm activity. Precautionary measures include:
Staying hydrated and avoiding physical exertion during the hottest part of the day
Using fans or opening windows at night to cool down interiors
Keeping homes shaded during the day
Looking out for vulnerable individuals in the community
With a combination of high temperatures and stormy weather likely to affect travel, health services and daily routines, authorities are urging residents to plan ahead and stay informed.
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People gather near the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Amit Dave
In this combo of images, a London-bound Air India plane crashes moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (PTI Photo)
AN Air India plane headed to London with 242 people on board crashed minutes after taking off from India's western city of Ahmedabad on Thursday (12), the airline and police said, without specifying whether there were any fatalities.
The plane was headed to Gatwick airport in the UK, Air India said, while police officers said it crashed in a civilian area near the airport.
Aviation tracking site Flightradar24 said the plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most modern passenger aircraft in service.
"At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates," Air India said on X.
The crash occurred when the aircraft was taking off, television channels reported. One channel showed the plane taking off over a residential area and then disappearing from the screen before a huge cloud of fire rising into the sky from beyond the houses.
Visuals also showed debris on fire, with thick black smoke rising up into the sky near the airport. They also showed visuals of people being moved in stretchers and being taken away in ambulances.
According to air traffic control at Ahmedabad airport, the aircraft departed at 1.39pm (0809 GMT) from runway 23. It gave a "Mayday" call, signalling an emergency, but thereafter no there was no response from the aircraft.
Flightradar24 also said that it received the last signal from the aircraft seconds after it took off.
In this combo of images, a London-bound Air India plane crashes moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (PTI Photo)www.easterneye.biz
"The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB," it said. Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
India's aviation minster said he was "shocked and devastated" at the tragic incident, saying his "thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families".
"I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action," Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said in a statment.
"Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site," he added. "My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."
The last fatal plane crash in India involved Air India Express, the airline's low-cost arm. The airline's Boeing-737 overshot a "table-top" runway at Kozhikode International Airport in southern India in 2020. The plane skidded off the runway, plunging into a valley and crashing nose-first into the ground.