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Fawzia Afzal-Khan: Changing perceptions

2012-01-30T02:07:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The EXpress Tribune

29th January 2012

KARACHI:Fawzia Afzal-Khan, a native Lahori, who is now based in the United States, has received a US grant called The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) under the category of ‘Bridging Cultures through Film’. The grant requires a Humanities scholar to work with an independent film-maker to develop a film about a subject that would meet the criteria of building bridges across cultures. The Express Tribune spoke to the distinguished scholar and director of women and gender studies at Montclair State University in New Jersey, United States about her project.

Since her early childhood, Khan had been trained as a singer in what she calls “North-Indo Pakistani music”. Having performed as an amateur singer in both Pakistan and the US, she said the project is close to home and has high expectations from herself, “I want to pay homage to the lives and careers of Pakistani female singers who have not been given full credit or empathy for their contributions and struggles.”

Regarding the film, Khan claims, “I have worked hard to shatter stereotypes in the West about Pakistan and Muslim cultures in general and have given particular focus to women and gender issues as this is my passion and scholarly interest combined.” Regarding the primary theme of her research, Khan adds, “Crucial questions will be asked regarding gender and performance in the Pakistani cultural context.”

Partnership with film-maker Sarah Singh

On partnering with an independent film-maker Sarah Singh who happens to be her co-director in the forth-coming project, Khan says, “I was lucky to have met her. Sarah is an award — winning US film-maker of Indian descent. Singh’s first documentary features interviews with survivors of the Indo-Pak partition.”

Khan adds another reason for this unique partnership. “Not only will Sarah’s experience help in shining a positive light on Pakistan and its women singers, it will also help build bridges between Pakistan and India.”

Selection of Pakistani female singers

Khan plans on, “Choosing a few singers who have performed in different genres ranging from classical, semi-classical to popular culture in the past and the present. There will be representation from Punjab, Sind and NWFP based singers and Balochi singers will be added later on.

Another highlight of the film will be the inclusion of several mother-daughter singing pairs across the country ranging from Malika Pukhraj and Tahira Syed, Surraya Multanikar and Rahat Multanikar as well as Noor Jehan and Zille Huma. Besides covering these singers, there will be archival footage with live interviews from a combination of contemporary pop, sufi and classical legends such as Roshan Ara Begum, Abida Parveen, Zeb and Haniya, Meesha Shafi and Deeyah.

Coming back to the question of bridging culture divide, she asserts, “There are so many misconceptions and stereotypes in the West about the role and status of Pakistani women. And by making this film, some of these stereotypes can be challenged within the West by showing the full extents of musical and cultural contribution Pakistani women have made to the region since 1947.”

Meher Afroz at T2F Art Moments

2012-01-30T02:06:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

28th January 2012

KARACHI: As part of The Second Floor (T2F)’s Art Moments, which are candid conversations with artists, the acclaimed art educator Meher Afroz was recently invited to participate in the series’ fifth session. Born in Lucknow and practising her artistic talent since the 1970s, Meher Afroz has exhibited extensively in the country and internationally. She has been honoured with several awards and is currently teaching at Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture.

Kick-starting the conversation, Afroz said about her artistic influences, “When I paint, I try to take my society and heritage into account.” Moving on to her move from Lucknow and her settlement in Karachi in the early 1970s, Afroz said, “It came as a shock to me as it was intrinsically different. In Lucknow, there was warmth in people’s attitude and mannerisms. In Karachi, everyone has a commercial/business mindset.”

Regarding the art curriculum taught in educational institutions these days, she was of the opinion, “Students with a love for say, miniature painting, learn the art form, but they are completely unaware of the historical aspect. There should be more focus on this.”

She also felt that the Karachi art scene wasn’t vibrant enough. “Had I not migrated from India to Pakistan, I would have never felt the stark difference; there is a serious death of galleries in Karachi.”

Criticising the government’s role or lack of it in the field of artistic promotion, she said, “Individuals are working on providing a platform to promote creativity which is why individuals also get to dictate their own philosophy to the artist.”

While quoting the example of calligraphist and artist Sadequain, who focussed on the poverty stricken and based a lot of his paintings on his every day experiences, Afroz said, “One learns from not only books, but also experiences.”

She also discussed the growing inaccessibility of artists. “Today, common people cannot even talk to a renowned painter, or a well-known poet, as there are several barriers to cross to get to them. Back in the day, even the legendary Faiz Ahmed Faiz was accessible to the public.”

Lawn wars: J. Lawn both hot and cold

2012-01-30T02:04:00.001-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

27th January 2012

KARACHI:Junaid Jamshed was the first designer to showcase his summer lawn collection at the exhibition held at The Palm near Sea View on Thursday. The display will continue till January 29.

The collection J Lawn 2012 with 55 designs in total, mostly comprises of geometrical designs as well as minimalistic, single prints (single colourway). The wide spectrum of colours, dupattas, offered in both chiffon and cotton, and embroidered borders replete with lace, made customers reminiscent of the work of lawn pioneers Sana Safinaz. A few believed that some designs from J Lawn’s 2012 collection were very similar to the designs displayed last year and seemed too inspired by Yahsir Waheed’s signature lawn collection 2011.

In order to cater to the fast changing requirements of customers, J Lawn has been divided in stitched and unstitched sub-collections. The unstitched variety falls in the price bracket of Rs2,485 to Rs5,185, while the stitched ones, available in different sizes, have an added cost of Rs1,500 to Rs2,000.

Coping with competition
Junaid Jamshed lawn collection has stepped away from its signature style this time by offering extravagantly detailed embroidered sleeves and necklines. Regional Manager for J Lawn, Bilal Akram stated, “The clothing market is getting more competitive by the minute. The concept of lawn has changed completely and it’s no longer simply daywear. The prerequisite for summer is a multipurpose fabric, as women don it when they are going for shopping as well as when attending formal dinners.”

Right collection at the wrong time
The Palm — that was scantily occupied with only approximately 40 people — showed a tepid response to a collection that deserved so much more. Madiha Ali, a potential buyer said, “It feels like it’s still winter time and the thought of summers hasn’t settled in yet.”
Such half-hearted feedback makes one why the brand decided to have show case their collection so early in the year. “Keeping the weather of Karachi in mind, we assumed that winter is at its tail end. Besides we wanted to be the first one to show our collection,” said Akram.
He added that the line was scheduled to come out even earlier and would have if gas problems hadn’t hindered production. “Our production suffered a bit due to infrastructural problems which delayed our finished products by one month.”

With cash counters empty and the marketing personnel trying hard to cajole customers, one could see that currently the early launch was not working in favour of the brand. However, Customer Relations Manager for Junaid Jamshed, Jawad Tahir, refused to resign himself to the weak response and explained, “The turnout is actually really good but the customers can’t feel that a lot of people have come because the entire event is well organised and the chain of events is running smoothly.”

Mind, body and soul

2012-01-30T02:02:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

18th January 2012

KARACHI:Body massage, one of oldest forms of therapeutic treatment, is ever so popular in Pakistan where local massage walis make house calls and work the magic of their fingers. One of the main reasons for this is because massage is recognised as a healthy way of relieving stress and promoting relaxation. Additionally, it’s is also known to play a role in releasing chronic muscle tension and pain and reducing physical fatigue. Hence, from physiotherapists at hospitals to private chiropractors to people running their own spas, all have a certain degree of faith in the benefits of massage.

On the recent rise in the trend, Afreen Shiraz of Elle’mint (which houses a spa, boutique and a salon all under one roof) says, “The massage culture has recently picked up in the city. Until very recently, this was considered a luxury, but I often tell my clients that it is rather a necessity in these stressful times.”

However, who should one consult for a massage — a physiotherapist, a chiropractor or the lady running the luxurious spa — is grey area and needs to be delved into.

Dr Usman Sadiq, a physiotherapist who runs his private practice at Taj Medical Complex in Karachi, says, “There are almost 100 different types of massage techniques for beauty, tissue healing and relaxation.” He also adds that massage therapy requires knowledge of anatomy, characteristics of the tissues and hands-on training in various techniques. “The main tool for a massage is a pair of trained hands and some oils and creams,” while adding that people turn to massage therapy these days as they have become wary of the chemicals and alternative medicine.

However, Sadiq believes that spas are not essential for special massages needed for orthopaedic treatment. “Usually a physiotherapy centre or home environment is good enough. Spas, on the other hand, are best suited for the massages given for relaxation and general well-being.”

Shiraz, on the contrary, purports, “Massage at a spa brings about equilibrium between the mind and body. A body massage leads to overall well-being.”

But when asked if her employees are professionally trained, Shiraz asserts, “I often visit Far Eastern countries to learn news techniques so that I can come back and train my staff. Otherwise, I bring acclaimed massage therapists in town, who then teach the tricks of the trade to my employees.”

Know the difference

Meanwhile, Sadiq also urges people not to confuse chiropractic and physiotherapy. “Chiropractic and physiotherapy are two different specialties and each one has its own services to offer. Chiropractors mostly help with the manipulation of spine and joints. Meanwhile, pre-operative, post-operative and traumatic cases of orthopaedic nature require the services of a physiotherapist.”

However, another physiotherapist Ahmed Ali, a recent graduate from Jinnah Postgraduate and Medical Centre throws a little bit of caution when consulting the local chiropractors, “They say they are relieving the pain, but rather they aggravate the pain with their hands.” Sadiq believes this happens because chiropractors here are not registered.

Hence, due to lack of professional training and qualification, the possibility for accidental injuries is present. One must be cautious as deep muscle massage can cause dermal and subdermal bruising, an acute muscle soreness that lasts for several days, and in extreme cases, nerve damage.

Kamiar Rokni's summer Bonanza

2012-01-30T02:00:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

17th January 2012

KARACHI: With lawn frenzy spreading like wild fire, more and more designers are collaborating with textile brands and adding fuel to the hype created by designer lawn. In 2011, we saw designers Deepak Perwani collaborating with Orient Textile Mills, Umar Sayeed with Al Karam and Shamaeel Ansari teaming up with Sitara Premium Lawn. This year, Bonanza has tied the knot with designer and fashion giant Kamiar Rokni for a designer lawn collection.

The Express Tribune spoke to Hanif Bilwani, CEO of Bonanza and designer Kamiar Rokni from The House of Kamiar Rokni about their merger and their new upcoming collection.

What are they offering?

Bonanza’s revamped design philosophy has already started to show in their trendy winter wear and chic formal and casual eastern ensembles. The brand has been constantly trying to change its image and now, they have finally managed to bring an ace designer on board for their lawn collection. Bilwani, who has high hopes from this exclusive line, says, “This year Bonanza is offering 20 lawn prints with each print available in two colourways. We will also introduce exciting range of accessories to complement the collection. Since the basic element in lawn is colour and design, we have given special emphasis to these aspects in order to create something new.”

Fashion enthusiasts were hoping for such a creative liaison after The House of Kamiar Rokni made an impression with its colour blocking collection at the Sunsilk Pakistan Fashion Week last October. Bilwani says, “The team of The House of Kamiar Rokni has an amazing sense of colour and design and they also understand what women in this country want.”

Rokni’s experience

On the other hand, designing a lawn collection was not exactly a walk in the park for Rokni as the designer says, “What we found most challenging was striking the balance. To be true to your style yet offer a variety of prints that appeal to a very wide cross section of society requires some thought and planning. It is also challenging but imperative to keep the price point in mind as well.” Despite facing exclusive versus mass appeal dilemma, Rokni still seems satisfied with his design team’s performance. “We work very hard and try to innovate as much as we can and respect the desires of the market. A God given sense of colour and a touch of talent helped as well.”

When asked about the thought process that helped him finalise the designs for the collection, Rokni says, “It is very important to keep in mind that who is going to wear this, where will they wear it and how much will they pay for it?”

Designer lawn — more greed than need?

Despite the optimism of the design team, one wonders if the demand for expensive designer lawn will soon settle down. The two giants believe that the craze for this summer staple will survive if people and designers keep coming up with ways to reinvent the fabric. “This can happen only if lawn designs are available already stitched in many variations as a ready-to-wear product in different sizes. Lawn is certainly an economical way to have designer clothes in your closet.”

When asked if the designer tag attached to the lawn brand is only a marketing gimmick to sell the same old idea, Bilwani explains, “We just believe in providing the best designs and fabric to our clients. And after last year’s success of Bonanza’s in-house lawn collection, we can proudly say that it’s a winning strategy.”

Home decor trends 2012

2012-01-30T01:59:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

15th January 2012

KARACHI:The home is a private island, away from the daily grind and the crazy chaos surrounding every day. So why shouldn’t our private spaces be the most pleasant, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environments. Who better to tell us how to accomplish this herculean task than furniture designers Sabiha Rita Hasan and Ainee Shehzad Salim.

Contemporary meets classic

Salim: 2012 should be exciting as it will be more eclectic with contemporary and classic styles coming together. Colours like silver, gold and maroon will be featured in exciting new fabrics along with traditional weaves. Polishes will be electrifying as well as traditional. There will be experimentation in the finishes.

Hasan: Embracing vivid colours is the way to go for 2012. Focus on the kind of colours that are mood enhancing and combine intense shades with balancing tones.

Diversity

Salim: Wood furniture with leather, brass, glass and other metallic accessories will be popular. Diversity is the new trend. Using just one medium is a bit mundane. There will be exciting combinations of different mediums this year.

Money matters

Salim: I work with both limited budgets as well as no holds barred budgets. The skill is to create beauty that does not depend on anything material. It is imagination and ideas in a tangible form, not dependent on cash value.

Avant-garde look

Salim: Why would you want your home to look exactly like someone else’s?

Hasan: 2012 brings forward old ideas remodelled according to new trends, effortless elegance, vivid colours and out of the ordinary combinations and contrasts. Most clients in Pakistan don’t make annual or seasonal changes, hence trends on the whole don’t exist, or if they do then they tend to linger for years.

Five Home Decor Tips For 2012

• Think out of the box — give your home and other spaces a brand new personality. Brightly coloured cushions with interesting embellishments, flowers, vases and paintings instantly liven up rooms.

• Be bold, be daring. Don’t be afraid of using multiple colours

• Incorporate interesting pieces. Although sofas, tables and chairs are practical but make sure you have interesting pieces that have aesthetic as well as practical value like huge mirrors, statues and wall-fixtures in the room.

• Create the perfect setting around you. How you live and what you live with is important. Beautiful surroundings are well worth the effort and expenditure.

• Create less cluttered spaces.

Fashion trends 2012

2012-01-30T01:57:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

12th January 2012

KARACHI:With lawn madness on its way and fashion weeks about to kick off, we quizzed our favourite fashion designers, journalists and retailers to tell us what they’re going to be retailing, stocking, writing and raving about this year.

Muted menswear

Imam: The focus should be on muted, masculine colours like beige, shades of grey, sand, navy blue, black and white with minimalistic details such as piping on shalwar kameezes. Designers will learn that extravagant and experimental and over-embellishment does not work for the fashion-shy Pakistani male.

Colour blocking

Imam: Designers will find creative ways to use the trend of colour blocking with neutral tones such as white, tan, black, sandstone, honey and ink blue.

Rahimtoola: Colour blocking is a trend poised to take off in a big way. If done right, the contrasting colours can spice up any wardrobe. Sharp colours will be big this year.

Sayeed: Colours in 2012 will be in shades of terracotta red or sea green.

Budget-friendly fabrics/outfits

Rahimtoola: Due to recession and rising cost of living, outfits in cotton/lawn fabric will continue to be popular. With Ramazan and Eid on the summer calendar, we will see a move from heavier embellished outfits to more structured outfits with greater importance given to cuts and styling.

The death of the flowy kameez?

Sayeed: I believe this year would be all about simplicity and elegance. Silhouettes will be longer — not short and tight — at least not for subcontinental women.”

Rahimtoola: The long, loose silhouette which has been prevalent for the last few years will go out of style. This year will witness the return of a fitted, structured silhouette with raised hemlines and decreased volume.

Imam: Local designers should experiment with the short kameez and bring shirt lengths up to the knee. I also wish to see a 1920s and 1960s influence with drop-waist baby-doll silhouettes. Embellishments should not be so ‘blingy’ but more textured and experimental with interesting beading.

Pants versus shalwar

Rahimtoola: Fitted pants are making a comeback paired with knee-length tops and tunics.

Sayeed: The shalwar is not coming back this year, as it was previously being thought. The classic shalwar will continue but only with a select few.”

A year of separates

Khan: 2012 will be the year of the separates — women will invest in one special piece whether it is a trouser or top, long or short and put it together with something they already have.

Footwear fads

Imam: Footwear will be in all kinds of bright colours; red, yellow, camel, blue and green. Suede chappals in every other colour imaginable will be en vogue.
Team of fashion experts
• Fashion journalists — Mohsin Sayeed and Zurain Imam
• Labels retailer — Zahir Rahimtoola
• Designer — Maheen Khan

Real life isn't like Bollywood or Hollywood: Cautions anti-harassment activist

2012-01-30T01:55:00.001-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

8th January 2012

KARACHI:Women who speak up against harassment are often branded “bad women”, reminded Fouzia Saeed, the author of Working with Sharks and Taboo, at an event held at The Second Floor this week. “A good woman is considered to be someone who sacrifices and remains silent, whereas a bad woman speaks up.” And the notion of ‘bad women’, Saeed says, comes from the ‘Old Europe’ notion of witches.

Saeed, a human rights activist and a director at the learning institute Mehergarh, was speaking at a discussion about her new book. She recalled her own experience at the UNDP, where she was harassed by a male colleague, and along with 10 other women, she filed a case against him. But the stigma, Saeed says, is still attached to the women. While they are survivors, lodging a complaint turns you into “bad women”.

The notion of good versus bad is bred in the gap between academic and practical life. “Girls who are bred in an all-girls school are told that good is out there in the world. Precisely, you need to do good and be good. However, when practical life starts, things are sadly very different. It’s the same case with girls who are getting married and they think life is definitely going to have a fairy-tale ending. That is never the case. This is real life and all kinds of people live in this world. You need to keep Bollywood and Hollywood away from your thoughts on reality.” The stigma prevents women from talking about the issue. “When exactly are we going to allow these women to speak out?” Saeed asked. “In 2012, how long are we going to stigmatise women and consider them lepers living in our [midst]? Is it going to take the next seven lives to do away with it, all?”

A question and answer session was held after her talk. She was asked where one needs to draw the line at the workplace. The scale should be your comfort level with a respective individual, she said. “If you are uncomfortable with someone, be assertive in your communication.”

Face to face

2012-01-30T01:53:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

8th January 2012

KARACHI:Model-turned-designer Nadia Hussain recently ventured into the field of aesthetics by launching Radiance at the Transform Clinic which is run by renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr Mabroor Bhatti in Karachi. Hussain, who holds a diploma from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, offers cosmetic and non-surgical skin treatments to Karachittes with this project.

While talking to The Express Tribune about her latest endeavour, Hussain says, “Women keep asking me how I look good and keep fit. In order to help women, who have dull skin and skin rejuvenation issues, I opted for a diploma in aesthetic skincare treatment.”

At Radiance, skincare treatments range from acne management to dealing with pigmentation, scars and Botox treatments. Prices start at Rs6,000 per session for Mesotherapy treatment, which are injections filled with homeopathic medicine, and go up to Rs15,000 for 50-unit Botox treatment and Rs18,000 for dermal fillers. For Hussain, the target audience is, “women who want a change or those with skin problems.”

Hussain also shared that celebrities such as make-up artist Saba Ansari and fashion designer Shamaeel Ansari have approached her for non-surgical treatments. Present at the event was Aliya Tipu of Alle’nora, who said, “From celebrities like Angelina Jolie to people on the street, everyone wants to look good. Trends are being picked up by women residing in the city.”

When asked how Hussain would juggle her pregnancy, two children and her new clinic, she says, “Since lawn and shoe designing are done in partnership, they are not too time-consuming. I’m hoping all my projects will be manageable.”

Block Seven turns up the heat

2012-01-30T01:51:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

5th January 2012

KARACHI:Anoushey Ashraf knows how to wear a lot of hats. She has established herself in the past as a VJ with a cult following, a host for some of the biggest shows in the industry and a designer with her label Block Seven in 2010. This winter, Ashraf along with her two sisters, Natasha Qizilbash and Alizeh Ashraf, put on their designer hats again and created an exclusive 2012 post winter collection which has been on display at The Forum from January 3 and will continue till January 7.

With over 200 designs on display, the collection consists primarily of formal and semiformal tops, casual t-shirts, jerseys, free-sized tops, kurtis, chiffon-based partywear and a range of jeggings and leggings. With prices ranging from Rs995 to Rs3,200, the exhibited pieces were better than the label’s previous offerings in terms of their creativity and design aesthetics. The brand also slashed their prices with this collection so they could cater to a wider audience.

According to Ashraf, inspiration for the collection came from “what looks good on teenage girls, is comfortable and fun to wear.” The inclusion of pants in their collection was surprising, since in the past the designers have concentrated on different kinds of tops. On why they added jeggings to the mix, Ashraf says, “it was the massive demand for pants from our client’s side that made us want to experiment with them.”

When it comes to Ashraf’s design philosophy, there seemed to be a lot of emphasis on net fabric. “Last time, we concentrated on lace, however, we believe net will make a comeback this year so we incorporated a lot of it,” she says.

This collection also saw the change of its brand ambassadors. Formerly, Hira Tareen and Ayesha Omar were the faces of the brand but now the designers have selected their niece Anushka to be the new face of the brand.

On her future plans for the brand, she says, “We have exhibited enough and have established our brand in the market. It is high time that we opened up a store. Hopefully, before March 2012, we’ll have a store open in Karachi either on Zamzama or in Clifton.”

Veena Malik denies claims by Umair Zafar

2011-12-15T04:10:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Web Edition
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

13th DECEMBER 2011

KARACHI: Actor and model Veena Malik has denied the claims made by Mumbai-based fashion designer and stylist Umair Zafar.

Malik’s PR Manager Sohail Rashid says she is “shocked” and claims that she does not know any man named Umair Zafar.

“Besides, there was no reason for her to make such publicity stunts, as she is a well known and famous personality herself. She has under her belt as many as six Bollywood projects in the pipeline, why would she need publicity?”

On the ongoing controversy regarding a ‘topless’ and a ‘nude’ shoot, Rashid says that the actor did a topless shoot.

“Let me explain, she had covered herself with her arms. It was not a nude shoot, as being claimed. In India, we need to live up to international standards, hence this bold shoot was done by her.”

Rashid says that only a court of law will handle the case and adds that “now the legal battle will ensue from our front.”

Editor FHM India Kabeer Sharma, while talking to The Express Tribune, refrained from commenting but said, “Whatever evidence we have we will furnish it in the court of law. Whatever thread of evidence she has she should support it with, one email, one text, one document, whatever.”

Sharma added that Malik’s “ever-changing stance (over this issue) must discontinue.”

Umair Zafar who has done several shoots with photographer Vishal Saxena had earlier said, “A few days before the FHM cover was out, photographer Vishal Saxena told me to be prepared for a big dhamaka. Veena Malik did the shoot topless with her hands covering the upper part of her body. She was wearing bikini lowers, which was later on morphed and removed electronically by photographer Vishal Saxena. All this was predecided and agreed upon by all concerned parties.”

Veena Malik concedes to shooting "topless" for the FHM but not "nude"

2011-12-15T04:07:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Web Edition
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

8th DECEMBER 2011

KARACHI-Pakistani actress Veena Malik has conceded to being photographed in a “topless” shoot for FHM India, but denied that she shot a photograph in which she was “nude”.

In an interview with the British news channel BBC, Malik said that pictures of her fully naked which appeared on the December issue cover of the men’s magazine, FHM India were ‘morphed’ since during the shoot she was “topless and “covered” not “nude”.

Malik has filed a suit against FHM India, claiming damages worth Rs100 million. FHM India has counter sued Malik for Rs250million over the controversial magazine cover that hit the stands in early December.

(Read: FHM India to sue Veena Malik for INR250m over nude cover row)

During the interview, Malik says “if you look at my shoot, I do admit that I have done a topless shoot.”

Asked about why she agreed to the shoot, Malik said “I liked the idea of a bold shoot, but I did not do a nude shoot – that’s why I am standing here today, because I have to prove it.”

She explained “I won’t allow anybody to remove my bikini or my shalwar (loose trousers) or my dupatta (scarf).” Malik said if anyone was going to remove her clothes, it would be her. “If I want to do it, I will do it myself. And if I do it, I will own it,” she said.

Veena Malik has been mired in controversy in both India and Pakistan with regards to the shoot. One rendition of the cover has a nude Malik with an enlarged ISI (acronym for Inter Services Intelligence, Pakistan’s premier spy agency) tattoo on her left shoulder.

Veena had rejected nude shoot of her

Veena Malik’s PR Manager Sohail Rashid has said that there was no agreement or any exchange of payment between his client and FHM India. That he had been approached by a Dubai based advertising agency which wanted a bold and a nude shoot with Malik, he told The Express Tribune on Thursday.

“Sometime back, in early November 2011, Veena Malik was approached through me by a Dubai-based Advertising firm to do bold shoots for which they were willing to pay $60,000 and wanted it to be conducted before 14 December 2011, for the pictures to run worldwide on 1st January 2012.” Says Rashid, the same company soon offered another shoot, this time a nude. “Besides that they wanted to do a nude shoot of hers, and had I quoted $200,000, I am sure they would have paid it to her,” the PR manager claims. However, he says Malik rejected the offer “but she rejected the nude photo-shoot offer completely and said, ‘I don’t go for such a thing, Sohail.”

Asked about how the FHM India shoot came to be, Rashid asserted, “FHM India approached her and it happened through Vishaal Saxena, the photographer.” Saxena had earlier shot Veena Malik for Zoom TV, in October 2011, the manager explained. “When Saxena approached her for FHM India, she never said no, because you develop a comfort zone with someone, if you have worked with them before.”

Asked whether Veena Malik was paid for her FHM India shoot, Rashid seems confused, a little unaware, “there was no contract agreement between the two parties, i.e Veena Malik and FHM India hence, I don’t think so they paid her anything.”

Earlier on Wednesday, a case was filed against Veena Malik in the Islamabad High Court. Rashid said, “It was filed by a petitioner, yesterday and rejected, today on account that this was a case based in India and the pictures too had been published in India.”

Veena vs FHM: The show must go on

2011-12-15T04:05:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

8th DECEMBER 2011

KARACHI:In the most recent development on the mysterious case of Veena Malik, FHM India has countered the actor’s claim of Rs100 million with their own claim of INR250million. Malik had earlier sent the magazine a legal notice for publishing what she claimed were ‘morphed’ nude pictures of her on the cover of the magazine’s December issue. FHM India has denied that her photo has been morphed, and also claimed that Malik was the one who had initially pursued the magazine for a shoot.

Legal issues

On Monday, December 5, Malik’s PR manager, Sohail Rashid, sent out a warning, “If within 24 hours, Rs100 million are not given to Veena, she will head to the court. Kabeer Sharma [the editor of FHM] has smashed Veena’s credibility and image.”

A day later, Rashid confirmed that Malik had filed two more complaints, one at a police station and the other at a cyber crime cell department. Rashid quotes the actor as saying, “The photographer and the editor of the magazine have caused irreparable harm to my reputation and have deliberately called for [offensive] photographs to be published to defame me.”

Fighting fire with fire

Meanwhile, the notice sent by FHM claims damages worth INR250 million and asks for Malik to apologise for fabricating false claims. To make his claim stronger, Sharma said that originally Malik herself was keen on doing the shoot. “It would be pertinent to mention herein that your client pursued FHM magazine via photographer Mr Vishal Saxena in October 2011 for a shoot. Your client wanted to do a very sexy, bold and in-your-face shoot,” Sharma’s notice to Malik read.

Apart from that, regarding the controversy of the ISI tattoo painted on the actor’s arm, Sharma stated, “When we discussed this concept, Veena was aware of it and was quite excited about it. Now she states that there are 56 institutes which run under the name of ISI. Does she not know what the ISI is? How ignorant can a person be?”

Meanwhile, as a counter argument to the claim that the pictures have been morphed, Sharma adds, “Veena’s earlier emails are evident of the fact that she approved of the concept. For instance, when the offer was made to her, she wrote in an e-mail ‘Love the idea’ and then later in another e-mail, ‘Looking forward to the cover’. However, when confronted, Veena completely backtracked.”

However, the legal notice sent by Malik stated otherwise. “After the completion of the shoot, our client was shown the four images with the clothes. The photo in which she has posed with her tattoo on her hand was taken with a bikini and/or a thong which was worn by our client and also with hot pants and a broad belt.”

Meanwhile, in light of the interviews that Malik gave on various TV channels across Pakistan, Sharma highlights the different versions of the story presented by the actor.”If you watch the string of interviews starting from December 2 till December 6, you’ll notice that she has said different things to different channels. First, she asserts the shoot hasn’t taken place, then she says it has and then in another channel she asserts that the shoot took place with her clothes on.”

“All I would say is that she was fully aware of the concept of the shoot and what the cover [of the magazine] would be like,” adds Sharma

Meanwhile, regarding when the video of the shoot will be released, Sharma said, “We’re not going to release the video until we are told to produce it in court. We will happily produce it in court.” On the other hand, Malik’s legal notice clearly states, “In photo shoots on November 23, 2011, there was no nude photographs taken nor were there any of video shots taken of any nude images.”

Veena bares all and then tries to cover up

2011-12-15T04:04:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

4th DECEMBER 2011

KARACHI:Controversy queen Veena Malik is making the headlines once again with her nude photograph on the cover page of Indian magazine FHM’s December edition, that was revealed on December 2. To top it all off Malik, who is posing nude, has an Inter-services Intelligence (ISI) tattoo on her bare arm.

From the famous slogan “Yeh Kiya Baat Howi Mufti Sahab” to Indian Reality TV show “Big Boss”, this diva has given the audiences both in India and Pakistan enough to talk about. With everyone focusing on Veena, talk and thoughts of Memogate and the Bonn conference have gone out the window. News channels have taken to questioning politicians like Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who said that he “had not seen the pictures” but would look into the matter.

When contacted, the controversial star’s PR Manager Sohail Rashid denied the possibility of Malik posing naked for a magazine in India. “I am in no position to comment. It has been just 30 seconds that I came across these pictures online. I will call her up but I hardly believe that she did this photo shoot. Yes, we do have bold pictures of her on our website, but never any nude ones. While bold pictures are in demand in the international market, I know she wouldn’t cross her limits. Had she done this, she would have certainly shared the details with me.”

After talking to Malik, Rashid added, “Veena Malik denies this shoot. These pictures have never been taken. She is currently busy in shooting two Bollywood films but has instructed me to contact her lawyer as soon as possible.”

On December 3, Rashid said that, “Veena has contacted her lawyer, Mr Asif, who is based in Lahore. He has told her not to talk to the media.”

However, Delhi-based editor of FHM India, Kabeer Sharma was more than willing to talk.

On Veena Malik

“I still believe Veena Malik is a strong, powerful and sexy woman. She is in such a fabulous shape; no Photoshop was required at all. For us, she was a woman who had the brain and ability to talk about everything from burqas on the beach to the controversy with Mohammad Asif. She had bared her soul completely and was not uncomfortable at all during the interview.”

While Malik did not want to talk to the Pakistani press, she seemed willing to talk to Sharma who said that he spoke to Veena on the morning of December 3 and said the actor believed the Pakistani media was blowing the issue out of proportion.

Confusion in the midst of controversy

In reply to Rashid denying that Veena Malik posed nude, Sharma has said that the shoot was entirely real, “I have not been in touch with Sohail Rashid, nor do I know him. Through him, Veena has asserted that these pictures were doctored but I would like to state that our entire team was present at the time of the shoot. At least eight people were also present at the studio in Versova, Andheri on November 23.”

ISI: Bigger is better

When asked about why Malik has the letters ‘ISI’ printed in black on her arm, Sharma said, “Let’s get one thing clear. This is not a tattoo and ISI has been painted on her arm. Veena was very excited when she heard this concept and actually requested the make-up artist to paint it bigger so that it could be seen clearly in print.”

He added that the idea behind the tattoo was “to show that the ISI had a hand in everything” which is a common saying in India.

Legal issues

When asked what would happen if Malik contacted her lawyer, Sharma nonchalantly stared, “If she goes to the lawyer, then we will see what we can do. FHM is popular magazine published worldwide and we are known for doing things professionally. For us, this is like any other cover. If somebody develops cold feet afterwards, what can we do about it?”

Kajal Agarwal and Veena Malik compared

FHM India has come under spotlight before as well when a topless picture of Indian actor Kajal Agarwal was printed on the cover of the magazine’s September issue and according to reports, Agarwal had accused the magazine of “morphing” her pictures. The magazine denied these claims.

Flagship store: Bata steps up

2011-12-15T04:02:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

2nd DECEMBER 2011

KARACHI:Bata has been a household name for footwear for many generations. Many children have begun their first footsteps wearing the successful brand’s “Bubblegummer” shoes with flashing lights. Come August, when school would commence, Bata would print advertisements of “back to school” shoes with a “free tennis ball”.

Now the brand has launched its third flagship store at Schon Circle, near Do Talwar (Two Swords) in Clifton, Karachi on the evening of November 30.

Bata has 51 stores located in the city of Karachi alone and over 350 outlets across Pakistan. The brand’s first store opened in Lahore in 1942.

The idea of establishing a two-level Bata flagship store came into being a while ago. Sharing these details Faisal Mahmood, Area Manager for Bata Sales in Karachi, said, “Earlier on, we under-estimated the value of our customer, we never realised our importance nor the fact that how much they value us. However, today the perception has changed very much. We now want an entire family to shop at our store; our target market now includes the entire family unit.”

Keeping the family aspect in mind as well as the rising inflation, Bata is as cheap as ever. The ‘Bubblegummer’ line for children starts from Rs229 and the priciest going up to ‘Ambassador’ (formal line for men) touching the mark of Rs4,999.

The lower level of the store offers men’s collection of shoes, ranging from athletic and casual to formal, while the upper level offers ladies’ and children’s collection which includes a formal collection ‘North Star’ as well as a comfortable line called ‘Comfit’ (comprising of flip flops and sandals) and fashionable line called ‘Marie Claire’ (which has pumps and ballet shoes).

Customer Mustafa Ham-dani was spotted shopping for school shoes, on the upper level, with his wife and four-and-a-half-year-old daughter Raiha. When Hamdani was asked as to why he opted for Bata, when other high-end brands are available in the market, he said, “This is one place where I came as a child and even still do today. I rely on the name as much as my parents did.

Hence, my wife and I are here to purchase some comfortable school shoes for our daughter.”

Thandi Deewarein:Love in the time of chaos

2011-12-15T03:59:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

1st DECEMBER 2011

KARACHI: Much has been written of the devastating and painful aftermath of Partition: thousands of lives lost as religion became the justification to attack old friends and neighbours. In the midst of all the pain, when 14.5 million people crossed the borders, it is difficult to imagine a love story.

Tele-film Thandi Deewarein (Cold Walls) tackles this particular issue during the Partition era. The tele-film was screened at the Goethe Institut on the evening of November 29 with the view to introduce the project The Partition Anthology. This work will be published in 2012, and seeks writers and illustrators to compete in an ongoing competition.

Thandi Deewarein, based on a short story by Gurumukh Singh Jeet, tells the story of a 14-year-old Hindu girl Kaanta — (beautifully enacted by Juggan Kazim) — who is abducted by a Muslim man (Reza Zaidi) at the time of Partition. She is reunited with her Hindu family eight years after she is found by the Pakistani High Commission. Prior to this, Kaanta (now known as Saeeda) is living with her husband (and abductor) and two small children in a Pakistani village. However, when she returns home, she finds herself unhappy with her parents as she misses her husband and is sent back to Pakistan by a friendly neighbour.

Director of the film Ehteshamuddin, the director, said that he has previously directed some eight short films on the Partition since 2007. He said that directing these stories was to “show interest both in India as well as Pakistan. My main aim was to negate this fact: partition has always been viewed as only one nation’s suffering, which is incorrect. Every other common man on the street suffered, it was a gory partition.”

Several love stories based on the Partition have been made in the past such as Bollywood’s Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (Rebellion: A Love Story) a love story between a Muslim girl and a Sikh man and a Canadian film Partition, based on an Indian Army officer and a Muslim girl played by Kristin Kreuk of “Smallville” fame.

Art beyond boundaries: The Novaro touch

2011-12-15T03:58:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

29th NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI:As you walk into the Unicorn Gallery, remarkable glass sculptures catch your eye. The glass art exhibition, which commenced on November 24, continues till December 2. Founder of Unicorn Gallery Seemah Niaz spoke passionately about Novaro’s work, “The work whether it is an ashtray or a sculpture in the shape of a fish, has been made by a glass blowing technique which Novaro learned 40 years ago.”

“We are very honoured to display Novaro’s work here. Pakistan has a long tradition in art, but the perception of art is often limited to paintings and sculptures. It is a great honour to start a series of international exhibitions in Pakistan,” added Niaz.

Thirty-five pieces of creations have been displayed and the price ranges between Rs40,000 and Rs475,000. When Niaz was questioned why the pieces were so expensive, she replied, “We tried discussing the prices of the glass objects with Novaro, and he informed us that he has to pay 60 per cent of tax duty on them in France, excluding the cost of upkeep and processing these objects. He earns only a fraction of the amount from these creations.”

Having lived in Cote d’Azur, southern France, for four decades, Novaro moved to the UAE recently. He was supposed to visit Pakistan but wasn’t allowed to travel because of his bad health.

Talking to The Express Tribune via email, Jean Claude Novaro said, “I started at the age of 14 in a glass factory and grew step by step to the point that I am. Honestly, I never thought I would go so far, I am just a pure artist. There was no ambition but only pure passion for my art. Now, I am just pushing my limits by introducing new techniques year after year. I think my success is due to the fact that I am a pioneer in what I do.”

Novaro has made unique glass creations by integrating 24-carat gold and photo-luminescent pigment inside glass. Niaz says that there are some creations which have silver, gold and semi-precious stones embedded in them. Regarding the innovations, Novaro added, “It is all just part of the research work I do. To integrate layers of gold has required five years of research and it took me seven years of research to find a way to include luminescent-pigment.”

The skills he learnt almost 45 years ago have given him international recognition. His collectors include well known names like Bill Cosby, Jacque Chirac, Mike Tyson, Prince Albert II of Monaco and Robert de Niro. Novaro has also made his way into the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest hand blown coupe (vase) ever made. He adds, “I love new challenges. It is about pushing the limits in my art from the technique point of view to even the size of the artwork.”

Strings' electrifying music rocks Karachi

2011-12-15T03:56:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

27th NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI:Pop rock band Strings, comprising of Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia, dazzled the people of Karachi, with their exhilarating concert at the garden area of Beach Luxury Hotel on November 25.

The evening was definitely an ode to the people of Karachi, mostly youngsters and university students, who turned up in large numbers. This concert was the last leg of their Gillette Style Gurus tour after the band had already performed in Lahore and Islamabad.

The pop rock band, who walked to the stage completely charged, performed live for the young students present amongst the audience. “Strings live in action are absolutely fantastic, loved the energy, ambience and patriotism that Strings’ songs portrays. It was a rocking night,” said fan Faryal Siddiqui who was present at the concert.

The band, known for its strong poetic lyrics, kicked off the event with “Koi Aane Wala Hai” which was followed by “Najane Kyun” (Spider Man 2’s soundtrack), “Uski Zulfein Khuli” and the political “Ab Khud Kuch Kerna Parega.” An interesting point in the concert was when Strings reached the climax of “Zinda Hoon” (from the Bollywood film Zinda) and the microphone stopped working for a bit, however, the singing duo were so well-tuned that they never let the music die and delivered the song perfectly.

Before they moved on to “Titliyan”, Kapadia requested the stage lights to be switched off and asked the crowd to put their hands up in the air while holding their cell phones. The band performed the song while their fans swayed holding their lit cell phones and then released balloons up in the air.

Following this was “Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar”, a song that in Kapadia’s words, ‘gave Strings their identity’ more than two decades ago. Maqsood, who generally remains on the guitar, sang the melody with such precision that it took the audience back many years to when the song was released. The singing duo then moved on to “Mera Bichra Yaar” followed by “Duur”, which was thoroughly enjoyed even by the older ladies in the audience who were spotted singing along. The band also performed “Dhaani”, “Sohniyeh”, “Mein Tou Dekhoonga” and their World Cup hit number “Hai Koi Hum Jaisa” during the one-and-a-half hour concert.

Just minutes after Strings left the stage, a fan sent them a text message asking how they felt after performing in Karachi. To that, Kapadia replied; “It was electrifying, loved the people of Karachi. It’s good to see them getting out of their homes and having some fun.”

Rivayaton Ke Rang: For the love of food

2011-12-15T03:54:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

24th NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI:From the time of Mon Salwa till now, man has always been fascinated by food. The subcontinental emphasis on desi food justifies why we find a foodie streak in every Pakistani. National Foods, a brand known for its spices and food products, cashed in on this trait and added a cookbook to its long list of achievements.

Mohatta Palace was decked in bright red on the evening of November 22 to celebrate the launch of National Foods’ first cookbook, Rivayaton Ke Rang. The event paid homage to Pakistan’s culture and tradition of festivities through an array of dance, music performances, and an eight-course Pakistani meal served directly from a huge thaali.

The red-coloured decor signified not only National Food’s logo, but also the Red Chilli Powder, which is the brand’s most dominant product. Actors Sajid Hasan and Savera Nadeem hosted the event, speaking primarily in Urdu, highlighting the fact that when it comes to Pakistan, the national language is still held in high esteem and if beautifully delivered, it can leave an impact.

While talking about the need to launch a cookbook, Chief Executive at National Foods Limited Abrar Hasan said, “We had a two-pronged strategy. Firstly, we wanted to make the public aware of our food/spices brands; secondly, and more importantly, we wanted the younger lot to become aware of our tradition, reinforcing how the older generation has often tried to promote the culture of food on occasions like Eid.”

The eight-course meal, which was served to approximately 300 food lovers, was divided into different themes, each with a distinctive menu associated to it. Basant was the first theme of the event and was celebrated with performances by young boys and girls dancing to dhol beats while the audience ate chana with puri. Next in line was the theme of birthday celebrations, which were complemented with servings of luqmis (small square samosas). Not to forget, the celebration of aqiqa, during which performers danced to the tune of “Aaj Yeh Konsa Mehman Aya” and viewers got a taste of well done chops.

While talking about celebrations and festivities in Pakistan, one can’t forget the ever-so-significant wedding season. Keeping close to our traditions, mayoon was celebrated with two piece Lahori fried fish, while wedding anniversaries were attributed with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s song “Mera Piya Ghar Aaya” and the audience was served appetising tikka malai boti.

Meanwhile, Bismillah, an event that marks the beginning of the religious journey of a Muslim child, was linked with household delicacy chicken qorma and finally festive Eid was rejoiced with a serving of biryani. For dessert, gulab jamun and gajjar ki kheer or gajjaraala (carrot kheer) were brought to the table.

Chefs Shai and Shireen Anwer of Masala TV were also present at the event. When asked what the two experts loved cooking, Shai said, “I love making nihari for my guests.” Whereas for Anwer, it was her love for biryani that made her perfect the skill of cooking it.

Rivayaton Ke Rang is available at Liberty Books outlets for Rs795.

Folk theatre: Behind the curtain

2011-12-15T03:50:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

23rd NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI:For folk artist Saima Akhtar, it is unfair that she does not get the same respect as other performing artists in Pakistan. Akhtar, granddaughter of famous folk theatre performer Bali Jatti who enjoyed fame and popularity in the 1970s, now sings for PTV and is often seen at Lahore’s Alhamra Arts Council as well.

Akhtar and Jatti shared a similar fate; both fought for acceptance in a society where folk theatre has always been a genre that is heavily stigmatised against. “It falls in the low level category. At the end of the day, we are considered a joke and are laughed at. More often than not, a comment or two are hurled at us when we leave the exit door of the auditorium,” says Akhtar.

What is folk theatre?

“Folk theatre is people’s theatre,” explains street theatre practitioner and activist Sheema Kermani of Tehrik-i-Niswan (Women’s Movement). She further adds, “A folk artist is one who comes from a rural background and he initially used to perform for rural people only. The themes are usually based on agriculture, land and peasants and most of the stories are linked to the region where the folk artists were based — either in Punjab, Rajasthan or Cholistan. There is always a moral message at the end of the play.”

In the subcontinental context, this tradition has been carried on by families for centuries and is more prevalent in the Merasi culture. “Since the entire family is involved in the art, women are also part of it, hence we hear tragic tales of women folk theatre performers.”

An ode to the ‘daring’ women

Behind the curtain and far from the limelight was the story of theatre performer Bali Jatti, whose tale of horror and survival in the domestic domain has now been unearthed by Fouzia Saeed, author of the famous book Taboo: The Hidden Culture of a Red Light District. The social scientist has delved in great detail about the struggles of Jatti in her recently published book Forgotten Faces: Daring Women of Pakistan’s Folk Theatre.

“I admire her for her courage, what she faced — from constant abuse to nagging for money from her husband. On the other hand, she was always busy trying hard to keep folk theatre alive. For that, she should have been taken into account for a Pride of Performance award,” states Saeed.

The author further explains why (according to her) Jatti faced so much torture at the hands of her husband, Munir Ahmed. “It’s difficult for many men to digest their wives’ fame. Hence, such husbands tend to get abusive, to ensure that they have control over their wives assets and money.”

‘We deserve recognition’

Meanwhile, Saima Akhtar, who is still fighting to keep the tradition alive believes, “Folk legends need to be honoured.” The singer also insists that the government should support and encourage folk artists: “In Pakistan, people forget that performing arts is just not entertainment but a profession as well. Sadly, artists in the country are dying of hunger and there is nobody to lend a hand.”

Toni&Guy introduces bridal services

2011-12-15T03:48:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

20th NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI:Extending their services further, Tony&Guy, under the banner of Mandviwalla Style (MStyle), launched the ‘Bride and Groom Services Lounge’ as well as the British brand Leighton Denny (expert nail care products) on November 18.

From consultations to advice on how to look good and feel good, the ‘Bride and Groom Services Lounge’ package offers it all. “We’ve moved ahead. Initially, we just focused on hair styling but now we’re planning on giving the ‘perfect wedding look’ to the bride and groom,” said Saeeda Mandviwalla, the CEO of Toni&Guy.

Aware of the current trend that underscores the importance of male grooming, Mandviwalla added, “I think, we’ve now moved past the traditional set-up where only women were required to look good; our focus is a modern look for both — the bride and groom. Hence, a groom can come here for a clean shave or for his nails to be fixed. So it’s just not about hair care and styling.”

However, Mandviwalla does not stop here. The entrepreneurial woman has also introduced Leighton Denny, known all over the world for nail and foot services. “Leighton Denny will offer their manicure and pedicure services as well as high colour nail fashion.”

Gracing the occasion was Francis Campbell, British Deputy High Commissioner, who was delighted that products and brands from England are making their way to Pakistan. “It’s a good thing that British retail is coming to Pakistan. Many Pakistanis spend their summers in Britain and are familiar with these brands.”

PTV Awards: A tribute to Sufi folk music

2011-11-18T00:40:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

15th NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI:Bagh-e-Jinnah in Frere Hall, where the 17th PTV Karachi Centre’s Awards ceremony was held, was lit up on the evening of November 12. While PTV is considered by many as the place where talent was nurtured and legends were born, the award ceremony was a disappointing affair as it was peppered with frustrating delays, mismanagement and the presence of just a handful of famous faces.

Disappointments

As one entered the venue, a little before 8:00 pm — the scheduled starting time was 8:30pm — the sound check was still going on and dance performances on Bollywood songs were being rehearsed. When the event finally started — an hour-and-a-half later than the stated time — the hosts failed to do justice to all those who had been waiting patiently. Lack of preparation was evident as the three hosts, Fahad Mustafa, Sabreen Hisbani and Fatima Effendi, forgot their lines one too many times and to add to that, they made no attempt to hide their poor grasp of Urdu, conversing mostly in ‘Minglish’. This was a shame as it testified to the fact that Pakistan’s national language is not given respect even on a state-run television channel.

However, the enthusiasm of the audience was restored as the night saw PTV icons, renowned novelist Fatima Surraya Bajia, veteran actor Jahan Ara Hai, former PTV Managing Director Farhad Zaidi, producer Zaheer Khan and writer Haseena Moin grace the front row of the arena. Additionally, political and bureaucratic officials including Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and former PPP information secretary Fauzia Wahab were also spotted at the event.

Sufi folk performances

Skits, which were once the hallmark of PTV Awards ceremonies, were not presented this time around. However, the audience saw a delightful tribute to Sufi folk culture with various performances by both upcoming and established musicians.

Sufi pop band The Sketches, who rose to fame through “Coke Studio 4”, performed “Nind Nashe Vich” (based on poetry by Miran Fakir) and “Mand Waai” (a kalam by Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai).

Meanwhile, Komal Rizvi, who was propelled to fame by PTV in the 1990s, enthralled the audience with her rendition of “Dam Mast Qalandar” while Ali Haider kept up the tempo with his Sufiana kalam, from his latest album Bulla Ki Jana Main Kaun. Adding to the festivities was folk singer Tufail Sanjrani who performed legendary Sufi poet Sachal Sarmast’s poetry “Allah Hoo” and Ahmed Jahanzeb who sang “Khuda Aur Mohabbat”.

List Of Winners

Category Winner

Best Compere/Anchor Sobhya Agha

Best Lyricist Ayaz Gul

Best Composer Shahid Bhutto

Best Singer (Folk/Traditional Music) Taj Mastani

Best Producer Sports Shahida Shoaib Rizvi

Best Producer Children Programme Afifa Sofia Al-Hosseini

Best Producer Drama Serial Abdul Hameed Halepoto

Best Producer Musical Event Mukhtiar Laghari

Best Producer Documentary Mukesh Kumar

Best Writer Drama Serial Ali Raz Shar

Best Make-up Artist Shakir Ahmed

Best Supporting Actor (female) Mumtaz Kanwal

Best Supporting Actor Ali Gul Mallah

Best Actor (female) Najma Kawish

Best Actor (male) Salahuddin Tunio

Benjamin Sisters: Thankyou for the music

2011-11-18T00:13:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
T-Magazine
The Express Tribune

13th NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI-It’s funny the things you rediscover when you can’t watch TV. It is while fiddling with the radio during a long spell of load-shedding that I hear those familiar voices, coming not just from the radio speakers but from the distant past.

The musical lilt of the voice, as I sit listening in the dark, is unmistakable. In a flash I realise who it is: it’s Beena from the Benjamin Sisters, those singers of patriotic anthems, the cherished icons of my childhood, role models so exemplary that their very wholesomeness seems to confine them to an era far removed from Miley Cyrus and Lindsay Lohan.

As the voice fades away, I snap back to the present: this is 2011, not 1986, I remind myself. Tweens don’t sway to the tune of “Khayal Rakhna”, they bop to the beat of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. And yet, here is Beena Benjamin, hosting a show on FM 107. Does this spell a comeback for the sisters? Immediately, I go about the task of finding a contact for these old-time favourites.

But arranging an interview with them is no mean task. Thrice our meeting is cancelled because of the political unrest in Karachi. Finally, we decide to meet on a seemingly less turbulent Thursday at Chatkharay. As I dig into delectable chaat, I almost expect them to walk in wearing matching outfits. They arrive, giggling amongst themselves, oblivious of the interview. As she devours mirchi pakoras, Beena looks the same as she did years ago. Shabana Kenneth nee Benjamin sips Roof Afza, looking philosophical. Nerissa, meanwhile, does justice to her yummy fruit chaat, and proves to be the most animated of the lot, recounting with gusto numerous anecdotes of their past glory.

“Where have you been all these years?” is the first question.

Nerissa, Beena and Shabana laugh softly.

“Humari shadiaan hogai, hum gum hogaay,”(We all got married and hence we were nowhere to be found) says Nerissa Benjamin, the eldest. Belonging to an era when showbiz did not gel with married life, the sisters disbanded in 1987, at the height of their popularity, when Nerissa got married. In fact, before he was her husband, Nerissa’s husband was her biggest fan, telling his mother that he would only marry her.

“After marriage, life became very busy. Today, we all have different schedules and it’s difficult to coordinate with each other,” adds Beena.

They were introduced to showbiz by Javed Allah Ditta, a notable sitar player and member of the PIA Academy, where stalwarts like Sohail Rana and Zia Mohyuddin performed, and recorded “Khayal Rakhna” with Alamgir in 1983. Signed up for just one episode of Shoaib Mansoor’s programme “Silver Jubilee”, which was conceived as a tribute to artists who had been performing for the past 25 years, Nerissa, Shabana and Beena ended up doing 20 episodes.

The Benjamin Sisters hark back to the PTV of yore, known for discovering fresh talent and producing quality programmes. Even today, television viewers remember the vernal appeal of the three sisters: in their matching shalwar kameez and identically arranged dupattas they bobbed their heads ever so slightly while rendering favourites such as “Laila Laila”. Their bodies held absolutely rigid, their arms modestly crossed, they looked very much a part of the choir from which they had begun their musical journey. It was their father, Victor Benjamin, who first kindled this love for music. A skillful player of the xylophone, he encouraged his daughters to sing and they soon joined the Sunday School choir at The Christ Church. This was the sum total of their musical training. At a time when Zia’s Islamisation campaign was at its peak, these sisters from a minority community extolled nationalism in their beloved millie naghmay, capturing the nation’s heart in the process.

“Things were certainly different then. If there was any strife, it was against one sect or community,” says Nerissa. “The times we are living in are much stranger. People belonging to minority communities like us, feel threatened.”

But Shabana is more hopeful, “I truly believe that things will change for the better. Someone, for sure, will rise and save us all.”

When they first started appearing on TV, Nerissa was 21 years old and Beena and Shabana were 16 and 15 years old, respectively. Their mother encouraged the younger sisters but was a bit hesitant in sending the eldest one on TV. After a couple of episodes, the popularity of the sisters exploded and their fan following made their parents impose limits on their comings and goings. “Going to the bazaar was strictly forbidden,” says Nerissa. “We were simply too famous!”

This was also one of the reasons that Nerissa Benjamin hardly ever did commercial shows, whereas the other two happily went ahead, voices in sync. Their appeal pretty much cut across all age groups. A colleague told me that, as a child, her elder sister (who was then 8 years old) admired the Benjamin sisters so deeply, that when their mother was expecting a third child, she prayed for a little sister. Asked why, she replied, “Because then we’ll be the Benjamin sisters!”

The Benjamin sisters, in fact, are four in all. The youngest, Edna, was not part of the original singing trio but now works as an RJ at a radio station.

The fan mail came in droves and the sisters basked in the admiration. According to Beena, “Shabana’s followers were all teenagers, while kids used to adore me.”

“Senior citizens were left for me!” interrupts Nerissa.

The sisters laugh and Beena continues: “Nerissa had everyone following her,” she says slyly.

PTV was a second home to them, as to many other emerging artists and actors such as Hadiqa Kiyani, who were discovered and groomed by the institution in the ‘80s. “The love, respect and admiration we have received from PTV is one thing we will always be thankful for,” they say.

But times have changed since then, and so has the music industry. Where once Alamgir and Hasan Jehangir ruled the roost, now there are Ali Zafar, Zoe Viccaji and Zeb and Haniya. I wonder how they find the music industry different from when they first started.

“Today, you find everything ready-made,” says Nerissa.

While Beena believes, “No hard work is required now.”

According to Shabana, “A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into making a lyrical song melodious. Not any more. In our times, one tiny mistake and the entire song would have to be re-recorded!”

The audience too appears to have changed over time, growing more discriminating about the music they listen to — the simple tunes these sisters belted out no longer suffice.

Amidst laughter, Beena Benjamin says, “No, the audience is the same. The ears have changed!”

Though no longer in the limelight, the Benjamin sisters intend to stick to what they know are their strengths, if they ever make that comeback that is bound to bring a smile to a lot of faces. Shabana says, “If we are ever given a choice, we will be singing those same millie naghmay in a new style.” Nerissa adds, “We have been die-hard patriots all our lives.”

Till that happens, Nerissa continues to teach at St. Patrick’s High School, and Beena works as a voiceover artist and a VJ. Shabana Kenneth, meanwhile, is a housewife. Nerissa and Shabana have a daughter and two sons each, whereas Beena has been blessed with a daughter. All three agree: “Our kids remain our greatest critics to date. They are always mocking our hair-dos and make-up from back then.”

But their husbands and in-laws are amongst their biggest fans. “They’re always telling us to sing a new song,” says Beena.

The possibility of that is far off — it is, after all 2011. But when they get together, laughing and joking over small things, their voices mingling for the tiniest second as they interrupt each other, for a while they are the Benjamin Sisters once again. And I remain their biggest fan.

BEHIND THE SCENES

What was it like to work on a Benjamin Sisters’ photoshoot? From those who grew up on a staple diet of their songs to those only heard of them from older siblings, the people behind the scenes recount their experience.

I wasn’t even born when they were at the top of their game, but I had of course heard their music and seen the videos. I was super excited when I was asked to click them. As for the shoot itself, it was as fun (and painful) as any other shoot, but I had to be extra careful as I was dealing with Pakistan’s national treasures! — Zeeshan Haider, Photographer

My first thought was: “No way! The Benjamin Sisters? Where have they been?” I was thrilled when I was approached to design outfits for the shoot and had a bunch of ideas for reinventing them, keeping in mind the classic Benjamin Sisters look. I met them over a cup of tea and witnessed a steamroller go over my all-white, very contemporary ideas. The conversation was about daily life, likes, dislikes, personal styles, colours they love and colours they don’t love: Nerissa and Shabana with their beige-themed traditional dress sense and Beena with her passion for the colour red. I remember how cutely they asked for neck lines not to be too deep as “Mummy would get upset!” It was delightful. — Zaid Hameed, Designer

I said ‘yes’ without even meeting them, even though I wondered how they looked 25 years later. I instinctively knew that the ‘one voice’ sisters needed jewellery that belonged to the same family. Not only did they pave the way for other women to blaze their own trails in the future, they also opened a window into the past for me and other teenagers in the early ‘80s who grew up listening to their renditions of Pakistani classics. Even today when I hum “Jeya gaye tara rara rum” or “Tum zindagi ko ghum ka fasanna bana gaye”, I conjure up their faces. — Kiran Aman, Jewellery designer

I love my country, do you?

2011-11-18T00:11:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Speaker's Corner on the Blog
The Express Tribune

13th NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI-This is a question that’s debated quite often these days, by both, people who have lived in this country and those who are of Pakistani origin but live overseas. Often, seen in the drawing rooms as the tea trolley moves around, the argument grows to be a heated one but the million dollar question remains, “Who loves their country Pakistan, the most — the residents or the expats?”

Come to think of it, each group has a role to play inside Pakistan or outside of it. And we don’t need to love Pakistan and be patriotic because we listen to Dil Dil Pakistan, it is something that grows within each one of us, from our days as children. And this applies to Pakistanis who live in Pakistan or those who live in foreign lands.

Even those who live overseas show their love for their homeland by sending back money, which helps its economy, or they invest their incomes in the land of origin. Many overseas Pakistanis also give sizeable donations to charities in Pakistan funding quality and proven initiatives such as The Citizens Foundation or Edhi. And when they do this, it shows that there are people who love this country dearly, despite its flaws and its scars.

Charity no doubt begins at home. How charitable are you in person, to anybody who is in want of alms is a question few will raise their hands to answer in public, but yes, one needs to see that thy neighbour does not go hungry at night. Too many ideals, but who follows philosophical lectures.

A nation needs the sincere love of its citizens to be liberated from the clutches of foreign dictates. Feeding one poor person, on any given day will for sure, not make you a beggar, but it will feed a Pakistani, someone who is your compatriot and less fortunate than you, who nonetheless deserves a warm meal.

We can show the love for our country by involving ourselves in such activities which seek to help those less fortunate than us.

Rokni brings modern back

2011-11-18T00:09:00.001-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

12th NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI:For fashion designer Kamiar Rokni from The House of Kamiar Rokni, it was a ‘pleasant surprise’ to win admiration at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week held last month. For Rokni, “Fashion Weeks are places where either one gets great accolades or falls flat on their face. I must tell you it was a risky collection to pull off and I was pleasantly surprised when the crowd cheered for it and later talked about it.”

Back to the future

In Rokni’s opinion, the pret-a-porter Spring/Summer 2012 collection titled the ‘Modernist’ collection, “was something new; nothing inspired from the indigenous clothing line that we are known for. It had nothing to do with truck art or folk culture that our clothing lines are generally associated with.”

Rokni states that he kept two things in mind while working on his clothing line: firstly, it should be fresh and secondly, it should be easy to wear. “This collection was all about the inspiration I took from the modernist movement 1933 onwards in the field of art and architecture. I tried to incorporate the work of artists like Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman, Piet Mondrian and Josef Albers and weaved in a touch of Africa and Brazil in it,” states Rokni.

Zahir Rahimtoola, owner of the multi-brand outlet Labels, states that Rokni’s collection — that steered away from prints and lace and brought forward straight-line, minimalistic designs — set the trend for 2012.”

When asked whether he found anything lacking in the ‘Modernist’ collection, Rahimtoola comments, “I don’t see any shortcomings in the collection itself. The overall impact gave a larger picture of how ramp collections can be showcased as street fashion. More and more designers should start adding street value to their collections. After all this is what a pret trade show is all about.”

The fabric of fashion

For his collection Rokni toyed with fabrics of crepe silk, viscose and stretch jersey but one thing that left the fashionistas bedazzled was the exotic mix of neon colours. Rokni explains, “We thought on the lines of colour blocking trend, which is becoming a rage in the international fashion market. We wanted people to know how much we love colour and how much we can play with it.”

The futuristic femme

The collection kept the attitude of modern women in mind as Rokni’s design partner Tia Noon states, “It’s fun, vibrant, sexy and flirty. It was difficult to take up a challenging collection but in the end the risk-taking paid off. For the women of today, we wanted something that said ‘be there, be seen, be bright and be bold’ and that’s exactly what we have done.”

The creation sent waves in the fashion fraternity and even publicist Tehmina Khaled felt that, “As far as finishing of the outfit was concerned, the entire collection had a very international feel to it. The best part was that Kamiar used a variety of colours and stitched them all into one creation so flawlessly that no one could tell that the clothes were a mosaic of different fabrics. The foreign feel and the use of bold, fluorescent colours made this collection a hit.”

For those interested in adorning Rokni’s new creations, the designer sends out the good news that his collection will travel from the ramp to the racks soon.

Atiqa Odho takes a stand

2011-11-18T00:06:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

10th NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI: Actor and social activist Atiqa Odho’s compilation, titled The Role And Responsibility To And Of Mass Media In Pakistan — which was submitted to the Planning Commission of Pakistan in December 2009 — is now, according to the actor, “work in progress”. Without naming people or entities, she says it has “received support from many groups”.

Odho, a communications adviser of the All-Pakistan Muslim League headed by Pervez Musharraf (former president of Pakistan), has implied that there should be a partnership between Pakistani and Indian media, so that Pakistani viewers do not get exposed to illegally transmitted Indian channels, which may spread content that is harmful to Pakistan’s ideology.

In an interview with The Express Tribune, Odho says that she believes legalising media exchange will serve as a buffer and might even open doors for Pakistani content in the Indian market.

One of the clauses in her compilation states, “Similar language (Urdu) speaking foreign broadcasters [in India] must always have a local partnership tie-in [between India and Pakistan] to be able to broadcast to the Pakistani public so that accountability comes under Pakistani law. Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) must never give a broadcast license to a similar language speaking broadcasting entity on its own, as national security could be compromised by incorrect/misleading information being transmitted to a large national audience.”

Further explaining this, Odho states, “Language is key and even though Pakistan and India are separate countries, their languages are almost the same. Five years ago, Pakistani cinema owners brought in substandard films to Pakistani cinema houses and today we find that people enjoy watching Bollywood films more than anything else.” She adds, “Sadly, we don’t try to make our Pakistani market sustainable nor do we find means and ways to promote our television content. We have no long-term planning and our ideas are focused on short-term framework.”

The actor asserts that she is not anti-India, but believes, “One should look at the entire picture of today’s media houses. We are certainly not serving the people of Pakistan nor do we understand what a powerful animal the media is. We make and break people as well as governments, but we cannot see the circumstances under which our national interest is at stake.”

Odho is of the view that Pakistani cinema and television are basically ‘cottage industries’ because they, “Don’t have a tie-in partnership. Nobody from the corporate world, banking industry or multinationals is willing to invest in Pakistan. Sadly, our products are also termed substandard, because there is no one to promote a positive image of our products in the international market.” She then adds, “The international scene only shows us as terrorists. We need to give a clear image of a county, which shows a reflection of liberal Pakistanis.”
However, Odho says what is most important to her is helping those who do not have a voice in the film industry. She feels that the craftsmen and technicians of Lollywood, “who have always been so committed to their craft” have no say in the contemporary ‘rat race’. She asserts that, “Awards are awarded to an actor of a film, TV drama, but never to the man working behind the actor; behind the screen. The technician, who provides technical expertise in the areas such as dubbing and/or editing, stays in obscurity.”
With Pakistani films failing to entertain viewers, Lollywood is suffering greatly and so are its workers. Odho feels that she has an ‘emotional connection with the people,’ which is why she aims to voice their concerns. “Whatever has happened in the last couple of years is unjust to our workers. We need to protect Pakistani market, Pakistani trade and Pakistani workers.”
Odho’s Compilation Advocates:
• Securing workers’ rights
• Securing the Pakistani market and trade
• Safeguarding Pakistani national interest
• Promotion of the brand ‘Made in Pakistan’

WFO: Traversing the borders of fashion

2011-11-10T02:37:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

5th NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI: As the world transforms into a global village, many international fashion events are paving way to give previously lesser-known designers a chance to display their work. World Fashion Organisation (WFO), which plans to celebrate World Fashion Week (WFW) in 2012, is all set to organise a Welcoming Gala 2011 on November 11 in New York. The gala will feature fashion icons from 49 countries, in which Pakistan is being represented by Nilofer Shahid. The Welcoming Gala 2011 will gather fashion icons and governmental representatives from over 40 countries. Jean Paul Gaultier and Victoria Beckham are also likely to be present.

The WFO is a non-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging the expansion of world fashion. Its mission is to increase participation in the world of fashion forum by developed and developing countries alike, with an aim to better integrate all countries into the world of fashion.

Giving out details, Nilofer Shahid said, “It’s a great honour for me to represent Pakistan at an international event and a huge responsibility lies on my shoulder. It is fashion for development and for the promotion of peace.”

The designer said she couldn’t reveal details about what she would display as the outfit was “under wraps for now” but is very excited because, “The outfits are going to travel all over the world museums and will be displayed there. Additionally, our outfits will be auctioned for charity for causes like poverty alleviation and increasing education These are problems in many countries across the globe.”

Regarding Shahid’s selection for the gala, Fashion Consultant Zurain Imam, says, “Nilofer Shahid represents the hallmark of painstaking research, reverence to heritage, great design and attention to detail, dovetailing it all with a contemporary perspective.

She has exhibited alongside Balenciaga in Paris and the French press has compared her to Dior so she has that international haute couturier appeal and panache. She is Pakistan’s preeminent ambassador of great design and philanthropy,” adds Imam.

Mahin Hussain's collection: "I see Gold", do you?

2011-11-10T02:34:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
Online Report
The Express Tribune

2nd NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI: For two young shopaholics, the choice between “Roses under the Tree” and “Straight” was not an easy one; the former was a funky, colourful purse and the latter a sequined, light blue and pink clutch.

Examining the accessories as they glanced occasionally at a nearby mirror, the girls finally made a decision: it was “Roses under the Tree.”

Mahin Hussain’s “I see Gold” collection launched on Tuesday evening at The House of Ensemble. Enthusiastic shoppers were treated to the 42 piece collection that varied between purses, clutches and large bags priced within the Rs 5,000-9,000 range.

Bags had interesting names like “Fulfillment” and “Field of Poppies” and were part of the leather collection with gold dabka handwork that was showcased at the fashion house.

But a major part of which was what Hussain was carrying herself a purse called “Gold Love”.

“Most of the bags that you see are in gold. They’re quilted, hand-knotted or textured in a way that is unique.”

Hussain preferred not to include diamante encrusted bags in her collection, explaining that she thinks diamantes are “off beat and old now”.

While there was appreciation for the theme some attendees said her collection was “down-played”, adding that Hussain’s Independence Day collection “rocked the city”.

Director at the House of Ensemble Shezray Husain was full of praise for the designer.

“Her bags are great. People who have individualistic ideals and believe in them, love to shop from her collection.”

“These are statement pieces, each one of them,” said Shezray, adding that the collection was “fun and affordable with an international flavour”.

Later that evening, model Iraj Manzoor performed a pantomime against a gold backdrop. Manzoor was seated in a wooden chair and played a young girl whose mood swings were erratic. Holding a gold clutch, she would often throw it to the ground, pick it up the next minute and then be all-smiles.

When asked why Manzoor was chosen for this artistic performance, Hussain said, “She is someone who can deliver. She transforms herself in any given situation.”
.

AIFD: Budding designers prove a point

2011-11-10T02:32:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

2nd NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI: Twelve senior year students from Asian Institute of Fashion Design (AIFD) of Iqra University displayed their collections at Grandeur, Zamzama on Friday, October 28.

The ‘AIFD Stitch and Craft Exhibition’, now an annual show, was attended by a large number of people, mostly students, helping to boost the confidence of designers who had put up their collections.

This time around the fashion students did not stick to a particular theme but focused their designs to cater to Eid shoppers. The exhibition — consisting of western and eastern dresses as well as their fusions — saw both long and short shirts, embellished with traditional embroidery work.

Mohammad Adil, a student at AIFD, whose collection was particularly impressive, managed to sell all his outfits within two hours. Adil’s collection consisted of lawn casuals and formals in floral colours. “My cuts are different from the others and I believe that’s what sells. It’s all about cut variations. I don’t want to do what others do. I want to be a trendsetter,” said the budding designer.

Other collections that stood out were Muzna Zubedi’s ‘Poise’, which was primarily in black and Zainab Abid’s designs in which she experimented with vibrant colours. Meanwhile, Rahimuddin Rashid’s creation in white chiffon was also noticeable.

“I’m extremely proud of the collections put up by our students. Earlier on, we used to tell them to exhibit their products, but now, they are so motivated that they tell us ‘it’s time to have an exhibition’,” said Sanober Ahsan, CEO of AIFD. “We believe, by the time they graduate they will be in the same league as the established designers,” she added.

The collections, which consisted of both formals and casuals, were priced between Rs3,500 and Rs15,000.

Avant Couture: A blend of past and present

2011-11-10T02:30:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

1st NOVEMBER 2011

KARACHI: The ‘Avant Couture’ fashion show was organised at the Mohatta Palace to mark the birth of Sky Production House on Saturday evening. The event, with DawnNews as the media partner, was a brightly lit affair and presented the collections of three designers: Ali Xeeshan, Munib Nawaz and Deepak Perwani. Interestingly, all three collections revolved around the Mughal era, primarily comprising of peshwaas, chooridars and sherwaanis for the men’s ensemble and bridals for the women’s collections.

Ali Xeeshan

Fashion designer Ali Xeeshan’s ‘Crimson’ collection consisted of western outfits with extensive embellishments of diamantes and an eastern ensemble embroidered with gota and dabka kaam. What came as a surprise in the eastern collection was when the bare-chested male models walked the ramp clad in what looked like traditional banarsi saris and paired with chooridars. Additionally, the models were also wearing bracelets made of marigold flowers which they later threw on the ramp.

While Xeeshan’s eastern collection for women toyed with gota and dabka kaam on coats, his men’s collection saw sherwanis paired with velvet Jinnah caps which made for an interesting combination. The designer used velvet extensively in the ladies’ long coats as well.

Munib Nawaz

This designer’s collection was inspired not only by royalty but also the opulence in a royal Mughal court. Although the men’s sherwani collection, which had outfits heavily decorated with diamantes on the neckline, was in line with his signature style, one did find slight variations in cuts and styles.

The ramp first saw models carrying black flags — akin to the way the king’s royal guards would hold flags in the court — then the concept moved towards the warrior princes with models walking the ramp carrying swords and shields.

For his men’s range, Nawaz predominantly used black but also toyed with colours such as grey, brown, maroon and off-white.

Deepak Perwani

For his ‘New Romance’ collection, Deepak Perwani brought forward an interesting collection which saw female models wearing pagher (turbans) — a dominant feature till the end of the event.

Female models were seen clad in peshwas and chooridaars in all shades of purple with pagher on their heads. Although sticking to his signature style, Perwani made sure there was a degree of creativity in his men’s jamawar sherwani collection. Meanwhile, for his women’s bridal collection, the use of light golden wire work embroidery brought out the royal feel.

Apart from that, Perwani also made sure he used a variety of colours, primarily red, brown, yellow and maroon.

I'm a Pakistani first: Atiqa Odho

2011-11-10T02:27:00.000-08:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

29th OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI:Atiqa Odho, whose career kick-started in 1992 with Anwar Maqsood’s TV series “Sitara aur Mehrunissa”, became a household name in Pakistan in a short span of time. After establishing herself as an actor, Odho later starred in a string of successful films, including Jo Darr Gya Woh Marr Gya, Mummy and Mujhe Chand Chahiye.

The Express Tribune sat down for a tete-a-tete with the actor, who spoke at length regarding why she is so keen on promoting a positive image of Pakistan and why she discourages Bollywood films in Pakistan.

‘Sitara Aur Mehrunissa’ was a TV serial that set the standards. Following that, you became a household name. Every modern woman in Pakistan wanted to be like you. How do you feel about that?

I think I’ve been very fortunate. Yes, that play was a turning point and I became a household name after that, however, invasion of privacy is something I wasn’t prepared for. Although, I’m a very reserved person, I was forced to come out in the public circle. But this is the price you have to pay and I’m not complaining. Actors are created by the public. It’s the people who make us and we, at our end, need to give back to society.

Why did you step into Lollywood?

There’s a lot of good talent in Lollywood but there are no jobs. It is sad to see how Pakistani cinema has been marginalised. I want people to realise that wherever cinema is encouraged, a soft image of the country is promoted. Performing arts contribute to the national interest of the country and an artist is a true ambassador of the country.

Therefore, we have a double responsibility on our shoulders: to soften the image of the country, which is becoming increasingly negative and to send out a message to the world that even Pakistan has liberal people.

You could’ve also chosen Bollywood or improved plays/dramas on the small screen?

I am a Pakistani before anything else. It’s a choice I made, that I would work and live amongst my people. One must be proud of investing in his/her country.

You have consistently criticised the invasion of Bollywood films. However, Lollywood is not producing a lot of films. Don’t you think people will need some sort of cinema entertainment?

The cinema industry has suffered gravely due to years of neglect and lack of corporate support. When you produce a product, it needs financial support to be sold in the market. Sadly, many people are without jobs in Lollywood and I believe it’s our national duty to protect them.

Why do we need to project Bollywood films in Pakistan? Although I don’t shun this idea completely, I would ideally want a reciprocal relationship, that is, if we promote Bollywood films in Pakistan, India should also promote our films.

Tell us about your philanthropic activities?

I have been socially active for a long time now. I have been associated with promoting awareness of blood cancer and breast cancer. There are high incidents of breast cancer in Pakistan and I fail to understand why most women are not open about the problem; it’s not a stigma, it is nothing to be ashamed of. If detected early, there are high chances of survival; hence, I have made a tele-film called Chalo Phir Say Jee Lain to highlight this issue.

More recently, I have been busy in Jacobabad with health camps facilitating people who have Hepatitis B.

Project 11: A new age thriller

2011-10-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

28th OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI:Eleven directors from 11 cities around the world have collaborated on Project 11, a film they describe as a ‘new age thriller’. Project 11 follows 11 global gamers, all engrossed in playing the same online game to such an extent that they fall prey to death.

Filmed in 11 cities around the world, each of these 11 separate pieces threads into one story, and during the course of the film, the plot jumps from one city to another.

The Project Director of Project 11 — due to be released internationally on November 11,2011 (11.11.11) — is Vikhas Chandra, whose previous film credits include working on Aamir Khan’s Ghajini (2008) and a short film, Kavi, which was nominated in the 2010 Oscars.

Pakistan is also a part of the international collaboration. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Chandra said, “The way Pakistan got featured in ‘Project 11’ is an interesting story. Initially, I had wanted a place like Kabul to be one of the 11 cities featured in the film. Around the same time, I had launched the project on Facebook, asking interested film-makers to get in touch. Within a few days of the launch, I got several feelers from directors in Pakistan, writing in to ask why their country wasn’t on the list. Ali Ahmed Brohi was one such director.”

Besides Pakistan, other countries in the film are, India, Tanzania, China, Canada, Japan, UK, Israel, Luxemburg, and the US, which is repesented twice, in the form of two different cities.

Brohi, who has been chosen from Pakistan, says, “I love collaborations! This project seemed something very different and something bigger than I have already done.” His previous work includes short film Innocent Dreams, which won praise internationally.

“This has been made for the love of cinema”, says Brohi. “This idea of working with 11 like-minded people at an international level, seemed like a great opportunity for me. The story is and very well structured. It connects different characters from 11 cities around the world in a powerful manner.”

Our part [in Pakistan] of the story takes place in a mountainous areas. So we decided to travel to Baluchistan to shoot our film there. We selected our characters from Baluchistan, so that people over there are given chance at an international level.”

Chandra asserts, “As the writer of the film, I have tried to touch upon local flavours of all the cities the film is based in, be it Dar es Salaam, New York or Tel Aviv and I am particularly very happy the way the Pakistani portion of Project 11 is shaping up.”

Kathak: The joy of flight

2011-10-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

27th OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI:One of the finest kathak dancers and choreographers, Nahid Siddiqui is recognised internationally and has received numerous accolades including Pakistan’s highest artistic merit, Pride of Performance (1994), Time Out Award (1991), The Digital Award, British Cultural Award and International Dance Award, among others.

The Express Tribune sat down with her for a chat whereby the celebrated dancer shared details about her artistic background, promoting the art scene of Pakistan and planning to open a dance school in the country.

What is classical dance for you?

The word ‘classical’ needs to be broken down and defined properly. Everything in performing arts started from folk, for instance, those who trace their origins from Orissa, India, can dance to the Odissi tune. Kathak, on the other hand, is about grammar, vocabulary and style. Once you embrace it, it becomes a part of you. It’s like a circle and you keep evolving within it.

For me, classical dance is something divine as I enter into another world when I perform. I don’t just dance, I feel dance and treat it as an act of devotion.

How open is our society to classical dance as compared to the 1970s?

I believe until there is a criterion of incorporating classical dance in school curriculums, there will be no acceptance of dance in society. Unfortunately, after partition, dance — as part of subcontinental culture — was conveniently disinherited. My mentor once said, “Only fine arts can give fine brains.” It’s quite sad that the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) is not promoting arts and culture.

How was it living in exile and coming to terms with the fact that you can’t perform in your country anymore?

I was banned and blacklisted in 1979 and was forced to fly to England but I carved a niche for myself there and in other European countries as well.

However, after returning to Pakistan in 1984, I performed every year from then onwards. Dancing is like breathing to me. No one can take that away. I remember, once famous poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz saw my performance and told me to be a reformer and play a part in changing the system. That advice has stayed with me and, hence, I carried on with it.

Given the current state of the country, do you think there can be a revival of dance in Pakistan?

How does one expect arts to flourish in a society plagued by poverty? However, I
believe that hope and struggle to revive it should never die.

Would having an academic curriculum on classical dance revive the dying art in Pakistan?

Yes, definitely. It’s done all over the world. When people learn and impart this knowledge, I think it will save classical dance from a gradual death. I plan on opening up a dance school in Pakistan, but currently I’m looking for supporters. I believe Karachi can be a turning point as it’s a cosmopolitan city and appreciates culture more.

Yousuf Kerai: A story of raag and taal

2011-10-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

26th OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI:Have you ever listened to “Aankhon Ke Sagar” by Fuzon or “Ranjish Hi Sahi” by Mehdi Hasan very closely? If not then it would only add to your knowledge that it is Raag Aiman or Yaman — one of the most profound musical notes in classical music — being played in the songs.

This fact was stated and performed by tabla player Yousuf Kerai along with sitar player Shehroze Hussain at The Second Floor (T2F). Kerai delivered a lecture titled ‘The Music of South Asia: A Kaleidoscope of Nuances’ at T2F to enlighten people about the beauty and character of raags and other components of classical music. The interactive session was informative for the enthusiasts of classical music, who, although listen to classical music, are unaware of the importance of raag and taal.

Kerai, 28, was introduced to Indian classical music at the age of eight by the late Master Babu Khan. By the age of 15, his fascination for music grew further and Kerai found maestro Ustad Khurshid Hussain as his tabla teacher. Tabla for him is a, ‘Means of discourse’. “Like there are all kinds of accents in a language, tabla, too, has all kinds of rhythms that give classical music its identity.”

While talking about the importance of raag, the musician added, “Every raag has its own character.” According to Kerai, raags are named after rain, moods, day or night and even seasons. For instance “Megh Malhar” (raag) gets its name from the Sanskrit word megh, which means clouds.

Classical music has been considered a profound study of sound since the time of Mughal Empire. Kings made music part of education and children were made to study it as part of their curriculum. Kerai explained that classical music is “a big part of our identity and of our cultural inheritance. I’m able to connect with people and my surroundings by recreating music in contemporary times.

Zikr-e-Khusro: A tryst with poetry and dance

2011-10-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

23rd OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI:For once my pen fails to produce words to describe the dance movements mastered by classical dancer Nahid Siddiqui at Zikr-e-Khusro — a fundraiser event organised by The Citizens Foundation (TCF). The event that was held on October 21 in the dimly lit Darbar Hall of Sheraton Hotel left an impact on poetry and dance enthusiasts.

The night came alive with the sound of ghungroos that jingled to the beat of Amir Khusro’s ghazal and tarana. The tarana was Siddiqui’s own tribute to Khusro for the evening, which completely captivated the audience’s attention. Siddiqui’s performance on three instrumental classical compositions communicated the theme of friendly teasing and the social norm of paying respect by saying adaab. The dancer told a subcontinental narrative to the hynotised audience through her graceful and rhythmic hand and body movements.

Siddiqui showed that her skills defy time and age, and with every beat, sound and the words of classical raag flowing in the hall, the classical dancer personified the lyrical beauty of Khusro’s word.

Dressed in blue-coloured peshwas and churidar pyjama, Siddiqui denoted rain and thunder with her precise and well-timed body movements and her dignified yet soft facial expressions.

The dancer performed for almost an hour and showed that she could still move with the grace she did 30 years ago, until she was banned from performing in the country during General Zia’s era.

However, her most alluring performance was on the “Ramdasi Malhar” raag. The performer twirled joyfully and took heavy steps to suggest strength of personality and then eventually stood in an upright position to signify that she has found love.

Coming on stage and speaking to the audience for a brief moment, Siddiqui said, “It’s heartening to see the appreciation that I have just received. I’m performing in Karachi after a long time.”

Besides her dancing performance, there were some musical performances by National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa) students, which were appreciated more by the audience than recitals by their seniors. For instance, one of the highlights of the night was a rendition of Khusro’s qawwali, “Mun Kunto Maula”, performed by Napa students.

One must not forget to mention Mehnaz Begum singing “Bahut Kathin Hai Dagr Panghat Ki”, which was commendably delivered.

As a brief introduction to the show, Zia Mohyeddin, the master orator, also shared a timeline of Khusro’s reign. Being a master of words, Mohyeddin kept switching between Persian, Urdu and English and summed up the speech with the Sufi icon’s poem “Light Upon Light”.

Fashion Pakistan Council: Mixing business with fashion

2011-10-21T02:58:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

20th OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI: It was indeed quite a surprise when Karachi’s Fashion Pakistan Council (FPC) set up a stall at the Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) 6th Expo Pakistan, whilst TDAP has collaborated with Lahore’s Pakistan Fashion and Design Council (PFDC) to bring forth PFDC Fashion Week, which kicked off on October 20.

Just as Pakistan is multicultural with diverse ethnicities, there are various fashion councils that have sprung up in the recent past. From a fashionistas point of view, however, only two hold some legitimacy in the foreground, the PFDC and the FPC.

Fashion designer and CEO of FPC, Maheen Khan, who was present at the event, said, “The government is often initiating the marriage between the designers and textile mills. But setting up a stall has a lot to do with the fact that we need to learn about export marketing and the right product and processing.” Khan also added that, “If designers are given such platforms we will learn enough about the local trade fair so that when we represent Pakistan at an international event abroad, it won’t be a disaster.”

At the stall FPC showcased Maheen Khan’s line called Gulabo, Deepak Perwani’s casual line and accessory designer Mahin Husain’s handbags, amongst others, for the sake of export, which in Khan’s word should be more like, “a learning experience, rather than the concept of selling their product.”

Deepak Perwani’s Operation Manager Noreen Mujtaba revealed that they were placed at a TDAP sponsored event because, “Neighbouring countries like China and India are well exposed in the buyer’s market and foreigners need to know that Pakistan too has a good number of creative designers.”

When asked about the price tag of Deepak Perwani’s casual kurtis and handmade bags, Mujtaba said, “Export prices for international buyers are placed at lower bottom by our brand.” Mujtaba did not quote an actual price of the designer wear, nor did she place a price tag on the displayed products.

Accessory designer and FPC member Mahin Husain said, “This platform is a stepping stone for us. I have always believed that the tag ‘Made in Pakistan’ should come forward and hence I have deliberately kept the prices cheap and affordable for my leather hand bags. We plan to catch the buyer’s attention.”

I don't take bakwas: Mathira

2011-10-19T00:46:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

15th OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI: Nineteen-year-old Mathira Mohammad is as unpredictable as British weather. From flaunting her style statement — which may be termed as ‘minimalistic’ by some — to fighting her condescending callers with valour, Mohammad has the guts to do it all.

Termed as ‘Pakistan’s Paris Hilton’ by the Los Angeles Times, Mohammad has garnered media attention with her explicit terms of endearment, (“Koochie koochie muah muah”), for her fans and her suggestive dance moves onstage and on-screen.

Breaking boundaries

I have been called hot and sexy a lot of times. I take such comments with a smile. I don’t mind when someone comments on my figure. Initially I did, but then I realised if somebody calls me hot and sexy, they are definitely calling me pretty. People ask me if I had always aimed to break rules, but then they don’t realise breaking something is no one’s aim. When you break a glass, you haven’t been aiming for that. I was just being myself and that I didn’t know that would be like breaking boundaries!

The real and the reel Mathira

I’m as annoying and lively off screen as I am during my show. But there are always two sides to a person. When I am on my own, I am very sombre but the public side of Mathira is annoying, in-your-face and rebellious. I feel it’s better you smile and make others smile with you.

The bold side of me also makes me nonchalant towards the criticism I get. At one time, a caller taunted me for wearing a miniskirt. Now I don’t care if he hasn’t seen a woman wearing a miniskirt, I don’t take this narrow-minded bakwas.

Is Mathira the ‘modern’ Pakistani woman?

I don’t know if people are saying this or not, but if they are, then thank you! It just might be true. I believe every woman who goes out and works is modern. Pakistan is becoming modern so it is good.

Sharing too much?

Just like me, my family doesn’t take crap. My family knows my BlackBerry Messenger contact is common amongst my fans and they don’t care. This just means that 800 people out there know when I am smiling and when I am crying and what I am doing today. I have a loving family, that understands the importance of my career in my life.

What the future holds

I don’t like sharing what I am planning to do. For example, you don’t tell people when you plan on having a baby, you just have it. But yes, I am releasing a song soon which is titled “Jadogaar”. Just like me, my video will be extremely different and will not be the typical Pakistani video. Some might like it, some may not. But this is something completely for myself. It’s my desire and for myself. The LA Times published an article about me and yes more international articles are going to come out, so everyone should look out for them. I am also coming up with a very bold reality show. Besides, that I feel that a move to Aag TV chanel was a very positive thing to do since it is helping my progress tremendously.

Nickie Nina: A royal collection

2011-10-19T00:44:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

14th OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI:The flagship store of Nickie Nina in Karachi displays the duo’s new collection, which revolves around the regality of the Mughal era.

The current exhibition at Nickie Nina’s outlet showcases experimentation with digital block prints decorating shalwar kameezes and saris. The designers have used fabrics like crepe silk and chiffon that they have decorated with grand motifs and intricate designs.

Nina Junaid, who is half of the creative strength of Nickie Nina, stated that the same Mughal-inspired clothes were also introduced in London this year. Apart from their latest line, one finds bridals, casuals and formals, which are priced between Rs8,000 and Rs800,000.

With such a wide price range, one cannot help but wonder about the strength of brand loyalty for such an expensive brand when cheaper brands with a large variety of clothes are just around the corner. Justifying the price range, Junaid states, “There are two distinct things that make Nickie Nina stand out from the rest. Firstly, it’s the skill of putting colours together and secondly, a classic Nickie Nina will never go out of fashion. Even after 10 years, you would see that it’s still in fashion.”

Spotted at the launch event was actor-cum-host Mishi Khan, who said, “This is a lovely collection. It’s comfortable and unique and I would love to wear it.” For model Zeba Ali who was seen wearing the duo’s creation at the launch said, “They are so good at whatever they do and have a great sense of colour.”

Luminesce: The race against age

2011-10-19T00:42:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

13th OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI:Whether you are 30 years old or 60, striving to look youthful and wrinkle-free is a task most women take very seriously.

American product Luminesce, which marked its arrival in Pakistan on the weekend, claims to help one get rid of ageing and sagging skin. The cream, an adult stem-cell technology, is a relatively new venture as it was introduced in America just two years ago.

Considering that the small, 15-millilitre (ml) bottle costs Rs 15,000 and lasts for up to two months, one can’t help but ask if it’s worth the investment. Speaking about the product, Dr Mabroor Bhatti, a cosmetic surgeon said, “Anyone can use it, from the older lot to the younger people. It’s a biological serum.” He further added, “Adult stem cell technology is a cutting-edge scientific treatment to be applied for better face-lift treatment.”

One of the attendees at the event was fashion designer Maheen Khan who has already started using the product. “I don’t find the serum sticky rather the fluid is more water-based. I think the product is great as it has reduced the fine lines on my face.”

Meanwhile, actor-cum-director Zeba Bakhtiar, who claimed to have been using the product for the last 10 days, said, “I have seen a massive difference in my skin. It certainly makes you look younger.”

However, some doctors have reservations regarding this ‘cutting-edge’ treatment. While talking to The Express Tribune, dermatologist Dr Badr Dhanani stressed that, “All anti-ageing products don’t reverse the ageing clock. Although, the earlier you use, the better, but just one single cream will not get the required results. It has to do with diet and life style as well. I, personally, have not prescribed it to my patients.”

Fashion fiesta:KFW comes to a close

2011-10-12T00:49:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR/TEHREEM AIDRUS
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

11th OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI:
Day 3

Iqra University School of Fashion & Design, Islamabad

These young students offered nothing out of the ordinary with their collection of cocktail dresses and gowns failing to have the required impact.

Annywear

Anny Khan’s collection for women was one of the better ones of the night. The designer had models walking the ramp in black, mostly backless, gowns — perfect for an evening out on the town. This was followed by her floral creations in pastels ranging from pink to blue to yellow. Summery yet chic, is an apt way to describe this collection.

Samar Mehdi

The much awaited collection by Samar Mehdi disappointed the crowd. The collection brought on the ramp was ‘Purple Rain’ from an old shoot, and was a letdown for much of the audience who were hoping, and expecting, something new and innovative from the designer.

Arsalan and Yahseer

Arsalan Iqbal and Yahseer Javed, who launched their brand in 2006, brought forth their ‘Midnight Mischief’ collection for men. Tasteful and classy, the designer duo took inspiration from the 17th century style Englishman and the audience couldn’t help but think of Mr Darcy (Pride and Prejudice) when they saw models walk the ramp in long overcoats, black blazers and suave grey suits complimented by tasteful neckties.

BNS

This men’s collection showcased an interesting array of cargo pants, with lungi-styled shalwars being the order of the day. The line toyed with muted colours in black, grey and mustard, while the gowns and cocktails dresses for women were primarily in blues, greens, black and yellows.

Day 4

Sanam Agha

Sanam Agha’s collection, inspired by Greecian gladiators, was pleasing to the eye with the exquisite draping. She used a palette of subtle hues of grey, pistachio green, custard yellow and black in chiffon with her signature insect motif used in every outfit. The highlight of the collection was an interesting marriage of dhoti and chooridar, which might become a popular trend in the following year.

Usman Dittu

Dittu showcased his premier fusion line titled, ‘What a Woman’ from his Couture 69 line. The designer used beautiful colour combinations of shades of blues, greens and yellow with gold and silver Dittu, known for his exquisite saris, received smiles when he displayed his floral printed chiffon sequined creations.

Saman Arif

Saman Arif experimented with fabrics like chiffon and cotton in solid acid colours, complimented by chunky accessories. The collection comprised of culottes, long flowing kameezes and cocktail dresses embellished with pompoms, which are in vogue these days. This bright collection, which reminded one of ‘the good old hippie days’ stood out on day four.

Munib Nawaz

Nawaz’s collection paid tribute to the wandering soul of Pakistan travelling from the shores of Karachi to the mountains of Kashmir. The designer made use of silk and satin in a mostly winter based palette; the rich earthy colours and paisley prints were embedded in a collection of blazers with hoods over jeans and velvet trousers. Raw colours like khaki, browns, flaming oranges and dark greens were used.

Yousuf Bashir Qureshi

The designer’s ‘Soft Military’ collection was one of his strongest yet. The designer went on a patriotic note combined with military regalia with Jinnah caps as well as army hats gracing the heads of models. Female models in military colours saluted the audience, depicting a Pakistan where women walk alongside men.

KFW: Rizwanullah and Mistry spice it up

2011-10-12T00:47:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

9th OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI: The second day of the Karachi Fashion Week was laced with glaring disappointments and obvious fashion faux pas on the ramp. While there was diversity — from Nina Ajmal’s tie-and-dye tops to Zara’s Bermuda shorts — the event was marred by mistakes made earlier. If the day was saved, it was only because of fashion designers Syed Rizwanullah and Nadya Mistry.

Zara

Zara’s Spring/Summer collection 2012 saw a deep loyalty to the brand’s signature style and stuck to trendy and sporty clothes — the look Zara is famous for at the international level as well. The men’s range saw Bermuda shorts in floral prints, cargo pants and flip-flops, while the women’s line created a stir with mini-skirts and high-heels.

Indus Higher School

Unfortunately, the young lot of Indus Higher School failed to impress on the ramp. In a collection of western-styled outfits for men, turbans don’t stand a chance. Similarly, motifs of wish bones and human skulls don’t seem to have mass appeal either. Meanwhile, in the women’s line, the concept of scissors hanging on cocktail dresses was another fashion no-no.

Nina Ajmal

Nina Ajmal made her debut on the ramp with a casual collection comprising of tie-and-dye tops. However, one couldn’t help but wonder why the designer chose to show gold, shimmery shalwars. Overall, the collection failed to excite with most of the outfits looking identical.

Nadya Mistry

Nadya Mistry’s ode to late singer Amy Winehouse’s philosophy of style was definitely unique and creative, but this can only be said about the western outfits she offered. Mistry, the French-trained designer, paid tribute to the late singer in her collection titled ‘Amy’, and her models had the ‘Winehouse look’ — with everything from the beehive hairdo to the dramatic eye make-up.

However, Mistry’s decision to have an eastern collection around the same theme backfired as it failed to live up to the expectations of the crowd.

M.A.K

Mateen Ahmed Khan’s menswear collection, a fusion of 1970s and 1980s era saw safari suits with motifs from the Mughal era. The creations, with shades of blue and whites, ended up looking repetitive.

Syed Rizwanullah

Rizwanullah is known to make a splash and he did exactly that with his collection at KFW, where the audience was stunned to see a male model walking the ramp in his underwear. However, notice must be given the rest of the designer’s collection which saved the night.

Rizwanullah’s ‘Black’ collection was striking with the designer using black offset with vibrant embroidery. While the creations were bold and funky, the embroidery definitely had a hint of traditional Pakistan. The designer had his wife, model Fayezah Ansari, walk the ramp in a long flowing, backless black gown which won resounding applause by the audience.

KFW: of bold colors and cocktail dresses

2011-10-12T00:45:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

8th OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI:The first day of the Karachi Fashion Week (KFW) was an alluring experience as a potpourri of fashion designers — from established ones to aspiring ones to retail brands — all displaying their creativity, with some hitting the mark and other mostly, missing it.

To highlight the diversity of the event, the first night not only saw established brand Fifth Avenue showcasing some of the best of their winter collection, but also gave a chance to upcoming designers, who made their debut in the fashion world. Some of these included Jazib Qamar whose menswear collection sported a casual, funky look and Trevor Castelino whose women’s line exuded an air of sensuality.

Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue’s collection for women was in sober, as well as playful colours — from shocking pink and maroon tops to brown leather jackets — while the men’s collection had a more formal look, albeit with a funky touch. Sticking to their signature style, the collection also saw numerous dinner jackets, all in hues of brown, black, grey and blue.

“With the best fabric and a wide range of materials, what we brought to KFW 2011 was the best of the best from the winter collection for this year,” said Amir Anees, the CEO of Fifth Avenue.

Newports Institute

They might be young, but they know about cuts and style and that showed in their work. A team of students from Newports Institute presented four collections: western-gowns based on the theme of ‘Dreams’; cocktail dresses based on ‘Mughal Art’; dresses based on ‘Science Fiction’ and an eastern bridal collection. While some pieces were eye-catching, the multi-coloured cocktail dresses with a tinge of a Indo-China touch were off the mark and gave the impression that the designers are still in the experimenting phase.

Aamir Baig

Aamir Baig, who has been in the profession for the last eight years, showcased a collection that was a fusion of eastern and western designs, and consisted mainly of knee-length dresses that incorporated classic embroidery along with western cuts and styles. All of his models adorned masks, which added a mysterious touch.

Waseem Noor

Waseem Noor’s collection was a complete fusion of bold designs consisting of western cuts, eastern fabrics, jamawar borders and embellished necklines. Since this was one of the first collections, the knee-length cocktail dresses initially made an impression, but with a number of designers using the same concept over and over again, it became a little excessive.

Sharifah Kirana

Deeply inspired by legendary figure TunTeja (regarded as the most beautiful woman of her time), Malaysian designer Sharifah Kirana brought forward a wedding trousseau collection, which may be suitable for Malaysian brides, but not for Pakistanis. The models were in short white gowns made out of satin or chiffon. One of the trousseaus even sported a motif of a lady’s face, both in the front and at the back of the outfit. The highlights of the collection were the bridal dresses in red and pink, with floral embroidery and embellishments of diamantes.

Jazib Qamar

Jazib Qamar’s menswear collection titled ‘Road Lane’ was, perhaps, one of the day’s most daring experiment. He brought forward unconventional colours along with a bold collection of shoes and funky accessories, which included long lockets and wrist bands. Qamar not only toyed with the outrageous combo of a copper green shirt and pants with florescent green chappals, but also experimented with a bright yellow top and a lungi-ish shalwar with white chappals. However, his out-of-the-box approach seemed to have backfired as the creations did not deliver the impact he had hoped for.

Trevor Castelino

Trevor Castelino’s collection, which flirted with the colours black, deep gold and white, was based on the musical “Moulin Rouge”. A daring mix of western-styled outfits and enchanting silver jewellery by Taneez, the collection was one of the better ones of the night. However the designer, like so many others in Pakistan, is talented but needs to be directed and guided in the right direction.

'Dastaan': Reflecting the Indo-Pak divide

2011-10-12T00:43:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

7th OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI:At the 10th Lux Style Awards (LSAs) 2011, the Best TV Director (All Channels) award went to the Haissam Hussain — the director of HUM TV’s drama serial “Dastaan”. From giving depth to the characters belonging to a different generation to portraying the emotional havoc of 1947, “Dastaan” communicated the essence of partition’s epoch with remarkable accuracy.

The Express Tribune spoke to Hussain who shared details about his directorial work and his future endeavors.

Why did you choose Razia Butt’s novel Bano as an inspiration for your serial ‘Dastaan’? Don’t you think much has already been written and televised about the partition?

Given the problems Pakistan is going through (no electricity, water shortages, lack of job opportunities and rising prices of basic commodities), people are looking for the opportunity to run away from Pakistan, and are forgetting the reason as to why, and how, Pakistan came into being.

About three years ago, we did a tele-film by Umera Ahmed “Mutti Bhar Mitti” which got a very good response, so Momina Duraid and I decided to work with the theme of partition and the novel Bano provided the perfect opportunity to pursue this.

What was it like working around the theme of the creation of Pakistan?

We had a basic structure for the storyline from the book, but the portrayal of customs, mannerisms and etiquette of that time had to be incorporated in the television adaptation. The tragic events that occurred were something that we had only heard of, but nothing any one from our generation could even imagine enduring. To bring the tragedy alive on screen was tough physically and emotionally for myself as the director, but more so for the actors who gave all their energy in bringing the emotions to life.

How would you rate ‘Dastaan’ on an international level? Were you inspired by any international directorial work during the making?

“Dastaan” was all about facts and events that occurred during partition. If you search the media (films, internet) we usually get the perspective of the other side (Sikhs and Hindus) regarding the suffering they faced, there is very little material on how the Muslims struggled. Hence, “Dastaan” provided the perfect platform to tell the tale from our side in a tasteful manner.

Whose acting skills in ‘Dastaan’ would you give two thumbs up to?

All the actors performed with extreme dedication and all of them deserve high praise.

How did the audience respond to the idea of women being dishonoured during partition, as portrayed in the series?

The efforts made while making dramas can often go unnoticed, but the fan pages of “Dastaan” bear testimony to how passionately people felt about this play and its characters. A lot of the young generation felt shocked about the crimes committed against Muslim women during partition, and for the older generations who actually witnessed or had heard about such events first-hand, “Dastaan” refreshed their memories. The stories the older generation were prompted to share with younger generations after watching the play have served to reawaken this zeal towards preserving the original values our country was designed for.

What’s in the pipeline?

We are working on “Dur-e-Shahwar”, which is a script by Umera Ahmed. There are a couple of other projects too which are still under process.

Ali Zafar: "My lips are sealed."

2011-10-12T00:40:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

7th OCTOBER 2011

KARACHI:It was thought by many that once Ali Zafar, crosses the border, he would change. However, it has been reported there have been no drastic changes in the singer-cum-actor’s attitude as he climbs the ladder to success on the silver screen.

Recently there have been rumours that Zafar would be sharing ‘intimate scenes’ with his co-star Aditi Rao, in his upcoming Bollywood romantic-comedy, London, Paris, New York. The film, about a couple who fall in love while visiting the three cities, is slated to release next year.

According to koolmuzone.com, Zafar revealed at a Mumbai press conference that the script demanded intimate scenes between him and his co-star Aditi Rao. “We have tried to make a film that will make you fall in love with the characters. In this film we have very family intimate scenes. So, you can watch it with your family.” Zafar’s co-star Aditi Rao stated, “We have not forced sex scenes anywhere just because it is believed that sex sells.”

However, Zafar’s publicist Ammara Hikmat has clarified to The Express Tribune that, “By intimate, Ali didn’t mean obscene scenes. He refused to kiss his co-star and the script had to be changed to suit his demands. By intimate he means it is a cosy and romantic film.” Hikmat added that Zafar was, in fact, joking at the press conference when he said, “Well I do make sure as soon as I wake up I brush my teeth because I’d be doing very intimate scenes.” Hikmat said, “He believes that everyone has the right to express their own freedom of speech and action in reasonably defined parameters. He tries his best to keep general values of his home country in mind and work in a way where he can fulfil his professional obligations and not disappoint his fans at the same time. We have witnessed his choices to do this and make us proud.”

Hikmat also revealed that, “This is the first time that an actor (Zafar) is writing lyrics, singing and composing at the same time for a Bollywood film.” While shedding light on his upcoming venture, Zafar said, “I am really looking forward to this film now that Mere Brother Ki Dulhan has raised the bar and exceeded the revenue of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Ready in Pakistan. I can’t thank my fans enough and I hope they will make my future endeavour a success.”

Controversial Pakistani celebs

Veena Malik

As a housemate on the Indian reality TV show “Big Boss” last year, Malik was criticised for her vulgar clothing and intimate relationship with Bollywood actor Ashmit Patel.

Meera

The Lollywood starlet who acted in Bollywood producer Mahesh Bhatt’s film, Nazar, has accused Bhatt of abusing her and slapping her on the face.

Junoon: Twenty years gone by

2011-09-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

30th SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI: Junoon’s journey, embarked by the launch of their first self-titled album Junoon in 1991, can be compared to a whirling dervish.

Their first-ever PTV appearance was with their song “Neend Aati Nahi”, which featured ex-vocalist Ali Azmat, Ahmad on leads guitars and Nusrat Hussain on keyboards. But within a short span of time, Hussain parted ways and went solo, releasing his own album in 1992. Ahmad then contacted his friend Brian O’Connell, who was based in New York at that time, to come and play as a bassist for the band. For more than a decade, the trio rocked the nation with wild tunes that held promises of freedom and hope. The last album Junoon released, before they split with vocalist Ali Azmat, was Dewaar in 2003. For the last few years it has been Ahmad who has been making music under the name ‘Junoon’, without Azmat, occasionally meeting up with O’Connell for concerts and now collaborating on Junoon’s 20th Anniversary Album.

Junoon – the journey

Ahmad: Iqbal once wrote, ‘The whisper in your heart has strength, it may not have wings, but it has the power to fly’. Twenty years ago, Junoon was only a whisper in my heart which has now grown into a mystical and powerful bond between our music and our fans. The band has evolved over the years but we still continue to whirl around the axis of love.

O’ Connell: It has been and continues to be an exciting and meaningful journey. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to reach so many people through our music. Our travels have introduced me to varying cultures, politics and lifestyles, with the underlying observation that music and art transcend differences and unite people.

Close to the heart

Ahmad: “Chand Sitara” at the moment

O’ Connell: “Mitti” and its timeless message

What does the future hold

Ahmad: Shoaib Mansoor and I share the pain that most Pakistanis feel about their country, but we refuse to just keep complaining. After being a part of Vital Signs “Dil Dil Pakistan”, Mansoor is now collaborating with Junoon to produce a patriotic song “Chand Sitara”. The concept is that Pakistan will only change when its people change from within. We’re also hoping to spend the next year touring the world. I’ve just signed my first Bollywood film Rhythm, which is slated to release in 2012.

O’ Connell: I have recorded the bassline for the new song “Chand Sitara” recently at John-Alec’s studio. Besides guest artists’ musical contributions on this 20th Anniversary Album, the material is Junoon’s original songs which we recorded over the last 20 years. It’s different because Ali is not with us today in the studio.

Azmat’s afterglow

Ahmad: I want to wish Ali Azmat, Nusrat Hussain, Sabir Zafar, Ashiq Ali Mir, Malcolm Goveas, Jay Dittamo and other Junoonis a very happy Junoon 2011. Junoon the band, however, has just two members for now.

O’ Connell: I have joined Azmat on stage for his tours here in the US and it continues to be a fun, fulfilling and adventurous experience. He and I are in touch regularly. Strong friendships are permanent and the bond that the three of us have created is deep. My journey with Junoon has shaped my style and playing tremendously.

Will there be a reunion?

O’ Connell: For me, Junoon’s true identity was established and matured over the many years that we were all together. Although our individual messages and passions are consistent in many ways, the cohesive power of the union created a platform which is much greater than the sum of its parts. I cannot predict the future. All I can do is keep my soul healthy enough to be present, willing and open to the myriad of possibilities God has in store for each and all of us. I will always look forward to that special magic created by the three of us on the same stage. For me, it’s all about love and service.

Defining moments

1990

Ahmad, dreams that a Maulana Rumi look alike says to him ‘Tumhey mousiqui ka junoon hai’. Junoon is formed with Azmat of Jupiters and Hussain of Vital Signs.

1991

Junoon the self-titled debut album released by the band by EMI Studio in Karachi gets a lukewarm response. Hussain parts ways and goes solo.

1992

O’Connell becomes a part of the band. Ahmad and Shoaib Mansoor team up to make a documentary Leading From The Front, on the life of Imran Khan.

1993

Talaash, the second album comes out in the market. The Song “Talaash” which is a political commentary gets censored by PTV under the regime of Nawaz Sharif.

1994

“Talaash” a PTV drama serial directed by Atiqa Odho and written by Anwar Maqsood on the life of the trio is aired.

1995

The band releases their first compilation album Kashmakash

1996

The trio’s third album Inquilaab gains success and one of the song in the album titled “Jazba-e-Junoon” becomes the signature song of the cricket World Cup. The band also releases a controversial video directed by Mansoor called “Ehtesaab” which is banned on PTV.

1997

Junoon releases Azadi that hits the platinum sales status within four weeks. Additionally, their song “Sayonee” stays at number one on Channel V and MTV Asia for over two months.

1998

Junoon wins the ‘Best International Group’ at the Channel V Music Awards. They perform at Zee Cine Awards in Mumbai, at New York’s Central Park and at the BBC Mega Mela in London.

1999

Former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpee invites the band to perform in India. Junoon also perform at the Millennium Peace Concert in Paris and is awarded Unesco’s ‘Outstanding Achievement in Music and Peace.’

2000

Junoon becomes the first-ever Asian band to perform at Roskilde Festival in Denmark. The band appears in Anand Pathwardhan’s film on India and Pakistan titled War and Peace.

2001

Ahmad is appointed UN ‘Goodwill Ambassador’. After 9/11 the band extensively tours the American university and colleges, promoting messages of peace and harmony. VH-1 airs a documentary on Junoon: Islamabad Rockcity presented by Hollywood actor Susan Sarandon.

2002

The band releases “No More”, a song in English which is their first anti-terrorism song. Also, their 30-minute interview gets aired on CNN in the show called “Talk Asia”.

2003

Junoon disbands; O’Connell leaves for the US and Azmat goes solo.

2004

Ahmad sings a duet with Shubha Mudgal on “Ghoom Tana”, which is screened on respective Independence Day in Karachi and New Delhi.

2005

Azmat releases Social Circus and Ahmad releases Infinity. Ahmad appears in a controversial BBC documentary on Muslim-Americans titled It’s My Country Too.

2006

Former US president Bill Clinton invites Ahmad to speak at the Clinton Global initiative in New York attended by Queen Rania, Barbra Streisand, Bill Gates and Desmond Tutu.

2007

Ahmad performs at Nobel Peace Prize Concert and ceremony held in Oslo.

2008

Azmat’s solo career gets a boost with his second album Klasinfolk. Ahmad co-writes and records “Ring the Bells” with American Academy and Grammy award winning singer Melissa Etheridge.

2009

Ahmad performs at the SSGWI concert for Pakistan at the UN general assembly with Sting, Outlandish and Gavin Rossdale for Pakistani IDP’s.

2010

Ahmad’s memoir called Rock and Roll Jihad: A Muslim Rock Stars Revolution is published by Simon and Shuster. The artist also releases “Open Your Eyes” with Peter Gabriel.

2011

Ahmad collaborates with Gabriel and also records “If I Could Change” with Ziggy Marley and Sweet Rush for UN World Humanitarian Day

The fate of Peshawar Fashion Week

2011-09-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

28th SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI:The Peshawar Fashion Week (PFW), which was initially scheduled to take place in September — right after Eid — has been postponed indefinitely due to political concerns and security reasons, as cited by Usman Aman, the International Relations Manager for National Fashion and Arts Council (NFAC), Peshawar.

In an interview with The Express Tribune, Aman details plans about the upcoming event, while also explaining why it was postponed in the first place.

What is the major reason for the postponement?

The reason, as I see it, is the threat to the organisers from radical groups in the city.

When is it expected to take place now?

I cannot specify a date as the show has been postponed upon the request of the local government.

What is the official stance of the Ministry of Culture in Peshawar?

All the government institutions, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Corporation of Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), support the event as it not only encourages the trade of fabric and fashion but is also an opportunity to promote tourism and culture — both nationally and internationally.

How responsive do you think locals will be to a Fashion Week in Peshawar?

So far we have received a positive response. Through this event the world will know that people of Pakistan, particularly from Peshawar, are peace-loving citizens.

In your opinion, what exactly is the purpose of holding this Fashion Week?

Primarily, the Fashion Week will attract revenue and investment for K-P’s tourism and cottage industries along with promoting a soft image of the region. However, another important aspect of holding this fashion week is to endorse and support new talent on a national scale.

I’m convinced that the PFW will play a part in boosting the economy of the province and of Pakistan in general. In my opinion, the main reason behind the PFW is to reclaim the confidence lost due to the war on terror. NFAC, being a regional organisation, can cater to those craftsmen who do not understand other languages and introduce them to international buyers.

Which designers are participating in the PFW?

From the local industry, designers including Ali Xeeshan, Mohsin Ali, Ainee Khawaja and Yasmina Aman along with Mohammad Ali and Hameeda from K-P are participating in the event. From the international circle, May Chay from Malaysia, RS Danny, HP Closet and Irene Hoon from Singapore have been extended an invitation, while international models including Laverne Asante, Kim Kotter and Spice Gabriel will be walking the ramp.

LSA Gowns: He has got the talent

2011-09-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

25th SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI:The man credited with bringing forth Alexander McQueen-inspired creations to the ramp at the Fashion Pakistan Week 2010 and later earning applause for depicting the aesthetics and tastes of Rajput princess Mirabai at an exhibition stole the spotlight once again Pakistani fashion designer Fahad Hussayn was the ‘Queens’ gown-maker’ at this year’s Lux Style Awards’ (LSAs) red carpet.

In an event where some designers produced disasters, Hussayn was in a league of his own and Amna Ilyas, who was wearing a gown by the designer, won ‘Best Dressed Female on the Red Carpet’.

“All four ladies I dressed up for the red carpet looked comfortable yet glamorous in their outfits, which I had designed according to their personality.”

Aamina Sheikh

“She is an excellent model, great performer and a brilliant actor with a multi-dimensional personality — she is powerful yet conservative. So for her, I designed a black backless gown, which was studded with crystals giving it a very formal look.”

Frieha Altaf

“I made Frieha a black Grecian drape dress, which had a waist-belt. If you know her, she has a very overpowering and strong personality so while designing I made sure I gave the outfit a goddess-like feel to it. If you looked closely, you would have thought that she had a warrior princess look about her.”

Amna Ilyas

“Amna wanted to look feminine. She has a very tomboyish personality and I had to make sure that the feminine side in her comes out. The cobalt blue Grecian drape, which had a (criss-cross back), made her look sexy and suited her beautiful skin tone.”

Noore Bhatti

“Noore has this rockstar persona about her. She wore a jumpsuit which I chose for her because she is definitely a trendsetter. I wanted to give her a different look with stripes.”

For Teejays, everything changed in Paris

2011-09-24T02:12:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
National pages
The Express Tribune

23rd SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI: Her sister taught her to wear red lipstick and gave her a ‘sense of style’. With Minnaal’s death, Feeha Jamshed says she has lost her inspiration.

This interview was not supposed to be about Minnaal Jamshed’s death. But sitting at her house in Hill Park, the Creative Director of her father’s retail brand Teejays only wants to talk about her elder sister and best friend. For Feeha, Minnaal, who had “perfect hair and a perfect face”, defined beauty.

Minnaal, 32, died under mysterious circumstances in France on July 1 this year. “Sadly, there is a misconception in people’s mind that Minnaal’s death occurred due to bulimia. She did suffer from an eating disorder, but that was anorexia nervosa and it did not kill her,” says the 27-year-old fashion designer. “She was a fighter and had recovered from her illness seven months back.”

“My mother reported her missing after she went for coffee to a café downstairs and did not return home for a few hours. Five days later, the French police recovered her decomposed body from River Seine,” recalls Feeha, adding, “The police gave my mother the taweez that Minnaal used to wear … that’s how we came to know she had died.”

“There were marks of injury on her forehead. She was probably trying to defend herself,” she says. With investigations still in progress, Feeha did not want to share more details, but spoke about her mother’s courage. “My mother is the epitome of patience. She dealt with this tragedy alone.”

Feeha’s mother was living with Minnaal in Paris, where she had been treated for her eating disorder. “She wanted to live. She fought for her life and taught me a lot. If I was told to describe life, I would say ‘Minnaal’. Generally, people get embarrassed and shrug off their problems, but I want young girls to understand that only you can help yourself.” A number of thoughts go through Feeha’s mind about what could have happened. Minnaal never liked the Eiffel Towers. She would never go near that place, her sister says.

Ever since Feeha was three years old, she knew she would take the legacy of Teejays forward. Her father would say she should launch her own brand “Feejays”.

It was in the 1970s that her father, Tanvir Jamshed, launched the retail brand. “We were the first ones to introduce a unisex collection in Pakistan. It was during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s regime. During General Ziaul Haq’s era we stopped making clothes for women because we always made shalwar-kameez without a dupatta. Our concept was, ‘downsize your wardrobe’.”

The “awami” dress was never considered an elitist wardrobe, but Teejays made that possible, she says.

Feeha designs clothes for women of all body shapes. “Women with eating disorders do not love themselves and think they are ruefully fat. But they must love themselves; I want them to love themselves.”

LSAs 2011: A starry, starry night

2011-09-21T03:30:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

19th SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI: Celebrities walking the red carpet, glamorous gowns and sexy suits, song and dance, a few blunders and of course, the distributions of awards — this is what makes the Lux Style Awards (LSAs). The 10th anniversary of the much-awaited event was held at Hall number 6 of Karachi Expo Centre on September 17 and was a dream for anyone who wanted to get a glimpse of some of Pakistan’s most famous (and beautiful) faces.

We recap some of the highlights of the night.

The crisp script

The LSA organisers knew what they were doing when they chose the Chaudhry brothers, Mustafa and Murtaza, as two of the presenters of the night. While one can understand why Mahira Khan was chosen to host the event, she lacked the comic timing and pizzazz of the Chaudhry’s who managed to keep the audience interested and laughing the entire night. From puns about fashion designer Munib Nawaz to musician Ahmed Butt, to Sahir Lodhi’s perfect mimicry of Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan, and of course, how could one forget the not-so-subtle snub at morning shows which, if included in the LSAs, would be in the category titled ‘Third Class’.

Dance the night away

Famous for its dance performances, the LSAs 2011 had Reema, HSY, Meera, Ahsan Khan, Mathira, Aaminah Sheikh and Mohib Mirza entertaining the audience. Kicking off the event was Reema and HSY who danced to the title track of the former’s new film Love Mein Ghum.

Mehnaz , who received the Unilever Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award, was paid tribute with five of her numbers being performed to. Those to remember were Meera and Khan dancing on “Main Hoti Ek Morni”, Mirza and Sheikh performing to “Tere Bin Mera Jevan” and Ahsan and Mathira on “Waada Karo Sajna”. Mathira’s finale was sizzling and Pappu Samarat’s choreography definitely caught the audience’s attention.

A fashion faux pas

One can only wonder why three designers were invited to show their designs at an awards ceremony. First came the Crimson collection by Ali Xeeshan, who had models strutting their stuff to a Seige track, while the band member’s lip-synched on stage. Xeeshan’s collection was exciting as always and the flowing gowns and masked faces of the models was imprinted in the viewer’s mind.

Sadly the SanaSafinaz collection failed to impress; though mostly cocktail dresses and gowns, the collection was not flattering and failed to strike the chord which the duo has managed to do with lawn.

On the other hand, Deepak Perwani’s bridal collection had a royal touch to it and was a pleasure to see. Adding to the festivity was the fact that models walked the ramp to Nusrat Fateh Ali’s “Naina De Akhay.”

Touching tributes

Another tradition of the LSAs is paying tribute to honour the stalwarts of the industry. This year it was Moin Akhtar, the man who is gone but not forgotten, and Herald’s Samina Ibrahim who was given the Lifetime Achievement Award in Fashion.

From the ramp to the red carpet

Who was wearing what? Did Meera look good? What did Mathira wear? Did anyone trip on her gown? Did the men manage to funk it up? These are the questions which come to mind when attending any award or fashion show, and watching celebs walk the red carpet was definitely one of the highlights of the LSAs.

This year some ladies were seen in flowy kameezes and chooridaars, while others were seen in elegant gowns, while the men generally kept it safe and stuck to suits. While statement jewellery pieces were prominent, it would have been nice to see some fashionistas funk up their look. It must be noted that there wasn’t much fusion between East and West and generally celebs stuck to either one of the two, leaving one to believe that it’s better to be either completely Eastern or Western. The choice is yours.

Winners at the Lux Style Awards

Winner

Television

Best TV Actress (Satellite): Bushra Ansari for “Dolly ki Ayegi Baraat”

Best TV Actor (Satellite): Faisal Qureshi for “Meri Zaat Zara Benishan”

Best TV Writer (All Channels): Umera Ahmed for “Meri Zaat Zara Benishan”

Best TV Serial (Satellite): “Bol Meri Machli”

Best TV Actress (Terrestrial): Sania Saeed for “Hawa Rait aur Aangan”

Best TV Actor (Terrestrial): Javed Sheikh for “Pal Bhar Mein”

Best TV Serial (Terrestrial): “Anokha Ladla”

Best TV Director (All Channels): Haissam Hussain for drama “Daastan”

Fashion

Most Stylish Sports-person: Aisamul Haq

Best dressed female on the Red Carpet: Amna Ilyas

Best dressed male on the Red Carpet: HSY

Best female model of the year: Rabia Butt

Best male model of the year: Iffi Zafar

Best emerging talent: Mahin Hussain

Best Hair and Make-up Artist: Creative Team at Nabila

Best Fashion Photographer: Rizwan ul Haq

Achievement in Fashion Design-Pret: Khaadi Khaas

Achievent in Fashion Design-Luxury Pret: Shamaeel Ansari

Achievement in Fashion Design-Lawn: Sana Safinaz

Best Retail Brand: Khaadi

Achievement in Fashion Design-Menswear: Ismail Farid

Lifetime Achievement Award-Fashion: Samina Ibrahim of Herald

LSA Beauty Icon Award: Reema

Music

Best Artiste: Mauj

Singer of the year: Shallum & Zara Madni for “Payaam”

Best Music Producer: Rohail Hyatt for “Coke Studio-Season 3”

Best Music Video Director: Bilal Lashari for EP video “Shor Macha”

Unilever Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Mehnaz

Ten years, 10 most memorable moments

2002

Tributes were given Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Madam Noor Jehan, by Rahat Fateh Ali, Faakhir Mahmood, Ali Haider, Fariha Pervez and Humaira Arshad.

2003

Fuzon’s performance at the LSAs 2003 was to be talked about for years to come, but outdoing them was Junoon singing “Garj Baras”.

2004

The awards held in Dubai will be remembered as the year Ali Zafar performed “Huqa Pani” and “Chunno”.

2005

The highlight of the night was Babra Sharif’s performances on her item numbers from various Urdu films.

2006

Meera’s enthusiastic dancing to the tunes of Runa Laila, and Ali Kazmi and Anoushey Ashraf paying tribute to Nazia Hassan, made this a night to remember.
2007

Perhaps just the fact that the ceremony took place in Genting in Malaysia, but one must mention performances by Ali Zafar with Reema and Atif Aslam with Aaminah Haq.

2008

A fire broke out backstage at the LSAs 2008, but topping even this, was the tribute paid to Reshma by Shehzad Roy and Atif Aslam.

2009

“Political turmoil and financial constraints” were cited as the reasons for not holding an awards ceremony and at the end of the day, only a small ceremony of the winners was held in Karachi.

2010

A cameramen’s tool got stuck in the false ceiling which caused everyone standing on the red carpet to be doused with water.

2011

While a loud noise, attributed to a piece of equipment falling, distracted the audience, Mathira and Meera’s dancing was enough to get their attention back to the stage.

Lux Style Awards 2011: Glamour nights out

2011-09-21T03:27:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR/YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN
Online report for the Web Edition
The Express Tribune

17th SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI-The Lux Style Awards (LSAs) celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, are being held at the Expo Center in Karachi tonight

The LSAs have grown strength by strength over the years becoming one of the most hyped up social events on the calendar, with shows being held abroad as well, including Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

The show boasts of 10 categories in fashion nominations depicting the industry’s growth with nominees that were a heady mix of the old guard as well as the young. Besides fashion, other categories included film, television and the entertainment industry.

The show under way

The show commenced, beginning with the national anthem

According to The Express Tribune correspondent Maha Amin, designer Hassan Shehryar Yasin (HSY) and film star and director Reema danced to a number from her latest film, Love Mein Ghum. One of the highlights of the evening early in the show, they were joined by other celebrities too, including Aaminah Haque and Ammar Belal, who walked out on a ramp in the middle.

Fashion photographer, Fayyaz Ahmed tweeted from the show, his nomination announcement

Yep, I’m nominated for Best Fashion Photographer. RT @sohailanjum are you up for an award? #LSA

The show was hosted by many celebrities, acting as presenters, including television personalities Mathira and Faizan Haque as well as fresh off the success of her debut film BOL, Mahira Khan Askari. However Haque and Askari were the prominent hosts of the show.

The LSAs this year also paid tribute to legendary actor Moin Akhtar who passed away recently. Senior journalist Imran Aslam and television personality Sahira Kazmi presented it. AamnaIsani, freelance fashion writer, tweeted.

Imran Aslam and Sahira Kazmi pay tribute to Moin Akhtar. Heart breaking…

Red Carpet

Often touted as the ‘Oscars’ and ‘Filmfares’ of Pakistan, the LSA red carpet is a place for local glitterati to dress up in their designer best.

Earlier on the red carpet, sponsored by clothing brand Bonanza, Mathira was the host and was dressed in a less than stylish animal print dress by Shehla Chatoor. Also spotted on the red carpet was local style goddess and diva Frieha Altaf, also the driving force behind the event over the years.

Dressed in a stunning Fahad Hussayn black gown, she revealed that she feels emotional whenever the lifetime achievement award is given.

Speaking to the media on the red carpet, Amir Paracha, VP Unilever Pakistan had said that 10 years ago they started promoting the fashion industry and in the past three years were not able to give a bigger show, but this time around have managed to give everything. He added that Lux is all about style, glamour and beauty and they planned to promote celebrities and such events in the future, to encourage young talent particularly.

One of Karachi fashion scenes’ most adventurous designers Rizwanullah made a stylish entrance in skin-tight, shimmery pants.

Former Video Jockey (VJ) and now actress, Mahira Khan Askari looked ethereal in a royal blue evening gown designed by Deepak Perwani with her hair tied up, accessorizing with silver earings and a thick silver bracelet. She said she had worked with wonderful director, referring to her debut film BOL, and was feeling nervous.

Film star Meera was dressed in a white and silver sari, accessorising it with beautiful big ear-rings.

Like most weddings, Sana Safinaz ruled the red carpet with celebrities like Sahira Kazmi and Savera Nadeem wearing the popular designers’ flowy designs.

Nadeem wore a signature Sana Safinaz in bold shocking pink with black and white sleeves while Kazmi’s was a green and beige combo dress.

Andaleeb Rana, editor, XPOZE wore a linen dress designed by NU, a Turkish designer, looking very chic. She earlier tweeted :

And the decision has been made!! It shall be a beautiful Irish linen dress by my favorite Turkish designer/label #Nu!!! Phewwwww!!!

Television celebrity Anoushey Ashraf was in a Sanam Chaudhry outfit, an interesting fusion of east and west while model Natasha (Natty) Hussain wore a Kamiar Rokni sleeveless gown with black and gold work done on it.

The famous photographer and stylist Khawar Riaz was in his signature style, wearing a kurta from Khaadi.

The ever graceful television personality, Bushra Ansari was in an Umar Sayeed creation. A maroon top over a churidar pyjama.

One of Pakistan’s top models in recent years, the gorgeous Ayaan was in a Sonya Batla black gown with diamantes on the neckline along with feathers.

Actor Mohib Mirza donned an interesting look for the show, wearing an Imran Rajput black sherwani with red lining running along, over black pyjamas. He accessorised it with a Jinnah cap while carrying a small cane in his hand.

One of the best emerging talent nominees tonight, Aamina Sheikh was in a backless black gown designed by Fahad Hussayn, accessorising it with Samia Azmay creations, including shoes with feathers on them.

Fashion industry’s ‘power couple’ of sorts, Aaminah Haq and Ammar Belal claimed to be in a vintage 70′s look saying that fashion from that era was back, with Belal wearing his own creation, a black suit while Mrs Belal was in a peach color gown designed by her husband.

Another couple from the entertainment industry, musician Immu and stylist Nabila were present at the show too. Nabila was in a YSL outfit, comprising of a pink top and orange pants, while Immu was in an all black formal look, wearing a shirt and pair of pants.

Earlier before the show commenced, veteran fashion designer Maheen Khan, speaking to the media, said she was glad to see such events in her life time where in young designers get a boost and that it was fantastic that the LSAs were happening.

Other notable celebrities including designer Deepak Perwani an Fareshteh Aslam shared the same view with Aslam adding that she was excited to see every one else excited about the event.

Perwani was dressed casually for the event, wearing a pair of jeans and a shirt.

Socialite, Nashmia Ahmed, gave a very interesting reply when asked about her dress:

‘Bangkok se liya tha… koi hoga Chinese wala!’ (I bought it from Bangkok, must be some ‘random chinese designer’)

HSY, dressed in a smart black and white suit designed by him, modestly said that he had already won three out of the nine times he was nominated and would not mind if some one else won the best designer award this year.

Prolific director Saquib Malik dressed in a black suit, looking excited, said that it was good knowing that things are still happening in Pakistan and such award shows keep growing each year which meant a lot to the country’s entertainment industry.

Winners

Television

Best TV Actress (Satellite): Bushra Ansari for Geo’s ”Dolly ki Ayegi Baraat”

Best TV Actor (Satellite): Faisal Qureshi for Geo’s “Meri Zaat Zara Benishan”

Best TV Writer (All Channels): Umera Ahmed for Geo’s “Meri Zaat Zara Benishan”

Best TV Serial (Satellite): “Bol Meri Machli” for Geo

Best TV Actress (Terrestrial): Sania Saeed for PTV’s “Hawa Rait aur Aangan”

Best TV Actor (Terrestrial): Javed Sheikh for ATV’s “Pal Bhar Mein”

Best TV Serial (Terrestrial): “Anokha Ladla”

Best TV Director (All Channels): Haissam Hussain for HUM TV’s drama “Daastan”

Fashion

Most Stylish Sports-person: Aisam ul Haq

Best dressed female on the Red Carpet: Amna Ilyas

Best dressed male on the Red Carpet: HSY

Best female model of the year: Rabia Butt

Best male model of the year: Iffi Zafar

Best emerging talent: Mahin Hussain

Best Hair and Make-up Artist: Creative Team at Nabila

Best Fashion Photographer: Rizwan ul Haq

Achievement in Fashion Design-Pret: Khaadi Khaas

Achievent in Fashion Design-Luxury Pret: Shamaeel Ansari

Achievement in Fashion Design-Lawn: Sana Safinaz

Best Retail Brand: Khaddi

Achievement in Fashion Design-Menswear: Ismail Farid

Lifetime Achievement Award-Fashion: Samina Ibrahim of Herald

LSA Beauty Icon Award: Reema

Music

Best Artiste: Mauj

Singer of the year: Shallum & Zara Madni for “Payaam”

Best Music Producer: Rohail Hyatt for “Coke Studio-Season 3″

Best Music Video Director: Bilal Lashari for EP video “Shor Macha”

Unilever Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Mehnaz

"Salim Sherwani ki Shaad" entertains Karachiites

2011-09-21T03:24:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

18th SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI:A twisted plot, melodramatic scenes, one pun after another, ripples of laughter from the audience — this was what defined director of Wormhole Productions team, Hammad Zubairi’s, production at the Pakistan American Cultural Centre (PACC) on Thursday evening.

“Salim Sherwani Ki Shaadi”, was originally a French play and was adapted in Urdu by Indian playwright Zahir Anwar, who is considered to be a pioneer in the field of intellectual Urdu drama. While one could find nothing lacking in the play’s script and well-crafted dialogue, the actors performances were found to be lacking as they were not forthcoming and were unable to do justice to their lines.

The play tells that tale of Salim Sherwani (Faraz Butt) who plans to marry the girl of his dreams, Virgine (Ayesha Waheed), but because of the confused registrar (Salman Qaiser) ends up marrying her mother, Madame played by Marya Hussain. Meanwhile, Virgine, is in love with the young, dashing Patrice, performed by Haris Sheikh. Adding to the disorder is Jambert, Madame’s husband who was thought to have passed away two years ago, but makes a surprise entrance. What follows is utter mayhem which, as with most plays, resolves itself in the end.

Salman Qaiser did a good job as the confused Bannerjee, whereas Waheed came across as shy and unfocused. Madame enacted by Marya Hussain was good but sometimes was overhwelmingly dramatic. Similarly our tragic hero Faraz Butt, as Salim Sherwani, overreacted in any given situation. Without doubt, the best actor of the night was Haris Sheikh, who delivered his lines perfectly and brought life to his role.

Credit must be given to set designer Umer Dangra whose theme of ‘less is more’ set off the stage perfectly. While the lighting could have been better, the sound system, managed by Sabih Zubairi, was good and added to the performances. Costumes done by Kiran Jangda and the make-up, done by Anzala Salim and Mairah Hashmi, were also commendable.

The play runs September 19 at the PACC.

Rizwanullah and Fayezah: Wedded bliss

2011-09-21T03:22:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

17th SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI:From best buds to husband and wife, Syed Mohammad Rizwanullah and model Fayezah Ansari have certainly come a long way in their relationship.

They have both earned a niche for themselves in the fashion industry; Rizwanullah due to his ethnic and edgy design aesthetic and his quirky sense of style, Ansari with her flawless walk on the ramp and charismatic photos. Hence, when the news of this ‘merger’ hit the town, the entire industry, along with friends and fans, were sent into a frenzy.

However, six months down the lane, the couple, who sent shock waves in their Toni & Guy ad which epitomised raw sensuality, look happily married as The Express Tribune sits down with them for a light chit chat at Butlers Chocolate Cafe. Arriving before his wife, Rizwanullah seems excited, showing his enthusiasm for what he knows he is going to divulge.

Naturally, and of course out of curiosity, the first question that pops up in one’s mind is; ‘How is it like having Fayezah Ansari as your wife?’ To which, the brash designer replies, “Better than what I had expected it to be. Fayezah is downright open and frank with everyone; and that worked for her as she became apart of the family. She is greatly loved and accepted in my family.”

Describing ‘being in love’, Rizwanullah says, “There are toads in your stomach, your heart races fast, there is shyness and it’s hot and cold. That’s how I would define love.” However, all is not like they show in the movies and the designer pragmatically adds, “Marriage has its own challenges and the most important thing is the level of responsibility that hits you. You are in a position where you are held responsible for her actions and she for yours.”

When Ansari, who arrives after ten minutes, is asked the same question, she firmly says, “Marriage is certainly not meant for children, I am 100 per cent sure about that. Immature people shouldn’t even go near it,” adds Ansari, who is clad in an Uth Oye top,and is carrying a Pakistani flag-inspired clutch by Mahin Hussain.

Although, they were friends from before, the couple chose to take the traditional path and relied more on the decisions of the elders in the family. Hence, the final decision was made by Rizwanullah’s mother. “When you marry a friend, there are no major compromises needed. But, there is always a third party intervention,” says the designer matter-of-factly.

Upon the importance of advice and suggestion by elders, Rizwanullah states, “Married people will always understand married people.” However, not stopping here, he adds, “But others should also try and understand that we are free people in our own right. Around the time I was going to get married, people would constantly ask me ‘Will you let her model after she is married to you?’ And I would think, ‘Well, if that’s the case, would she also restrict my designs?’” On the contrary, the young designer says that he is is trying to convince his wife to go international. “Even if you put rags on her, she would end up selling that stuff.”

When asked how the couple feels about the transforming relationship and the sharing of the most personal details with each other, Rizwanullah says, “With marriage comes this joy in sharing. Your spouse ends up being that special someone, whom you love to share stuff with. Before marriage, I was just not interested in sharing details about my work, but with Fayezah, I often share my ideas and intricate details of my work.”

Describing her marriage as a ‘romantic comedy’, Ansari relishes the fact that the two have been friends for such a long time that they were completely comfortable with each other, even before they got married. “But I must tell you, he was a horrible friend. He would screw up dinner plans when we had to go with a group of friends. Then there would be times I would fight with him and we wouldn’t talk for days; but I would still to go to his place and hang out with his brothers.”

Philosophising more on the topic of marriage, Rizwanullah explains how the same institution can be hell or heaven for difficult people. “If time flies, then it means you are having a blast, but if married life is completely miserable, then it would be really different to handle the relationship. Like a designer collection, which has trendier, young and fun clothes, as well as the darker and gloomier hues like black and gray, a marriage also has bright and gloomy days the same way. It’s something one has to just embrace, accept and live with.”

Political pencils: The life and history of Feica

2011-09-21T03:19:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

11th SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI:In a country where it takes guts to just write against the political figures, making political caricatures and cartoons — which could instigate the party members to retaliate — may seem like a far-fetched thought. However, Dawn’s Rafique Ahmad aka Feica, ventured into the profession 32 years ago when he started making cartoons that embody a revolutionary impulse.

In a lengthy, heart-warming discussion on “Sketchy Politics”, the veteran cartoonist explained what inspired him to foray into this rather risky profession. “I want to draw and paint in order to inform people about what is going on in the country,” said Feica, who says that he has seen Pakistan go through drastic changes. “I haven’t criticised any government in particular, I have only ‘illustrated’ every regime in the country since 1979.”

Meanwhile regretting the state of art and artists in the country, Feica explained; “Art has been neglected in our country because of the rise of maulvis and fundamentalism. Also, those who do want to become artists, don’t want to draw caricatures. This, he explained, was due to certain perceptions that have pervaded the society. “You need to respect your artists and their ideological beliefs, whatever these may be.”

Claiming that his cartoons and caricatures are for a “revolutionary cause”, and not for commercial business, Feica elaborated, “I can make a lot of money if I frame my cartoons and exhibit them abroad, but I’m a passionate and fully committed to my cause.”

Patriotic to the core, Feica is, however, optimistic that the state of the country will improve. “This is a happening country. I’m certain that there will be progress and growth in all frontiers — art, theatre and films. However, you must save the artistic breed of the country, which is a rare breed all over the world.” The artist stressed the importance of having a professional and logical approach and outlook towards art. “Look at the entire architecture of Karachi; see how badly the roads get affected when it rains; look at the drainage system, see how poor it is? Whereas, in New York, where I lived for six years, everything is professionally done, with a lot of precision. Sadly, there is no concept of town-planning in Karachi.”

Present amongst the audience at T2F was renowned writer Mohammed Hanif — the author of A Case of Exploding Mangoes — whom Feica praised for his guts. The cartoonist explained that revolutionary artists and authors — like himself and Hanif — somehow “slip out of the hands of miscreants”, precisely because they have an enormous body of work to their credit, which will speak for itself even if they are killed. “Maraa huwa haati bhi sawa lakh ka hota hai,” he smirked, highlighting that even if they are killed their work, which speaks volumes, will remain.

With court cases against him, Feica, who has been in the profession for 32 years, has gone to jail twice, but believes experience alone teaches a man how to survive. “My cartoons have been killed by the editor, on the pretext that they cannot be published. My editors kill my work over and over again but I don’t care and I will continue doing it,” said the cartoonist, also admitting that he wants to venture into drawing graffiti on the city’s walls.

Wrapping up the two-hour long talk with an important piece of advice, he stated; “In order to survive in this country, you have to work towards liberating yourself. Nobody can do this for you, but yourself.”

Sheema Kermani and Faiz: The soulful duo

2011-09-21T03:16:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

9th SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI: Renowned classical dancer and activist dedicated an entire evening to Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poetry at the auditorium of the Arts Council in Karachi on September 7.

Faiz, the subcontinental poet, is well-known for his poetry on a wide array of topics ranging from love to loneliness to rebellion to feminism. The poet’s work was brought to life by the dance movements of Kermani and her talented dance troupe. The large attendance supported the fact that people still feel close to the writing of the poet.

Kermani performed to “Is Waqt Tou Youn Lagta Hai”, and “Ajj Kay Naam” — which talk about the dismal evenings of the downtrodden women and helpless widows during the poet’s time. Her most notable performances, however, were on “Yaad: Dasht-e-Tanhai”, “Shaam”, “Aajao Afrika” and “Hum Dekhain Gey”.

Every dance movement of Kermani stirred emotions in the audience, but with her performance on “Yaad: Dasht-e-Tanhai”, she took the show to another level. Kermani, who has performed on Faiz before — but had never completely dedicated an entire evening to his poetic rendition — felt pride in doing justice to Faiz’s verses by her equally fascinating routines. She states, “I have never completely dedicated an evening to Faiz’s poetry of romance and of rebellion loaded with strong political connotations. His poetry calls for activism and this is why I thoroughly enjoyed performing to it.”

According to Kermani, “The majority of the audience was able to grasp the beauty of Faiz’s poetry and though there were people who may not be connoisseurs of dance, the entire audience seemed to be enjoying the show.”

The show was enjoyed by a houseful audience and noted poet Fatima Hasan, who was part of the audience said, “I found the performance completely fascinating. The combination of Faiz’s poetry and Kermani’s performance was like double shot of pleasure. This was not only felt by me but others in the audience as well.”

Hasan explained, “True art is captured the moment one slips into the fantasy world. The art lover then incorporates fantasy into reality.”

“This is definitely art for art’s sake. For me, the aura was powerful enough to make my soul transcend to another world. Adding to Faiz and Kermani’s magic was the contribution by young performers in the troupe, who had a lot of energy in their dance routines and performed remarkably well.”

Strings' joyride to India

2011-09-21T02:18:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

7th SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI: August was a rather slow month for musicians all over Pakistan due to Ramazan, with barely any activity in terms of concerts and gigs. Pakistani pop band Strings, who are usually locked up in their studios during this month, came out of their den and decided to do something different and take a spur-of-the-moment trip to India. “It was a spontaneous plan,” lead guitarist Bilal Maqsood told The Express Tribune. “Since we had our visas in hand, we just planned a trip to India and the place we had in mind was Mumbai.”

Strings, comprising of duo Faisal Kapadia and Maqsood, toured Mumbai from August 22 to 29. However, true to their faith, the duo made it a point to fast in India as well. “Wherever we went, people had to prepare iftari for us,” Maqsood recalls.

The band’s eight-day trip paid off as Bollywood writer-director Sanjay Gupta offered them songs for his upcoming film Shootout at Wadala, a sequel of Shootout at Lokhandwala. “We’re providing four to five songs for the film,” confirmed Maqsood. He added that the songs are not finalised as yet and the band would know more in December. However, Maqsood stressed that all the songs will be new. The film, scheduled to be released in the third quarter of next year, has a cast that includes Anil Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Bajpai, Nana Patekar and John Abraham.

“We’re doing songs for a Bollywood film after three-and-a-half years,” said vocalist Faisal Kapadia. “The last time we did music for Bollywood was in 2007 for Shootout at Lokhandwala when we did the song ‘Aakhri Alvida’. This was after the film Zinda in 2005, for which we performed the song ‘Zinda Hoon’. We really felt like a family! So this was a reunion.” Kapadia also praised Gupta for his talent and passion for film-making, “Gupta is a brilliant film-maker and it is exciting to see that he is so passionate about this upcoming film.”

The delights of their trip did not stop there. Apart from the striking deal with Gupta, Strings also attended a bash thrown by the director-producer team of Shootout at Wadala — Gupta and Ekta Kapoor. The party was at Kapoor’s residence where Bollywood actor John Abraham, Ronit Roy, Rohit Roy, Shibani Kashyap along with other Indian celebrities were also present.

Following that, the band also got a chance to meet actor Imran Khan and his wife Avantika once again, after having met the couple earlier this year in Thailand. Khan, upon finding out that the singing duo did not get a chance to watch Delhi Belly since the film was banned in cinemas all over Pakistan, arranged a private screening for Kapadia and Maqsood.

Their trip concluded with Indian musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s 15th anniversary as a band, which they celebrated with a concert that Strings also attended, along with renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar and his wife Shabana Azmi. All in all, the unplanned trip, which Kapadia, recalls as “thrilling and entertaining”, turned out to be fun-packed and lucrative for the band.

Wall designing: A rising trend

2011-09-21T01:30:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

6th SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI:Forget painting your walls red, blue or white, start thinking out-of-the box and try wall designing — a trend catching up in Pakistan.

Ramiz Khan, Wall Designerz CEO, who brought this concept to Karachi a year ago, recalls receiving as many as 495 calls from all over Pakistan when he first marketed the idea. “It’s your imagination that you paint on your wall,” says the 25-year-old who forayed into this profession a year ago.

“I saw heavy furniture in the front entrance of a room which was devoid of beautifully designed walls in the backdrop. Hence the idea of wall designing came into being,” Khan adds. Upon realising that “people were still stuck to traditional designs like wall hanging, wallpaper, wall colour”, Khan decided to introduce something new in the market, and that decision seems to have turned out well as the concept of wall designing has garnered a positive response.

Explaining the pricing strategy, Khan says: “It’s Rs200 per square feet, but we don’t charge according to the size of the entire wall. We only charge according to the size of our design. Hence, no matter how big your wall is and how many colours you are using, the only thing that counts is the size of the design covering your wall.”

Therefore, one is naturally inclined to ask if wall designing is any cheaper than using wallpaper? Why would anyone opt for designed walls in their homes and offices? Khan asserts, “In fact, there is not a very obvious difference between the two. The cost of both (wall designing and wallpaper) is always the same. However, people will prefer the concept of wall designing over wallpaper because the latter has certain limits in design, colour and quality while the former offers unlimited designs along with numerous combinations of colours and graphics. “From decorating the walls with abstract designs to flowers, I conceptualise and put forth whatever my client desires,” says Khan, who does these inexpensive but attractive designs. He further adds that while designing walls, he keeps furniture colour and the theme of the room in mind.

Further highlighting how his company works: the 25-year-old explains, “If your kid desires Batman or Spider Man to be painted on the wall, we can do that with endless opportunities and unlimited ideas that we have at our disposal. That is one thing that the wallpapers cannot do, for sure!”

Foreseeing immense potential and growth in this venture, Khan says that wall designing is just one way of enhancing the concept of interior decoration be it in a house, office, hotel or even a boutique. “It’s your dream which you can see on your wall,” adds Khan.

Tipu: A time to weep, a time to laugh

2011-09-21T01:28:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

2nd SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI:Starting off with the TV show “Sab Set Hai”, he was initially seen in only comic roles, but he then transitioned on to more serious roles. Pakistani actor Adnan Shah, aka Tipu, will now play the character of Osama bin Laden in a short documentary based on the last days of the deceased al Qaeda leader.

The actor has never been seen as a chocolate hero, and has managed to play certain villainous characters in his reel life along with his frequent comic roles. Being an old hand in comedy, Tipu is now experimenting with contemporary dark roles, inspired by the political instability in Pakistan.

There is a buzz about you performing the role of Osama bin Laden in a documentary. It is true?

Yes, I have enacted the role of Osama bin Laden and the film actually revolves around his last days. It’s a short 30-minute documentary film, which is still in the production process. We have kept it simple and focused on how he must have led his life in seclusion. The title of the film is yet to be decided but it has been written, directed and produced by Sufiyan Khan.

How has the transition been like for you from comic to dark roles?

Being funny or even being happy is a state of mind. It takes a lot of courage to do comedy in a country like Pakistan. About 122 deaths have already taken place in Karachi in the week starting from August 26. If we would not smile, who would then give Pakistanis any hope? If we won’t entertain, people will be entertained by something else which may be negative. Our leaders have to realise that we too, need to live and have the right to live in peace and happiness, because every human being has the right to be happy.

I am a versatile actor. If I have taken on roles in comedy plays, I have also done some villainous roles, like those in PTV series titled “Mein”. I consider this one of my best works ever. Another private production “Shikayat” by Studio 63 has also provided me with a role of a desi Robin Hood. Both these TV series are yet to air.

You are considered to be a funny man, what brings such serious undertones?

I am a pleasant person but unlike before when I was less answerable, now I’m a married man and have responsibilities to take care of. In a short period of time, I will be entering the domains of fatherhood. I never deserved as much as I have been blessed with.

What about your
association with Mani and Azfar?

We are still friends, but I think we have all gone in our own separate directions and are all doing very well. Mani is a host, Azfar is a director and I have been working as an actor. I think we have all become responsible in our own ways. Hence, life’s journey continues.

Which channels do you prefer to work for?

I work for anyone and everyone. Any channel that offers me good money and a good script, I work for them.

The cleverest trick!

2011-09-21T01:24:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Speaker's Corner on the Blog
The Express Tribune

2nd SEPTEMBER 2011

KARACHI-How often it is that we end up taking things for granted; from having a blessed existence to having a lovely home; being loved by our loved ones and the overwhelming feeling of belonging while reconnecting with family and friends on Eid. But rarely do we pause to think of the unfortunate souls who are devoid of our blessings – those who live on the streets of this megalopolis.

A few days before Eid, I was walking down Gulfway Shopping Mall in Clifton, when I saw a boy, no more than 10 years of age, begging from a woman. Brushing him aside, the woman moved on to wrap up her shopping chores. I called the beggar towards me and handed him a Rs100 note. Handing the money back to me, he said: “Don’t give me this. You can keep it. All I want is nice, pretty clothes for Eid. Please buy me some.”

As I stood there, a little hesitant and a bit reluctant, thinking of whether I should buy him whatever he wants, the boy took a hold of me and literally dragged me towards the shop of his liking. Midway through the purchase of his wishes, still a little stunned and astonished at the boy’s nerve to force me into a purchase, the feeling slowly but rather momentously was replaced with the joy of seeing an unforgettable smile on the boy’s face.

The shopkeeper went on to caution me about the boy’s trick, saying he would go on to re-sell the clothes and use the same ‘drama’ on someone else. I smiled and told the shopkeeper that, to my knowledge, all that the boy wanted was new and clean clothes for Eid prayers. How could I have refused?

As I walked away from the shop, I thought: what was the real spirit of Eid? Was it to bond with loved ones or did it go beyond that – to befriend people who aren’t as blessed as us and bring some happiness into their lives?

In words of Rumi, maybe on such a blessed day “If you could give up tricks and cleverness, that would be the cleverest trick!”

Jalebi: Poor man, rich man, its every man's feast

2011-08-30T02:52:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

6th August 2011

KARACHI:Jalebi, a mouth-watering delight, is a frequent item on the iftar menu during Ramazan. Though many think it’s a Pakistan-centric sweetmeat, its origin dates back beyond the Mughal era and goes beyond the boundaries of the subcontinent.

Going back in time, in Iran, zulubiya — one of the earliest forms of jalebi — was prepared on special occasions to be distributed among the poor. But it was first documented in Muhammad bin Hasan Al-Baghdadi’s cookbook during the 13th century. Usually called Al-Baghdadi, he is known for compiling an Arab cookbook of the Abbasid period called Kitabal Tabikh (The Book of Dishes). From Iran to the subcontinent, jalebi travelled during the Mughal era most probably through trade, culture and political journeys, according to The Times of India.

Muhammad Saleem, co-owner of sweetmeat shop Rehmat-e-Shereen, says: “In the subcontinent, this sweetmeat came from New Delhi in the olden times. Its history goes back to the times of Mirza Ghalib.”

Saleem narrates a legend about Mirza Ghalib eating sweetmeats during the festival of Diwali. When asked why he was having jalebi, the poet replied: “Why can’t one have jalebi? Are they too Hindu or Muslim that I can’t associate with them? And how will the ladoo be categorised?”

Explaining the locations specialising in sweetmeats in general, Saleem says: “There were four places in India that were best known for making sweetmeats: New Delhi, Agra, Bengal and Badaun. Jalebi came from New Delhi.”

“As far as Karachi is concerned, the hub of jalebis used to be Burns Road, but that is not the case anymore. Every locality, every nook and corner of the city now has a jalebi-wala. It is not a feast associated merely with Ramazan; in fact, it is sold throughout the year,” adds Saleem.

Explaining the cultural significance of jalebis Saleem says: “In the Punjabi culture, jalebi is something really big. Sikhs, even if they are residing in England, do not wed their young ones without offering jalebis. It is more like a customary sweetmeat.”

Considering the increasing health concerns, many sweet shops have introduced diabetic sweetmeats. However, jalebi in Pakistan remains close to its traditional form. “I have been making jalebis for quite some time now and as far as I know, there is no such thing as diabetic jalebis in town. I don’t know of any place offering sugar-free jalebi,” said Amin, a jalebi-maker at Qasre Shireen located in Gulshane Iqbal.

When asked about various types of jalebi, he said: “If you are considering jalebi and imertis as part of one family, you are mistaken. Jalebi is made from a mixture of flour, water and sugar. Imertis on the other hand, are made of moong lentils. There aren’t different types of jalebi; then is only one type that is dominant throughout Pakistan

Zerritta: Say it with flowers

2011-08-30T02:50:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

30th August 2011

KARACHI: Zerritta Flowers has been importing flowers from various countries and delivering them to client’s doorsteps for several years. Even after being in the business for more than three decades, the demand for their flowers continues to grow.

Zerritta Flowers celebrated its 35th anniversary on Sunday evening with the opening of another outlet near Naheed Supermarket in Bahadurabad. Present at the inauguration was Shahnaz Saigal, the founder of Zerritta Flowers. She revealed that she had bought the shop from a Parsi lady named Zarin Dubash in 1976. Dubash, who was migrating to the US, didn’t want to leave the shop to just anyone and wanted someone who was passionate about flowers to take over her business.

Saigal took charge of the first store which was based at Karachi’s Inter Continental Hotel (now Pearl Continental Hotel). Her inspiration of starting her own flower business came when she, “visited Japan in 1974 and saw people involved in the art of making flowers (Ikebana).” Saigal added that, “What I saw in Pakistan was the ‘mali-style’ concept of flower decoration and this made me start my own flower business.”

Initially, Saigal grew tuberoses and tulips in Islamabad. But then she decided to get an Interflora membership as the intensive course provided her with the authority to “supply flowers worldwide”. Today, Zerritta Flowers, besides selling local flowers, are importing most of their flowers from Saudi Arabia and Netherlands, whereas their orchid supply comes from Thailand.

Around 11 years ago, Saigal decided to take a back seat and passed on the torch to her daughter-in-law, Saira Saigal. Besides selling flowers, Saira has also introduced cake and gift deliveries to meet the requirements of her customers. She has a 16-member team to her credit and proudly states: “I am glad we are the trend setters in this business. We have never compromised on quality and aim to bring something new to our flower arrangements.”

Sari: the regional flavor

2011-08-30T02:48:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

29th August 2011

KARACHI: From what we see of Indian soaps, a suhaagan (married woman) is identified by her three possessions without which she is incomplete. Adorning her hair with vermillion sindoor (powder), sporting a mangalsutra around the neck and dressing in a vibrant sari is a marital trademark for an Indian woman.

Sari, the Indian national dress and emblem of style, is sported by Pakistani women on various occasions ranging from weddings to formal gatherings. And it seems that the blouses are getting trendier; from bustier to off-shoulder, the shifting fashion trends have given extravagance to sari blouses which are heavily adorned with embellishments, ribbons and embroidered laces. Renowned Pakistani designer Umar Sayeed reveals that there are, “1001 ways of draping a sari”. He further adds, “The different style, the elegant look, the magical way of carrying it, all gives one a distinctive idea for wearing a sari. Every woman, no matter what age or shape, will look good in it!”

Giving each blouse a unique look is what matters to Sayeed. He feels that he doesn’t go for to creating capped sleeves on a blouse, but likes to see his clients wearing a blouse with “three-quarter sleeves, with a deep neckline and a low back.”

Many Pakistani women love wearing saris, including publicist Tehmina Khaled, for who wearing saris is a passion. She jubiliantly states that, “I don’t wear shalwaar-kameez anymore to weddings; my wardrobe is filled with saris!” She adds that, “Just as Pakistanis love to be innovative with shalwaar-kameez, Indians love to innovate when it comes to the sari’s blouse.”

Khaled also elucidates that wearing a sari runs in her genes as her mother used to wear the outfit as a young girl in a convent in Bangladesh. Saris are timeless and Khaled adds that, “From the 70’s styled bow which was tied as a knot in the front of the blouse, the fashion trends for 2010-2011 show that the bow has now moved to the back of the blouse.”

Khaled says that she is inspired by young Indian fashion designer and politician Shaina NC, ‘the Queen of Drapes’, who has said that there are over 50 ways of wearing a sari. “She has come up with innovative ways of wearing a sari to make the outfit look traditional, as well as to make it look like a gown with a sexy western feel to it.”

Like Shaina NC, Khaled believes that a well-designed and properly stitched blouse can enhance the overall look of the sari. “A blouse should have prime importance. A simple sari can look extremely elegant and can portray an entirely new look when the blouse is stitched creatively. The entire look of the sari can change with the style of the blouse, which can make a sari traditional, funky or elegant.”

Ensemble: A designer Eid

2011-08-30T02:46:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

25th August 2011

KARACHI: With Eid just around the corner, fashion retail store Ensemble launched its exclusive collection featuring seven designers on Wednesday, August 24.

Nomi Ansari

With a collection of 16 dresses, four of Nomi Ansari’s latest designs featured full-sleeves of jamawaar with blue and shocking pink palettes of chiffon to make flowy shirts. This was Ansari’s formal line priced between Rs35,000 and Rs65,000.

His cotton collection comprised of 12 pieces, mostly sleeveless, incorporating the designer’s signature style featuring multiple colours. The casual collection was priced between Rs7,000 to Rs9,500.

Kamiar Rokni

Kamiar Rokni introduced a range, mostly in cotton, of colours appropriate for summers. However, the collection also included more sophisticated pieces with white as their primary colour. The price ranged from Rs5,000 to Rs 9,000.

Rana Noman Haq

Rana Noman Haq’s Eid collection primarily featured cream coloured cotton net and chiffon collection. The cotton net collection with diamantes and pearls on the necklines made it more appropriate for more formal events around Eid. With flowery prints on its chiffon’s dresses, the collection was priced between Rs8,500 and Rs32,000.

Nida Azwer

Nida Azwer followed her signature style with a cotton line featuring block prints. Azwer’s collection toyed with grey, beige and other pastel colours. With unique cuts and leather work on the necklines and sleeves, the collection was priced between Rs9,000 and Rs30,000.

Ali Xeeshan

Ali Xeeshan’s collection — including a Rajastani coat priced at Rs35,000 and other crush-cotton pieces with velvet tops and diamantes — was a daring attempt which stole the limelight. The designer also introduced shawls, with golden sequins, which gave a very royal look. Xeeshan’s collection was a delight to look at and can be worn at weddings as well.

Zara Shahjahan

The House of Ensemble welcomed Zara Shahjahan with her Eid collection that featured broaches with small diamantes on the neckline, which gave the creations a formal look. The collection was priced between Rs7,000 and Rs14,000

Wasim Khan

With 29 pieces, Wasim Khan’s collection featured animal prints in dark tones of brown and beige, which seemed more suitable for sombre women. The collection was priced between Rs8,000, and Rs28,000.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Shezray Husain, director at The House of Ensemble says: “Wasim Khan has come back after a break to stock at Ensemble. We are very excited to be stocking his collection and the response has been great. Kamiar Rokni, Nida Azwer, Rana Noman and Nomi Ansari are part of the Ensemble family and their Eid collection captures the essence of our festive season perfectly. Zara Shahjahan is our newest addition and it’s good to have her onboard.”

Originally scheduled for Tuesday, the event was delayed by a day owing to the security threats in Karachi. The Eid collection at Ensemble is yet to bring HSY designs, which have been facing delays for the same reason.

Commenting on the impact of the city’s situation, Hussain says: “This year the joy of Eid is marred by the situation in Karachi, but we hope things will improve in days ahead.” The same collection will be available in Lahore from Saturday, August 27.

Color Studio Professional: Of painted nails and vibrant colors

2011-08-30T02:44:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

23rd August 2011

KARACHI:Canadian brand Color Studio Professional was introduced in Karachi on Sunday evening, at the Park Towers mall. Ozair Mateen, the man who has brought the brand to Pakistan, organised a soft launch where he showcased the collection of nail polishes, which will now be available in many superstores around the city such as Agha’s and Naheed.

With a variety of 33 colours to choose from, the brand which was originally introduced in Canada in August 2010, has shades ranging from pastels to metallics. The price of each nail polish is Rs250 and Mateen insists that, “Other brands in the market are more expensive than this collection.”

When asked about the uniqueness and differentiation of these nail polishes to other brands prevailing in the market, Mateen reveals, “Many nail polishes contain an ingredient called Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) which is not good for people as it can cause several diseases from cancer related illness to affecting the health of pregnant mothers. Hence we have completely eliminated this component from our range of nail polishes.”

Twenty-three-year-old Sahar Khan, who was admiring the nail polishes at the stall, excitedly said, “I don’t think the colours are vague, it is a pretty nice collection. I would definitely go for the colours in the metallic range!”

Mateen is hoping to gain the support of Pakistan’s fashion industry so that this brand is accepted in the country. “I am currently supplying my products to make-up artists and salon owners, I want them to try out the collection and introduce it to their clients.” He also intends to bring the entire range of cosmetics for lips, eyes and face to Pakistan by the end of this year.

Mateen intends to market these products online and sell them to customers in North America, a venture he plans to start next month. Additionally, Mateen plans to inaugurate his first store in the Middle East by the first quarter of 2012.

Chandi: The silver lining

2011-08-30T02:42:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

21st August 2011

KARACHI:With prices of gold increasing daily, goldsmiths are shifting their focus to silver jewellery. Keeping this in mind, Shafiq Gold & Art introduced their new brand, Chandi, which focuses on silver pieces.

Fahad Tahir, the owner and designer of both the brands explains, “We have been involved in making gold jewellery for the last 50 years, but due to the ever-increasing prices of gold, at the local and international level, we decided to switch it up and experiment with silver.”

The collection, which was showcased at Raintree Spa on Friday, includes traditional pieces with giant stones studded in rings, earrings and pendants. “Big stones are in fashion. However, we’ve only used semi-precious stones like tourmaline, mother of pearl and opal,” states Tahir.

Sticking to their trademark style which largely embodies flowers, Tahir ensured that the new collection incorporates emblems of flowers etched into the majority of the pieces. “The flowers have always been an emblem of our enterprise, hence you see them in many of these designs,” says Tahir, while adding that he hopes to bring in something different as far as the designing of silver ornaments is concerned.

Meanwhile, his wife Urooj Fahad, who is also the brand manager of Chandi, confirmed that 100 per cent sterling silver was used in the making of the product. The prices of the pieces vary with a bridal set costing Rs66,000 a chain and pendant ranging between Rs10,000 and Rs25,000. The rings are priced between Rs4,000 and Rs 18,000. Justifying the high price tag attached to certain articles, Tahir explains, “Some of the polki work that we have done is expensive; this is reflected in the cost.”

SanaSafinaz collection: Minutes to win it

2011-08-30T02:39:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

17th August 2011

KARACHI:They are known to create a stir in the fashion industry by designing clothes that speak volumes of creativity. SanaSafinaz launched the preview of its Export Autumn Winter 2011 collection on Tuesday, August 16 at The House of Ensemble, Karachi. With around 200 pieces displayed at the fashion retail store, there were only a few suits left after the first few minutes of the exhibition.

The collection reflected SanaSafinaz’s signature style — delicate and intricate embroidery, embellishments, diamantes on necklines and flowy shirts that looked more like ponchos. From the combination of pink, black and beige, to shades of green and brown, the collection toyed with chiffon as its primary fabric.

Like any other exhibition of the brand, customers started arriving at The House of Ensemble much before the scheduled time, waiting for the doors to be opened. Forty-year-old Afshan Khalid, a homemaker who had reached earlier, said: “I have always liked SanaSafinaz collections and their pret line is never copied by other people in town.”

Seeing the crowd growing, 35-year-old Sadaf Faisal called her associate, asking her to reach as soon as possible.

But for Ayesha Adnan — a newly-married 27-year-old — this was just a random stopover at the shop, as she was planning to buy something for Eid. Finding the doors closed, Adnan left, showing little interest in the brand’s latest collection.

After waiting for more than an hour, the shop opened at 11:55am, with women rushing towards the racks. Within a few minutes, there wasn’t much left on the shelves and by 12:15pm, only 17 pieces were left.

Although the shop was crowded with women, the attendance this time did not match last year’s launch of SanaSafinaz Spring Collection 2010. The reason could be the month of Ramazan, when many people avoid going out while fasting.

Shezray Husain, the director at The House of Ensemble, said: “Barely 10 seconds and the SanaSafinaz collection is sold out. There were as many as 200 pieces and with the average price of Rs37,000, the collection is affordable. One can wear it to a wedding or any other kind of celebration.”

Talking about the response in other cities, Husain said: “As you can see, there has been a massive response because the designers offer the best to their clients. With the sale going on in Lahore as well, I am receiving news that it has received a similar response. Pakistani women know how to dress. “

Zeba Husain of The House of Ensemble, said: “It was as chaotic as ever, the designers know the pulse of people and that’s where they strike.”

Civil awards: Pride of the nation

2011-08-30T02:37:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR/RAFAY MAHMOOD
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

16th August 2011

KARACHI:It was Pakistan’s 64 birthday and what better way to celebrate it than to reward people for excellence in various fields. President Asif Ali Zardari announced civil awards – Nishan-i-Imtiaz, Hilal-i-Pakistan, Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Sitara-i-Pakistan, Sitara-i-Shuja’at, Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pride of Performance, Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam, Tamgha-i-Pakistan, Tamgha-i-Shuja’at, Tamgha-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-i-Khidmat – for a number of people belonging to different fields, ranging from public service to arts to literature etcetera. The investiture ceremony of the awards will take place on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2012.

Actors Noman Ejaz, Javed Sheikh, Meera and Saba Hameed, along with director-producer Kazim Pasha and Sahira Kazmi were awarded with the pride of performance awards for their services in film and television. The Express Tribune dug out their past works and their road to glory.

Javed Sheikh (Pride of Performance)

The Pakistani film actor, director and producer started his career with the film Dhamaka in 1974. Sheikh has worked on a number of on-screen and off-screen projects, with films like Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa proving his talent as a director. In 2005, Shiekh shifted his focus to Bollywood and featured in Shikhar, Janeman, Namastey London and Om Shanti Om.

Delighted to have won one of the most prestigious awards, Sheikh believes that its time for youngsters to come forward. “I’m very happy. A lot of people believed that I should have received this recognition earlier, but I told them that everything takes time,” says Sheikh. However, Sheikh did add that recognition shouldn’t come after 30 to 40 years of contribution and if a youngster has done an amazing job earlier on in his career, he or she deserves timely recognition.

Saba Hameed (Pride of Performance)

Saba Hameed, a versatile actor from the PTV days of yore, came into the limelight with the dramas “Nashaib”, “Ranjish” and “Patjhar”. The multi-talented Hameed proved that she could reach the peak of excellence in comic roles as well – an instance is “Family Front”, a hit comedy show.

Meera (Pride of Performance)

The Lollywood starler who began her career as a model in 1994, stepped up her game and moved towards Bollywood on director Mahesh Bhatt’s call. Often the talk of the town, Meera has found fame in Pakistan and India in a short span of time, and her fans will no doubt love to see her receive this award.

Noman Ejaz (Pride of Performance)

Noman Ejaz’s drama serials “Dasht”, “Aansoo”, “Khaamoshiyan” and “Mano Salwa” marked his talent as a great TV actor. He is one of the few actors to make it to the big screen with films like Virsa and Ramchand Pakistani under his name. Ejaz also received the Best TV Actor award in the 2002 Lux Style Awards.

Sahira Kazmi (Pride of Performance)

The actor has done wonders on TV screen starting from “Qurbatain Aur Faaslay” to “Parchaiyaan” to “Teesra Kinara” before becoming a director-producer. She has to her credit popular plays including Tapish, Dhoop Kinaray, Tota Kahani, Hawaa Ki Beti, Khaleej, Aahat, Nijaat and Zaibunnisa.

“I’m very glad that my work has been recognised after a while and not long after I am gone from the scene! We should pay tribute to other people who have done things during their lifetime,” says Kazmi.

Kazim Pasha (Pride of Performance)

Director-producer Kazim Pasha’s play Jangloos (1989) and the mega hit drama serial “Kashkol” (1990s) will be remembered as amongst the best of that era.

“God has certainly rewarded me. My colleagues and children are happy about it. I believe that there is a given time frame for everything and you get rewarded after sometime,” says Pasha.

Sohail Rana (Sitara-i-Imtiaz)

Son of renowned Urdu poet Rana Akbar Abadi, Sohail Rana was born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, to a highly literary, academic and respectable family. Rana’s career as a music director ranges from super hit film music to heart-warming patriotic songs. He has composed songs for 24 full-length feature films. His tracks include “Ae Dil Kisi Ki Yaad Mein”, “Ko Ko Korina”, “Tumhain Kaise Bata Doon”, “Akele Na Jana”. He is also credited with famous national songs including “Sohni Dharti”, “Jeevay Pakistan”, “Mein Bhi Pakistan Hoon” and “Tera Pakistan Hai”.

Pakistani youth: An icon for change

2011-08-30T02:35:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

14th August 2011

KARACHI:August 12 heralds International Youth Day and training, mentoring and consultancy firm Blinck took this opportunity to collaborate with the US Consulate General Karachi, to organise a panel-based interactive discussion. The theme of the discussion was ‘Youth Participation in Decision Making: Taking Charge of Your Dreams and Destiny’ and it took place at Avari Towers on Friday.

William J Martin, US Consul General in Karachi said, “Your talent, creativity and entrepreneurial skills are transforming various fields and sectors. Let us move forward in sharing the commonalities that exist between United States and Pakistan. The youth of Pakistan fills me with optimism and I see Pakistan in great hands.”

A panel discussion ensued, during which laudable Pakistanis shared their experiences with the younger audience.

Former mayor of Karachi, Mustafa Kamal shared, “I come from a middle class background — once you are in the field of politics, you are in state of war. In the city, people can transform societies, if they have the concept of ownership entwined in their minds and hearts. Life is not a bed of roses. Neither is a political position, it comes with a lot of responsibility.”

Documentarian and journalist, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy said “I have worked in war zones from Afghanistan to East Timor. We in Pakistan take so much for granted; from the rights granted to us, to the beautiful country we are blessed with.” On mustering the courage to bring a change, Chinoy added, “Whoever has grown up in Karachi during the 1980s and 1990s is fearless and can stand up to anything. Courage is something we are born with.”

Popular vocalist and actor Komal Rizvi explained that, “The society we live in, it’s here that girls have significant problems that we have to deal with if you plan to step forward and make a change. We don’t need to bring ourselves down! I believed in myself. I believe everything in the universe conspires to make things happen for you.”

Social entrepreneur Farhad Karamally said it was inspiration that motivated him to become someone. Palwasha Bashir, national badminton champion, declared “When you have the will, nothing matters to you.” She asserts that what the world says shouldn’t matter if you have your parents’ support. Karamally agreed, “People should do what they love best, they shouldn’t be bothered by societal norms and values, if they plan to change/transform a society.”

Each speaker faced drawbacks in their career: Karamally was considered too young to run a city; Obaid-Chinoy’s first documentary was rejected by 80 production houses; Rizvi met countless problems at home; Karamally couldn’t think out of the box till he looked within; Bashir didn’t think of herself a winner. But they each had passion within themselves, and over the passage of time this allowed them to overcome difficulties. Eventually, each did remarkably well.

Youngsters were encouraged to remember that overcoming problems requires ignoring negative energy. Positivity allows inner talent to burst free, and transforms one into an inspirational icon.

Remembering Nazia

2011-08-30T02:33:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

13th August 2011

KARACHI:Nazia Hassan — an icon of the Pakistani music industry — rose to fame with the song “Aap Jaisa Koi Meri Zindagi Mein”, which she sang for an Indian film titled Qurbani. Hassan was introduced to Qurbani director, Feroz Khan, by Indian-British songwriter and composer, Biddu, and after that there was no turning back. Hassan won a Filmfare Award for the Best Female Playback for this film and later her association with Biddu enabled her to produce her debut album titled Disco Deewane.

From the 15-year-old in ponytails (as seen in one of the videos) to a girl with wavy hair and strikingly good looks in her later years, Hassan was the rising star of the 80’s. She and her brother Zoheb, produced phenomenal songs and out of the box videos; something that nobody had thought of in those early days of Pakistani pop music.

Hassan was a breath of fresh air during General Ziaul Haq’s time, when it was banned to screen women dancing and singing on television. Despite these hindrances, her very first album was a hit, turning her into a celebrity who soon earned the title of the ‘Sweetheart of Pakistan’. Uzma Mazhar, a journalist says, “Making a mark in the world of entertainment during General Zia’s era was not a very easy goal to achieve. Only Nazia Hassan’s music could do it.” She was able to release four albums titled Disco Deewane, Boom Boom, Hazan and Young Tarang during this time. Hassan was the playback singer for eight Bollywood films but it was Aap Jaisa Koi and Star that really added to her fame. Terming her as an extraordinary singer, Amna Raza, a banker says, “There was a time she played a pivotal role in our lives from making the best music to showing posh, youthful videos that served as catharsis in their own way.”

The theme of masquerade parties that she introduced in “Ankhen Milane Wale” was a completely new concept for the Pakistani audience. Whereas, “Dum Dum Dede” was based on the concept of fortune telling and fairytales, with Hassan portraying the role of Alice from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (Alice was written under a pseudonym of Lewis Caroll). Both these themes were again very new to the media-deprived Pakistani viewers of the 80’s. Uzma Mazhar, a journalist says, “She positioned herself in such a way that today Pakistani music has gained recognition by working on those same lines.”

However, Hassan’s fifth album Camera Camera was not a hit amongst the masses and the brother-sister duo failed to receive the acclaim they were probably hoping for. It was after this that Hassan took a step back from singing and focus more on her personal life. She married businessman Mirza Ishtiaq Baig in 1995 and gave birth to her son Arez in 1997. The young star contracted cancer and passed away in 2000.

In 2002, she was conferred with Pride of Performance and in 2003 her family started a charity organisation under her name.

Hassan’s larger than life aura still looms over the music industry and is deeply embedded in her fans who can’t seem to forget the artist. Ahmed Haseeb, another one of her fans, directed and produced A Music Fairy: A Tribute to Nazia Hassan in 2007. The documentary was screened at Kara Film Festival in 2009 and won an award for the Best Documentary at the festival.

Afzal Khan: The Pakistani 'Rambo'.

2011-08-30T02:30:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

9th August 2011

KARACHI: Afzal Khan aka Jan Rambo, primarily a stage actor, got his big break through PTV’s Islamabad production “Guest House” and marked his television debut by playing a sweeper in the popular TV series. The actor got his nickname because of his striking resemblance to Hollywood’s Sylvester Stallone who took on the iconic role of John Rambo, and the rest as they say is history.

The actor, who’s doing a film project titled Koi Tujh Sa Kahan after six years, talks about television, film, family and more.

How was the experience of playing Rambo in ‘Guest House’?

Theatre teaches an actor a lot. “Guest House” provided me with a chance to shift from theatre to television and eventually to the film industry. I worked hard and after television, it’s every man’s dream to move to films. This was the case for me as well and there was no turning back.

How do you feel about the one-liner ‘Rambo, Rambo, Jan Rambo, the cockroach killer’ becoming a hit?

It’s still a hit. There are certain continuities or repetitive phrases that strike a chord with audiences and remains forever engrained in their mind. Just like it was “Chakku hay merey pas” for Jamshad Ansari in “Uncle Urfi”, it was “Rambo, Rambo, Jan Rambo, the cockroach killer” for me in “Guest House”.

From 15-year-old kids to adults, all are familiar with that line. I am so grateful for this success.

Was it easy to manage fame?

After the third episode of “Guest House”, I would have to hide my identity by wearing a mask while travelling around Islamabad. It was so difficult to handle fame back then.

During that time, Sikhs from India had turned up for their annual festivities at Gurdwara in Hasan Abdal. Even they had seen “Guest House” across the border and during their visit to Pakistan they wanted to meet me in person. So as many as six vans arrived at PTV station located in Islamabad and these people just wouldn’t go until they met me. That was a great moment of appreciation, however it was amusing when they added that if there were subtitles to the show, it would have helped them understand it better.

You’ve been a part of Lollywood for almost two decades. Have you tried to revive the film industry?

People don’t make family movies. I have always been a family actor. I did play a role in Koi Tujh Sa Kahan on Reema’s request. The television is not promoting Pakistani films and Urdu songs and artists are not being given a promotional platform. I believe that Lollywood can be saved through media and media alone, and we don’t need to look towards India.

How does it feel to be first paired up with Sahiba in films and then being married to her?

I am a very lucky person to have her. She never gave me a reason to complain. I am extremely grateful to God for giving me such an understanding spouse.

What’s next in line?

Currently, Sahiba and I are hosting a morning show on Apna Channel, and then we plan to work on a TV production. There is a lot of demand for it and we are just looking for the right sponsors.

With love from Chitral

2011-08-30T02:29:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

6th August 2011

KARACHI:Australian national Cathy Braid came to Pakistan to attend a Chitral-based women’s weaving project called Shubinak in 2000. During her short visit she fell in love with Pakistan and moved here in 2003. Cathy spent the next three years in Chitral working with the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme, a non-governmental organisation, and Chitrali women on a clothing and bags line.

Cathy launched the brand Polly&Me with her sister Angela Braid in 2007. According to Angela, Polly&Me “is a grass-root level luxury bringing together traditional skills and the best of Pakistani leather and manufacturing.” The two sisters are based in Islamabad and manage everything from designing to production to sales. Wallets are priced at Rs8,500, whereas handbags are priced from Rs15,000 to Rs33,000.

When asked why only Chitrali women were chosen to participate in the Polly&Me project, Angela said, “Traditional embroidery skills are passed on by the women to the next generation in the villages of Chitral. Since it’s a traditional community most women in Chitral observe purdah (veil), so few work opportunities exist outside the home. We try to provide work in a socially acceptable environment. All centres are village-based and artisans can walk to the centres and collect work. Whether they want to work in the local centre or take the work home depends on the artisans’ choice entirely. This flexible work environment enables them to maintain their other roles within their home.”

In Angela’s words, the key objective of Polly&Me is “to create a platform for women to express themselves through their craft and designs and earn an income to give themselves and their community the chance to make a better life.”

While talking about her venture Angela adds, “A major shift in our design practice came in 2008, when we ran a series of creative workshops with the women artisans. The result was a sell-out show of 23 textiles, all designed and produced by the women. Our first non-profit project, Gup Shup: The Domestic, the Narrative and Cups of Chai, led to a wider artisan community supporting the project and allowed these women to develop small businesses within their local communities.”

Noorjehan Bilgrami allowed Polly&Me to be stocked at her gallery at Koel Cafe in Karachi because she wanted to show her support for the project. “I believe in the cause. The income that can be generated for Chitrali women — a portion of which goes directly back to their community — is a cause worth supporting.” This line can also be found in Islamabad and Lahore, at Nomads and Clayworks respectively.

Angela’s next project, Ramazan Diaries is a series of non-profit creative workshops at the end of which there will be an exhibition. “During Ramazan last year, we invited artisans to record their daily fast through pictures and words,” tells Angela. Fourteen women from three centres across Chitral kept a diary to record their daily activities during Ramazan, and this year, the artisans are using those diaries to inspire new designs. The Ramazan stories of these women are being embroidered on bags and wallets for the last three months, and one theme which is being focused on is the role of mothers in their households during Ramazan. Bibi, a Chitrali local, is one such individual who has shared her routine during Ramazan, from waking up every morning at 1:30 am to make food for her family while the rest of her household slept, till the evening meal.

Despite being uneducated herself, Bibi managed to tell her story by paying her 13-year-old daughter Rs5 everyday to record her fasts. The collection is expected to launch in October.

Widyaan: Shahid Afridi's Fashion Valley

2011-08-30T02:26:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

3rd August 2011

KARACHI: What do Juniad Jamshed, Ali Haider and Shahid Afridi have in common? Jamshed and Haider started out as musicians, Afridi a sportsman, but all three have now launched their own clothing line.

Like many celebrities exploring new horizons, “Boom Boom” Shahid Afridi has introduced his own ensemble collection called ‘Widyaan’ (an Arabic word meaning the ‘fashion valley’).

Afridi held a press conference at Sheraton Karachi Hotel to announce the launch of his ladies ensemble line which will be exhibited at Imperial Lawn, Clifton from August 12 to 14. Dressed in navy blue and surrounded by the media as well as his three young daughters, Afridi spoke about his brand which will be exhibited soon.

“When I started off with men’s kurtas, there was a huge demand from my female fans that I should launch a collection for them as well. So I decided to launch a collection of pure silk and chiffon designs under my name. The collection will consist of affordable, formal eastern wear. Like cricket, I hope that this venture will be a success; all I need is people’s support.”

The cricketer has taken on this venture in partnership with his friend Shahzad Miannoor. Miannoor has been associated with the textile industry since quite some time now and through ‘Widyaan’ he hopes to gain more insight into the local and international market. “This brand will be sold both locally and internationally,” said Miannoor

Sadia Murtaza, the artistic streak behind this brand, is working on the collection along with six other designers. “Inspiration came from none other than Eid celebrations and the wedding season that follows soon after,” Murtaza said.

With 22 designs in this collection and three color variations in each design, Murtaza added, “These designs cater to the market that demands fusion.” The collection is priced from Rs8,500 and goes up to Rs12,800. Currently, Afridi is planning to exhibit the collection in Karachi and then explore the market in Lahore. It seems like preplanning has become innate in Afridi, since he is already planning to send the collection to Dubai and make ‘Widyaan’ an international brand. When asked about his expectations from the exhibition, Afridi said, “People should at least come and appreciate the collection.”

Cricket will always play a big part in Afridi’s life and when asked why the logo of the brand shows him in his wicket-taking stance, Murtaza said, “This is his signature style. We want the label to be recognised through this.”

Summer fun with kids

2011-07-02T03:12:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

2nd JUNE 2011

KARACHI: Summers are here and so is the dreadful task of handling children during vacations. Trying to engage little ones who often have ample spare time and energy during summer, can often be a challenge for parents (as if battling the scorching heat was not enough for a struggle).

How do celebs enjoy the sultry weather with their kids? Do they vacation abroad or choose to stay at home?

The Express Tribune spoke to a couple of celebrities, to find out how they spend free time with their younglings during summer break.

Amir Adnan and Huma Adnan, a designer couple, actually have a lavish summer vacation every year with their three kids, Parishae, Shafae and Nichae. “Usually, every summer we make it a point to go abroad on a vacation. Last year we toured the USA and this time, my husband and I plan to take our kids to Europe,” reveals Huma.

Publicist Tehmina Khaled and her husband TV artiste Khaled Anum also explain that they usually make a getaway abroad every summer with their teenage boys Ammar and Komail.

“This summer, we are taking our kids to Thailand, for the young boys there is so much to do like bungee jumping and other sports. So we plan to thoroughly enjoy,” Tehmina says excitedly.

For event manager Frieha Altaf, summers are for spending time with her teenage kids, Turan and Parisheh, in Canada.

“For the past so many years, we fly to Canada for the summers. I spend time with them watching movies, going to theatre to watch musicals. We go out to shop, to the amusement parks that they love to go to and to the zoo. But this summer, will be slightly different, I will be touring Europe with my son as he has grown up and wants to see other places,” says the energetic event organiser.

But with expenses constantly on the rise, not everyone has plans to go abroad for a vacation. Yet there are still many ways in which parents operating on a budget can keep their children engaged in healthy and educational activities.

Anila Weldon of WeldonMoms, a support group for mothers, pinpoints myriad outdoor and indoor activities that parents can easily enjoy with their kids. “Both are important. Healthy outdoor activities include swimming, horse-back riding, taekwondo, karate, football, cricket coaching,” he said. “While indoor activities like arts, craft, children’s theater workshops, baking, cake decoration, clay activities and numerous other fun things children can learn in a group.”

As a single parent, Weldon feels that summer holidays are a time for her to relax with her five-year-old son because she is always pressed for time during her normal routine.

Some of the activities that the entrepreneur enjoys with her child include climbing trees, using sling-shots and shopping for new shoes and clothes.

Anila Weldon also has suggestions for parents who might be bogged down in work even during their kids’ summer vacations. “Opting for summer camps, sports camps and arranging for cousins and friends to come over can offer some relief to parents who do not approve of their kids being in front of the TV all the time!”

Tips from Weldon

As a parent, whatever you choose to do with your kids free time, do not:

a) Try to enroll them in remedial classes or tuitions (summer vacations are not meant to be toiling over academics).

b) Do not give in to the peer pressure that summer vacations always means travel time for the family. (You can have a good time without a plane-ride too).

PNS mehran attack: United we stand?

2011-05-31T04:46:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
The Express Tribune
The Speaker's Corner on the Blog

26th MAY 2011

KARACHI-Does the maxim ‘United we stand, divided we fall’ hold true for us, only as a nation? It’s very evidently true for us, if we are part of the military forces. Just how can the intruders jump into the naval base and create havoc of such great magnitude. Unthinkable and unimaginable.

Karachi, my city was under attack, and one feels extremely out of focus, when our armed forces, our jawans, who spend their entire life guarding our lives and our borders, evidently get attacked by people we know as Taliban. This is in reference to the recent attacks on them.

But several questions must be raised about security lapse, about attacking the army, what boggles one’s mind are the two facts that require military minds to analyse.

Firstly, is our army really that divided, that within its ranks these hidden faces of Taliban can sell off my true jawans, so ruthlessly and so randomly. Secondly, come to think of it (as one co-worker rightly pointed out at lunch time), that after attacking and getting away with hitting our military personnel, attacking the common man on the street, will be no mean feat for the Taliban. The Taliban are truly an evil genius in our midst.

Sadly, that is true, but more than that the fact is that not only our nation’s sovereignty has been ambushed gravely but the constant war against the non-state actor ie Taliban is a war that hopefully will continue unabated for a longer time period than one can think of.

OBL is gone, but his followers and trainers are still around. Fighting this scourge of terrorism is a virtue, but losing our jawans in these battles is the graver consequence.

The fact that a non-state actor seems to be stronger than the state itself, in influencing our day-to-day life, by mercilessly targeting whoever they like and wherever they like, is worrying. And it solidifies the fact that we are living on a razor’s edge, on the precipice, so to speak. Sadly, today we all live in very troubled times. Troubled times, indeed.

Collection: Fit for a bride

2011-05-31T04:26:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

30th MAY 2011

KARACHI: At The House of Ensemble, exhibiting his bridal collection titled Fahad Hussayn’s Trousseau, on the evening of May 27, the young designer once again brought in ‘a contemporary element in the fashion world’.

His was an entire collection, a tribute to the Rajput Princess Mirabai who comes from Ratan Singh’s family. “She was a mystical figure, a singer, who was not greatly loved by her family, for [taking up] singing.”

But this inspiration is not new to him for, earlier on, he has done collection on Noor Bai, a singer belonging to the era of the Mughal court. Come to think of it, why is every other character inspired royalty? To this, Hussayn answers: “I am a reader. I read a lot of history books and get inspiration from characters. All these interesting characters get explored and a story of my clothes is made through them.” But he insists, he is a culturally-sensitive person, and asserts, “Now Mirabai wore this choli and lower-cut outfit, which I believe cannot be worn here in Pakistan. I need to know my limits, style and particular culture that I cater to, you have to keep it real. Hence these clothes charm my clients.”

About the outfits, he adds: “I give people a variation of what they can have hence, for them, these beautiful bridal collections are what I offer them.” With extensive embroidery, it is the sacha gota or what we call the woven metal technique that charms his customers for a complete ethnic look.

Currently in stock, Fahd Hussayn’s prêt line starts from Rs2,000 and goes up to Rs12,000.

Present at the launch, was socialite Nazneen Tariq who said: “This designer Fahad Hussayn came out very late in our midst. I love his collection and am really inspired by the fact how ethnic he has kept his collection and charms everyone.” He says that he does bridal collection twice a year and often just before the wedding season. Though it was a multicoloured collection, the focus was towards either all whites, or black and even pink. To this he says: “My black comes from the PFDC fashion week collection and the pink line is purely prêt.” For him: “Runway is a canvas and gives a license to the designer to create. For me, my bridal collection is my bread and butter. Prêt is a market driven collection, look in the local elements and you will see certain areas and be able to create.” He says: “I am currently exhibiting at Ensemble and will stock here soon.” And finally what is the Mirabai collection to him: “It’s very me! No matter how hard I try to detach myself from Rajasthani culture, I simple cannot.”

The price of infamy

2011-05-31T04:18:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

29th MAY 2011

KARACHI: On May 27, television networks broke some rather disturbing news: Ali Saleem, better known to the masses as Begum Nawazish, had broken his 60-year-old mother Farzana’s nose in a fit of drunken rage in a dispute over property. Saleem was arrested after his mother filed a complaint with the police, which she later withdrew. However, the famous TV host now faces a case under the Hudood Ordinance for being intoxicated.

The controversial star, known for his risque manner of questioning guests on his show regarding controversial news, is out on bail, but now finds himself in the midst of fierce criticism from the media and public.

“Well, I am barely out of bed, call me in half an hour,” said Saleem, when contacted by The Express Tribune. Since then, however, all attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful as his cell phone is now switched off. Thus, his version of the story remains unknown, as friends frantically try to contact him through Facebook. The star has responded to none of the queries.

His brother Omar Saleem refrained from discussing the episode: “It is an event that happened in the family and it should remain in the family. No? Don’t you think so?”
However, given the fact that the Begum has always been a source of controversy and gossip since she burst on the television scene, it is hard to keep the matter under wraps. Besides, the matter of intoxication and domestic abuse from a celebrity is bound to stir up debate. The Express Tribune spoke to several celebrities about their view on the matter. Shall this matter be kept under wraps? Are celebrities above the law, or are they accountable for their deeds, even those pertaining to their private lives? Do celebrities ever get to have private lives at all?
“Celebrities don’t have the license to be wayward,” said music composer Arshad Mahmood. “An artist needs to be disciplined, for if he is not disciplined, he will not be able to do his work.”

Actor Atiqa Odho emphasised the duty of public figures towards society: “Nobody has the right to take the law in their own hands. If you are a public figure, you need to carry yourself with great responsibility for you are a role model to the youth of the society. Hence, if you take the law in your own hands, you are giving the wrong message to society.”

Samina Peerzada, another actor, had similar views: “Celebrities are also civilians, and if they commit a crime, then they too are punishable by law.”
This seems to be the unanimous opinion. Even Maheen Kardar, the well known fashion designer, said: “Nobody has the right to take the law into their own hands. Nobody. The law is above all.”

Saleem isn’t the first local celeb to have gotten in trouble with the law given Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s issues with taxation and Adnan Sami’s family brawls. Neither is he the first to have been embroiled in a case of domestic abuse while intoxicated. Bollywood actor Salman Khan is known for having roughed up his girlfriends, and even been arrested for the poaching of gazelle and accidentally killing a pedestrian due to negligent driving. The list of such cases is long, and not just limited to the subcontinent: Singer James Brown, rapper Eminem, actor Sean Penn – all have made headlines for the wrong reasons. Just last month, Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage was arrested for punching and shoving his wife after an argument.
He was later released on a bond of $11,000.

Compared to what many celebs the world over have gotten in trouble for, Saleem’s problems seem minor in comparison, and there’s no dount that the publicity has more to do with his celeb status rather than the event itself. But one thing is clear: Even the private lives of celebrities are very much in the public domain.

Crowning the pink beauty queen

2011-05-31T04:14:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

28th MAY 2011

KARACHI: It was a pink extravaganza at the Pearl Continental Marquee on May 26. With ushers draped in baby pink saris, faux bare branches adorned with bright roses and a pristine pink carpet, the organizers of Veet Super Model contest 2011 used the colour of femininity to embellish the event.

Veterans like Shamaeel Ansari adhered to the simplicity of white and ivories in their flowing shirts with churidaar pajamas. While in her heavily printed collection, she used earthy colours like red and rust. According to Ansari her eastern wear represents the “quintessential essence of a Pakistani women.”

Sanam Chaudhri displayed with her new Citron collection – an assortment of Western tops in vibrant tangy colours green with understated beige or white pants/trousers.

Shehla Chatoor exquisite silk collection, was worn with deep gold belt. Mostly Western outfits, accessorized it with mostly peacock feathers and deep gold angel feather. One can easily sign it off as a chic collection.

The highlight of the entire event was a live performance by pop icon Ali Zafar, while models strutted across the ramp donning Ali Xeeshan’s richly embellished bridal couture. The audience swayed to Zafar’s Jhoom while observing the traditional bridal growns.

Fahad Hussayn’s collection inspired from the apparel of Rajput princess Mirabai, was the quintessential bridal collection. Dubai-based Rashmee Ahmed’s label C’est Moi comprised short cocktail dresses and flowing kaftans.

Finally, ten youthful contestants debuted into the fashion world by doing a final walk on the ramp wearing Syed Rizwanullah’s alluring black couture. According to Rizwanullah, his Western outfits were an expression of his “mature and creativity”.

“I am concentrating a lot on threads in my line…I have extensively used different types of material like silk, chiffon and latex!” mentioned the flambouyant designer. The fresh entrants were evaluated by a jury comprising of veterans like fashion designer Shamaeel Ansari, photographers Tapu Javeri and Fayaz Ahmed, super model Nadia Hussain, stylist Saba Ansari and event manager Frieha Altaf.

Sana Khan was declared the Miss Super Model by the jury. The lady of the night could not help giggling excitedly while receiving the award. The titles of Miss Photogenic and Miss Catwalk went to Saima Izhar and Urouj Ahmed respectively.

Citron collection: fashionable and fun

2011-05-31T04:11:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

27th MAY 2011

KARACHI: Sanam Chaudhri describes her new Spring/Summer 2011 collection as “bright and fun.” She named it Citron, because, in her words, “I have used all citrus fruit colours, like bright orange and lime green.”

Chaudhri considers Citron her “most vibrant collection to date”.

During her pregnancy, the designer found herself constantly inspired by tangy colours. “The colours just spoke to me. My outfits have no embroidery, no embellishments; it is just the colours that speak!”

The line offers 13 different ensembles in mostly cotton and pure georgette, ranging from Rs3,500 to Rs9,000. Chaudhri’s target audience is women between the ages of 15 to 40 years.

Her fashion manta is ‘less is more’, so Chaudhri sticks to single tone tops and unique lowers. The young mom terms her collection ideal for resort wear. “I would love to wear it if I was on a holiday in Thailand or Bali, Indonesia,” she explained.

Chaudhri plans to stock up for the summers, and bring forth a cotton pret line, with loud prints.

The Citron collection will hit stores in Karachi and Lahore, by the second week of June.

Elle'mint--keeps getting bigger and better

2011-05-26T04:34:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

26th MAY 2011

KARACHI: A salon, a spa and a clothing boutique, all housed in one place. Sounds awfully convenient, doesn’t it? Afreen Shiraz of Elle’mint, has now cashed in on this concept of a one stop shop by adding a boutique to her hitherto beauty brand.

Shiraz ventured into the world of beauty seven years ago. She started off with a hair salon, the Elle’mint Salon which one and a half years later spawned the launch of the Elle’mint Spa — “a luxurious spa at an affordable price,” according to Shiraz.

Elle’mint Prêt, located right next to Labels in the Old Delton area, comes as the newest feather in the fashion consultant’s cap. The launch of the apparel house on May 23 was described by socialite Nazneen Tariq as a “very chaotic affair”. The chief guest at the occasion was fashion stalwart Maheen Khan. The inauguration was a chock-full event, with barely any space for people to move freely. Bustling with media personnel and countless socialites, the inauguration welcomed all and sundry to witness the sartorial splendour.

“Elle’mint Prêt is meant for the freshness that mint offers … which in other words is freshness for the young women of today!” said Shiraz, elucidating the meaning of her outlet’s fancy French name.

The retail shop exhibits casual and formal prêt, mainly eastern wear comprising ankle-length flowing shirts, currently in vogue. The outfits are quite affordable, ranging from Rs 2,500 – 5,000 and Rs 5,000 -15,000 for casual and formal wear respectively. While some of the stuff on display is by newcomers in the fashion business, prominent design labels like Ayesha-Somaya are also available. “All of these designers who are placed here have a potential to grow,” Shiraz said confidently.

Since her spa business has burgeoned over the years, Shiraz firmly believes her clothing store will also attract customers. But with a well-known retail store situated around the corner with its own niche market, how does she plan to compete? “We are not threatened by each other…rather I believe we both are catering to a very different market, altogether,” she answers coolly.

Elle’mint Pret is definitely the place for shoppers looking for a holistic experience of beauty and fashion under one roof.

Golden melodies

2011-05-26T04:30:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

25th MAY 2011

KARACHI: Decked in white, the foyer of the Imperial was fragrant with the scent of motia and the serene night belonged to evergreen melodies from the era of Noor Jehan, Naseem Begum, Mala Begum, Mehdi Hasan and Ahmed Rushdi.

The event, a fundraiser arranged by the NGO Health Oriented Preventive Education (HOPE) on the May 21, was titled Raat Chali Hai Jhoom Ke.

The evening, which kicked off rather late due to the late arrival of corporate associates, started off with instrumental numbers such as “Teray Bin Mera Jeewan Kuch Nahin” and moved on to numbers like “Kiya Hai Pyar Tou”, “Aye Mausum Rangeelay”, “Abhi Dhoond Hei Rahi Thi to Dil Darkay” and other duets sung by Mazhar Iqbal and Hina Asif.

As the night progressed, the performers enthralled the audience with more Urdu numbers and a few Punjabi hits like “Jadoon Hole Jaya” and “Sanno Neher Wallay Pull Tay”.

This trip down memory lane, bringing back old Pakistani silver screen songs, was a refreshing way to raise funds for educational benefits for the under privileged dwelling in the northern areas of the country. HOPE will also be using money for on-going relief efforts, medical camps, building housing for purchasing household stuff.

A private event, the ticketed affair that was completely sold out, as all the patrons of HOPE supported the effort very enthusiastically.

All in all, a great musical experience that stirred nostalgia through great numbers associated with the heroes of yesterday, including Nadeem, Waheed Murad, Shabnum, Zeba and Mohammad Ali, Shamim Ara and Rani.

Meera turns 25?

2011-05-24T05:36:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

24th MAY 2011

KARACHI: Meera, the diva from Lollywood who is now making waves at a private TV channel, celebrated her birthday in style.

Dressed in a cream coloured outfit, almost half an hour late from the expected time of arrival, film star Meera arrived at the Karachi Press Club on the evening of May 21 and celebrated her birthday with the city’s journalist community.

Speaking on the occasion, Meera said: “I would like to thank Aziz Awan and Asif Ali Pota, for remembering my birthday, which although falls on May 12, I was busy shooting certain programmes, recording certain stuff and so I could not travel back to Lahore to celebrate my birthday with my family and friends.”

Meera said: “I have always had the occasion celebrated not only by my friends and family but I even celebrate it, every year with the journalist community of Lahore at the Lahore Press Club.”

She said: “On May 12, people from various quarters and places of Pakistan wished me, for which I am very thankful to them.” Uttering on her very own: “Happy Birthday!” This made the journalist community of Karachi laugh out loud.

As she was cutting the two-tier cake, the lot of the journalists present at the event started questioning her, about her age. She did not utter a single digit but someone besides her loudly said: “She has turned 25. This is her 25th birthday.” This threw the journalist community, most of whom in a fit of laughter and this eventually made the diva angry and upset and for once, she spoke much sense stating quite blatantly: “We need to become serious, we are not serious people, just look at the nation, this non-serious attitude has led us, where? Sadly, Pakistan has become a laughing stock in front of the entire world.”

But no sooner had she said this that the journalist community present at the Karachi Press Club, became silent but again, wore on a nasty behavior to which Meera said: “I would want a serious attitude from the media, this is a serious business, we have to give each other respect.”

Sharing some other stuff she said: “I started working when I was hardly nine years old, I believe one is a born artist.” Stating in the same breathe: “Every morning I wake up and learn new things.”

Giving other details, she said: “Now, I am planning to make a film called Askar. I am a Pakistani national, I hold a Pakistani nationality and represent my country on those same lines.”

About the film, Meera did not say if she was planning to make it here in Pakistan or in India but Asif Ali Pota said: “This is an Indian project.”

Finally, when approached and asked, if the plans of joining former president Pervez Musharraf’s political party still remained intact, the diva said: “I will not comment on this. I am just here to cut the birthday cake and celebrate my birthday, today. No comments.”

Film festival at T2F: The Battle for Pakistan

2011-05-24T04:54:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

23rd MAY 2011

KARACHI: Do the ideology of religious extremism, and the teachings at various madrassas across the country truly converge at some point? A thin line separates the two, but a closer look needs to be taken. This was beautifully brought forward through a film screening on the evening of May 20, at the Travelling Film South Asia festival at the T2F.

Directed by Maheen Zia and produced by Tehmina Ahmed, the 40 minute long film called The Battle for Pakistan threw light on the various aspects of madrassa teaching. Said Zia: “We tried to narrow down the concept, and based it more on the reforms in madrassas and their educational curriculum.”

The film touched the very sensitive subject, with forceful divulgence from clerics and bureaucrats holding powerful positions. The film also showed the point of view of the religio-political parties based here in the country and what each has to say about extremism, its birth in the land of the pure, to the proxy fought on our soil and various other indigenous factors responsible for creating the monster called Extremism in our midst.

“Four years ago, when we made the film, it was a great learning experience for us. We travelled to various other areas and felt that we ourselves got our own prejudices examined,” said Ahmed.

Zia said that making the film was a huge task. “People had reservations, as we talked to them on this subject.” Although stating quite frankly that nothing shocked her on her visits to the madrassas, Zia also noted: “I was surprised by the use of technology. Young children in one such madrassa would use microphones and reply to a teacher’s query, who was sitting in the other room. It seemed more of a helpless situation than a hopeful one.”

Zia further told the audience that as people had reservations in meeting them, they would then venture out “wearing big chaddars, to shoot this film”.

About their observations about the small children in the madrassas, Ahmed believed: “Most children in the madrassa came to Karachi from up north.” But was it poverty that forced the parents to part with their young ones? This remains a question that neither of the two could answer accurately.

As to sticking to the theme of reforms in madrassas, Zia said: “After the 9/11 episode, President Musharraf took a stand to bring about reforms in the madrassas. The clerics didn’t want these madrassas to be reformed, but they had to take the reforms into account after sometime. Hence, the film is based on those lines.”

Interesting films from across South Asia were screened at the film festival at T2F.
.

Spotlight: Gender inequality

2011-05-24T04:47:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

21st MAY 2011

KARACHI: Gender inequality in society leads to unfair restrictions and limits human potential. Keeping this theme in mind, Give Me A Breath, a Thespianz Theatre production, was staged in the auditorium of the Goethe-Institut on the evening of May 19.

Stressing the need for equal rights for everyone, the play revolves around a pair of siblings. The brother, Bilal (played by Kashif Farhad), does not allow his sister Zoya (played by Monazza Fatima Naqvi) the right to work, and even dissuades her from marrying the love of her life, Aryan (enacted by Alamgir Khan).

Bilal himself, however, has no means of earning a living, but often promises Zoya that his acting skills will help him launch a career on TV. Bilal fails miserably at this career possibility, and when the landlord Salim Bhai (nicely enacted by Tajdar) turns up furious, threatening to do harm if Bilal fails to pay the rent. With twists and turns, Zoya somehow manages to pay the rent. Only then does Bilal realise the true worth of his sister.

Hina Nafees, the playwright, while talking to The Express Tribune said: “When I wrote Give Me A Breath, I found the inspiration in the society we all dwell in. Inequality breeds in it, and this should not accepted by the educated lot.”

Faisal Malik, the director, while talking about why he chose the script, said: “Gender inequality is a basic issue affecting the IDP’s residing in the suburbs of Karachi. This we came to know when we visited the refugee camps. Women are suffering greatly on this front and we thought this play will project the aspects that we are trying to bring forth and help us raise our voices against it.”

“Nice,” said Arifa Kaleem, who was part of the audience, when asked as to how she found the play. And truly, the play was a good effort, but to be truly great it required far more effort in the acting department. If the actors fared well anywhere, it was when the music was on and they were displaying their dance moves. Tajdar, however, should be credited for his skills, but trouble with the fake moustache he was sporting (it was partially coming off) made him nervous for a brief moment, and threw the audience in fits of wild laughter.

The play was part of ‘On the fringe of society’, which is a project of Goethe Institut for young IDP’s, targeting those who have been affected by the flood. Approximately 20 youngsters will be given the basic education in film making and theatre. This play was the pilot project of the project that will be in progression over the next two years.

“The objective of our endeavours is to enable young Pakistanis to explore their creative abilities in different fields of culture,” said Dr Markus Litz, Director of Goethe-Institut. “There is such an immense potential amongst young people in Pakistan, we only need to show more awareness and respect towards those who are marginalised within the society.”

L'Oreal cosmetics galore!

2011-05-24T04:44:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

20th MAY 2011

KARACHI: After the success of their mall animation project at Park Towers almost a fortnight ago, L’Oreal Paris has crossed another milestone, and opened up its very first make-up studio at Naheed Super Store, Bahadarabad, on May 17.

The make-up studio offers a total makeover and the first of its kind skin testing facility, bringing the ultimate L’Oreal Paris experience to the public.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Zainab Pasha, the company’s marketing manager said: “A retail experience was missing. The direct consultation that the consumer can have at the studio was something that was unheard of before.”

Pasha said: “It is not going to be an everyday activity, but yes, on Eid and Mother’s Day, this place will charm the consumers.

If we had opened the studio on day to day basis, this place would have lost its novelty.”

On selecting Naheed Super Store’s first floor as the site of the make-up studio, Pasha said: “This was a perfect place to welcome consumers and give them tips on skin and make-up application.”

Peng Qureshi, a beauty therapist who was present at the inauguration, said: “We need to educate Pakistani women about skin care, from cleansing and moisturising to sun protection. This place is highly recommended for any woman who wants to look beautiful.”

Actor Noor, who cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony, said:

“I am highly impressed with the opening up the make-up studio. It’s their first studio opening in the country and I hope ladies will look forward to it, to look forever young.

L’Oreal has been instrumental in playing a key role in the cosmetic industry for more than a 100 years now, and unlike most other brands, it is promoting Pakistani models and stars as brand ambassadors of its cosmetic range, which is indeed a good thing to do.”

The brand spokespersons include model Aamina Sheikh, VJ and host Anoushey Ashraf.

The Monsoon hues of Sonya Battla

2011-05-24T04:40:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

19th MAY 2011

KARACHI: Just when you thought the lawn wars are almost over, Sonya Battla Lawn, Monsoon 2011 opened at the Imperial, near Two Swords on May 17. With 11 designs and one colour variation, the three-piece lawn suits by Sonya Battla fall in the price range of Rs3,300 to Rs3,900.

Talking to The Express Tribune about her inspiration and design philosophy, Sonya Battla said: “Monsoon is the theme for my collection this year. I want consumers to associate themselves with this season.” With most prints worked in different shades of green and blue, Battla described the collection as “cool summer wear”.

“Simplicity is what lawn is all about,” said Battla. “I don’t believe in attending a summer wedding in a lawn outfit! Lawn is a day-wear fabric and it should be treated as such. One must wear their silks or chiffons in the evening.”
Each print is named after various cities of the world, and thus one found Agra, Barcelona and Rio amongst Battla’s collection. “It’s about different cities represented through different motifs. Though it was difficult to create, I enjoyed doing it.”

Battla refuses to call it a lawn war, and instead feels that all the competition is healthy. “There is no lawn war. There are nine months of summer here, so designers should come up with lawn collections every other month, to keep the trend moving ahead in this hot season.”

But it seems the summer of lawn is wearing thin. Naz Khalid, a customer, found nothing unique being offered in the collection: “All the lawn exhibitions are almost the same, I have yet to find something unique.” However, another customer Hina Shakeel said that she loved the contrast and the embroidery on the neckline.

On a side note, with a lot of designers and journalists present at the event, the story of Amir Adnan’s resignation from the Fashion Pakistan Council was buzzing in the air.

Spotted at the launch event was model/actor turned designer Aijaz Aslam of the House of Aijazz, who said: “Sonya Battla is a creative person and I wish her the best as she brings her new line this summer.”

Fashion designer Maheen Khan of the label Gulabo was also present and said: “Sonya Battla is a front runner as a fashion designer in this country.”
The model Ayyan, brand ambassador of the collection was very enthusiastic about the collection: “It’s amazing, it’s unique, and in the end it’s Sonya Battla.”

The exhibition continues till the evening of May 19.

Rohail Hyatt on Coke Studio

2011-05-18T05:53:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

18th MAY 2011

KARACHI: The summers are here and so is Coke Studio Season 4. It brings with it the usual array of hits and misses, the stars who have made it big, or have become even bigger in the music industry through the re-created, fused renditions of songs that are by far the most poignant and heart-rendering to come out of Pakistan.

The musical genius behind these songs is ex-Vital Signs band member Rohail Hyatt, producer extraordinaire of Coke Studio.

The Express Tribune speaks to Hyatt about about what the latest instalment of the show will bring.

How is season 4 going to be any different from the former three seasons?

Every season of Coke Studio is a journey into the exploration of our musical traditions. Perhaps the two things that will stand out this time are the influence of classical music and our attempt to fuse it with modern instruments, and our venture into Balochi music and rhythms. Balochi music is not like any other music in our country, and that allowed for some interesting experimentation to take place.

Fusion is the key to bringing music, not just as it is, but as a blend of classical with pop or folk. What do you have to say about this, keeping show’s different thematic versions in mind?

In my opinion, fusion is the key that allows for our traditional art forms to become palatable in modern times. At Coke Studio, we try to stay true to the essence of the traditional art form and at the same time bring it up to date with the styles and instruments that people are accustomed to hearing these days. It’s certainly not meant to be a substitute of the original art form, but perhaps intends to stimulate a curiosity in people to explore their heritage and culture.

Coke Studio usually ends up promoting different dialects as a result of its different musical collaborations. What dialects are being used this time?

The unique ones are Marvari and Brahui, along with the better known ones such as Seraiki, Hindi, Punjabi, Farsi, Poorvi, Urdu etc.

Tell us a little about any upcoming talent that you are promoting in the new season?

We have all kinds of talent. Known and unknown. I think I will let their work speak for them…

How would you define Coke Studio 4 in one word?

Experimental!

Bliss: 'Bagging' an education

2011-05-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

17th MAY 2011

KARACHI:They say it takes a village to raise a child, but here in Pakistan, it takes more than that to keep a female child in school. That is exactly what Saba Gul, a young Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) graduate, is busy doing.

On the evening of May 14, at T2F, Saba Gul spoke about her social enterprise BLISS, and how the idea sprung up in her mind to change lives.

An engineer by degree, she moved towards the social development sector after she heard a lecture at her alma mater that inspired her to move back home and do something for young girls residing in the northern areas of the country, who, Gul believed, should be in school. Instead, they were busy earning for their family members.

“The need that I saw in Attock in the winter of 2009,” said Gul, “changed my thoughts. I personally felt that the young girls’ skills needed to be marketed and hence, I began to work on making this idea a reality.”

Thus came about Business and Life Skills School (BLISS), which focuses on empowering young girls in Pakistan through education and entrepreneurship. “We are attacking the problem of children choosing work over school. Our plan is based on the fact that education can be combined with work.”

Today, at two schools based in Attock, as many 30 young girls are receiving school education. As they learn English, Maths and Urdu, they are also busy engaging their craft-making skills and producing beautifully coloured embroidered hand bags.

Their craft is marketed through the venture Bags for BLISS, which offers six unique bag designs. The price range of these bags fall between Rs3,000 to Rs9,000.

According to Gul: “The idea behind this remains to provide them an incentive to come to school, for a very formal education but at the same time, allow them to participate in this project and earn a decent amount so that they can contribute in their homes.”

For Saba Gul, who makes sure that the money that comes from selling these bags goes directly to these girls, the biggest short-term goal remains, “increasing the enrolment of these young girls in school.”

With the Pilot Project in Attock, Gul believes she can take her initiative as a plan to expand to other cities as well. Gul plans to “to market these bags by taking down orders online and developing stocking partnerships in the other cities over the next few months”.

Gul also hopes to tap into larger markets abroad. “Next year we plan to launch the product in the UK and USA.”

Saba Gul is holding her second exhibition in Lahore, on May 28-29, at Maisonette Luxury Apartments, in Gulberg.

A call for promoting culture

2011-05-18T05:43:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

15th MAY 2011

KARACHI: Umer Shareef, well known actor, director, writer and comedian, held a press conference at Karachi Press Club on the evening of May 13, as he addressed many pertinent issues facing the entertainment industry.

Clad in a shalwar suit, he pulled up his sleeves and began: “The media has a big role to play, a very positive role to play, to enhance the credibility of any given institution.”

He thanked the government of Sindh for naming a park after the late Moin Akhtar. “This action of the government is laudable and serves as oxygen for us, to know that the government, too, cares about us.”

Shareef was of the view: “If such landmarks are dedicated to the artists of the county, foreigners visiting the land get a fair idea of the fact that these people are cultured and soft-hearted people.”

Shareef expounded the need for the art and culture of the country to be nurtured, so as to become a part of our national identity. “Sadly today we have no such cultural policy in the country. Look at how Indian superstars such as Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Dilip Kumar, Aishwarya Rai-Bachan and Madhuri Dixit are the cultural promoters of India. They are the true face of India, not their politicians.”

He said: “Our embassies and consulates stationed abroad must boost cultural activities by introducing artists or cultural troupes in foreign lands.”

Shareef further said: “There should be at least 10 dramas being staged in the city at a time, on regular basis. By engaging people in such activities, there will be a decline in the crime rate of the city.”

About holding more cultural activities, Shareef said: “We have a food street, why can’t we have an art street or a cultural street? This sector, too, needs to be developed. Many art activities should take place, dramas should be staged and painting exhibitions should be inaugurated.”

He was of the view: “We should not only perform for the elite of the country, but entertainment should be provided for the poor people of the country as well. I am ready to give free-of-charge services by holding two shows for the poor of this country on a monthly basis.” He said he would be more involved in charitable activities and was eager to do a benefit show for an ailing artist of Punjab.

About the Arts Council he said: “Today the Arts Council looks more like a Business Council.

Through the media I would like to highlight the fact that only artists should have the power to vote at the Arts Council. I don’t want to criticise anyone and, yes, the Arts Council is meant for everyone, and we highly appreciate the work of art lovers at the Arts Council, but the right to vote should be reserved for the artist community.”

Lastly, he prayed for the late Moin Akhtar, and said: “The government should at least honour the deceased artist’s memory by introducing a Best Entertainers Award in his name, which should be an annual event.”

Our very own Tyra Banks

2011-05-18T05:33:00.001-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

14th MAY 2011

KARACHI: In the 1980s, the aspiration to become a model was relatively rare and, well, frowned upon as well. But some determined women took the bold step and pioneered in the field.

One such woman is Frieha Altaf, whose name is synonymous with modelling. After she launched her career in this field, she took quick strides and, in 1993, started her modelling agency called Cats.

Cats is credited for introducing those faces that launched a thousand ships in this small fashion industry. From Vaneeza Ahmed Ali and Tooba Siddiqui to Fayeza Ansari, just to name a few. Cats Modelling Agency has not just been involved in bringing the models to the ramp, but also in creating celebrity status for them.

Today, Cats is involved in furthering this cause and, in collaboration with Veet, has introduced a model hunt, which is now in its second year.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Altaf said: “We are not just introducing models, but also training them as per international standards, which is the motto for Cats.” Along with Veet, Cats has explored immense potential in the fashion industry, identifying new faces and making the annual success of the event a ritual.”

Altaf rightly believes that her agency has not just “created models, but celebrities”.

Last year, at the Veet Miss Super Model Contest, 10 girls were short listed from a pool of 300 applicants. Saima Haroon became the winner of the first Veet Miss Super Model Contest in 2010. Haroon was the face that was seen at the opening of the Gulabo store launch and was part of the PFDC Fashion Week, as well.

This year, buzz has it that the event is supposed to take place in the third or fourth week of May and Altaf promises: “Veet Miss Super Model 2011 is going to be a bigger and much more glamorous event. This year, the event is on a mega level and includes participants from Lahore as well. Above all, Veet Celebration of Beauty — in its sixth consecutive year – includes a famous international designer and three international models, making the event a much awaited experience for the audience.”

Altaf feels that this is a “fabulous opportunity” for any girl who dreams of becoming a super model, as the agency gives “fresh faces a chance at success with hands on training and exposure”. Altaf states the fact that this is a country where: “there is no training institute for aspiring models to go to, people don’t have many options. Cats Modeling Agency is by far the only agency that has taken up this challenge and managed to train new models.”

Frieha Altaf handles the whole process with delicate care, and once the Veet Miss Super Model contest is over, it is a new beginning for the new face that has entered into the small scale fashion industry. “Putting the models in events, shows, introducing them to agencies, designers, getting their shoots done etc, these are all a part of Cats Modeling Agency’s responsibility,” says Altaf.

She warns though, that this opportunity is essentially meant for a girl who takes this responsibility seriously. Having a positive and very professional attitude is imperative. “In our industry, most aspiring models have no training and there is a total lack of exposure. It is essential to have the right attitude above all. Through experience and expertise, I will try to guide them in this field.”

Yet another fashion council

2011-05-18T05:28:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The EXpress Tribune

13th MAY 2011

KARACHI:Adding to the chaos of an already fragmented fashion industry, yet another fashion council was born last week. At the star studded Peshawar Dream Eve Fashion Show 2011, the National Fashion and Arts Council (NFAC) was launched in Peshawar on May 7.

According to Usman Aman, who is the International Relations Manager for the council: “The council was organised at the request of the Tourism Corporation of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), and was blessed by Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain.”

But why was the initiative taken?

Aman said: “To reclaim the confidence lost due to the war on terror. Being a regional organisation, it can cater to those craftsmen who do not understand languages other than the territorial language. Meeting buyers at the event would promote confidence in them to do business and would create more job opportunities for them.”

Aman pines with hope: “The world will know that the people of Pakistan, specifically of Peshawar, are peace loving citizens and are trying hard to promote a soft image, which would attract foreign investments as well.”

But is yet another fashion council the right answer? Wouldn’t it serve us to better to unite on a single platform?

“It’s not just a fashion council,” explains Aman. “There is certainly more to it. The council primarily hopes to promote craftsmanship, cottage industry, tourism, arts and culture of the province of K-P, including those areas which fall under the FATA region.”

He states that the other fashion councils within Pakistan are only busy doing fashion weeks and “primarily promoting the fashion industry, whereas the NFAC is not just involved in fashion promotion. Literature, fashion, arts, drama and music — everything that falls within the range of fashion and arts would get promoted by NFAC.”

Aman further explains: “The prime function of NFAC is to attract revenue and investment for K-P’s tourism and cottage industry. It plans to promote a soft image and endorse and support new talent from the area on a national scale.”

The fashion designers who have supported this venture so far include Obaid Shaikh, Fahad Hussain, Ali Zeeshan, Mohsin Ali, Ainey Khawaja, Mohammad Ali and Hameeda.

NFAC has big plans: “If all goes well, then in September this year, a five-day Peshawar Fashion Week will be held in the city, catering to national and international fashion designers, buyers and models!”

Celebs on the ramp

2011-05-18T05:21:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

12th MAY 2011

KARACHI: RECAP: It is December 2006 in Karachi. It is the Lux Carnivalle de Couture, an annual fundraiser event for the Teacher’s Resource Centre.

One local designer Rizwan Beyg is party to the event and two Indian designers are also there. Enters Tarun Tahiliani, an Indian designer, with local models adorning his outfits and then a Bollywood star in their midst appears, Shilpa Shetty as the showstopper, sums up the collection and one can’t help notice that the crowd goes mad cheering the Bollywood diva. At this very same event Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar, a vision in a white dress with glittery embellishments, closed the segment for Indian designer Manish Malhotra.

Likewise celebs from the Pakistani entertainment industry have also had their fair share of experiencing the runway. Shaan modelled for Umar Sayeed at the TRC Carnival de Couture earlier in 2010. At the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week in November 2010, designer Sahar Atif’s label Saai showcased the pop duo Strings who sang live on the ramp!

The 2010 PFDC Fashion Week also witnessed Lollywood actress Sana displaying Shaiyanne Malik’s outfit. Hajra Hayat’s collection at the same event featured Lollywood actor Moammar Rana and his wife. On the second day of the event Resham walked on stage dressed in a pink sequinned outfit for Lajwanti’s finale piece. Reema decked up in a bridal outfit, dazzled the runway for the HSY collection. At the Dubai Fashion Week last year, Ali Zafar walked the ramp for HSY and received much applause. Since fashion weeks have become a regular fixture, several Lollywood stars have taken to the ramp.

When the Bridal Couture Week 2011 took place this year in April, the third day’s event introduced Deepak Perwani’s chic bridal collection and the first face which came forth was, none other than, renowned fashion photographer Tapu Javeri .The showstopper for Perwani’s segment was none other than the Pakistani starlet Mona Lisa, who’s recently appeared in Bollywood and gained wide recognition.

When celebrities walk down the ramp, how does a local, grossly underpaid model feel?

Talking to The Express Tribune Frieha Altaf, former model and now CEO of Catwalk Productions (an event management company) says: “I would imagine that the next goal for each model would be to become a star and a showstopper”. She further added that: “Nothing sells more brands than a Bollywood star. Even multinationals in Pakistan are using Bollywood stars to sell their brands, for instance: Katrina Kaif for Lux and Veet!”

What is a designer’s focus when they bring forth a first face or a showstopper in the form of a celebrity? Is it for creating hype about the label or to gain fame? Altaf adds: “The designer looks for his or her muse, the inspiration, the perfect fit. That is the criteria and also affects the marketability of the product.”

Zhalay Sarhadi, now an actor but previously a model says: “I took it as a job, but I feel when celebrities walk down the ramp, I never used to get intimidated by them, I am in no competition with them. I used to model to satisfy my creative talent.” Why do designers take to celebrities for a first face or a show stopper? Sarhadi says: “[It’s a] theatrical gesture as that personality will grab all the attention. The chief ambition of the designer is to promote, his or her product, for that, celebs are just a means to an end!”

On similar lines, Rubya Chaudhry, another model says: “It’s always delightful. It’s very sweet and nice [to share the ramp with the celebs].” For she believes, “There is no such insecurity, until and unless you have something personal against the celebrity.” Chaudhry feels secure in her skin.

But Syed Rizwanullah, the fashion designer who often models for other designers, has a different version of the story to share: “Modelling is not an easy job. The models don’t take it very well. You must remember there are two types of people: those who know how to walk the ramp and those who don’t know how to, but walk the ramp anyway!”

He says: “People believe in star power, it adds that extra buzz to the illusionary world of fashion that we all live in.” Moreover Rizwanullah says: “Look, I am a designer but I often walk the ramp for the other designers, I do it with such respect that the rest of the models love me for it.” More so, “When celebrities participate it is all about them, when it should mostly be about the designer. Here in Pakistan, the models are not treated with respect, people treat them like cheap labour, when they should be treated like a flower.” Rizwanullah believes: “The ramp is a different world, it might not ask for beautiful faces but it does ask for confidence.”

The final word comes from Frieha Altaf. When asked which celebrity has the star power to be a show stopper and the next big thing for fashion shows here in Pakistan, she replies without hesitation: “Shahid Afridi, for sure.”

ADP: Where do they go from here?

2011-05-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

11th MAY 2011

KARACHI: The industry was abuzz with rumours when band members of Aunty Disco Project (ADP) announced news of their break-up about a week ago.

As the band breaks up, what will each band member’s next ploy be? Will they still continue to make music, and most of all, will they still be buddies?

This fall, while Omar Bilal Akhtar (OBA), the lead vocalist and guitarist goes to Columbia University to obtain a degree in journalism, the rest of the band members plan to stick around in the country and play music, although separately.

“I think I fulfilled a lot of my dreams being with ADP so there wasn’t much anxiety about living up to my dreams,” said OBA. “We achieved much more than we had ever imagined, so I’m content with what we did. Individually, of course, there’s so much left to do and it’ll be a challenge to do it without the band — but it’s also exciting at the same time to map out a new plan. Right now it’s too early to think about my musical future, so I’ll cross that bridge when I reach it.”

But as OBA crosses the oceans to greener pastures, what does he think the rest of the band members will be up to?

“Well, I would hope they’d continue playing music. They’re all very talented and creative individuals, so I don’t doubt that they’ll find some creative outlets.”

Yasir Qureshi, the percussionist and one of the founding members of ADP, says: “I will be here for a while doing what I do best — that is playing music. ADP was the best thing for me. It gave me the opportunity to be in a band where I could make great songs with a great bunch of people. There’s not much you can do in this country as a musician at the moment, but I do have faith, as well as the intentions to go all out and make another indie band!”

Ali Alam, who was on guitar and vocals like OBA, said: “Oddly enough, I really haven’t thought much about this. We’re still a band until OBA leaves, which is sometime in July. So right now the focus remains on jamming and recording as ADP.”

Alam further said, “Once OBA leaves, I’m probably going to continue writing songs and recording them at home. I don’t have any plans right now to form a new band or to restart Ganda Banda and the 3D Cats, as has been suggested by lots of people. I didn’t really plan to join ADP when I did three years ago, it just happened. I think I will probably just keep making songs at home until the opportunity to actually play live again presents itself, and I will take it from there.”

Rahail Siddiqui, who provided bass and vocals, was unavailable for comments.

The decision to part ways wasn’t abrupt, according to OBA. “The band members and I have known for a long time that this was a possibility. We were very clear about what was going to happen and that’s made it a little easier to cope with. It’s a good thing we’re ending on our own terms and controlling the circumstances.”

Asked if this was a mutual decision, Qureshi said: “We mutually agreed to this decision considering that OBA has to go for his masters and Ali has other plans.”

Have they parted on a bitter note or will they remain friends?

Alam laughs: “Everyone thinks we hate each other now. Some of the comments we got online were hilarious! Everyone felt that fame had gone to our heads, or OBA wanted to go solo. I think it’s kind of unheard of in Pakistan for a band to break up without any animosity, so people just don’t believe it. Maybe we should have done the whole hating each other business, we could’ve gotten more press coverage!” On the same note, he adds: “Just because we’re no longer in a band together doesn’t mean we’re still not friends! I’m pretty sure if I ever needed really good musicians I’d probably go to Rahail, Yasir and Giles!”

Session drummer and part-time band member Giles, said: “These guys were awesome, it was a beautiful ride. I really had a good time with them and we learnt a lot from one another.”

With Alam’s and Qureshi’s plans to record solo material, and OBA’s plans to “take a big break from music to focus on other things in life”, are there any prospects of the band reuniting in the future?

The future is uncertain, as Qureshi muses: “We will be in touch and who knows? What you saw with Noori today, might happen with us after a few years.”

Fact Box

Pakistani bands that broke up

• Vital Signs

• Junoon

• Awaz

Bands that stood the test of time

• Fuzon

• Entity Paradigm

• Call

• Jal

Those who reunited

• Strings

• Noori

Rahat Kazmi: A legend on stage and behind the camera

2011-05-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

10th MAY 2011

KARACHI: Rummage through PTV dramas of the 1980s, and you will surely find some classics that you simply cannot ignore. It is here that you will find his dignified presence, a larger than life figure on the small TV screen.

People still remember Rahat Kazmi’s performance in “Dhoop Kinaray”, where he can be seen as the reclusive Darcy, who our very own Elizabeth (beautifully enacted by Marina Khan) is trying hard to chase, or in “Ehsaas”, where he plays the role of doting father and a loving husband.

In short, he is a legend that PTV can proudly boast of, a legend that was born during the state broadcaster’s prime years. The nation dotes on his acting skills, and cherishes his body of work which the younger still watch on YouTube or DVD’s.

He is a man of few seasons when it comes to dramas that he has performed in. Sometimes a recluse living in tragic times, in others a sad and heart-broken character (that he performed so well), but never a comic role.

Reflecting on the visual story telling industry in Pakistan, Rahat Kazmi said: “The people of the sub-continent relied heavily upon oral history. Here, the concept of mentorship is very strong. So strong are the undercurrents that all great men have started new chapters in the history of the TV screen or film-making by simply learning the art from their teachers and their mentors.

“But then, why do we feel and say that our film industry has lost its true guise, its true color, wrongly claiming that uneducated people have made it fall, in the throes of unaccustomed position. But it is not that uneducated people are ruling the roost in film-making and have made it lapse – there are other numerous reasons that caused the fall! We need to do our market research for that, to know what caused its downfall.”

Talking about his brief film career, Kazmi said: “My first film Aj aur Kal ran for 125 weeks straight at the Bambino cinema in Karachi, Mehman too for about 85 weeks. I still remember at the opening night of Aj aur Kal, there was a huge fan following and it was very difficult for Shabnum and me to exit the cinema house from the front door. Somehow though, we managed to get out from the backdoor. Such was the glory of the Pakistani silver screen.”

It was Kazmi’s arresting persona that PTV’s classic hero was modelled on. There was none who could ever be compared to his looks, style and oh, that voice, with his natural flair for the Urdu language. Speaking of the mother institution, PTV, Rahat Kazmi said: “PTV is a public channel, which is supposed to be non-commercially driven. We already pay Rs35 in tax, the fee for PTV to run. The problem lies in the fact that the accounts need to be revised, the audit needs to be done, just as for all state institutions such as Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Steel Mill. Any institution will be in bad shape if there are only political appointments!”

Kazmi reiterated the fact, “Like the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa), which is based on the principle of ‘promotion of cultural heritage’, PTV too, should follow the same philosophy. No creativity can ever take place in a commercially-driven institution when it is meant to be a public entity. Yes, for private channels, being commercially-driven is the need of the hour, for they are supposed to compete with one another.”

About Napa, with which he has now associated for quite a few years, he says: “We are not commercially driven like the rest of the theatre performers, directors and producers are, for we believe that classical literature should be projected and promoted here in the city, and hence we do our productions on those same lines.”

Kazmi, a cultural institution on his own, is the master of a cultivated personality that harbours a deep love for all forms of art. Telling of the fact is that the man enjoys listening to piano recitals and has visited places the world over to listen to good piano recitals. So strong is his passion, that he has spent quite a fortune on it, about which the veteran TV actor and stage director has no regret.

L'Oreal unveils its new anti-aging range

2011-05-09T05:03:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

9th MAY 2011

KARACHI: Aging doesn’t stop but anti-aging products can help slow down the pace and give one confidence.

On May 6, L’Oreal Paris held an interactive animations session on skin care at Park Towers to unveil their new anti-wrinkle product line, L’Oreal Revitalift.

According to L’Oreal Pakistan’s Managing Director, Musharaf Hai, “We are here at Park Towers to directly interact with our customers. They can join us as we unveil our new range and see the product. We believe that the power of the product should be so strong that it can be exposed directly in the market.”

L’Oreal’s spokesperson in Pakistan, Aamina Sheikh, said: “The idea of maintaining beautiful skin needs to be revolutionised here in Pakistan. The company has expertise in skin care, developed through over a hundred years of research…One needs to look after their skin not after 40, but after 25 years of age. We provide what’s best for your skin, as we are an ethically strong brand.”

At the session in the mall, facials, free makeovers and skin testing was provided for costumers. Twenty-six-year old Zershi Ovais, a house wife, went for skin testing at the L’Oreal testing station: “I wanted to know what type of facial skin I have, and have just been informed that I have dry skin. They said that a foundation base with oil in it will suit my skin type best.”

According to another L’Oreal spokesperson, Anoushey Ashraf, “We believe in the philosophy of ‘look good and feel good.’ People here in Pakistan waste a lot of money on beauty products but not on skin care. They wear make-up but don’t know how to take care of their skin.”

Stylist Saba Ansari of Sabs salon said, “Amazing stuff is available here. The makeup look for 2011 is ‘less is more’.”

Cosmetologist Ujala Zia said: “There are a number of concerns that today’s women have about their skin. For aging skin, we make sure that they use the right product and it suits their skin type. Here we have a platform to educate them, and let them touch and feel the product.”

Acclaimed beauty therapist Peng Qureshi offered this advice: “Look after your skin from the very beginning so that skin aging slows down, and one is able to boast fresh, young looking skin.”

To try these products and get free advice from the expert panel, visit Park Towers and meet with the L’Oreal team. They will be available till the evening of May 15, 2011.

FnkAsia: Ahoy Captain!

2011-05-09T05:01:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

7th MAY 2011

KARACHI: The Spring/Summer Collection 2011 of designer Huma Adnan’s pret wear label, FnkAsia, which made its debut earlier this year at the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week in Lahore, is now out in stores.

Fashion is about inspired, but wearable pieces. The success of a fashion label is apparent when its design philosophy becomes an emblem of the design house, a statement that becomes the talk of the town. Such is the case with FnkAsia.

“Juicy,” is how Adnan describes the season’s collection which consists of short kurtis and sleeveless shirts in playful colours. “The colours I chose for this summer, such as red, purple and banana yellow, are very fruity and they represent the season in a very fresh way. It’s all about having fun and creating a playful look that’s all your own.”

About the design philosophy and the inspiration behind it, Adnan says: “The design theme this season is sea merchants, bringing a riot of richness from the ocean floor and taking inspiration from the many wonders of nature found in vibrant corals, florescent sea urchins and wild anemones. The brand plays the role of a sea merchant, dredging the ocean surface for these treasures and carrying them across runways.”

Stylistically, Adnan says: “We have experimented with a lot of different cuts and lengths. People love the fresh new look.”

“The whole summer we will be doing extensions of the runway collection. At the moment, we have taken out 12 designs in the market here in Karachi, shortly to be followed by other outlets in the country and even those located abroad.”

The collection primarily uses cotton fabric. “With the heat catching up by the hour, the only answer is cotton,” says Adnan. “We have used fabric with a high content of cotton thread. Embroidery is the essence of any FnkAsia style. People adore our embroideries and this time round we have specifically used our new accessories line in our collection as add-ons. We have played with different locations on a top, not necessarily focusing on the neckline.”

The price range is Rs2,000 and up, but with the general public eager to go for a designer collection lawn this summer, how exactly is she hoping to get the people to buy the FnkAsia cotton collection?

Huma Adnan aptly points out: “There is no comparison between unstitched fabric and a pret line. Pret wear is always preferred because it is more convenient and cutting edge. You wear what you see. With lawn fabric, you are totally dependent on a local tailor for the finish, fitting and even the designing. It’s more like buying groceries and then cooking at home versus going to a restaurant!”

The brand primarily draws younger clients. “FnkAsia as a brand endorses and feels proud of being a totally Pakistani brand. It caters to our native style; hence our youth should feel connected to their homeland and still be dressed to rock the world. FnkAsia designs for the hip and trendy and those who want to make a difference. The age does not matter.”

After this truly inspired collection from the sea, Adnan plans to go to the villages!

“FnkAsia wants to get the local culture into mainstream fashion through the craft of the village women. FnkAsia was the very first brand which screamed ‘Pakistan’ when it was launched seven years ago and will continue to do so. It is a brand which will proudly carry with it the sentiments of the women living in villages through their proud crafts.”

Natalie Dissel: Dazzler

2011-05-09T04:59:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

6th MAY 2011

KARACHI: Natalie Dissel’s wearable works of art are not intricate pieces of jewellery.

Instead, they are characterised by hard-edged, large gems moulded in 18 carat gold settings. Rather than sparkling subtly, they speak volumes through their rough, raw beauty.

Natalie Dissel, a Dutch jewellery-maker based in Bali, Indonesia, travelled all the way to Pakistan to display her jewellery to a select audience at the House 21 gallery in Karachi. The exhibition, titled Voyage de Gems, started on May 1, 2011 and continued for four days.

However, the tense situation in Karachi made it hard for Dissel to penetrate into the elite social circle as she had hoped. The mobs that took to the streets restricted people from attending the exhibition, which had to be rescheduled.

Dissel is not a jewellery designer by profession. She studied arts and design at the Academy of Arts in the Netherlands, but her true passion is travelling across the globe and discovering every country in the world.

Originally from Enter, a Dutch village with a mere 7,000 inhabitants, her initial travels took her to South America. After that, she headed to Asia and was enamoured by the continent’s beauty. She resided briefly in Thailand, till the tsunami struck. After helping with rebuilding efforts, she moved to Bali, Indonesia in 2009.

After the tsunami, Dissel took up jewellery designing and “was totally captured by tribal and indigenous jewellery”. But with Holland being “not much of a jewellery country, where people would rather appreciate pieces of fine arts,” she ended up designing high-end accessories and jewellery in Asia.

Taking inspiration from African beads, she was drawn towards sterling silver and then 18-carat gold. But, says Dissel: “Being on the road drives one towards complete inspiration.” Thus, travels around the world have exceedingly shaped her jewellery, which she describes as “bold, eccentric and confident.”

Dissel mostly designs rings, but for custom orders she will design earrings and a pendant to make a complete set. She collects her gem stones from the world over. “Some are cut to bring out their beauty, but some one can do without cutting the rough edges,” she said.

Dissel has celebrities like Claudia Schiffer amongst her clientele. “I design my pieces for confident people. Every single piece, I believe, is a statement of sorts. One must only have the guts to wear it,” she said.

Though she works with all kinds of stones, she loves working with tourmaline because, “it grows in nature by itself” and she loves its multitude of colours.

In Bali, the brand Natalie Dissel is in great demand by summer and holiday tourists. Though she feels at home in the former Dutch colony of Bali, she has to brace herself for the hot and humid weather of the place. Her work is also gravely affected by the fact that the natives follow four calendars and as a result, take a lot of holidays.

She believes that in order to attract business in Karachi, she has to make sure that they are willing to wear large signature pieces. “People still delve in small, intricate jewellery. They need to experience wearing jewellery with confidence. One large ring can make a big statement,” Dissel explained.

Dissel plans to exhibit her jewellery designs in Singapore and Australia next. All her plans revolve around her passion for travel, as she enthusiastically discloses: “In August, I plan to take days off and go visit Tajikistan, with my brother!”

Beena Asim: Fine furnishing

2011-05-09T04:57:00.001-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

5th MAY 2011

KARACHI: Eastern furniture with a touch of class is hard to find. But Beena Asim, who has been involved in furniture designing for the past eight years, has taken her passion to a whole new level.

With the support of her husband Asim Qureshi, Beena launched herself as a furniture designer in April 2008. Since then, she has never looked back. Within a short span of time, her work has evolved into a growing line of selective designs and signature pieces.

Unlike others, who start with furniture designing as a hobby, Asim thought that her passion had to be moulded by academic programmes, so she took classes at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Beena Asim said: “My target market has always been men. Initially I thought that women were into home-making so they were more involved in it, but then I found out that men are far more interested in furniture, as compared to my women clients. Men know the quality of wood and can very easily assess it, and when it comes to buying furniture they are exceedingly more involved in the product and know for sure where to invest.” Asim asserts that people generally like to invest in bed-sets but “are now even investing in dining tables, which is a new trend.”

The Beena Asim Designer Furniture showroom is located in Karachi on Zamzama, Commercial Lane 6. Asim’s clients mostly look forward to purchasing her ever-in-demand T-series, which consists of tables, dining tables, coffee table, trays and trolleys. “My T-series is usually what gets copied the most and in a very overt manner in Lahore, but in Karachi it is replicated in a covert style,” she said.

When asked about Karachi’s furniture market in recent times, Asim said it has been influenced by, “Firstly the recession and, secondly, the availability of Chinese furniture in various showrooms, which has affected the business of genuine furniture designers in the city.”

From sheesham to oakwood, Asim has experimented with it all. She has also used real semi-precious stones in her signature furniture pieces. Asim creates furniture in leather combined with solid wood and says that she was the first to introduce gems like emeralds and rubies engraved in wood. What she loves best is “rock-solid wood, adding value through gems and playing with different kinds of polishes.”

With a clientele consisting of TV channel owners and industrialists whose interior decor she has designed herself, Asim also indulges in designing cafes and private offices furnishings. Though there is a client base in Karachi for her, the people of Lahore are “more interested in big furniture pieces and require a more royal look.”

When asked what’s next for her, Asim said: “As the summer approaches, I have a big surprise in store for the people of the corporate market.” And that’s all anyone’s getting out of her right now.

Beena Asim is known to make classic and traditional furniture but said that her clients call out for contemporary furniture designs which have a touch of class. “Today, people look for contemporary furniture with a fine finish, everyone wants a personalised touch. I design according to the client’s demand, their lifestyle and, of course, keeping their budget in mind.”

Origins, Original attire

2011-05-09T04:53:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

4th MAY 2011

KARACHI: If you want something chic, something ethnic, something cotton and something which is not a very expensive designer collection, nor does it falls in the bracket of lawn collection. Then Origins is the one stop shop for you!

Origins, which has a flagship store in Lahore, opened its doors at Zamzama on April 30, here in Karachi.

The store was surrounded with celebrities and a few socialites apart from the fashion journalists hoping to see what it has to offer. The store’s launch was crowded as people were scrambling to see the outfits and there was very little space to walk around in a liberated manner. At the launch itself, there were as many as 52 designs available and the price range was between Rs2,800-Rs6,000. Ali Pervez, co-owner of said: “The whole idea is to create a brand. What was missing in Pakistan is a complete pret line, this is the one thing that we’re offering at our store.”

Pervez further said: “In a country like Pakistan where there’s a concept of expensive designer wear and where an expensive lawn market exists, pret line is not being catered to women [from various walks of life]. Hence we see in the West, there is a whole new concept of ready-to-wear collection which is acceptable and highly appreciated, (in the same way) we would like our brand to be like none other than Banana Republic, where women can easily come and buy a pret outfit in a very competitive market.”

Spotted at the launch event were television actors Sakina Samo, Ayesha Khan, Humayun Saeed and Mahirah Khan-Askari. Mahirah said: “I love this collection.” Sakina Samo was quite positive about the outfit collection: “It is ethnic and comfortable collection.”

Designer Feeha Jamshed of TeeJays remarked that: “ is original.” This statement was completely accepted by Pervez, who claimed: “She is right. Nobody else is promoting the culture of Pakistan like we are, from bringing Sindhi ralli work, Kashmiri tanka work and Bahawalpuri block prints. We believe many people are going western with their outfits but we are completely sticking to our exclusive (design philosophy).”

The lady behind the design scheme is Ayesha Pervez, who in the words of Nadia Jamil, TV show host, is: “A business genius and a super-human of the 21st century.”

While giving out details about why she chose to be a part of , Jamil said: “I prefer it over other pret-lines because they have used high quality cotton, the tailoring has been done really well and the outfit drapes you fairly well.” Jamil further said: “Origin is ethnic, funky and chic. It’s more for cosmopolitan women. Its natural colour and minimalistic designs will be available in a complete new variety, every other week.”

When Ali Pervez was asked about the response, he said: “The response was great, if you’d say a 100 per cent attendance was in tow then at least out of those people, 95 per cent of people bought something or the other from the store at its opening.”

So what’s up next for Ali Pervez: “We plan to bring our Phulkaari collection to Karachi soon. Apart from that we plan to cater to a bigger clientele in Pakistan by opening multiple stores across various cities, especially in Islamabad and Peshawar.”

Heading back to our musical roots

2011-05-09T04:51:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

3rd MAY 2011

KARACHI: The sound of the sitar never ceases to captivate one’s senses; once the first chords are struck, a surreal and dreamlike calm takes over.

On Saturday afternoon, the Tehzeeb Foundation held a press briefing for a select group of journalists at Cafe 76 in Old Clifton, to announce the upcoming Tehzeeb Awards and Sitar Festival, which will be held May 5-6 at the Arts Council Auditorium.

At the press briefing, Malahat Awan, President of Tehzeeb Foundation said: “For the sake of promoting a softer image of the country, we are trying to explore the possibilities of holding a Sitar festival this year.”

On the same note, General Secretary of Tehzeeb Foundation Sharif Awan said: “This is actually a part of our scholastic effort. Classical music is an art form which has been neglected in Pakistan. Hence, this organisation aims to fuse together and amalgamate Pakistani and Indian artists.”

Sharif Awan noted that the project should have been taken up by Radio Pakistan, PTV or Shalimar Recording studios. “EMI did some wonderful work about 20 years ago, and today we are doing the same in digital format. We have collaborated and interacted with the Indian and Pakistan classical musicians on the same note. What should be kept in mind is that this is not a controversial subject, that collaboration on the basis of promoting arts should take place between India and Pakistan,” he said.

According to Sharif, this Sitar Festival will “expose people to good music, which is an essential element of our lives”, as well as serve as a tribute to Ustad Rais Khan.

Although Sufi music and Pakistani pop music have penetrated the Indian entertainment industry, the fate of classical music still remains a big question. Sharif emphasized that copyright issues need to be addressed.

Malahat Awan added: “The kind of resources which are required need sponsorship through corporate funding.”

Prominent sitar players from all over the world which include Ustad Rais Khan, Farhan Khan, Rakae Jamil, Turab Ali, Sajid Hussain and Beena Raza have been invited to perform at the Tehzeeb Festival. The festival features a fusion by the very talented guitarist Amir Zaki and sitar player Farhan Khan.

Indian musician Suhel Khan will make his debut at the festival. Khan is the eldest son of Ustad Rais Khan. Ashraf Sharif Khan is expected to travel from Germany for the festival.

As part of the Tehzeeb awards ceremony, Ustad Rais Khan will be honoured in the field of classical music, and Babar Niazi and Javed Naizi will be honoured for their contributions to folk music. Asad Muhammad Khan will be honoured for Urdu prose, Zehra Nigah for Urdu poetry and Salima Hashmi for fine arts.

Komal carries on

2011-05-09T04:49:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

2nd MAY 2011

KARACHI: Komal Rizvi is like any other girl-living-next-door. This sensationalist diva of the 90s created quite an uproar in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, not only with producing and introducing Pakistani girl bhangra with “Baujee, Baujee” but she went further ahead and acted in Pakistan Television’s (PTV) drama serial “Hawain” which became a mega-hit.

After being lost for quite some time from Pakistan’s entertainment industry, it was last summer that Komal Rizvi made a comeback, releasing a song and music video called “Chahiye”.

Now Rizvi brings yet another song “Yehi Pyar Hai” and talks to The Express Tribune, about the new video, her comeback to the entertainment scene and so much more.

Q What’s your inspiration behind the new video?

Answer: The song is a love song but, when I wrote it, I didn’t necessarily have the romantic kind of love in mind. Love is a widely used term, for God, for people and for your country. I chose to have a romantic video made because the concept that the directors, Bilal and Shayan , came up with was quite unique and it was sold immediately.

The song is based on four levels of a relationship: How they met, how they fell in love, how they fought and how they made up and continued loving each other, all in an elevator. Love stories are normally very elaborate. But I loved the idea of little gestures in a small elevator. This unique concept was clean and simple enough to speak volumes about where exactly it is, where a relationship stands.

Q How is “Yehi Pyar Hai” different from “Chahiye”?

Answer: “Chahiye” was a bhangra and hip-hop fusion with a message to the public that “I want your love and support”, where as this song, “Yehi Pyar Hai” is a completely different contemporary pop romantic ballad.

Q You are doing more of those love songs, rather than pure bhangra “Baujee, Baujee” style of music? Why?

Answer: I never do a particular style consistently. I never have. I love a wide genre of music. Classical appeals to me just as much as folk and sufi [does] and also just as much as hip-hop and jazz. I will sing whatever takes my fancy. I hope God always is kind enough to give me that leeway and I also hope that whatever it is that, I choose to do I am supported and appreciated by everyone.

Q How has the comeback been like? How different have you found the entire music, from what it was before?

Answer: Music is music. This wasn’t a comeback for me as everyone seems to be putting it, I never left music. But yes, I returned to the music ‘business’ after a long time and I’m loving every minute of it. I don’t think the industry has changed much, it has become slightly more confused and chaotic than before, too much mediocre stuff going around and one too many channels. But I believe that if you are true to what you are and sing with pure intent, that’s all that matters in the end.

Q Are you more focused on dance alongside music in your videos?

Answer: How I portray my music through my videos totally depends on the feel and the genre of the song. I love dancing but I will perform in a video only if the song requires it. It’s all about what is best for that song.

Q You hosted a couple of morning shows at a local channel? Why did you back out from it all of a sudden?

Answer: There’s no doubt that I was one of the pioneer hosts of morning shows. The early mornings were a bit much for me to handle. I only did the show as long as it was pre-recorded, the day it turned into a live show, I stopped. This was something I had already discussed with my employers, it wasn’t a sudden decision. At a certain time in life when I am more settled and less adventurous, I will be more willing to tie myself down to an annual commitment like that.

Q Finally, what’s up next?

Answer: Lots of stuff! Great stuff! I would like to keep you all guessing though! Here’s a hint: Some acting, some singing, some international projects, some more dancing, and hosting too!

So stay tuned.

Ali Zafar's love affair with Bollywood!

2011-05-09T04:46:00.000-07:00

SAADIA QAMAR
Life&Style
The Express Tribune

1st MAY 2011

KARACHI: After playing a Pakistani journalist in Abhishek Sharma’s debut film Tere Bin Laden, Ali Zafar will now be seen doing a cameo in another Bollywood project titled Luv Ka The End, which is expected to be released on May 6.

It looks more like Ali Zafar has got a taste and flavour to go the Bollywood style. If Atif Aslam can commercialise his voice on the Indian silver screen and shine, Ali Zafar too believes that he can cash on his good looks.

Luv Ka The End, is a Hindi comedy has been directed by Bumpy and has been produced by Aashish Patil, whereas the lyricist is Amitabh Battacharya and the music director is Ram Sampat.

The Times of India has quoted it “as hip, zippy and young!” But what we came to know about Ali Zafar’s performance is that in one of the film’s song “F-U-N-Fun-funna”, for which he never accepted the payment and insisted that the cheque be given to a charitable organisation.

Today, it looks more like he is glued to Bollywood, with the offers that he is getting (though, the details, we are still trying hard to fetch) and with the increasing fan following he seems to be poised to be working more for Bollywood, now!

The blue-eyed boy of Pakistani music industry Ali Zafar tells his fans in The Express Tribune, about his work with Y- Films and about his journey which kicked off from Tere Bin Laden and more over about his fan following in India.

How has the journey been from Tere Bin Laden to Luv Ka The End?

It has been amazing and everything one can ever wish for. My journey has been a smooth ride just because of the love my people have always shown. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the support that everyone has given me along the way.

Tell us about your fan following in India

I keep getting direct feedback from my Indian fans on Twitter and I would say I am touched by the love and respect people hold for me. Jhoom being the second highest selling album in India is a big honour for me and speaks for the admiration itself. I couldn’t be more thankful.

What are your expectations from Luv Ka The End when it gets released?

It’s the first production of Y- Films (a new division of Yash Raj Films). They have aimed to bring some fresh content and the music explains the same. Even the tones and accents of the singers had to be natural and contemporary. So for me, it’s not watching myself, it’s seeing cinema adopting originality and fresh concepts and I hope people will appreciate the effort.

What are the updates on Mere Brother Ki Dulhan?

I have sung three songs for the movie, out of which one was wrapped up just yesterday (April 29) after an exhausting yet fun-filled five days of nonstop dancing under the sun. After a few days break, the shooting of my next song is going to start.

Rumour has it that you’re about to sign another Bollywood film?

There is more in the pipeline, I would say at least two movies, but it’s too soon to disclose anything about them.

Any plans for Lollywood?

I haven’t come across any offers which don’t have me holding a gundasa with moustaches and a big belly. So none for Lollywood as yet.

What’s up next?

Next? More and more movies in Bollywood.