ISLAMABAD: Indian entertainment channel ‘Zindagi’ announced on Tuesday that it would be removing its popular series, ‘Barzakh,’ from YouTube Pakistan amid a public outcry over the content of the fantasy drama series.
The show stars Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, Khushhal Khan, Sajid Hasan, Salman Shahid, Nighat Choudhry and Uzma Beg. It premiered on July 19.
Directed by Asim Abbasi, the drama stirred a controversy in Pakistan when many viewers said they considered its themes “bold,” “provocative” and against Islamic values.
“In light of the current public sentiment in Pakistan, we have made the decision to voluntarily withdraw Barzakh from YouTube Pakistan, effective August 9, 2024,” Zindagi said in an Instagram post.
“This decision underscores our dedication to honoring our audiences without causing alienation.”
The channel extended its gratitude to its global audience for their support for Barzakh, a show it said was “created to bring people together everywhere.”
The final episode of the fantasy drama is scheduled to air at 8pm on Tuesday. People in Pakistan can watch the show on YouTube until August 9.
The story of the show centers around a reclusive 76-year-old man who invites his estranged family to his remote valley resort for an unusual event – his wedding to the ghost of his first love, prompting reflections on life’s mysteries, the afterlife and the enduring power of love. The series tackles themes of mental health, postpartum depression, generational trauma and gender inclusivity. It also explores the role of folklore in human experience. The controversy began when two of the male leads in the series nearly share an intimate moment.
Indian channel pulls popular show ‘Barzakh’ from YouTube Pakistan after public outcry
https://arab.news/2tu2w
Indian channel pulls popular show ‘Barzakh’ from YouTube Pakistan after public outcry
- ‘Barzakh’ stirred a controversy in Pakistan when some viewers said they considered its themes ‘provocative’ and anti-Islam
- The show stars Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, Khushhal Khan, Sajid Hasan, Salman Shahid, Nighat Choudhry and Uzma Beg
Lolo Zouai releases new music video, sets album date
- French Algerian star will release new album April 24
- Record dedicated to a close friend who died in 2021
DUBAI: French Algerian singer and songwriter Lolo Zouai this week dropped a new music video for her single “Holding On” and announced that her upcoming album, “Reverie,” will be released on April 24.
The track, which blends R&B and dance-pop elements, explores themes of grief and memory. Its accompanying music video is dedicated to Zouai’s close friend Hanna Rosa Hotchkiss who died in 2021.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Zouai said the album reflects a period of personal change.
“This record was made through three years of grief, growth, and reflection. I had to lose myself to find myself again. I couldn’t have done it without my angel, Hanna.”
“Thank you to my collaborators, my friends, and my Lo-riders who held me down through it all,” she added. “I hope it heals you the way it healed me.”
Zouai teased the album earlier this year writing: “2026. ALBUM SUBMITTED. LET’S… GOOO,” on Instagram, sharing a carousel of images of herself.
Fans quickly took to the comments section to congratulate the music sensation.
“OH MY GOD FINALLY!!! I’m so so so excited and proud of you omg, you did that,” one fan wrote. Another said: “Some good news i needed this fr.”
Another fan said: “I’m so excited I just shed a tear … 2026 is so gonna be your year boo!!!! SEE U SOON!!”
Zouai’s last release was in November, when she dropped a new single titled “3AM in San Francisco.”
In 2024, Zouai dropped several tracks, including her “Please Hold” EP featuring “jetlag” and “UNHHH,” along with “mute” and “Potential.”
In June 2024, she also announced that she had written a song for K-pop group NewJeans for their Japanese debut.
Known for her blend of R&B, club-pop and hip-hop, she has gained an international fan base for her dynamic stage presence and genre-blending music.
Her career highlights include the release of a debut album “High Highs to Low Lows” in 2019, which features 12 tracks, and a follow-up “PLAYGIRL” in 2022, which has 13 tracks.
After the album’s release in October 2022, Zouai was featured on a billboard in New York’s Times Square.
