SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune
26th FEBRUARY 2012
KARACHI: Firdous Summer Carnival 2012 held at Zevar Hall, Pearl Continental Hotel on Saturday showcased the first volume of summer designs from the house of Firdous. The price of this year’s collection ranges from Rs3,000 to Rs5,000, unlike last year, when it went as high as Rs8,000.
Ironically, last year’s collection got a more enthusiastic response from the customers, despite its steep price range. Considering the fact that the bigger chunk of Firdous’ profits came from their high-priced pret that was hugely popular last year, one assumes that the absence of a separate pret collection is the reason behind a low turnout this year.
When inquired about the change in the choice pattern, director at Firdous Cloth, Omer Saleem explained, “This time our lawn collection consists of two ranges only. One of our ranges offers embroidered lawn designs and the other offers a variety of floral prints without the embroidery. We chose not to present a pret collection this time around.”
Firdous’ embroidered lawn has 16 designs and each design is available in two colours ways, while the floral print collection consists of 14 designs in single colour way only.
Customer Lubna Khan, who labelled the collection as “incomparable” probably failed to notice that Firdous’ lawn was trying too hard to look like Sana & Safinaz last year’s collection — from panels to colour scheming.
Another customer Fatima Niazi, compared it to Asim Jofa’s collection and said, “Firdous designs are not even close to the refined material and extensive embroidery and velvet borders that Jofa Lawn offers. Yes, Firdous is cheaper, but Jofa is on a different level altogether.”
Saleem, however, took the feedback lightly and went on to highlight the issue of gas supply that caused a problem in the production process. “The problem was the worst in Punjab and unfortunately most of our mills are in Faisalabad.” Despite the technical hindrances, the director asserted they were able to launch their collection on time, and that three more lawn collections are expected to come out this season.
When asked about the kind of response Sonam Kapoor’s endorsement fetched for Firdous Summer Collection 2012, Saleem explained, “With the youth as our target market and Sonam Kapoor as a fashion icon, we thought that she will serve as the best brand ambassador for our customers in Pakistan and abroad. And, according to our expectations, the response has been satisfactory.”
The exhibition will continue till Monday.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Musical Pakistan tour: Strings attached
SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune
25th FEBRUARY 2012
KARACHI:Pakistani band Strings have been on an extensive Pakistan tour covering 10 cities which started on February 2 and ends on March 3 as part of the Colgate Max Fresh campaign. They have already entertained audiences in seven cities and performed in Sialkot last night. The Express Tribune spoke to the talented twosome about their month-long tour.
Regarding the cities covered so far, Faisal Kapadia stated, “The Pakistan tour has already taken us to the cities of Hyderabad, Karachi, Bahawalpur, Multan, Lahore and Islamabad and Sialkot. Three other cities will be covered within a couple of days including Sargodha, Gujranwala and Faisalabad.”
When asked why Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and more specifically the city of Peshawar, were left from the line-up, the musician responded, “There is no particular reason for leaving Peshawar behind. Audiences from smaller cities are more excited about the concerts. In cities like Karachi and Lahore, where bands perform regularly, there’s obviously less excitement.”
On choosing smaller cities, Kapadia shares an interesting insight, “Very few bands get a chance to visit these places, so this was a great opportunity for us. We hope our concerts will be loved and cherished by all.”
When it comes to the band’s plans for the future, Kapadia asserted, “During the summer, we will be working on our songs and will be recording in the studio. By autumn, we will come out with new songs which String fans will definitely enjoy listening to.”
Cancer fundraiser
On Tuesday evening, the duo took a break from the Pakistan tour and flew over to Dubai and performed at a fundraiser event arranged for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH). About 1,000 people attended the event at the Atlantis Hotel, in Dubai and DHS 2 million were collected through donations. The star-studded event was attended by celebrities like Behroz Sabzwari, Adnan Siddiqui, Aamina Sheikh, Fawad Afzal Khan and Mahira Khan.
When asked why the band chose to perform at this event, bandmember Faisal Kapadia says, “This was probably our sixth fundraiser event for SKMCH. We firmly believe in giving back to society.”
When asked what made the night special, he responded, “The highlight of the night was when Imran Khan requested us to sing the song ‘Mein Toh Dekhoon Ga’.”
Life&Style
The Express Tribune
25th FEBRUARY 2012
KARACHI:Pakistani band Strings have been on an extensive Pakistan tour covering 10 cities which started on February 2 and ends on March 3 as part of the Colgate Max Fresh campaign. They have already entertained audiences in seven cities and performed in Sialkot last night. The Express Tribune spoke to the talented twosome about their month-long tour.
Regarding the cities covered so far, Faisal Kapadia stated, “The Pakistan tour has already taken us to the cities of Hyderabad, Karachi, Bahawalpur, Multan, Lahore and Islamabad and Sialkot. Three other cities will be covered within a couple of days including Sargodha, Gujranwala and Faisalabad.”
When asked why Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and more specifically the city of Peshawar, were left from the line-up, the musician responded, “There is no particular reason for leaving Peshawar behind. Audiences from smaller cities are more excited about the concerts. In cities like Karachi and Lahore, where bands perform regularly, there’s obviously less excitement.”
On choosing smaller cities, Kapadia shares an interesting insight, “Very few bands get a chance to visit these places, so this was a great opportunity for us. We hope our concerts will be loved and cherished by all.”
When it comes to the band’s plans for the future, Kapadia asserted, “During the summer, we will be working on our songs and will be recording in the studio. By autumn, we will come out with new songs which String fans will definitely enjoy listening to.”
Cancer fundraiser
On Tuesday evening, the duo took a break from the Pakistan tour and flew over to Dubai and performed at a fundraiser event arranged for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH). About 1,000 people attended the event at the Atlantis Hotel, in Dubai and DHS 2 million were collected through donations. The star-studded event was attended by celebrities like Behroz Sabzwari, Adnan Siddiqui, Aamina Sheikh, Fawad Afzal Khan and Mahira Khan.
When asked why the band chose to perform at this event, bandmember Faisal Kapadia says, “This was probably our sixth fundraiser event for SKMCH. We firmly believe in giving back to society.”
When asked what made the night special, he responded, “The highlight of the night was when Imran Khan requested us to sing the song ‘Mein Toh Dekhoon Ga’.”
Zara Fashion Show: More misses than hits
SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune
24th FEBRUARY 2012
KARACHI:Zara Fashion Show, held on Saturday at the Pearl Continental Hotel by Zara Media and Marketing, mostly failing to impress the selective flock of fashion lovers it managed to attract. Fashion, be it eastern-inspired or western-chic, should have a few ounces of ingenuity and authenticity — something the show missed.
Monia Farooqi
This casual clothing line was a hit. Labelled ‘Bold Collection’, it consisted of long shirts in vibrant hues, with large buttons and followed the very recent trend of placing intricate embroidery on the back of the shirt.
Emraan Rajput
Rajput came forward with his collection that was inspired by Armageddon. His showcase was about the sleek, military official look, with black as the official colour. However, Rajput’s show-stopper failed to impress as he appeared in a stark white ensemble, totally throwing the ethereal darkness of the word Armageddon away. Secondly, Rajput followed Syed Rizwanuallah’s footsteps and made one of his models walk the ramp in underwear.
Nida Khurrum
Khurrum’s collection was the herald of spring with its flamboyant colours and bohemian cuts. The collection had long shirts and kaftans with broaches and fake pearl necklaces.
Deepak&Fahad
The ‘Kalorama’ collection was primarily dedicated to Scottish checks and prints. With great colour combinations, like a lime shirt with green pants and a red shirt with indigo pants, the collection managed to be a tasteful tribute to pop art.
Ishtiaq Afzal Khan
Istiaq Afzal Khan’s collection titled ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ made one wail. Lack of appeal and repetition of the same line, disappointed the audience. The line was a deja vu experience as one could see colours and cuts from Khan’s last year’s collection on the ramp.
Arsalan&Yahsir
The boys made a mark with their previous fashion week showcases, but this time around Arsalan&Yahsir failed to prove their artistic streak. From the dhoti-like shalwars to the motif of Cleopatra on the back of a sherwani, the collection lacked a solid theme.
Sanam Agha
Sanam Agha’s rogue-dominated bridal collection impressed fashion lovers. Agha made use of mirror work, applique and kamdani on her sari collection which gave it the regal look coveted by every bride.
Life&Style
The Express Tribune
24th FEBRUARY 2012
KARACHI:Zara Fashion Show, held on Saturday at the Pearl Continental Hotel by Zara Media and Marketing, mostly failing to impress the selective flock of fashion lovers it managed to attract. Fashion, be it eastern-inspired or western-chic, should have a few ounces of ingenuity and authenticity — something the show missed.
Monia Farooqi
This casual clothing line was a hit. Labelled ‘Bold Collection’, it consisted of long shirts in vibrant hues, with large buttons and followed the very recent trend of placing intricate embroidery on the back of the shirt.
Emraan Rajput
Rajput came forward with his collection that was inspired by Armageddon. His showcase was about the sleek, military official look, with black as the official colour. However, Rajput’s show-stopper failed to impress as he appeared in a stark white ensemble, totally throwing the ethereal darkness of the word Armageddon away. Secondly, Rajput followed Syed Rizwanuallah’s footsteps and made one of his models walk the ramp in underwear.
Nida Khurrum
Khurrum’s collection was the herald of spring with its flamboyant colours and bohemian cuts. The collection had long shirts and kaftans with broaches and fake pearl necklaces.
Deepak&Fahad
The ‘Kalorama’ collection was primarily dedicated to Scottish checks and prints. With great colour combinations, like a lime shirt with green pants and a red shirt with indigo pants, the collection managed to be a tasteful tribute to pop art.
Ishtiaq Afzal Khan
Istiaq Afzal Khan’s collection titled ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ made one wail. Lack of appeal and repetition of the same line, disappointed the audience. The line was a deja vu experience as one could see colours and cuts from Khan’s last year’s collection on the ramp.
Arsalan&Yahsir
The boys made a mark with their previous fashion week showcases, but this time around Arsalan&Yahsir failed to prove their artistic streak. From the dhoti-like shalwars to the motif of Cleopatra on the back of a sherwani, the collection lacked a solid theme.
Sanam Agha
Sanam Agha’s rogue-dominated bridal collection impressed fashion lovers. Agha made use of mirror work, applique and kamdani on her sari collection which gave it the regal look coveted by every bride.
Rizwan Beyg: From the heart of a couturier
SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune
23rd FEBRUARY 2012
KARACHI:For fashion designer Rizwan Beyg, ‘back to basics’ is the mantra to fame and one can see that he uses it wholeheartedly to his advantage. The fashion giant, who had moved on to exclusive couture, has announced his return in the lawn game after a gap of two years.
Beyg forayed into the fast growing lawn industry in 1995, when one of the textile leaders Jubliee Textile Industries Ltd approached him for a designer lawn collection. Since then he has been involved in designing for other textile mills too including the likes of Five Star Textiles, Saleem Fabric and even Sitara Premium Lawn. Now, in an interview with The Express Tribune, Beyg confessed that designing this summer staple was not really a walk in the park for him.
What made you come back to lawn?
For me, lawn has always been hit and miss, which is why I don’t treat it as my artistic focus. This year, my lawn collection will be with Al-Zohaib Textiles. A team of creative designers and I are experimenting with floral prints, Sindhi Ralli and Balochi embroidery. All of these prints will be embossed on the fabric and will hopefully turn out to be an edgy collection with an economical price.
Is there a possibility of lawn becoming the future of pret wear?
Lawn has arrived and it comes under the category of pret wear because of the heavy price tag attached to it. However, cheap copies of expensive brands are eliminating class barriers and thanks to the absence of strict copyright laws, you will soon see people from different classes wearing the same prints. There will be no exclusivity because we don’t have proper laws to protect a designer’s intellectual property.
Do you prefer creative sensibility over discipline and dedication?
I believe a combination of both is required. If you are not disciplined to run your own show, there is no use of showing and proving that you have some sort of talent.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a designer?
I think the most challenging aspect of being a designer is the need to be innovative every single time. It’s such a competitive world and we have to make our collections indigenous no matter what. And now that every Tom, Dick and Harry is a designer and the market is cluttered with lame apparel choices, the chances of deserving designers doing well are narrower than ever. I think it’s the customer’s job to educate themselves and make the right choices.
Out of all your ventures, if only one could survive, which one would you choose?
I would want couture to survive. I have the heart of a couturier. Industrialisation has chucked the art of customisation and the beauty of personal touch in art out of the window. But I am happy on my little island, producing personalised artsy ensembles. But when I feel like doing something for the masses, I do lawn.
Life&Style
The Express Tribune
23rd FEBRUARY 2012
KARACHI:For fashion designer Rizwan Beyg, ‘back to basics’ is the mantra to fame and one can see that he uses it wholeheartedly to his advantage. The fashion giant, who had moved on to exclusive couture, has announced his return in the lawn game after a gap of two years.
Beyg forayed into the fast growing lawn industry in 1995, when one of the textile leaders Jubliee Textile Industries Ltd approached him for a designer lawn collection. Since then he has been involved in designing for other textile mills too including the likes of Five Star Textiles, Saleem Fabric and even Sitara Premium Lawn. Now, in an interview with The Express Tribune, Beyg confessed that designing this summer staple was not really a walk in the park for him.
What made you come back to lawn?
For me, lawn has always been hit and miss, which is why I don’t treat it as my artistic focus. This year, my lawn collection will be with Al-Zohaib Textiles. A team of creative designers and I are experimenting with floral prints, Sindhi Ralli and Balochi embroidery. All of these prints will be embossed on the fabric and will hopefully turn out to be an edgy collection with an economical price.
Is there a possibility of lawn becoming the future of pret wear?
Lawn has arrived and it comes under the category of pret wear because of the heavy price tag attached to it. However, cheap copies of expensive brands are eliminating class barriers and thanks to the absence of strict copyright laws, you will soon see people from different classes wearing the same prints. There will be no exclusivity because we don’t have proper laws to protect a designer’s intellectual property.
Do you prefer creative sensibility over discipline and dedication?
I believe a combination of both is required. If you are not disciplined to run your own show, there is no use of showing and proving that you have some sort of talent.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a designer?
I think the most challenging aspect of being a designer is the need to be innovative every single time. It’s such a competitive world and we have to make our collections indigenous no matter what. And now that every Tom, Dick and Harry is a designer and the market is cluttered with lame apparel choices, the chances of deserving designers doing well are narrower than ever. I think it’s the customer’s job to educate themselves and make the right choices.
Out of all your ventures, if only one could survive, which one would you choose?
I would want couture to survive. I have the heart of a couturier. Industrialisation has chucked the art of customisation and the beauty of personal touch in art out of the window. But I am happy on my little island, producing personalised artsy ensembles. But when I feel like doing something for the masses, I do lawn.
Sughar Women Programme: The road to empowerment
SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune
22nd FEBRUARY 2012
KARACHI: With magazines and newspapers reporting shocking statistics and violations of women’s rights, sometimes it seems that the status of the tribal women of Pakistan will never change. However, a social enterprise has stepped up to their defense with the aim of bringing an end to the injustice of forced marriages, honour killings and injustices.
Sughar Women Program, launched by Participatory Development Initiatives (PDI), has initiated a programme whereby tribal women are provided socio-economic opportunities. Through this initiative, women from villages can retail their handiwork and embroidery, earn a livelihood and make gradual steps towards financial freedom.
The initiative was launched in Balochistan about three years ago with women from 13 villages taken into consideration. The same programme was replicated in Sind and women from 10 villages were given the same opportunities. Interestingly enough, the enterprise will be run by women from the same background.
Regarding the scope of the project, Khalida Brohi, the director of Sughar Women Program said, “We are trying to make women from these areas more independent so that they are not oppressed and treated unkindly. Instead, we hope that they will be respected for earning a living and contributing to their household.”
On February 15, the Sughar Women Program put together a colourful event at the Palm where the intricate handwork of tribal women was showcased. Present at the exhibition were a few female workers of Sughar who had come in from interior Sindh.
Amma Zainab, a worker who had travelled from the village of Saib Khan Lashari to Karachi, had her embroidered wall hangings depicting the folktale of Umar Marvi on display. She said about her work, “I have tried to capture the colours of life in Marvi’s captivated life. No matter what people say, I believe she remained true to her land even after being captured by Umar.”
While viewing the items on display, what was surprising was that one of Zainab’s wall hangings was priced at $55 (roughly Rs5,000) while Zainab was being paid a paltry sum of Rs10,000 per month. When questioned why there was a huge difference in these amounts, Brohi jumped in and asserted, “The price tag on this bag includes many other costs that the programme has to bear. For instance, transportation costs.”
Brohi feels that the prices set are justified. She adds, “If they try selling their products on an individual basis, there will be too much exploitation and people will never pay them their rightful earnings. However, with this opportunity, they are part of a working community and with this they can finally have a say in family affairs.”
Life&Style
The Express Tribune
22nd FEBRUARY 2012
KARACHI: With magazines and newspapers reporting shocking statistics and violations of women’s rights, sometimes it seems that the status of the tribal women of Pakistan will never change. However, a social enterprise has stepped up to their defense with the aim of bringing an end to the injustice of forced marriages, honour killings and injustices.
Sughar Women Program, launched by Participatory Development Initiatives (PDI), has initiated a programme whereby tribal women are provided socio-economic opportunities. Through this initiative, women from villages can retail their handiwork and embroidery, earn a livelihood and make gradual steps towards financial freedom.
The initiative was launched in Balochistan about three years ago with women from 13 villages taken into consideration. The same programme was replicated in Sind and women from 10 villages were given the same opportunities. Interestingly enough, the enterprise will be run by women from the same background.
Regarding the scope of the project, Khalida Brohi, the director of Sughar Women Program said, “We are trying to make women from these areas more independent so that they are not oppressed and treated unkindly. Instead, we hope that they will be respected for earning a living and contributing to their household.”
On February 15, the Sughar Women Program put together a colourful event at the Palm where the intricate handwork of tribal women was showcased. Present at the exhibition were a few female workers of Sughar who had come in from interior Sindh.
Amma Zainab, a worker who had travelled from the village of Saib Khan Lashari to Karachi, had her embroidered wall hangings depicting the folktale of Umar Marvi on display. She said about her work, “I have tried to capture the colours of life in Marvi’s captivated life. No matter what people say, I believe she remained true to her land even after being captured by Umar.”
While viewing the items on display, what was surprising was that one of Zainab’s wall hangings was priced at $55 (roughly Rs5,000) while Zainab was being paid a paltry sum of Rs10,000 per month. When questioned why there was a huge difference in these amounts, Brohi jumped in and asserted, “The price tag on this bag includes many other costs that the programme has to bear. For instance, transportation costs.”
Brohi feels that the prices set are justified. She adds, “If they try selling their products on an individual basis, there will be too much exploitation and people will never pay them their rightful earnings. However, with this opportunity, they are part of a working community and with this they can finally have a say in family affairs.”
Fashion Pakistan Week bounces back
SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune
17th FEBRUARY 2012
KARACHI:Whoever said that “Delays are sometimes denials” could not have been farther from the truth — for all those who had their fingers crossed, there is good news; the Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW) is finally back after a two-year hiatus. Fashion Pakistan Week 3, which was initially scheduled for December 2011, will now take place in Karachi in April this year.
Almost all the fashion biggies — Bunto Kazmi, Sana Safinaz, Faiza Samee, Kamiar Rokni, Maheen Khan and Deepak Perwani, Fahad Hussayn, Feeha Jamshed, Sanam Chaudhri, Syed Rizwanullah, Fayez Agariah, Sania Maskatiya, Zaheer Abbas — are expected to showcase their collections at the four-day event. However, the conspicuous absence of Rizwan Beyg raises eyebrows.
Chairman Fashion Pakistan Council Shamaeel Ansari shares some details about the upcoming event.
FPW3 is set to take place in April this year. Do you believe this particular council caters only to those who understand high fashion at its best?
No, FPW does not only cater to those who understand high fashion at its best. A few years back, FPW1 launched a lot of new talent
There are a number of fashion powerhouses taking part in this event. How come Rizwan Beyg is missing from the list?
Rizwan Beyg, who is also a member of the council, did not participate in FPW2 either. However, a letter of invitation has been sent to him. A number of slots have been booked already so whoever plans to make it, he or she better be fast.
Syed Rizwanullah participated in the Karachi Fashion Week last year while still being a member of Fashion Pakistan Council. Do you think it hindered his chances of participating in the FPW this year?
The Fashion Pakistan Council does not restrict anybody from participating in other fashion weeks. Rather, we are known to help young talent to grow and that is exactly what we have done.
Is it important for the council to not just host fashion shows but also take active steps to develop the industry? How would you go about doing this?
This time around, we plan to launch more and more young talent through this upcoming fashion week. We have a Fashion Pakistan Lounge in Lahore, where designers are given a platform to showcase their creativity and we now have plans to set one up in Karachi as well. Moreover, we help our designers participate in international trade shows/events. There are trade exhibitions in Singapore and Dubai coming up and we plan to visit them.
Life&Style
The Express Tribune
17th FEBRUARY 2012
KARACHI:Whoever said that “Delays are sometimes denials” could not have been farther from the truth — for all those who had their fingers crossed, there is good news; the Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW) is finally back after a two-year hiatus. Fashion Pakistan Week 3, which was initially scheduled for December 2011, will now take place in Karachi in April this year.
Almost all the fashion biggies — Bunto Kazmi, Sana Safinaz, Faiza Samee, Kamiar Rokni, Maheen Khan and Deepak Perwani, Fahad Hussayn, Feeha Jamshed, Sanam Chaudhri, Syed Rizwanullah, Fayez Agariah, Sania Maskatiya, Zaheer Abbas — are expected to showcase their collections at the four-day event. However, the conspicuous absence of Rizwan Beyg raises eyebrows.
Chairman Fashion Pakistan Council Shamaeel Ansari shares some details about the upcoming event.
FPW3 is set to take place in April this year. Do you believe this particular council caters only to those who understand high fashion at its best?
No, FPW does not only cater to those who understand high fashion at its best. A few years back, FPW1 launched a lot of new talent
There are a number of fashion powerhouses taking part in this event. How come Rizwan Beyg is missing from the list?
Rizwan Beyg, who is also a member of the council, did not participate in FPW2 either. However, a letter of invitation has been sent to him. A number of slots have been booked already so whoever plans to make it, he or she better be fast.
Syed Rizwanullah participated in the Karachi Fashion Week last year while still being a member of Fashion Pakistan Council. Do you think it hindered his chances of participating in the FPW this year?
The Fashion Pakistan Council does not restrict anybody from participating in other fashion weeks. Rather, we are known to help young talent to grow and that is exactly what we have done.
Is it important for the council to not just host fashion shows but also take active steps to develop the industry? How would you go about doing this?
This time around, we plan to launch more and more young talent through this upcoming fashion week. We have a Fashion Pakistan Lounge in Lahore, where designers are given a platform to showcase their creativity and we now have plans to set one up in Karachi as well. Moreover, we help our designers participate in international trade shows/events. There are trade exhibitions in Singapore and Dubai coming up and we plan to visit them.
'Reel life' couples: Lets talk love
SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune
14th FEBRUARY 2012
KARACHI: Lights, camera, romance! It’s no surprise that couples who have chemistry on-screen can pull off romantic and love-infested roles better than those who lack that ‘sizzle’ factor. In some cases, it is dubbed as the most important part of cinematic experience, as any film or drama serial can fall flat — and be easily forgotten — without the right chemistry.
From Lollywood of 1960s and 1970s as well as the PTV plays of 80s, we’ve had an array of couples whose on-screen romance still tugs at our heartstrings.
Zeba and Waheed Murad
Their on-screen romance came to the fore with Pakistan’s first ever platinum jubilee film Armaan (1966), popular for the song “Akale Na Jana”. Armaan was so well-received by the people of Pakistan that the film managed to complete a 34-week run at the Naz cinema in Karachi and a 76-week run in other cinemas.
It was Armaan that set the standards for the kind of connection that was required in a quintessential love story. Hence, following the commercial success of this film, Zeba and Murad became one of the most sought-after joris of Lollywood. Clicking together for eight years, they gave us films like Ehsaan, Rishta Hai Pyar Ka. However, much to the dismay of their fans, the on-screen pair had to part ways when Mohammad Ali crept in Zeba’s private life.
Shabnam and Nadeem
It was the film Aina (1977) that captured Shabnum and Nadeem’s classic on-screen chemistry. The film, essentially a love story of two people from very different social classes, holds the honour of having received the ‘Crown Jubilee’, running for over 401 in cinemas weeks across Pakistan. It’s reported that the impact of the film was so intense that when the couple showed gestures of love, viewers would smile and when they parted, the audience felt their pain.
Following the success of Aina, the couple, which topped every producer’s list, were later seen in Dehleez, Kurbani, Bandish to name a few.
Shahnaz Sheikh and Asif Raza Mir
Shahnaz’s shy demeanour and Mir’s cool-and-dashing-guy-attitude in TV drama “Tanhaiyaan” (1985) stole many hearts. The beauty of their love story, as captured in the show, lay in the fact that it was a conventional love story, with covert and hidden romantic gestures, and most importantly, something the audience could easily relate to.
Marina Khan and Rahat Kazmi
There was something about Khan’s tomboyish looks and Kazmi’s gentle manners that made “Dhoop Kinare” (1987) a heart-warming love story. The PTV drama, which revolves around a team of doctors and their routines at the hospital and private lives at home, is said to have propelled both Kazmi and Khan into being two of the most sought-after stars in the Pakistani television industry.
Mahira Khan and Fawad Afzal Khan
The leading characters of Hum TV drama “Humsafar” are making quite a splash these days. With everyone — from your 10-year-old sister to your 80-year-old grandmother — waiting anxiously for the 8 pm soap, “Humsafar” is arguably getting this tsunami of attention due to Mahira and Fawad’s on-screen chemistry.
Celebrity Pairs: Famous real life couples
Sabiha Khanum and Santosh Kumar
Zeba and Mohammad Ali
Rahat Kazmi and Sahira Kazmi
Saud and Javeria
Rambo and Sahiba
Aaminah Haque and Ammar Belal
Salman Ahmad and Samina Ahmad
Nida Yasir and Yasir Nawaz
Salma and Azfar
Mani and Hira
Aamina Sheikh and Mohib Mirza
Joshinder Chaggar and Khalid Malik
Life&Style
The Express Tribune
14th FEBRUARY 2012
KARACHI: Lights, camera, romance! It’s no surprise that couples who have chemistry on-screen can pull off romantic and love-infested roles better than those who lack that ‘sizzle’ factor. In some cases, it is dubbed as the most important part of cinematic experience, as any film or drama serial can fall flat — and be easily forgotten — without the right chemistry.
From Lollywood of 1960s and 1970s as well as the PTV plays of 80s, we’ve had an array of couples whose on-screen romance still tugs at our heartstrings.
Zeba and Waheed Murad
Their on-screen romance came to the fore with Pakistan’s first ever platinum jubilee film Armaan (1966), popular for the song “Akale Na Jana”. Armaan was so well-received by the people of Pakistan that the film managed to complete a 34-week run at the Naz cinema in Karachi and a 76-week run in other cinemas.
It was Armaan that set the standards for the kind of connection that was required in a quintessential love story. Hence, following the commercial success of this film, Zeba and Murad became one of the most sought-after joris of Lollywood. Clicking together for eight years, they gave us films like Ehsaan, Rishta Hai Pyar Ka. However, much to the dismay of their fans, the on-screen pair had to part ways when Mohammad Ali crept in Zeba’s private life.
Shabnam and Nadeem
It was the film Aina (1977) that captured Shabnum and Nadeem’s classic on-screen chemistry. The film, essentially a love story of two people from very different social classes, holds the honour of having received the ‘Crown Jubilee’, running for over 401 in cinemas weeks across Pakistan. It’s reported that the impact of the film was so intense that when the couple showed gestures of love, viewers would smile and when they parted, the audience felt their pain.
Following the success of Aina, the couple, which topped every producer’s list, were later seen in Dehleez, Kurbani, Bandish to name a few.
Shahnaz Sheikh and Asif Raza Mir
Shahnaz’s shy demeanour and Mir’s cool-and-dashing-guy-attitude in TV drama “Tanhaiyaan” (1985) stole many hearts. The beauty of their love story, as captured in the show, lay in the fact that it was a conventional love story, with covert and hidden romantic gestures, and most importantly, something the audience could easily relate to.
Marina Khan and Rahat Kazmi
There was something about Khan’s tomboyish looks and Kazmi’s gentle manners that made “Dhoop Kinare” (1987) a heart-warming love story. The PTV drama, which revolves around a team of doctors and their routines at the hospital and private lives at home, is said to have propelled both Kazmi and Khan into being two of the most sought-after stars in the Pakistani television industry.
Mahira Khan and Fawad Afzal Khan
The leading characters of Hum TV drama “Humsafar” are making quite a splash these days. With everyone — from your 10-year-old sister to your 80-year-old grandmother — waiting anxiously for the 8 pm soap, “Humsafar” is arguably getting this tsunami of attention due to Mahira and Fawad’s on-screen chemistry.
Celebrity Pairs: Famous real life couples
Sabiha Khanum and Santosh Kumar
Zeba and Mohammad Ali
Rahat Kazmi and Sahira Kazmi
Saud and Javeria
Rambo and Sahiba
Aaminah Haque and Ammar Belal
Salman Ahmad and Samina Ahmad
Nida Yasir and Yasir Nawaz
Salma and Azfar
Mani and Hira
Aamina Sheikh and Mohib Mirza
Joshinder Chaggar and Khalid Malik
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